Sunpower (SPWRQ) 10-Q 30 Apr 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Apr. 25, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	30-Mar-14	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'SUNPOWER CORP	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000867773	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-29	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$868.50
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'	'
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	'	130,686,326	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 30, 2014		Dec. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$754,741		$762,511
Restricted cash and cash equivalents, current portion	14,140		13,926
Accounts receivable, net	265,402		360,594
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	17,778		31,787
Inventories	234,380		245,575
Advances to suppliers, current portion	69,103		58,619
Project assets - plants and land, current portion	30,304		69,196
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	648,979	[1]	646,270	[1]
Total current assets	2,034,827		2,188,478
Restricted cash and cash equivalents, net of current portion	19,652		17,573
Restricted long-term marketable securities	8,715		8,892
Property, plant and equipment, net	535,287		533,387
Solar power systems leased and to be leased, net	360,571		345,504
Project assets - plants and land, net of current portion	7,751		6,411
Advances to suppliers, net of current portion	321,474		324,695
Long-term financing receivables, net	207,606		175,273
Other long-term assets	330,458	[1]	298,477	[1]
Assets	3,826,341		3,898,690
Current liabilities:	'		'
Accounts payable	418,566	[1]	443,969	[1]
Accrued liabilities	378,501		358,157
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	191,641	[1]	308,650	[1]
Short-term debt	17,157		56,912
Convertible debt, current portion	460,501		455,889
Customer advances, current portion	38,752	[1]	36,883	[1]
Total current liabilities	1,505,118		1,660,460
Long-term debt	123,423		93,095
Convertible debt, net of current portion	300,079	[1]	300,079	[1]
Customer advances, net of current portion	162,686	[1]	167,282	[1]
Other long-term liabilities	544,646		523,991
Total liabilities	2,635,952		2,744,907
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)	'		'
Equity:	'		'
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding as of both December 29, 2013 and December 31, 2012	0		0
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 367,500,000 shares authorized; 130,266,418 shares issued, and 123,542,147 outstanding as of March 30, 2014; 126,946,763 shares issued, and 121,535,913 outstanding as of December 29, 2013	124		122
Additional paid-in capital	1,987,870		1,980,778
Accumulated deficit	-741,448		-806,492
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-3,769		-4,318
Treasury stock, at cost; 6,724,271 shares of common stock as of March 30, 2014; 5,410,850 shares of common stock as of December 29, 2013	-97,443		-53,937
Total stockholders' equity	1,145,334		1,116,153
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	45,055		37,630
Total equity	1,190,389		1,153,783
Total liabilities and equity	$3,826,341		$3,898,690
[1]	The Company has related party balances in connection with transactions made with Total and its affiliates as well as unconsolidated entities in which the Company has a direct equity investment. These related party balances are recorded within the "Prepaid expenses and other current assets," "Other long-term assets," "Accounts payable," "Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings," "Customer advances, current portion," "Convertible debt, net of current portion," and "Customer advances, net of current portion" financial statement line items in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 2, Note 3, Note 7, Note 8, and Note 9).

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	367,500,000	367,500,000
Common stock, shares issued	130,266,418	126,946,763
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	123,542,147	121,535,913
Common stock held in treasury	6,724,271	5,410,850

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'
Revenue	$692,422	$635,433
Cost of revenue	529,433	576,120
Gross margin	162,989	59,313
Research and development	16,746	13,170
Sales, general and administrative	73,928	70,092
Restructuring charges	-461	-337
Total operating expenses	90,213	82,925
Operating income (loss)	72,776	-23,612
Interest income	318	255
Interest expense	-19,592	-27,034
Other, net	1,369	-8,256
Other income (expense), net	-17,905	-35,035
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	54,871	-58,647
Provision for income taxes	-13,620	-2,989
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated investees	1,783	-333
Net income (loss)	43,034	-61,969
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-22,000	7,273
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders	$65,044	($54,696)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to stockholders:	'	'
Basic	$0.53	($0.46)
Diluted	$0.42	($0.46)
Weighted-average shares:	'	'
Basic	122,196	119,553
Diluted	160,434	119,553

Consolidated_Statement_of_Comp

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Statement (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Net income (loss)	$43,034	($61,969)
Translation adjustment	274	-1,343
Net unrealized gain on derivatives (Note 10)	385	2,835
Income taxes	-110	-533
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	549	959
Total comprehensive income (loss)	43,583	-61,010
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	22,010	7,273
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to stockholders	$65,593	($53,737)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)	Total	Capital Units [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Parent [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
In Thousands	USD ($)		USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest at Dec. 29, 2013	$1,153,783	'	$122	$1,980,778	($53,937)	($4,318)	($806,492)	$1,116,153	$37,630
Shares, Issued at Dec. 29, 2013	'	121,536	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders	65,044	'	'	'	'	'	65,044	65,044	'
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	549	'	'	'	'	549	'	549	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures	'	18	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised	68	'	0	68	'	'	'	68	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross	'	3,300	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Gross	0	'	2	-2	'	'	'	0	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities	'	1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities	35	'	0	35	'	'	'	35	'
Derivative, Cash Received on Hedge	68,842	'	'	68,842	'	'	'	68,842	'
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued	-81,077	'	'	-81,077	'	'	'	-81,077	'
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	14,876	'	'	14,876	'	'	'	14,876	'
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	'	1,313	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	43,506	'	'	'	43,506	'	'	43,506	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	22,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-22,010
Net income (loss)	43,034	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Tax benefit from convertible debt interest deduction	3,589	'	'	3,589	'	'	'	3,589	'
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation	761	'	'	761	'	'	'	761	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	30,552	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	30,552
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders	-1,117	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,117
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest at Mar. 30, 2014	$1,190,389	'	$124	$1,987,870	($97,443)	($3,769)	($741,448)	$1,145,334	$45,055
Shares, Issued at Mar. 30, 2014	'	123,542	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net income (loss)	$43,034	($61,969)
Depreciation and amortization	25,371	23,767
Stock-based compensation	14,867	8,516
Non-cash interest expense	5,170	11,890
Equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated investees	-1,783	333
Deferred income taxes and other tax liabilities	17,985	4,724
Other, net	9	1,094
Accounts receivable	93,574	60,340
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	14,009	-849
Inventories	4,043	-5,606
Project assets	22,491	-35,250
Long-term financing receivables, net	-32,333	-25,798
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-11,994	223,287
Advances to suppliers	-7,263	-4,319
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	-16,972	-28,825
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	-117,009	-2,697
Customer advances	-2,727	-1,775
Net cash provided by operating activities	50,472	166,863
Decrease in restricted cash and cash equivalents	-2,293	17,797
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-8,800	-12,042
Cash paid for solar power systems, leased and to be leased	-14,989	-41,688
Proceeds from sale of equipment to third-party	0	11
Cash paid for investments in unconsolidated investees	-5,013	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-31,095	-35,922
Proceeds from issuance of non-recourse debt financing, net of issuance costs	39,108	0
Proceeds from issuance of project loans, net of issuance costs	0	24,061
Proceeds from residential lease financing	0	39,090
Proceeds from sale-leaseback financing	16,685	33,850
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	30,552	12,315
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	68	25
Proceeds from settlement of 4.75% Bond Hedge	68,842	0
Payments to settle 4.75% Warrant	-81,077	0
Repayment of bank loans, project loans and other debt	-7,850	-180,501
Assumption of project loan by customer	-40,672	0
Repayment of residential lease financing	-7,213	0
Repayment of sale-leaseback financing	-779	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-1,117	0
Purchases of stock for tax withholding obligations on vested restricted stock	-43,506	-10,739
Cash paid for repurchase of convertible debt	-1	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-26,960	-81,899
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-187	-942
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-7,770	48,100
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	754,741	505,587
Non-cash transactions:	'	'
Assignment of residential lease receivables to a third party financial institution	1,496	33,969
Costs of solar power systems, leased and to be leased, sourced from existing inventory	7,120	15,536
Costs of solar power systems, leased and to be leased, funded by liabilities	1,634	4,070
Costs of solar power systems under sale-leaseback financing arrangements, sourced from project assets	15,269	20,066
Property, plant and equipment acquisitions funded by liabilities	$5,544	$5,042

The_Company_and_Summary_of_Sig

The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	'
	THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	The Company
	SunPower Corporation (together with its subsidiaries, the "Company" or "SunPower") is a vertically integrated solar products and solutions company that designs, manufactures and delivers high-performance solar systems worldwide, serving as a one-stop shop for residential, commercial, and utility-scale power plant customers. SunPower Corporation is a majority owned subsidiary of Total Energies Nouvelles Activités USA ("Total"), a subsidiary of Total S.A. ("Total S.A.") (see Note 2).
	Basis of Presentation and Preparation
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("United States" or "U.S.") and include the accounts of the Company, all of its subsidiaries and special purpose entities, as appropriate under consolidation accounting guidelines. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The assets of the special purpose entities that the Company sets up related to project financing for customers are not designed to be available to service the general liabilities and obligations of the Company in certain circumstances.
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior period balances have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation in the Company's consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Such reclassifications had no effect on previously reported results of operations or accumulated deficit.
	Fiscal Years
	The Company has a 52-to-53-week fiscal year that ends on the Sunday closest to December 31. Accordingly, every fifth or sixth year will be a 53-week fiscal year. Both fiscal 2014 and 2013 are 52-week fiscal years. The first quarter of fiscal 2014 ended on March 30, 2014, while the first quarter of fiscal 2013 ended on March 31, 2013. Both the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 were 13-week quarters.
	Management Estimates
	The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant estimates in these consolidated financial statements include percentage-of-completion for construction projects; allowances for doubtful accounts receivable and sales returns; inventory and project asset write-downs; stock-based compensation; estimates for future cash flows and economic useful lives of property, plant and equipment and other long-term assets; the fair value and residual value of leased solar power systems; fair value of financial instruments; valuation of certain accrued liabilities such as accrued warranty; and income taxes and tax valuation allowances. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") amended its guidance related to the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits. The amended guidance specifies when an unrecognized tax benefit or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a liability versus an offset against a deferred tax asset when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward exists. The amendment became effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
	In March 2013, the FASB and International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") issued common disclosure requirements that are intended to enhance comparability between financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and those prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). This new guidance is applicable to companies that have financial instruments or derivatives that are either offset in the balance sheet (presented on a net basis) or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar arrangement. The requirement does not change the existing offsetting eligibility criteria or the permitted balance sheet presentation for those instruments that meet the eligibility criteria. However, once this disclosure requirement becomes effective, companies will also be required to disclose information about financial instruments and derivatives instruments that have been offset and related arrangements and to provide both net (offset amounts) and gross information in the notes to the financial statements for relevant assets and liabilities that are offset. The disclosure requirement became effective retrospectively in the first quarter of the Company's fiscal year 2014 and did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements as it is disclosure only in nature.
	In March 2013, the FASB amended its guidance related to foreign currency matters requiring the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when an entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or a group of assets within a foreign entity. The amendment became effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
	Other than as described above, there has been no issued accounting guidance not yet adopted by the Company that it believes is material or potentially material to its consolidated financial statements.

Transactions_with_Total_and_To

Transactions with Total and Total S.A.	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	TRANSACTIONS WITH TOTAL AND TOTAL S.A.
	In June 2011, Total completed a cash tender offer to acquire 60% of the Company's then outstanding shares of common stock at a price of $23.25 per share, for a total cost of approximately $1.4 billion. In December 2011, the Company entered into a Private Placement Agreement with Total, under which Total purchased, and the Company issued and sold, 18.6 million shares of the Company's common stock for a purchase price of $8.80 per share, thereby increasing Total's ownership to approximately 66% of the Company's outstanding common stock as of that date.
	Credit Support Agreement
	In fiscal 2011, the Company and Total S.A. entered into a Credit Support Agreement (the "Credit Support Agreement") under which Total S.A. agreed to enter into one or more guarantee agreements (each a "Guaranty") with banks providing letter of credit facilities to the Company. Total S.A. will guarantee the Company's obligation to reimburse the applicable issuing bank a draw on a letter of credit and pay interest thereon in accordance with the letter of credit facility between such bank and the Company. Under the Credit Support Agreement, the Company may also request that Total S.A. provide a Guaranty in support of the Company's payment obligations with respect to a letter of credit facility. The Company is required to pay Total S.A. a guarantee fee for each letter of credit that is the subject of a Guaranty under the Credit Support Agreement and was outstanding for all or part of the preceding calendar quarter.
	The Credit Support Agreement will terminate following the fifth anniversary of the CSA Effective Date, after the later of the payment in full of all obligations thereunder and the termination or expiration of each Guaranty provided thereunder.
	Affiliation Agreement
	The Company and Total have entered into an Affiliation Agreement that governs the relationship between Total and the Company (the "Affiliation Agreement"). Until the expiration of a standstill period (the "Standstill Period"), and subject to certain exceptions, Total, Total S.A., any of their respective affiliates and certain other related parties (the "Total Group") may not effect, seek, or enter into discussions with any third-party regarding any transaction that would result in the Total Group beneficially owning shares of the Company in excess of certain thresholds, or request the Company or the Company's independent directors, officers or employees, to amend or waive any of the standstill restrictions applicable to the Total Group.
	The Affiliation Agreement imposes certain limitations on the Total Group's ability to seek to effect a tender offer or merger to acquire 100% of the outstanding voting power of the Company and imposes certain limitations on the Total Group's ability to transfer 40% or more of outstanding shares or voting power of the Company to a single person or group that is not a direct or indirect subsidiary of Total S.A. During the Standstill Period, no member of the Total Group may, among other things, solicit proxies or become a participant in an election contest relating to the election of directors to the Company's Board of Directors.
	The Affiliation Agreement provides Total with the right to maintain its percentage ownership in connection with any new securities issued by the Company, and Total may also purchase shares on the open market or in private transactions with disinterested stockholders, subject in each case to certain restrictions.
	The Affiliation Agreement also imposes certain restrictions with respect to the Company's and the Company's Board of Directors' ability to take certain actions, including specifying certain actions that require approval by the directors other than the directors appointed by Total and other actions that require stockholder approval by Total.
	Research & Collaboration Agreement
	Total and the Company have entered into a Research & Collaboration Agreement (the "R&D Agreement") that establishes a framework under which the parties engage in long-term research and development collaboration ("R&D Collaboration"). The R&D Collaboration encompasses a number of different projects, with a focus on advancing the Company's technology position in the crystalline silicon domain, as well as ensuring the Company's industrial competitiveness. The R&D Agreement enables a joint committee to identify, plan and manage the R&D Collaboration.
	Liquidity Support Agreement with Total S.A.
	The Company was party to an agreement with a customer to construct the California Valley Solar Ranch, a solar park. Part of the debt financing necessary for the customer to pay for the construction of this solar park was provided by the Federal Financing Bank in reliance on a guarantee of repayment provided by the Department of Energy (the "DOE") under a loan guarantee program. In February 2012, the Company entered into a Liquidity Support Agreement with Total S.A. and the DOE, and a series of related agreements with Total S.A. and Total, under which Total S.A. agreed to provide the Company, or cause to be provided, additional liquidity under certain circumstances to a maximum amount of $600.0 million ("Liquidity Support Facility").  The Liquidity Support Facility was available until the completion of the solar park, which was completed in accordance with the terms of the relevant agreement in March 2014. Upon completion, the Liquidity Support Agreement was terminated. There were no outstanding guarantees or debt under the facility upon termination.
	Compensation and Funding Agreement
	In connection with the Liquidity Support Agreement, in February 2012, the Company entered into a Compensation and Funding Agreement (the "Compensation and Funding Agreement") with Total S.A., pursuant to which, among other things, the Company and Total S.A. established the parameters for the terms of the Liquidity Support Facility and any liquidity injections that may be required to be provided by Total S.A. to the Company pursuant to the Liquidity Support Agreement.
	During the term of the Compensation and Funding Agreement, the Company is required to pay Total S.A. commitment and guarantee fees as follows: (i) quarterly payment of a commitment fee in an amount equal to 0.25% of the unused portion of the $600.0 million Liquidity Support Facility as of the end of such quarter; and (ii) quarterly payment of a guarantee fee in an amount equal to 2.75% per annum of the average amount of the Company's indebtedness that is guaranteed by Total S.A. pursuant to any guaranty issued in accordance with the terms of the Compensation and Funding Agreement during such quarter. Any payment obligations of the Company to Total S.A. under the Compensation and Funding Agreement that are not paid when due shall accrue interest until paid in full at a rate equal to 6-month U.S. LIBOR as in effect from time to time plus 5.00% per annum.
	In July 2013, Total S.A. issued a guarantee for the Company's obligations under the July 2013 revolving credit facility with Credit Agricole (the "July 2013 revolving credit facility"), which reduced the capacity available under the Liquidity Support Facility from $600.0 million to $350.0 million. The Company was required to pay Total S.A. an annual guarantee fee of 2.75% of the outstanding amount under the July 2013 revolving credit facility through expiration of the guarantee on January 31, 2014 (see Note 9).
	Upfront Warrant
	In February 2012, as consideration for Total S.A.'s agreement to provide the Liquidity Support Facility, the Company issued a warrant ("the Upfront Warrant") to purchase 9,531,677 shares of the Company's common stock with an exercise price of $7.8685, subject to adjustment for customary anti-dilution and other events. The Upfront Warrant, governed by the Private Placement Agreement and the Compensation and Funding Agreement, will be exercisable at any time for seven years after its issuance, provided that, so long as at least $25.0 million of the Company's convertible debt remains outstanding, such exercise will not cause "any person," including Total S.A., to, directly or indirectly, including through one or more wholly-owned subsidiaries, become the "beneficial owner" (as such terms are defined in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), of more than 74.99% of the voting power of the Company's common stock at such time, a circumstance which would trigger the repurchase or conversion of the Company's existing convertible debt.
	0.75% Debentures Due 2018
	In May 2013, the Company issued $300.0 million in principal amount of its 0.75% senior convertible debentures due 2018 (the "0.75% debentures due 2018"). $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 0.75% debentures due 2018 were acquired by Total. The 0.75% debentures due 2018 are convertible into shares of the Company's common stock at any time based on an initial conversion price equal to $24.95 per share, which provides Total the right to acquire up to 8,017,420 shares of the Company's common stock. The applicable conversion rate may adjust in certain circumstances, including a fundamental change, as described in the indenture governing the 0.75% debentures due 2018 (see Note 9).
	Joint Projects with Total and its Affiliates:
	We enter into various engineering, procurement and construction ("EPC") and operations and maintenance ("O&M") agreements relating to solar projects, including EPC services and O&M agreements relating to projects owned or partially owned by Total and its affiliates. As of March 30, 2014, the Company had $9.1 million of "Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings" on its Consolidated Balance Sheets related to projects in which Total has a direct or indirect interest.
	Related Party Transactions with Total and its Affiliates:
		Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)	March 30, 2014		March 31, 2013
	Revenue:
	EPC and O&M revenue under joint projects	$	2,889	$	—
	Research and development expense:
	Offsetting contributions received under R&D Agreement	$	260	$	—
	Interest expense:
	Guarantee fees incurred under Credit Support Agreement	$	2,745	$	1,811
	Fees incurred under the Compensation and Funding Agreement	$	1,200	$	1,701
	Interest expense incurred on the 0.75% debentures due 2018	$	375	$	—

