First Solar (FSLR) 10-Q 5 Aug 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document

Document - $ / shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	FIRST SOLAR, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1,274,494
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2015
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Par Value Per Share	$ 0.001
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding		100,902,732

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Net sales	$ 896,217	$ 544,353	$ 1,365,426	$ 1,494,511
Cost of sales	731,734	451,628	1,161,962	1,165,075
Gross profit	164,483	92,725	203,464	329,436
Operating expenses:
Research and development	29,479	32,659	64,235	71,432
Selling, general and administrative	70,901	57,667	138,589	116,331
Production start-up	6,970	491	13,620	491
Total operating expenses	107,350	90,817	216,444	188,254
Operating income (loss)	57,133	1,908	(12,980)	141,182
Foreign currency (loss) gain, net	(2,352)	21	(3,948)	(558)
Interest income	6,058	4,533	11,122	8,854
Interest expense, net	(826)	(930)	(1,020)	(1,340)
Other expense, net	(792)	(1,166)	(2,051)	(2,940)
Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	59,221	4,366	(8,877)	145,198
Income tax benefit (expense)	33,340	2,166	39,320	(26,687)
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax	1,929	(2,004)	1,755	(1,976)
Net income	$ 94,490	$ 4,528	$ 32,198	$ 116,535
Net income per share:
Basic	$ 0.94	$ 0.05	$ 0.32	$ 1.17
Diluted	$ 0.93	$ 0.04	$ 0.32	$ 1.14
Weighted-average number of shares used in per share calculations:
Basic	100,852	100,148	100,615	99,871
Diluted	101,607	101,814	101,631	101,820

Condensed Consolidated Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Net income	$ 94,490	$ 4,528	$ 32,198	$ 116,535
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	2,495	(1,721)	(12,898)	(1,661)
Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities and restricted investments	(60,640)	18,445	(22,353)	38,621
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments	(341)	(1,410)	(1,901)	(3,755)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(58,486)	15,314	(37,152)	33,205
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 36,004	$ 19,842	$ (4,954)	$ 149,740

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,075,144	$ 1,482,054
Marketable securities	700,017	509,032
Accounts receivable trade, net	276,819	135,434
Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage	70,367	76,971
Inventories	481,975	505,088
Balance of systems parts	94,360	125,083
Deferred project costs	73,739	29,354
Deferred tax assets, net	77,709	91,565
Notes receivable, affiliate	43,345	12,487
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	262,731	202,151
Total current assets	3,156,206	3,169,219
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,356,231	1,419,988
PV solar power systems, net	43,233	46,393
Project assets and deferred project costs	1,060,780	810,348
Deferred tax assets, net	262,389	222,326
Restricted cash and investments	377,401	407,053
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates and joint ventures	153,508	255,029
Goodwill	84,985	84,985
Other intangibles, net	115,454	119,236
Inventories	108,558	115,617
Note receivable, affiliate	9,852	9,127
Other assets	75,208	61,670
Total assets	6,803,805	6,720,991
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	273,280	214,656
Income taxes payable	4,771	1,727
Accrued expenses	367,354	388,156
Current portion of long-term debt	41,898	51,399
Billings in excess of cost and estimated earnings	168,587	195,346
Payments and billings for deferred project costs	0	60,591
Other current liabilities	58,217	88,702
Total current liabilities	914,107	1,000,577
Accrued solar module collection and recycling liability	240,972	246,307
Long-term debt	257,787	162,074
Other liabilities	349,469	284,546
Total liabilities	$ 1,762,335	$ 1,693,504
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 100,891,055 and 100,288,942 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	$ 101	$ 100
Additional paid-in capital	2,716,493	2,697,558
Accumulated earnings	2,311,888	2,279,689
Accumulated other comprehensive income	12,988	50,140
Total stockholders' equity	5,041,470	5,027,487
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 6,803,805	$ 6,720,991

Condensed Consolidated Balance5

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	100,891,055	100,288,942
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	100,891,055	100,288,942

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 32,198	$ 116,535
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash used in operating activities [Abstract]
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	129,157	123,312
Share-based compensation	20,933	21,452
Remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities	7,053	4,416
Deferred income taxes	(24,822)	(20,217)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements	(16,352)	(16,165)
Other, net	5,661	6,579
Changes in operating assets and liabilities [Abstract]
Accounts receivable trade, unbilled and retainage	(135,053)	(145,478)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(7,116)	(856)
Other assets	(13,208)	(2,573)
Inventories and balance of systems parts	56,390	85,958
Project assets and deferred project costs	(421,836)	(92,826)
Accounts payable	70,936	(72,423)
Income taxes payable	(54,149)	39,151
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	(82,740)	(271,970)
Accrued solar module collection and recycling liability	(2,070)	25,309
Net cash used in operating activities	(435,018)	(199,796)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(94,111)	(113,221)
Purchases of marketable securities	(394,313)	(226,087)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities	199,459	164,259
Purchases of equity and cost method investments	(10,200)	(910)
Distributions received from equity method investments	238,980	0
Investments in notes receivable, affiliate	(45,288)	0
Payments received on notes receivable, affiliate	16,277	0
Change in restricted cash	(13,551)	(72,405)
Other investing activities	(31)	(1,480)
Net cash used in investing activities	(102,778)	(249,844)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of long-term debt	(25,575)	(30,761)
Proceeds from borrowings under long-term debt, net of discounts and issuance costs	122,942	0
Repayment of sale-leaseback financing	(1,904)	0
Proceeds from sale-leaseback financing	44,718	0
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements	16,352	16,165
Contingent consideration payments and other financing activities	(12,960)	(12,058)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	143,573	(26,654)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(12,687)	2,568
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(406,910)	(473,726)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period	1,482,054	1,325,072
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period	1,075,144	851,346
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Equity interests retained from the partial sale of project assets	126,079	0
Property, plant and equipment acquisitions funded by liabilities	34,022	48,667
Acquisitions currently or previously funded by liabilities and contingent consideration	$ 27,398	$ 84,320

1. Basis of Presentation

1. Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	1. Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of First Solar, Inc. and its subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and pursuant to the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, these interim financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair statement have been included. Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015 or for any other period. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2014 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. These interim financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2014 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has been filed with the SEC. Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Such reclassifications did not have a material effect on the interim financial statements. In addition, the method of reporting the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows was changed from the direct to the indirect method. Unless expressly stated or the context otherwise requires, the terms “the Company,” “we,” “our,” “us,” and “First Solar” refer to First Solar, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

2. Summary of Significant Accou

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Use of Estimates. The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to percentage-of-completion revenue recognition, inventory valuation, recoverability of project assets, estimates of future cash flows from and the economic useful lives of long-lived assets, asset retirement obligations, certain accrued liabilities, income taxes and tax valuation allowances, reportable segment allocations, product warranties and manufacturing excursions, accrued collection and recycling expense, and applying the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations and goodwill. Despite our intention to establish accurate estimates and reasonable assumptions, actual results could differ materially from these estimates and assumptions. Revenue Recognition — Systems Business . We recognize revenue for arrangements entered into by our systems business generally using two revenue recognition models, following the guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605, Accounting for Long-term Construction Contracts , or ASC 360, Accounting for Sales of Real Estate , for arrangements which include land or land rights . For systems business sales arrangements that do not include land or land rights and thus are accounted for under ASC 605, we use the percentage-of-completion method, as described further below, using actual costs incurred over total estimated costs to develop and construct a project (including module costs) as our standard accounting policy, unless we cannot make reasonably dependable estimates of the costs to complete the contract, in which case we would use the completed contract method. For systems business sales arrangements that are accounted for under ASC 360 where we convey control of land or land rights, we record the sale as revenue using one of the following revenue recognition methods, based upon evaluation of the substance and form of the terms and conditions of such real estate sales arrangements: (i) We apply the percentage-of-completion method, as further described below, to certain real estate sales arrangements where we convey control of land or land rights, when a sale has been consummated, we have transferred the usual risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer, the initial and continuing investment criteria have been met, we have the ability to estimate our costs and progress toward completion, and all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. When evaluating whether the usual risks and rewards of ownership have transferred to the buyer, we consider whether we have or may be contingently required to have any prohibited forms of continuing involvement with the project. Prohibited forms of continuing involvement in a real estate sales arrangement may include us retaining risks or rewards associated with the project that are not customary with the range of risks or rewards that an engineering, procurement, and construction (“EPC”) contractor may assume. The initial and continuing investment requirements, which demonstrate a buyer’s commitment to honor its obligations for the sales arrangement, can typically be met through the receipt of cash or an irrevocable letter of credit from a highly creditworthy lending institution. (ii) Depending on whether the initial and continuing investment requirements have been met and whether collectability from the buyer is reasonably assured, we may align our revenue recognition and release of project assets or deferred project costs to cost of sales with the receipt of payment from the buyer if the sale has been consummated and we have transferred the usual risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer. For any systems business sales arrangements containing multiple deliverables (including our solar modules) not required to be accounted for under ASC 605 (long-term construction contracts) or ASC 360 (real estate), we analyze each activity within the sales arrangement to adhere to the separation guidelines of ASC 605 for multiple-element arrangements. We allocate revenue for any transactions involving multiple elements to each unit of accounting based on its relative selling price and recognize revenue for each unit of accounting when all revenue recognition criteria for a unit of accounting have been met. Revenue Recognition — Percentage-of-Completion. In applying the percentage-of-completion method, we use the actual costs incurred relative to the total estimated costs (including module costs) in order to determine the progress towards completion and calculate the corresponding amount of revenue and profit to recognize. Costs incurred include all installed direct materials, installed solar modules, labor, subcontractor costs, and those indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor and supplies. We recognize direct material and solar module costs as incurred when the direct materials and solar modules have been installed in the project. When contracts specify that title to direct materials and solar modules transfers to the customer before installation has been performed, we will not recognize revenue or the associated costs until those materials are installed and have met all other revenue recognition requirements. We consider direct materials and solar modules to be installed when they are permanently placed or affixed to a photovoltaic (“PV”) solar power system as required by engineering designs. Solar modules manufactured and owned by us that will be used in our systems remain within inventory until such modules are installed in a system. The percentage-of-completion method of revenue recognition requires us to make estimates of contract revenues and costs to complete our projects. In making such estimates, management judgments are required to evaluate significant assumptions including the amount of net contract revenues, the cost of materials and labor, expected labor productivity, the impact of potential variances in schedule completion, and the impact of any penalties, claims, change orders, or performance incentives. If estimated total costs on any contract are greater than the contract revenues, we recognize the entire estimated loss in the period the loss becomes known. The cumulative effect of the revisions to estimates related to contract revenues and costs to complete contracts, including penalties, claims, change orders, incentive awards, anticipated losses, and others are recorded in the period in which the revisions to estimates are identified and the loss can be reasonably estimated. The effect of the changes on future periods are recognized as if the revised estimates had been used since revenue was initially recognized under the contract. Such revisions could occur in any reporting period and the effects may be material depending on the size of the contracts or the changes in estimates. Revenue Recognition — Components Business. Our components business sells solar modules directly to third-party solar power system integrators and operators. We recognize revenue for module sales when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the module has occurred and title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and the collectability of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Under this policy, we record a trade receivable for the selling price of our module and reduce inventory for the cost of goods sold when delivery occurs in accordance with the terms of the sales contract. Our customers typically do not have extended payment terms or rights of return for our products. Revenue Recognition — Operations and Maintenance. Our operations and maintenance (“O&M”) revenue is billed and recognized as services are performed. Costs of these revenues are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. Ventures and Variable Interest Entities. In the normal course of business we establish wholly owned project companies which may be considered variable interest entities (“VIEs”). We consolidate wholly owned variable interest entities when we are considered the primary beneficiary of such entities. Additionally, we have, and may in the future form, joint venture type arrangements, including partnerships and partially owned limited liability companies or similar legal structures, with one or more third parties primarily to develop and build solar power projects. These types of ventures are core to our business and long-term strategy related to providing solar PV generation solutions using our modules to key geographic markets. We analyze all of our ventures and classify them into two groups: (i) ventures that must be consolidated because they are either not VIEs and we hold a majority voting interest, or because they are VIEs and we are the primary beneficiary and (ii) ventures that do not need to be consolidated and are accounted for under either the cost or equity methods of accounting because they are either not VIEs and we hold a minority voting interest, or because they are VIEs and we are not the primary beneficiary. Ventures are considered VIEs if (i) the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support; (ii) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack the ability to make certain decisions, the obligation to absorb expected losses, or the right to receive expected residual returns; or (iii) an equity investor has voting rights that are disproportionate to its economic interest and substantially all of the entity’s activities are conducted on behalf of that investor. Our venture agreements typically require us to fund some form of capital for the development and construction of a project, depending upon the opportunity and the market in which our ventures are located. We are considered the primary beneficiary of and are required to consolidate a VIE if we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the entity. If we determine that we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity, then we are not the primary beneficiary of the VIE. Cost and Equity Method Investments. We account for our unconsolidated ventures using either the cost or equity method of accounting depending upon whether we have the ability to exercise significant influence over a venture. We consider the participating and protective rights we have as well as the legal form of the venture when evaluating whether we have the ability to exercise significant influence. Cost method investments are initially recorded and subsequently carried at their historical cost, and income is recorded to the extent we receive dividends. We use the equity method of accounting for our equity investments when we have the ability to significantly influence the operations or financial activities of the investee. We initially record the investment at cost and adjust the carrying amount each period to recognize our share of the earnings or losses of the investee based on our ownership percentage. We monitor these investments, which are included in “ Investments in unconsolidated affiliates and joint ventures ” in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets, for impairment and record reductions in their carrying values if the carrying amount of the investment exceeds its fair value. An impairment charge is recorded when such impairment is deemed to be other-than-temporary. To determine whether an impairment is other-than-temporary, we consider our ability and intent to hold the investment until the carrying amount is fully recovered. Circumstances that indicate an other-than-temporary impairment may have occurred include factors such as decreases in quoted market prices or declines in operations of the investee. The evaluation of an investment for potential impairment requires us to exercise significant judgment and to make certain assumptions. The use of different judgments and assumptions could result in different conclusions. No impairment losses were recorded during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 related to our cost and equity method investments. We recorded an impairment loss of $2.1 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 related to our cost and equity method investments. See Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 for a more complete summary of our significant accounting policies.

3. Recent Accounting Pronouncem

3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , to clarify the principles of recognizing revenue and create common revenue recognition guidance between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. An entity has the option to apply the provisions of ASU 2014-09 either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying this standard recognized at the date of initial application. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted for periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are currently evaluating the method of adoption and the impact ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and associated disclosures. In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810) - Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis . ASU 2015-02 modifies existing consolidation guidance related to (i) limited partnerships and similar legal entities, (ii) the evaluation of variable interests for fees paid to decision makers or service providers, (iii) the effect of fee arrangements and related parties on the primary beneficiary determination, and (iv) certain investment funds. These changes are expected to limit the number of consolidation models and place more emphasis on risk of loss when determining a controlling financial interest. ASU 2015-02 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2015. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2015-02 on our consolidated financial statements and associated disclosures. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) - Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs . ASU 2015-03 simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring such costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a reduction to the carrying amount of the corresponding debt liability, consistent with debt discounts, rather than as a deferred charge. The adoption of ASU 2015-03 in the second quarter of 2015 resulted in a reclassification of $0.4 million in unamortized debt issuance costs from “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” to “Current portion of long-term debt” and $2.6 million in unamortized debt issuance costs from “Other assets” to “Long-term debt” on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2015 . In addition, $0.5 million in unamortized debt issuance costs was reclassified from “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” to “Current portion of long-term debt,” and $2.9 million in unamortized debt issuance costs was reclassified from “Other assets” to “Long-term debt” on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 . In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330) - Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. ASU 2015-11 simplifies the subsequent measurement of inventory by replacing the current lower of cost or market test with a lower of cost or net realizable value test. ASU 2015-11 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is permitted. We do not expect that ASU 2015-11 will have a significant impact on the subsequent measurement of inventory included in our consolidated financial statements.

4. Cash, Cash Equivalents, Mark

4. Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments [Abstract]
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities	4. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 1,072,002 $ 1,480,452 Cash equivalents: Money market funds 3,142 1,602 Total cash and cash equivalents 1,075,144 1,482,054 Marketable securities: Foreign debt 660,017 462,731 Time deposits 40,000 40,000 U.S. debt — 2,800 U.S. government obligations — 3,501 Total marketable securities 700,017 509,032 Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities $ 1,775,161 $ 1,991,086 We classify our marketable securities as available-for-sale. Accordingly, we record them at fair value and account for the net unrealized gains and losses as part of “ Accumulated other comprehensive income ” until realized. We record realized gains and losses on the sale or maturity of our marketable securities in “ Other expense, net ” computed using the specific identification method. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 we realized no gains or losses on the sale or maturity of our marketable securities. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 , we realized $0.2 million of gains on the sale or maturity of our marketable securities. See Note 8. “Fair Value Measurements” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for information about the fair value of our marketable securities. As of June 30, 2015 , we identified three investments totaling $35.7 million that had been in a loss position for a period of time greater than 12 months with unrealized losses of less than $0.1 million . As of December 31, 2014 , we identified two investments totaling $41.1 million that had been in a loss position for a period of time greater than 12 months with unrealized losses of less than $0.1 million . The unrealized losses were primarily due to increases in interest rates relative to rates at the time of purchase. Based on the underlying credit quality of the investments, we do not intend to sell these securities prior to the recovery of our cost basis. Therefore, we did not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired. All of our available-for-sale marketable securities are subject to a periodic impairment review. We did not identify any of our marketable securities as other-than-temporarily impaired at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . The following tables summarize the unrealized gains and losses related to our available-for-sale marketable securities, by major security type, as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): As of June 30, 2015 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Foreign debt $ 660,859 $ 138 $ 980 $ 660,017 Time deposits 40,000 — — 40,000 Total $ 700,859 $ 138 $ 980 $ 700,017 As of December 31, 2014 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Foreign debt $ 463,466 $ 18 $ 753 $ 462,731 Time deposits 40,000 — — 40,000 U.S. debt 2,800 — — 2,800 U.S. government obligations 3,500 1 — 3,501 Total $ 509,766 $ 19 $ 753 $ 509,032 The contractual maturities of our marketable securities as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands): As of June 30, 2015 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value One year or less $ 254,446 $ 26 $ 167 $ 254,305 One year to two years 267,807 4 592 267,219 Two years to three years 178,606 108 221 178,493 Total $ 700,859 $ 138 $ 980 $ 700,017 As of December 31, 2014 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value One year or less $ 329,974 $ 14 $ 174 $ 329,814 One year to two years 125,892 5 380 125,517 Two years to three years 53,900 — 199 53,701 Total $ 509,766 $ 19 $ 753 $ 509,032 The net unrealized losses of $0.8 million and $0.7 million as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, on our marketable securities were primarily the result of increases in interest rates relative to rates at the time of purchase. Our investment policy requires marketable securities to be highly rated and limits the security types, issuer concentration, and duration to maturity of our marketable securities portfolio. The following tables show gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values for those marketable securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , aggregated by major security type and the length of time the marketable securities have been in a continuous loss position (in thousands): As of June 30, 2015 In Loss Position for Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position for 12 Months or Greater Total Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Foreign debt $ 466,201 $ 936 $ 35,732 $ 44 $ 501,933 $ 980 Total $ 466,201 $ 936 $ 35,732 $ 44 $ 501,933 $ 980 As of December 31, 2014 In Loss Position for Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position for 12 Months or Greater Total Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Foreign debt $ 391,840 $ 740 $ 41,060 $ 13 $ 432,900 $ 753 Total $ 391,840 $ 740 $ 41,060 $ 13 $ 432,900 $ 753

5. Restricted Cash and Investme

5. Restricted Cash and Investments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]
Restricted Cash and Investments Disclosure	5. Restricted Cash and Investments Restricted cash and investments consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Restricted cash $ 61,613 $ 49,818 Restricted investments 315,788 357,235 Restricted cash and investments (1) $ 377,401 $ 407,053 (1) There was an additional $76.4 million and $74.7 million of restricted cash included within prepaid expenses and other current assets at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. At June 30, 2015 , our restricted cash consisted of deposits held by various banks to secure certain of our letters of credit and deposits designated for the construction of systems projects and payment of amounts related to project construction credit facilities. Restricted cash for our letters of credit is classified as current or noncurrent based on the maturity date of the corresponding letter of credit. See Note 12. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion relating to letters of credit. Restricted cash for project construction and financing is classified as current or noncurrent based on the projected use of the restricted funds. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , our restricted investments consisted of long-term marketable securities that we hold through custodial accounts to fund the estimated future costs of collecting and recycling modules covered under our solar module collection and recycling program. We classify our restricted investments as available-for-sale. Accordingly, we record them at fair value and account for the net unrealized gains and losses as a part of “ Accumulated other comprehensive income ” until realized. We record realized gains and losses on the sale or maturity of our restricted investments in “ Other expense, net ” computed using the specific identification method. Restricted investments are classified as noncurrent as the underlying accrued solar module collection and recycling liability is also noncurrent in nature. As necessary, we fund any incremental amounts for our estimated collection and recycling obligations within 90 days of the end of each year. We determine the funding requirement, if any, based on estimated costs of collecting and recycling covered modules, estimated rates of return on our restricted investments, and an estimated solar module life of 25 years less amounts already funded in prior years. To ensure that these funds will be available in the future regardless of any potential adverse changes in our financial condition (even in the case of our own insolvency), we have established a trust (the “Trust”) under which estimated funds are put into custodial accounts with an established and reputable bank, for which First Solar, Inc. (“FSI”), First Solar Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (“FS Malaysia”), and First Solar Manufacturing GmbH are grantors. Only the trustee can distribute funds from the custodial accounts, and these funds cannot be accessed for any purpose other than to cover qualified costs of module collection and recycling, either by us or a third party performing the required collection and recycling services. Investments in these custodial accounts must meet certain investment quality criteria comparable to highly rated government or agency bonds. We closely monitor our exposure to European markets and maintain holdings primarily consisting of German and French sovereign debt securities that are not currently at risk of default. During the six months ended June 30, 2015 , no incremental funding was required for covered module sales through December 31, 2014 . The following tables summarize the unrealized gains and losses related to our restricted investments, by major security type, as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): As of June 30, 2015 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Foreign government obligations $ 176,738 $ 70,375 $ — $ 247,113 U.S. government obligations 59,813 8,862 — 68,675 Total $ 236,551 $ 79,237 $ — $ 315,788 As of December 31, 2014 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Foreign government obligations $ 189,455 $ 93,280 $ — $ 282,735 U.S. government obligations 58,510 15,990 — 74,500 Total $ 247,965 $ 109,270 $ — $ 357,235 As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the contractual maturities of these restricted investments were between 13 years and 22 years .

