v3.6.0.2
Document And Entity Information - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Feb. 21, 2017
Jun. 30, 2016
Document Information [Line Items]      
Entity Registrant Name Great Plains Energy Inc    
Entity Central Index Key 0001143068    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 4,700,571,576
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   215,384,601  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q4    
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2016