| Cover | Mar. 24, 2022 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 24, 2022 |
| Entity File Number | 001-37678 |
| Entity Registrant Name | SPI Energy Co., Ltd. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001210618 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 00-0000000 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | E9 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 4677 Old Ironsides Drive |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 190 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Santa Clara |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 95054 |
| City Area Code | (408) |
| Local Phone Number | 919-8000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Ordinary Share |
| Trading Symbol | SPI |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