6. Consolidated Balance Sheet D

6. Consolidated Balance Sheet Details	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Supplemental Balance Sheet Disclosures	6. Consolidated Balance Sheet Details Accounts receivable trade, net Accounts receivable trade, net consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Accounts receivable trade, gross $ 276,850 $ 142,542 Allowance for doubtful accounts (31 ) (7,108 ) Accounts receivable trade, net $ 276,819 $ 135,434 At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , $69.7 million and $21.4 million , respectively, of our accounts receivable trade, net were secured by letters of credit, bank guarantees, or other forms of financial security issued by creditworthy financial institutions. Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Accounts receivable, unbilled $ 40,238 $ 41,868 Retainage 30,129 35,103 Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage $ 70,367 $ 76,971 Accounts receivable, unbilled represents revenue that has been recognized in advance of billing the customer, which is common for long-term construction contracts. For example, we recognize revenue from contracts for the construction and sale of PV solar power systems, which include the sale of such assets over the construction period using applicable accounting methods. One such method is the percentage-of-completion method, which recognizes revenue and gross profit as work is performed based on the relationship between actual costs incurred compared to the total estimated costs for the contract. Under this accounting method, revenue could be recognized under applicable revenue recognition criteria in advance of billing the customer, resulting in an amount recorded to “ Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage .” Once we meet the billing criteria under a construction contract, we bill our customer accordingly and reclassify the “ Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage ” to “ Accounts receivable trade, net .” Billing requirements vary by contract but are generally structured around completion of certain construction milestones. The current portion of retainage is included within “ Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage .” Retainage refers to the portion of the contract price earned by us for work performed, but held for payment by our customer as a form of security until we reach certain construction milestones. Retainage included within “ Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage ” is expected to be billed and collected within the next 12 months. Inventories Inventories consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Raw materials $ 163,918 $ 157,468 Work in process 23,340 20,829 Finished goods 403,275 442,408 Inventories $ 590,533 $ 620,705 Inventories — current $ 481,975 $ 505,088 Inventories — noncurrent (1) $ 108,558 $ 115,617 (1) We purchase a critical raw material that is used in our core production process in quantities that exceed anticipated consumption within our operating cycle (which is 12 months). We classify the raw materials that we do not expect to be consumed within our operating cycle as noncurrent. Balance of systems parts Balance of systems parts were $94.4 million and $125.1 million as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, and represented mounting, third-party modules, and electrical and other construction parts purchased for PV solar power systems to be constructed or currently under construction, which we held title to and were not yet installed in a system. These parts included items such as posts, tilt brackets, tables, harnesses, combiner boxes, inverters, cables, tracker equipment, and other parts we may purchase or assemble for the systems we construct. Balance of systems parts does not include any solar modules that we manufacture. We carry these parts at the lower of cost or market, with market being based primarily on recoverability through installation in a solar power plant or recoverability through a sales agreement. Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Prepaid expenses $ 107,355 $ 42,193 Derivative instruments 6,721 9,791 Restricted cash 76,362 74,695 Other current assets 72,293 75,472 Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 262,731 $ 202,151 Property, plant and equipment, net Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Land $ 12,128 $ 12,378 Buildings and improvements (1) 400,899 397,087 Machinery and equipment (1) 1,769,932 1,649,363 Office equipment and furniture 136,920 134,268 Leasehold improvements 50,406 50,096 Construction in progress 74,267 154,497 Stored assets (2) 152,153 155,389 Property, plant and equipment, gross 2,596,705 2,553,078 Less: accumulated depreciation (1,240,474 ) (1,133,090 ) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 1,356,231 $ 1,419,988 (1) In June 2015, we reclassified $15.2 million and $2.5 million from "Assets held for sale" to "Building and improvements" and "Machinery and equipment," respectively, as these assets no longer met the criteria to be classified as held for sale. (2) Consists of machinery and equipment (“stored assets”) that were originally purchased for installation in our previously planned manufacturing capacity expansions. We intend to install and place the stored assets into service when such assets are required or beneficial to our existing installed manufacturing capacity or when market demand supports additional or market-specific manufacturing capacity. During the six months ended June 30, 2015 , we transferred $3.2 million of stored assets to our manufacturing facility in Perrysburg, Ohio for use in the production of solar modules. As the remaining stored assets are neither in the condition nor location to produce modules as intended, we will not begin depreciation until such assets are placed into service. The stored assets are evaluated for impairment under a held and used impairment model whenever events or changes in business circumstances arise, including consideration of technological obsolescence, that may indicate that the carrying amount of our long-lived assets may not be recoverable. We ceased the capitalization of interest on our stored assets once they were physically received from the related machinery and equipment vendors. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment was $62.5 million and $124.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively, and $62.6 million and $123.4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 , respectively. PV solar power systems, net PV solar power systems, net consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, PV solar power systems, gross $ 45,727 $ 47,727 Accumulated depreciation (2,494 ) (1,334 ) PV solar power systems, net $ 43,233 $ 46,393 Depreciation of PV solar power systems was $0.6 million and $1.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively, and $0.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 . Capitalized interest The cost of constructing facilities, equipment, and project assets includes interest costs incurred during the assets’ construction period. The components of interest expense and capitalized interest were as follows during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Interest cost incurred $ (4,749 ) $ (2,385 ) $ (8,226 ) $ (5,036 ) Interest cost capitalized — property, plant and equipment 295 444 862 1,022 Interest cost capitalized — project assets 3,628 1,011 6,344 2,674 Interest expense, net $ (826 ) $ (930 ) $ (1,020 ) $ (1,340 ) Project assets and deferred project costs Project assets primarily consist of costs relating to solar power projects in various stages of development that are capitalized prior to entering into a definitive sales agreement for the projects, including projects that have begun commercial operation under PPAs and are actively marketed and intended to be sold. These project related costs include costs for land, development, and construction of a PV solar power system. Development costs may include legal, consulting, permitting, interconnection, and other similar costs. Once we enter into a definitive sales agreement, we reclassify project assets to deferred project costs on our condensed consolidated balance sheet until the sale is completed and we have met all of the criteria to recognize the sale as revenue, which is typically subject to real estate revenue recognition requirements. We expense project assets and deferred project costs to cost of sales after each respective project is sold to a customer and all revenue recognition criteria have been met (matching the expensing of costs to the underlying revenue recognition method). We classify project assets as noncurrent due to the nature of solar power projects (long-lived assets) and the time required to complete all activities to develop, construct, and sell projects, which is typically longer than 12 months. Deferred project costs represent (i) costs that we capitalize as project assets for arrangements that we account for as real estate transactions after we have entered into a definitive sales arrangement, but before the sale is completed or before we have met all criteria to recognize the sale as revenue, (ii) recoverable pre-contract costs that we capitalize for arrangements accounted for as long-term construction contracts prior to entering into a definitive sales agreement, or (iii) costs that we capitalize for arrangements accounted for as long-term construction contracts after we have signed a definitive sales agreement, but before all revenue recognition criteria have been met. We classify deferred project costs as current if completion of the sale and the meeting of all revenue recognition criteria are expected within the next 12 months. If a project is completed and begins commercial operation prior to entering into or the closing of a sales arrangement, the completed project will remain in project assets or deferred project costs until the earliest of the closing of the sale of such project, our decision to hold such project, or one year from the project’s commercial operations date. Any income generated by a project while it remains within project assets or deferred project costs is accounted for as a reduction to our basis in the project, which at the time of sale and meeting all revenue recognition criteria will be recorded within cost of sales. Project assets and deferred project costs consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Project assets — land $ 23,213 $ 20,170 Project assets — development costs including project acquisition costs 535,710 359,203 Project assets — construction costs 499,918 408,402 Project assets 1,058,841 787,775 Deferred project costs — current 73,739 29,354 Deferred project costs — noncurrent 1,939 22,573 Deferred project costs 75,678 51,927 Total project assets and deferred project costs $ 1,134,519 $ 839,702 Other assets Other assets consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Notes receivable (1) $ 11,281 $ 12,096 Income taxes receivable 4,268 4,850 Deferred rent 23,556 23,823 Other 36,103 20,901 Other assets $ 75,208 $ 61,670 (1) On April 8, 2009 , we entered into a credit facility agreement with a solar power project entity of one of our customers for an available amount of €17.5 million to provide financing for a PV solar power system. The credit facility replaced a bridge loan that we had made to this entity. The credit facility bears interest at 8.0% per annum payable quarterly with the full amount due on December 31, 2026. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the balance on the credit facility was €7.0 million ( $7.8 million and $8.5 million , respectively, at the balance sheet dates). On February 7, 2014 , we entered into a convertible loan agreement with a strategic entity for an available amount of up to $5.0 million . The loan bears interest at 8.0% per annum. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the balance outstanding on the convertible loan was $3.5 million . Goodwill Goodwill, summarized by relevant reporting unit, consisted of the following as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): December 31, Acquisitions June 30, 2015 CdTe components $ 403,420 $ — $ 403,420 Crystalline silicon components 6,097 — 6,097 Systems 68,833 — 68,833 Accumulated impairment losses (393,365 ) — (393,365 ) Total $ 84,985 $ — $ 84,985 Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of acquired businesses over the estimated fair value assigned to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed. We do not amortize goodwill, but instead are required to test goodwill for impairment at least annually. If necessary, we would record any impairment in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other. We perform impairment tests between scheduled annual tests in the fourth quarter if facts and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit that has goodwill is less than its carrying value. Other intangibles, net Other intangibles, net consisted of intangible assets acquired as part of our GE and TetraSun acquisitions and our internally-generated intangible assets, substantially all of which were patents on technologies related to our products and production processes. We record an asset for patents, after the patent has been issued, based on the legal, filing, and other costs incurred to secure them. We amortize intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives once the intangible assets meet the criteria to be amortized. At June 30, 2015 , $39.1 million of the $120.3 million of intangible assets, gross consisted of in-process research and development from the TetraSun acquisition. These assets will be amortized over their estimated useful lives upon successful completion of the project or expensed earlier if impaired. During the six months ended June 30, 2015 , $73.7 million of in-process research and development from the GE acquisition was reclassified to development technology and began amortizing over its useful life of 10 years . The following tables summarize our intangible assets at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, 2015 Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Amount Patents $ 5,747 $ (1,621 ) $ 4,126 Developed technology 75,495 (3,267 ) 72,228 In-process research and development 39,100 — 39,100 Total $ 120,342 $ (4,888 ) $ 115,454 December 31, 2014 Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Amount Patents 5,347 $ (1,208 ) $ 4,139 Developed technology 2,757 (460 ) 2,297 In-process research and development 112,800 — 112,800 Total $ 120,904 $ (1,668 ) $ 119,236 Amortization expense for our intangible assets was $2.2 million and $3.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively, and $0.2 million and $0.5 million for the three and six months ended and June 30, 2014 , respectively. Accrued expenses Accrued expenses consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Accrued compensation and benefits $ 37,559 $ 43,072 Accrued property, plant and equipment 15,436 30,723 Accrued inventory 63,333 36,233 Accrued project assets and deferred project costs 109,811 113,012 Product warranty liability (1) 50,973 69,656 Accrued expenses in excess of normal product warranty liability and related expenses (1) 6,706 7,800 Other 83,536 87,660 Accrued expenses $ 367,354 $ 388,156 (1) See Note 12. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of “Product warranty liability” and “Accrued expenses in excess of normal product warranty liability and related expenses.” Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings was $168.6 million and $195.3 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, and represented billings made or payments received in excess of revenue recognized on contracts accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method. Typically, billings are made based on the completion of certain construction milestones as provided for in the sales arrangement, and the timing of revenue recognition may be different from when we can bill or collect from a customer. Payments and billings for deferred project costs Payments and billings for deferred project costs was zero and $60.6 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, and represented customer payments received or customer billings made under the terms of solar power project related sales contracts for which all revenue recognition criteria for real estate transactions have not yet been met. The associated solar power project related costs are included as deferred project costs. We classify such amounts as current or noncurrent depending on when all revenue recognition criteria are expected to be met, consistent with the classification of the associated deferred project costs. Other current liabilities Other current liabilities consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Deferred revenue $ 20,374 $ 21,879 Derivative instruments 8,527 7,657 Contingent consideration (1) 10,204 36,817 Financing liability (2) 5,299 — Other 13,813 22,349 Other current liabilities $ 58,217 $ 88,702 (1) See Note 12. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion. (2) See Note 9. “Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates and Joint Ventures” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the financing liabilities associated with our leaseback of the Maryland Solar project. Other liabilities Other liabilities consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Product warranty liability (1) $ 171,331 $ 153,401 Other taxes payable 34,425 46,555 Contingent consideration (1) 17,194 17,077 Liability in excess of normal product warranty liability and related expenses (1) 19,907 23,139 Financing liability (2) 37,514 — Other 69,098 44,374 Other liabilities $ 349,469 $ 284,546 (1) See Note 12. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion on “Product warranty liability,” “Contingent consideration,” and “Liability in excess of normal product warranty liability and related expenses.” (2) See Note 9. “Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates and Joint Ventures” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the financing liabilities associated with our leaseback of the Maryland Solar project.

7. Derivative Financial Instrum

7. Derivative Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	7. Derivative Financial Instruments As a global company, we are exposed in the normal course of business to interest rate and foreign currency risks that could affect our consolidated net assets, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. We use derivative instruments to hedge against these risks and only hold such instruments for hedging purposes, not for speculative or trading purposes. Depending on the terms of the specific derivative instruments and market conditions, some of our derivative instruments may be assets and others liabilities at any particular balance sheet date. We report all of our derivative instruments at fair value and account for changes in the fair value of derivative instruments within “ Accumulated other comprehensive income ” if the derivative instruments qualify for hedge accounting. For those derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting (“economic hedges”), we record the changes in fair value directly to earnings. See Note 8. “Fair Value Measurements” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for information about the techniques we use to measure the fair value of our derivative instruments. The following tables present the fair values of derivative instruments included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, 2015 Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Other Current Liabilities Other Liabilities Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange forward contracts $ — $ 59 $ — Cross-currency swap contract — 4,604 11,521 Interest rate swap contract — 78 — Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $ — $ 4,741 $ 11,521 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 6,721 $ 3,786 $ — Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $ 6,721 $ 3,786 $ — Total derivative instruments $ 6,721 $ 8,527 $ 11,521 December 31, 2014 Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Other Current Liabilities Other Liabilities Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 1,213 $ — $ — Cross-currency swap contract — 2,996 8,995 Interest rate swap contract — 164 46 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $ 1,213 $ 3,160 $ 9,041 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 8,578 $ 4,497 $ — Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $ 8,578 $ 4,497 $ — Total derivative instruments $ 9,791 $ 7,657 $ 9,041 The impact of offsetting balances associated with derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments is shown below (in thousands): June 30, 2015 Gross Amounts Not Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross Asset (Liability) Gross Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheet Net Amount Recognized in Financial Statements Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Pledged Net Amount Foreign exchange forward contracts $ (59 ) — (59 ) — — $ (59 ) Cross-currency swap contract $ (16,125 ) — (16,125 ) — — $ (16,125 ) Interest rate swap contract $ (78 ) — (78 ) — — $ (78 ) December 31, 2014 Gross Amounts Not Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross Asset (Liability) Gross Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheet Net Amount Recognized in Financial Statements Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Pledged Net Amount Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 1,213 — 1,213 — — $ 1,213 Cross-currency swap contract $ (11,991 ) — (11,991 ) — — $ (11,991 ) Interest rate swap contract $ (210 ) — (210 ) — — $ (210 ) The following tables present the effective amounts related to derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges affecting accumulated other comprehensive income and our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts Interest Rate Swap Contract Cross Currency Swap Contract Total Balance in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2014 $ 6,621 $ (210 ) $ (3,399 ) $ 3,012 Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) 973 23 (4,268 ) (3,272 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings impacting: Net sales (352 ) — — (352 ) Cost of sales (4,599 ) — — (4,599 ) Foreign currency (loss) gain, net — — 4,766 4,766 Interest expense, net — 109 134 243 Balance in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at June 30, 2015 $ 2,643 $ (78 ) $ (2,767 ) $ (202 ) Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts Interest Rate Swap Contract Cross Currency Swap Contract Total Balance in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2013 $ 4,351 $ (703 ) $ (5,820 ) $ (2,172 ) Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) (7,193 ) (26 ) 3,625 (3,594 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings impacting: Foreign currency (loss) gain, net — — (2,748 ) (2,748 ) Interest expense, net — 288 160 448 Balance in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at June 30, 2014 $ (2,842 ) $ (441 ) $ (4,783 ) $ (8,066 ) We recorded no amounts related to ineffective portions of our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 . We recognized unrealized gains of $0.2 million and $0.5 million related to amounts excluded from effectiveness testing for our foreign exchange forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges within “ Other expense, net ” during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively. We recognized unrealized gains of $0.2 million and $0.1 million related to amounts excluded from effectiveness testing for our foreign exchange forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges within “ Other expense, net ” during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 , respectively. The following table presents amounts related to derivative instruments not designated as hedges affecting our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income 2015 2014 2015 2014 Foreign exchange forward contracts Foreign currency (loss) gain, net $ 333 $ (2,371 ) $ (7,984 ) $ (3,040 ) Foreign exchange forward contracts Cost of sales $ (4,553 ) $ 840 $ 9,963 $ 1,343 Interest Rate Risk We use cross-currency swap and interest rate swap contracts to mitigate our exposure to interest rate fluctuations associated with certain of our debt instruments. We do not use such swap contracts for speculative or trading purposes. On September 30, 2011, we entered into a cross-currency swap contract to hedge the floating rate foreign currency denominated loan under our Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement. This swap had an initial notional value of Malaysian Ringgit (“MYR”) MYR 465.0 million and entitled us to receive a three-month floating Kuala Lumpur Interbank Offered Rate (“KLIBOR”) interest rate while requiring us to pay a U.S. dollar fixed rate of 3.495% . Additionally, this swap hedges the foreign currency risk of the Malaysian Ringgit denominated principal and interest payments as we make swap payments in U.S. dollars and receive swap payments in Malaysian Ringgits at a fixed exchange rate of 3.19 MYR to USD. The notional amount of the swap is scheduled to decline in line with our scheduled principal payments on the underlying hedged debt. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the notional value of this cross-currency swap contract was MYR 271.3 million ( $71.7 million ) and MYR 310.1 million ( $88.6 million ), respectively. This swap is a derivative instrument that qualifies for accounting as a cash flow hedge in accordance with ASC 815, and we designated it as such. We determined that this swap was highly effective as a cash flow hedge at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , there were no amounts of ineffectiveness from this cash flow hedge. On May 29, 2009, we entered into an interest rate swap contract to hedge a portion of the floating rate loans under our Malaysian Credit Facility, which became effective on September 30, 2009 with an initial notional value of €57.3 million and pursuant to which we are entitled to receive a six-month floating Euro Interbank Offered Rate (“EURIBOR”) interest rate while being required to pay a fixed rate of 2.80% . The notional amount of the interest rate swap contract is scheduled to decline in line with our scheduled principal payments on the underlying hedged debt. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the notional value of this interest rate swap contract was €5.7 million ( $6.3 million ) and €10.3 million ( $12.5 million ), respectively. This derivative instrument qualifies for accounting as a cash flow hedge in accordance with ASC 815, and we designated it as such. We determined that our interest rate swap contract was highly effective as a cash flow hedge at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , there were no amounts of ineffectiveness from this cash flow hedge. In the following 12 months, we expect to reclassify to earnings $4.7 million of net unrealized losses related to swap contracts that are included in “ Accumulated other comprehensive income ” at June 30, 2015 as we realize the earnings effect of the underlying loans. The amount we ultimately record to earnings will depend on the actual interest rates and foreign exchange rates when we realize the earnings effect of the underlying loans. Foreign Currency Exchange Risk Cash Flow Exposure We expect many of our subsidiaries to have material future cash flows that will be denominated in currencies other than the subsidiaries’ functional currencies. Our primary cash flow exposures are net sales and expenses. Changes in the exchange rates between the functional currencies of our subsidiaries and the other currencies in which they transact will cause fluctuations in the cash flows we expect to receive or pay when these cash flows are realized or settled. Accordingly, we enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge a portion of these forecasted cash flows. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , these foreign exchange forward contracts hedged our forecasted cash flows for 1 month and 6 months , respectively. These foreign exchange forward contracts qualify for accounting as cash flow hedges in accordance with ASC 815, and we designated them as such. We initially report the effective portion of a derivative ’ s unrealized gain or loss in “ Accumulated other comprehensive income ” and subsequently reclassify amounts into earnings when the hedged transaction occurs and impacts earnings. We determined that these derivative financial instruments were highly effective as cash flow hedges at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , we did not discontinue any cash flow hedges because a hedging relationship was no longer highly effective. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , we purchased foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge the exchange risk on forecasted cash flows denominated in Australian dollars and Japanese yen. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the notional values associated with our foreign exchange forward contracts qualifying as cash flow hedges were as follows (notional amounts and U.S. dollar equivalents in millions): June 30, 2015 Currency Notional Amount USD Equivalent Japanese yen JPY 961.9 $7.8 December 31, 2014 Currency Notional Amount USD Equivalent Australian dollar AUD 38.4 $31.5 Japanese yen JPY 1,223.2 $10.3 As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the unrealized gains on these contracts were $2.6 million and $6.6 million , respectively. In the following 12 months, we expect to reclassify to earnings $2.6 million of net unrealized gains related to these forward contracts that are included in “ Accumulated other comprehensive income ” at June 30, 2015 as we realize the earnings effect of the related forecasted transactions. The amount we ultimately record to earnings will depend on the actual exchange rates when we realize the related forecasted transactions. Transaction Exposure and Economic Hedging Many of our subsidiaries have assets and liabilities (primarily receivables, marketable securities, accounts payable, debt, and solar module collection and recycling liabilities) that are denominated in currencies other than the subsidiaries’ functional currencies. Changes in the exchange rates between the functional currencies of our subsidiaries and the other currencies in which these assets and liabilities are denominated will create fluctuations in our reported condensed consolidated statements of operations and cash flows. We may enter into foreign exchange forward contracts or other financial instruments to economically hedge assets and liabilities against the effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations. The gains and losses on the foreign exchange forward contracts will economically offset all or part of the transaction gains and losses that we recognize in earnings on the related foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities. We purchase foreign exchange forward contracts to economically hedge balance sheet and other exposures related to transactions with third parties. Such contracts are considered economic hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting. We recognize gains or losses from the fluctuation in foreign exchange rates and the fair value of these derivative contracts in “ Net sales ,” “ Cost of sales ,” and “ Foreign currency (loss) gain, net ” on our condensed consolidated statements of operations, depending on where the gain or loss from the economically hedged item is classified. As of June 30, 2015 , the total net unrealized gain on our economic hedge foreign exchange forward contracts was $2.9 million . As of December 31, 2014 , the total net unrealized gain on our economic hedge foreign exchange forward contracts was $4.1 million . As these amounts do not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in the fair value of such derivative instruments are recorded directly to earnings. These contracts have maturities of less than three months . As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the notional values of our foreign exchange forward contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting were as follows (notional amounts and U.S. dollar equivalents in millions): June 30, 2015 Transaction Currency Notional Amount USD Equivalent Purchase Euro €69.5 $77.3 Sell Euro €148.1 $164.6 Sell Australian dollar AUD 72.4 $55.4 Purchase Malaysian ringgit MYR 155.7 $41.1 Sell Malaysian ringgit MYR 229.7 $60.7 Sell Canadian dollar CAD 7.1 $5.7 Purchase Japanese yen JPY 737.2 $6.0 Sell Japanese yen JPY 2,746.1 $22.3 Sell British pound GBP 30.3 $47.6 Purchase Chinese yuan CNY 64.6 $10.4 Purchase Indian rupee INR 929.5 $14.6 Sell Indian rupee INR 3,450.0 $54.0 Purchase Turkish lira TRY 2.7 $1.0 Sell Chilean peso CLP 6,610.0 $10.3 December 31, 2014 Transaction Currency Notional Amount USD Equivalent Purchase Euro €91.1 $110.9 Sell Euro €92.4 $112.5 Purchase Australian dollar AUD 26.0 $21.3 Sell Australian dollar AUD 118.0 $96.7 Purchase Malaysian ringgit MYR 146.0 $41.7 Sell Malaysian ringgit MYR 93.6 $26.7 Purchase Canadian dollar CAD 0.7 $0.6 Sell Canadian dollar CAD 8.3 $7.1 Purchase Japanese yen JPY 244.6 $2.1 Sell Japanese yen JPY 2,322.1 $19.5 Purchase British pound GBP 1.4 $2.2 Sell British pound GBP 37.7 $58.6

8. Fair Value Measurements

8. Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements Disclosure	8. Fair Value Measurements The following is a description of the valuation techniques that we use to measure the fair value of assets and liabilities that we measure and report at fair value on a recurring basis: • Cash equivalents. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , our cash equivalents consisted of money market funds. We value our money market cash equivalents using observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for securities with identical characteristics, and accordingly, we classify the valuation techniques that use these inputs as Level 1. • Marketable securities and restricted investments. At June 30, 2015 , our marketable securities consisted of foreign debt and time deposits, and our restricted investments consisted of foreign and U.S. government obligations. At December 31, 2014 , our marketable securities consisted of foreign debt, time deposits, U.S. debt and U.S. government obligations, and our restricted investments consisted of foreign and U.S. government obligations. We value our marketable securities and restricted investments using observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for securities with identical characteristics or quoted prices for securities with similar characteristics and other observable inputs (such as interest rates that are observable at commonly quoted intervals). Accordingly, we classify the valuation techniques that use these inputs as either Level 1 or Level 2 depending on the inputs used. We also consider the effect of our counterparties’ credit standings in these fair value measurements. • Derivative assets and liabilities . At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , our derivative assets and liabilities consisted of foreign exchange forward contracts involving major currencies, an interest rate swap contract involving a benchmark of interest rates, and a cross-currency swap contract including both. Since our derivative assets and liabilities are not traded on an exchange, we value them using standard industry valuation models. Where applicable, these models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to a present value using market-based observable inputs including interest rate curves, credit risk, foreign exchange rates, and forward and spot prices for currencies. These inputs are observable in active markets over the contract term of the derivative instruments we hold, and accordingly, we classify these valuation techniques as Level 2. We consider the effect of our counterparties’ and our own credit standing in the fair value measurements of our derivative assets and liabilities, respectively. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the fair value measurements of our assets and liabilities that we measure on a recurring basis were as follows (in thousands): June 30, 2015 Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Total Fair Value and Carrying Value on Our Balance Sheet Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Cash equivalents: Money market funds $ 3,142 $ 3,142 $ — $ — Marketable securities: Foreign debt 660,017 — 660,017 — Time deposits 40,000 40,000 — — Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash) 315,788 — 315,788 — Derivative assets 6,721 — 6,721 — Total assets $ 1,025,668 $ 43,142 $ 982,526 $ — Liabilities: Derivative liabilities $ 20,048 $ — $ 20,048 $ — December 31, 2014 Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Total Fair Value and Carrying Value on Our Balance Sheet Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Cash equivalents: Money market funds $ 1,602 $ 1,602 $ — $ — Marketable securities: Foreign debt 462,731 — 462,731 — Time deposits 40,000 40,000 — — U.S. debt 2,800 — 2,800 — U.S. government obligations 3,501 — 3,501 — Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash) 357,235 — 357,235 — Derivative assets 9,791 — 9,791 — Total assets $ 877,660 $ 41,602 $ 836,058 $ — Liabilities: Derivative liabilities $ 16,698 $ — $ 16,698 $ — Fair Value of Financial Instruments The carrying values and fair values of our financial and derivative instruments at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands): June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Assets: Marketable securities $ 700,017 $ 700,017 $ 509,032 $ 509,032 Foreign exchange forward contract assets $ 6,721 $ 6,721 $ 9,791 $ 9,791 Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash) $ 315,788 $ 315,788 $ 357,235 $ 357,235 Notes receivable — noncurrent $ 11,281 $ 11,386 $ 12,096 $ 12,189 Note receivable, affiliate — noncurrent $ 9,852 $ 9,867 $ 9,127 $ 9,812 Liabilities: Long-term debt, including current maturities $ 298,373 $ 305,365 $ 211,915 $ 224,489 Interest rate swap contract liabilities $ 78 $ 78 $ 210 $ 210 Cross-currency swap contract liabilities $ 16,125 $ 16,125 $ 11,991 $ 11,991 Foreign exchange forward contract liabilities $ 3,845 $ 3,845 $ 4,497 $ 4,497 The carrying values on our condensed consolidated balance sheets of our cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, unbilled accounts receivable and retainage, current affiliate notes receivable, other assets, restricted cash, accounts payable, income taxes payable, and accrued expenses approximated their fair values due to their nature and relatively short maturities; therefore, we exclude them from the foregoing table. We estimated the fair value of our long-term debt and notes receivable using a discounted cash flows approach (an income approach) using market based observable inputs. We incorporated the credit risk of our counterparty for all asset fair value measurements and our own credit risk for all liability fair value measurements. Such fair value measurements are considered Level 2 under the fair value hierarchy. Credit Risk We have certain financial and derivative instruments that subject us to credit risk. These consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities, restricted cash and investments, trade accounts receivable, notes receivable, interest rate swap and cross-currency swap contracts, and foreign exchange forward contracts. We are exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to our financial and derivative instruments. We place cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities, restricted cash and investments, interest rate swap and cross-currency swap contracts, and foreign exchange forward contracts with various high-quality financial institutions and limit the amount of credit risk from any one counterparty. We continuously evaluate the credit standing of our counterparty financial institutions. Our net sales are primarily concentrated among a limited number of customers. We monitor the financial condition of our customers and perform credit evaluations whenever considered necessary. Depending upon the sales arrangement, we may require some form of payment security from our customers, including bank guarantees or commercial letters of credit.

9. Investments in Unconsolidate

9. Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates and Joint Ventures (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Cost and Equity Method Investments Disclosure [Text Block]	9. Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates and Joint Ventures We have joint ventures or other strategic arrangements with partners in several markets, which are generally used to expedite our penetration of those markets and establish relationships with potential customers and policymakers. We also enter into joint ventures or strategic arrangements with customers or other entities to maximize the value of particular projects. Some of these arrangements involve and are expected in the future to involve significant investments or other allocations of capital. Investments in unconsolidated entities for which we have significant influence, but not control, over the entities’ operating and financial activities are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Investments in entities for which we do not have the ability to exert such significant influence are accounted for under the cost method of accounting. The following table summarizes our equity and cost method investments as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Equity method investments $ 144,248 $ 249,614 Cost method investments 9,260 5,415 Investments in unconsolidated affiliates and joint ventures $ 153,508 $ 255,029 8point3 Energy Partners LP In June 2015, 8point3 Energy Partners LP (the “Partnership”), a limited partnership formed by First Solar and SunPower Corporation (the “Sponsors”), completed its initial public offering (the “IPO”) of 20,000,000 Class A shares representing limited partner interests in the Partnership at $21.00 per share pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended. As part of the IPO, the Sponsors contributed various projects to 8point3 Operating Company, LLC (“OpCo”) in exchange for voting and economic interests in the entity, and the Partnership acquired an economic interest in OpCo using proceeds from the IPO. Our contributions to OpCo included our 49% membership interests in SG2 Holdings, LLC, Lost Hills Blackwell Holdings, LLC, and NS Solar Holdings, LLC as well as our 100% membership interest in Maryland Solar LLC. After the closing of the IPO, we owned an aggregate of 22,116,925 Class B shares representing a 31% voting interest in the Partnership, and an aggregate of 6,721,810 common units and 15,395,115 subordinated units in OpCo together representing a 31% economic and voting interest in the entity. We also received a distribution from OpCo of $283.7 million following the IPO. Future quarterly distributions from OpCo are subject to certain forbearance and subordination periods. During the forbearance period, the Sponsors have agreed to forego any distributions declared on their common and subordinated units. The forbearance period will end on or after March 1, 2016 when the board of directors of the Partnership’s general partner, 8point3 General Partner, LLC (“General Partner”), with the concurrence of its conflicts committee, determines that OpCo will be able to earn and pay at least the minimum quarterly distribution on each of its outstanding common and subordinated units for such quarter and the successive quarter. During the subordination period, holders of the subordinated units are not entitled to receive any distributions until the common units have received their minimum quarterly distribution plus any arrearages in the payment of minimum distributions from prior quarters. The subordination period will end after OpCo has earned and paid minimum quarterly distributions for three years ending on or after August 31, 2018 and there are no outstanding arrearages on common units. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the subordination period could end after OpCo has earned and paid 150% of minimum quarterly distributions, plus the related distribution on the incentive distribution rights, for one year ending on or after August 31, 2016 and there are no outstanding arrearages on common units. At the end of the subordination period, all subordinated units will convert to common units on a one-for-one basis. We also hold certain incentive distribution rights in OpCo, which represent a right to incremental distributions after certain distribution thresholds are met. The Partnership is managed and controlled by its General Partner, and we account for our interest in OpCo, a subsidiary of the Partnership, under the equity method of accounting as we were able to exercise significant influence over the Partnership due to our representation on the board of directors of its General Partner. The Partnership owns, operates, and is expected to acquire additional solar energy generation projects from the Sponsors. The Partnership’s initial project portfolio includes interests in more than 0.4 GW of various solar energy generation projects, and the Partnership also has rights of first offer on interests in over 1.1 GW of additional solar energy generation projects that are currently contracted or are expected to be contracted prior to being sold by the Sponsors. As of June 30, 2015 the carrying value of our investment in OpCo was $116.4 million . In connection with the IPO, we entered into an agreement with a subsidiary of the Partnership to lease back the Maryland Solar project until December 31, 2019. Under the terms of the agreement, we will make fixed rent payments to the Partnership’s subsidiary and be entitled to all the energy generated by the project. Due to our continuing involvement with the project, we account for the leaseback agreement as a financing transaction. As of June 30, 2015 , our financing obligation associated with the leaseback was $42.8 million , of which $5.3 million and $37.5 million , respectively, was classified as “Other current liabilities” and “Other liabilities” in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. We have also entered into a Management Services Agreement with the Partnership whereby we will provide certain corporate support services for an annual management fee of $0.6 million , which is consistent with the prevailing market rates for such services. These services include functions such as general oversight and supervision of the preparation and filing of income taxes, information technology, internal audit and compliance services, and other management functions. Between December 1, 2015 and November 30, 2016, we have the one-time right to increase the management fee by an amount not to exceed 15% in the event that our costs exceed the amount of the management fee. Additionally, we entered into various Asset Management Agreements with project entities of the Partnership. Under each agreement, we will provide administrative services to the project entities for an annual fee of $0.3 million , which increases by 2% per year thereafter. These asset management fees are also consistent with the prevailing market rates for such services. In June 2015, the Partnership entered into a $525.0 million senior secured credit facility, consisting of a $300.0 million term loan facility, a $25.0 million delayed draw term loan facility, and a $200.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Partnership Credit Facility”). Proceeds from the term loan were used to make initial distributions to the Sponsors. The Partnership Credit Facility is secured by a pledge of the Sponsors’ equity interests in the Partnership. SG2 Holdings, LLC In November 2014, we completed the sale of 51% of our 150 MW Solar Gen 2 project to Southern Power Company. The Solar Gen 2 project spans three sites, each of which is an approximately 50 MW grid-connected PV solar power system, comprising a combined 1,451 acres of land in Imperial County, California. Electricity generated by the systems is contracted to serve a 25 -year PPA with a local utility company. Our remaining 49% membership interest in the project holding company, SG2 Holdings, LLC, was accounted for under the equity method of accounting as we were able to exercise significant influence over the project due to our representation on its management committee. Under the terms of the project LLC agreement, each member is entitled to receive cash distributions based on their respective membership interests, and Southern Power Company is entitled to substantially all of the project’s federal tax benefits. In June 2015, our 49% interest in SG2 Holdings, LLC with a carrying value of $224.5 million was contributed to OpCo. Prior to the contribution, we recognized equity in earnings, net of tax, from our investment in SG2 Holdings, LLC of $1.7 million and $2.1 million , respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 . As of December 31, 2014 , the carrying value of our investment was $219.9 million . Lost Hills Blackwell Holdings, LLC In April 2015, we sold 51% of our 32 MW Lost Hills Blackwell project to a subsidiary of Southern Power Company for net revenue of $71.5 million and accounted for the transaction as a partial sale of real estate pursuant to ASC 360. Electricity generated by the system is contracted to serve a short-term PPA with a local municipality and a 25 -year PPA with a local utility company. Our remaining 49% membership interest in the project holding company, Lost Hills Blackwell Holdings, LLC, was accounted for under the equity method of accounting as we were able to exercise significant influence over the project due to our representation on its management committee. Under the terms of the project LLC agreement, each member is entitled to receive cash distributions based on their respective membership interests, and Southern Power Company is entitled to substantially all of the project’s federal tax benefits. In June 2015, our 49% interest in Lost Hills Blackwell Holdings, LLC with a carrying value of $34.1 million was contributed to OpCo. Prior to the contribution, we recognized equity in earnings, net of tax, from our investment in Lost Hills Blackwell Holdings, LLC of $0.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 . NS Solar Holdings, LLC In April 2015, we completed the sale of 51% of our 60 MW North Star Solar project to a subsidiary of Southern Power Company for net revenue of $196.9 million and accounted for the transaction as a partial sale of real estate pursuant to ASC 360. Electricity generated by the system is contracted to serve a 20 -year PPA with a local utility company. Our remaining 49% membership interest in the project holding company, NS Solar Holdings, LLC, was accounted for under the equity method of accounting as we were able to exercise significant influence over the project due to our representation on its management committee. Under the terms of the project LLC agreement, each member is entitled to receive cash distributions based on their respective membership interests, and Southern Power Company is entitled to substantially all of the project’s federal tax benefits. In June 2015, our 49% interest in NS Solar Holdings, LLC with a carrying value of $93.6 million was contributed to OpCo. Prior to the contribution, we recognized a loss, net of tax, from our investment in NS Solar Holdings, LLC of less than $0.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 . Clean Energy Collective, LLC In November 2014, we entered into various agreements to purchase a 28% ownership interest in Clean Energy Collective, LLC (“CEC”). This investment represented our latest entry into the distributed generation market and provided us with a partner to develop and market community solar offerings to North American residential customers and businesses directly on behalf of client utility companies. As part of the investment, we also received a warrant, valued at $1.8 million , to purchase additional ownership interests at prices at or above our initial investment price per unit. In addition to our equity investment in CEC, we also entered into a loan agreement to provide CEC with term loan advances up to $15.0 million . All loans are due in November 2017 on the third anniversary of the initial loan agreement. Interest is payable semiannually and may be capitalized to the outstanding principal balance of the loans at CEC’s election. The loans bear interest at rates ranging from 7% to 16% depending on CEC’s current capital structure. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the balance outstanding on the loans was $9.9 million and $9.1 million , respectively. CEC is considered a variable interest entity, and our ownership interest in and loans to the company are considered variable interests. We account for our investment in CEC under the equity method of accounting as we concluded we are not the primary beneficiary of the company given that we do not have the power to make decisions over the activities that most significantly impact the company’s economic performance. Under the equity method of accounting, we recognize equity in earnings for our proportionate share of CEC’s net income or loss including adjustments for the amortization of a basis difference resulting from the cost of our investment differing from our proportionate share of CEC’s equity. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , we recognized a loss, net of tax, of $0.2 million and $1.0 million , respectively, from our investment in CEC. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the carrying value of our investment was $17.9 million and $19.5 million , respectively. Joint Venture with Customer In September 2013, we contributed an immaterial amount for a 50% ownership interest in a newly formed joint venture, which was established to develop solar power projects in Europe, North Africa, the United States, and the Middle East. One of our customers also contributed an immaterial amount for the remaining 50% ownership interest in the joint venture. The project development and related activities of the entity are governed by a joint venture agreement. The intent of this agreement is to outline the general parameters of the arrangement with our customer, whereby we will supply solar modules for various solar power projects and our customer will develop and construct the projects. The joint venture agreement also requires each party to consent to all decisions made for the most significant activities of the entity. There are no requirements for us to make further contributions to the joint venture, and the proceeds from the sale of any future projects are to be divided equally between us and our customer after the repayment of any project financing and project development related costs. In 2014, we subsequently entered into various loan agreements with solar power project entities of the joint venture pursuant to which the project entities may borrow funds for the construction of PV solar power systems in the United Kingdom. The loans bear interest at 8% per annum and are payable at the earlier of the sale of the associated project entities or maturity on September 30, 2015. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the balance outstanding on the loans was £27.6 million ( $43.3 million ) and £8.0 million ( $12.5 million ), respectively. The joint venture is considered a variable interest entity, and our ownership interest in and loans to the project entities of the joint venture are considered variable interests. We account for our investment in the joint venture under the equity method of accounting as we concluded we are not the primary beneficiary of the joint venture given that we currently share the power to make the decisions that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. The variable interest model may require a reconsideration as to whether we are the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity due to changes in facts and circumstances. A failure of a project entity to repay its loan agreements by September 30, 2015 would be an event of default that triggers our ability to take over key decisions that would significantly impact the defaulting project entity’s economic performance. Our specific rights in the event of default would include (i) a unilateral right to terminate the EPC contractor, (ii) a unilateral right to negotiate the sale of the project, and (iii) an ability to enforce our rights over all of the project entity’s shares, which have been pledged as a form of security. Such a development would be a reconsideration event that could result in us concluding that we are the primary beneficiary of the defaulting project entity.

10. Percentage-of-Completion Ch

10. Percentage-of-Completion Changes in Estimates (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Changes in Estimates for Systems Business [Abstract]
Changes in project estimates	10. Percentage-of-Completion Changes in Estimates We recognize revenue for certain systems business sales arrangements under the percentage-of-completion method. The percentage-of-completion method of revenue recognition requires us to make estimates of contract revenues and project costs. In making such estimates, management judgments are required to evaluate significant assumptions including the amount of net contract revenues, the cost of materials and labor, expected labor productivity, the impact of potential variances in schedule completion, and the impact of any penalties, claims, change orders, or performance incentives. If estimated total costs on any contract are greater than the contract revenues, we recognize the entire estimated loss in the period the loss becomes known. The cumulative effect of the revisions to estimates related to contract revenues and costs to complete contracts are recorded in the period in which the revisions to estimates are identified and the loss can be reasonably estimated. Changes in estimates for systems business sales arrangements accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method occur for a variety of reasons including but not limited to (i) changes in estimates to reflect actual costs, (ii) construction plan accelerations or delays, (iii) module cost forecast changes, and (iv) other cost related change orders. Changes in estimates could have a material effect on our condensed consolidated statements of operations. The table below outlines the impact on gross profit of the aggregate net changes in systems business contract estimates (both increases and decreases) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 as well as the number of projects that comprise such aggregate net changes in estimates. For purposes of the following table, we only include projects that have a net impact on gross profit from changes in estimates of at least $1.0 million during the periods presented. Also included in the table is the net change in estimates as a percentage of the aggregate gross profit for such projects for each period. Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Number of projects 7 8 6 10 Increases (decreases) in gross profit resulting from net changes in estimates (in thousands) $ 20,209 $ 4,502 $ 37,603 $ (3,484 ) Net change in estimates as a percentage of aggregate gross profit for associated projects 1.6 % 0.4 % 4.1 % (0.1 )%

11. Debt

11. Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Debt	11. Debt Our long-term debt consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): Balance (USD) Loan Agreement Maturity Loan Denomination June 30, December 31, Revolving credit facility July 2018 USD $ — $ — Project construction credit facilities Various Various 198,441 75,418 Malaysian ringgit facility agreement September 2018 MYR 71,698 88,606 Malaysian euro facility agreement April 2018 EUR 26,702 34,112 Malaysian facility agreement March 2016 EUR 12,948 25,818 Capital lease obligations Various Various 1,312 1,558 Long-term debt principal 311,101 225,512 Less unamortized discount and issuance costs (11,416 ) (12,039 ) Total long-term debt 299,685 213,473 Less current portion (41,898 ) (51,399 ) Noncurrent portion $ 257,787 $ 162,074 Revolving Credit Facility Our amended and restated credit agreement with several financial institutions as lenders and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent provides us with a senior secured credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with an aggregate available amount of $700.0 million , with the right to request an increase up to $900.0 million , subject to certain conditions. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at (i) LIBOR (adjusted for Eurocurrency reserve requirements) plus a margin of 2.25% or (ii) a base rate as defined in the credit agreement plus a margin of 1.25%, depending on the type of borrowing requested by us. These margins are subject to adjustments depending on our consolidated leverage ratio. We had no borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility, as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . We had issued $224.9 million and $202.5 million of letters of credit using availability under our Revolving Credit Facility, leaving $475.1 million and $397.5 million of availability at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. The credit agreement contains financial covenants including: a leverage ratio covenant, a minimum EBITDA covenant, and a minimum liquidity covenant. Additionally, the credit agreement contains customary non-financial covenants and certain restrictions on our ability to pay dividends. We were in compliance with all covenants of the facility as of June 30, 2015 . In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the Revolving Credit Facility, we are required to pay a commitment fee at a rate of 0.375% per annum, based on the average daily unused commitments under the facility. The commitment fee may also be adjusted due to changes in our consolidated leverage ratio. We also pay a letter of credit fee based on the applicable margin for Eurocurrency revolving loans on the face amount of each letter of credit and a fronting fee of 0.125% . In June 2015, we entered into the fifth amendment (the “Amendment”) to the Revolving Credit Facility. The Amendment provided for, among other things, the conversion of the prior tranche B revolving commitments into tranche A revolving commitments, an increase in the aggregate commitment amount to $700.0 million , and a maturity date of July 15, 2018. The Amendment also contained changes to certain terms, restrictions, and covenants of the Revolving Credit Facility and provided us with the right to increase the commitments under the facility up to $900.0 million . Project Construction Credit Facilities On August 22, 2014 , Parque Solar Fotovoltaico Luz del Norte SpA (“Luz del Norte”), our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into credit facilities with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (“OPIC”) and the International Finance Corporation (“IFC”) to provide limited-recourse senior secured debt financing in an aggregate principal amount of up to $290.0 million for the design, development, financing, construction, testing, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of a 141 MW AC PV power plant located near Copiapó, Chile (the “Luz del Norte Credit Facilities”). Up to $230.0 million of the aggregate principal amount of the loans will be funded by OPIC. Of the OPIC commitment, $178.0 million is currently committed, while the remaining $52.0 million is subject to the occurrence of certain events, including the execution by Luz del Norte of a PPA. The currently committed OPIC commitment is comprised of fixed rate loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $133.3 million and variable rate loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $44.7 million . The fixed rate loans will mature on September 15, 2029 , and the variable rate loans will mature on September 15, 2032 . As of June 30, 2015 , the balance outstanding on the OPIC loans was $125.1 million . Up to $60.0 million of the aggregate principal amount of the loans will be funded by IFC, of which 100% is currently committed. The IFC commitment is comprised of fixed rate loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $44.9 million and variable rate loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $15.1 million . The fixed rate loans will mature on September 15, 2029 , and the variable rate loans will mature on September 15, 2032 . As of June 30, 2015 , the balance outstanding on the IFC loans was $42.2 million . The OPIC and IFC loans are secured by liens over all of Luz del Norte’s assets, which had an aggregate book value of $338.5 million as of June 30, 2015 and by a pledge of all of the equity interests in the entity. The financing agreements contain customary representations and warranties, covenants, and events of default for comparable credit facilities. We were in compliance with all covenants related to the Luz del Norte Credit Facilities as of June 30, 2015 . On August 22, 2014 , Luz del Norte also entered into a Chilean Peso facility (“VAT facility” and together with the Luz del Norte Credit Facilities, the “Project Construction Facilities”) equivalent to $65.0 million with Banco de Crédito e Inversiones to fund Chilean value added tax associated with the construction of the Luz del Norte project described above. In connection with the VAT facility, FSI provided a guaranty of substantially all payment obligations of Luz del Norte thereunder. As of June 30, 2015 , the balance outstanding under the VAT facility was $31.2 million . Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement FS Malaysia, our indirect wholly owned subsidiary, has entered into a credit facility agreement (“Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement”), among FSI as guarantor, CIMB Investment Bank Berhad, Maybank Investment Bank Berhad, and RHB Investment Bank Berhad as arrangers with CIMB Investment Bank Berhad also acting as facility agent and security agent, and the original lenders party thereto. The loans made to FS Malaysia are secured by, among other things, FS Malaysia’s leases over the leased lots on which our fifth and sixth manufacturing plants in Kulim, Malaysia (“Plants 5 and 6”) are located and all plant, machinery, and equipment purchased by FS Malaysia with the proceeds of the facility or otherwise installed in or utilized in Plants 5 and 6, to the extent not financed, or subject to a negative pledge under a separate financing facility related to Plants 5 and 6. In addition, FS Malaysia’s obligations under the Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement are guaranteed, on an unsecured basis, by FSI. As of June 30, 2015 , buildings, machinery, equipment, and land leases with an aggregate net book value of $257.0 million were pledged as collateral for this loan. The Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement contains negative covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of FS Malaysia to incur indebtedness, create liens, effect asset sales, engage in reorganizations, issue guarantees, and make loans. In addition, the agreement includes financial covenants relating to net total leverage ratio, interest coverage ratio, total debt to equity ratio, debt service coverage ratio, and tangible net worth. It also contains certain representations and warranties, affirmative covenants, and events of default provisions. We were in compliance with all covenants associated with the Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement as of June 30, 2015 . Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement FS Malaysia has also entered into a credit facility agreement (“Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement”) with Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft and Natixis Zweigniederlassung Deutschland as arrangers and original lenders, and Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft, Luxembourg Branch as facility agent and security agent. In connection with the Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement, FSI concurrently entered into a first demand guarantee agreement in favor of the lenders. Under this agreement, FS Malaysia’s obligations related to the credit facility are guaranteed, on an unsecured basis, by FSI. At the same time, FS Malaysia and FSI also entered into a subordination agreement, pursuant to which any payment claims of FSI against FS Malaysia are subordinated to the claims of the lenders. The Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement contains negative covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of FS Malaysia to grant liens over the equipment financed by the facilities, effect asset sales, provide guarantees, change its business, engage in mergers, consolidations, and restructurings, and enter into contracts with FSI and its subsidiaries. In addition, the agreement includes the following financial covenants: maximum total debt to equity ratio, maximum total leverage ratio, minimum interest coverage ratio, and minimum debt service coverage ratio. It also contains certain representations and warranties, affirmative covenants, and events of default provisions. We were in compliance with all covenants associated with the Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement as of June 30, 2015 . Malaysian Facility Agreement FS Malaysia has entered into an export financing facility agreement (“Malaysian Facility Agreement”) with a consortium of banks. FS Malaysia’s obligations related to the agreement are guaranteed, on an unsecured basis, by FSI. In connection with the Malaysian Facility Agreement, all of FS Malaysia’s obligations are secured by a first party, first legal charge over the machinery and equipment financed by the credit facilities, and any other documents, contracts, and agreements related to that machinery and equipment. Also in connection with the agreement, any payment claims of FSI against FS Malaysia are subordinated to the claims of the lenders. At June 30, 2015 , machinery and equipment with an aggregate net book value of $8.6 million was pledged as collateral for these loans. The Malaysian Facility Agreement contains negative covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of FS Malaysia to incur indebtedness, create liens, effect asset sales, engage in reorganizations, issue guarantees, and make loans. In addition, the Malaysian Facility Agreement includes financial covenants relating to net total leverage ratio, interest coverage ratio, total debt to equity ratio, debt service coverage ratio, and tangible net worth. The Malaysian Facility Agreement also contains certain representations and warranties, affirmative covenants, and events of default provisions. We were in compliance with all covenants associated with the Malaysian Facility Agreement as of June 30, 2015 . Variable Interest Rate Risk Certain of our long-term debt agreements bear interest at prime, EURIBOR, KLIBOR, LIBOR, or equivalent variable rates. A disruption of the credit environment, as previously experienced, could negatively impact interbank lending and, therefore, negatively impact these floating rates. An increase in EURIBOR would impact our cost of borrowing under our entire Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement, but would not impact our cost of borrowing of the floating-rate term loan under our Malaysian Facility Agreement as we entered into an interest rate swap contract to mitigate such risk. An increase in KLIBOR would not increase our cost of borrowing under our Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement as we entered into a cross-currency swap contract to mitigate such risk. An increase in prime, LIBOR, or equivalent variable rates would increase our cost of borrowing under our Revolving Credit Facility and Project Construction Credit Facilities. Our long-term debt borrowing rates as of June 30, 2015 were as follows: Loan Agreement Borrowing Rate at June 30, 2015 Revolving credit facility 2.53% Project construction credit facilities Fixed rate loans at bank rate plus 3.50% Variable rate loans at 91-Day U.S. Treasury Bill Yield or LIBOR plus 3.50% VAT loans at bank rate plus 1.30% Malaysian ringgit facility agreement KLIBOR plus 2.00% (2) Malaysian euro facility agreement EURIBOR plus 1.00% Malaysian facility agreement (1) Fixed rate facility at 4.54% Floating rate facility at EURIBOR plus 0.55% (2) Capital lease obligations Various (1) Outstanding balance split equally between fixed and floating rates. (2) Interest rate hedges have been entered into relating to these variable rates. See Note 7. “Derivative Financial Instruments” to our condensed consolidated financial statements. Future Principal Payments At June 30, 2015 , the future principal payments on our long-term debt, excluding payments related to capital leases, were due as follows (in thousands): Total Debt Remainder of 2015 $ 22,445 2016 34,561 2017 62,391 2018 29,266 2019 5,355 Thereafter 155,771 Total long-term debt future principal payments $ 309,789

12. Commitments and Contingenci

12. Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	12. Commitments and Contingencies Commercial Commitments During the normal course of business, we enter into commercial commitments in the form of letters of credit, surety bonds, and bank guarantees to provide financial and performance assurance to third parties. Our Revolving Credit Facility provides us the capacity to issue up to $700.0 million in letters of credit, subject to certain limits depending on the currencies of the letters of credit, at a fee based on the applicable margin for Eurocurrency revolving loans and a fronting fee. As of June 30, 2015 , we had $224.9 million in letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility, leaving $475.1 million of availability which can be used for the issuance of letters of credit. The majority of these letters of credit were supporting our systems business projects. As of June 30, 2015 , we also had $9.0 million in bank guarantees and letters of credit under separate agreements that were posted by certain of our foreign subsidiaries, $43.8 million of letters of credit issued under a bilateral facility secured with cash, and $152.4 million in surety bonds outstanding primarily for our systems business projects. The available bonding capacity under our surety lines was $640.6 million as of June 30, 2015 . Loan Guarantees At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , our only loan guarantees were guarantees of our own long-term debt, as disclosed in Note 11. “Debt” to these condensed consolidated financial statements. Product Warranties When we recognize revenue for module or systems project sales, we accrue a liability for the estimated future costs of meeting our limited warranty obligations for both modules and the balance of the systems. We make and revise this estimate based primarily on the number of our solar modules under warranty installed at customer locations, our historical experience with warranty claims, our monitoring of field installation sites, our internal testing of and the expected future performance of our solar modules and balance of systems (“BoS”) components, and our estimated replacement costs. From time to time, we have taken remediation actions in respect of affected modules beyond our limited warranty, and we may elect to do so in the future, in which case we would incur additional expenses. Such potential voluntary future remediation actions beyond our limited warranty obligations may be material to our condensed consolidated statements of operations if we commit to any such remediation actions. Product warranty activities during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Product warranty liability, beginning of period $ 220,404 $ 208,294 $ 223,057 $ 198,041 Accruals for new warranties issued 11,268 8,242 18,008 19,511 Settlements (2,346 ) (3,498 ) (5,095 ) (7,577 ) Changes in estimate of product warranty liability (7,022 ) (2,211 ) (13,666 ) 852 Product warranty liability, end of period $ 222,304 $ 210,827 $ 222,304 $ 210,827 Current portion of warranty liability $ 50,973 $ 68,214 $ 50,973 $ 68,214 Noncurrent portion of warranty liability $ 171,331 $ 142,613 $ 171,331 $ 142,613 We have historically estimated our product warranty liability for power output and defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service conditions to have an estimated warranty return rate of approximately 3% of modules covered under warranty. A 1% change in estimated warranty return rate would change our estimated module warranty liability by approximately $69.2 million , and a 1% change in estimated warranty return rate for balance of systems would not have a material impact on our associated warranty liability. Accrued Expenses in Excess of Product Warranty We may also accrue expenses for the cost of any voluntary remediation programs beyond our normal product warranty. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , accrued expenses in excess of our product warranty were $26.6 million and $30.9 million , of which $6.7 million and $7.8 million , respectively, were classified as current and $19.9 million and $23.1 million , respectively, were classified as noncurrent and included in “Accrued expenses” and “Other liabilities,” respectively, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Our estimates for such remediation programs are based on an evaluation of available information including the estimated number of potentially affected solar modules, historical experience related to our remediation efforts, customer-provided data related to potentially affected systems, estimated costs for performing removal, replacement, and logistical services, and any post-sale expenses covered under our voluntary remediation program. If any of our estimates prove incorrect, we could be required to accrue additional expenses. Performance Guarantees As part of our systems business, we conduct performance testing of the solar power plant prior to substantial completion to confirm the power plant meets the operational and capacity expectations noted in the EPC agreement. In addition, we may provide an energy generation performance test during the first year of the solar power plant’s operation. Such a test is designed to demonstrate that the actual energy generation for the first year meets or exceeds the modeled energy expectation, after certain adjustments and exclusions. If there is an underperformance event, determined at the end of the first year after substantial completion, we may incur liquidated damages as a percentage of the EPC contract price. In some instances, a bonus payment may be received at the end of the first year if the power plant performs above a certain level. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , we recorded zero and $4.3 million , respectively, of estimated obligations under such arrangements, which were classified as “Other current liabilities” in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Under our O&M service offering, we typically include an effective availability guarantee when we provide long-term total asset management services. In limited cases, a form of energy generation performance test is offered in lieu of the availability guarantee, and liquidated damages may be incurred at the lost energy price noted in the PPA as the result of an underperformance event. Additionally, as part of our O&M service guarantees there is potential for bonus payments. Repurchase of Systems Projects From time to time under sales agreements for a limited number of our solar power projects, we may be required to repurchase the projects if certain events occur, such as not achieving commercial operation of the project within a certain timeframe. For any sales agreements that have such conditional repurchase clauses, we will not recognize revenue on such sales agreements until the conditional repurchase clauses are of no further force or effect and all other necessary revenue recognition criteria have been met. Contingent Consideration In connection with our TetraSun and Solar Chile acquisitions, we agreed to pay additional amounts to sellers contingent upon achievement by the acquired businesses of certain negotiated goals, such as targeted project and module shipment volume milestones. We have recognized $5.0 million and $4.9 million of current liabilities and $14.8 million and $14.7 million of long-term liabilities for these contingent obligations based on their estimated fair value as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. We continually seek to make additions to our advanced-stage project pipeline. We are actively developing our early to mid-stage project pipeline in order to secure PPAs and are also pursuing opportunities to acquire advanced-stage projects, which already have PPAs in place. In connection with these project acquisitions, we may agree to pay additional amounts to project sellers upon achievement of certain project-related milestones, such as obtaining a PPA, obtaining financing, and selling to a new owner. We recognize an estimated project acquisition contingent liability when we determine that such liability is both probable and reasonably estimable, and the carrying amount of the related project asset is correspondingly increased. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , we have recorded $5.2 million and $31.9 million of current liabilities, respectively, and $2.4 million and $2.4 million of long-term liabilities, respectively, for such contingent obligations. Any future differences between the acquisition-date contingent obligation estimate and the ultimate settlement of the obligations will be recognized primarily as an adjustment to project assets, as contingent payments are considered direct and incremental to the underlying value of the related projects. Solar Module Collection and Recycling Liability We established a voluntary module collection and recycling program to collect and recycle modules sold and covered under such program once these modules have reached the end of their useful lives. Historically, we included a description of our module collection and recycling obligations in customer sales contracts covered under the program. Based on the terms of these contracts, we agreed to cover the costs for the collection and recycling of qualifying solar modules, and the end-users agreed to notify us, disassemble their solar power systems, package the solar modules for shipment, and revert ownership rights over the modules back to us at the end of the modules’ service lives. For modules covered under this program, we record our collection and recycling obligation within “Cost of sales” at the time of sale based on the estimated present value of the cost to collect and recycle covered solar modules. We estimate the cost of our collection and recycling obligations based on the present value of the expected probability weighted future cost of collecting and recycling the solar modules, which includes estimates for the cost of packaging the solar modules for transport, the cost of freight from the solar module installation sites to a recycling center, the material, labor, capital costs, and scale of recycling centers, and an estimated third-party profit margin and return on risk for collection and recycling services. We base this estimate on (i) our experience collecting and recycling our solar modules and on our expectations about future developments in recycling technologies and processes, (ii) economic conditions at the time the solar modules will be collected and recycled, and (iii) the expected timing of when our solar modules will be returned for recycling. In the periods between the time of our sales and the settlement of our collection and recycling obligations, we accrete the carrying amount of the associated liability by applying the discount rate used for its initial measurement. We classify accretion as an operating expense within “Selling, general and administrative” expense on our condensed consolidated statement of operations. We periodically review our estimates of the expected future recycling costs and may adjust our liability accordingly. Our module collection and recycling liability at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $241.0 million and $246.3 million , respectively. A 1% increase in the annualized inflation rate used in our estimated future collection and recycling cost per module would increase our liability by $59.7 million , and a 1% decrease in that rate would decrease our liability by $48.9 million . The percentage of modules sold that were subject to our solar module collection and recycling liability was 3% and 56% for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and the year ended December 31, 2014 , respectively. See Note 5. “Restricted Cash and Investments” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for more information about our arrangements for funding this liability. Legal Proceedings We are party to legal matters and claims that are normal in the course of our operations. While we believe that the ultimate outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows, the outcome of these matters is not determinable with certainty, and negative outcomes may adversely affect us. Class Action On March 15, 2012, a purported class action lawsuit titled Smilovits v. First Solar, Inc., et al., Case No. 2:12-cv-00555-DGC, was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona (hereafter “Arizona District Court”) against the Company and certain of our current and former directors and officers. The complaint was filed on behalf of persons who purchased or otherwise acquired the Company’s publicly traded securities between April 30, 2008 and February 28, 2012 (the “Class Action”). The complaint generally alleges that the defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by making false and misleading statements regarding the Company’s financial performance and prospects. The action includes claims for damages, including interest, and an award of reasonable costs and attorneys’ fees to the putative class. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses and will vigorously defend this action. On July 23, 2012, the Arizona District Court issued an order appointing as lead plaintiffs in the Class Action the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme and British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (collectively, “Pension Schemes”). The Pension Schemes filed an amended complaint on August 17, 2012, which contains similar allegations and seeks similar relief as the original complaint. Defendants filed a motion to dismiss on September 14, 2012. On December 17, 2012, the court denied Defendants’ motion to dismiss. On October 8, 2013, the Arizona District Court granted the Pension Schemes’ motion for class certification, and certified a class comprised of all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired publicly traded securities of the Company between April 30, 2008 and February 28, 2012 and were damaged thereby, excluding defendants and certain related parties. Merits discovery closed on February 27, 2015. Defendants filed a motion for summary judgment on March 27, 2015, and plaintiffs filed a cross motion for partial summary judgment on the same day. Briefing on the motions for summary judgment concluded on May 27, 2015. Oral argument on the motions for summary judgment occurred on July 22, 2015. Expert discovery is scheduled to commence after the motions for summary judgment have been resolved. Given the pending motions for summary judgment, possible expert discovery, and the uncertainties of trial, we are not in a position to assess whether any loss or adverse effect on our financial condition is probable or remote or to estimate the range of potential loss, if any. Opt-Out Action On June 23, 2015, a suit titled Maverick Fund, L.D.C. v. First Solar, Inc., et al., Case No. 2:15-cv-01156-ROS, was filed in Arizona District Court by putative stockholders that opted out of the Class Action. The complaint names the Company and certain of our current and former directors and officers as defendants, and alleges that the defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and violated state law, by making false and misleading statements regarding the Company’s financial performance and prospects. The action includes claims for recessionary and actual damages, interest, punitive damages, and an award of reasonable attorneys’ fees, expert fees and costs. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses and will vigorously defend this action. The complaint has not yet been served, and the defendants have not responded to the complaint. Accordingly, we are not in a position to assess whether any loss or adverse effect on our financial condition is probable or remote or to estimate the range of potential loss, if any. Derivative Actions On April 3, 2012, a derivative action titled Tsevegmid v. Ahearn, et al., Case No. 1:12-cv-00417-CJB, was filed by a putative stockholder on behalf of the Company in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware (hereafter “Delaware District Court”) against certain current and former directors and officers of the Company, alleging breach of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment. The complaint generally alleges that from June 1, 2008, to March 7, 2012, the defendants caused or allowed false and misleading statements to be made concerning the Company’s financial performance and prospects. The action includes claims for, among other things, damages in favor of the Company, certain corporate actions to purportedly improve the Company’s corporate governance, and an award of costs and expenses to the putative plaintiff stockholder, including attorneys’ fees. On April 10, 2012, a second derivative complaint was filed in the Delaware District Court. The complaint, titled Brownlee v. Ahearn, et al., Case No. 1:12-cv-00456-CJB, contains similar allegations and seeks similar relief to the Tsevegmid action. By court order on April 30, 2012, pursuant to the parties’ stipulation, the Tsevegmid action and the Brownlee action were consolidated into a single action in the Delaware District Court. On May 15, 2012, defendants filed a motion to challenge Delaware as the appropriate venue for the consolidated action. On March 4, 2013, the magistrate judge issued a Report and Recommendation recommending to the court that defendants’ motion be granted and that the case be transferred to the District of Arizona. On July 12, 2013, the court adopted the magistrate judge’s Report and Recommendation and ordered the case transferred to the District of Arizona. The transfer was completed on July 15, 2013. On April 12, 2012, a derivative complaint was filed in the Arizona District Court, titled Tindall v. Ahearn, et al., Case No. 2:12-cv-00769-ROS. In addition to alleging claims and seeking relief similar to the claims and relief asserted in the Tsevegmid and Brownlee actions, the Tindall complaint alleges violations of Sections 14(a) and 20(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. On April 19, 2012, a second derivative complaint was filed in the Arizona District Court, titled Nederhood v. Ahearn, et al., Case No. 2:12-cv-00819-JWS. The Nederhood complaint contains similar allegations and seeks similar relief to the Tsevegmid and Brownlee actions. On May 17, 2012 and May 30, 2012, respectively, two additional derivative complaints, containing similar allegations and seeking similar relief as the Nederhood complaint, were filed in Arizona District Court: Morris v. Ahearn, et al., Case No. 2:12-cv-01031-JAT and Tan v. Ahearn, et al., 2:12-cv-01144-NVW. On July 17, 2012, the Arizona District Court issued an order granting First Solar’s motion to transfer the derivative actions to Judge David Campbell, the judge to whom the Smilovits class action is assigned. On August 8, 2012, the court consolidated the four derivative actions pending in Arizona District Court, and on August 31, 2012, Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint. Defendants filed a motion to stay the action on September 14, 2012. On December 17, 2012, the Arizona District Court granted Defendants’ motion to stay pending resolution of the Smilovits class action. On August 13, 2013, Judge Campbell consolidated the two derivative actions transferred from the Delaware District Court with the stayed Arizona derivative actions. On July 16, 2013, a derivative complaint was filed in the Superior Court of Arizona, Maricopa County, titled Bargar, et al. v. Ahearn, et al., Case No. CV2013-009938, by a putative stockholder against certain current and former directors and officers of the Company. The complaint contains similar allegations to the Delaware and Arizona derivative cases, and includes claims for, among other things, breach of fiduciary duties, insider trading, unjust enrichment, and waste of corporate assets. By court order on October 3, 2013, the Superior Court of Arizona, Maricopa County granted the parties’ stipulation to defer defendants’ response to the complaint pending resolution of the Smilovits class action or expiration of the stay issued in the consolidated derivative actions in the Arizona District Court. On November 5, 2013, the matter was placed on the court’s inactive calendar. The parties have jointly sought and obtained multiple requests to continue the action on the inactive calendar. Most recently, on June 30, 2015, the parties jointly asked the court to continue the action on the inactive calendar until November 30, 2015. The Company believes that plaintiffs in the derivative actions lack standing to pursue litigation on behalf of First Solar. The derivative actions are still in the initial stages and there has been no discovery. Accordingly, we are not in a position to assess whether any loss or adverse effect on our financial condition is probable or remote or to estimate the range of potential loss, if any. Department of Labor Proceeding In March 2015, the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor (the “DOL”) notified our wholly-owned subsidiary First Solar Electric, LLC (“FSE”) of the DOL’s findings following a labor standards compliance review under the Davis Bacon and Related Acts at the Agua Caliente project in southwestern Arizona. FSE served as the general contractor for the project. The DOL alleges that certain workers at the project were misclassified and, as a result of that misclassification, were not paid the required prevailing wage. We disagree with certain of the DOL’s investigative findings and currently are pursuing an administrative review of this matter. Possible adverse outcomes include the payment of back wages and debarment of FSE and its affiliates from doing certain business with the U.S. federal government. We cannot predict the ultimate outcome of the DOL proceeding.

13. Share-Based Compensation

13. Share-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation Disclosure	13. Share-Based Compensation We measure share-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognize this cost as share-based compensation expense over the required or estimated service period for awards expected to vest. The share-based compensation expense that we recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Share-based compensation expense included in: Cost of sales $ 2,087 $ 680 $ 5,491 $ 5,990 Research and development 933 1,013 2,102 2,265 Selling, general and administrative 5,825 6,458 13,319 13,194 Production start-up 9 3 21 3 Total share-based compensation expense $ 8,854 $ 8,154 $ 20,933 $ 21,452 The following table presents our share-based compensation expense by type of award for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Restricted and performance stock units $ 7,819 $ 9,411 $ 18,771 $ 21,931 Unrestricted stock 332 332 663 663 Stock purchase plan 354 151 669 400 8,505 9,894 20,103 22,994 Net amount released from (absorbed into) inventory 349 (1,740 ) 830 (1,542 ) Total share-based compensation expense $ 8,854 $ 8,154 $ 20,933 $ 21,452 Share-based compensation expense capitalized in inventory was $4.5 million and $5.3 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. As of June 30, 2015 , we had $46.6 million of unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to unvested restricted and performance stock units, which we expect to recognize as expense over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.2 years . The estimated forfeiture rate used to record compensation expense is based on historical forfeitures and is adjusted periodically based on actual results. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , our forfeiture rates were 9.5% and 9.5% , respectively.

14. Income Taxes

14. Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes Disclosure	14. Income Taxes Our effective tax rates were (56.3)% and 442.9% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively, and (49.6)% and 18.4% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 , respectively. The change in our effective tax rate during the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2014 was primarily the result of a $41.7 million discrete tax benefit associated with the receipt of a private letter ruling and a lower percentage of profits earned in lower tax jurisdictions, partially offset by an increase in uncertain tax positions. The provision for income taxes differed from the amount computed by applying the statutory U.S. federal rate of 35% primarily due to the benefit associated with foreign income taxed at lower rates, including the beneficial impact of our Malaysian tax holiday, partially offset by additional tax expense attributable to losses in jurisdictions for which no tax benefits could be recorded. Our Malaysian subsidiary has been granted a long-term tax holiday that expires in 2027. The tax holiday, which generally provides for a full exemption from Malaysian income tax, is conditional upon our continued compliance in meeting certain employment and investment thresholds, which we are currently in compliance with and expect to continue to comply with through the expiration of the tax holiday in 2027. We account for uncertain tax positions pursuant to the recognition and measurement criteria under ASC 740. It is reasonably possible that $13.4 million of uncertain tax positions will be recognized within the next 12 months. In April 2015, we received a private letter ruling in a foreign jurisdiction related to the timing of the deduction for certain of our obligations. In accordance with the private letter ruling, we will begin treating these obligations as deductible when we actually make payments on the obligations, which are expected to occur subsequent to the expiration of the tax holiday. During the three months ended June 30, 2015, we recorded a benefit of $41.7 million through the tax provision to establish a deferred tax asset associated with the future deductibility of these obligations. We are subject to audit by various state, local, and foreign tax authorities. During the six months ended June 30, 2015 , we settled a tax audit in Spain, which resulted in a discrete tax expense of $2.5 million . We are not currently under any tax examinations but continue to have discussions regarding an ongoing dispute with the German taxing authorities. We believe that adequate provisions have been made for any adjustments that may result from tax examinations. However, the outcome of tax audits cannot be predicted with certainty. If any issues addressed by our tax audits are resolved in a manner not consistent with our expectations, we could be required to adjust our provision for income taxes in the period such resolution occurs.

15. Net Income Per Share

15. Net Income Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income per Share Disclosure	15. Net Income per Share Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share is computed giving effect to all potentially dilutive common stock, including employee stock options, restricted and performance stock units, and stock purchase plan shares, unless there is a net loss for the period. In computing diluted net income per share, we utilize the treasury stock method. The calculation of basic and diluted net income per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Basic net income per share Numerator: Net income $ 94,490 $ 4,528 $ 32,198 $ 116,535 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding 100,852 100,148 100,615 99,871 Diluted net income per share Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding 100,852 100,148 100,615 99,871 Effect of restricted and performance stock units and stock purchase plan shares 755 1,666 1,016 1,949 Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income per share 101,607 101,814 101,631 101,820 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Per share information - basic: Net income per share $ 0.94 $ 0.05 $ 0.32 $ 1.17 Per share information - diluted: Net income per share $ 0.93 $ 0.04 $ 0.32 $ 1.14 The following number of outstanding employee stock options, restricted and performance stock units, and stock purchase plan shares were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 as they would have had an anti-dilutive effect (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Anti-dilutive shares 12 50 73 107

16. Comprehensive Income (Loss)

16. Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income	16. Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income (loss) , which includes foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, and unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, the impact of which has been excluded from net income and reflected as components of stockholders’ equity, was as follows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 Net income $ 94,490 $ 4,528 Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustments 2,495 (1,721 ) Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities and restricted investments for the period, net of tax of $3,842 and $(1,295) (60,640 ) 18,572 Less: reclassification for gains included in net income, net of tax of $0 and $83 — (127 ) Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities and restricted investments (60,640 ) 18,445 Unrealized gain on derivative instruments for the period, net of tax of $(1,837) and $677 3,577 417 Less: reclassification for gains included in net income, net of tax of $2,343 and $0 (3,918 ) (1,827 ) Unrealized loss on derivative instruments (341 ) (1,410 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (58,486 ) 15,314 Comprehensive income $ 36,004 $ 19,842 Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 Net income $ 32,198 $ 116,535 Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustments (12,898 ) (1,661 ) Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities and restricted investments for the period, net of tax of $1,785 and $(2,957) (22,353 ) 38,748 Less: reclassification for gains included in net income, net of tax of $0 and $83 — (127 ) Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities and restricted investments (22,353 ) 38,621 Unrealized loss on derivative instruments for the period, net of tax of $(200) and $2,140 (3,472 ) (1,455 ) Less: reclassification for losses (gains) included in net income, net of tax of $1,513 and $0 1,571 (2,300 ) Unrealized loss on derivative instruments (1,901 ) (3,755 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (37,152 ) 33,205 Comprehensive (loss) income $ (4,954 ) $ 149,740 Components and details of accumulated other comprehensive income at June 30, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands): Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments Total Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ (53,337 ) $ 102,299 $ 1,178 $ 50,140 Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (12,898 ) (22,353 ) (3,472 ) (38,723 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — — 1,571 1,571 Net other comprehensive loss (12,898 ) (22,353 ) (1,901 ) (37,152 ) Balance as of June 30, 2015 $ (66,235 ) $ 79,946 $ (723 ) $ 12,988 Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments Total Balance as of December 31, 2013 $ (34,190 ) $ 11,558 $ (3,144 ) $ (25,776 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (1,661 ) 38,748 (1,455 ) 35,632 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — (127 ) (2,300 ) (2,427 ) Net other comprehensive (loss) income (1,661 ) 38,621 (3,755 ) 33,205 Balance as of June 30, 2014 $ (35,851 ) $ 50,179 $ (6,899 ) $ 7,429 Amount Reclassified for the Details of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Six Months Ended June 30, Income Statement Line Item 2015 2014 Gains on marketable securities $ — $ 210 Other expense, net — 83 Tax expense $ — $ 127 Total, net of tax Gains and (losses) on derivative contracts Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 352 $ — Net sales Foreign exchange forward contracts 4,599 — Cost of sales Interest rate and cross currency swap contracts (243 ) (448 ) Interest expense, net Cross currency swap contract (4,766 ) 2,748 Foreign currency (loss) gain, net (58 ) 2,300 Total before tax (1,513 ) — Tax benefit $ (1,571 ) $ 2,300 Total net of tax

17. Segment Reporting

17. Segment Reporting	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure	17. Segment Reporting We operate our business in two segments. Our components segment involves the design, manufacture, and sale of solar modules, which convert sunlight into electricity. We primarily manufacture cadmium telluride (“CdTe”) modules and have also begun manufacturing high-efficiency crystalline silicon modules. Third-party customers of our components segment include project developers, system integrators, and owners of PV solar power systems. Our second segment is our fully integrated systems business (“systems segment”), through which we provide complete turn-key PV solar power systems, or solar solutions, that draw upon our capabilities, which include (i) project development, (ii) EPC services, (iii) O&M services, and (iv) project finance expertise. We may provide our full EPC services or any combination of individual products and services within our EPC capabilities depending upon the customer and market opportunity. All of our systems segment products and services are for PV solar power systems, which primarily use our solar modules, and we sell such products and services to investor-owned utilities, independent power developers and producers, commercial and industrial companies, and other system owners. Additionally within our systems segment, we may own and operate certain of our PV solar power systems based on strategic opportunities. In our reportable segment financial disclosures, we include an allocation of net sales value for all solar modules manufactured by our components segment and installed in projects sold or built by our systems segment in the net sales of our components segment. In the gross profit of our reportable segment disclosures, we include the corresponding cost of sales value for the solar modules installed in projects sold or built by our systems segment in the components segment. The cost of solar modules is comprised of the manufactured cost incurred by our components segment. See Note 24. “Segment and Geographical Information” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 for a complete discussion of our segment reporting. Financial information about our reportable segments during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 Components Systems Total Components Systems Total Net sales $ 321,444 $ 574,773 $ 896,217 $ 194,061 $ 350,292 $ 544,353 Gross profit 57,836 106,647 164,483 686 92,039 92,725 Depreciation and amortization expense 61,967 3,379 65,346 55,486 7,380 62,866 Income (loss) before income taxes 7,661 51,560 59,221 (44,559 ) 48,925 4,366 Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 Components Systems Total Components Systems Total Net sales $ 547,061 $ 818,365 $ 1,365,426 $ 510,919 $ 983,592 $ 1,494,511 Gross profit 77,225 126,239 203,464 25,774 303,662 329,436 Depreciation and amortization expense 121,778 6,797 128,575 108,617 15,359 123,976 Income (loss) before income taxes (21,771 ) 12,894 (8,877 ) (73,985 ) 219,183 145,198 June 30, 2015 June 30, 2014 Components Systems Total Components Systems Total Goodwill $ 16,152 $ 68,833 $ 84,985 $ 16,152 $ 68,833 $ 84,985 Total assets 4,130,175 2,673,630 6,803,805 4,007,064 2,604,951 6,612,015 Product Revenue The following table sets forth the total amounts of solar module and solar power system net sales recognized for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 . For the purposes of the following table, (i) “Solar module revenue” is composed of total revenues from the sale of solar modules to third parties, which does not include any systems segment product or service offerings and (ii) “Solar power system revenue” is composed of total revenues from the sale of our solar power systems and related products and services, including the solar modules installed in such solar power systems along with revenue generated from our PV solar power systems (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Solar module revenue $ 18,823 $ 65,397 $ 119,956 $ 106,398 Solar power system revenue 877,394 478,956 1,245,470 1,388,113 Net sales $ 896,217 $ 544,353 $ 1,365,426 $ 1,494,511

2. Summary of Significant Acc24

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates. The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to percentage-of-completion revenue recognition, inventory valuation, recoverability of project assets, estimates of future cash flows from and the economic useful lives of long-lived assets, asset retirement obligations, certain accrued liabilities, income taxes and tax valuation allowances, reportable segment allocations, product warranties and manufacturing excursions, accrued collection and recycling expense, and applying the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations and goodwill. Despite our intention to establish accurate estimates and reasonable assumptions, actual results could differ materially from these estimates and assumptions.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition — Systems Business . We recognize revenue for arrangements entered into by our systems business generally using two revenue recognition models, following the guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605, Accounting for Long-term Construction Contracts , or ASC 360, Accounting for Sales of Real Estate , for arrangements which include land or land rights . For systems business sales arrangements that do not include land or land rights and thus are accounted for under ASC 605, we use the percentage-of-completion method, as described further below, using actual costs incurred over total estimated costs to develop and construct a project (including module costs) as our standard accounting policy, unless we cannot make reasonably dependable estimates of the costs to complete the contract, in which case we would use the completed contract method. For systems business sales arrangements that are accounted for under ASC 360 where we convey control of land or land rights, we record the sale as revenue using one of the following revenue recognition methods, based upon evaluation of the substance and form of the terms and conditions of such real estate sales arrangements: (i) We apply the percentage-of-completion method, as further described below, to certain real estate sales arrangements where we convey control of land or land rights, when a sale has been consummated, we have transferred the usual risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer, the initial and continuing investment criteria have been met, we have the ability to estimate our costs and progress toward completion, and all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. When evaluating whether the usual risks and rewards of ownership have transferred to the buyer, we consider whether we have or may be contingently required to have any prohibited forms of continuing involvement with the project. Prohibited forms of continuing involvement in a real estate sales arrangement may include us retaining risks or rewards associated with the project that are not customary with the range of risks or rewards that an engineering, procurement, and construction (“EPC”) contractor may assume. The initial and continuing investment requirements, which demonstrate a buyer’s commitment to honor its obligations for the sales arrangement, can typically be met through the receipt of cash or an irrevocable letter of credit from a highly creditworthy lending institution. (ii) Depending on whether the initial and continuing investment requirements have been met and whether collectability from the buyer is reasonably assured, we may align our revenue recognition and release of project assets or deferred project costs to cost of sales with the receipt of payment from the buyer if the sale has been consummated and we have transferred the usual risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer. For any systems business sales arrangements containing multiple deliverables (including our solar modules) not required to be accounted for under ASC 605 (long-term construction contracts) or ASC 360 (real estate), we analyze each activity within the sales arrangement to adhere to the separation guidelines of ASC 605 for multiple-element arrangements. We allocate revenue for any transactions involving multiple elements to each unit of accounting based on its relative selling price and recognize revenue for each unit of accounting when all revenue recognition criteria for a unit of accounting have been met. Revenue Recognition — Percentage-of-Completion. In applying the percentage-of-completion method, we use the actual costs incurred relative to the total estimated costs (including module costs) in order to determine the progress towards completion and calculate the corresponding amount of revenue and profit to recognize. Costs incurred include all installed direct materials, installed solar modules, labor, subcontractor costs, and those indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor and supplies. We recognize direct material and solar module costs as incurred when the direct materials and solar modules have been installed in the project. When contracts specify that title to direct materials and solar modules transfers to the customer before installation has been performed, we will not recognize revenue or the associated costs until those materials are installed and have met all other revenue recognition requirements. We consider direct materials and solar modules to be installed when they are permanently placed or affixed to a photovoltaic (“PV”) solar power system as required by engineering designs. Solar modules manufactured and owned by us that will be used in our systems remain within inventory until such modules are installed in a system. The percentage-of-completion method of revenue recognition requires us to make estimates of contract revenues and costs to complete our projects. In making such estimates, management judgments are required to evaluate significant assumptions including the amount of net contract revenues, the cost of materials and labor, expected labor productivity, the impact of potential variances in schedule completion, and the impact of any penalties, claims, change orders, or performance incentives. If estimated total costs on any contract are greater than the contract revenues, we recognize the entire estimated loss in the period the loss becomes known. The cumulative effect of the revisions to estimates related to contract revenues and costs to complete contracts, including penalties, claims, change orders, incentive awards, anticipated losses, and others are recorded in the period in which the revisions to estimates are identified and the loss can be reasonably estimated. The effect of the changes on future periods are recognized as if the revised estimates had been used since revenue was initially recognized under the contract. Such revisions could occur in any reporting period and the effects may be material depending on the size of the contracts or the changes in estimates. Revenue Recognition — Components Business. Our components business sells solar modules directly to third-party solar power system integrators and operators. We recognize revenue for module sales when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the module has occurred and title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and the collectability of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Under this policy, we record a trade receivable for the selling price of our module and reduce inventory for the cost of goods sold when delivery occurs in accordance with the terms of the sales contract. Our customers typically do not have extended payment terms or rights of return for our products. Revenue Recognition — Operations and Maintenance. Our operations and maintenance (“O&M”) revenue is billed and recognized as services are performed. Costs of these revenues are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.
Ventures and Variable Interest Entities	Ventures and Variable Interest Entities. In the normal course of business we establish wholly owned project companies which may be considered variable interest entities (“VIEs”). We consolidate wholly owned variable interest entities when we are considered the primary beneficiary of such entities. Additionally, we have, and may in the future form, joint venture type arrangements, including partnerships and partially owned limited liability companies or similar legal structures, with one or more third parties primarily to develop and build solar power projects. These types of ventures are core to our business and long-term strategy related to providing solar PV generation solutions using our modules to key geographic markets. We analyze all of our ventures and classify them into two groups: (i) ventures that must be consolidated because they are either not VIEs and we hold a majority voting interest, or because they are VIEs and we are the primary beneficiary and (ii) ventures that do not need to be consolidated and are accounted for under either the cost or equity methods of accounting because they are either not VIEs and we hold a minority voting interest, or because they are VIEs and we are not the primary beneficiary. Ventures are considered VIEs if (i) the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support; (ii) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack the ability to make certain decisions, the obligation to absorb expected losses, or the right to receive expected residual returns; or (iii) an equity investor has voting rights that are disproportionate to its economic interest and substantially all of the entity’s activities are conducted on behalf of that investor. Our venture agreements typically require us to fund some form of capital for the development and construction of a project, depending upon the opportunity and the market in which our ventures are located. We are considered the primary beneficiary of and are required to consolidate a VIE if we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the entity. If we determine that we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity, then we are not the primary beneficiary of the VIE.
Cost and Equity Method Investments	Cost and Equity Method Investments. We account for our unconsolidated ventures using either the cost or equity method of accounting depending upon whether we have the ability to exercise significant influence over a venture. We consider the participating and protective rights we have as well as the legal form of the venture when evaluating whether we have the ability to exercise significant influence. Cost method investments are initially recorded and subsequently carried at their historical cost, and income is recorded to the extent we receive dividends. We use the equity method of accounting for our equity investments when we have the ability to significantly influence the operations or financial activities of the investee. We initially record the investment at cost and adjust the carrying amount each period to recognize our share of the earnings or losses of the investee based on our ownership percentage. We monitor these investments, which are included in “ Investments in unconsolidated affiliates and joint ventures ” in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets, for impairment and record reductions in their carrying values if the carrying amount of the investment exceeds its fair value. An impairment charge is recorded when such impairment is deemed to be other-than-temporary. To determine whether an impairment is other-than-temporary, we consider our ability and intent to hold the investment until the carrying amount is fully recovered. Circumstances that indicate an other-than-temporary impairment may have occurred include factors such as decreases in quoted market prices or declines in operations of the investee. The evaluation of an investment for potential impairment requires us to exercise significant judgment and to make certain assumptions. The use of different judgments and assumptions could result in different conclusions. No impairment losses were recorded during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 related to our cost and equity method investments. We recorded an impairment loss of $2.1 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 related to our cost and equity method investments.

4. Cash, Cash Equivalents, Ma25

4. Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities	Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 1,072,002 $ 1,480,452 Cash equivalents: Money market funds 3,142 1,602 Total cash and cash equivalents 1,075,144 1,482,054 Marketable securities: Foreign debt 660,017 462,731 Time deposits 40,000 40,000 U.S. debt — 2,800 U.S. government obligations — 3,501 Total marketable securities 700,017 509,032 Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities $ 1,775,161 $ 1,991,086
Available-for-sale Securities	The following tables summarize the unrealized gains and losses related to our available-for-sale marketable securities, by major security type, as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): As of June 30, 2015 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Foreign debt $ 660,859 $ 138 $ 980 $ 660,017 Time deposits 40,000 — — 40,000 Total $ 700,859 $ 138 $ 980 $ 700,017 As of December 31, 2014 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Foreign debt $ 463,466 $ 18 $ 753 $ 462,731 Time deposits 40,000 — — 40,000 U.S. debt 2,800 — — 2,800 U.S. government obligations 3,500 1 — 3,501 Total $ 509,766 $ 19 $ 753 $ 509,032
Available-for-sale Securities by Maturity	The contractual maturities of our marketable securities as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands): As of June 30, 2015 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value One year or less $ 254,446 $ 26 $ 167 $ 254,305 One year to two years 267,807 4 592 267,219 Two years to three years 178,606 108 221 178,493 Total $ 700,859 $ 138 $ 980 $ 700,017 As of December 31, 2014 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value One year or less $ 329,974 $ 14 $ 174 $ 329,814 One year to two years 125,892 5 380 125,517 Two years to three years 53,900 — 199 53,701 Total $ 509,766 $ 19 $ 753 $ 509,032
Available-for-sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position	The following tables show gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values for those marketable securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , aggregated by major security type and the length of time the marketable securities have been in a continuous loss position (in thousands): As of June 30, 2015 In Loss Position for Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position for 12 Months or Greater Total Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Foreign debt $ 466,201 $ 936 $ 35,732 $ 44 $ 501,933 $ 980 Total $ 466,201 $ 936 $ 35,732 $ 44 $ 501,933 $ 980 As of December 31, 2014 In Loss Position for Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position for 12 Months or Greater Total Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Foreign debt $ 391,840 $ 740 $ 41,060 $ 13 $ 432,900 $ 753 Total $ 391,840 $ 740 $ 41,060 $ 13 $ 432,900 $ 753

5. Restricted Cash and Invest26

5. Restricted Cash and Investments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]
Restricted Cash And Investments	Restricted cash and investments consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Restricted cash $ 61,613 $ 49,818 Restricted investments 315,788 357,235 Restricted cash and investments (1) $ 377,401 $ 407,053 (1) There was an additional $76.4 million and $74.7 million of restricted cash included within prepaid expenses and other current assets at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively.
Restricted Available For Sale Securities	The following tables summarize the unrealized gains and losses related to our restricted investments, by major security type, as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): As of June 30, 2015 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Foreign government obligations $ 176,738 $ 70,375 $ — $ 247,113 U.S. government obligations 59,813 8,862 — 68,675 Total $ 236,551 $ 79,237 $ — $ 315,788 As of December 31, 2014 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Foreign government obligations $ 189,455 $ 93,280 $ — $ 282,735 U.S. government obligations 58,510 15,990 — 74,500 Total $ 247,965 $ 109,270 $ — $ 357,235

6. Consolidated Balance Sheet27

6. Consolidated Balance Sheet Details (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Receivable	Accounts receivable trade, net Accounts receivable trade, net consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Accounts receivable trade, gross $ 276,850 $ 142,542 Allowance for doubtful accounts (31 ) (7,108 ) Accounts receivable trade, net $ 276,819 $ 135,434 At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , $69.7 million and $21.4 million , respectively, of our accounts receivable trade, net were secured by letters of credit, bank guarantees, or other forms of financial security issued by creditworthy financial institutions. Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Accounts receivable, unbilled $ 40,238 $ 41,868 Retainage 30,129 35,103 Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage $ 70,367 $ 76,971
Schedule of Inventories, Current and Noncurrent	Inventories consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Raw materials $ 163,918 $ 157,468 Work in process 23,340 20,829 Finished goods 403,275 442,408 Inventories $ 590,533 $ 620,705 Inventories — current $ 481,975 $ 505,088 Inventories — noncurrent (1) $ 108,558 $ 115,617 (1) We purchase a critical raw material that is used in our core production process in quantities that exceed anticipated consumption within our operating cycle (which is 12 months). We classify the raw materials that we do not expect to be consumed within our operating cycle as noncurrent.
Scheduel of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Prepaid expenses $ 107,355 $ 42,193 Derivative instruments 6,721 9,791 Restricted cash 76,362 74,695 Other current assets 72,293 75,472 Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 262,731 $ 202,151
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Land $ 12,128 $ 12,378 Buildings and improvements (1) 400,899 397,087 Machinery and equipment (1) 1,769,932 1,649,363 Office equipment and furniture 136,920 134,268 Leasehold improvements 50,406 50,096 Construction in progress 74,267 154,497 Stored assets (2) 152,153 155,389 Property, plant and equipment, gross 2,596,705 2,553,078 Less: accumulated depreciation (1,240,474 ) (1,133,090 ) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 1,356,231 $ 1,419,988 (1) In June 2015, we reclassified $15.2 million and $2.5 million from "Assets held for sale" to "Building and improvements" and "Machinery and equipment," respectively, as these assets no longer met the criteria to be classified as held for sale. (2) Consists of machinery and equipment (“stored assets”) that were originally purchased for installation in our previously planned manufacturing capacity expansions. We intend to install and place the stored assets into service when such assets are required or beneficial to our existing installed manufacturing capacity or when market demand supports additional or market-specific manufacturing capacity. During the six months ended June 30, 2015 , we transferred $3.2 million of stored assets to our manufacturing facility in Perrysburg, Ohio for use in the production of solar modules. As the remaining stored assets are neither in the condition nor location to produce modules as intended, we will not begin depreciation until such assets are placed into service. The stored assets are evaluated for impairment under a held and used impairment model whenever events or changes in business circumstances arise, including consideration of technological obsolescence, that may indicate that the carrying amount of our long-lived assets may not be recoverable. We ceased the capitalization of interest on our stored assets once they were physically received from the related machinery and equipment vendors.
Schedule of PV Solar Power Systems, Net	PV solar power systems, net consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, PV solar power systems, gross $ 45,727 $ 47,727 Accumulated depreciation (2,494 ) (1,334 ) PV solar power systems, net $ 43,233 $ 46,393
Schedule of Capitalized Interest	The components of interest expense and capitalized interest were as follows during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Interest cost incurred $ (4,749 ) $ (2,385 ) $ (8,226 ) $ (5,036 ) Interest cost capitalized — property, plant and equipment 295 444 862 1,022 Interest cost capitalized — project assets 3,628 1,011 6,344 2,674 Interest expense, net $ (826 ) $ (930 ) $ (1,020 ) $ (1,340 )
Schedule of Project Assets and Deferred Project Costs	Project assets and deferred project costs consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Project assets — land $ 23,213 $ 20,170 Project assets — development costs including project acquisition costs 535,710 359,203 Project assets — construction costs 499,918 408,402 Project assets 1,058,841 787,775 Deferred project costs — current 73,739 29,354 Deferred project costs — noncurrent 1,939 22,573 Deferred project costs 75,678 51,927 Total project assets and deferred project costs $ 1,134,519 $ 839,702
Schedule of Other Assets, Noncurrent	Other assets consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Notes receivable (1) $ 11,281 $ 12,096 Income taxes receivable 4,268 4,850 Deferred rent 23,556 23,823 Other 36,103 20,901 Other assets $ 75,208 $ 61,670 (1) On April 8, 2009 , we entered into a credit facility agreement with a solar power project entity of one of our customers for an available amount of €17.5 million to provide financing for a PV solar power system. The credit facility replaced a bridge loan that we had made to this entity. The credit facility bears interest at 8.0% per annum payable quarterly with the full amount due on December 31, 2026. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the balance on the credit facility was €7.0 million ( $7.8 million and $8.5 million , respectively, at the balance sheet dates). On February 7, 2014 , we entered into a convertible loan agreement with a strategic entity for an available amount of up to $5.0 million . The loan bears interest at 8.0% per annum. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the balance outstanding on the convertible loan was $3.5 million
Schedule of Goodwill	Goodwill, summarized by relevant reporting unit, consisted of the following as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): December 31, Acquisitions June 30, 2015 CdTe components $ 403,420 $ — $ 403,420 Crystalline silicon components 6,097 — 6,097 Systems 68,833 — 68,833 Accumulated impairment losses (393,365 ) — (393,365 ) Total $ 84,985 $ — $ 84,985
Schedule of Other Intangibles, Net	The following tables summarize our intangible assets at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, 2015 Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Amount Patents $ 5,747 $ (1,621 ) $ 4,126 Developed technology 75,495 (3,267 ) 72,228 In-process research and development 39,100 — 39,100 Total $ 120,342 $ (4,888 ) $ 115,454 December 31, 2014 Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Amount Patents 5,347 $ (1,208 ) $ 4,139 Developed technology 2,757 (460 ) 2,297 In-process research and development 112,800 — 112,800 Total $ 120,904 $ (1,668 ) $ 119,236
Schedule of Accrued Expenses	Accrued expenses consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Accrued compensation and benefits $ 37,559 $ 43,072 Accrued property, plant and equipment 15,436 30,723 Accrued inventory 63,333 36,233 Accrued project assets and deferred project costs 109,811 113,012 Product warranty liability (1) 50,973 69,656 Accrued expenses in excess of normal product warranty liability and related expenses (1) 6,706 7,800 Other 83,536 87,660 Accrued expenses $ 367,354 $ 388,156 (1) See Note 12. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of “Product warranty liability” and “Accrued expenses in excess of normal product warranty liability and related expenses.”
Schedule of Other Current Liabilities	Other current liabilities Other current liabilities consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Deferred revenue $ 20,374 $ 21,879 Derivative instruments 8,527 7,657 Contingent consideration (1) 10,204 36,817 Financing liability (2) 5,299 — Other 13,813 22,349 Other current liabilities $ 58,217 $ 88,702 (1) See Note 12. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion. (2) See Note 9. “Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates and Joint Ventures” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the financing liabilities associated with our leaseback of the Maryland Solar project.
Schedule of Other Liabilities	Other liabilities Other liabilities consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Product warranty liability (1) $ 171,331 $ 153,401 Other taxes payable 34,425 46,555 Contingent consideration (1) 17,194 17,077 Liability in excess of normal product warranty liability and related expenses (1) 19,907 23,139 Financing liability (2) 37,514 — Other 69,098 44,374 Other liabilities $ 349,469 $ 284,546 (1) See Note 12. “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion on “Product warranty liability,” “Contingent consideration,” and “Liability in excess of normal product warranty liability and related expenses.” (2) See Note 9. “Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates and Joint Ventures” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the financing liabilities associated with our leaseback of the Maryland Solar project.

7. Derivative Financial Instr28

7. Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	The following tables present the fair values of derivative instruments included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, 2015 Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Other Current Liabilities Other Liabilities Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange forward contracts $ — $ 59 $ — Cross-currency swap contract — 4,604 11,521 Interest rate swap contract — 78 — Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $ — $ 4,741 $ 11,521 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 6,721 $ 3,786 $ — Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $ 6,721 $ 3,786 $ — Total derivative instruments $ 6,721 $ 8,527 $ 11,521 December 31, 2014 Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Other Current Liabilities Other Liabilities Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 1,213 $ — $ — Cross-currency swap contract — 2,996 8,995 Interest rate swap contract — 164 46 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $ 1,213 $ 3,160 $ 9,041 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 8,578 $ 4,497 $ — Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $ 8,578 $ 4,497 $ — Total derivative instruments $ 9,791 $ 7,657 $ 9,041
Offsetting Derivatives [Table Text Block]	The impact of offsetting balances associated with derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments is shown below (in thousands): June 30, 2015 Gross Amounts Not Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross Asset (Liability) Gross Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheet Net Amount Recognized in Financial Statements Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Pledged Net Amount Foreign exchange forward contracts $ (59 ) — (59 ) — — $ (59 ) Cross-currency swap contract $ (16,125 ) — (16,125 ) — — $ (16,125 ) Interest rate swap contract $ (78 ) — (78 ) — — $ (78 ) December 31, 2014 Gross Amounts Not Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross Asset (Liability) Gross Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheet Net Amount Recognized in Financial Statements Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Pledged Net Amount Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 1,213 — 1,213 — — $ 1,213 Cross-currency swap contract $ (11,991 ) — (11,991 ) — — $ (11,991 ) Interest rate swap contract $ (210 ) — (210 ) — — $ (210 )
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The following tables present the effective amounts related to derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges affecting accumulated other comprehensive income and our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts Interest Rate Swap Contract Cross Currency Swap Contract Total Balance in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2014 $ 6,621 $ (210 ) $ (3,399 ) $ 3,012 Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) 973 23 (4,268 ) (3,272 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings impacting: Net sales (352 ) — — (352 ) Cost of sales (4,599 ) — — (4,599 ) Foreign currency (loss) gain, net — — 4,766 4,766 Interest expense, net — 109 134 243 Balance in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at June 30, 2015 $ 2,643 $ (78 ) $ (2,767 ) $ (202 ) Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts Interest Rate Swap Contract Cross Currency Swap Contract Total Balance in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2013 $ 4,351 $ (703 ) $ (5,820 ) $ (2,172 ) Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) (7,193 ) (26 ) 3,625 (3,594 ) Amounts reclassified to earnings impacting: Foreign currency (loss) gain, net — — (2,748 ) (2,748 ) Interest expense, net — 288 160 448 Balance in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at June 30, 2014 $ (2,842 ) $ (441 ) $ (4,783 ) $ (8,066 )
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block]	The following table presents amounts related to derivative instruments not designated as hedges affecting our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income 2015 2014 2015 2014 Foreign exchange forward contracts Foreign currency (loss) gain, net $ 333 $ (2,371 ) $ (7,984 ) $ (3,040 ) Foreign exchange forward contracts Cost of sales $ (4,553 ) $ 840 $ 9,963 $ 1,343
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block]	As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the notional values associated with our foreign exchange forward contracts qualifying as cash flow hedges were as follows (notional amounts and U.S. dollar equivalents in millions): June 30, 2015 Currency Notional Amount USD Equivalent Japanese yen JPY 961.9 $7.8 December 31, 2014 Currency Notional Amount USD Equivalent Australian dollar AUD 38.4 $31.5 Japanese yen JPY 1,223.2 $10.3
Schedule Of Notional Value Of Foreign Exchange Forward Derivatives [Table Text Block]	As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the notional values of our foreign exchange forward contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting were as follows (notional amounts and U.S. dollar equivalents in millions): June 30, 2015 Transaction Currency Notional Amount USD Equivalent Purchase Euro €69.5 $77.3 Sell Euro €148.1 $164.6 Sell Australian dollar AUD 72.4 $55.4 Purchase Malaysian ringgit MYR 155.7 $41.1 Sell Malaysian ringgit MYR 229.7 $60.7 Sell Canadian dollar CAD 7.1 $5.7 Purchase Japanese yen JPY 737.2 $6.0 Sell Japanese yen JPY 2,746.1 $22.3 Sell British pound GBP 30.3 $47.6 Purchase Chinese yuan CNY 64.6 $10.4 Purchase Indian rupee INR 929.5 $14.6 Sell Indian rupee INR 3,450.0 $54.0 Purchase Turkish lira TRY 2.7 $1.0 Sell Chilean peso CLP 6,610.0 $10.3 December 31, 2014 Transaction Currency Notional Amount USD Equivalent Purchase Euro €91.1 $110.9 Sell Euro €92.4 $112.5 Purchase Australian dollar AUD 26.0 $21.3 Sell Australian dollar AUD 118.0 $96.7 Purchase Malaysian ringgit MYR 146.0 $41.7 Sell Malaysian ringgit MYR 93.6 $26.7 Purchase Canadian dollar CAD 0.7 $0.6 Sell Canadian dollar CAD 8.3 $7.1 Purchase Japanese yen JPY 244.6 $2.1 Sell Japanese yen JPY 2,322.1 $19.5 Purchase British pound GBP 1.4 $2.2 Sell British pound GBP 37.7 $58.6

8. Fair Value Measurements (Tab

8. Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis	At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the fair value measurements of our assets and liabilities that we measure on a recurring basis were as follows (in thousands): June 30, 2015 Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Total Fair Value and Carrying Value on Our Balance Sheet Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Cash equivalents: Money market funds $ 3,142 $ 3,142 $ — $ — Marketable securities: Foreign debt 660,017 — 660,017 — Time deposits 40,000 40,000 — — Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash) 315,788 — 315,788 — Derivative assets 6,721 — 6,721 — Total assets $ 1,025,668 $ 43,142 $ 982,526 $ — Liabilities: Derivative liabilities $ 20,048 $ — $ 20,048 $ — December 31, 2014 Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Total Fair Value and Carrying Value on Our Balance Sheet Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Cash equivalents: Money market funds $ 1,602 $ 1,602 $ — $ — Marketable securities: Foreign debt 462,731 — 462,731 — Time deposits 40,000 40,000 — — U.S. debt 2,800 — 2,800 — U.S. government obligations 3,501 — 3,501 — Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash) 357,235 — 357,235 — Derivative assets 9,791 — 9,791 — Total assets $ 877,660 $ 41,602 $ 836,058 $ — Liabilities: Derivative liabilities $ 16,698 $ — $ 16,698 $ —
Fair value by balance sheet grouping	The carrying values and fair values of our financial and derivative instruments at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands): June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Assets: Marketable securities $ 700,017 $ 700,017 $ 509,032 $ 509,032 Foreign exchange forward contract assets $ 6,721 $ 6,721 $ 9,791 $ 9,791 Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash) $ 315,788 $ 315,788 $ 357,235 $ 357,235 Notes receivable — noncurrent $ 11,281 $ 11,386 $ 12,096 $ 12,189 Note receivable, affiliate — noncurrent $ 9,852 $ 9,867 $ 9,127 $ 9,812 Liabilities: Long-term debt, including current maturities $ 298,373 $ 305,365 $ 211,915 $ 224,489 Interest rate swap contract liabilities $ 78 $ 78 $ 210 $ 210 Cross-currency swap contract liabilities $ 16,125 $ 16,125 $ 11,991 $ 11,991 Foreign exchange forward contract liabilities $ 3,845 $ 3,845 $ 4,497 $ 4,497

9. Investments in Unconsolida30

9. Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates and Joint Ventures (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Schedule of Cost and Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes our equity and cost method investments as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): June 30, December 31, Equity method investments $ 144,248 $ 249,614 Cost method investments 9,260 5,415 Investments in unconsolidated affiliates and joint ventures $ 153,508 $ 255,029

10. Percentage-of-Completion 31

10. Percentage-of-Completion Changes in Estimates (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Changes in Estimates for Systems Business [Abstract]
Changes in Estimates Systems Business	The table below outlines the impact on gross profit of the aggregate net changes in systems business contract estimates (both increases and decreases) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 as well as the number of projects that comprise such aggregate net changes in estimates. For purposes of the following table, we only include projects that have a net impact on gross profit from changes in estimates of at least $1.0 million during the periods presented. Also included in the table is the net change in estimates as a percentage of the aggregate gross profit for such projects for each period. Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Number of projects 7 8 6 10 Increases (decreases) in gross profit resulting from net changes in estimates (in thousands) $ 20,209 $ 4,502 $ 37,603 $ (3,484 ) Net change in estimates as a percentage of aggregate gross profit for associated projects 1.6 % 0.4 % 4.1 % (0.1 )%

11. Debt (Tables)

11. Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	Our long-term debt consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): Balance (USD) Loan Agreement Maturity Loan Denomination June 30, December 31, Revolving credit facility July 2018 USD $ — $ — Project construction credit facilities Various Various 198,441 75,418 Malaysian ringgit facility agreement September 2018 MYR 71,698 88,606 Malaysian euro facility agreement April 2018 EUR 26,702 34,112 Malaysian facility agreement March 2016 EUR 12,948 25,818 Capital lease obligations Various Various 1,312 1,558 Long-term debt principal 311,101 225,512 Less unamortized discount and issuance costs (11,416 ) (12,039 ) Total long-term debt 299,685 213,473 Less current portion (41,898 ) (51,399 ) Noncurrent portion $ 257,787 $ 162,074
Schedule of Borrowing Rate on Debt	Our long-term debt borrowing rates as of June 30, 2015 were as follows: Loan Agreement Borrowing Rate at June 30, 2015 Revolving credit facility 2.53% Project construction credit facilities Fixed rate loans at bank rate plus 3.50% Variable rate loans at 91-Day U.S. Treasury Bill Yield or LIBOR plus 3.50% VAT loans at bank rate plus 1.30% Malaysian ringgit facility agreement KLIBOR plus 2.00% (2) Malaysian euro facility agreement EURIBOR plus 1.00% Malaysian facility agreement (1) Fixed rate facility at 4.54% Floating rate facility at EURIBOR plus 0.55% (2) Capital lease obligations Various (1) Outstanding balance split equally between fixed and floating rates. (2) Interest rate hedges have been entered into relating to these variable rates. See Note 7. “Derivative Financial Instruments” to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	At June 30, 2015 , the future principal payments on our long-term debt, excluding payments related to capital leases, were due as follows (in thousands): Total Debt Remainder of 2015 $ 22,445 2016 34,561 2017 62,391 2018 29,266 2019 5,355 Thereafter 155,771 Total long-term debt future principal payments $ 309,789

12. Commitments and Contingen33

12. Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability	Product warranty activities during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Product warranty liability, beginning of period $ 220,404 $ 208,294 $ 223,057 $ 198,041 Accruals for new warranties issued 11,268 8,242 18,008 19,511 Settlements (2,346 ) (3,498 ) (5,095 ) (7,577 ) Changes in estimate of product warranty liability (7,022 ) (2,211 ) (13,666 ) 852 Product warranty liability, end of period $ 222,304 $ 210,827 $ 222,304 $ 210,827 Current portion of warranty liability $ 50,973 $ 68,214 $ 50,973 $ 68,214 Noncurrent portion of warranty liability $ 171,331 $ 142,613 $ 171,331 $ 142,613

13. Share-Based Compensation (T

13. Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs	The share-based compensation expense that we recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Share-based compensation expense included in: Cost of sales $ 2,087 $ 680 $ 5,491 $ 5,990 Research and development 933 1,013 2,102 2,265 Selling, general and administrative 5,825 6,458 13,319 13,194 Production start-up 9 3 21 3 Total share-based compensation expense $ 8,854 $ 8,154 $ 20,933 $ 21,452 The following table presents our share-based compensation expense by type of award for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Restricted and performance stock units $ 7,819 $ 9,411 $ 18,771 $ 21,931 Unrestricted stock 332 332 663 663 Stock purchase plan 354 151 669 400 8,505 9,894 20,103 22,994 Net amount released from (absorbed into) inventory 349 (1,740 ) 830 (1,542 ) Total share-based compensation expense $ 8,854 $ 8,154 $ 20,933 $ 21,452

15. Net Income Per Share (Table

15. Net Income Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The calculation of basic and diluted net income per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Basic net income per share Numerator: Net income $ 94,490 $ 4,528 $ 32,198 $ 116,535 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding 100,852 100,148 100,615 99,871 Diluted net income per share Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding 100,852 100,148 100,615 99,871 Effect of restricted and performance stock units and stock purchase plan shares 755 1,666 1,016 1,949 Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income per share 101,607 101,814 101,631 101,820 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Per share information - basic: Net income per share $ 0.94 $ 0.05 $ 0.32 $ 1.17 Per share information - diluted: Net income per share $ 0.93 $ 0.04 $ 0.32 $ 1.14
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	The following number of outstanding employee stock options, restricted and performance stock units, and stock purchase plan shares were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 as they would have had an anti-dilutive effect (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Anti-dilutive shares 12 50 73 107

16. Comprehensive Income (Los36

16. Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Comprehensive income (loss) , which includes foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, and unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, the impact of which has been excluded from net income and reflected as components of stockholders’ equity, was as follows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 Net income $ 94,490 $ 4,528 Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustments 2,495 (1,721 ) Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities and restricted investments for the period, net of tax of $3,842 and $(1,295) (60,640 ) 18,572 Less: reclassification for gains included in net income, net of tax of $0 and $83 — (127 ) Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities and restricted investments (60,640 ) 18,445 Unrealized gain on derivative instruments for the period, net of tax of $(1,837) and $677 3,577 417 Less: reclassification for gains included in net income, net of tax of $2,343 and $0 (3,918 ) (1,827 ) Unrealized loss on derivative instruments (341 ) (1,410 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (58,486 ) 15,314 Comprehensive income $ 36,004 $ 19,842 Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 Net income $ 32,198 $ 116,535 Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustments (12,898 ) (1,661 ) Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities and restricted investments for the period, net of tax of $1,785 and $(2,957) (22,353 ) 38,748 Less: reclassification for gains included in net income, net of tax of $0 and $83 — (127 ) Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities and restricted investments (22,353 ) 38,621 Unrealized loss on derivative instruments for the period, net of tax of $(200) and $2,140 (3,472 ) (1,455 ) Less: reclassification for losses (gains) included in net income, net of tax of $1,513 and $0 1,571 (2,300 ) Unrealized loss on derivative instruments (1,901 ) (3,755 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (37,152 ) 33,205 Comprehensive (loss) income $ (4,954 ) $ 149,740
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Components and details of accumulated other comprehensive income at June 30, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands): Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments Total Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ (53,337 ) $ 102,299 $ 1,178 $ 50,140 Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (12,898 ) (22,353 ) (3,472 ) (38,723 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — — 1,571 1,571 Net other comprehensive loss (12,898 ) (22,353 ) (1,901 ) (37,152 ) Balance as of June 30, 2015 $ (66,235 ) $ 79,946 $ (723 ) $ 12,988 Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments Total Balance as of December 31, 2013 $ (34,190 ) $ 11,558 $ (3,144 ) $ (25,776 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (1,661 ) 38,748 (1,455 ) 35,632 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — (127 ) (2,300 ) (2,427 ) Net other comprehensive (loss) income (1,661 ) 38,621 (3,755 ) 33,205 Balance as of June 30, 2014 $ (35,851 ) $ 50,179 $ (6,899 ) $ 7,429
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	Amount Reclassified for the Details of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Six Months Ended June 30, Income Statement Line Item 2015 2014 Gains on marketable securities $ — $ 210 Other expense, net — 83 Tax expense $ — $ 127 Total, net of tax Gains and (losses) on derivative contracts Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 352 $ — Net sales Foreign exchange forward contracts 4,599 — Cost of sales Interest rate and cross currency swap contracts (243 ) (448 ) Interest expense, net Cross currency swap contract (4,766 ) 2,748 Foreign currency (loss) gain, net (58 ) 2,300 Total before tax (1,513 ) — Tax benefit $ (1,571 ) $ 2,300 Total net of tax

17. Segment Reporting (Tables)

17. Segment Reporting (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Financial information about our reportable segments during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 Components Systems Total Components Systems Total Net sales $ 321,444 $ 574,773 $ 896,217 $ 194,061 $ 350,292 $ 544,353 Gross profit 57,836 106,647 164,483 686 92,039 92,725 Depreciation and amortization expense 61,967 3,379 65,346 55,486 7,380 62,866 Income (loss) before income taxes 7,661 51,560 59,221 (44,559 ) 48,925 4,366 Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 Components Systems Total Components Systems Total Net sales $ 547,061 $ 818,365 $ 1,365,426 $ 510,919 $ 983,592 $ 1,494,511 Gross profit 77,225 126,239 203,464 25,774 303,662 329,436 Depreciation and amortization expense 121,778 6,797 128,575 108,617 15,359 123,976 Income (loss) before income taxes (21,771 ) 12,894 (8,877 ) (73,985 ) 219,183 145,198 June 30, 2015 June 30, 2014 Components Systems Total Components Systems Total Goodwill $ 16,152 $ 68,833 $ 84,985 $ 16,152 $ 68,833 $ 84,985 Total assets 4,130,175 2,673,630 6,803,805 4,007,064 2,604,951 6,612,015
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services	The following table sets forth the total amounts of solar module and solar power system net sales recognized for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 . For the purposes of the following table, (i) “Solar module revenue” is composed of total revenues from the sale of solar modules to third parties, which does not include any systems segment product or service offerings and (ii) “Solar power system revenue” is composed of total revenues from the sale of our solar power systems and related products and services, including the solar modules installed in such solar power systems along with revenue generated from our PV solar power systems (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Solar module revenue $ 18,823 $ 65,397 $ 119,956 $ 106,398 Solar power system revenue 877,394 478,956 1,245,470 1,388,113 Net sales $ 896,217 $ 544,353 $ 1,365,426 $ 1,494,511

(Details)

(Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments, Other than Temporary Impairment	$ 0	$ 2.1	$ 0	$ 2.1

3. Recent Accounting Pronounc39

3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Change (Details) - Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	$ 0.4	$ 0.5
Other Assets [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	$ 2.6	$ 2.9

4. Cash, Cash Equivalents, Ma40

4. Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)Investments	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)Investments	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,075,144	$ 851,346	$ 1,075,144	$ 851,346	$ 1,482,054	$ 1,325,072
Marketable securities	700,017		700,017		509,032
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities	1,775,161		1,775,161		1,991,086
Marketable Securities, Realized Gain (Loss)	$ 0	$ 200	$ 0	$ 200
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Greater than or Equal to One Year | Investments	3		3
Available-for-sale securities, in loss position for 12 months or greater, estimated fair value	$ 35,732		$ 35,732		41,060
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or greater, aggregate loss	44		44		13
Foreign debt [Member]
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Marketable securities	660,017		660,017		462,731
Available-for-sale securities, in loss position for 12 months or greater, estimated fair value	35,732		35,732		41,060
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or greater, aggregate loss	44		44		13
Time deposits [Member]
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Marketable securities	40,000		40,000		40,000
U.S. debt [Member]
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0		0		2,800
U.S. government obligations [Member]
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0		0		3,501
Cash [Member]
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	1,072,002		1,072,002		1,480,452
Money market funds [Member]
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	3,142		3,142		1,602
Maximum [Member]
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or greater, aggregate loss	$ 100		$ 100		$ 100

4. Cash, Cash Equivalents, Ma41

4. Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities (Details) - Available For Sale - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	$ 700,859	$ 509,766
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	138	19
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	980	753
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	700,017	509,032
Available-for-sale securities, accumulated unrealized gain (loss)	(800)	(700)
Marketable securities, continuous unrealized loss position:
Available-for-sale securities, in loss position for less than 12 months, estimated fair value	466,201	391,840
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, accumulated loss	936	740
Available-for-sale securities, in loss position for 12 months or greater, estimated fair value	35,732	41,060
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or greater, aggregate loss	44	13
Available-for-sale securities, in loss position, estimated fair value	501,933	432,900
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, accumulated loss	980	753
One year or less [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	254,446	329,974
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	26	14
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	167	174
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	254,305	329,814
One year to two years [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	267,807	125,892
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	4	5
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	592	380
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	267,219	125,517
Two years to three years [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	178,606	53,900
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	108	0
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	221	199
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	178,493	53,701
Foreign debt [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	660,859	463,466
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	138	18
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	980	753
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	660,017	462,731
Marketable securities, continuous unrealized loss position:
Available-for-sale securities, in loss position for less than 12 months, estimated fair value	466,201	391,840
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, accumulated loss	936	740
Available-for-sale securities, in loss position for 12 months or greater, estimated fair value	35,732	41,060
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or greater, aggregate loss	44	13
Available-for-sale securities, in loss position, estimated fair value	501,933	432,900
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, accumulated loss	980	753
Time deposits [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	40,000	40,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	0	0
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	0	0
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	40,000	40,000
U.S. debt [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost		2,800
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains		0
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses		0
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	0	2,800
U.S. government obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost		3,500
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains		1
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses		0
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	$ 0	$ 3,501

5. Restricted Cash and Invest42

5. Restricted Cash and Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]
Restricted cash	$ 61,613	$ 49,818
Restricted investments	315,788	357,235
Restricted cash and investments, noncurrent	377,401	407,053
Restricted cash, current	$ 76,362	$ 74,695
Solar module collection and recycling custodial account	90 days
Product minimum service life	25 years

5. Restricted Cash and Invest43

5. Restricted Cash and Investments (Details) - Available For Sale Securities - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	$ 700,859	$ 509,766
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	138	19
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	980	753
Restricted investments	315,788	357,235
U.S. government obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost		3,500
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains		1
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses		0
Restricted Investments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	236,551	247,965
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	79,237	109,270
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	0	0
Restricted investments	315,788	357,235
Restricted Investments [Member] | Foreign government obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	176,738	189,455
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	70,375	93,280
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	0	0
Restricted investments	247,113	282,735
Restricted Investments [Member] | U.S. government obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	59,813	58,510
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	8,862	15,990
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	0	0
Restricted investments	$ 68,675	$ 74,500
Minimum [Member] | Restricted Investments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Contractual Maturities Of Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Range Start	13 years	13 years
Maximum [Member] | Restricted Investments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Contractual Maturities Of Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities, Range End	22 years	22 years

6. Consolidated Balance Sheet44

6. Consolidated Balance Sheet Details (Details) $ in Thousands, € in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015EUR (€)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Feb. 07, 2014USD ($)	Apr. 08, 2009EUR (€)
Accounts receivable trade, net:
Accounts receivable trade, gross							$ 276,850		$ 142,542
Allowance for doubtful accounts							(31)		(7,108)
Accounts receivable trade, net							276,819		135,434
Secured Accounts Receivables							69,700		21,400
Accounts receivable, unbilled							40,238		41,868
Retainage							30,129		35,103
Accounts receivable, unbilled and retainage							70,367		76,971
Inventories:
Raw materials							163,918		157,468
Work in process							23,340		20,829
Finished goods							403,275		442,408
Inventories							590,533		620,705
Inventories - current							481,975		505,088
Inventories - noncurrent							108,558		115,617
Balance of systems parts							94,360		125,083
Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
Prepaid expenses							107,355		42,193
Derivative instruments							6,721		9,791
Restricted cash							76,362		74,695
Other current assets							72,293		75,472
Prepaid expenses and other current assets							262,731		202,151
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment, gross							2,596,705		2,553,078
Less: accumulated depreciation							(1,240,474)		(1,133,090)
Property, plant and equipment, net							1,356,231		1,419,988
PV solar power systems, net [Abstract]
PV solar power systems, gross							45,727		47,727
Accumulated depreciation							(2,494)		(1,334)
PV solar power systems, net							43,233		46,393
Interest Costs Incurred [Abstract]
Interest cost incurred		$ (4,749)	$ (2,385)	$ (8,226)	$ (5,036)
Interest expense, net		(826)	(930)	(1,020)	(1,340)
Project Assets - Current and Noncurrent:
Project assets - land							23,213		20,170
Project assets - development costs including project acquisition costs							535,710		359,203
Project assets - construction costs							499,918		408,402
Project assets							1,058,841		787,775
Deferred Project Costs [Abstract]
Deferred project costs, current							73,739		29,354
Deferred project costs, noncurrent							1,939		22,573
Deferred project costs							75,678		51,927
Total project assets and deferred project costs							1,134,519		839,702
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Notes receivable							11,281		12,096
Income taxes receivable							4,268		4,850
Deferred rent							23,556		23,823
Other							36,103		20,901
Other assets							75,208		61,670
Goodwill
Goodwill			84,985		84,985		84,985		84,985
Accumulated impairment loss							(393,365)		(393,365)
Goodwill from acquisition				0
Goodwill impairment				0
Other intangible assets, net
Intangible assets, gross							120,342		120,904
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization							(4,888)		(1,668)
Intangible assets, net							115,454		119,236
Amortization of intangible assets		2,200	200	$ 3,200	500
Accrued Expenses [Abstract]
Accrued compensation and benefits							37,559		43,072
Accrued property, plant, and equipment							15,436		30,723
Accrued inventory							63,333		36,233
Accrued project assets and deferred project costs							109,811		113,012
Product warranty liability							50,973		69,656
Accrued expenses in excess of normal product warranty liability and related expenses							6,706		7,800
Other							83,536		87,660
Accrued expenses							367,354		388,156
Billings in excess of cost and estimated earnings							168,587		195,346
Payments and billings for deferred project costs							0		60,591
Other current liabilities
Deferred revenue							20,374		21,879
Derivative instruments							8,527		7,657
Contingent consideration							10,204		36,817
Financing liability							5,299		0
Other							13,813		22,349
Other current liabilities							58,217		88,702
Other liabilities:
Product warranty liability							171,331		153,401
Other taxes payable							34,425		46,555
Contingent consideration							17,194		17,077
Liability in excess of normal product warranty liability and related expenses							19,907		23,139
Financing liability							37,514		0
Other							69,098		44,374
Other liabilities							349,469		284,546
General Electric [Member]
Other intangible assets, net
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life				10 years
Patents [Member]
Other intangible assets, net
Intangible assets, gross							5,747		5,347
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization							(1,621)		(1,208)
Intangible assets, net							4,126		4,139
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Other intangible assets, net
Intangible assets, gross							75,495		2,757
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization							(3,267)		(460)
Intangible assets, net							72,228		2,297
Developed Technology Rights [Member] | General Electric [Member]
Other intangible assets, net
Intangible assets, gross							73,700
In Process Research and Development [Member]
Other intangible assets, net
Intangible assets, gross							39,100		112,800
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization							0		0
Intangible assets, net							39,100		112,800
CdTe Components Segment [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill							403,420		403,420
Goodwill from acquisition				$ 0
Crystalline Silicon Components Segment [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill							6,097		6,097
Goodwill from acquisition				0
Systems Segment [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill			68,833		68,833		68,833		68,833
Goodwill from acquisition				0
Credit Facility Agreement [Member]
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Notes receivable						€ 7	7,800	€ 7	8,500
Notes Receivable Initial Available Amount | €											€ 17.5
Note Receivable Interest Rate											8.00%
Convertible Loan with Strategic Entity [Member]
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Notes receivable							3,500		3,500
Notes Receivable Initial Available Amount										$ 5,000
Note Receivable Interest Rate										8.00%
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Depreciation		62,500	62,600	124,000	123,400
PV solar power systems, net [Abstract]
Depreciation		62,500	62,600	124,000	123,400
Interest Costs Incurred [Abstract]
Interest costs, capitalized during period		295	444	862	1,022
PV solar power systems [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Depreciation		600	100	1,200	100
PV solar power systems, net [Abstract]
Depreciation		600	100	1,200	100
Project Assets And Deferred Project Costs [Member]
Interest Costs Incurred [Abstract]
Interest costs, capitalized during period		$ 3,628	$ 1,011	6,344	$ 2,674
Land [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment, gross							12,128		12,378
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment, gross							400,899		397,087
Property, Plant and Equipment, Transfers and Changes	$ 15,200
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment, gross							1,769,932		1,649,363
Property, Plant and Equipment, Transfers and Changes	$ 2,500
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment, gross							136,920		134,268
Leaseholds and Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment, gross							50,406		50,096
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment, gross							74,267		154,497
Stored Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment, gross							$ 152,153		$ 155,389
Property, Plant and Equipment, Transfers and Changes				$ (3,200)

7. Derivative Financial Instr45

7. Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	$ 6,721	$ 9,791
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	(8,527)	(7,657)
Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	(11,521)	(9,041)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	1,213
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	4,741	3,160
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	11,521	9,041
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	6,721	8,578
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	3,786	4,497
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset		1,213
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	59
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	(59)	1,213
Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	1,213
Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	59	0
Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	6,721	8,578
Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	3,786	4,497
Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Cross-currency swap contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	16,125	11,991
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	(16,125)	(11,991)
Cross-currency swap contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0
Cross-currency swap contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	4,604	2,996
Cross-currency swap contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	11,521	8,995
Interest rate swap contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	78	210
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	(78)	(210)
Interest rate swap contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0
Interest rate swap contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	78	164
Interest rate swap contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	$ 0	$ 46

7. Derivative Financial Instr46

7. Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - Hedging Relationship - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			$ 3,012	$ (2,172)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net			(3,272)	(3,594)
Net sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			(352)
Cost of sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			(4,599)
Foreign currency (loss) gain, net [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			4,766	(2,748)
Interest expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			243	448
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset					$ 1,213
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	$ (59)		(59)
Gross derivative liability (asset) offset in statement of financial position	0		0		0
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	59		59		(1,213)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral					0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	0		0
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash					0
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	0		0
Potential net amount of derivative asset (liability)	(59)		(59)		1,213
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cross-currency swap contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(16,125)		(16,125)		(11,991)
Gross derivative liability (asset) offset in statement of financial position	0		0		0
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	16,125		16,125		11,991
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	0		0		0
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	0		0		0
Potential net amount of derivative asset (liability)	(16,125)		(16,125)		(11,991)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest rate swap contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(78)		(78)		(210)
Gross derivative liability (asset) offset in statement of financial position	0		0		0
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	78		78		210
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	0		0		0
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	0		0		0
Potential net amount of derivative asset (liability)	(78)		(78)		$ (210)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member] | Cost of sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(4,553)	$ 840	9,963	1,343
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member] | Foreign currency (loss) gain, net [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	333	(2,371)	(7,984)	(3,040)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			6,621	4,351
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net			973	(7,193)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member] | Net sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			(352)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member] | Cost of sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			(4,599)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member] | Foreign currency (loss) gain, net [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			0	0
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member] | Interest expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			0	0
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member] | Other Income (Expense) [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net	0	0	0	0
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net	$ 200	$ 200	500	100
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Cross-currency swap contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			(3,399)	(5,820)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net			(4,268)	3,625
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Cross-currency swap contract [Member] | Net sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			0
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Cross-currency swap contract [Member] | Cost of sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			0
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Cross-currency swap contract [Member] | Foreign currency (loss) gain, net [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			4,766	(2,748)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Cross-currency swap contract [Member] | Interest expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			134	160
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest rate swap contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			(210)	(703)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net			23	(26)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest rate swap contract [Member] | Net sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			0
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest rate swap contract [Member] | Cost of sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			0
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest rate swap contract [Member] | Foreign currency (loss) gain, net [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			0	0
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest rate swap contract [Member] | Interest expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			$ 109	$ 288

7. Derivative Financial Instr47

7. Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - Risk Management € in Millions, ¥ in Millions, MYR in Millions, AUD in Millions

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2015EUR (€)

Jun. 30, 2015MYR

Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2015JPY (¥)

Dec. 31, 2014AUD

Dec. 31, 2014EUR (€)

Dec. 31, 2014MYR

Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2014JPY (¥)

Sep. 30, 2011MYR

May. 29, 2009EUR (€)

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net

$ (4,700,000)

Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member]

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Maximum length of time hedged in foreign currency cash flow hedge

1 month

6 months

Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement [Member] | Cross-currency swap contract [Member]

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Derivative, Notional Amount

MYR 271.3

71,700,000

MYR 310.1

$ 88,600,000

MYR 465

Derivative fixed interest rate paid on swap

3.495%

Derivative, Forward Exchange Rate

3.19

Derivative, Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain (Loss)

$ 0

$ 0

$ 0

$ 0

Malaysian Facility Agreement [Member] | Interest rate swap contract [Member]

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Derivative, Notional Amount

€ 5.7

6,300,000

€ 10.3

12,500,000

€ 57.3

Derivative fixed interest rate paid on swap

2.80%

Derivative, Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain (Loss)

$ 0

$ 0

0

$ 0

Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member]

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments

$ 2,600,000

$ 6,600,000

Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months

2,600,000

Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Australia, Dollars | Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member]

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Derivative, Notional Amount

AUD 38.4

31,500,000

Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Japan, Yen | Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member]

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Derivative, Notional Amount

$ 7,800,000

¥ 961.9

$ 10,300,000

¥ 1,223.2

7. Derivative Financial Instr48

7. Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - Transaction Exposure - Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member] € in Millions, ₨ in Millions, ¥ in Millions, ¥ in Millions, £ in Millions, TRY in Millions, MYR in Millions, CLP in Millions, CAD in Millions, AUD in Millions, $ in Millions

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2015AUD

Jun. 30, 2015GBP (£)

Jun. 30, 2015EUR (€)

Jun. 30, 2015MYR

Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2015CAD

Jun. 30, 2015INR (₨)

Jun. 30, 2015JPY (¥)

Jun. 30, 2015TRY

Jun. 30, 2015CNY (¥)

Jun. 30, 2015CLP

Dec. 31, 2014AUD

Dec. 31, 2014GBP (£)

Dec. 31, 2014EUR (€)

Dec. 31, 2014MYR

Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2014CAD

Dec. 31, 2014JPY (¥)

Derivative [Line Items]

Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments

$ 2.9

$ 4.1

Euro Member Countries, Euro | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Currency Bought

Euro

Euro

Derivative, Currency Sold

Euro

Euro

Euro Member Countries, Euro | Purchase [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Notional Amount

€ 69.5

$ 77.3

€ 91.1

$ 110.9

Euro Member Countries, Euro | Sell [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Notional Amount

€ 148.1

164.6

€ 92.4

112.5

Australia, Dollars | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Currency Bought

Australian dollar

Derivative, Currency Sold

Australian dollar

Australian dollar

Australia, Dollars | Purchase [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Notional Amount

AUD 26

21.3

Australia, Dollars | Sell [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Notional Amount

AUD 72.4

55.4

AUD 118

96.7

Malaysia, Ringgits | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Currency Bought

Malaysian ringgit

Malaysian ringgit

Derivative, Currency Sold

Malaysian ringgit

Malaysian ringgit

Malaysia, Ringgits | Purchase [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Notional Amount

MYR 155.7

41.1

MYR 146

41.7

Malaysia, Ringgits | Sell [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Notional Amount

MYR 229.7

60.7

MYR 93.6

26.7

Canada, Dollars | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Currency Bought

Canadian dollar

Derivative, Currency Sold

Canadian dollar

Canadian dollar

Canada, Dollars | Purchase [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Notional Amount

0.6

CAD 0.7

Canada, Dollars | Sell [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Notional Amount

5.7

CAD 7.1

0

CAD 8.3

Japan, Yen | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Currency Bought

Japanese yen

Japanese yen

Derivative, Currency Sold

Japanese yen

Japanese yen

Japan, Yen | Purchase [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Notional Amount

6

¥ 737.2

0

¥ 244.6

Japan, Yen | Sell [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Notional Amount

22.3

¥ 2,746.1

19.5

¥ 2,322.1

United Kingdom, Pounds | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Currency Bought

British pound

Derivative, Currency Sold

British pound

British pound

United Kingdom, Pounds | Purchase [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Notional Amount

£ 1.4

2.2

United Kingdom, Pounds | Sell [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Notional Amount

£ 30.3

47.6

£ 37.7

$ 58.6

China, Yuan Renminbi | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Currency Bought

Chinese yuan

China, Yuan Renminbi | Purchase [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Notional Amount

10.4

¥ 64.6

India, Rupees | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Currency Bought

Indian rupee

Derivative, Currency Sold

Indian rupee

India, Rupees | Purchase [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Notional Amount

14.6

₨ 929.5

India, Rupees | Sell [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Notional Amount

54

₨ 3,450

Turkey, New Lira | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Currency Bought

Turkish lira

Turkey, New Lira | Purchase [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Notional Amount

1

TRY 2.7

Chile, Pesos | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Currency Sold

Chilean peso

Chile, Pesos | Sell [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Notional Amount

$ 10.3

CLP 6,610

8. Fair Value Measurements (Det

8. Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	$ 700,017	$ 509,032
Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash)	315,788	357,235
Foreign debt [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	660,017	462,731
Time deposits [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	40,000	40,000
U.S. debt [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	0	2,800
U.S. government obligations [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	0	3,501
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash)	315,788	357,235
Derivative assets	6,721	9,791
Total assets	1,025,668	877,660
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	20,048	16,698
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign debt [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	660,017	462,731
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Time deposits [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	40,000	40,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. debt [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value		2,800
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. government obligations [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value		3,501
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash)	0	0
Derivative assets	0	0
Total assets	43,142	41,602
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Foreign debt [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Time deposits [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	40,000	40,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | U.S. debt [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | U.S. government obligations [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash)	315,788	357,235
Derivative assets	6,721	9,791
Total assets	982,526	836,058
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	20,048	16,698
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Foreign debt [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	660,017	462,731
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Time deposits [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | U.S. debt [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value		2,800
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | U.S. government obligations [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value		3,501
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash)	0	0
Derivative assets	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Foreign debt [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Time deposits [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | U.S. debt [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | U.S. government obligations [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value		0
Money market funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Money market funds	3,142	1,602
Money market funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Money market funds	3,142	1,602
Money market funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Money market funds	0	0
Money market funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Money market funds	$ 0	$ 0

8. Fair Value Measurements (D50

8. Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Balance Sheet Grouping - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Marketable securities	$ 700,017	$ 509,032
Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash)	315,788	357,235
Notes receivable - noncurrent	11,281	12,096
Note receivable, affiliate - noncurrent	9,852	9,127
Restricted Investments [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash)	315,788	357,235
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Marketable securities	700,017	509,032
Foreign exchange forward contract assets	6,721	9,791
Notes receivable - noncurrent	11,281	12,096
Note receivable, affiliate - noncurrent	9,852	9,127
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Long-term debt, including current maturities	298,373	211,915
Foreign exchange forward contract liabilities	3,845	4,497
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Restricted Investments [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash)	315,788	357,235
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Interest rate swap contract [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Interest rate derivative contract liabilities	78	210
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Cross-currency swap contract [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Interest rate derivative contract liabilities	16,125	11,991
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Marketable securities	700,017	509,032
Foreign exchange forward contract assets	6,721	9,791
Notes receivable - noncurrent	11,386	12,189
Note receivable, affiliate - noncurrent	9,867	9,812
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Long-term debt, including current maturities	305,365	224,489
Foreign exchange forward contract liabilities	3,845	4,497
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Restricted Investments [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Restricted investments (excluding restricted cash)	315,788	357,235
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Interest rate swap contract [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Interest rate derivative contract liabilities	78	210
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Cross-currency swap contract [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Interest rate derivative contract liabilities	$ 16,125	$ 11,991

9. Investments in Unconsolida51

9. Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates and Joint Ventures (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands, £ in Millions	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)shares	Apr. 30, 2015USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015GBP (£)shares	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Equity and Cost Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments									$ 144,248		$ 249,614
Cost method investments									9,260		5,415
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates and joint ventures									153,508		255,029
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Amount Due under Financing Arrangement, Current									5,299		0
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Amount Due under Financing Arrangement, Noncurrent									37,514		0
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax				$ 1,929	$ (2,004)	$ 1,755	$ (1,976)
Note receivable, affiliate - noncurrent									9,852		9,127
Notes receivable, affiliate									43,345		12,487
Maryland Solar Project [Member]
Schedule of Equity and Cost Method Investments [Line Items]
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Amount Due under Financing Arrangement									42,800
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Amount Due under Financing Arrangement, Current									5,300
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Amount Due under Financing Arrangement, Noncurrent									$ 37,500
Maryland Solar LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity and Cost Method Investments [Line Items]
Subsidiary, Ownership Percentage by Parent								100.00%	100.00%
8point3 Energy Partners LP [Member]
Schedule of Equity and Cost Method Investments [Line Items]
Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction | shares	20,000,000
Sale of Stock, Price Per Share | $ / shares									$ 21
Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Members or Limited Partners, Class B Shares Held | shares								22,116,925	22,116,925
Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest	31.00%
Administrative Fees Expense	$ 600
Administrative Fees Expense, Right to Increase Percentage	15.00%
Management Fee Expense	$ 300
Management Fee Expense, Annual Escalation Percentage	2.00%
8point3 Operating Company, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity and Cost Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments									$ 116,400
Equity Method Investment, Common Units Held | shares								6,721,810	6,721,810
Equity Method Investment, Subordinated Units Held | shares								15,395,115	15,395,115
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage								31.00%	31.00%
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Gross Distributions	$ 283,700
Minimum Quarterly Distribution, Threshold for Early Termination of Subordination Period								150.00%	150.00%
Minimum Quarterly Distribution, Measurement Period for Early Termination of Subordination Period	1 year
Equity Method Investment, Financial Information, Senior Secured Credit Facility									$ 525,000
8point3 Operating Company, LLC [Member] | Term Loan Facility [Member]
Schedule of Equity and Cost Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Financial Information, Senior Secured Credit Facility									300,000
8point3 Operating Company, LLC [Member] | Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility [Member]
Schedule of Equity and Cost Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Financial Information, Senior Secured Credit Facility									25,000
8point3 Operating Company, LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Schedule of Equity and Cost Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Financial Information, Senior Secured Credit Facility									200,000
SG2 Holdings, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity and Cost Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments									$ 224,500		219,900
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage			49.00%					49.00%	49.00%
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Sold			51.00%
Power Purchase Agreement, Term			25 years
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax				1,700		2,100
Lost Hills Blackwell Holdings, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity and Cost Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments									$ 34,100
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage		49.00%						49.00%	49.00%
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Sold		51.00%
Power Purchase Agreement, Term		25 years
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax				200		200
Revenue from Partial Sale of Project Assets		$ 71,500
North Star Solar, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity and Cost Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments									$ 93,600
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage		49.00%						49.00%	49.00%
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Sold		51.00%
Power Purchase Agreement, Term		20 years
Revenue from Partial Sale of Project Assets		$ 196,900
North Star Solar, LLC [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Schedule of Equity and Cost Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax				(100)		(100)
Clean Energy Collective, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity and Cost Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments									$ 17,900		19,500
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage			28.00%
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax				$ (200)		$ (1,000)
Notes Receivable, Related Parties, Borrowing Capacity			$ 15,000
Note receivable, affiliate - noncurrent									9,900		9,100
Clean Energy Collective, LLC [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Schedule of Equity and Cost Method Investments [Line Items]
Note Receivable Interest Rate			7.00%
Clean Energy Collective, LLC [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Schedule of Equity and Cost Method Investments [Line Items]
Note Receivable Interest Rate			16.00%
Clean Energy Collective, LLC Warrant [Member]
Schedule of Equity and Cost Method Investments [Line Items]
Cost method investments			$ 1,800
Unconsolidated JV [Member]
Schedule of Equity and Cost Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage												50.00%
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage by Third Party												50.00%
Notes receivable, affiliate								£ 27.6	$ 43,300	£ 8	$ 12,500
Unconsolidated JV [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Schedule of Equity and Cost Method Investments [Line Items]
Note Receivable Interest Rate										8.00%	8.00%

10. Percentage-of-Completion 52

10. Percentage-of-Completion Changes in Estimates (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)Projects	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)Projects	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)Projects	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)Projects
Changes in Estimates for Systems Business [Abstract]
Project Change in Estimate Disclosure Threshold			$ 1,000
Number of projects | Projects	7	8	6	10
Increases (decreases) in gross profit resulting from net changes in estimates (in thousands)	$ 20,209	$ 4,502	$ 37,603	$ (3,484)
Net change in estimates as percentage of aggregate gross profit for associated projects	1.60%	0.40%	4.10%	(0.10%)

11. Debt (Details)

11. Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Long-term debt, gross	$ 311,101	$ 225,512
Less unamortized discount and issuance costs	(11,416)	(12,039)
Total long-term debt	299,685	213,473
Less current portion	(41,898)	(51,399)
Noncurrent portion	257,787	162,074
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Remainder of Fiscal Year	22,445
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	34,561
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	62,391
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	29,266
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	5,355
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five	155,771
Total long-term debt future principal payments	$ 309,789
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	July 2,018
Debt Instrument, Currency	USD
Revolving credit facility	$ 0	0
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	700,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	900,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	224,900	202,500
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	$ 475,100	397,500
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.375%
Fronting fee	0.125%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.00%
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at (i) LIBOR (adjusted for Eurocurrency reserve requirements) plus a margin of 2.25% or (ii) a base rate as defined in the credit agreement plus a margin of 1.25%, depending on the type of borrowing requested
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.25%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.25%
Project Construction Credit Facilities [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	Various
Debt Instrument, Currency	Various
Long-term debt, gross	$ 198,441	75,418
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$ 290,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Fixed Rate	3.50%
Debt Instrument, Description of Fixed Rate Basis	Fixed rate loans at bank rate plus 3.50%
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	Variable rate loans at 91-Day U.S. Treasury Bill Yield or LIBOR plus 3.50%
Project Construction Credit Facilities [Member] | LDN OPIC Loan [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Long-term debt, gross	$ 125,100
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	230,000
Line of Credit, Committed Amount	178,000
Line of Credit, Uncommitted Amount	52,000
Project Construction Credit Facilities [Member] | LDN IFC Loan [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Long-term debt, gross	42,200
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	60,000
Project Construction Credit Facilities [Member] | LDN VAT Loan [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Long-term debt, gross	31,200
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$ 65,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.30%
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	VAT loans at bank rate plus 1.30%
Project Construction Credit Facilities [Member] | LDN OPIC Loan and IFC Loan [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount	$ 338,500
Project Construction Credit Facilities [Member] | Fixed Rate Term Loan [Member] | LDN OPIC Loan [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Line of Credit, Committed Amount	133,300
Project Construction Credit Facilities [Member] | Fixed Rate Term Loan [Member] | LDN IFC Loan [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Line of Credit, Committed Amount	44,900
Project Construction Credit Facilities [Member] | Variable Rate Term Loan [Member] | LDN OPIC Loan [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Line of Credit, Committed Amount	44,700
Project Construction Credit Facilities [Member] | Variable Rate Term Loan [Member] | LDN IFC Loan [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Line of Credit, Committed Amount	$ 15,100
Malaysian Ringgit Facility Agreement [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	September 2,018
Debt Instrument, Currency	MYR
Long-term debt, gross	$ 71,698	88,606
Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount	$ 257,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.00%
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	KLIBOR plus 2.00% (2)
Malaysian Euro Facility Agreement [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	April 2,018
Debt Instrument, Currency	EUR
Long-term debt, gross	$ 26,702	34,112
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.00%
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	EURIBOR plus 1.00%
Malaysian Facility Agreement [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	March 2,016
Debt Instrument, Currency	EUR
Long-term debt, gross	$ 12,948	25,818
Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount	$ 8,600
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.54%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.55%
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	Floating rate facility at EURIBOR plus 0.55% (2)
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	Various
Debt Instrument, Currency	Various
Long-term debt, gross	$ 1,312	$ 1,558

12. Commitments and Contingen54

12. Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Commercial Commitments - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bank Guarantees and Letters of Credit	$ 9
Letters of credit issued under a bi-lateral facility secured by cash	43.8
Surety Bonds	152.4
Surety Bond Capacity	640.6
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	700
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	224.9	$ 202.5
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	$ 475.1	$ 397.5

12. Commitments and Contingen55

12. Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Product Warranties - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]
Product warranty liability, beginning of period	$ 220,404	$ 208,294	$ 223,057	$ 198,041
Accruals for new warranties issued	11,268	8,242	18,008	19,511
Settlements	(2,346)	(3,498)	(5,095)	(7,577)
Changes in estimate of product warranty liability	(7,022)	(2,211)	(13,666)	852
Product warranty liability, end of period	222,304	210,827	222,304	210,827
Current portion of warranty liability	50,973	68,214	50,973	68,214
Noncurrent portion of warranty liability	$ 171,331	$ 142,613	$ 171,331	$ 142,613
Estimated Rate of Return for Module Warranty	3.00%		3.00%
Percentage Point Change in Estimated Rate of Return of Module Warranty	1.00%		1.00%
Estimated Change in Module Warranty from Sensitivity Analysis	$ 69,200		$ 69,200
Percentage Point Change in Estimated Rate of Return of Balance of Systems Warranty	1.00%		1.00%

12. Commitments and Contingen56

12. Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Accrued Expenses in Excess of Product Warranty - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Total Product Warranty Accrual in Excess of Normal Product Warranty Liability	$ 26,600	$ 30,900
Product Warranty Accrual in Excess of Normal Product Warranty Liability	6,706	7,800
Product Warranty Accrual in Excess of Normal Product Warranty Noncurrent Liability	$ 19,907	$ 23,139

12. Commitments and Contingen57

12. Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Performance Guarantees - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Energy Performance Testing Liability	$ 0	$ 4.3

12. Commitments and Contingen58

12. Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Contingent Consideration - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Project Acquisition, Contingent Consideration Liability, Current	$ 5.2	$ 31.9
Project Acquisition, Contingent Consideration Liability, Noncurrent	2.4	2.4
TetraSun and Solar Chile [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Liability, Current	5	4.9
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Liability, Noncurrent	$ 14.8	$ 14.7

12. Commitments and Contingen59

12. Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Solar Module Collection and Recycling Liability - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Accrued solar module collection and recycling liability	$ 240,972	$ 246,307
Percentage increase in annualized inflation rate	1.00%
Estimated Increase in Solar Module Collection Recycling Liability from Sensitivity Analysis	$ 59,700
Percentage decrease in annualized inflation rate	1.00%
Estimated Decrease in Solar Module Collection Recycling Liability from Sensitivity Analysis	$ 48,900
Percent of modules sold which are subject to EOL	3.00%	56.00%

13. Share-Based Compensation (D

13. Share-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 8,854	$ 8,154	$ 20,933	$ 21,452
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Gross	8,505	9,894	20,103	22,994
Net amount released from (absorbed into) inventory	349	(1,740)	830	(1,542)
Employee service share-based compensation, capitalized in inventory	$ 4,500		$ 4,500		$ 5,300
Employee Service Share-Based Compensation, Forfeiture Rate	9.50%		9.50%		9.50%
Restricted and performance stock units [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 7,819	9,411	$ 18,771	21,931
Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, total compensation cost not yet recognized	46,600		$ 46,600
Employee service share-based compensation, unrecognized compensation costs on nonvested awards, weighted average period of recognition (in years)			1 year 2 months
Unrestricted stock [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	332	332	$ 663	663
Stock purchase plan [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	354	151	669	400
Cost of sales [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	2,087	680	5,491	5,990
Research and development [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	933	1,013	2,102	2,265
Selling, general and administrative [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	5,825	6,458	13,319	13,194
Production start-up [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 9	$ 3	$ 21	$ 3

14. Income Taxes (Details)

14. Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate	(56.30%)	(49.60%)	442.90%	18.40%
Statutory U.S. federal tax rate			35.00%
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	$ 13.4		$ 13.4
Tax Authority, Spain [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions			$ (2.5)
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions	$ 41.7

15. Net Income Per Share (Detai

15. Net Income Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Numerator:
Net income	$ 94,490	$ 4,528	$ 32,198	$ 116,535
Denominator, basic:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	100,852	100,148	100,615	99,871
Net income per share, basic	$ 0.94	$ 0.05	$ 0.32	$ 1.17
Denominator, diluted:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	100,852	100,148	100,615	99,871
Effect of restricted and performance stock units, and stock purchase plan shares	755	1,666	1,016	1,949
Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income per share	101,607	101,814	101,631	101,820
Net income per share, diluted	$ 0.93	$ 0.04	$ 0.32	$ 1.14
Anti-dilutive shares	12	50	73	107

16. Comprehensive Income (Los63

16. Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net income	$ 94,490	$ 4,528	$ 32,198	$ 116,535
Foreign currency translation adjustments	2,495	(1,721)	(12,898)	(1,661)
Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities and restricted investments for the period, net of tax	(60,640)	18,572	(22,353)	38,748
Less: reclassification for gains included in net income, net of tax	0	(127)	0	(127)
Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities and restricted investments	(60,640)	18,445	(22,353)	38,621
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments for the period, net of tax	3,577	417	(3,472)	(1,455)
Less: reclassification for losses (gains) included in net income, net of tax	(3,918)	(1,827)	1,571	(2,300)
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments	(341)	(1,410)	(1,901)	(3,755)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(58,486)	15,314	(37,152)	33,205
Comprehensive (loss) income	36,004	19,842	(4,954)	149,740
Accumulated other comprehensive income	12,988	7,429	12,988	7,429	$ 50,140	$ (25,776)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications			(38,723)	35,632
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			1,571	(2,427)
Other expense, net	(792)	(1,166)	(2,051)	(2,940)
Net sales	896,217	544,353	1,365,426	1,494,511
Cost of sales	731,734	451,628	1,161,962	1,165,075
Interest expense, net	826	930	1,020	1,340
Foreign currency (loss) gain, net	(2,352)	21	(3,948)	(558)
Total before tax	59,221	4,366	(8,877)	145,198
Tax benefit	(33,340)	(2,166)	(39,320)	26,687
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax	(3,842)	1,295	(1,785)	2,957
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Tax	0	83	0	83
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax	1,837	(677)	200	(2,140)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Tax	2,343	0	1,513	0
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax			(12,898)	(1,661)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(66,235)	(35,851)	(66,235)	(35,851)	(53,337)	(34,190)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications			(12,898)	(1,661)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			0	0
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax			(22,353)	38,621
Accumulated other comprehensive income	79,946	50,179	79,946	50,179	102,299	11,558
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications			(22,353)	38,748
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			0	(127)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax			(1,901)	(3,755)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	$ (723)	$ (6,899)	(723)	(6,899)	$ 1,178	$ (3,144)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications			(3,472)	(1,455)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			1,571	(2,300)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Net income			0	127
Other expense, net			0	210
Tax benefit			0	83
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Net income			(1,571)	2,300
Net sales			352	0
Cost of sales			4,599	0
Interest expense, net			(243)	(448)
Foreign currency (loss) gain, net			(4,766)	2,748
Total before tax			(58)	2,300
Tax benefit			$ (1,513)	$ 0

17. Segment Reporting (Details)

17. Segment Reporting (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)segments	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | segments			2
Net sales	$ 896,217	$ 544,353	$ 1,365,426	$ 1,494,511
Gross profit	164,483	92,725	203,464	329,436
Depreciation and amortization expense	65,346	62,866	128,575	123,976
Income (loss) before income taxes	59,221	4,366	(8,877)	145,198
Goodwill	84,985	84,985	84,985	84,985	$ 84,985
Total assets	6,803,805	6,612,015	6,803,805	6,612,015	6,720,991
Solar module revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	18,823	65,397	119,956	106,398
Solar power system revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	877,394	478,956	1,245,470	1,388,113
Components Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	321,444	194,061	547,061	510,919
Gross profit	57,836	686	77,225	25,774
Depreciation and amortization expense	61,967	55,486	121,778	108,617
Income (loss) before income taxes	7,661	(44,559)	(21,771)	(73,985)
Goodwill	16,152	16,152	16,152	16,152
Total assets	4,130,175	4,007,064	4,130,175	4,007,064
Systems Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	574,773	350,292	818,365	983,592
Gross profit	106,647	92,039	126,239	303,662
Depreciation and amortization expense	3,379	7,380	6,797	15,359
Income (loss) before income taxes	51,560	48,925	12,894	219,183
Goodwill	68,833	68,833	68,833	68,833	$ 68,833
Total assets	$ 2,673,630	$ 2,604,951	$ 2,673,630	$ 2,604,951

Uncategorized Items - fslr-2015

Label	Element	Value
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect before Taxes	fslr_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectBeforeTaxes	$ (202)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect before Taxes	fslr_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectBeforeTaxes	(8,066)
Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect before Taxes	fslr_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectBeforeTaxes	(2,767)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect before Taxes	fslr_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectBeforeTaxes	(4,783)
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect before Taxes	fslr_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectBeforeTaxes	(2,842)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect before Taxes	fslr_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectBeforeTaxes	2,643
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect before Taxes	fslr_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectBeforeTaxes	(441)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect before Taxes	fslr_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectBeforeTaxes	$ (78)