| Cover | Jun. 18, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Jun. 18, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 1-34392 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Plug Power Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001093691 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 22-3672377 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 968 Albany Shaker Road |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Latham |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 12110 |
| City Area Code | (518) |
| Local Phone Number | 782-7700 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | PLUG |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