Balance_Sheet_Components

Balance Sheet Components	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Balance Sheet Components [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Balance Sheet Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	BALANCE SHEET COMPONENTS
			As of
	(In thousands)		March 30, 2014			December 29, 2013
	Accounts receivable, net:
	Accounts receivable, gross1,2		$	293,813		$	389,152
	Less: allowance for doubtful accounts		(26,474		)	(26,463		)
	Less: allowance for sales returns		(1,937		)	(2,095		)
			$	265,402		$	360,594
	1	Includes short-term financing receivables associated with solar power systems leased of $5.7 million and $4.4 million as of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively (see Note 4).
	2	Includes short-term retainage of $4.4 million and $8.3 million as of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. Retainage refers to the earned, but unbilled, portion of a construction and development project which is withheld for payment by the customer until certain milestones are met in accordance with the related contract.
			As of
	(In thousands)		30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
	Inventories:
	Raw materials		$	45,027		$	51,905
	Work-in-process		63,553			52,756
	Finished goods		125,800			140,914
			$	234,380		$	245,575
			As of
	(In thousands)		30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
	Deferred project costs		$	285,387		$	275,389
	Bond hedge derivative		129,539			110,477
	VAT receivables, current portion		16,116			21,481
	Deferred costs for solar power systems to be leased		13,708			23,429
	Foreign currency derivatives		1,677			4,642
	Other receivables		86,399			112,062
	Other prepaid expenses		50,134			28,629
	Other current assets		66,019			70,161
			$	648,979		$	646,270
			As of
	(In thousands)		30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
	Project assets - plants and land:
	Project assets — plants		$	31,822		$	64,564
	Project assets — land		6,233			11,043
			$	38,055		$	75,607
	Project assets - plants and land, current portion		$	30,304		$	69,196
	Project assets - plants and land, net of current portion		$	7,751		$	6,411
			As of
	(In thousands)		30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
	Property, plant and equipment, net:
	Manufacturing equipment3		$	542,422		$	538,616
	Land and buildings		26,138			26,138
	Leasehold improvements		230,503			229,846
	Solar power systems4		97,127			82,036
	Computer equipment		82,038			79,519
	Furniture and fixtures		8,432			8,392
	Construction-in-process		13,953			11,724
			1,000,613			976,271
	Less: accumulated depreciation		(465,326		)	(442,884		)
			$	535,287		$	533,387
	3	The Company's mortgage loan agreement with International Finance Corporation ("IFC") is collateralized by certain manufacturing equipment with a net book value of $138.3 million and $145.9 million as of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively.
	4	Includes $67.9 million and $52.6 million of solar power systems associated with sale-leaseback transactions under the financing method as of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013 which are depreciated using the straight-line method to their estimated residual values over the lease terms of up to 20 years (see Note 4).
			As of
	(In thousands)		30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
	Property, plant and equipment, net by geography5:
	Philippines		$	311,499		$	321,410
	United States		165,035			153,074
	Mexico		32,948			32,705
	Europe		24,769			25,293
	Other		1,036			905
			$	535,287		$	533,387
	5	Property, plant and equipment, net by geography is based on the physical location of the assets.
			As of
(In thousands)		30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
Other long-term assets:
Equity method investments		$	133,537		$	131,739
Retainage6		114,335			88,934
Cost method investments		17,344			12,374
Long-term debt issuance costs		10,081			10,274
Other		55,161			55,156
		$	330,458		$	298,477
6	Retainage refers to the earned, but unbilled, portion of a construction and development project which is withheld for payment by the customer until certain milestones are met in accordance with the related contract. The Company's noncurrent retainage is expected to be collected in 2015 through 2016.
		As of
(In thousands)		30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
Accrued liabilities:
Bond hedge derivatives		$	129,548		$	110,477
Employee compensation and employee benefits		47,555			50,449
Deferred revenue		30,737			29,287
Short-term residential lease financing		7,379			14,436
Interest payable		9,730			10,971
Short-term warranty reserves		10,988			10,426
Restructuring reserve		4,095			7,134
VAT payables		6,605			7,089
Foreign currency derivatives		1,700			6,170
Other		130,164			111,718
		$	378,501		$	358,157
		As of
(In thousands)		30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
Other long-term liabilities:
Deferred revenue		$	177,976		$	176,925
Long-term warranty reserves		140,427			138,946
Long-term sale-leaseback financing		82,008			65,944
Long-term residential lease financing		31,400			31,933
Unrecognized tax benefits		32,533			28,927
Other		80,302			81,316
		$	544,646		$	523,991
		As of
(In thousands)		30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Cumulative translation adjustment		$	(3,492	)	$	(3,766	)
Net unrealized loss on derivatives		(420		)	(805		)
Deferred taxes		143			253
		$	(3,769	)	$	(4,318	)

Leasing

Leasing	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Leases [Abstract]	'
Leases of Lessor Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	LEASING
	Residential Lease Program
	The Company offers a solar lease program, in partnership with third-party financial institutions, which allows its residential customers to obtain SunPower systems under lease agreements for terms of up to 20 years. Leases are classified as either operating or sales-type leases in accordance with the relevant accounting guidelines.
	Operating Leases
	The following table summarizes "Solar power systems leased and to be leased" under operating leases on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively:
			As of
	(In thousands)		March 30, 2014			December 29, 2013
	Solar power systems leased and to be leased, net1,2:
	Solar power systems leased		$	359,918		$	324,202
	Solar power systems to be leased		24,621			36,645
			384,539			360,847
	Less: accumulated depreciation		(23,968		)	(15,343		)
			$	360,571		$	345,504
	1	Solar power systems leased and to be leased, net are physically located in the United States.
	2	As of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the Company has pledged solar assets with an aggregate book value of $144.7 million and $147.7 million, respectively, to the third-party investors as security for its obligations under the contractual arrangements.
	The following table presents the Company's minimum future rental receipts on operating leases placed in service as of March 30, 2014:
	(In thousands)		2014 (remaining nine months)			2015			2016	2017	2018	Thereafter	Total
	Minimum future rentals on operating leases placed in service1		$	9,419		9,552			9,588	9,626	9,666	143,501	$	191,352
	1	Minimum future rentals on operating leases placed in service does not include contingent rentals that may be received from customers under agreements which include performance based incentives.
	Sales-Type Leases
	As of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the Company's net investment in sales-type leases presented in "Accounts receivable" and "Long-term financing receivables, net" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets was as follows:
			As of
	(In thousands)		March 30, 2014			December 29, 2013
	Financing receivables:
	Minimum lease payments receivable1		$	252,487		$	217,666
	Unguaranteed residual value		26,144			23,366
	Unearned income		(65,306		)	(61,326		)
	Net financing receivables		$	213,325		$	179,706
	Current		$	5,719		$	4,433
	Long-term		$	207,606		$	175,273
	1	Net of allowance for doubtful accounts.
	As of March 30, 2014, future maturities of net financing receivables for sales-type leases are as follows:
	(In thousands)		2014 (remaining nine months)			2015			2016	2017	2018	Thereafter	Total
	Scheduled maturities of minimum lease payments receivable1		$	9,241		11,674			11,837	12,004	12,177	195,554	$	252,487
	1	Minimum future rentals on sales-type leases placed in service does not include contingent rentals that may be received from customers under agreements which include performance based incentives.
	Third-Party Financing Arrangements
	The Company has entered into multiple facilities under which solar power systems are financed with third-party investors. Under the terms of certain programs the investors make upfront payments to the Company, which the Company recognizes as a non-recourse liability that will be reduced over the specified term of the program as customer receivables and government incentives are received by the third-party investors. As the non-recourse liability is reduced over time, the Company makes a corresponding reduction in customer and government incentive receivables on its balance sheet. Under this approach, for both operating and sales-type leases the Company continues to account for these arrangements with its residential lease customers in the consolidated financial statements. As of March 30, 2014, and December 29, 2013, the remaining liability to the third-party investors, presented in "Accrued liabilities" and "Other long-term liabilities" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $38.8 million and $46.4 million, respectively (see Note 3).
	The Company has entered into facilities with third-party investors under which the parties invest in entities that hold SunPower solar power systems and leases with residential customers. The Company was determined to hold controlling interests in these less-than-wholly-owned entities and has fully consolidated these entities as a result. The Company accounts for the portion of net assets in the consolidated entities attributable to the investors as "Noncontrolling interests" in its consolidated financial statements. As of March 30, 2014, the Company has entered into a total of six facilities with third-party investors. During the three months ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013, the Company received $30.6 million and $12.3 million, respectively, in contributions from investors under the related facilities and attributed $22.0 million and $7.3 million, respectively, in losses to the third-party investors primarily as a result of allocating certain assets, including tax credits, to the investors.
	Sale-Leaseback Arrangements
	The Company enters into sale-leaseback arrangements under which solar power systems are sold to third parties and subsequently leased back over minimum lease terms of up to 20 years. Separately, the Company enters into power purchase agreements ("PPAs") with end customers, who host the leased solar power systems and buy the electricity directly from the Company under PPAs with durations of up to 20 years. At the end of the lease term, the Company has the option to purchase the systems at fair value or may be required to remove the systems and return them to the third parties.
	The Company has classified its sale-leaseback arrangements of solar power systems not involving integral equipment as operating leases. The deferred profit on the sale of these systems is recognized over the term of the lease. As of March 30, 2014, future minimum lease obligations associated with these systems was $101.7 million, which will be recognized over the minimum lease terms. Future minimum payments to be received from customers under PPAs associated with the solar power systems under sale-leaseback arrangements classified as operating leases will be recognized over the lease terms of up to 20 years and are contingent upon the energy produced by the solar power systems.
	The Company enters into sale-leaseback arrangements under which the systems under the sale-leaseback arrangements have been determined to be integral equipment as defined under the accounting guidance for such transactions. The Company was further determined to have continuing involvement with the solar power systems throughout the lease due to purchase option rights. As a result of such continuing involvement, the Company accounts for each transaction as a financing. Under the financing method, the proceeds received from the sale of the solar power systems are recorded by the Company as financing liabilities and presented within "Other long-term liabilities" in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 3). The financing liabilities are subsequently reduced by the Company's payments to lease back the solar power systems, less interest expense calculated based on the Company's incremental borrowing rate adjusted to the rate required to prevent negative amortization. The solar power systems under the sale-leaseback arrangements remains on the Company's balance sheet and are classified within "Property, plant and equipment, net" (see Note 3). As of March 30, 2014, future minimum lease obligations for the sale-leaseback arrangements accounted for under the financing method were $78.0 million, which will be recognized over the lease terms of up to 20 years.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Fair value is estimated by applying the following hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three levels and bases the categorization within the hierarchy upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement (observable inputs are the preferred basis of valuation):
	•	Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	•	Level 2 — Measurements are inputs that are observable for assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly, other than quoted prices included within Level 1.
	•	Level 3 — Prices or valuations that require management inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.
	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
	The Company measures certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. There were no transfers between fair value measurement levels during any presented period. The Company did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis requiring Level 3 inputs as of March 30, 2014 or December 29, 2013.
	The following table summarizes the Company's assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively:
			30-Mar-14								29-Dec-13
	(In thousands)		Total			Level 1			Level 2		Total		Level 1		Level 2
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Money market funds1		$	378,001		$	378,001		$	—	$	358,001	$	358,001	$	—
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
	Debt derivatives (Note 9)		129,539			—			129,539		110,477		—		110,477
	Foreign currency derivatives (Note 10)		1,677			—			1,677		4,642		—		4,642
	Other long-term assets:
	Foreign currency derivatives (Note 10)		237			—			237		588		—		588
	Total assets		$	509,454		$	378,001		$	131,453	$	473,708	$	358,001	$	115,707
	Liabilities
	Accrued liabilities:
	Debt derivatives (Note 9)		$	129,548		$	—		$	129,548	$	110,477	$	—	$	110,477
	Foreign currency derivatives (Note 10)		1,700			—			1,700		6,170		—		6,170
	Other long-term liabilities:
	Foreign currency derivatives (Note 10)		191			—			191		555		—		555
	Total liabilities		$	131,439		$	—		$	131,439	$	117,202	$	—	$	117,202
	1	The Company's cash equivalents consist of money market fund instruments which are classified as available-for-sale and within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices for identical instruments in active markets.
	Other financial instruments, including the Company's accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, are carried at cost, which generally approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
	Debt Derivatives
	The 4.50% Bond Hedge (as defined in Note 9) and the embedded cash conversion option within the 4.50% debentures (as defined in Note 9) are classified as derivative instruments that require mark-to-market treatment with changes in fair value reported in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations. The fair values of these derivative instruments were determined utilizing the following Level 1 and Level 2 inputs:
			As of 1
			30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
	Stock price		$	31.85		$	28.91
	Exercise price		$	22.53		$	22.53
	Interest rate		0.27		%	0.33		%
	Stock volatility		58.1		%	57.7		%
	Credit risk adjustment		0.73		%	0.71		%
	Maturity date		18-Feb-15			18-Feb-15
	1	The valuation model utilizes these inputs to value the right but not the obligation to purchase one share at $22.53. The Company utilized a Black-Scholes valuation model to value the 4.50% Bond Hedge and embedded cash conversion option. The underlying input assumptions were determined as follows:
	(i)	Stock price. The closing price of the Company's common stock on the last trading day of the quarter.
	(ii)	Exercise price. The exercise price of the 4.50% Bond Hedge and the embedded cash conversion option.
	(iii)	Interest rate. The Treasury Strip rate associated with the life of the 4.50% Bond Hedge and the embedded cash conversion option.
	(iv)	Stock volatility. The volatility of the Company's common stock over the life of the 4.50% Bond Hedge and the embedded cash conversion option.
	(v)	Credit risk adjustment. Represents the weighted average of the credit default swap rate of the counterparties.
	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
	The Company measures certain investments and non-financial assets (including project assets, property, plant and equipment, and other intangible assets) at fair value on a non-recurring basis in periods after initial measurement in circumstances when the fair value of such asset is impaired below its recorded cost.
	Held-to-Maturity Debt Securities
	The Company's debt securities, classified as held-to-maturity, consist of Philippine government bonds which are maintained as collateral for present and future business transactions within the country. These bonds have maturity dates of up to 5 years and are classified as "Restricted long-term marketable securities" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, these bonds had a carrying value of $8.7 million and $8.9 million respectively. The Company records such held-to-maturity investments at amortized cost based on its ability and intent to hold the securities until maturity. The Company monitors for changes in circumstances and events that would impact its ability and intent to hold such securities until the recorded amortized costs are recovered. No other-than-temporary impairment loss was incurred during any presented period. The held-to-maturity debt securities were categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	Equity and Cost Method Investments
	The Company holds equity investments in non-consolidated entities which are accounted for under the both equity and cost method. The Company monitors these investments, which are included in "Other long-term assets" in its Consolidated Balance Sheets, for impairment and records reductions in the carrying values when necessary. Circumstances that indicate an other-than-temporary decline include Level 2 and Level 3 measurements such as the valuation ascribed to the issuing company in subsequent financing rounds, decreases in quoted market prices, and declines in operations of the issuer.
	As of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the Company had $133.5 million and $131.7 million, respectively, in investments accounted for under the equity method (see Note 8). As of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the Company had $17.3 million and $12.4 million, respectively, in investments accounted for under the cost method.
	Related Party Transactions with Equity and Cost Method Investees:
			As of
	(In thousands)		March 30, 2014			December 29, 2013
	Accounts receivable		$	16,230		$	11,780
	Accounts payable		$	53,940		$	51,499
	Other long-term assets:
	Long-term note receivable		$	3,755		$	3,688
			Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)		March 30, 2014			March 31, 2013
	Payments made to investees for products/services		$	112,039		$	134,916

Restructuring

Restructuring	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	RESTRUCTURING
	October 2012 Restructuring Plan
	In fiscal 2012, the Company's Board of Directors approved a reorganization (the "October 2012 Plan") to accelerate operating cost reduction and improve overall operating efficiency. In connection with the October 2012 Plan, which is expected to be completed within the first half of fiscal 2014, the Company expects to eliminate approximately 900 positions, primarily in the Philippines, representing approximately 15% of the Company's global workforce. As a result, the Company expects to record restructuring charges totaling $30.0 million to $35.0 million, related to all segments. Such charges are composed of severance benefits, lease and related termination costs, and other associated costs. The Company expects greater than 90% of these charges to be cash. The Company has recorded $31.5 million in restructuring charges in connection with the October 2012 Plan to date.
	Legacy Restructuring Plans
	During fiscal 2012 and 2011, the Company implemented approved restructuring plans, related to all segments, to align with changes in the global solar market which included the consolidation of the Company's Philippine manufacturing operations as well as actions to accelerate operating cost reduction and improve overall operating efficiency. These restructuring activities were substantially complete as of March 30, 2014. The Company expects to continue to incur costs as it finalizes previous estimates and actions in connection with these plans, primarily due to other costs, such as legal services.
	The following table summarizes the restructuring reserve activity during the three months ended March 30, 2014:
			Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)		December 29, 2013		Charges (Benefits)			Payments			March 30, 2014
	October 2012 Plan:
	Severance and benefits		$	3,942	$	(495	)	$	(1,255	)	$	2,192
	Lease and related termination costs		362		(233		)	(100		)	29
	Other costs1		914		711			(403		)	1,222
	Legacy Restructuring Plans:
	Severance and benefits		19		(36		)	17			—
	Lease and related termination costs		1,247		(169		)	(1,078		)	—
	Other costs1		650		(239		)	241			652
	Total restructuring liabilities		$	7,134	$	(461	)	$	(2,578	)	$	4,095
	1	Other costs primarily represent associated legal services.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Facility and Equipment Lease Commitments
	The Company leases certain facilities under non-cancellable operating leases from unaffiliated third parties. As of March 30, 2014, future minimum lease payments for facilities under operating leases was $61.5 million, which will be paid over the remaining contractual terms of up to 10 years. The Company additionally leases certain buildings, machinery and equipment under non-cancelable capital leases. As of March 30, 2014, future minimum lease payments for assets under capital leases was $6.3 million, which will be paid over the remaining contractual terms of up to 10 years.
	Purchase Commitments
	The Company purchases raw materials for inventory and manufacturing equipment from a variety of vendors. During the normal course of business, in order to manage manufacturing lead times and help assure adequate supply, the Company enters into agreements with contract manufacturers and suppliers that either allow them to procure goods and services based on specifications defined by the Company, or that establish parameters defining the Company's requirements. In certain instances, these agreements allow the Company the option to cancel, reschedule or adjust the Company's requirements based on its business needs prior to firm orders being placed. Consequently, only a portion of the Company's disclosed purchase commitments arising from these agreements are firm, non-cancellable, and unconditional commitments.
	The Company also has agreements with several suppliers, including some of its non-consolidated investees, for the procurement of polysilicon, ingots, wafers, and Solar Renewable Energy Credits, among others, which specify future quantities and pricing of products to be supplied by the vendors for periods up to 10 years and provide for certain consequences, such as forfeiture of advanced deposits and liquidated damages relating to previous purchases, in the event that the Company terminates the arrangements.
	Future purchase obligations under non-cancellable purchase orders and long-term supply agreements as of March 30, 2014 are as follows:
	(In thousands)		2014 (remaining nine months)			2015			2016	2017	2018	Thereafter	Total1,2
	Future purchase obligations		$	710,375		373,353			336,247	299,782	181,216	335,542	$	2,236,515
	1	Total future purchase obligations as of March 30, 2014 include $80.7 million to related parties.
	2	Total future purchase obligations was comprised of $212.5 million related to non-cancellable purchase orders and $2.0 billion related to long-term supply agreements.
	The Company expects that all obligations related to non-cancellable purchase orders for manufacturing equipment will be recovered through future cash flows of the solar cell manufacturing lines and solar panel assembly lines when such long-lived assets are placed in service. Factors considered important that could result in an impairment review include significant under-performance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of use of acquired assets, and significant negative industry or economic trends. Obligations related to non-cancellable purchase orders for inventories match current and forecasted sales orders that will consume these ordered materials and actual consumption of these ordered materials are compared to expected demand regularly. The Company anticipates total obligations related to long-term supply agreements for inventories will be recovered because quantities are less than management's expected demand for its solar power products. The terms of the long-term supply agreements are reviewed by management and the Company assesses the need for any accruals for estimated losses on adverse purchase commitments, such as lower of cost or market value adjustments that will not be recovered by future sales prices, forfeiture of advanced deposits and liquidated damages, as necessary.
	Advances to Suppliers
	As noted above, the Company has entered into agreements with various vendors that specify future quantities and pricing of products to be supplied. Certain agreements also provide for penalties or forfeiture of advanced deposits in the event the Company terminates the arrangements. Under certain agreements, the Company is required to make prepayments to the vendors over the terms of the arrangements. During the three months ended March 30, 2014, the Company made additional advance payments totaling $16.5 million in accordance with the terms of existing long-term supply agreements. As of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, advances to suppliers totaled $390.6 million and $383.3 million, respectively, of which $69.1 million and $58.6 million, respectively, is classified as short-term in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Two suppliers accounted for 79% and 21% of total advances to suppliers as of March 30, 2014, and 77% and 22% as of December 29, 2013. As of March 30, 2014, the Company has future prepayment obligations through fiscal 2014 totaling $49.3 million.
	Advances from Customers
	The Company has entered into other agreements with customers who have made advance payments for solar power products and systems. These advances will be applied as shipments of product occur or upon completion of certain project milestones. The estimated utilization of advances from customers as of March 30, 2014 is as follows:
	(In thousands)		2014 (remaining nine months)			2015			2016	2017	2018	Thereafter	Total
	Estimated utilization of advances from customers		$	26,082		26,461			22,713	27,039	27,039	72,104	$	201,438
	In fiscal 2010, the Company and its joint venture, AUO SunPower Sdn. Bhd. ("AUOSP"), entered into an agreement under which the Company resells to AUOSP polysilicon purchased from a third-party supplier. Advance payments provided by AUOSP related to such polysilicon are then made by the Company to the third-party supplier. These advance payments are applied as a credit against AUOSP’s polysilicon purchases from the Company. Such polysilicon is used by AUOSP to manufacture solar cells which are sold to the Company on a "cost-plus" basis. As of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, outstanding advance payments received from AUOSP totaled $177.8 million and $181.3 million, respectively, of which $15.1 million and $14.0 million, respectively, is classified as short-term in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, based on projected product shipment dates.
	Product Warranties
	The following table summarizes accrued warranty activity for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and March 30, 2014, respectively:
			Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)		March 30, 2014			March 31, 2013
	Balance at the beginning of the period		$	149,372		$	117,172
	Accruals for warranties issued during the period		5,190			4,455
	Settlements made during the period		(3,147		)	(2,078		)
	Balance at the end of the period		$	151,415		$	119,549
	Contingent Obligations
	Projects often require the Company to undertake obligations including: (i) system output performance guarantees; (ii) system maintenance; (iii) penalty payments or customer termination rights if the system the Company is constructing is not commissioned within specified timeframes or other milestones are not achieved; and (iv) system put-rights whereby the Company could be required to buy-back a customer's system at fair value on specified future dates if certain minimum performance thresholds are not met for periods of up to two years. Historically the systems have performed significantly above the performance guarantee thresholds, and there have been no cases in which the Company had to buy back a system.
	Future Financing Commitments
	The Company is required to provide certain funding under the joint venture agreement with AU Optronics Singapore Pte. Ltd. ("AUO") and another unconsolidated investee, subject to certain conditions (see Note 8). As of March 30, 2014, the Company has future financing obligations through fiscal 2014 totaling $243.9 million.
	Liabilities Associated with Uncertain Tax Positions
	Total liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions were $32.5 million and $28.9 million as of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively, and are included in "Other long-term liabilities" in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as they are not expected to be paid within the next twelve months. Due to the complexity and uncertainty associated with its tax positions, the Company cannot make a reasonably reliable estimate of the period in which cash settlement, if any, would be made for its liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions in other long-term liabilities.
	Indemnifications
	The Company is a party to a variety of agreements under which it may be obligated to indemnify the other party with respect to certain matters. Typically, these obligations arise in connection with contracts and license agreements or the sale of assets, under which the Company customarily agrees to hold the other party harmless against losses arising from a breach of warranties, representations and covenants related to such matters as title to assets sold, negligent acts, damage to property, validity of certain intellectual property rights, non-infringement of third-party rights, and certain tax related matters including indemnification to customers under §48(c) solar commercial investment tax credit ("ITC") and Treasury Grant payments under Section 1603 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ("Cash Grant"). In each of these circumstances, payment by the Company is typically subject to the other party making a claim to the Company that is contemplated by and valid under the indemnification provisions of the particular contract, which provisions are typically contract-specific, as well as bringing the claim under the procedures specified in the particular contract. These procedures usually allow the Company to challenge the other party's claims or, in case of breach of intellectual property representations or covenants, to control the defense or settlement of any third party claims brought against the other party. Further, the Company's obligations under these agreements may be limited in terms of activity (typically to replace or correct the products or terminate the agreement with a refund to the other party), duration and/or amounts. In some instances, the Company may have recourse against third parties and/or insurance covering certain payments made by the Company.
	In certain limited circumstances the Company has provided indemnification to customers and investors under which the Company is contractually obligated to compensate these parties for losses they may suffer as a result of reductions in benefits received under ITC and Treasury Cash Grant programs. The Company applies for ITC and Cash Grant incentives based on guidance provided by IRS and the Treasury Department, which include assumptions regarding the fair value of the qualified solar power systems, among others.  Certain of the Company’s development agreements, sales-leaseback arrangements, and financing arrangements with investors of its residential lease program, incorporate assumptions regarding the future level of incentives to be received, which in some instances may be claimed directly by its customers and investors. Since the Company cannot determine future revisions to the U.S. Treasury guidelines governing system values or how the IRS will evaluate system values used in claiming ITCs, the Company is unable to reliably estimate the maximum potential future payments that it could have to make under the Company’s contractual investor obligation as of each reporting date.
	Legal Matters
	Derivative Litigation
	Derivative actions purporting to be brought on the Company's behalf have been filed in state and federal courts against several of the Company's current and former officers and directors. The actions arise from the Audit Committee's investigation announcement on November 16, 2009 regarding certain unsubstantiated accounting entries. The California state derivative cases were consolidated as In re SunPower Corp. S'holder Derivative Litig., Lead Case No. 1-09-CV-158522 (Santa Clara Sup. Ct.), and co-lead counsel for plaintiffs have been appointed. The complaints assert state-law claims for breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, unjust enrichment, gross mismanagement, and waste of corporate assets. Plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint on March 5, 2012. The federal derivative complaints were consolidated as In re SunPower Corp. S'holder Derivative Litig., Master File No. CV-09-05731-RS (N.D. Cal.), and lead plaintiffs and co-lead counsel were appointed on January 4, 2010. The federal complaints assert state-law claims for breach of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets, and unjust enrichment, and seek an unspecified amount of damages. Plaintiffs filed a consolidated complaint on May 13, 2011. A Delaware state derivative case, Brenner v. Albrecht, et al., C.A. No. 6514-VCP (Del Ch.), was filed on May 23, 2011 in the Delaware Court of Chancery. The complaint asserts state-law claims for breach of fiduciary duty and contribution and indemnification, and seeks an unspecified amount of damages. On June 29, 2013, the parties to each of the derivative actions entered into an agreement in principle to settle all the derivative actions, and on December 19, 2013, the parties executed a stipulated settlement agreement, providing that the Company institute certain specified corporate governance measures, which were implemented by the Board of Directors on October 22, 2013 in connection with periodic review and update of corporate governance matters, that all claims against all defendants will be released and dismissed with prejudice, and that the Company will not oppose a request by the plaintiffs' counsel for an award of attorneys' fees up to $1 million, one half of which will be paid from the proceeds of directors and officers liability insurance. On January 24, 2014, the parties filed a motion with the court in the consolidated California state derivative cases to approve the stipulated settlement. A preliminary approval hearing is scheduled to occur on May 16, 2014.
	Tax Benefit Indemnification Litigation
	On March 19, 2014, the Company received notice that a lawsuit had been filed by NRG Solar LLC (“NRG”) against SunPower Corporation, Systems, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“SunPower Systems”), in the Superior Court of Contra Costa County, California. The complaint asserts that, according to the indemnification provisions in the contract pertaining to SunPower Systems’ sale of a large California solar project to NRG, SunPower Systems owes NRG $75 million in connection with certain tax benefits associated with the project that were approved by the Treasury Department for an amount that was less than expected. The Company does not believe that the facts support NRG’s claim under the operative indemnification provisions and intends to vigorously contest the claim. SunPower Systems’ response to NRG’s complaint is due on May 5, 2014. The Court has not yet set a trial date or case schedule.
	Other Litigation
	The Company is also a party to various other litigation matters and claims that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of its business. While the Company believes that the ultimate outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company, their outcomes are not determinable and negative outcomes may adversely affect the Company's financial position, liquidity or results of operations.

Equity_Method_Investments

Equity Method Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS
	As of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the Company's carrying value of its equity method investments totaled $133.5 million and $131.7 million, respectively, and is classified as “Other long-term assets” in its Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company's share of its earnings (loss) from equity method investments is reflected as "Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated investees" in its Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	Equity Investment in Huaxia CPV (Inner Mongolia) Power Co., Ltd. ("CCPV")
	In December 2012, the Company entered into an agreement with Tianjin Zhonghuan Semiconductor Co. Ltd., Inner Mongolia Power Group Co. Ltd. and Hohhot Jinqiao City Development Company Co., Ltd. to form CCPV, a jointly owned entity to manufacture and deploy the Company's C-7 Tracker concentrator technology in Inner Mongolia and other regions in China. CCPV is based in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. The establishment of the entity was subject to approval of the Chinese government, which was received in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. In December 2013, the Company made a $16.4 million equity investment in CCPV, for a 25% equity ownership.
	The Company has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of CCPV since, although the Company is obligated to absorb losses and has the right to receive benefits, the Company alone does not have the power to direct the activities of CCPV that most significantly impact its economic performance. The Company accounts for its investment in CCPV using the equity method since the Company is able to exercise significant influence over CCPV due to its board position.
	Equity Investment in Diamond Energy Pty Ltd. ("Diamond Energy")
	In October 2012, the Company made a $3.0 million equity investment in Diamond Energy, an alternative energy project developer and clean electricity retailer headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, in exchange for a 25% equity ownership. The Company additionally provided Diamond Energy AUD 2.0 million (or $1.9 million based on the exchange rate as of March 30, 2014) under a five-year convertible note agreement and will receive interest of 1% per annum on the amounts lent to Diamond Energy, to be paid upon conversion or maturity.
	The Company has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of Diamond Energy since, although the Company is obligated to absorb losses and has the right to receive benefits, the Company alone does not have the power to direct the activities of Diamond that most significantly impact its economic performance. The Company accounts for its investment in Diamond using the equity method since the Company is able to exercise significant influence over Diamond due to its board position.
	Equity Investment and Joint Venture with AUOSP
	In fiscal 2010, the Company, AUO and AU Optronics Corporation, the ultimate parent company of AUO ("AUO Taiwan"), formed the joint venture AUOSP. The Company and AUO each own 50% of the joint venture AUOSP. AUOSP owns a solar cell manufacturing facility in Malaysia and manufactures solar cells and sells them on a "cost-plus" basis to the Company and AUO.
	In connection with the joint venture agreement, the Company and AUO also entered into licensing and joint development, supply, and other ancillary transaction agreements. Through the licensing agreement, the Company and AUO licensed to AUOSP, on a non-exclusive, royalty-free basis, certain background intellectual property related to solar cell manufacturing (in the case of the Company), and manufacturing processes (in the case of AUO). Under the seven-year supply agreement with AUOSP, renewable by the Company for one-year periods thereafter, the Company is committed to purchase 80% of AUOSP's total annual output allocated on a monthly basis to the Company. The Company and AUO have the right to reallocate supplies from time to time under a written agreement. In fiscal 2010, the Company and AUOSP entered into an agreement under which the Company will resell to AUOSP polysilicon purchased from a third-party supplier and AUOSP will provide prepayments to the Company related to such polysilicon, which prepayment will then be made by the Company to the third-party supplier.
	The Company and AUO are not permitted to transfer any of AUOSP's shares held by them, except to each other. In the joint venture agreement, the Company and AUO agreed to each contribute additional amounts through 2014 amounting to $241.0 million, or such lesser amount as the parties may mutually agree. In addition, if AUOSP, the Company or AUO requests additional equity financing to AUOSP, then the Company and AUO will each be required to make additional cash contributions of up to $50.0 million in the aggregate.
	The Company has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of AUOSP since, although the Company and AUO are both obligated to absorb losses or have the right to receive benefits, the Company alone does not have the power to direct the activities of AUOSP that most significantly impact its economic performance. In making this determination the Company considered the shared power arrangement, including equal board governance for significant decisions, elective appointment, and the fact that both parties contribute to the activities that most significantly impact the joint venture's economic performance. The Company accounts for its investment in AUOSP using the equity method as a result of the shared power arrangement. As of March 30, 2014, the Company's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with AUOSP is limited to the carrying value of its investment.

Debt_and_Credit_Sources

Debt and Credit Sources	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	DEBT AND CREDIT SOURCES
	The following table summarizes the Company's outstanding debt on its Consolidated Balance Sheets:
			30-Mar-14										29-Dec-13
	(In thousands)		Face Value		Short-term			Long-term			Total		Face Value			Short-term		Long-term		Total
	Convertible debt:
	0.75% debentures due 2018		$	300,000	$	—		$	300,000		$	300,000	$	300,000		$	—	$	300,000	$	300,000
	4.50% debentures due 2015		250,000		230,537			—			230,537		250,000			225,889		—		225,889
	4.75% debentures due 2014		230,000		229,964			—			229,964		230,000			230,000		—		230,000
	0.75% debentures due 2015		79		—			79			79		79			—		79		79
	IFC mortgage loan		55,000		15,000			40,000			55,000		62,500			15,000		47,500		62,500
	CEDA loan		30,000		—			30,000			30,000		30,000			—		30,000		30,000
	Credit Agricole revolving credit facility		—		—			—			—		—			—		—		—
	Other debt1		49,284		1,320			47,964			49,284		50,926			41,227		9,699		50,926
			$	914,363	$	476,821		$	418,043		$	894,864	$	923,505		$	512,116	$	387,278	$	899,394
	1	The balance of Other debt excludes payments related to capital leases which are disclosed in Note 7. "Commitments and Contingencies" to these consolidated financial statements.
	As of March 30, 2014 the aggregate future contractual maturities of the Company's outstanding debt, at face value, was as follows:
	(In thousands)		2014 (remaining nine months)		2015		2016			2017		2018	Thereafter		Total
	Aggregate future maturities of outstanding debt		$	238,395	266,166		16,217			16,272		303,852	73,461		$	914,363
	Convertible Debt
	The following table summarizes the Company's outstanding convertible debt:
			March 30, 2014								December 29, 2013
	(In thousands)		Carrying Value		Face Value			Fair Value1			Carrying Value		Face Value			Fair Value1
	Convertible debt:
	0.75% debentures due 2018		$	300,000	$	300,000		$	417,132		$	300,000	$	300,000		$	367,578
	4.50% debentures due 2015		230,537		250,000			372,500			225,889		250,000			343,895
	4.75% debentures due 2014		229,964		230,000			275,704			230,000		230,000			269,252
	0.75% debentures due 2015		79		79			80			79		79			102
			$	760,580	$	780,079		$	1,065,416		$	755,968	$	780,079		$	980,827
	1	The fair value of the convertible debt was determined using Level 1 inputs based on quarterly market prices as reported by an independent pricing source.
	The Company's outstanding convertible debentures are senior, unsecured obligations of the Company, ranking equally with all existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness of the Company.
	0.75% Debentures Due 2018
	In May 2013, the Company issued $300.0 million in principal amount of its 0.75% debentures due 2018. Interest is payable semi-annually, beginning on December 1, 2013. Holders are able to exercise their right to convert the debentures at any time into shares of the Company's common stock at an initial conversion price approximately equal to $24.95 per share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. The maximum number of shares of the Company's common stock that may be issued through the conversion is 15,633,957, subject to anti-dilution and certain other adjustments. If not earlier repurchased or converted, the 0.75% debentures due 2018 mature on June 1, 2018.
	4.50% Debentures due 2015
	In fiscal 2010, the Company issued $250.0 million in principal amount of its 4.50% senior cash convertible debentures ("4.50% debentures due 2015"). Interest is payable semi-annually, beginning on September 15, 2010. If not earlier repurchased or converted, the 4.50% debentures due 2015 mature on March 15, 2015. The 4.50% debentures due 2015 are convertible, upon certain events and restrictions, only into cash, and not into shares of the Company's common stock (or any other securities) at an initial conversion price of $22.53 per share. The conversion price is subject to adjustment in certain events, such as distributions of dividends or stock splits. Upon conversion, the Company will deliver an amount of cash calculated by reference to the price of its common stock over the applicable observation period.
	The embedded cash conversion option is a derivative instrument (derivative liability) that is required to be separated from the 4.50% debentures due 2015. The fair value of the derivative liability is classified within "Other long-term liabilities" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the fair value of the derivative liability are reported in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations until such transaction settles or expires.
	During the three months ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013 the Company recognized a non-cash loss of $19.1 million and $11.6 million, respectively, recorded in "Other, net" in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations related to the change in fair value of the embedded cash conversion option.
	Call Spread Overlay with Respect to 4.50% Debentures
	Concurrent with the issuance of the 4.50% debentures due 2015, the Company entered into privately negotiated convertible debenture hedge transactions (collectively, the "4.50% Bond Hedge") and warrant transactions (collectively, the "4.50% Warrants" and together with the 4.50% Bond Hedge, the “CSO2015”), with certain of the initial purchasers of the 4.50% debentures due 2015 or their affiliates. The CSO2015 transactions represent a call spread overlay with respect to the 4.50% debentures due 2015, whereby the cost of the 4.50% Bond Hedge purchased by the Company to cover the cash outlay upon conversion of the debentures is reduced by the sales prices of the 4.50% Warrants. Assuming full performance by the counterparties (and 4.50% Warrants strike prices in excess of the conversion price of the 4.50% debentures due 2015), the transactions effectively reduce the Company's potential payout over the principal amount on the 4.50% debentures due 2015 upon conversion of the 4.50% debentures due 2015.
	Under the terms of the 4.50% Bond Hedge, the Company bought from affiliates of certain of the initial purchasers options to acquire, at an exercise price of $22.53 per share, subject to customary adjustments for anti-dilution and other events, cash in an amount equal to the market value of up to 11.1 million shares of the Company's common stock. Under the terms of the 4.50% Warrants the Company sold to affiliates of certain of the initial purchasers of the 4.50% cash convertible debentures warrants to acquire, at an exercise price of $24.00 per share, up to 11.1 million shares of the Company's common stock. Each 4.50% Bond Hedge and 4.50% Warrant transaction is a separate transaction, entered into by the Company with each counterparty, and is not part of the terms of the 4.50% debentures due 2015.
	The 4.50% Bond Hedge, which is indexed to the Company's common stock, is a derivative instrument that requires mark-to-market accounting treatment due to the cash settlement features until such transactions settle or expire. The fair value of the 4.50% Bond Hedge is classified as "Other long-term assets" in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	During the three months ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013, the Company recognized a non-cash gain of $19.1 million and $11.6 million, respectively, in "Other, net" in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations related to the change in fair value of the 4.50% Bond Hedge.
	4.75% Debentures
	In May 2009, the Company issued $230.0 million in principal amount of its 4.75% senior convertible debentures ("4.75% debentures due 2014"). Interest on the 4.75% debentures due 2014 is payable semi-annually, beginning October 15, 2009. Holders of the 4.75% debentures due 2014 are able to exercise their right to convert the debentures at any time into shares of the Company's common stock at a conversion price equal to $26.40 per share, subject to adjustment upon certain events.
	Call Spread Overlay with Respect to the 4.75% Debentures
	Concurrently with the issuance of the 4.75% debentures due 2014, the Company entered into certain convertible debenture hedge transactions (the "4.75% Bond Hedge") and warrant transactions (the "4.75% Warrants") with affiliates of certain of the underwriters of the 4.75% debentures (together, the "CSO2014"), whereby the cost of the 4.75% Bond Hedges purchased by the Company to cover the potential share outlays upon conversion of the debentures is reduced by the sales prices of the 4.75% Warrants. The CSO2014 are not subject to mark-to-market accounting treatment since they may only be settled by issuance of the Company's common stock.
	The 4.75% Bond Hedge allows the Company to purchase up to 8.7 million shares of the Company's common stock, on a net share basis. Each 4.75% Bond Hedge and 4.75% Warrant is a separate transaction, entered into by the Company with each counterparty, and is not part of the terms of the 4.75% debentures due 2014. The exercise prices of the 4.75% Bond Hedge are $26.40 per share of the Company's common stock, subject to customary adjustment for anti-dilution and other events. In February 2014, the parties agreed to unwind the 4.75% Bond Hedge in full for a total cash settlement of $68.8 million, calculated by reference to the weighted price of the Company's common stock on the settlement day, received by the Company.
	Under the 4.75% Warrants, the Company sold warrants to acquire up to 8.7 million shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $26.40 per share of the Company's common stock, subject to adjustment for certain anti-dilution and other events. The 4.75% Warrants expire in 2014. In February 2014, the parties agreed to unwind the 4.75% Warrants in full for a total cash settlement of $81.1 million, calculated by reference to the weighted price of the Company's common stock on the settlement date, paid by the Company.
	Other Debt and Credit Sources
	Mortgage Loan Agreement with IFC
	In May 2010, the Company entered into a mortgage loan agreement with IFC. Under the loan agreement, the Company may borrow up to $75.0 million during the first two years, and shall repay the amount borrowed, starting 2 years after the date of borrowing, in 10 equal semi-annual installments. The Company is required to pay interest of LIBOR plus 3% per annum on outstanding borrowings; a front-end fee of 1% on the principal amount of borrowings at the time of borrowing; and a commitment fee of 0.5% per annum on funds available for borrowing and not borrowed. The Company may prepay all or a part of the outstanding principal, subject to a 1% prepayment premium. The Company has pledged certain assets as collateral supporting its repayment obligations (see Note 3). As of both March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the Company had restricted cash and cash equivalents of $9.2 million related to the IFC debt service reserve which contains the amount, as determined by IFC, equal to the aggregate principal and interest due on the next succeeding interest payment date.
	Loan Agreement with California Enterprise Development Authority ("CEDA")
	In fiscal 2010, the Company borrowed the proceeds of the $30.0 million aggregate principal amount of CEDA's tax-exempt Recovery Zone Facility Revenue Bonds (SunPower Corporation - Headquarters Project) Series 2010 (the "Bonds") maturing April 1, 2031 under a loan agreement with CEDA. The Bonds mature on April 1, 2031, bear interest at a fixed rate of 8.50% through maturity, and include customary covenants of, and other restrictions on the Company.
	July 2013 Revolving Credit Facility with Credit Agricole
	In July 2013, the Company entered into a revolving credit facility with Credit Agricole, as administrative agent, and certain financial institutions, under which the Company may borrow up to $250.0 million until the earliest of: (i) July 3, 2016, or (ii) December 31, 2014, if the Company has not repaid, exchanged or repurchased its outstanding 4.50% debentures due 2015 by September 30, 2014 and is not in compliance with certain liquidity requirements as of such date (the earliest of the above events, the "Maturity Date"). Amounts borrowed may be repaid and reborrowed until the Maturity Date. The Company may request increases to the available capacity of the July 2013 revolving credit facility to an aggregate of $300.0 million, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The July 2013 revolving credit facility includes representations, covenants, and events of default customary for financing transactions of this type.
	The July 2013 revolving credit facility was entered into in conjunction with the delivery by Total S.A. of a guarantee of the Company's obligations under the related facility. On January 31, 2014, as contemplated by the facility, (i) the Company's obligations under the facility became secured by a pledge of certain accounts receivable and inventory; (ii) certain of the Company's subsidiaries entered into guarantees of the facility; and (iii) Total S.A.'s guarantee of the Company's obligations under the facility expired. Until the expiration of the guarantee on January 31, 2014, the Company was required to pay Total S.A. an annual guarantee fee of 2.75% of the outstanding amount under the July 2013 revolving credit facility.
	Before January 31, 2014, the Company was required to pay interest on outstanding borrowings and fees of (a) with respect to any LIBOR rate loan, 0.60% plus the LIBOR rate divided by a percentage equal to one minus the stated maximum rate of all reserves required to be maintained against "Eurocurrency liabilities" as specified in Regulation D; (b) with respect to any alternative base rate loan, 0.25% plus the greater of (1) the prime rate, (2) the Federal funds rate plus 0.50%, and (3) the one month LIBOR rate plus 1%; and (c) a commitment fee of 0.06% per annum on funds available for borrowing and not borrowed.
	After January 31, 2014, the Company is required to pay interest on outstanding borrowings and fees of (a) with respect to any LIBOR rate loan, an amount ranging from 1.50% to 2.00% (depending on the Company's leverage ratio from time to time) plus the LIBOR rate divided by a percentage equal to one minus the stated maximum rate of all reserves required to be maintained against “Eurocurrency liabilities” as specified in Regulation D; (b) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, an amount ranging from 0.50% to 1.00% (depending on the Company's leverage ratio from time to time) plus the greater of (1) the prime rate, (2) the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50%, and (3) the one-month LIBOR rate plus 1%; and (c) a commitment fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.35% (depending on the Company's leverage ratio from time to time) per annum on funds available for borrowing and not borrowed.
	As of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the Company had no outstanding borrowing under the July 2013 revolving credit facility.
	Liquidity Support Agreement with Total S.A.
	In February 2012, the Company entered into a Liquidity Support Agreement with Total S.A. and the DOE, and a series of related agreements with Total S.A. and Total, under which Total S.A. has agreed to provide the Company, or cause to be provided, additional liquidity under certain circumstances. The Liquidity Support Agreement was terminated in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. There were no outstanding guarantees or debt under the agreement upon termination (see Note 2).
	Project Financing
	In order to facilitate the construction and sale of certain solar projects, the Company obtains non-recourse project loans from third-party financial institutions and are contemplated as part of the structure of the sales transaction. The customer, which is not a related party to either the financial institution or the Company, in certain circumstances is permitted to assume the loans at the time that the project entity is sold to the customer. During fiscal 2013, the Company entered into a project loan with a consortium of lenders to facilitate the development of a 10 MW utility and power plant projects under construction in Israel. During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company sold the Israeli project. The related loan, amounting to ILS 141.8 million (approximately $40.7 million based on the exchange rate at the time of sale), and accrued and unpaid interest was assumed by the customer. In instances where the debt is issued as a form of pre-established customer financing, subsequent debt assumption is reflected as a financing outflow and operating inflow for purposes of the statement of cash flows to reflect the substance of the assumption as a facilitation of customer financing from a third-party.
	Other Debt
During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company entered into a long-term non-recourse loan to finance solar power systems and leases under its residential lease program. During the quarter, the Company drew down $39.1 million of proceeds, net of issuance costs, under the loan agreement.
During fiscal 2013, the Company entered into a long-term non-recourse loan agreement with a third-party financial institution to finance a 5.4 MW utility and power plant operating in Arizona. The outstanding balance of the loan as of March 30, 2014 was $9.0 million.
Other debt is further comprised of non-recourse project loans in EMEA which are scheduled to mature through 2028.
August 2011 Letter of Credit Facility with Deutsche Bank
In August 2011, the Company entered into a letter of credit facility agreement with Deutsche Bank, as administrative agent, and certain financial institutions. Payment of obligations under the letter of credit facility is guaranteed by Total S.A. pursuant to the Credit Support Agreement (see Note 2). The letter of credit facility provides for the issuance, upon request by the Company, of letters of credit by the issuing banks thereunder in order to support certain obligations of the Company, in an aggregate amount not to exceed (i) $771.0 million for the period from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013, and (ii) $878.0 million for the period from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. Aggregate letter of credit amounts may be increased upon the agreement of the parties but, otherwise, may not exceed (i) $936.0 million for the period from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015, and (ii) $1.0 billion for the period from January 1, 2016 through June 28, 2016.
As of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, letters of credit issued under the August 2011 letter of credit facility with Deutsche Bank totaled $755.9 million and $736.0 million, respectively.
September 2011 Letter of Credit Facility with Deutsche Bank Trust
In September 2011, the Company entered into a letter of credit facility with Deutsche Bank Trust which provides for the issuance, upon request by the Company, of letters of credit to support obligations of the Company in an aggregate amount not to exceed $200.0 million. Each letter of credit issued under the facility is fully cash-collateralized and the Company has entered into a security agreement with Deutsche Bank Trust, granting them a security interest in a cash collateral account established for this purpose.
As of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, letters of credit issued under the Deutsche Bank Trust facility amounted to $2.3 million and $2.4 million, respectively, which were fully collateralized with restricted cash on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Foreign_Currency_Derivatives

Foreign Currency Derivatives	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	FOREIGN CURRENCY DERIVATIVES
	The Company has non-U.S. subsidiaries that operate and sell the Company's products in various global markets, primarily in Europe. As a result, the Company is exposed to risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates. It is the Company's policy to use various techniques, including entering into foreign currency derivative instruments, to manage the exposures associated with forecasted revenues, purchases of foreign sourced equipment and non-U.S. dollar denominated monetary assets and liabilities. The Company does not enter into foreign currency derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.
	The Company is required to recognize derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value in its Balance Sheets. The Company utilizes the income approach and mid-market pricing to calculate the fair value of its option and forward contracts based on market volatilities, spot and forward rates, interest rates, and credit default swaps rates from published sources. It is the Company's policy to present all derivative fair value amounts gross on its Consolidated Balance Sheets regardless of legal right of offset. The following tables present information about the Company's hedge instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, all of which utilize Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy:
	(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Classification		March 30, 2014				December 29, 2013
	Assets
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency option contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	435			$	615
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—				35
	Foreign currency option contracts	Other long-term assets		237				588
				$	672			$	1,238
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency option contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	127			$	381
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		1,115				3,611
				$	1,242			$	3,992
	Liabilities
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency option contracts	Accrued liabilities		$	746			$	1,595
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Accrued liabilities		93				—
	Foreign currency option contracts	Other long-term liabilities		191				555
				$	1,030			$	2,150
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency option contracts	Accrued liabilities		$	127			$	386
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Accrued liabilities		734				4,189
				$	861			$	4,575
		30-Mar-14
												Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. but Have Rights to Offset
	(In thousands)	Gross Amounts Recognized				Gross Amounts Offset				Net Amounts Presented		Financial Instruments		Cash Collateral		Net Amounts
	Derivative assets	$	1,914			$	—			$	1,914	$	1,523	$	—	$	391
	Derivative liabilities	$	1,891			$	—			$	1,891	$	1,523	$	—	$	368
		29-Dec-13
												Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. but Have Rights to Offset
	(In thousands)	Gross Amounts Recognized				Gross Amounts Offset				Net Amounts Presented		Financial Instruments		Cash Collateral		Net Amounts
	Derivative assets	$	5,230			$	—			$	5,230	$	4,512	$	—	$	718
	Derivative liabilities	$	6,725			$	—			$	6,725	$	4,512	$	—	$	2,213
	Valuations are based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, directly or indirectly. The selection of a particular technique to value an over-the-counter ("OTC") foreign currency derivative depends upon the contractual term of, and specific risks inherent with, the instrument as well as the availability of pricing information in the market. The Company generally uses similar techniques to value similar instruments. Valuation techniques utilize a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, yield curves, credit curves and measures of volatility. For OTC foreign currency derivatives that trade in liquid markets, such as generic forward and option contracts, inputs can generally be verified and selections do not involve significant management judgment.
	The following table summarizes the pre-tax amount of unrealized gain or loss recognized in "Accumulated other comprehensive income" ("OCI") in "Stockholders' equity" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
		Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)	March 30, 2014				March 31, 2013
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
	Gain (loss) in OCI at the beginning of the period	$	(805	)		$	(243	)
	Unrealized gain (loss) recognized in OCI (effective portion)	(3		)		2,448
	Less: Loss reclassified from OCI to revenue (effective portion)	388				387
	Net gain on derivatives	$	385			$	2,835
	Gain (loss) in OCI at the end of the period	$	(420	)		$	2,592
	The following table summarizes the amount of gain or loss recognized in "Other, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the three months ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013:
		Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)	March 30, 2014				March 31, 2013
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
	Gain (loss) recognized in "Other, net" on derivatives (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing)	$	480			$	(789	)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Gain recognized in "Other, net"	$	1,430			$	166
	Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
	Designated Derivatives Hedging Cash Flow Exposure
	The Company's cash flow exposure primarily relates to anticipated third party foreign currency revenues and expenses. To protect financial performance, the Company enters into foreign currency forward and option contracts designated as cash flow hedges to hedge certain forecasted revenue transactions denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies.
	As of March 30, 2014, the Company had designated outstanding cash flow hedge option contracts and forward contracts with an aggregate notional value of $92.9 million and $27.4 million, respectively. As of December 29, 2013, the Company had designated outstanding cash flow hedge option contracts and forward contracts with an aggregate notional value of $105.9 million and $42.8 million, respectively. The Company designates either gross external or intercompany revenue up to its net economic exposure. These derivatives have a maturity of 15 months or less and consist of foreign currency option and forward contracts. The effective portion of these cash flow hedges are reclassified into revenue when third-party revenue is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	The Company expects to reclassify substantially all of its net gains or losses related to these option and forward contracts that are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of March 30, 2014 to revenue in the next 12 months. The Company uses the spot to spot method to measure the effectiveness of its cash flow hedges. Under this method for each reporting period, the change in fair value of the forward contracts attributable to the changes in spot exchange rates (the effective portion) is reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on its consolidated balance sheet and the remaining change in fair value of the forward contract (the excluded and the ineffective portions, if any) is recognized in other income (expense), net, in its Consolidated Statement of Operations. The premium paid or time value of an option on the date of purchase is recorded as an asset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Thereafter, any change in value related to time value is included in "Other, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Under cash flow hedge accounting rules for foreign currency derivatives, the Company reflects the effective gains and losses on its hedged transactions in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and will subsequently reclassify amounts into earnings when the hedged transactions occur. If the Company determines that the anticipated hedged transactions are probable not to occur, the corresponding amounts in OCI would be reclassified into its Consolidated Statement of Operations. During the three months ended March 30, 2014, the Company determined that all its anticipated hedged transactions were probable to occur.
	Non-Designated Derivatives Hedging Transaction Exposure
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments consist of forward and option contracts used to hedge re-measurement of foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities primarily for intercompany transactions, receivables from customers, and payables to third parties. Changes in exchange rates between the Company's subsidiaries' functional currencies and the currencies in which these assets and liabilities are denominated can create fluctuations in the Company's reported consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The Company enters into forward contracts, which are originally designated as cash flow hedges, and de-designates them upon recognition of the anticipated transaction to protect resulting non-functional currency monetary assets. These forward contracts as well as additional forward contracts are entered into to hedge foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities against the short-term effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations. The Company records its derivative contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments at fair value with the related gains or losses recorded in "Other, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The gains or losses on these contracts are substantially offset by transaction gains or losses on the underlying balances being hedged. As of March 30, 2014, the Company held option contracts and forward contracts with an aggregate notional value of $13.0 million and $6.0 million, respectively, to hedge balance sheet exposure. The maturity dates of these contracts range from April 2014 to September 2014. The company held option contracts and forward contracts with an aggregate notional value of $9.4 million and $32.1 million, respectively, as of December 29, 2013, to hedge balance sheet exposure.
	Credit Risk
	The Company's option and forward contracts do not contain any credit-risk-related contingent features. The Company is exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties of its option and forward contracts. The Company enters into derivative contracts with high-quality financial institutions and limits the amount of credit exposure to any single counterparty. In addition, the derivative contracts are limited to a time period of 15 months or less and the Company continuously evaluates the credit standing of its counterparties.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	INCOME TAXES
	In the three months ended March 30, 2014, the Company's income tax provision of $13.6 million on an income before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees of $54.9 million was primarily due to projected tax expense in profitable jurisdictions, as well as minimum taxes. In the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company's income tax provision was $3.0 million on a loss before income taxes and equity in losses of unconsolidated investees of $58.6 million was primarily due to projected tax expense in profitable foreign jurisdictions, as well as minimum taxes.

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_of_C

Net Income (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	'
	NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
	The Company calculates net income (loss) per share by dividing earnings allocated to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.
	Diluted weighted average shares is computed using basic weighted average shares plus any potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the period using the treasury-stock-type method and the if-converted method, except when their effect is anti-dilutive. Potentially dilutive securities include stock options, restricted stock units, the Upfront Warrants held by Total, warrants associated with the CSO2015 and CSO2014, and senior convertible debentures.
	The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share:
			Three Months Ended
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)		March 30, 2014			March 31, 2013
	Basic net income (loss) per share:
	Numerator
	Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders		$	65,044		$	(54,696	)
	Denominator
	Basic weighted-average common shares		122,196			119,553
	Basic net income (loss) per share		$	0.53		$	(0.46	)
	Diluted net income (loss) per share:
	Numerator
	Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders		$	65,044		$	(54,696	)
	Add: Interest expense incurred on the 0.75% debentures due 2018, net of tax		450			—
	Add: Interest expense incurred on the 4.75% debentures due 2014, net of tax		2,185			—
	Net income (loss) available to common stockholders		$	67,679		$	(54,696	)
	Denominator
	Basic weighted-average common shares		122,196			119,553
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options		108			—
	Restricted stock units		6,202			—
	Upfront Warrants (held by Total)		7,227			—
	Warrants (under the CSO2015)		2,915			—
	Warrants (under the CSO2014)		1,048			—
	0.75% debentures due 2018		12,026			—
	4.75% debentures due 2014		8,712			—
	Dilutive weighted-average common shares		160,434			119,553
	Dilutive net income (loss) per share		$	0.42		$	(0.46	)
	The Upfront Warrants allow Total to acquire up to 9,531,677 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $7.8685. Holders of the Warrants under the CSO2015 and CSO2014, may acquire up to 11.1 million and 8.7 million shares, respectively, of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $24.00 and $26.40, respectively. If the market price per share of the Company's common stock for the period exceeds the established strike price of the respective warrants, they will have a dilutive effect on its diluted net income per share using the treasury-stock-type method. In February 2014, the CSO2014 was settled and the related Warrants were subsequently no longer outstanding (see Note 9).
	Holders of the Company's 0.75% debentures due 2018 and the 4.75% debentures due 2014 may convert the debentures into shares of the Company's common stock, at the applicable conversion rate, at any time on or prior to maturity. These debentures are included in the calculation of diluted net income per share if their inclusion is dilutive under the if-converted method.
	Holders of the Company's 4.50% debentures due 2015 may, under certain circumstances at their option, convert the debentures into cash, and not into shares of the Company's common stock (or any other securities). Therefore, the 4.50% debentures due 2015 are excluded from the net income per share calculation.
	The following is a summary of outstanding anti-dilutive potential common stock which was excluded from income (loss) per diluted share in the following periods:
			Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)		30-Mar-14		March 31, 20131
	Stock options		159		313
	Restricted stock units		464		5,687
	Upfront Warrants (held by Total)		—		9,532
	Warrants (under the CSO2015)		—		*
	Warrants (under the CSO2014)		—		*
	0.75% debentures due 2018		—		n/a
	4.75% debentures due 2014		—		8,712
	1	As a result of the net loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2013, the inclusion of all potentially dilutive stock options, restricted stock units, and common shares under noted warrants and convertible debt would be anti-dilutive. Therefore, those stock options, restricted stock units and shares were excluded from the computation of the weighted-average shares for diluted net loss per share for such period.
	* The Company's average stock price during the period did not exceed the exercise price of the related warrants during the period.

StockBack_Compensation

Stock-Back Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	'
	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	The following table summarizes the consolidated stock-based compensation expense by line item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations:
		Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)	March 30, 2014			March 31, 2013
	Cost of Americas revenue	$	2,071		$	778
	Cost of EMEA revenue	655			441
	Cost of APAC revenue	830			491
	Research and development	1,797			1,122
	Sales, general and administrative	9,514			5,684
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	14,867		$	8,516
	The following table summarizes the consolidated stock-based compensation expense by type of awards:
		Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)	March 30, 2014			March 31, 2013
	Restricted stock units	$	14,876		$	8,811
	Change in stock-based compensation capitalized in inventory	(9		)	(295		)
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	14,867		$	8,516

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, as the CODM, has organized the Company, manages resource allocations and measures performance of the Company's activities among three regional segments: (i) the Americas Segment, (ii) the EMEA Segment, and (iii) the APAC Segment. The Americas Segment includes both North and South America. The EMEA Segment includes European countries, as well as the Middle East and Africa. The APAC segment includes all Asia-Pacific countries.
	The CODM assesses the performance of the three regional segments using information about their revenue and gross margin after certain adjustments to reflect the substance of the revenue transactions for certain utility and power plant projects, and adding back certain non-cash expenses such as stock-based compensation expense and interest expense, as well as other items including gain on contract termination, loss on change in European government incentives, accelerated depreciation associated with the Company's manufacturing step reduction program, and amortization of other intangible assets. The CODM does not review asset information by segment.
	The following tables present information by segment, including revenue, cost of revenue, gross margin, and depreciation.
			Three Months Ended
	(In thousands):		30-Mar-14				March 31, 2013
	Revenue
	Americas		$	471,023			$	484,122
	EMEA		126,258				68,652
	APAC		95,141				82,659
	Total Revenue		692,422				635,433
	Cost of revenue
	Americas		350,313				416,081
	EMEA		99,441				91,494
	APAC		79,679				68,545
	Total cost of revenue		529,433				576,120
	Gross margin		$	162,989			$	59,313
			Three Months Ended
	Revenue by Significant Category (in thousands):		30-Mar-14				31-Mar-13
	Solar power products1		$	238,578			$	185,880
	Solar power systems2		403,755				404,915
	Residential leases3		38,732				35,250
	Other revenue4		11,357				9,388
			$	692,422			$	635,433
	1	Solar power products represents direct sales of panels, balance of system components, and inverters to dealers, systems integrators, and residential, commercial, and utility customers in all regions.
	2	Solar power systems represents revenue recognized in connection with our construction and development contracts.
	3	Residential leases represents revenue recognized on solar power systems leased to customers under our solar lease program.
	4	Other revenue includes revenue related to our solar power services and solutions, such as post-installation systems monitoring and maintenance and commercial power purchase agreements.
			Three Months Ended
	Depreciation by region (in thousands):		March 30, 2014				March 31, 2013
	Americas		$	15,074			$	9,815
	EMEA		$	4,479			$	5,833
	APAC		$	5,818			$	7,972
				Three Months Ended
	(As a percentage of total revenue):			March 30, 2014			March 31, 2013
	Significant Customers:	Business Segment
	MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company	Americas		42	%		13	%
	NRG Solar, Inc.	Americas		*			44	%
	* denotes less than 10% during the period
			Three Months Ended
			30-Mar-14											31-Mar-13
	Revenue by region (in thousands):		AMERICAS				EMEA				APAC			AMERICAS			EMEA		APAC
	As reviewed by CODM		$	462,314			$	126,258			$	95,141		$	423,321		$	68,652	$	82,659
	Utility and power plant projects		8,709				—				—			60,801			—		—
	GAAP		$	471,023			$	126,258			$	95,141		$	484,122		$	68,652	$	82,659
			Three Months Ended
			30-Mar-14											31-Mar-13
	Cost of revenue by region (in thousands):		AMERICAS				EMEA				APAC			AMERICAS			EMEA		APAC
	As reviewed by CODM		$	355,720			$	98,662			$	78,694		$	285,785		$	90,738	$	67,617
	Utility and power plant projects		(7,899		)		—				—			128,939			—		—
	Stock-based compensation expense		2,071				655				830			778			441		491
	Non-cash interest expense		421				124				155			220			129		179
	Other		—				—				—			359			186		258
	GAAP		$	350,313			$	99,441			$	79,679		$	416,081		$	91,494	$	68,545
			Three Months Ended
			30-Mar-14									31-Mar-13
	Gross margin by region (in thousands):		AMERICAS			EMEA			APAC			AMERICAS		EMEA		APAC
	As reviewed by CODM		23	%		22	%		17	%		32	%	(32	)%	18	%
	GAAP		26	%		21	%		16	%		14	%	(33	)%	17	%

Subsequent_Events_Notes

Subsequent Events (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	'
	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	Prior to maturity on April 15, 2014, certain holders exercised their rights to convert their 4.75% debentures into shares of the Company's common stock. On April 15, 2014, the remaining 4.75% debentures matured in accordance to their terms and subsequently no 4.75% debentures remained outstanding. The Company issued approximately 7.1 million shares of its common stock to holders which exercised conversion rights. Upon maturity of the remaining 4.75% debentures, the Company paid holders an aggregate of $41.7 million in cash in connection with the settlement of the remaining 4.75% debentures.

The_Company_and_Summary_of_Sig1

The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("United States" or "U.S.") and include the accounts of the Company, all of its subsidiaries and special purpose entities, as appropriate under consolidation accounting guidelines. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The assets of the special purpose entities that the Company sets up related to project financing for customers are not designed to be available to service the general liabilities and obligations of the Company in certain circumstances.
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior period balances have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation in the Company's consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Such reclassifications had no effect on previously reported results of operations or accumulated deficit.
Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Fiscal Years
	The Company has a 52-to-53-week fiscal year that ends on the Sunday closest to December 31. Accordingly, every fifth or sixth year will be a 53-week fiscal year. Both fiscal 2014 and 2013 are 52-week fiscal years. The first quarter of fiscal 2014 ended on March 30, 2014, while the first quarter of fiscal 2013 ended on March 31, 2013. Both the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 were 13-week quarters.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Management Estimates
	The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant estimates in these consolidated financial statements include percentage-of-completion for construction projects; allowances for doubtful accounts receivable and sales returns; inventory and project asset write-downs; stock-based compensation; estimates for future cash flows and economic useful lives of property, plant and equipment and other long-term assets; the fair value and residual value of leased solar power systems; fair value of financial instruments; valuation of certain accrued liabilities such as accrued warranty; and income taxes and tax valuation allowances. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.

Transactions_with_Total_and_To1

Transactions with Total and Total S.A. (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]	'
	Related Party Transactions with Total and its Affiliates:
		Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)	March 30, 2014		March 31, 2013
	Revenue:
	EPC and O&M revenue under joint projects	$	2,889	$	—
	Research and development expense:
	Offsetting contributions received under R&D Agreement	$	260	$	—
	Interest expense:
	Guarantee fees incurred under Credit Support Agreement	$	2,745	$	1,811
	Fees incurred under the Compensation and Funding Agreement	$	1,200	$	1,701
	Interest expense incurred on the 0.75% debentures due 2018	$	375	$	—
	Related Party Transactions with Equity and Cost Method Investees:
		As of
	(In thousands)	March 30, 2014		December 29, 2013
	Accounts receivable	$	16,230	$	11,780
	Accounts payable	$	53,940	$	51,499
	Other long-term assets:
	Long-term note receivable	$	3,755	$	3,688
		Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)	March 30, 2014		March 31, 2013
	Payments made to investees for products/services	$	112,039	$	134,916

Balance_Sheet_Components_Table

Balance Sheet Components (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Accounts Receivable Trade [Table Text Block]	'
			As of
	(In thousands)		March 30, 2014			December 29, 2013
	Accounts receivable, net:
	Accounts receivable, gross1,2		$	293,813		$	389,152
	Less: allowance for doubtful accounts		(26,474		)	(26,463		)
	Less: allowance for sales returns		(1,937		)	(2,095		)
			$	265,402		$	360,594
	1	Includes short-term financing receivables associated with solar power systems leased of $5.7 million and $4.4 million as of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively (see Note 4).
	2	Includes short-term retainage of $4.4 million and $8.3 million as of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. Retainage refers to the earned, but unbilled, portion of a construction and development project which is withheld for payment by the customer until certain milestones are met in accordance with the related contract.
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	'
			As of
	(In thousands)		30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
	Inventories:
	Raw materials		$	45,027		$	51,905
	Work-in-process		63,553			52,756
	Finished goods		125,800			140,914
			$	234,380		$	245,575
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Table Text Block]	'
			As of
	(In thousands)		30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
	Deferred project costs		$	285,387		$	275,389
	Bond hedge derivative		129,539			110,477
	VAT receivables, current portion		16,116			21,481
	Deferred costs for solar power systems to be leased		13,708			23,429
	Foreign currency derivatives		1,677			4,642
	Other receivables		86,399			112,062
	Other prepaid expenses		50,134			28,629
	Other current assets		66,019			70,161
			$	648,979		$	646,270
Investments In Power And Distribution Projects [Table Text Block]	'
			As of
	(In thousands)		30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
	Project assets - plants and land:
	Project assets — plants		$	31,822		$	64,564
	Project assets — land		6,233			11,043
			$	38,055		$	75,607
	Project assets - plants and land, current portion		$	30,304		$	69,196
	Project assets - plants and land, net of current portion		$	7,751		$	6,411
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	'
			As of
	(In thousands)		30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
	Property, plant and equipment, net:
	Manufacturing equipment3		$	542,422		$	538,616
	Land and buildings		26,138			26,138
	Leasehold improvements		230,503			229,846
	Solar power systems4		97,127			82,036
	Computer equipment		82,038			79,519
	Furniture and fixtures		8,432			8,392
	Construction-in-process		13,953			11,724
			1,000,613			976,271
	Less: accumulated depreciation		(465,326		)	(442,884		)
			$	535,287		$	533,387
	3	The Company's mortgage loan agreement with International Finance Corporation ("IFC") is collateralized by certain manufacturing equipment with a net book value of $138.3 million and $145.9 million as of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively.
	4	Includes $67.9 million and $52.6 million of solar power systems associated with sale-leaseback transactions under the financing method as of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013 which are depreciated using the straight-line method to their estimated residual values over the lease terms of up to 20 years (see Note 4).
Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block]	'
			As of
	(In thousands)		30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
	Property, plant and equipment, net by geography5:
	Philippines		$	311,499		$	321,410
	United States		165,035			153,074
	Mexico		32,948			32,705
	Europe		24,769			25,293
	Other		1,036			905
			$	535,287		$	533,387
	5	Property, plant and equipment, net by geography is based on the physical location of the assets.
Schedule of Other Assets, Noncurrent [Table Text Block]	'
			As of
	(In thousands)		30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
	Other long-term assets:
	Equity method investments		$	133,537		$	131,739
	Retainage6		114,335			88,934
	Cost method investments		17,344			12,374
	Long-term debt issuance costs		10,081			10,274
	Other		55,161			55,156
			$	330,458		$	298,477
	6	Retainage refers to the earned, but unbilled, portion of a construction and development project which is withheld for payment by the customer until certain milestones are met in accordance with the related contract. The Company's noncurrent retainage is expected to be collected in 2015 through 2016.
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
			As of
	(In thousands)		30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
	Accrued liabilities:
	Bond hedge derivatives		$	129,548		$	110,477
	Employee compensation and employee benefits		47,555			50,449
	Deferred revenue		30,737			29,287
	Short-term residential lease financing		7,379			14,436
	Interest payable		9,730			10,971
	Short-term warranty reserves		10,988			10,426
	Restructuring reserve		4,095			7,134
	VAT payables		6,605			7,089
	Foreign currency derivatives		1,700			6,170
	Other		130,164			111,718
			$	378,501		$	358,157
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
			As of
	(In thousands)		30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
	Other long-term liabilities:
	Deferred revenue		$	177,976		$	176,925
	Long-term warranty reserves		140,427			138,946
	Long-term sale-leaseback financing		82,008			65,944
	Long-term residential lease financing		31,400			31,933
	Unrecognized tax benefits		32,533			28,927
	Other		80,302			81,316
			$	544,646		$	523,991
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
			As of
	(In thousands)		30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
	Cumulative translation adjustment		$	(3,492	)	$	(3,766	)
	Net unrealized loss on derivatives		(420		)	(805		)
	Deferred taxes		143			253
			$	(3,769	)	$	(4,318	)

Leasing_Tables

Leasing (Tables)	3 Months Ended														12 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014														Dec. 29, 2013
Leasing, Related Disclosures [Abstract]	'														'
Schedule of Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Table Text Block]	'														'
															The following table summarizes "Solar power systems leased and to be leased" under operating leases on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively:
																	As of
															(In thousands)		March 30, 2014			December 29, 2013
															Solar power systems leased and to be leased, net1,2:
															Solar power systems leased		$	359,918		$	324,202
															Solar power systems to be leased		24,621			36,645
																	384,539			360,847
															Less: accumulated depreciation		(23,968		)	(15,343		)
																	$	360,571		$	345,504
															1	Solar power systems leased and to be leased, net are physically located in the United States.
Minimum Future Rental Receipts on Operating Leases Placed in Service [Table Text Block]	'														'
	The following table presents the Company's minimum future rental receipts on operating leases placed in service as of March 30, 2014:
	(In thousands)		2014 (remaining nine months)			2015			2016	2017	2018	Thereafter	Total
	Minimum future rentals on operating leases placed in service1		$	9,419		9,552			9,588	9,626	9,666	143,501	$	191,352
	1	Minimum future rentals on operating leases placed in service does not include contingent rentals that may be received from customers under agreements which include performance based incentives.
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]	'														'
	As of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the Company's net investment in sales-type leases presented in "Accounts receivable" and "Long-term financing receivables, net" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets was as follows:
			As of
	(In thousands)		March 30, 2014			December 29, 2013
	Financing receivables:
	Minimum lease payments receivable1		$	252,487		$	217,666
	Unguaranteed residual value		26,144			23,366
	Unearned income		(65,306		)	(61,326		)
	Net financing receivables		$	213,325		$	179,706
	Current		$	5,719		$	4,433
	Long-term		$	207,606		$	175,273
	1	Net of allowance for doubtful accounts.
Future Maturities of Net Financing Receivables for Sales-type Leases [Table Text Block]	'														'
	As of March 30, 2014, future maturities of net financing receivables for sales-type leases are as follows:
	(In thousands)		2014 (remaining nine months)			2015			2016	2017	2018	Thereafter	Total
	Scheduled maturities of minimum lease payments receivable1		$	9,241		11,674			11,837	12,004	12,177	195,554	$	252,487
	1	Minimum future rentals on sales-type leases placed in service does not include contingent rentals that may be received from customers under agreements which include performance based incentives.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the Company's assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively:
			30-Mar-14								29-Dec-13
	(In thousands)		Total			Level 1			Level 2		Total		Level 1		Level 2
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Money market funds1		$	378,001		$	378,001		$	—	$	358,001	$	358,001	$	—
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
	Debt derivatives (Note 9)		129,539			—			129,539		110,477		—		110,477
	Foreign currency derivatives (Note 10)		1,677			—			1,677		4,642		—		4,642
	Other long-term assets:
	Foreign currency derivatives (Note 10)		237			—			237		588		—		588
	Total assets		$	509,454		$	378,001		$	131,453	$	473,708	$	358,001	$	115,707
	Liabilities
	Accrued liabilities:
	Debt derivatives (Note 9)		$	129,548		$	—		$	129,548	$	110,477	$	—	$	110,477
	Foreign currency derivatives (Note 10)		1,700			—			1,700		6,170		—		6,170
	Other long-term liabilities:
	Foreign currency derivatives (Note 10)		191			—			191		555		—		555
	Total liabilities		$	131,439		$	—		$	131,439	$	117,202	$	—	$	117,202
	1	The Company's cash equivalents consist of money market fund instruments which are classified as available-for-sale and within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices for identical instruments in active markets.
	Other financial instruments, including the Company's accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, are carried at cost, which generally approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	The fair values of these derivative instruments were determined utilizing the following Level 1 and Level 2 inputs:
			As of 1
			30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
	Stock price		$	31.85		$	28.91
	Exercise price		$	22.53		$	22.53
	Interest rate		0.27		%	0.33		%
	Stock volatility		58.1		%	57.7		%
	Credit risk adjustment		0.73		%	0.71		%
	Maturity date		18-Feb-15			18-Feb-15
	1	The valuation model utilizes these inputs to value the right but not the obligation to purchase one share at $22.53. The Company utilized a Black-Scholes valuation model to value the 4.50% Bond Hedge and embedded cash conversion option. The underlying input assumptions were determined as follows:
	(i)	Stock price. The closing price of the Company's common stock on the last trading day of the quarter.
	(ii)	Exercise price. The exercise price of the 4.50% Bond Hedge and the embedded cash conversion option.
	(iii)	Interest rate. The Treasury Strip rate associated with the life of the 4.50% Bond Hedge and the embedded cash conversion option.
	(iv)	Stock volatility. The volatility of the Company's common stock over the life of the 4.50% Bond Hedge and the embedded cash conversion option.
	(v)	Credit risk adjustment. Represents the weighted average of the credit default swap rate of the counterparties.
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]	'
	Related Party Transactions with Total and its Affiliates:
			Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)		March 30, 2014			March 31, 2013
	Revenue:
	EPC and O&M revenue under joint projects		$	2,889		$	—
	Research and development expense:
	Offsetting contributions received under R&D Agreement		$	260		$	—
	Interest expense:
	Guarantee fees incurred under Credit Support Agreement		$	2,745		$	1,811
	Fees incurred under the Compensation and Funding Agreement		$	1,200		$	1,701
	Interest expense incurred on the 0.75% debentures due 2018		$	375		$	—
	Related Party Transactions with Equity and Cost Method Investees:
			As of
	(In thousands)		March 30, 2014			December 29, 2013
	Accounts receivable		$	16,230		$	11,780
	Accounts payable		$	53,940		$	51,499
	Other long-term assets:
	Long-term note receivable		$	3,755		$	3,688
			Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)		March 30, 2014			March 31, 2013
	Payments made to investees for products/services		$	112,039		$	134,916

Restructuring_Tables

Restructuring (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the restructuring reserve activity during the three months ended March 30, 2014:
			Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)		December 29, 2013		Charges (Benefits)			Payments			March 30, 2014
	October 2012 Plan:
	Severance and benefits		$	3,942	$	(495	)	$	(1,255	)	$	2,192
	Lease and related termination costs		362		(233		)	(100		)	29
	Other costs1		914		711			(403		)	1,222
	Legacy Restructuring Plans:
	Severance and benefits		19		(36		)	17			—
	Lease and related termination costs		1,247		(169		)	(1,078		)	—
	Other costs1		650		(239		)	241			652
	Total restructuring liabilities		$	7,134	$	(461	)	$	(2,578	)	$	4,095
	1	Other costs primarily represent associated legal services.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligations Disclosure [Table Text Block]	'
	Future purchase obligations under non-cancellable purchase orders and long-term supply agreements as of March 30, 2014 are as follows:
	(In thousands)		2014 (remaining nine months)			2015			2016	2017	2018	Thereafter	Total1,2
	Future purchase obligations		$	710,375		373,353			336,247	299,782	181,216	335,542	$	2,236,515
	1	Total future purchase obligations as of March 30, 2014 include $80.7 million to related parties.
	2	Total future purchase obligations was comprised of $212.5 million related to non-cancellable purchase orders and $2.0 billion related to long-term supply agreements.
Schedule Of Estimated Utilization Of Advances From Customers [Table Text Block]	'
	The estimated utilization of advances from customers as of March 30, 2014 is as follows:
	(In thousands)		2014 (remaining nine months)			2015			2016	2017	2018	Thereafter	Total
	Estimated utilization of advances from customers		$	26,082		26,461			22,713	27,039	27,039	72,104	$	201,438
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes accrued warranty activity for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and March 30, 2014, respectively:
			Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)		March 30, 2014			March 31, 2013
	Balance at the beginning of the period		$	149,372		$	117,172
	Accruals for warranties issued during the period		5,190			4,455
	Settlements made during the period		(3,147		)	(2,078		)
	Balance at the end of the period		$	151,415		$	119,549

Debt_and_Credit_Sources_Tables

Debt and Credit Sources (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Debt Instruments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the Company's outstanding debt on its Consolidated Balance Sheets:
			30-Mar-14										29-Dec-13
	(In thousands)		Face Value		Short-term			Long-term			Total		Face Value			Short-term		Long-term		Total
	Convertible debt:
	0.75% debentures due 2018		$	300,000	$	—		$	300,000		$	300,000	$	300,000		$	—	$	300,000	$	300,000
	4.50% debentures due 2015		250,000		230,537			—			230,537		250,000			225,889		—		225,889
	4.75% debentures due 2014		230,000		229,964			—			229,964		230,000			230,000		—		230,000
	0.75% debentures due 2015		79		—			79			79		79			—		79		79
	IFC mortgage loan		55,000		15,000			40,000			55,000		62,500			15,000		47,500		62,500
	CEDA loan		30,000		—			30,000			30,000		30,000			—		30,000		30,000
	Credit Agricole revolving credit facility		—		—			—			—		—			—		—		—
	Other debt1		49,284		1,320			47,964			49,284		50,926			41,227		9,699		50,926
			$	914,363	$	476,821		$	418,043		$	894,864	$	923,505		$	512,116	$	387,278	$	899,394
	1	The balance of Other debt excludes payments related to capital leases which are disclosed in Note 7. "Commitments and Contingencies" to these consolidated financial statements.
Schedule Of Maturities Of Debt [Table Text Block]	'
	As of March 30, 2014 the aggregate future contractual maturities of the Company's outstanding debt, at face value, was as follows:
	(In thousands)		2014 (remaining nine months)		2015		2016			2017		2018	Thereafter		Total
	Aggregate future maturities of outstanding debt		$	238,395	266,166		16,217			16,272		303,852	73,461		$	914,363
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the Company's outstanding convertible debt:
			March 30, 2014								December 29, 2013
	(In thousands)		Carrying Value		Face Value			Fair Value1			Carrying Value		Face Value			Fair Value1
	Convertible debt:
	0.75% debentures due 2018		$	300,000	$	300,000		$	417,132		$	300,000	$	300,000		$	367,578
	4.50% debentures due 2015		230,537		250,000			372,500			225,889		250,000			343,895
	4.75% debentures due 2014		229,964		230,000			275,704			230,000		230,000			269,252
	0.75% debentures due 2015		79		79			80			79		79			102
			$	760,580	$	780,079		$	1,065,416		$	755,968	$	780,079		$	980,827
	1	The fair value of the convertible debt was determined using Level 1 inputs based on quarterly market prices as reported by an independent pricing source.

Foreign_Currency_Derivatives_T

Foreign Currency Derivatives (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables present information about the Company's hedge instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, all of which utilize Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy:
	(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Classification		March 30, 2014				December 29, 2013
	Assets
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency option contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	435			$	615
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—				35
	Foreign currency option contracts	Other long-term assets		237				588
				$	672			$	1,238
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency option contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	127			$	381
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		1,115				3,611
				$	1,242			$	3,992
	Liabilities
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency option contracts	Accrued liabilities		$	746			$	1,595
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Accrued liabilities		93				—
	Foreign currency option contracts	Other long-term liabilities		191				555
				$	1,030			$	2,150
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency option contracts	Accrued liabilities		$	127			$	386
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Accrued liabilities		734				4,189
				$	861			$	4,575
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
		30-Mar-14
												Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. but Have Rights to Offset
	(In thousands)	Gross Amounts Recognized				Gross Amounts Offset				Net Amounts Presented		Financial Instruments		Cash Collateral		Net Amounts
	Derivative assets	$	1,914			$	—			$	1,914	$	1,523	$	—	$	391
	Derivative liabilities	$	1,891			$	—			$	1,891	$	1,523	$	—	$	368
		29-Dec-13
												Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. but Have Rights to Offset
	(In thousands)	Gross Amounts Recognized				Gross Amounts Offset				Net Amounts Presented		Financial Instruments		Cash Collateral		Net Amounts
	Derivative assets	$	5,230			$	—			$	5,230	$	4,512	$	—	$	718
	Derivative liabilities	$	6,725			$	—			$	6,725	$	4,512	$	—	$	2,213
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the pre-tax amount of unrealized gain or loss recognized in "Accumulated other comprehensive income" ("OCI") in "Stockholders' equity" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
		Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)	March 30, 2014				March 31, 2013
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
	Gain (loss) in OCI at the beginning of the period	$	(805	)		$	(243	)
	Unrealized gain (loss) recognized in OCI (effective portion)	(3		)		2,448
	Less: Loss reclassified from OCI to revenue (effective portion)	388				387
	Net gain on derivatives	$	385			$	2,835
	Gain (loss) in OCI at the end of the period	$	(420	)		$	2,592
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the amount of gain or loss recognized in "Other, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the three months ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013:
		Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)	March 30, 2014				March 31, 2013
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
	Gain (loss) recognized in "Other, net" on derivatives (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing)	$	480			$	(789	)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Gain recognized in "Other, net"	$	1,430			$	166

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_of_C1

Net Income (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share:
			Three Months Ended
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)		March 30, 2014			March 31, 2013
	Basic net income (loss) per share:
	Numerator
	Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders		$	65,044		$	(54,696	)
	Denominator
	Basic weighted-average common shares		122,196			119,553
	Basic net income (loss) per share		$	0.53		$	(0.46	)
	Diluted net income (loss) per share:
	Numerator
	Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders		$	65,044		$	(54,696	)
	Add: Interest expense incurred on the 0.75% debentures due 2018, net of tax		450			—
	Add: Interest expense incurred on the 4.75% debentures due 2014, net of tax		2,185			—
	Net income (loss) available to common stockholders		$	67,679		$	(54,696	)
	Denominator
	Basic weighted-average common shares		122,196			119,553
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options		108			—
	Restricted stock units		6,202			—
	Upfront Warrants (held by Total)		7,227			—
	Warrants (under the CSO2015)		2,915			—
	Warrants (under the CSO2014)		1,048			—
	0.75% debentures due 2018		12,026			—
	4.75% debentures due 2014		8,712			—
	Dilutive weighted-average common shares		160,434			119,553
	Dilutive net income (loss) per share		$	0.42		$	(0.46	)
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	'
	The following is a summary of outstanding anti-dilutive potential common stock which was excluded from income (loss) per diluted share in the following periods:
			Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)		30-Mar-14		March 31, 20131
	Stock options		159		313
	Restricted stock units		464		5,687
	Upfront Warrants (held by Total)		—		9,532
	Warrants (under the CSO2015)		—		*
	Warrants (under the CSO2014)		—		*
	0.75% debentures due 2018		—		n/a
	4.75% debentures due 2014		—		8,712
	1	As a result of the net loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2013, the inclusion of all potentially dilutive stock options, restricted stock units, and common shares under noted warrants and convertible debt would be anti-dilutive. Therefore, those stock options, restricted stock units and shares were excluded from the computation of the weighted-average shares for diluted net loss per share for such period.
	* The Company's average stock price during the period did not exceed the exercise price of the related warrants during the period.

StockBack_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Back Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the consolidated stock-based compensation expense by line item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations:
		Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)	March 30, 2014			March 31, 2013
	Cost of Americas revenue	$	2,071		$	778
	Cost of EMEA revenue	655			441
	Cost of APAC revenue	830			491
	Research and development	1,797			1,122
	Sales, general and administrative	9,514			5,684
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	14,867		$	8,516
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the consolidated stock-based compensation expense by type of awards:
		Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)	March 30, 2014			March 31, 2013
	Restricted stock units	$	14,876		$	8,811
	Change in stock-based compensation capitalized in inventory	(9		)	(295		)
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	14,867		$	8,516

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables present information by segment, including revenue, cost of revenue, gross margin, and depreciation.
			Three Months Ended
	(In thousands):		30-Mar-14				March 31, 2013
	Revenue
	Americas		$	471,023			$	484,122
	EMEA		126,258				68,652
	APAC		95,141				82,659
	Total Revenue		692,422				635,433
	Cost of revenue
	Americas		350,313				416,081
	EMEA		99,441				91,494
	APAC		79,679				68,545
	Total cost of revenue		529,433				576,120
	Gross margin		$	162,989			$	59,313
			Three Months Ended
	Revenue by Significant Category (in thousands):		30-Mar-14				31-Mar-13
	Solar power products1		$	238,578			$	185,880
	Solar power systems2		403,755				404,915
	Residential leases3		38,732				35,250
	Other revenue4		11,357				9,388
			$	692,422			$	635,433
	1	Solar power products represents direct sales of panels, balance of system components, and inverters to dealers, systems integrators, and residential, commercial, and utility customers in all regions.
	2	Solar power systems represents revenue recognized in connection with our construction and development contracts.
	3	Residential leases represents revenue recognized on solar power systems leased to customers under our solar lease program.
	4	Other revenue includes revenue related to our solar power services and solutions, such as post-installation systems monitoring and maintenance and commercial power purchase agreements.
			Three Months Ended
	Depreciation by region (in thousands):		March 30, 2014				March 31, 2013
	Americas		$	15,074			$	9,815
	EMEA		$	4,479			$	5,833
	APAC		$	5,818			$	7,972
				Three Months Ended
	(As a percentage of total revenue):			March 30, 2014			March 31, 2013
	Significant Customers:	Business Segment
	MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company	Americas		42	%		13	%
	NRG Solar, Inc.	Americas		*			44	%
	* denotes less than 10% during the period
			Three Months Ended
			30-Mar-14											31-Mar-13
	Revenue by region (in thousands):		AMERICAS				EMEA				APAC			AMERICAS			EMEA		APAC
	As reviewed by CODM		$	462,314			$	126,258			$	95,141		$	423,321		$	68,652	$	82,659
	Utility and power plant projects		8,709				—				—			60,801			—		—
	GAAP		$	471,023			$	126,258			$	95,141		$	484,122		$	68,652	$	82,659
			Three Months Ended
			30-Mar-14											31-Mar-13
	Cost of revenue by region (in thousands):		AMERICAS				EMEA				APAC			AMERICAS			EMEA		APAC
	As reviewed by CODM		$	355,720			$	98,662			$	78,694		$	285,785		$	90,738	$	67,617
	Utility and power plant projects		(7,899		)		—				—			128,939			—		—
	Stock-based compensation expense		2,071				655				830			778			441		491
	Non-cash interest expense		421				124				155			220			129		179
	Other		—				—				—			359			186		258
	GAAP		$	350,313			$	99,441			$	79,679		$	416,081		$	91,494	$	68,545
			Three Months Ended
			30-Mar-14									31-Mar-13
	Gross margin by region (in thousands):		AMERICAS			EMEA			APAC			AMERICAS		EMEA		APAC
	As reviewed by CODM		23	%		22	%		17	%		32	%	(32	)%	18	%
	GAAP		26	%		21	%		16	%		14	%	(33	)%	17	%
Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block]	'
				Three Months Ended
	(As a percentage of total revenue):			March 30, 2014			March 31, 2013
	Significant Customers:	Business Segment
	MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company	Americas		42	%		13	%
	NRG Solar, Inc.	Americas		*			44	%
	* denotes less than 10% during the period
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]	'
			Three Months Ended
	Revenue by Significant Category (in thousands):		30-Mar-14				31-Mar-13
	Solar power products1		$	238,578			$	185,880
	Solar power systems2		403,755				404,915
	Residential leases3		38,732				35,250
	Other revenue4		11,357				9,388
			$	692,422			$	635,433
	1	Solar power products represents direct sales of panels, balance of system components, and inverters to dealers, systems integrators, and residential, commercial, and utility customers in all regions.
	2	Solar power systems represents revenue recognized in connection with our construction and development contracts.
	3	Residential leases represents revenue recognized on solar power systems leased to customers under our solar lease program.
	4	Other revenue includes revenue related to our solar power services and solutions, such as post-installation systems monitoring and maintenance and commercial power purchase agreements.

The_Company_and_Summary_of_Sig2

The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'
Number of Weeks Fiscal Year	'52 years	'52 years

Transactions_with_Total_and_To2

Transactions with Total and Total S.A. (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 29, 2013
Transactions with Total [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
EPC and O&M revenue under joint projects	'	$692,422,000	$635,433,000	'
Tender Offer Agreement, Percentage of Outstanding Share Acquired	'	60.00%	'	'
Tender Offer Agreement Purchase Price Per Share	23.25	'	'	'
Tender Offer, Actual Tendered Shares, Total Costs	'	1,400,000,000	'	'
Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction	'	18,600,000	'	'
Sale of Stock, Price Per Share	'	$8.80	'	'
Sale of Stock, Percentage of Ownership after Transaction	'	66.00%	'	'
Affiliation Agreement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Liquidity Support Facility, Warrant Term	'	'7 years	'	'
Liquidity Support Facility, Warrant, Minimum Amount of Outstanding Convertible Debt Required to be Outstanding	'	25,000,000	'	'
Liquidity Support Facility, Warrant, Maximum Ownership Percentage Allowed	'	74.99%	'	'
Liquidity Support Facility, Maximum Capacity	'	600,000,000	'	'
Face Value	'	914,363,000	'	923,505,000
Liquidity Support Facility, Basis Spread LIBOR Rate	'	5.00%	'	'
Liquidity Support Facility, Available Capacity	'	350,000,000	'	'
Liquidity Support Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	'	0.25%	'	'
0.75% debentures due 2018 [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
0.75% debentures acquired by Total, Face Value	'	200,000,000	'	'
0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Affiliation Agreement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Face Value	'	300,000,000	'	300,000,000
Total [Member] | Total Liquidity Support Agreement [Member] | Liquidity Support [Member]	'	'	'	'
Affiliation Agreement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Liquidity Support Facility, Guarantee Fee, Percent of Average Guaranteed Debt	'	2.75%	'	'
Upfront Warrants (held by Total) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Affiliation Agreement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Indexed Shares	'	9,531,677	'	'
0.75% debentures due 2018 [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Exercise price	'	7.8685	'	'
Bond Hedge [Member] | 0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]	'	'	'	'
0.75% debentures due 2018 [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Exercise price	'	24.95	'	'
Total [Member]	'	'	'	'
Transactions with Total [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
EPC and O&M revenue under joint projects	'	2,889,000	0	'
Offsetting contributions received under R&D Agreement	'	260,000	0	'
Guarantee fees incurred under Credit Support Agreement	'	2,745,000	1,811,000	'
Fees incurred under the Compensation and Funding Agreement	'	1,200,000	1,701,000	'
Interest expense incurred on the 0.75% Debentures Due 2018	'	375,000	0	'
0.75% debentures due 2018 [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Billings in Excess of Cost	'	$9,100,000	'	'

Balance_Sheet_Components_Detai

Balance Sheet Components (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 30, 2014		Dec. 29, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012
Accounts receivable, net:	'		'		'	'
Accounts receivable, gross	$293,813,000	[1],[2]	$389,152,000	[1],[2]	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning	-26,474,000		-26,463,000		'	'
Less: allowance for sales returns	-1,937,000		-2,095,000		'	'
Accounts receivable, net	265,402,000		360,594,000		'	'
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Raw materials	45,027,000		51,905,000		'	'
Work-in-process	63,553,000		52,756,000		'	'
Finished goods	125,800,000		140,914,000		'	'
Inventories	234,380,000		245,575,000		'	'
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Deferred project costs	285,387,000		275,389,000		'	'
VAT receivables, current portion	16,116,000		21,481,000		'	'
Deferred costs for solar power systems to be leased	13,708,000		23,429,000		'	'
Other receivables	86,399,000		112,062,000		'	'
Other prepaid expenses	50,134,000		28,629,000		'	'
Other current assets	66,019,000		70,161,000		'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	648,979,000	[3]	646,270,000	[3]	'	'
Project Assets [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Project assets b plants	31,822,000		64,564,000		'	'
Project assets b land	6,233,000		11,043,000		'	'
Project assets - plants and land	38,055,000		75,607,000		'	'
Project assets - plants and land, current portion	30,304,000		69,196,000		'	'
Project assets - plants and land, net of current portion	7,751,000		6,411,000		'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net:	'		'		'	'
Manufacturing equipment	542,422,000		538,616,000	[4]	'	'
Land and buildings	26,138,000		26,138,000		'	'
Leasehold improvements	230,503,000		229,846,000		'	'
Solar power systems4	97,127,000	[5]	82,036,000	[5]	'	'
Computer equipment	82,038,000		79,519,000		'	'
Furniture and fixtures	8,432,000		8,392,000		'	'
Construction-in-process	13,953,000		11,724,000		'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,000,613,000		976,271,000		'	'
Less: accumulated depreciation	-465,326,000		-442,884,000		'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	535,287,000		533,387,000		'	'
Solar power systems, sale leaseback	67,900,000		52,600,000		'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net by geography5:	'		'		'	'
Philippines	311,499,000		321,410,000		'	'
United States	165,035,000		153,074,000		'	'
Mexico	32,948,000		32,705,000		'	'
Europe	24,769,000		25,293,000		'	'
Other	1,036,000		905,000		'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	535,287,000		533,387,000		'	'
Collateralized Equipment	138,300,000		145,900,000		'	'
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Equity method investments	133,537,000		131,739,000		'	'
Retainage	114,335,000	[6]	88,934,000	[6]	'	'
Cost method investments	17,344,000		12,374,000		'	'
Long-term debt issuance costs	10,081,000		10,274,000		'	'
Other	55,161,000		55,156,000		'	'
Other long-term assets	330,458,000	[3]	298,477,000	[3]	'	'
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Employee compensation and employee benefits	47,555,000		50,449,000		'	'
Deferred revenue	30,737,000		29,287,000		'	'
Short-term residential lease financing	7,379,000		14,436,000		'	'
Interest payable	9,730,000		10,971,000		'	'
Short-term warranty reserves	10,988,000		10,426,000		'	'
Restructuring reserve	4,095,000		7,134,000		'	'
VAT payables	6,605,000		7,089,000		'	'
Other	130,164,000		111,718,000		'	'
Accrued liabilities	378,501,000		358,157,000		'	'
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Deferred revenue	177,976,000		176,925,000		'	'
Long-term warranty reserves	140,427,000		138,946,000		'	'
Long-term sale-leaseback financing	82,008,000		65,944,000		'	'
Long-term residential lease financing	31,400,000		31,933,000		'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	32,533,000		28,927,000		'	'
Other	80,302,000		81,316,000		'	'
Other long-term liabilities	544,646,000		523,991,000		'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Cumulative translation adjustment	-3,492,000		-3,766,000		'	'
Net unrealized loss on derivatives	-420,000		-805,000		2,592,000	-243,000
Deferred taxes	143,000		253,000		'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-3,769,000		-4,318,000		'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'		'	'
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Bond hedge derivative	129,539,000		110,477,000		'	'
Foreign currency derivatives	1,677,000		4,642,000		'	'
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Bond hedge derivatives	129,548,000		110,477,000		'	'
Foreign currency derivatives	1,700,000		6,170,000		'	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'		'	'
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Bond hedge derivative	129,539,000		110,477,000		'	'
Foreign currency derivatives	1,677,000		4,642,000		'	'
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Bond hedge derivatives	129,548,000		110,477,000		'	'
Foreign currency derivatives	$1,700,000		$6,170,000		'	'
[1]	Includes short-term retainage of $4.4 million and $8.3 million as of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. Retainage refers to the earned, but unbilled, portion of a construction and development project which is withheld for payment by the customer until certain milestones are met in accordance with the related contract.
[2]	Includes short-term financing receivables associated with solar power systems leased of $5.7 million and $4.4 million as of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively (see Note 4).
[3]	The Company has related party balances in connection with transactions made with Total and its affiliates as well as unconsolidated entities in which the Company has a direct equity investment. These related party balances are recorded within the "Prepaid expenses and other current assets," "Other long-term assets," "Accounts payable," "Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings," "Customer advances, current portion," "Convertible debt, net of current portion," and "Customer advances, net of current portion" financial statement line items in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 2, Note 3, Note 7, Note 8, and Note 9).
[4]	3B The Company's mortgage loan agreement with International Finance Corporation ("IFC") is collateralized by certain manufacturing equipment with a net book value of $138.3 million and $145.9 million as of MarchB 30, 2014 and DecemberB 29, 2013, respectively.
[5]	Includes $67.9 million and $52.6 million of solar power systems associated with sale-leaseback transactions under the financing method as of MarchB 30, 2014 and DecemberB 29, 2013 which are depreciated using the straight-line method to their estimated residual values over the lease terms of up to 20 years (see Note 4).
[6]	Retainage refers to the earned, but unbilled, portion of a construction and development project which is withheld for payment by the customer until certain milestones are met in accordance with the related contract. The Company's noncurrent retainage is expected to be collected in 2015 through 2016.

Leasing_Details

Leasing (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 29, 2013
Solar power systems leased and to be leased [Abstract]	'		'	'
Solar power systems leased, gross	$359,918,000		'	$324,202,000
Solar power systems to be leased, gross	24,621,000		'	36,645,000
Solar Power Systems Leased And To Be Leased, Gross	384,539,000		'	360,847,000
Accumulated depreciation - residential lease	-23,968,000		'	-15,343,000
Solar Power Systems Leased And To Be Leased, Net	360,571,000		'	345,504,000
Pledged Solar Assets, book value	144,700,000		'	147,700,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract]	'		'	'
2014	9,419,000		'	'
2015	9,552,000		'	'
2016	9,588,000		'	'
2017	9,626,000		'	'
2018	9,666,000		'	'
Thereafter	143,501,000		'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable	191,352,000		'	'
Financing receivables:	'		'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	252,487,000	[1]	'	217,666,000	[1]
Unguaranteed residual value	26,144,000		'	23,366,000
Unearned Income	-65,306,000		'	-61,326,000
Financing Receivable, Net	213,325,000		'	179,706,000
Current	5,719,000		'	4,433,000
Long-term	207,606,000		'	175,273,000
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'	'
2014	9,241,000		'	'
2015	11,674,000		'	'
2016	11,837,000		'	'
2017	12,004,000		'	'
2018	12,177,000		'	'
Thereafter	195,554,000		'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	252,487,000	[1]	'	217,666,000	[1]
Third-Party Financing Arrangements [Abstract]	'		'	'
Non-Recourse Debt	38,800,000		'	46,400,000
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	30,552,000		12,315,000	'
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-22,000,000		7,273,000	'
Sale-Leaseback [Abstract]	'		'	'
Sale Leaseback, Minimum Lease Obligation (Integral Equipment)	101,700,000		'	'
Lease Term - Sale Leaseback (Non-integral Equipment)	'20 years		'	'
Lease Term - Sale Leaseback (Integral Equipment)	'20 years		'	'
Sale Leaseback, Minimum Lease Obligation (Non-Integral Equipment)	$78,000,000		'	'
[1]	1B Net of allowance for doubtful accounts.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

4.5% Bond Hedge [Member]

4.5% Bond Hedge [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted long-term marketable securities

$8,715

'

$8,892

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity method investments

133,537

'

131,739

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cost method investments

17,344

'

12,374

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Money market funds

'

'

'

'

'

378,001

[1]

358,001

[1]

378,001

[1]

358,001

[1]

0

[1]

0

[1]

Prepaid expenses and other current assets:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt derivatives (Note 10)

'

'

'

'

'

129,539

110,477

0

0

129,539

110,477

Foreign currency derivatives

'

'

'

'

'

1,677

4,642

0

0

1,677

4,642

Other long-term assets:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Asset, Noncurrent

'

'

'

'

'

237

588

0

0

237

588

Total assets

'

'

'

'

'

509,454

473,708

378,001

358,001

131,453

115,707

Accrued liabilities:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Bond hedge derivatives

'

'

'

'

'

129,548

110,477

0

0

129,548

110,477

Foreign currency derivatives

'

'

'

'

'

1,700

6,170

0

0

1,700

6,170

Other long-term liabilities:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign currency derivatives

'

'

'

'

'

191

555

0

0

191

555

Total liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

131,439

117,202

0

0

131,439

117,202

Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock price

'

'

'

$31.85

[2]

$28.91

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise price

'

'

'

22.53

[2]

22.53

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate

'

'

'

0.27%

[2]

0.33%

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Volatility

'

'

'

58.10%

[2]

57.70%

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit Risk Adjustment

'

'

'

0.73%

[2]

0.71%

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity Date

'

'

'

18-Feb-15

[2]

18-Feb-15

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts receivable

16,230

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts payable

53,940

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term note receivable

3,755

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments made to investees for products/services

$112,039

$134,916

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

1B The Company's cash equivalents consist of money market fund instruments which are classified as available-for-sale and within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices for identical instruments in active markets.

[2]

The valuation model utilizes these inputs to value the right but not the obligation to purchase one share at $22.53. The Company utilized a Black-Scholes valuation model to value the 4.50% Bond Hedge and embedded cash conversion option. The underlying input assumptions were determined as follows:(i)Stock price. The closing price of the Company's common stock on the last trading day of the quarter.(ii)Exercise price. The exercise price of the 4.50% Bond Hedge and the embedded cash conversion option.(iii)Interest rate. The Treasury Strip rate associated with the life of the 4.50% Bond Hedge and the embedded cash conversion option.(iv)Stock volatility. The volatility of the Company's common stock over the life of the 4.50% Bond Hedge and the embedded cash conversion option.(v)Credit risk adjustment. Represents the weighted average of the credit default swap rate of the counterparties.

Restructuring_Details

Restructuring (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'		'
Restructuring Charge, Net of Non-cash Impairment	($461)		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'
Restructuring Reserve, beginning	7,134		'
Restructuring Charges	-461		-337
Payments for Restructuring	2,578		'
Restructuring Reserve, end	4,095		'
Restructuring Charges	461		337
Employee Severance [Member] | October 2012 Restructuring Plan [Member]	'		'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'		'
Restructuring Charge, Net of Non-cash Impairment	-495		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'
Restructuring Reserve, beginning	3,942		'
Payments for Restructuring	1,255		'
Restructuring Reserve, end	2,192		'
Employee Severance [Member] | Legacy Restructuring Plans [Member]	'		'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'		'
Restructuring Charge, Net of Non-cash Impairment	-36		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'
Restructuring Reserve, beginning	19		'
Payments for Restructuring	-17		'
Restructuring Reserve, end	0		'
Facility Closing [Member] | October 2012 Restructuring Plan [Member]	'		'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'		'
Restructuring Charge, Net of Non-cash Impairment	-233		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'
Restructuring Reserve, beginning	362		'
Payments for Restructuring	100		'
Restructuring Reserve, end	29		'
Facility Closing [Member] | Legacy Restructuring Plans [Member]	'		'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'		'
Restructuring Charge, Net of Non-cash Impairment	-169		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'
Restructuring Reserve, beginning	1,247		'
Payments for Restructuring	1,078		'
Restructuring Reserve, end	0		'
Other Restructuring [Member] | October 2012 Restructuring Plan [Member]	'		'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'		'
Restructuring Charge, Net of Non-cash Impairment	711	[1]	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'
Restructuring Reserve, beginning	914	[1]	'
Payments for Restructuring	403	[1]	'
Restructuring Reserve, end	1,222	[1]	'
Other Restructuring [Member] | Legacy Restructuring Plans [Member]	'		'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'		'
Restructuring Charge, Net of Non-cash Impairment	-239	[1]	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'
Restructuring Reserve, beginning	650	[1]	'
Payments for Restructuring	-241	[1]	'
Restructuring Reserve, end	$652	[1]	'
[1]	1B Other costs primarily represent associated legal services

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Dec. 28, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

AUOSP [Member]

AUOSP [Member]

Supplier Concentration Risk [Member]

Supplier Concentration Risk [Member]

Supplier Concentration Risk [Member]

Supplier Concentration Risk [Member]

Supplier One [Member]

Supplier One [Member]

Supplier Two [Member]

Supplier Two [Member]

Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital Lease Obligations

'

$6,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Leases, Operating [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due

'

61,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2014

'

710,375,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2015

'

373,353,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2016

'

336,247,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2017

'

299,782,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2018

'

181,216,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Thereafter

'

335,542,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total

'

2,236,515,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total obligations related to non-cancellable purchase orders

'

212,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Supply Agreements with Suppliers

'

2,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase Commitments Supply And Price Period

'

'10

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commitments To Non-Consolidated Joint Ventures

'

80,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Advances to Suppliers [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Advance payments made to Supplier

'

16,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Advances to Suppliers

'

390,600,000

'

383,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Advances to suppliers, current portion

'

69,103,000

'

58,619,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Advance To Suppliers Due Year One

49,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Concentration Risk [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Concentration Risk, Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

79.00%

77.00%

21.00%

22.00%

Advances From Customer, Maturity Profile [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2014

'

26,082,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2015

'

26,461,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2016

'

22,713,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2017

'

27,039,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2018

'

72,104,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Thereafter

'

27,039,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total

'

201,438,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Customer Advances and Deposits

'

'

'

'

177,800,000

181,300,000

'

'

'

'

Customer advances, current portion

'

38,752,000

[1]

'

36,883,000

[1]

15,100,000

14,000,000

'

'

'

'

Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Product Warranties, beginning

'

149,372,000

117,172,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accruals of warranties issued during the period

'

5,190,000

4,455,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Settlements made during the period

'

3,147,000

2,078,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Product Warranties, end

'

151,415,000

119,549,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss Contingency [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Product Liability Contingency, Accrual, Assumptions

'

'0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Future Financing Commitments [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Future Financing Obligation, Year One

'

'

'

'

243,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

Liabilities Associated with Uncertain Tax Positions [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized Tax Benefits Including Income Tax Penalties And Interest Accrued

'

$32,533,000

'

$28,927,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

The Company has related party balances in connection with transactions made with Total and its affiliates as well as unconsolidated entities in which the Company has a direct equity investment. These related party balances are recorded within the "Prepaid expenses and other current assets," "Other long-term assets," "Accounts payable," "Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings," "Customer advances, current portion," "Convertible debt, net of current portion," and "Customer advances, net of current portion" financial statement line items in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 2, Note 3, Note 7, Note 8, and Note 9).

Equity_Method_Investments_Deta

Equity Method Investments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
			CCPV [Member]	Diamond Energy [Member]	AUOSP [Member]	Woongjin [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity method investments	$133,537,000	$131,739,000	'	'	'	'
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	'	'	25.00%	24.90%	50.00%	0.00%
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments	'	'	16,400,000	3,000,000	'	'
Long-term note receivable	3,755,000	'	'	2,000,000	'	'
Interest rate on Long-Term Note Receivable	'	'	'	1.00%	'	'
Joint Venture Energy Output Committed To Purchase	'	'	'	'	80.00%	'
Future Financing Obligation, Year One	'	'	'	'	241,000,000	'
Potential Additional Financing Obligation If Requested By Joint Venture	'	'	'	'	$50,000,000	'

Debt_and_Credit_Sources_Detail

Debt and Credit Sources (Details) (USD $)

Mar. 30, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]

0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]

0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]

0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]

4.50% debentures due 2015 [Member]

4.50% debentures due 2015 [Member]

4.50% debentures due 2015 [Member]

4.50% debentures due 2015 [Member]

4.50% debentures due 2015 [Member]

4.50% debentures due 2015 [Member]

4.50% debentures due 2015 [Member]

4.50% debentures due 2015 [Member]

4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member]

4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member]

4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member]

4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member]

4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member]

4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member]

4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member]

0.75% debentures due 2015 [Member]

0.75% debentures due 2015 [Member]

IFC Mortgage Loan [Member]

IFC Mortgage Loan [Member]

CEDA Loan [Member]

CEDA Loan [Member]

September 2011 Credit Agricole Syndicated Revolver [Member]

September 2011 Credit Agricole Syndicated Revolver [Member]

Other Debt [Member]

Other Debt [Member]

July 2013 Credit Agricole Syndicated Revolver [Member]

July 2013 Credit Agricole Syndicated Revolver [Member]

July 2013 Credit Agricole Syndicated Revolver [Member]

Total Liquidity Support Agreement [Member]

August 2011 Letter of Credit [Member]

August 2011 Letter of Credit [Member]

September 2011 Letter of Credit [Member]

September 2011 Letter of Credit [Member]

Bond Hedge [Member]

Bond Hedge [Member]

Cash Conversion Option [Member]

Cash Conversion Option [Member]

Bond Hedge [Member]

Bond Hedge [Member]

Bond Hedge [Member]

Warrant [Member]

Bond Hedge [Member]

Bond Hedge [Member]

Warrant [Member]

Warrant [Member]

Warrant [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Liquidity Support [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Credit Agricole [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Total [Member]

Deutsche Bank [Member]

Deutsche Bank [Member]

Deutsche Bank [Member]

Deutsche Bank [Member]

Credit Agricole [Member]

Credit Agricole [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Borrowing Fee, Percent of Principal

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Commitment Fee

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Prepayment Premium

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Face Value

$914,363,000

$923,505,000

$300,000,000

$300,000,000

'

'

$250,000,000

[1]

$250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$230,000,000

$230,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

$79,000

$79,000

$55,000,000

$62,500,000

$30,000,000

$30,000,000

$0

$0

$49,284,000

$50,926,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Short-term

476,821,000

512,116,000

0

0

'

'

230,537,000

[1]

225,889,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

229,964,000

230,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

15,000,000

15,000,000

0

0

0

0

1,320,000

41,227,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term

418,043,000

387,278,000

300,000,000

300,000,000

'

'

0

[1]

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

79,000

79,000

40,000,000

47,500,000

30,000,000

30,000,000

0

0

47,964,000

9,699,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2014

238,395,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2015

266,166,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2016

16,217,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2017

16,272,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2018

303,852,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Thereafter

73,461,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Face Value

914,363,000

923,505,000

300,000,000

300,000,000

'

'

250,000,000

[1]

250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

230,000,000

230,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

79,000

79,000

55,000,000

62,500,000

30,000,000

30,000,000

0

0

49,284,000

50,926,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

200,000,000

'

Line of Credit Facility, Basis Spread

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.60%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facilty, Basis Spread on Base Loan Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Basis Spread on Federal Funds

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Basis Spread on Libor Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.06%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Basis Spread on Base Loan, Period Two

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Basis Spread on Federal Funds Rate, Period Two

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Basis Spread on Libor Rate, Period Two

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage, Period Two

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.25%

0.35%

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Basis Spread, Period Two

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.50%

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Liquidity Support Facility, Guarantee Fee, Percent of Average Guaranteed Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.75%

'

'

'

'

Letter of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, in 2013.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

771,000,000

'

'

'

Letter of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, in 2014.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

878,000,000

'

'

'

Letter of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, in 2015.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

936,000,000

'

'

'

Letter of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, in 2016.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000,000

'

'

'

Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

755,900,000

736,000,000

2,300,000

2,400,000

Convertible Debt [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible Debt, Current

460,501,000

455,889,000

'

'

'

'

230,537,000

225,889,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

229,964,000

230,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible Debt, Noncurrent

300,079,000

[2]

300,079,000

[2]

300,000,000

300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

79,000

79,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Face Value

914,363,000

923,505,000

300,000,000

300,000,000

'

'

250,000,000

[1]

250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

230,000,000

230,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

79,000

79,000

55,000,000

62,500,000

30,000,000

30,000,000

0

0

49,284,000

50,926,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value

'

'

417,132,000

[3]

367,578,000

[3]

'

'

372,500,000

[3]

343,895,000

[3]

'

'

'

'

'

'

275,704,000

[3]

269,252,000

[3]

'

'

'

'

'

80,000

[3]

102,000

[3]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise price

'

'

'

'

24.95

'

'

'

22.53

[4]

'

22.53

'

'

24

'

'

26.4

'

26.4

26.4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Indexed Shares

'

'

'

'

'

15,633,957

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,100,000

'

'

'

'

8,700,000

'

'

8,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19,100,000

11,600,000

19,100,000

11,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,200,000

9,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Carrying Value

$894,864,000

$899,394,000

$300,000,000

$300,000,000

'

'

$230,537,000

[1]

$225,889,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$229,964,000

$230,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

$79,000

$79,000

$55,000,000

$62,500,000

$30,000,000

$30,000,000

$0

$0

$49,284,000

$50,926,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

The balance of Other debt excludes payments related to capital leases which are disclosed in Note 7. "Commitments and Contingencies" to these consolidated financial statements.

[2]

The Company has related party balances in connection with transactions made with Total and its affiliates as well as unconsolidated entities in which the Company has a direct equity investment. These related party balances are recorded within the "Prepaid expenses and other current assets," "Other long-term assets," "Accounts payable," "Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings," "Customer advances, current portion," "Convertible debt, net of current portion," and "Customer advances, net of current portion" financial statement line items in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 2, Note 3, Note 7, Note 8, and Note 9).

[3]

The fair value of the convertible debt was determined using Level 1 inputs based on quarterly market prices as reported by an independent pricing source.

[4]

The valuation model utilizes these inputs to value the right but not the obligation to purchase one share at $22.53. The Company utilized a Black-Scholes valuation model to value the 4.50% Bond Hedge and embedded cash conversion option. The underlying input assumptions were determined as follows:(i)Stock price. The closing price of the Company's common stock on the last trading day of the quarter.(ii)Exercise price. The exercise price of the 4.50% Bond Hedge and the embedded cash conversion option.(iii)Interest rate. The Treasury Strip rate associated with the life of the 4.50% Bond Hedge and the embedded cash conversion option.(iv)Stock volatility. The volatility of the Company's common stock over the life of the 4.50% Bond Hedge and the embedded cash conversion option.(v)Credit risk adjustment. Represents the weighted average of the credit default swap rate of the counterparties.

Foreign_Currency_Derivatives_D

Foreign Currency Derivatives (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 29, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	$1,914,000	'	$5,230,000
Derivative Asset	1,914,000	'	5,230,000
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities	1,523,000	'	4,512,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	391,000	'	718,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1,891,000	'	6,725,000
Derivative Liability	1,891,000	'	6,725,000
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	1,523,000	'	4,512,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	368,000	'	2,213,000
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net [Abstract]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Loss Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	480,000	-789,000	'
Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	1,430,000	166,000	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Gain (loss) in Accumulated OCI at the beginning of the period	-805,000	-243,000	'
Unrealized gain (loss) recognized in OCI (effective portion)	-3,000	2,448,000	'
Less: loss (gain) reclassified from Accumulated OCI to revenue (effective portion)	388,000	387,000	'
Net loss on derivatives	385,000	2,835,000	'
Gain (loss) in Accumulated OCI at the end of the period	-420,000	2,592,000	'
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset	672,000	'	1,238,000
Derivative Liability	1,030,000	'	2,150,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'	'
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	27,400,000	'	42,800,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Option [Member]	'	'	'
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	92,900,000	'	105,900,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset	1,242,000	'	3,992,000
Derivative Liability	861,000	'	4,575,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'	'
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	6,000,000	'	32,100,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Option [Member]	'	'	'
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	13,000,000	'	9,400,000
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Foreign currency derivatives	0	'	35,000
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Option [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Foreign currency derivatives	435,000	'	615,000
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Foreign currency derivatives	1,115,000	'	3,611,000
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Option [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Foreign currency derivatives	127,000	'	381,000
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Option [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Noncurrent	237,000	'	588,000
Accrued Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Foreign currency derivatives	93,000	'	0
Accrued Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Option [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Foreign currency derivatives	746,000	'	1,595,000
Accrued Liabilities [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Foreign currency derivatives	734,000	'	4,189,000
Accrued Liabilities [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Option [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Foreign currency derivatives	127,000	'	386,000
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Option [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Foreign currency derivatives	$191,000	'	$555,000

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$13,620	$2,989
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	$54,871	($58,647)

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_of_C2

Net Income (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders	$65,044	($54,696)
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted	67,679	-54,696
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'
Basic	122,196,000	119,553,000
Stock options	108,000	0
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	6,202,000	0
Upfront Warrants (held by Total)	7,227,000	0
Warrants (under the CSO2015)	2,915,000	0
Warrants (under the CSO2014)	1,048,000	0
Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Conversion Of Debt Securities -0.75% Debentures due 2018	12,026,000	0
Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Conversion Of Debt Securities - 4.75% debentures due 2014	8,712,000	0
Diluted	160,434,000	119,553,000
Diluted	$0.42	($0.46)
Stock Option [Member]	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	159,000	313,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	464,000	5,687,000
Upfront Warrants (held by Total) [Member]	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0	9,532,000
4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member]	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0	8,712,000
0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0	'
Upfront Warrants (held by Total) [Member]	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Indexed Shares	9,531,677	'
Exercise price	7.8685	'
0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]	'	'
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'
Interest on Convertible Debt, Net of Tax	450	0
0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member] | Bond Hedge [Member]	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'
Exercise price	24.95	'
0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Bond Hedge [Member]	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Indexed Shares	15,633,957	'
4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member]	'	'
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'
Interest on Convertible Debt, Net of Tax	$2,185	$0
4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member] | Warrant [Member]	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0	'
4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member] | Bond Hedge [Member]	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'
Exercise price	26.4	'
4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member] | Warrant [Member]	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'
Exercise price	26.4	'
4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Bond Hedge [Member]	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Indexed Shares	8,700,000	'
4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Warrant [Member]	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Indexed Shares	8,700,000	'
4.50% debentures due 2015 [Member] | Warrant [Member]	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0	'
4.50% debentures due 2015 [Member] | Bond Hedge [Member]	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'
Exercise price	22.53	'
4.50% debentures due 2015 [Member] | Warrant [Member]	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'
Exercise price	24	'
4.50% debentures due 2015 [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Bond Hedge [Member]	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Indexed Shares	11,100,000	'

StockBack_Compensation_Details

Stock-Back Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	$14,867	$8,516
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	14,876	8,811
Change in stock-based compensation capitalized in inventory [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	-9	-295
Americas [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	2,071	778
EMEA [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	655	441
APAC [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	830	491
Cost of Sales [Member] | Americas [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	2,071	778
Cost of Sales [Member] | EMEA [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	655	441
Cost of Sales [Member] | APAC [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	830	491
Research and Development Expense [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	1,797	1,122
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	$9,514	$5,684

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenue	$692,422		$635,433
Cost of revenue	529,433		576,120
Gross Profit	162,989		59,313
Revenue Reconciliation [Abstract]	'		'
Revenue	692,422		635,433
Cost of Revenue Reconciliation [Abstract]	'		'
Stock-based compensation expense	14,867		8,516
Non-cash interest expense	5,170		11,890
Solar Power Product [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenue	238,578	[1]	185,880	[1]
Revenue Reconciliation [Abstract]	'		'
Revenue	238,578	[1]	185,880	[1]
Solar Power Systems [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenue	403,755	[2]	404,915	[2]
Revenue Reconciliation [Abstract]	'		'
Revenue	403,755	[2]	404,915	[2]
Residential leases [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenue	38,732	[3]	35,250	[3]
Revenue Reconciliation [Abstract]	'		'
Revenue	38,732	[3]	35,250	[3]
other product [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenue	11,357	[4]	9,388	[4]
Revenue Reconciliation [Abstract]	'		'
Revenue	11,357	[4]	9,388	[4]
Americas [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenue	471,023		484,122
Cost of revenue	350,313		416,081
Depreciation	15,074		9,815
Revenue Reconciliation [Abstract]	'		'
Revenue as reviewed by CODM	462,314		423,321
Revenue, Utility and power Plant Project	8,709		60,801
Revenue	471,023		484,122
Cost of Revenue Reconciliation [Abstract]	'		'
Cost of Revenue (as reviewed by CODM)	355,720		285,785
Cost of Revenue, Utility and Power Plant Project	-7,899		128,939
Stock-based compensation expense	2,071		778
Non-cash interest expense	421		220
Other, Cost of Revenue	0		359
Gross Profit Margin [Abstract]	'		'
Gross Profit As a Percentage of Total Revenues (as Reviewed by CODM)	23.06%		32.49%
Gross Profit As a Percentage of Total Revenues	25.63%		14.05%
Americas [Member] | NRG Solar Inc. [Member]	'		'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'		'
Revenue As Percentage Of Total Revenues	'		44.00%
Americas [Member] | Mid American Energy Holdings Company [Member]	'		'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'		'
Revenue As Percentage Of Total Revenues	42.00%		13.00%
EMEA [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenue	126,258		68,652
Cost of revenue	99,441		91,494
Depreciation	4,479		5,833
Revenue Reconciliation [Abstract]	'		'
Revenue as reviewed by CODM	126,258		68,652
Revenue, Utility and power Plant Project	0		0
Revenue	126,258		68,652
Cost of Revenue Reconciliation [Abstract]	'		'
Cost of Revenue (as reviewed by CODM)	98,662		90,738
Cost of Revenue, Utility and Power Plant Project	0		0
Stock-based compensation expense	655		441
Non-cash interest expense	124		129
Other, Cost of Revenue	0		186
Gross Profit Margin [Abstract]	'		'
Gross Profit As a Percentage of Total Revenues (as Reviewed by CODM)	21.86%		-32.17%
Gross Profit As a Percentage of Total Revenues	21.24%		-33.27%
APAC [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenue	95,141		82,659
Cost of revenue	79,679		68,545
Depreciation	5,818		7,972
Revenue Reconciliation [Abstract]	'		'
Revenue as reviewed by CODM	95,141		82,659
Revenue, Utility and power Plant Project	0		0
Revenue	95,141		82,659
Cost of Revenue Reconciliation [Abstract]	'		'
Cost of Revenue (as reviewed by CODM)	78,694		67,617
Cost of Revenue, Utility and Power Plant Project	0		0
Stock-based compensation expense	830		491
Non-cash interest expense	155		179
Other, Cost of Revenue	$0		$258
Gross Profit Margin [Abstract]	'		'
Gross Profit As a Percentage of Total Revenues (as Reviewed by CODM)	17.29%		18.20%
Gross Profit As a Percentage of Total Revenues	16.25%		17.07%
[1]	Solar power products represents direct sales of panels, balance of system components, and inverters to dealers, systems integrators, and residential, commercial, and utility customers in all regions.
[2]	Solar power systems represents revenue recognized in connection with our construction and development contracts.
[3]	Residential leases represents revenue recognized on solar power systems leased to customers under our solar lease program.
[4]	Other revenue includes revenue related to our solar power services and solutions, such as post-installation systems monitoring and maintenance and commercial power purchase agreements.

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'	'	'
Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Shares Issued	7.1	'	'
Repayments of Convertible Debt	$41,700	$1	$0