Commitments And Contingencies Note [Abstract] Commitment and contingencies note. Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Events, Revolving Letter of Credit [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] JP Morgan Chase Bank NA And Bank Of America [Member] JP Morgan Chase Bank NA And Bank Of America [Member] JP Morgan Chase Bank NA and Bank Of America member. Letter of Credit [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Letter of credit outstanding Letter of Credit Outstanding Line of credit facility, amount outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash received from customers Proceeds from Customers Cash paid to suppliers and associates Payments to Suppliers and Employees Interest received Proceeds from Interest Received Interest paid Interest Paid, Net Income taxes paid, net of refunds Income Taxes Paid, Net Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Other operating activities Payments for Other Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Purchases of property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of marketable securities and investments Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities and investments Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from sales of marketable securities and investments Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Investment in notes receivable Payments to Acquire Notes Receivable Payments received on notes receivables Proceeds from Sale and Collection of Notes Receivable Increase in restricted investments Payments to Acquire Restricted Investments Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Other investing activities, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from stock option exercises Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Repayment of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Proceeds from borrowings under credit facility, net of issuance costs Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Proceeds from economic development funding Proceeds From Economic Development Funding Proceeds from Economic Development funding Other financing activities Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment acquisitions funded by liabilities Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Fixed Assets Acquired Fair Value Measurment Note [Abstract] Fair Value Measurement Note Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Disclosure Items [Axis] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Disclosure Items Axis Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Disclosure Items [Domain] Provides the general information items required or determined to be disclosed with respect to assets and liabilities, including [financial] instruments that are classified in stockholders' equity, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Cash And Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash And Cash Equivalents axis. Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Commercial Paper [Member] Money Market Funds [Member] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities, Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Commercial Paper, Not Included with Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member] Foreign Agency Debt [Member] This category includes information about debt issued by foreign government corporations and agencies. Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] Supranational Debt [Member] This category includes debt issued by international organizations. US Government Debt Securities [Member] Certificates of Deposit [Member] US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] US Treasury and Government [Member] Fair Value, Assets And Liabilities Measure On Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets And Liabilities Measure On Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair value assets and liabilities line items. Assets: Assets [Abstract] Cash equivalents: Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value [Abstract] Cash equivalents Fair Value, Assets Measured On Recurring Basis, Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents only. Marketable securities: Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Fair value assets measured on recurring basis available-for-sale securities Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Available For Sale Securities Derivative assets Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Derivative Financial Instruments, Assets Fair value assets measured on recurring basis Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Total fair value assets measured on recurring basis. Liabilities: Liabilities [Abstract] Derivative liabilities Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities Debt Instruments [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] General Policies [Abstract] Fair value assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis [Text Block] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Text Block] Fair value assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis Fair value by balance sheet grouping [Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Text Block] Consolidated Balance Sheet Details [Abstract] Consolidated Balance Sheet details. Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Product and Service, Name [Domain] Product and Service, Name [Domain] Solar Modules [Member] Solar Modules [Member] Solar Modules member product. Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Depreciable Assets [Member] Building and Building Improvements [Member] Machinery and Equipment [Member] Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Leaseholds and Leasehold Improvements [Member] Land [Member] Construction in Progress [Member] Capitalization By Asset [Axis] Capitalization by asset axis Capitalization By Asset [Domain] Capitalization By Asset [Domain] Capitalization by asset domain. Property, Plant And Equipment [Member] Property, plant and equipment member. Project Assets And Deferred Project Costs [Member] Project assets and deferred project costs member. Income, Expense By Income Statement Location [Axis] Income, Expense by income statement location Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Cost of Sales [Member] Selling, General And Administrative [Member] Selling, general and administrative. Accounts receivable trade, net: Accounts Receivable Trade, Net [Abstract] Accounts receivable trade, net. Accounts receivable trade, gross Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current Allowance for doubtful account Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Accounts receivable trade, net Receivables, Net, Current Solar Module Rebates [Abstract] Solar Module Rebates [Abstract] Details solar module rebate program. Revenue rebate participation rate Revenue Rebate Participation Rate Participation rate for a revenue rebate program. Sales product revenue rebates issued Sales Product Revenue Rebates Issued Sales Product Revenue Rebates Issued. Average exchange rate ratio Average Exchange Rate Ratio The average exchange ratio over the duration of reporting period. Sales product revenue rebates accrued Sales Product Revenue Rebates Accrued Sales product or service revenue rebates accrued. Exchange rate ratio Exchange Rate Ratio The exchange ratio as of the date. Unbilled contracts receivable Unbilled Contracts Receivable Inventories: Inventory, Net [Abstract] Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials Work in process Inventory, Work in Process Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods Total inventories Inventory Current Noncurrent, Net Total inventories current and noncurrent. Inventory - current Inventory, Net Inventories - noncurrent Inventory, Noncurrent Prepaid expenses and other current assets: Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets [Abstract] Prepaid expenses and other current assets. Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Deferred project costs Deferred Project Costs, Current Deferred project costs, current portion. Notes receivable (See Note 12. “Notes Receivable”) Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current Derivative instruments Derivative Assets, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Project Assets - Current and Noncurrent: Project Assets, Current And Noncurrent [Abstract] Project assets, current and noncurrent. Project assets acquired through OptiSolar Business Acquisition, Project Assets Acquired Project assets acquired through business acquisitions. Project assets - land Project Assets Land, Current And Noncurrent Project assets land current and noncurrent. Project assets - other Project Assets Other, Current And Noncurrent Project assets other, current and noncurrent. Total project assets Project Assets, Current And Noncurrent Project assets, current and Noncurrent. Total project assets - current Project Assets Current Project Assets Current. Total project assets - noncurrent Project Assets Noncurrent Project assets noncurrent. Property, plant and equipment, net: Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Investment tax credit Investment Tax Credit Depreciation Depreciation Interest Costs Incurred [Abstract] Interest Costs Incurred [Abstract] Interest cost incurred Interest Costs Incurred Interest costs, capitalized during period Interest Costs, Capitalized During Period Interest expense, net Interest Expense Accued Expenses [Abstract] Accued Expenses [Abstract] Accued expenses details. Accrued compensation and benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued property, plant, and equipment Accrued Property, Plant And Equipment Accrued property, plant and equipment. Accrued inventory Accrued Inventory Accrued inventory, current Product warranty liability - current Product Warranty Accrual, Current Nonrecurring expenses in excess of normal product warranty liability Warranty Liability, Nonrecurring Product Warranty Accrual in Excess of Normal Product Warranty Liability, Nonrecurring Product warranty accrual in excess of normal product warranty liability, nonrecurring. Accrued taxes - other Accrual for Taxes Other than Income Taxes, Current Other accrued expenses Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total accrued expenses Accrued Liabilities, Current Other current liabilities: Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Derivative instruments Derivative Liabilities, Current Other current liabilities Other Sundry Liabilities, Current Total other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Other liabilities: Other Liabilities [Abstract] Abstract heading for Other liabilities. Other taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent Other noncurrent liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities Total other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Goodwill And Project Assets Note [Abstract] Goodwill and project assets note. Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Comprehensive Income Note [Abstract] Comprehensive Income Loss And Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain Loss [Text Block] Comprehensive Income Loss And Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain Loss [Text Block] Comprehensive income (loss) and accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss) Comprehensive Income Disclosure [Text Block] Comprehensive Income Note [Text Block] Related Party Transactions Note [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Note [Abstract] Significant accounting policies note. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Disclosure [Text Block] Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Cash, Marketable Securities And Investments Note [Abstract] Cash, marketable securities and investments note. Cash, Marketable Securities, and Investments Disclosure [Text Block] Cash, Marketable Securities, And Investments Disclosure [Text Block] Cash and investments disclosure. New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] Schedule of Product Warranty Activity [Table] Product Liability Contingency [Table] Product Liability Contingency [Line Items] Product Liability Contingency [Line Items] Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Product warranty liability, beginning of period Standard Product Warranty Accrual Accruals for new warranties issued (warranty expense) Product Warranty Accrual, Warranties Issued Settlements Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Payments Change in estimate of warranty liability Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Preexisting, Increase (Decrease) Product warranty liability, end of period Current portion of warranty liability Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Current Noncurrent portion of warranty liability Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Noncurrent Acquisitions Note [Abstract] Acquisitions note. Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Goodwill by Segment [Axis] Goodwill by Segment [Axis] Goodwill, Segment [Domain] Goodwill, Not Allocated [Member] Components Segment [Member] Component Segment Systems Segment [Member] Other systems segment. Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Turner Renewable Energy, LLC [Member] Turner Renewable Energy, LLC [Member] Turner Renewable Energy, LLC member. NextLight [Member] NextLight Renewalbe Power, LLC member Project Development Business of OptiSolar [Member] Project development business of OptiSolar. Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business acquisition, effective date of acquisition Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Cash and Cash Equivalents Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Cash and Cash Equivalents Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Land Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Land Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Land Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Liabilities Assumed, Total Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Liabilities Assumed Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net Project Assets Acquired Through Business Acquisitions Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Deferred Income Taxes, Asset (Liability), Net Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Deferred Income Taxes, Asset (Liability), Net Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price Business acquisition, merger shares issued or issuable Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares Common stock, par or stated value per share Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Business acquisition, shares issued and placed into escrow Business Acquisition, Shares Issued And Placed Into Escrow Business acquisition, shares issued and placed into escrow. Business acquisition, shares issued and released from escrow Business Acquisition, Shares Issued And Released From Escrow Business acquisition, shares issued and released from escrow. Business acquisition, holdback shares issuable Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, Shares Issuable Business acquisition, holdback shares issuable, value assigned Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration Shares Issuable, Value Assigned Business acquisition, contingent consideration shares issuable, value assigned. Business acquisition, equity interest issued, number of shares Business Acquisition Equity Interest Issued Number Of Shares Business acquisition equity interest issued number of shares. Business acquisition cost of acquired entity transaction costs during period Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Transaction Costs During Period Business acquisition cost of acquired entity transaction costs during period. Business acquisition cost of acquired entity integration costs Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Integration Costs During Period Amount of direct costs of the business combination including integration costs incurred to consummate the business acquisition. Sale of stock, price per share Sale of Stock, Price Per Share Business acquisition, equity interest issued or issuable, value assigned Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Value Assigned Business acquisition holdback shares issued Business Acquisition Contingent Consideration Shares Issued Number of shares issued under the contingent consideration arrangement in a business combination. Goodwill, allocation adjustment Goodwill, Allocation Adjustment Goodwill Goodwill Cash, Marketable Securities, and Investments [Text Block] Cash, Marketable Securities and Investment [Text Block] Cash, marketable securities and investments note. Available-for-sale Securities [Text Block] Available-for-sale Securities [Text Block] Available-for-sale Securities by Maturity [Text Block] Available For Sale Securities By Maturity [Text Block] Contractual maturities of available-for-sale marketable securities Available-for-sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Text Block] Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Text Block] Schedule of available-for-sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule Of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, By Common Class [Table] Schedule Of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, By Common Class [Table] Table to capture both basic and diluted earnings per share information. Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items] Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items] Earnings per share for both basic and diluted shares. Basic net income per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Numerator: Numerator Per Share Calculation Basic [Abstract] Numerator in the earnings per share calculation Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Denominator, basic: Denominator Per Share Calculation Basic [Abstract] Denominator in the earnings per share calculation. Weighted-average common stock outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Net income per share, basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted net income per share: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Denominator, diluted: Denominator Per Share Calculation Diluted [Abstract] Denominator for per share calculation, diluted. Effect of stock options, restricted stock units outstanding and contingent issuable shares Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income per share Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Net income per share, diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted Restricted stock units and options to purchase common stock, anti-dilutive shares excluded Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Investment [Table] Investment [Table] Investment [Axis] Investment [Domain] Cash [Member] Investment [Line Items] Investment [Line Items] Cash and cash equivalents Marketable securities and investments Available-for-sale Securities Total cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities, and investments Investments and Cash Available-for-sale securities, gross realized gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Available-for-sale securities, gross realized losses Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses Long-term Debt [Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Text Block] Schedule Of Other Loans [Text Block] Schedule of other loans. Subsequent Events Disclosure [Abstract] Abstract heading for the Subsequent Events disclosure. Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Events, Revolving Letter of Credit [Member] Plans to Build New Plants [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent event, date Subsequent Event, Date Senior secured 5-yr revolving credit facility interest rate stated percentage variable rate description Debt Instrument Interest Rate Stated Percentage Variable Rate Description Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage variable rate description. Number of new four-line manufacturing plants Number of New Four-Line Manufacturing Plants Note 21 [Abstract] Production capacity, current (in GW) Production Capacity, Current Production capacity, projected (in GW) Production Capacity, Projected Acquisitions Disclosure [Text Block] Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Line Of Credit Revolving Letter Of Credit [Member] Line Of Credit Revolving Letter Of Credit Malaysian Facility Agreement [Member] Malaysian facility agreement member. Malaysian Facility Agreement, Fixed Rate Term Loan [Member] Malaysian facility agreement, fixed rate term loan. Malaysian Facility Agreement, Floating Rate Term Loan [Member] Malaysian facility agreement, floating rate term loan. Director of Development of the State of Ohio [Member] Director of Development of the State of Ohio [Member] Director of Development of the State of Ohio Director of Development of the State of Ohio 2015 maturity [Member] Director of Development of the State of Ohio 2015 maturity. Director of Development of the State of Ohio 2009 maturity [Member] Director of Development of the State of Ohio 2009 maturity. Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt instrument, principal outstanding Debt Instrument, Principal Outstanding Long-term debt, gross Long-term Debt, Gross Debt instrument, unamortized discount (premium), net Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net Long-term debt Long-term Debt Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, current Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Long-term debt and capital lease obligations Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Short-term debt Short-term Borrowings Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Taxes note. Income Taxes Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] ASSETS Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Marketable securities and investments Marketable Securities, Current Accounts receivable trade, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable, unbilled Inventories Project assets Deferred tax asset, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Total current assets Assets, Current Noncurrent assets: Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment, net Project assets Deferred tax asset, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Marketable securities Marketable Securities, Noncurrent Restricted cash and investments Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent Investment in related party Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Inventories Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Income tax payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current Accrued expenses Current portion of long-term debt Other current liabilities Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Accrued solar module collection and recycling liability Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Noncurrent Long-term debt Other liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock, $0.001 par value per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 85,710,763 and 85,208,199 shares issued and outstanding at September 25, 2010 and December 26, 2009, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Contingent consideration Contingent Consideration Contengent consideration. Accumulated earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Income Tax Holiday [Table] Income Tax Holiday [Table] Tax Holiday Impact [Axis] Tax Holiday Impact [Axis] Tax Holiday Impact Tax Holiday Impact [Domain] Tax Holiday Impact [Domain] Tax Holiday Impact Domain Excluding Tax Holiday One-Year Pull Forward Impact [Member] Excluding Tax Holiday One-Year Pull Forward Impact [Member] Excluding Tax Holiday One-Year Pull Forward Impact Member Excluding Tax Holiday Impact [Member] Excluding Tax Holiday Impact [Member] Excluding Tax Holiday Impact Member Income Tax Holiday by Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Holiday by Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] Domestic Country [Member] Domestic Country [Member] Foreign Country [Member] Foreign Country [Member] MALAYSIA MALAYSIA State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Income Tax Holiday [Line Items] Income Tax Holiday [Line Items] Malaysian tax holiday duration Income Tax Holiday Duration Income Tax Holiday Duration, number of years. Income tax holiday, description Income Tax Holiday, Description Current foreign tax expense (benefit) Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Effective income tax rate, continuing operations Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Foreign tax expense (benefit) pull-forward Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Pull-Forward Foreign tax expense (benefit) pull-forward. Restricted Cash And Investments Note [Abstract] Restricted cash and investments note. Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities, Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] US Government Debt Securities [Member] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Available-for-sale securities, restricted, amortized cost Available For Sale Securities, Restricted, Amortized Cost Amortized cost of restricted available for sale securities. Available-for-sale securities, restricted, gross unrealized gains Available For Sale Securities, Restricted, Gross Unrealized Gains Gross unrealized gains on restricted available for sale securities. Available-for-sale securities, restricted, gross unrealized losses Available For Sale Securities, Restricted, Gross Unrealized Loss Gross unrealized loss on restricted available for sale securities. Available-for-sale securities, restricted, fair value disclosure Available For Sale Securities, Restricted, Fair Value Disclosure Estimated fair value of restricted available for sale securities. Contractural maturities of available-for-sale marketable securities, range start Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start Contractural maturities of available-for-sale marketable securities, range end Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End Schedule of Goodwill [Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Text Block] Notes Receivable Note [Abstract] Notes receivable note. Notes Receivable Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Project Development Business of OptiSolar [Member] Goodwill, Segment [Domain] Systems Segment [Member] Goodwill, Not Allocated [Member] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Outstanding membership interests acquired (in hundredths) Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Business acquisition, purchase price allocation, goodwill amount Goodwill, Impairment Loss Goodwill, Impairment Loss Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill, beginning balance Goodwill, acquired during period Goodwill, Acquired During Period Goodwill, ending balance Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Axis] Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Revenues from transactions with related party Related Party Transaction, Revenues from Transactions with Related Party Due from related parties, current Due from Related Parties, Current Basis of Presentation Disclosure [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Restricted Cash And Investments [Table] Restricted Cash And Investments [Table] Restricted cash and investments table. Restricted Cash And Investments [Line Items] Restricted Cash And Investments [Line Items] Restricted cash and investments line items. Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Restricted investments Marketable Securities, Restricted, Noncurrent Total restricted cash and investments - noncurrent Days following fiscal year-end to fund solar module collection and Recycling custodial account Solar Module Collection And Recycling Custodial Account Describes the timing to fund the Solar Module Collection and Recycling Liability custodial account after year-end for the prior year module sales. Solar module minimum service life for purposes of collection and recycling custodial account Product Minimum Service Life Describes the solar modules minimum service life. Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Text Block] Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Alternate Segment [Text Block] Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Alternate Segment [Text Block] Alternate segment textblock. Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition, Fair Value [Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition, Fair Value [Text Block] Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract] Share-Based Compensation Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Repatriation of Earnings, Income Tax [Table] Repatriation of Earnings, Income Tax [Table] Foreign Earnings Repatriation Income Tax Impact [Axis] Foreign Earnings Repatriation Income Tax Impact [Axis] Foreign Earnings Repatriation Income Tax Impact [Domain] Foreign Earnings Repatriation Income Tax Impact [Domain] Foreign Earnings Repatriation Income Tax Impact [Domain]. Excluding Foreign Earnings Repatriation Income Tax Impact [Member] Excluding Foreign Earnings Repatriation Income Tax Impact [Member] Foreign Earnings Repatriated [Axis] Foreign Earnings Repatriated [Axis] Foreign Earnings Repatriated, Income Tax [Domain] Foreign Earnings Repatriated, Income Tax [Domain] Foreign Earnings, Income Tax, Repatriation [Member] Foreign Earnings, Income Tax, Repatriation [Member] Repatriation of Earnings, Income Taxes [Line Items] Repatriation of Earnings, Income Taxes [Line Items] Foreign earnings repatriated, projected Foreign Earnings Repatriated, Projected Repatriation of foreign earnings in advance of H.R. 1586 One time non-cash tax charge due to repatriation of earnings Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions Foreign earnings repatriation income tax, per share Foreign Earnings Repatriation Income Tax, Per Share -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Schedule of Comprehensive Income [Table] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract] Net income Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Change in unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income, Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Change in unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income, Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Financial Instruments Note [Abstract] Derivative financial instruments note. Derivative Financial Instruments, Risk Management [Table] Derivative Financial Instruments, Risk Management [Table] Derivative financial instruments risk management table. Derivatives, Fair Value, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivatives, Fair Value, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Interest Rate Derivatives: Interest Rate Derivatives [Abstract] Derivative, inception date Derivative, Inception Date Derivative, type of interest rate paid on swap Derivative, Type of Interest Rate Paid on Swap Derivative fixed interest rate paid on swap Derivative Fixed Interest Rate Paid On Swap Derivative Fixed Interest Rate Paid On Swap. Notional amount of interest rate cash flow hedge derivatives Notional Amount of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives Foreign Currency Derivatives: Foreign Currency Derivatives [Abstract] Maximum length of time hedged in foreign currency cash flow hedge Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Notional amount of foreign currency derivatives Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivatives Derivative, average forward exchange rate Derivative, Average Forward Exchange Rate Foreign currency cash flow hedge gain (loss) to be reclassified during next 12 months Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months Foreign currency cash flow hedge gain (loss) reclassified to earnings, net Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassified to Earnings, Net Unrealized gain on foreign currency derivatives, before tax Unrealized Gain on Foreign Currency Derivatives, before Tax Maximum remaining maturity of foreign currency derivatives Maximum Remaining Maturity of Foreign Currency Derivatives Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Derivatives, Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Derivatives, Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Assets Current [Member] Derivative asset, current. Other Assets Noncurrent [Member] Derivative asset, noncurrent. Other Liabilities Current [Member] Derivative liability, current. Other Liabilities Noncurrent [Member] Derivative liability, noncurrent. Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815: Derivatives Instruments Designated As Hedging Instruments [Abstract] Derivatives designated as hedging instruments. Derivative asset designated as hedging instrument, fair value Derivative Asset Designated as Hedging Instrument, Fair Value Derivative liability designated as hedging instrument, fair value Derivative Liability Designated as Hedging Instrument, Fair Value Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815: Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract] Derivative asset not designated as hedging instrument, fair value Derivative Asset Not Designated as Hedging Instrument, Fair Value Derivative liability not designated as hedging instrument, fair value Derivative Liability Not Designated as Hedging Instrument, Fair Value Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Notes Receivable [Axis] Information pertaining to the notes receivable. Notes Receivable [Domain] The identification of the types of notes issued for solar power projects. Credit Facility Agreement [Member] Credit Facility Agreement member Value Added Tax Financing Facility Agreement [Member] Value Added Tax Financing Facility Agreement [Member] Value Added Tax Financing Facility Agreement Member Lending Agreement with a Solar Project Entity Note One [Member] Lending Agreement with a Solar Project Entity Note One Member Lending Agreement with a Solar Project Entity Note Two [Member] Lending Agreement with a Solar Project Entity Note Two Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Notes receivable initial available amount Notes Receivable Initial Available Amount Note receivable initial available amount without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be loaned or the amounts currently outstanding under the note. Note receivable, percentage bearing variable interest rate Note Receivable, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest Rate Note receivable, percentage bearing variable interest rate. Note receivable, percentage bearing fixed interest rate Note Receivable, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest Rate Note receivable, percentage bearing fixed interest rate. Debt instrument, maturity date Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Notes receivable amount outstanding Notes Receivable Amount Outstanding Note receivable balance as of the balance-sheet date. Income Statement [Abstract] Net sales Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Cost of sales Cost of Goods Sold Gross profit Gross Profit Operating expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Research and development Research and Development Expense Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Production start-up Production Start-up Expense Production start-up. Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Nonoperating Income (Expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Foreign currency (loss) gain Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Interest income Investment Income, Interest Other expense, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Net income per share: Basic Diluted Weighted-average number of shares used in per share calculations: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic Diluted Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Derivative By Denomination Currency [Axis] Derivative by denomination currency axis. Derivative By Denomination Currency [Domain] Derivative By Denomination Currency [Domain] The full set of all currencies in which a derivative may be denominated. Euro Member Countries, Euro Malaysia, Ringgits Japan, Yen Canada, Dollars Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, Name [Domain] Derivative, Name [Domain] Forward Contracts [Member] Forward Contracts [Member] Future [Member] Future [Member] Options Held [Member] Options Held [Member] Swap [Member] Swap [Member] Warrant [Member] Warrant [Member] Debt [Member] Debt [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative, currency bought Derivative, Currency Bought Notional amount of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivative Purchase Contracts Derivative, currency sold Derivative, Currency Sold Notional amount of foreign currency derivative sale contracts Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivative Sale Contracts Subsequent Events Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Subsequent Events [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segment Reporting Information By Alternate Segment [Axis] Segment reporting information by alternate segment axis. Segment Reporting Information By Alternate Segment [Domain] Segment reporting information by alternate segment domain. Solar Module [Member] Solar module segment. Solar Power System [Member] Solar power system segment. Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Axis] Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Axis] Reporting Segment [Domain] Reporting Segment [Domain] Inter Segment Transfer To [Axis] Inter-segment transfer between segments. Inter Segment Transfer [Domain] Inter Segment Transfer [Domain] All of the destinations of onter segment transfers. To Components Segment [Member] To the components segment. To Systems Segment [Member] To the systems segment. Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Inter-segment transfer from Inter-segment Transfer From Inter-segment transfer of payments from one segment to another. Additional allocation of revenue from systems segment to components segment Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue Gross profit (loss) Income before income taxes Total assets Debt Note [Abstract] Debt note. Schedule of Credit Facility Debt Instruments [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Axis] Letter of Credit [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] France Facility Agreement [Member] France Facility Agreement Member Debt Instrument [Line Items] Line of credit commitment fee, annual percentage rate Line of Credit Commitment Fee, Annual Percentage Rate Line of credit commitment fees, annual percentage rate. Line of credit facility, interest rate at period end Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt instrument, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt instrument, currency Debt Instrument, Currency Debt instrument, principal outstanding Debt instrument, maturity date, description Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description Derivative Financial Instruments Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Product Warranty Disclosure [Text Block] Product Warranty Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Measurement Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Impairment of fixed assets Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Impairment of project assets Impairment of Ongoing Project Share-based compensation Share-based Compensation Remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Provision for doubtful accounts receivable Provision for Doubtful Accounts Loss on disposal of property and equipment Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment Inventory reserve Inventory Write-down Gain on sales of investments, net Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments Other operating activities Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Other Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable, trade Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable, unbilled Increase (Decrease) in Unbilled Receivables Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Project assets  Increase Decrease In Project assets Increase Decrease in Project Assets Deferred project costs Increase Decrease In Deferred Project Costs Increase Decrease In Deferred Project Costs Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid, Deferred Expense and Other Assets Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings Increase (Decrease) in Billing in Excess of Cost of Earnings Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Total adjustments Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Allowance for Trade Receivables [Member] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Recoveries Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Recoveries Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Equity Contract [Member] Equity Contract [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Credit Risk Contract [Member] Credit Risk Contract [Member] Other Contract [Member] Other Contract [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Axis] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Interest Income [Member] Interest Income [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Other Income [Member] Other Income [Member] Other Expense [Member] Other Expense [Member] Sales [Member] Sales [Member] Cost of Sales [Member] Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Sale of Subsidiary Gain (Loss) [Member] Sale of Subsidiary Gain (Loss) [Member] Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship [Axis] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Net Investment Hedging [Member] Net Investment Hedging [Member] Nondesignated [Member] Nondesignated [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income on derivatives: Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income, Effective Portion, Net [Abstract] Derivative instruments, gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income, effective portion, net Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income, Effective Portion, Net Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income: Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net [Abstract] Derivative instruments, gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income, effective portion, net Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income: Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net [Abstract] Derivative instruments, gain (loss) recognized in income, net Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net Investment [Axis] Investment [Domain] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Certificates of Deposit [Member] Commercial Paper, Not Included with Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member] Foreign Agency Debt [Member] Supranational Debt [Member] Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities Contractual Maturities [Axis] Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities Contractual Maturities axis. Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities Contractual Maturities [Domain] Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities Contractual Maturities domain. Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Within One Year [Member] Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Within One Year member. Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Over One Year To Two Years [Member] Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Over One Year To Two Years member. Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Over Two Years To Three Years [Member] Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Over Two Years To Three Years member. Available-for-sale securities, net unrealized gains (losses) Available For Sale Securities, Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) The increases (decreases) in the market value of unsold securities whose gains (losses) were included in earnings. Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure Marketable securities, continuous unrealized loss position: Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract] Marketable securities, in loss position for less than 12 months, estimated fair value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value Marketable securities, in loss position for less than 12 months, gross unrealized losses Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses Marketable securities, in loss position for 12 months or greater, estimated fair value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value Marketable securities, in loss position for 12 months or greater, gross unrealized losses Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses Marketable securities, in loss position, estimated fair value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value Marketable securities, in loss position, gross unrealized losses Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses Recent Accounting Pronouncements Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Text Block] Schedule Of Notional Value Of Foreign Exchange Forward Derivatives [Text Block] Schedule Of Notional Value Of Foreign Exchange Forward Derivatives [Text Block] Notional value of foreign exchange forward derivatives Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisition, Pro Forma [Abstract] Note 4. Acquisition, Pro Forma [Abstract] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Pre-tax Income (Loss), Acquiree Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss), Acquiree Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss), Acquiree. This is the value attributed to the acquiree. Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Business Combination, Pro Forma, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree Per Share, Basic and Diluted since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree Per Share, Basic and Diluted since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Text Block] Schedule of earnings per share, basic and diluted, by common class. Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Restricted Cash and Investments [Text Block] Restricted Cash And Investments [Text Block] Restricted cash and investments textblock. Restricted Available For Sale Securities [Text Block] Restricted Available For Sale Securities [Text Block] restricted available for sale securities textblock. Restricted Cash and Investments Disclosure [Text Block] Restricted Cash And Investments Disclosure [Text Block] Restricted cash an investments disclosure. Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain] Stock Options [Member] Restricted Stock Units [Member] Restricted stock units. Unrestricted Stock [Member] Unrestricted stock award. Unallocated Share-based Compensation Absorbed Into Inventory [Member] Share-based compensation absorbed into inventory. Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, by Report Line [Axis] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, by Report Line [Axis] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Report Line [Domain] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Report Line [Domain] Research And Development [Member] Research and development. Production Startup [Member] Production startup. Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, compensation cost Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost Employee service share-based compensation, unrecognized compensation costs on nonvested awards, weighted average period of recognition (in years) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Unrecognized Compensation Costs on Nonvested Awards, Weighted Average Period of Recognition Employee service share-based compensation, capitalized in inventory Employee Service Share-Based Compensation, Capitalized In Inventory The share-based compensation cost capitalized in inventory. Employee service share-based compensation, unrecognized compensation costs on nonvested awards Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Unrecognized Compensation Costs on Nonvested Awards Reconciliation of Net Income to Cash Provided By Net Operating Activities [Text Block] Reconciliation of Net Income to Cash Provided By Net Operating Activities [Text Block] Reconciliation of Net Income to Cash Provided By Net Operating Activities Accounts receivable trade, net Accounts Receivable, Trade [Text Block] Accounts receivable, trade textblock. Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Prepaid expenses and other current assets Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Project assets - current and noncurrent Project Assets [Text Block] Project assets textblock. Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment [Text Block] Capitalized interest Capitalized Interest [Text Block] Capitalized interest textblock. Accrued expenses Accrued Expenses Current [Text Block] Accrued expenses current text block. Other current and noncurrent liabilities Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Consolidated Balance Sheet Details Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows Disclosure [Text Block] Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Net Income per Share Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Text Block] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Text Block] Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Text Block] Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Marketable securities, current and noncurrent Investments, current Investments Current, Fair Value Disclosure This element represents the fair value of investments residing within the current section of assets. Notes receivable - current Notes Receivable, Fair Value Current Disclosure This element represents the current portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. An amount representing an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the Company (holder) a definite sum of money at a future date(s). Foreign exchange forward contract assets Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure Restricted  investments (excluding restricted cash) Investment in related party Investment In Related Party, Fair Value Disclosure Investment in related party, fair value disclosure. Notes receivable - noncurrent Notes Receivable, Noncurrent Fair Value Disclosure Notes receivable, fair value noncurrent disclosure Long-term debt, including current maturities Loans Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Interest rate swaps Interest Rate Swap Liability Fair Value Disclosure Interest rate swap liability fair value disclosure. Foreign exchange forward contract liabilities Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Common stock, par value Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Disclosure for document and entity information. Document And Entity Information [Table] Document And Entity Information [Table] Table capturing document and entity information. Document And Entity Information [Line Items] Document And Entity Information [Line Items] Document and entity information line items. Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding