Sunpower (SPWRQ) 10-Q 31 Jul 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Jul. 25, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	29-Jun-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	'Q2	'	'
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	'	131,132,232	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Jun. 29, 2014		Dec. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$980,858		$762,511
Restricted cash and cash equivalents, current portion	17,085		13,926
Accounts receivable, net	345,873		360,594
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	31,863	[1]	31,787	[1]
Inventories	229,721		245,575
Advances to suppliers, current portion	78,767		58,619
Project assets - plants and land, current portion	10,622		69,196
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	830,611	[1]	646,270	[1]
Total current assets	2,525,400		2,188,478
Restricted cash and cash equivalents, net of current portion	23,761		17,573
Restricted long-term marketable securities	7,566		8,892
Property, plant and equipment, net	526,494		533,387
Solar power systems leased and to be leased, net	346,774		345,504
Project assets - plants and land, net of current portion	51,918		6,411
Advances to suppliers, net of current portion	317,028		324,695
Long-term financing receivables, net	230,119		175,273
Other long-term assets	292,912	[1]	298,477	[1]
Assets	4,321,972		3,898,690
Current liabilities:	'		'
Accounts payable	428,874	[1]	443,969	[1]
Accrued liabilities	406,348		358,157
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	249,070		308,650
Short-term debt	17,433		56,912
Convertible debt, current portion	235,222		455,889
Customer advances, current portion	38,431	[1]	36,883	[1]
Total current liabilities	1,375,378		1,660,460
Long-term debt	156,975		93,095
Convertible debt, net of current portion	700,079	[1]	300,079	[1]
Customer advances, net of current portion	158,089	[1]	167,282	[1]
Other long-term liabilities	529,170		523,991
Total liabilities	2,919,691		2,744,907
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)	'		'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	27,841		0
Equity:	'		'
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding as of both June 29, 2014 and December 29, 2013	0		0
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 367,500,000 shares authorized; 138,127,538 shares issued, and 131,121,956 outstanding as of June 29, 2014; 126,946,763 shares issued, and 121,535,913 outstanding as of December 29, 2013	131		122
Additional paid-in capital	2,186,107		1,980,778
Accumulated deficit	-727,346		-806,492
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-3,698		-4,318
Treasury stock, at cost; 7,005,582 shares of common stock as of June 29, 2014; 5,410,850 shares of common stock as of December 29, 2013	-106,741		-53,937
Total stockholders' equity	1,348,453		1,116,153
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	25,987		37,630
Total equity	1,374,440		1,153,783
Total liabilities and equity	$4,321,972		$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 "Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings," "Prepaid expenses and other current assets," "Other long-term assets," "Accounts payable," "Customer advances, current portion," "Convertible debt, net of current portion," and "Customer advances, net of current portion" financial statement line items in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 2, Note 4, Note 7, Note 8, and Note 9).

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Jun. 29, 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	138,127,538	126,946,763
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	131,121,956	121,535,913
Common stock held in treasury	7,005,582	5,410,850

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$507,871	$576,516	$1,200,293	$1,211,949
Cost of revenue	413,726	468,655	943,159	1,044,775
Gross margin	94,145	107,861	257,134	167,174
Research and development	16,581	13,035	33,327	26,205
Sales, general and administrative	71,499	62,035	145,427	132,127
Restructuring charges	-717	928	-1,178	591
Total operating expenses	87,363	75,998	177,576	158,923
Operating income	6,782	31,863	79,558	8,251
Interest income	668	326	986	581
Interest expense	-16,310	-24,870	-35,902	-51,904
Other, net	-76	443	1,293	-7,813
Other expense, net	-15,718	-24,101	-33,623	-59,136
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees	-8,936	7,762	45,935	-50,885
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	8,168	-4,506	-5,452	-7,495
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees	1,936	1,009	3,719	676
Net income (loss)	1,168	4,265	44,202	-57,704
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	12,934	15,300	34,944	22,573
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders	$14,102	$19,565	$79,146	($35,131)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to stockholders:	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.11	$0.16	$0.63	($0.29)
Diluted	$0.09	$0.15	$0.52	($0.29)
Weighted-average shares:	'	'	'	'
Basic	129,747	120,943	125,972	120,248
Diluted	156,333	133,973	154,886	120,248

Consolidated_Statement_of_Comp

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Statement (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$1,168	$4,265	$44,202	($57,704)
Translation adjustment	68	-2,583	342	-3,926
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives (Note 10)	-28	-1,354	357	1,481
Unrealized loss on investments	0	-7	0	-7
Income taxes	31	254	-79	-279
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	71	-3,690	620	-2,731
Total comprehensive income (loss)	1,239	575	44,822	-60,435
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	12,934	15,300	34,944	22,573
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to stockholders	$14,173	$15,875	$79,766	($37,862)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)	Total	Capital Units [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Parent [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
In Thousands	USD ($)		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	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries at Dec. 29, 2013	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Shares, Issued at Dec. 29, 2013	'	121,536	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-24,594
Net income (loss)	68,796	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-10,350	'
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders	79,146	'	'	'	'	'	79,146	79,146	'	'
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	620	'	'	'	'	620	'	620	'	'
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options	'	57	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised	630	'	0	630	'	'	'	630	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross	'	3,992	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Gross	0	'	2	-2	'	'	'	0	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities	'	7,131	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities	188,263	'	7	188,256	'	'	'	188,263	'	'
Settlement of the 4.75% Bond Hedge	68,842	'	'	68,842	'	'	'	68,842	'	'
Settlement of the 4.75% Warrants	-81,077	'	'	-81,077	'	'	'	-81,077	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	28,348	'	'	28,348	'	'	'	28,348	'	'
Tax benefit from convertible debt interest deduction	274	'	'	274	'	'	'	274	'	'
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation	58	'	'	58	'	'	'	58	'	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	23,030	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	23,030	29,748
Distributions from noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	-332	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-332	-1,304
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	'	-1,594	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	-52,804	'	'	'	-52,804	'	'	-52,804	'	'
Transfer of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	-23,991	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-23,991	23,991
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest at Jun. 29, 2014	1,374,440	'	131	2,186,107	-106,741	-3,698	-727,346	1,348,453	25,987	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries at Jun. 29, 2014	$27,841	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$27,841
Shares, Issued at Jun. 29, 2014	'	131,122	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]	'	'
Net income (loss)	$44,202	($57,704)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	49,397	48,360
Stock-based compensation	28,215	19,021
Non-cash interest expense	10,492	24,071
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees	-3,719	-676
Deferred income taxes and other tax liabilities	3,434	7,147
Other, net	48	2,162
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisition:	'	'
Accounts receivable	10,091	-107,454
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	-76	-4,922
Inventories	1,976	26,710
Project assets	-1,668	-31,293
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-57,198	104,162
Long-term financing receivables, net	-54,846	-49,492
Advances to suppliers	-12,481	-7,805
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	-32,213	41,692
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	-59,580	109,379
Customer advances	-7,645	-22,674
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-81,571	100,684
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash and cash equivalents	-9,347	17,826
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-20,318	-19,881
Cash paid for solar power systems, leased and to be leased	-24,937	-65,075
Proceeds from sales or maturities of marketable securities	1,380	0
Proceeds from sale of equipment to third-party	0	17
Purchases of marketable securities	-30	-99,928
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-5,894	0
Cash paid for investments in unconsolidated investees	-5,013	-1,411
Net cash used in investing activities	-64,159	-168,452
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of convertible debt, net of issuance costs	395,275	296,283
Cash paid for repurchase of convertible debt	-42,102	0
Proceeds from settlement of 4.75% Bond Hedge	68,842	0
Payments to settle 4.75% Warrant	-81,077	0
Proceeds from settlement of 4.50% Bond Hedge	110	0
Proceeds from issuance of non-recourse debt financing, net of issuance costs	73,414	0
Proceeds from issuance of project loans, net of issuance costs	0	56,615
Assumption of project loan by customer	-40,672	0
Proceeds from residential lease financing	0	56,548
Repayment of residential lease financing	-15,686	0
Proceeds from sale-leaseback financing	16,685	40,757
Repayment of sale-leaseback financing	-779	-5,124
Contributions from noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	52,778	43,866
Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	-1,636	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	630	49
Purchases of stock for tax withholding obligations on vested restricted stock	-52,804	-16,183
Repayment of bank loans, project loans and other debt	-8,568	-281,712
Net cash provided by financing activities	364,410	191,099
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-333	-258
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	218,347	123,073
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	762,511	457,487
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	980,858	580,560
Non-cash transactions:	'	'
Assignment of residential lease receivables to a third party financial institution	4,256	45,234
Costs of solar power systems, leased and to be leased, sourced from existing inventory	13,903	29,714
Costs of solar power systems, leased and to be leased, funded by liabilities	1,867	1,708
Costs of solar power systems under sale-leaseback financing arrangements, sourced from project assets	15,269	24,399
Property, plant and equipment acquisitions funded by liabilities	9,326	6,356
Issuance of common stock upon conversion of convertible debt	$188,263	$0

The_Company_and_Summary_of_Sig

The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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 second quarter of fiscal 2014 ended on June 29, 2014, while the second quarter of fiscal 2013 ended on June 30, 2013. The second quarters of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 were both 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 May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued a new revenue recognition standard based on the principal that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods and services. The new revenue recognition standard becomes effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 and is to be applied retrospectively using one of two prescribed methods. The Company is evaluating the application method and impact on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
	In July 2013, the 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.	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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 February 2012, the Company entered into a Compensation and Funding Agreement (the "Compensation and Funding Agreement") with Total S.A. which established the parameters for the terms of liquidity injections that may be required to be provided by Total S.A. to the Company from time to time. During the term of the Compensation and Funding Agreement, the Company is required to pay Total S.A. 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 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.
	Upfront Warrant
	In February 2012, the Company issued a warrant (the "Upfront Warrant") to Total S.A. 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, is exercisable at any time for seven years after its issuance, provided that, so long as at least $25.0 million in aggregate 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).
	0.875% Debentures Due 2021
	In June 2014, the Company issued $400.0 million in principal amount of its 0.875% senior convertible debentures due 2021 (the "0.875% debentures due 2021"). $250.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 0.875% debentures due 2021 were acquired by Total. The 0.875% debentures due 2021 are convertible into shares of the Company's common stock at any time based on an initial conversion price equal to $48.76 per share, which provides Total the right to acquire up to 5,126,775 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 0.875% debentures due 2021 (see Note 9).
	Joint Projects with Total and its Affiliates:
	The Company enters 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 June 29, 2014, the Company had $22.9 million of "Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings" and $2.8 million of "Accounts receivable, net" 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						Six Months Ended
	(In thousands)	29-Jun-14			30-Jun-13			June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Revenue:
	EPC and O&M revenue under joint projects	$	32,612		$	—		$	35,501		$	—
	Research and development expense:
	Offsetting contributions received under R&D Agreement	$	(293	)	$	(955	)	$	(553	)	$	(955	)
	Interest expense:
	Guarantee fees incurred under Credit Support Agreement	$	2,601		$	1,722		$	5,346		$	3,533
	Fees incurred under the Compensation and Funding Agreement	$	—		$	840		$	1,200		$	2,541
	Interest expense incurred on the 0.75% debentures due 2018	$	453		$	125		$	828		$	125
	Interest expense incurred on the 0.875% debentures due 2021	$	115		$	—		$	115		$	—

Balance_Sheet_Components

Balance Sheet Components	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Balance Sheet Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	BALANCE SHEET COMPONENTS
			As of
	(In thousands)		June 29, 2014			December 29, 2013
	Accounts receivable, net:
	Accounts receivable, gross1,2		$	372,832		$	389,152
	Less: allowance for doubtful accounts		(24,980		)	(26,463		)
	Less: allowance for sales returns		(1,979		)	(2,095		)
			$	345,873		$	360,594
	1	Includes short-term financing receivables associated with solar power systems leased of $8.6 million and $4.4 million as of June 29, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively (see Note 4).
	2	Includes short-term retainage of $74.1 million and $8.3 million as of June 29, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. Retainage refers to the earned, but unbilled, portion of a construction and development project for which payment is deferred by the customer until certain milestones are met in accordance with the related contract.
			As of
	(In thousands)		29-Jun-14			29-Dec-13
	Inventories:
	Raw materials		$	37,671		$	51,905
	Work-in-process		49,152			52,756
	Finished goods		142,898			140,914
			$	229,721		$	245,575
			As of
	(In thousands)		29-Jun-14			29-Dec-13
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
	Deferred project costs		$	376,885		$	275,389
	Bond hedge derivative		211,611			110,477
	VAT receivables, current portion		21,121			21,481
	Deferred costs for solar power systems to be leased		12,377			23,429
	Foreign currency derivatives		1,122			4,642
	Other receivables		94,852			112,062
	Other prepaid expenses		46,500			28,629
	Other current assets		66,143			70,161
			$	830,611		$	646,270
			As of
	(In thousands)		29-Jun-14			29-Dec-13
	Project assets - plants and land:
	Project assets — plants		$	50,143		$	64,564
	Project assets — land		12,397			11,043
			$	62,540		$	75,607
	Project assets - plants and land, current portion		$	10,622		$	69,196
	Project assets - plants and land, net of current portion		$	51,918		$	6,411
			As of
	(In thousands)		29-Jun-14			29-Dec-13
	Property, plant and equipment, net:
	Manufacturing equipment3		$	545,644		$	538,616
	Land and buildings		26,138			26,138
	Leasehold improvements		232,209			229,846
	Solar power systems4		97,659			82,036
	Computer equipment		80,927			79,519
	Furniture and fixtures		8,399			8,392
	Construction-in-process		20,843			11,724
			1,011,819			976,271
	Less: accumulated depreciation		(485,325		)	(442,884		)
			$	526,494		$	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 $130.7 million and $145.9 million as of June 29, 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 June 29, 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)		29-Jun-14			29-Dec-13
	Property, plant and equipment, net by geography5:
	Philippines		$	301,685		$	321,410
	United States		164,026			153,074
	Mexico		35,330			32,705
	Europe		24,562			25,293
	Other		891			905
			$	526,494		$	533,387
	5	Property, plant and equipment, net by geography is based on the physical location of the assets.
			As of
(In thousands)		29-Jun-14			29-Dec-13
Other long-term assets:
Equity method investments		$	135,473		$	131,739
Retainage6		64,232			88,934
Cost method investments		17,344			12,374
Long-term debt issuance costs		13,116			10,274
Other		62,747			55,156
		$	292,912		$	298,477
6	Retainage refers to the earned, but unbilled, portion of a construction and development project for which payment is deferred 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)		29-Jun-14			29-Dec-13
Accrued liabilities:
Bond hedge derivatives		$	211,640		$	110,477
Employee compensation and employee benefits		48,533			50,449
Deferred revenue		27,164			29,287
Short-term residential lease financing		1,835			14,436
Interest payable		6,866			10,971
Short-term warranty reserves		9,725			10,426
Restructuring reserve		1,785			7,134
VAT payables		5,353			7,089
Foreign currency derivatives		1,157			6,170
Other		92,290			111,718
		$	406,348		$	358,157
		As of
(In thousands)		29-Jun-14			29-Dec-13
Other long-term liabilities:
Deferred revenue		$	178,597		$	176,925
Long-term warranty reserves		141,068			138,946
Long-term sale-leaseback financing		81,412			65,944
Long-term residential lease financing		28,159			31,933
Unrecognized tax benefits		30,379			28,927
Other		69,555			81,316
		$	529,170		$	523,991
		As of
(In thousands)		29-Jun-14			29-Dec-13
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Cumulative translation adjustment		$	(3,424	)	$	(3,766	)
Net unrealized loss on derivatives		(448		)	(805		)
Deferred taxes		174			253
		$	(3,698	)	$	(4,318	)

Leasing

Leasing	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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 June 29, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively:
			As of
	(In thousands)		June 29, 2014			December 29, 2013
	Solar power systems leased and to be leased, net1,2:
	Solar power systems leased		$	349,632		$	324,202
	Solar power systems to be leased		17,111			36,645
			366,743			360,847
	Less: accumulated depreciation		(19,969		)	(15,343		)
			$	346,774		$	345,504
	1	Solar power systems leased and to be leased, net are physically located in the United States.
	2	As of June 29, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the Company has pledged solar assets with an aggregate book value of $142.5 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 June 29, 2014:
	(In thousands)		2014 (remaining six months)			2015			2016	2017	2018	Thereafter	Total
	Minimum future rentals on operating leases placed in service1		$	6,074		10,700			10,732	10,770	10,811	161,354	$	210,441
	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 June 29, 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)		June 29, 2014			December 29, 2013
	Financing receivables:
	Minimum lease payments receivable1		$	278,802		$	217,666
	Unguaranteed residual value		28,991			23,366
	Unearned income		(69,028		)	(61,326		)
	Net financing receivables		$	238,765		$	179,706
	Current		$	8,646		$	4,433
	Long-term		$	230,119		$	175,273
	1	Net of allowance for doubtful accounts.
	As of June 29, 2014, future maturities of net financing receivables for sales-type leases are as follows:
	(In thousands)		2014 (remaining six months)			2015			2016	2017	2018	Thereafter	Total
	Scheduled maturities of minimum lease payments receivable1		$	6,743		13,043			13,215	13,394	13,578	218,829	$	278,802
	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 June 29, 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 $30.0 million and $46.4 million, respectively (see Note 3).
	The Company has entered into a total of seven 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 "Redeemable noncontrolling interests" and "Noncontrolling interests" in its consolidated financial statements. Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries that are redeemable at the option of the noncontrolling interest holder are classified as "Redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries" between liabilities and equity on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the three and six months ended June 29, 2014, the Company received $22.2 million and $52.8 million, respectively, in contributions from investors under the related facilities and attributed $12.9 million and $34.9 million, respectively, in losses to the third-party investors primarily as a result of allocating certain assets, including tax credits, to the investors. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, the Company received $31.6 million and $43.9 million, respectively, in contributions from investors under these facilities and attributed $15.3 million and $22.6 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 June 29, 2014, future minimum lease obligations associated with these systems was $101.1 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 June 29, 2014, future minimum lease obligations for the sale-leaseback arrangements accounted for under the financing method were $76.1 million, which will be recognized over the lease terms of up to 20 years.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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 June 29, 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 June 29, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively:
			29-Jun-14								29-Dec-13
	(In thousands)		Total			Level 1			Level 2		Total		Level 1		Level 2
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents1:
	Money market funds		$	508,001		$	508,001		$	—	$	358,001	$	358,001	$	—
	Commercial paper		29,997			—			29,997		—		—		—
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
	Debt derivatives (Note 9)		211,611			—			211,611		110,477		—		110,477
	Foreign currency derivatives (Note 10)		1,122			—			1,122		4,642		—		4,642
	Other long-term assets:
	Foreign currency derivatives (Note 10)		—			—			—		588		—		588
	Total assets		$	750,731		$	508,001		$	242,730	$	473,708	$	358,001	$	115,707
	Liabilities
	Accrued liabilities:
	Debt derivatives (Note 9)		$	211,640		$	—		$	211,640	$	110,477	$	—	$	110,477
	Foreign currency derivatives (Note 10)		1,157			—			1,157		6,170		—		6,170
	Other long-term liabilities:
	Foreign currency derivatives (Note 10)		—			—			—		555		—		555
	Total liabilities		$	212,797		$	—		$	212,797	$	117,202	$	—	$	117,202
	1	The Company's cash equivalents consist of money market fund instruments and commercial paper are classified as available-for-sale and are highly liquid investments with original maturities of ninety days or less. The Company's money market fund instruments are categorized within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices for identical instruments in active markets. The Company's commercial paper cash and cash equivalents are categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted prices for securities with similar characteristics and other observable inputs such as interest rates.
	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
			29-Jun-14			29-Dec-13
	Stock price		$	41.06		$	28.91
	Exercise price		$	22.53		$	22.53
	Interest rate		0.25		%	0.33		%
	Stock volatility		55.3		%	57.7		%
	Credit risk adjustment		0.63		%	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 of the Company's common stock 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 five years and are classified as "Restricted long-term marketable securities" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of June 29, 2014 and December 29, 2013, these bonds had a carrying value of $7.6 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 June 29, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the Company had $135.5 million and $131.7 million, respectively, in investments accounted for under the equity method (see Note 8). As of June 29, 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)		June 29, 2014			December 29, 2013
	Accounts receivable		$	38,782		$	11,780
	Accounts payable		$	46,401		$	51,499
	Other long-term assets:
	Long-term note receivable		$	3,499		$	3,688
			Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	(In thousands)		June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013			June 29, 2014		June 30, 2013
	Payments made to investees for products/services		$	132,280		$	111,915		$	244,319	$	246,831

Restructuring

Restructuring	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	RESTRUCTURING
	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 June 29, 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 six months ended June 29, 2014:
			Six Months Ended
	(In thousands)		December 29, 2013		Charges (Benefits)			Payments			June 29, 2014
	Severance and benefits		3,961		(1,265		)	(1,844		)	852
	Lease and related termination costs		1,609		339			(1,435		)	513
	Other costs1		1,564		(252		)	(892		)	420
	Total restructuring liabilities		$	7,134	$	(1,178	)	$	(4,171	)	$	1,785
	1	Other costs primarily represent associated legal services.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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 June 29, 2014, future minimum lease payments for facilities under operating leases was $59.6 million, to be paid over the remaining contractual terms of up to 10 years. The Company additionally leases certain buildings, machinery and equipment under non-cancellable capital leases. As of June 29, 2014, future minimum lease payments for assets under capital leases was $6.0 million, to 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 June 29, 2014 are as follows:
	(In thousands)		2014 (remaining six months)			2015			2016			2017		2018		Thereafter	Total1,2
	Future purchase obligations		$	609,583		371,474			334,813			298,778		181,553		335,542	$	2,131,743
	1	Total future purchase obligations as of June 29, 2014 include $51.7 million to related parties.
	2	Total future purchase obligations was composed of $229.3 million related to non-cancellable purchase orders and $1.9 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 and six months ended June 29, 2014, the Company made additional advance payments totaling $16.4 million and $32.9 million, respectively, in accordance with the terms of existing long-term supply agreements. As of June 29, 2014 and December 29, 2013, advances to suppliers totaled $395.8 million and $383.3 million, respectively, of which $78.8 million and $58.6 million, respectively, is classified as short-term in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Two suppliers accounted for 80% and 19% of total advances to suppliers as of June 29, 2014, and 77% and 22% as of December 29, 2013. As of June 29, 2014, the Company has future prepayment obligations through fiscal 2014 totaling $32.9 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 June 29, 2014 is as follows:
	(In thousands)		2014 (remaining six months)			2015			2016			2017		2018		Thereafter	Total
	Estimated utilization of advances from customers		$	16,162		31,463			22,713			27,039		27,039		72,104	$	196,520
	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 June 29, 2014 and December 29, 2013, outstanding advance payments received from AUOSP totaled $174.3 million and $181.3 million, respectively, of which $16.2 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 and six months ended June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013, respectively:
			Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
	(In thousands)		June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013				June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Balance at the beginning of the period		$	151,415		$	119,549			$	149,372		$	117,172
	Accruals for warranties issued during the period		4,311			7,897				9,501			12,352
	Settlements made during the period		(4,933		)	(1,153		)		(8,080		)	(3,231		)
	Balance at the end of the period		$	150,793		$	126,293			$	150,793		$	126,293
	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 June 29, 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 $30.4 million and $28.9 million as of June 29, 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. On May 27, 2014, the Superior Court of California for Santa Clara County entered an order providing for preliminary approval of the stipulated settlement, approved the form of notice of the stipulated settlement, and set a hearing date of August 22, 2014 to consider whether to grant final approval of the stipulated settlement.
	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. On May 5, 2014, SunPower Systems filed a demurrer to NRG’s complaint, which remains pending.  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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS
	As of June 29, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the Company's carrying value of its equity method investments totaled $135.5 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 of unconsolidated investees" in its Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	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 June 29, 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.
	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 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.

Debt_and_Credit_Sources

Debt and Credit Sources	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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:
			29-Jun-14										29-Dec-13
	(In thousands)		Face Value		Short-term			Long-term			Total		Face Value			Short-term		Long-term		Total
	Convertible debt:
	0.875% debentures due 2021		$	400,000	$	—		$	400,000		$	400,000	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—
	0.75% debentures due 2018		300,000		—			300,000			300,000		300,000			—		300,000		300,000
	4.50% debentures due 2015		249,747		235,222			—			235,222		250,000			225,889		—		225,889
	4.75% debentures due 2014		—		—			—			—		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		83,796		1,730			82,066			83,796		50,926			41,227		9,699		50,926
			$	1,118,622	$	251,952		$	852,145		$	1,104,097	$	923,505		$	512,116	$	387,278	$	899,394
	1	Other debt excludes payments related to capital leases which are disclosed in Note 7. "Commitments and Contingencies" to these consolidated financial statements.
	As of June 29, 2014 the aggregate future contractual maturities of the Company's outstanding debt, at face value, was as follows:
	(In thousands)		2014 (remaining six months)		2015		2016			2017		2018	Thereafter		Total
	Aggregate future maturities of outstanding debt		$	8,454	267,076		17,416			17,555		305,213	502,908		$	1,118,622
	Convertible Debt
	The following table summarizes the Company's outstanding convertible debt:
			June 29, 2014								December 29, 2013
	(In thousands)		Carrying Value		Face Value			Fair Value1			Carrying Value		Face Value			Fair Value1
	Convertible debt:
	0.875% debentures due 2021		$	400,000	$	400,000		$	458,796		$	—	$	—		$	—
	0.75% debentures due 2018		300,000		300,000			520,365			300,000		300,000			367,578
	4.50% debentures due 2015		235,222		249,747			458,753			225,889		250,000			343,895
	4.75% debentures due 2014		—		—			—			230,000		230,000			269,252
	0.75% debentures due 2015		79		79			81			79		79			102
			$	935,301	$	949,826		$	1,437,995		$	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.
	0.875% Debentures Due 2021
	In June 2014, the Company issued $400.0 million in principal amount of its 0.875% debentures due 2021. Interest is payable semi-annually, beginning on December 1, 2014. Holders may 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 $48.76 per share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. If not earlier repurchased or converted, the 0.875% debentures due 2021 mature on June 1, 2021.
	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 may 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. 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 and six months ended June 29, 2014, the Company recognized a non-cash loss of $82.1 million and $101.2 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. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 the Company recognized a non-cash loss of $46.7 million and $58.3 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
	Concurrently 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 and six months ended June 29, 2014, the Company recognized a non-cash gain of $82.1 million and $101.2 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. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, the Company recognized a non-cash gain of $46.7 million and $58.3 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 Due 2014
	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 was payable semi-annually, beginning October 15, 2009. Holders of the 4.75% debentures due 2014 were 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. In April 2014, the 4.75% debentures due 2014 matured. During April 2014, the Company issued approximately 7.1 million shares of its common stock to holders that exercised conversion rights prior to their maturity and paid holders an aggregate of $41.7 million in cash in connection with the settlement of the remaining 4.75% debentures. Subsequent to the maturity date, no 4.75% debentures remained outstanding.
	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 due 2014 (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 was reduced by the sales prices of the 4.75% Warrants. The CSO2014 were not subject to mark-to-market accounting treatment since they could only be settled by issuance of the Company's common stock.
	The 4.75% Bond Hedge allowed 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 was a separate transaction, entered into by the Company with each counterparty, and was not part of the terms of the 4.75% debentures due 2014. The exercise prices of the 4.75% Bond Hedge were $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. 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 June 29, 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 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 June 29, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the Company had no outstanding borrowings 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. 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 that 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 half of fiscal 2014, the Company entered into two long-term non-recourse loans to finance solar power systems and leases under its residential lease program. In fiscal 2014 the Company drew down $73.4 million of proceeds, net of issuance costs, under the loan agreements.
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 June 29, 2014 was $8.9 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 June 29, 2014 and December 29, 2013, letters of credit issued and outstanding under the August 2011 letter of credit facility with Deutsche Bank totaled $720.5 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 June 29, 2014 and December 29, 2013, letters of credit issued and outstanding under the Deutsche Bank Trust facility amounted to $1.5 million and $2.4 million, respectively, which were fully collateralized with restricted cash on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Foreign_Currency_Derivatives

Foreign Currency Derivatives	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Foreign Currency Derivatives [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	FOREIGN CURRENCY DERIVATIVES
	The following tables present information about the Company's hedge instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 29, 2014 and December 29, 2013, all of which utilize Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy:
	(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Classification		June 29, 2014				December 29, 2013
	Assets
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency option contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	310			$	615
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—				35
	Foreign currency option contracts	Other long-term assets		—				588
				$	310			$	1,238
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency option contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	14			$	381
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		798				3,611
				$	812			$	3,992
	Liabilities
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency option contracts	Accrued liabilities		$	197			$	1,595
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Accrued liabilities		2				—
	Foreign currency option contracts	Other long-term liabilities		—				555
				$	199			$	2,150
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency option contracts	Accrued liabilities		$	15			$	386
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Accrued liabilities		943				4,189
				$	958			$	4,575
		June 29, 2014
													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	$	1,122			$	—			$	1,122		$	606		$	—	$	516
	Derivative liabilities	$	1,157			$	—			$	1,157		$	606		$	—	$	551
		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
	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								Six Months Ended
	(In thousands)	June 29, 2014				June 30, 2013				June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
	Gain (loss) in OCI at the beginning of the period	$	(420	)		$	2,592			$	(805	)	$	(243	)
	Unrealized gain (loss) recognized in OCI (effective portion)	(135		)		(444		)		(138		)	2,004
	Less: Loss (gain) reclassified from OCI to revenue (effective portion)	107				(910		)		495			(523		)
	Net gain (loss) on derivatives	$	(28	)		$	(1,354	)		$	357		$	1,481
	Gain (loss) in OCI at the end of the period	$	(448	)		$	1,238			$	(448	)	$	1,238
	The following table summarizes the amount of gain or loss recognized in "Other, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the three and six months ended June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013:
		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
	(In thousands)	June 29, 2014				June 30, 2013				June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
	Gain (loss) recognized in "Other, net" on derivatives (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing)	$	331			$	286			$	811		$	(503	)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Gain (loss) recognized in "Other, net"	$	(1,224	)		$	(3,319	)		$	206		$	(3,153	)
	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 June 29, 2014, the Company had designated outstanding cash flow hedge option contracts and forward contracts with an aggregate notional value of $66.5 million and $20.5 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 12 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.
	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. As of June 29, 2014, the Company held option contracts and forward contracts with an aggregate notional value of zero and $35.0 million, respectively, to hedge balance sheet exposure. The maturity dates of these contracts range from July 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 12 months or less and the Company continuously evaluates the credit standing of its counterparties.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	INCOME TAXES
	In the three and six months ended June 29, 2014, the Company's income tax benefit of $8.2 million and income tax provision of $5.5 million, respectively, on a loss before income taxes and equity earnings of unconsolidated investees of $8.9 million and an income before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees of $45.9 million, respectively, was primarily due to the change in the amount and geographic mix of forecasted earnings. In the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, the Company's income tax provision of $4.5 million and $7.5 million, respectively, on income before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees of $7.8 million and a loss before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees of $50.9 million, respectively, 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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						Six Months Ended
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)		June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013			June 29, 2014		June 30, 2013
	Basic net income (loss) per share:
	Numerator
	Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders		$	14,102		$	19,565		$	79,146	$	(35,131	)
	Denominator
	Basic weighted-average common shares		129,747			120,943			125,972		120,248
	Basic net income (loss) per share		$	0.11		$	0.16		$	0.63	$	(0.29	)
	Diluted net income (loss) per share:
	Numerator
	Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders		$	14,102		$	19,565		$	79,146	$	(35,131	)
	Add: Interest expense incurred on the 0.75% debentures due 2018, net of tax		551			193			1,001		—
	Add: Interest expense incurred on the 0.875% debentures due 2021, net of tax		—			—			181		—
	Net income (loss) available to common stockholders		$	14,653		$	19,758		$	80,328	$	(35,131	)
	Denominator
	Basic weighted-average common shares		129,747			120,943			125,972		120,248
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options		93			111			101		—
	Restricted stock units		4,095			3,757			5,149		—
	Upfront Warrants (held by Total)		7,278			4,886			7,253		—
	Warrants (under the CSO2015)		3,094			—			3,004		—
	Warrants (under the CSO2014)		—			—			524		—
	0.75% debentures due 2018		12,026			4,276			12,026		—
	0.875% debentures due 2021		—			—			857		—
	Dilutive weighted-average common shares		156,333			133,973			154,886		120,248
	Dilutive net income (loss) per share		$	0.09		$	0.15		$	0.52	$	(0.29	)
	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 0.875% debentures due 2021, 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. In April 2014, the 4.75% debentures matured and were fully settled in both cash and shares of the Company's common stock during the quarter (see Note 9).
	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					Six Months Ended
	(In thousands)		June 29, 2014		June 30, 2013			June 29, 2014		June 30, 2013
	Stock options		139		207			149		317
	Restricted stock units		293		2,738			379		6,495
	Upfront Warrants (held by Total)		—		—			—		3,455
	Warrants (under the CSO2015)		—		*			—		*
	Warrants (under the CSO2014)		n/a		*			—		*
	0.75% debentures due 2018		—		—			—		2,114
	0.875% debentures due 2021		1,713		n/a			—		n/a
	4.75% debentures due 2014		1,330		8,712			5,021		8,712
	1	As a result of the net loss per share for the six months ended June 30, 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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					Six Months Ended
	(In thousands)	June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013		June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Cost of Americas revenue	$	1,837		$	1,136	$	3,908		$	1,914
	Cost of EMEA revenue	511			618		1,166			1,059
	Cost of APAC revenue	1,002			763		1,832			1,254
	Research and development	1,912			1,225		3,709			2,347
	Sales, general and administrative	8,086			6,763		17,600			12,447
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	13,348		$	10,505	$	28,215		$	19,021
	The following table summarizes the consolidated stock-based compensation expense by type of awards:
		Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
	(In thousands)	June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013		June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Restricted stock units	$	13,472		$	10,386	$	28,348		$	19,197
	Change in stock-based compensation capitalized in inventory	(124		)	119		(133		)	(176		)
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	13,348		$	10,505	$	28,215		$	19,021

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, as the chief operating decision maker ("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 region; including revenue, gross margin, and depreciation.
			Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	(In thousands):		29-Jun-14			June 30, 2013			29-Jun-14				June 30, 2013
	Revenue
	Americas		$	333,048		$	367,609		$	804,071			$	851,731
	EMEA		64,709			107,010			190,967				175,662
	APAC		110,114			101,897			205,255				184,556
	Total revenue		507,871			576,516			1,200,293				1,211,949
	Cost of revenue
	Americas		257,781			285,939			608,094				702,020
	EMEA		54,653			97,396			154,094				188,890
	APAC		101,292			85,320			180,971				153,865
	Total cost of revenue		413,726			468,655			943,159				1,044,775
	Gross margin
	Americas		75,267			81,670			195,977				149,711
	EMEA		10,056			9,614			36,873				(13,228		)
	APAC		8,822			16,577			24,284				30,691
	Total gross margin		$	94,145		$	107,861		$	257,134			$	167,174
			Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	Depreciation by region (in thousands):		June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013			June 29, 2014				June 30, 2013
	Americas		$	12,682		$	11,923		$	27,756			$	21,738
	EMEA		$	3,454		$	5,682		$	7,933			$	11,515
	APAC		$	7,890		$	6,946		$	13,708			$	14,918
				Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	(As a percentage of total revenue):			June 29, 2014		June 30, 2013		June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Significant Customers:	Business Segment
	MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company	Americas		31	%	14	%	37	%		14	%
	NRG Solar, Inc.	Americas		*		19	%	*			32	%
	* denotes less than 10% during the period
			Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	Revenue by Significant Category (in thousands):		29-Jun-14			30-Jun-13			29-Jun-14				30-Jun-13
	Solar power products1		$	237,212		$	238,403		$	475,790			$	424,283
	Solar power systems2		224,852			299,610			628,607				704,525
	Residential leases3		32,679			28,673			71,411				63,923
	Other revenue4		13,128			9,830			24,485				19,218
			$	507,871		$	576,516		$	1,200,293			$	1,211,949
	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_Sig1

The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [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 second quarter of fiscal 2014 ended on June 29, 2014, while the second quarter of fiscal 2013 ended on June 30, 2013. The second quarters of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 were both 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)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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						Six Months Ended
	(In thousands)	29-Jun-14			30-Jun-13			June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Revenue:
	EPC and O&M revenue under joint projects	$	32,612		$	—		$	35,501		$	—
	Research and development expense:
	Offsetting contributions received under R&D Agreement	$	(293	)	$	(955	)	$	(553	)	$	(955	)
	Interest expense:
	Guarantee fees incurred under Credit Support Agreement	$	2,601		$	1,722		$	5,346		$	3,533
	Fees incurred under the Compensation and Funding Agreement	$	—		$	840		$	1,200		$	2,541
	Interest expense incurred on the 0.75% debentures due 2018	$	453		$	125		$	828		$	125
	Interest expense incurred on the 0.875% debentures due 2021	$	115		$	—		$	115		$	—
	Related Party Transactions with Equity and Cost Method Investees:
		As of
	(In thousands)	June 29, 2014			December 29, 2013
	Accounts receivable	$	38,782		$	11,780
	Accounts payable	$	46,401		$	51,499
	Other long-term assets:
	Long-term note receivable	$	3,499		$	3,688
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	(In thousands)	June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013			June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Payments made to investees for products/services	$	132,280		$	111,915		$	244,319		$	246,831

Balance_Sheet_Components_Table

Balance Sheet Components (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Accounts Receivable Trade [Table Text Block]	'
			As of
	(In thousands)		June 29, 2014			December 29, 2013
	Accounts receivable, net:
	Accounts receivable, gross1,2		$	372,832		$	389,152
	Less: allowance for doubtful accounts		(24,980		)	(26,463		)
	Less: allowance for sales returns		(1,979		)	(2,095		)
			$	345,873		$	360,594
	1	Includes short-term financing receivables associated with solar power systems leased of $8.6 million and $4.4 million as of June 29, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively (see Note 4).
	2	Includes short-term retainage of $74.1 million and $8.3 million as of June 29, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. Retainage refers to the earned, but unbilled, portion of a construction and development project for which payment is deferred 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)		29-Jun-14			29-Dec-13
	Inventories:
	Raw materials		$	37,671		$	51,905
	Work-in-process		49,152			52,756
	Finished goods		142,898			140,914
			$	229,721		$	245,575
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Table Text Block]	'
			As of
	(In thousands)		29-Jun-14			29-Dec-13
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
	Deferred project costs		$	376,885		$	275,389
	Bond hedge derivative		211,611			110,477
	VAT receivables, current portion		21,121			21,481
	Deferred costs for solar power systems to be leased		12,377			23,429
	Foreign currency derivatives		1,122			4,642
	Other receivables		94,852			112,062
	Other prepaid expenses		46,500			28,629
	Other current assets		66,143			70,161
			$	830,611		$	646,270
Investments In Power And Distribution Projects [Table Text Block]	'
			As of
	(In thousands)		29-Jun-14			29-Dec-13
	Project assets - plants and land:
	Project assets — plants		$	50,143		$	64,564
	Project assets — land		12,397			11,043
			$	62,540		$	75,607
	Project assets - plants and land, current portion		$	10,622		$	69,196
	Project assets - plants and land, net of current portion		$	51,918		$	6,411
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	'
			As of
	(In thousands)		29-Jun-14			29-Dec-13
	Property, plant and equipment, net:
	Manufacturing equipment3		$	545,644		$	538,616
	Land and buildings		26,138			26,138
	Leasehold improvements		232,209			229,846
	Solar power systems4		97,659			82,036
	Computer equipment		80,927			79,519
	Furniture and fixtures		8,399			8,392
	Construction-in-process		20,843			11,724
			1,011,819			976,271
	Less: accumulated depreciation		(485,325		)	(442,884		)
			$	526,494		$	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 $130.7 million and $145.9 million as of June 29, 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 June 29, 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)		29-Jun-14			29-Dec-13
	Property, plant and equipment, net by geography5:
	Philippines		$	301,685		$	321,410
	United States		164,026			153,074
	Mexico		35,330			32,705
	Europe		24,562			25,293
	Other		891			905
			$	526,494		$	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)		29-Jun-14			29-Dec-13
	Other long-term assets:
	Equity method investments		$	135,473		$	131,739
	Retainage6		64,232			88,934
	Cost method investments		17,344			12,374
	Long-term debt issuance costs		13,116			10,274
	Other		62,747			55,156
			$	292,912		$	298,477
	6	Retainage refers to the earned, but unbilled, portion of a construction and development project for which payment is deferred 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)		29-Jun-14			29-Dec-13
	Accrued liabilities:
	Bond hedge derivatives		$	211,640		$	110,477
	Employee compensation and employee benefits		48,533			50,449
	Deferred revenue		27,164			29,287
	Short-term residential lease financing		1,835			14,436
	Interest payable		6,866			10,971
	Short-term warranty reserves		9,725			10,426
	Restructuring reserve		1,785			7,134
	VAT payables		5,353			7,089
	Foreign currency derivatives		1,157			6,170
	Other		92,290			111,718
			$	406,348		$	358,157
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
			As of
	(In thousands)		29-Jun-14			29-Dec-13
	Other long-term liabilities:
	Deferred revenue		$	178,597		$	176,925
	Long-term warranty reserves		141,068			138,946
	Long-term sale-leaseback financing		81,412			65,944
	Long-term residential lease financing		28,159			31,933
	Unrecognized tax benefits		30,379			28,927
	Other		69,555			81,316
			$	529,170		$	523,991
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
			As of
	(In thousands)		29-Jun-14			29-Dec-13
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
	Cumulative translation adjustment		$	(3,424	)	$	(3,766	)
	Net unrealized loss on derivatives		(448		)	(805		)
	Deferred taxes		174			253
			$	(3,698	)	$	(4,318	)

Leasing_Tables

Leasing (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Leases [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 June 29, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively:
			As of
	(In thousands)		June 29, 2014			December 29, 2013
	Solar power systems leased and to be leased, net1,2:
	Solar power systems leased		$	349,632		$	324,202
	Solar power systems to be leased		17,111			36,645
			366,743			360,847
	Less: accumulated depreciation		(19,969		)	(15,343		)
			$	346,774		$	345,504
	1	Solar power systems leased and to be leased, net are physically located in the United States.
	2	As of June 29, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the Company has pledged solar assets with an aggregate book value of $142.5 million and $147.7 million, respectively, to the third-party investors as security for its obligations under the contractual arrangements.
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 June 29, 2014:
	(In thousands)		2014 (remaining six months)			2015			2016	2017	2018	Thereafter	Total
	Minimum future rentals on operating leases placed in service1		$	6,074		10,700			10,732	10,770	10,811	161,354	$	210,441
	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 June 29, 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)		June 29, 2014			December 29, 2013
	Financing receivables:
	Minimum lease payments receivable1		$	278,802		$	217,666
	Unguaranteed residual value		28,991			23,366
	Unearned income		(69,028		)	(61,326		)
	Net financing receivables		$	238,765		$	179,706
	Current		$	8,646		$	4,433
	Long-term		$	230,119		$	175,273
	1	Net of allowance for doubtful accounts.
Future Maturities of Net Financing Receivables for Sales-type Leases [Table Text Block]	'
	As of June 29, 2014, future maturities of net financing receivables for sales-type leases are as follows:
	(In thousands)		2014 (remaining six months)			2015			2016	2017	2018	Thereafter	Total
	Scheduled maturities of minimum lease payments receivable1		$	6,743		13,043			13,215	13,394	13,578	218,829	$	278,802
	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)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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 June 29, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively:
			29-Jun-14									29-Dec-13
	(In thousands)		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Total			Level 1		Level 2
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents1:
	Money market funds		$	508,001		$	508,001		$	—		$	358,001		$	358,001	$	—
	Commercial paper		29,997			—			29,997			—			—		—
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
	Debt derivatives (Note 9)		211,611			—			211,611			110,477			—		110,477
	Foreign currency derivatives (Note 10)		1,122			—			1,122			4,642			—		4,642
	Other long-term assets:
	Foreign currency derivatives (Note 10)		—			—			—			588			—		588
	Total assets		$	750,731		$	508,001		$	242,730		$	473,708		$	358,001	$	115,707
	Liabilities
	Accrued liabilities:
	Debt derivatives (Note 9)		$	211,640		$	—		$	211,640		$	110,477		$	—	$	110,477
	Foreign currency derivatives (Note 10)		1,157			—			1,157			6,170			—		6,170
	Other long-term liabilities:
	Foreign currency derivatives (Note 10)		—			—			—			555			—		555
	Total liabilities		$	212,797		$	—		$	212,797		$	117,202		$	—	$	117,202
	1	The Company's cash equivalents consist of money market fund instruments and commercial paper are classified as available-for-sale and are highly liquid investments with original maturities of ninety days or less. The Company's money market fund instruments are categorized within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices for identical instruments in active markets. The Company's commercial paper cash and cash equivalents are categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted prices for securities with similar characteristics and other observable inputs such as interest rates.
	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
			29-Jun-14			29-Dec-13
	Stock price		$	41.06		$	28.91
	Exercise price		$	22.53		$	22.53
	Interest rate		0.25		%	0.33		%
	Stock volatility		55.3		%	57.7		%
	Credit risk adjustment		0.63		%	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 of the Company's common stock 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						Six Months Ended
	(In thousands)		29-Jun-14			30-Jun-13			June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Revenue:
	EPC and O&M revenue under joint projects		$	32,612		$	—		$	35,501		$	—
	Research and development expense:
	Offsetting contributions received under R&D Agreement		$	(293	)	$	(955	)	$	(553	)	$	(955	)
	Interest expense:
	Guarantee fees incurred under Credit Support Agreement		$	2,601		$	1,722		$	5,346		$	3,533
	Fees incurred under the Compensation and Funding Agreement		$	—		$	840		$	1,200		$	2,541
	Interest expense incurred on the 0.75% debentures due 2018		$	453		$	125		$	828		$	125
	Interest expense incurred on the 0.875% debentures due 2021		$	115		$	—		$	115		$	—
	Related Party Transactions with Equity and Cost Method Investees:
			As of
	(In thousands)		June 29, 2014			December 29, 2013
	Accounts receivable		$	38,782		$	11,780
	Accounts payable		$	46,401		$	51,499
	Other long-term assets:
	Long-term note receivable		$	3,499		$	3,688
			Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	(In thousands)		June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013			June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Payments made to investees for products/services		$	132,280		$	111,915		$	244,319		$	246,831

Restructuring_Tables

Restructuring (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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 six months ended June 29, 2014:
			Six Months Ended
	(In thousands)		December 29, 2013		Charges (Benefits)			Payments			June 29, 2014
	Severance and benefits		3,961		(1,265		)	(1,844		)	852
	Lease and related termination costs		1,609		339			(1,435		)	513
	Other costs1		1,564		(252		)	(892		)	420
	Total restructuring liabilities		$	7,134	$	(1,178	)	$	(4,171	)	$	1,785
	1	Other costs primarily represent associated legal services.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligations Disclosure [Table Text Block]	'
	Future purchase obligations under non-cancellable purchase orders and long-term supply agreements as of June 29, 2014 are as follows:
	(In thousands)		2014 (remaining six months)			2015			2016			2017		2018		Thereafter	Total1,2
	Future purchase obligations		$	609,583		371,474			334,813			298,778		181,553		335,542	$	2,131,743
	1	Total future purchase obligations as of June 29, 2014 include $51.7 million to related parties.
	2	Total future purchase obligations was composed of $229.3 million related to non-cancellable purchase orders and $1.9 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 June 29, 2014 is as follows:
	(In thousands)		2014 (remaining six months)			2015			2016			2017		2018		Thereafter	Total
	Estimated utilization of advances from customers		$	16,162		31,463			22,713			27,039		27,039		72,104	$	196,520
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes accrued warranty activity for the three and six months ended June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013, respectively:
			Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
	(In thousands)		June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013				June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Balance at the beginning of the period		$	151,415		$	119,549			$	149,372		$	117,172
	Accruals for warranties issued during the period		4,311			7,897				9,501			12,352
	Settlements made during the period		(4,933		)	(1,153		)		(8,080		)	(3,231		)
	Balance at the end of the period		$	150,793		$	126,293			$	150,793		$	126,293

Debt_and_Credit_Sources_Tables

Debt and Credit Sources (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the Company's outstanding debt on its Consolidated Balance Sheets:
			29-Jun-14										29-Dec-13
	(In thousands)		Face Value		Short-term			Long-term			Total		Face Value			Short-term		Long-term		Total
	Convertible debt:
	0.875% debentures due 2021		$	400,000	$	—		$	400,000		$	400,000	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—
	0.75% debentures due 2018		300,000		—			300,000			300,000		300,000			—		300,000		300,000
	4.50% debentures due 2015		249,747		235,222			—			235,222		250,000			225,889		—		225,889
	4.75% debentures due 2014		—		—			—			—		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		83,796		1,730			82,066			83,796		50,926			41,227		9,699		50,926
			$	1,118,622	$	251,952		$	852,145		$	1,104,097	$	923,505		$	512,116	$	387,278	$	899,394
	1	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 June 29, 2014 the aggregate future contractual maturities of the Company's outstanding debt, at face value, was as follows:
	(In thousands)		2014 (remaining six months)		2015		2016			2017		2018	Thereafter		Total
	Aggregate future maturities of outstanding debt		$	8,454	267,076		17,416			17,555		305,213	502,908		$	1,118,622
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the Company's outstanding convertible debt:
			June 29, 2014								December 29, 2013
	(In thousands)		Carrying Value		Face Value			Fair Value1			Carrying Value		Face Value			Fair Value1
	Convertible debt:
	0.875% debentures due 2021		$	400,000	$	400,000		$	458,796		$	—	$	—		$	—
	0.75% debentures due 2018		300,000		300,000			520,365			300,000		300,000			367,578
	4.50% debentures due 2015		235,222		249,747			458,753			225,889		250,000			343,895
	4.75% debentures due 2014		—		—			—			230,000		230,000			269,252
	0.75% debentures due 2015		79		79			81			79		79			102
			$	935,301	$	949,826		$	1,437,995		$	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)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Foreign Currency Derivatives [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 June 29, 2014 and December 29, 2013, all of which utilize Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy:
	(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Classification		June 29, 2014				December 29, 2013
	Assets
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency option contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	310			$	615
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—				35
	Foreign currency option contracts	Other long-term assets		—				588
				$	310			$	1,238
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency option contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	14			$	381
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		798				3,611
				$	812			$	3,992
	Liabilities
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency option contracts	Accrued liabilities		$	197			$	1,595
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Accrued liabilities		2				—
	Foreign currency option contracts	Other long-term liabilities		—				555
				$	199			$	2,150
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency option contracts	Accrued liabilities		$	15			$	386
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	Accrued liabilities		943				4,189
				$	958			$	4,575
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
		June 29, 2014
													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	$	1,122			$	—			$	1,122		$	606		$	—	$	516
	Derivative liabilities	$	1,157			$	—			$	1,157		$	606		$	—	$	551
		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								Six Months Ended
	(In thousands)	June 29, 2014				June 30, 2013				June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
	Gain (loss) in OCI at the beginning of the period	$	(420	)		$	2,592			$	(805	)	$	(243	)
	Unrealized gain (loss) recognized in OCI (effective portion)	(135		)		(444		)		(138		)	2,004
	Less: Loss (gain) reclassified from OCI to revenue (effective portion)	107				(910		)		495			(523		)
	Net gain (loss) on derivatives	$	(28	)		$	(1,354	)		$	357		$	1,481
	Gain (loss) in OCI at the end of the period	$	(448	)		$	1,238			$	(448	)	$	1,238
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 and six months ended June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013:
		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
	(In thousands)	June 29, 2014				June 30, 2013				June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
	Gain (loss) recognized in "Other, net" on derivatives (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing)	$	331			$	286			$	811		$	(503	)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Gain (loss) recognized in "Other, net"	$	(1,224	)		$	(3,319	)		$	206		$	(3,153	)

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_of_C1

Net Income (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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						Six Months Ended
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)		June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013			June 29, 2014		June 30, 2013
	Basic net income (loss) per share:
	Numerator
	Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders		$	14,102		$	19,565		$	79,146	$	(35,131	)
	Denominator
	Basic weighted-average common shares		129,747			120,943			125,972		120,248
	Basic net income (loss) per share		$	0.11		$	0.16		$	0.63	$	(0.29	)
	Diluted net income (loss) per share:
	Numerator
	Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders		$	14,102		$	19,565		$	79,146	$	(35,131	)
	Add: Interest expense incurred on the 0.75% debentures due 2018, net of tax		551			193			1,001		—
	Add: Interest expense incurred on the 0.875% debentures due 2021, net of tax		—			—			181		—
	Net income (loss) available to common stockholders		$	14,653		$	19,758		$	80,328	$	(35,131	)
	Denominator
	Basic weighted-average common shares		129,747			120,943			125,972		120,248
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options		93			111			101		—
	Restricted stock units		4,095			3,757			5,149		—
	Upfront Warrants (held by Total)		7,278			4,886			7,253		—
	Warrants (under the CSO2015)		3,094			—			3,004		—
	Warrants (under the CSO2014)		—			—			524		—
	0.75% debentures due 2018		12,026			4,276			12,026		—
	0.875% debentures due 2021		—			—			857		—
	Dilutive weighted-average common shares		156,333			133,973			154,886		120,248
	Dilutive net income (loss) per share		$	0.09		$	0.15		$	0.52	$	(0.29	)
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					Six Months Ended
	(In thousands)		June 29, 2014		June 30, 2013			June 29, 2014		June 30, 2013
	Stock options		139		207			149		317
	Restricted stock units		293		2,738			379		6,495
	Upfront Warrants (held by Total)		—		—			—		3,455
	Warrants (under the CSO2015)		—		*			—		*
	Warrants (under the CSO2014)		n/a		*			—		*
	0.75% debentures due 2018		—		—			—		2,114
	0.875% debentures due 2021		1,713		n/a			—		n/a
	4.75% debentures due 2014		1,330		8,712			5,021		8,712
	1	As a result of the net loss per share for the six months ended June 30, 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)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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					Six Months Ended
	(In thousands)	June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013		June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Cost of Americas revenue	$	1,837		$	1,136	$	3,908		$	1,914
	Cost of EMEA revenue	511			618		1,166			1,059
	Cost of APAC revenue	1,002			763		1,832			1,254
	Research and development	1,912			1,225		3,709			2,347
	Sales, general and administrative	8,086			6,763		17,600			12,447
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	13,348		$	10,505	$	28,215		$	19,021
	The following table summarizes the consolidated stock-based compensation expense by type of awards:
		Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
	(In thousands)	June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013		June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Restricted stock units	$	13,472		$	10,386	$	28,348		$	19,197
	Change in stock-based compensation capitalized in inventory	(124		)	119		(133		)	(176		)
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	13,348		$	10,505	$	28,215		$	19,021

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Other Significant Reconciling Items from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	'
	A reconciliation of the Company's segment revenue and gross margin to its consolidated financial statements for the three months ended June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013 is as follows:
			29-Jun-14
			Revenue										Gross margin
	Revenue and Gross margin by region (in thousands, except percentages):		AMERICAS			EMEA			APAC				AMERICAS					EMEA					APAC
	As reviewed by CODM		$	446,243		$	64,709		$	110,114			$	100,113		22.4	%	$	10,664		16.5	%	$	10,055		9.1	%
	Utility and power plant projects		(113,195		)	—			—				(22,614		)			—					—
	Stock-based compensation		—			—			—				(1,837		)			(511		)			(1,002		)
	Non-cash interest expense		—			—			—				(371		)			(97		)			(231		)
	Other		—			—			—				(24		)			—					—
	GAAP		$	333,048		$	64,709		$	110,114			$	75,267		22.6	%	$	10,056		15.5	%	$	8,822		8	%
			30-Jun-13
			Revenue										Gross margin
	Revenue and Gross margin by region (in thousands, except percentages):		AMERICAS			EMEA			APAC				AMERICAS					EMEA					APAC
	As reviewed by CODM		$	441,809		$	107,010		$	101,225			$	99,281		22.5	%	$	10,364		9.7	%	$	16,838		16.6	%
	Utility and power plant projects		(74,200		)	—			—				(16,142		)			—					—
	Stock-based compensation		—			—			—				(1,136		)			(618		)			(763		)
	Non-cash interest expense		—			—			—				(291		)			(132		)			(170		)
	Other		—			—			672				(42		)			—					672
	GAAP		$	367,609		$	107,010		$	101,897			$	81,670		22.2	%	$	9,614		9	%	$	16,577		16.3	%
	A reconciliation of the Company's segment revenue and gross margin to its consolidated financial statements for the six months ended June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013 is as follows:
			29-Jun-14
			Revenue										Gross margin
	Revenue and Gross margin by region (in thousands, except percentages):		AMERICAS			EMEA			APAC				AMERICAS					EMEA					APAC
	As reviewed by CODM		$	908,557		$	190,967		$	205,255			$	206,707		22.8	%	$	38,260		20	%	$	26,502		12.9	%
	Utility and power plant projects		(104,486		)	—			—				(6,006		)			—					—
	Stock-based compensation		—			—			—				(3,908		)			(1,166		)			(1,832		)
	Non-cash interest expense		—			—			—				(792		)			(221		)			(386		)
	Other		—			—			—				(24		)			—					—
	GAAP		$	804,071		$	190,967		$	205,255			$	195,977		24.4	%	$	36,873		19.3	%	$	24,284		11.8	%
			30-Jun-13
			Revenue										Gross margin
	Revenue and Gross margin by region (in thousands, except percentages):		AMERICAS			EMEA			APAC				AMERICAS					EMEA					APAC
	As reviewed by CODM		$	865,130		$	175,662		$	183,884			$	236,817		27.4	%	$	(11,722	)	(6.7	)%	$	31,880		17.3	%
	Utility and power plant projects		(13,399		)	—			—				(84,280		)			—					—
	Stock-based compensation		—			—			—				(1,914		)			(1,059		)			(1,254		)
	Non-cash interest expense		—			—			—				(511		)			(261		)			(349		)
	Other		—			—			672				(401		)			(186		)			414
	GAAP		$	851,731		$	175,662		$	184,556			$	149,711		17.6	%	$	(13,228	)	(7.5	)%	$	30,691		16.6	%
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables present information by region; including revenue, gross margin, and depreciation.
			Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	(In thousands):		29-Jun-14			June 30, 2013			29-Jun-14				June 30, 2013
	Revenue
	Americas		$	333,048		$	367,609		$	804,071			$	851,731
	EMEA		64,709			107,010			190,967				175,662
	APAC		110,114			101,897			205,255				184,556
	Total revenue		507,871			576,516			1,200,293				1,211,949
	Cost of revenue
	Americas		257,781			285,939			608,094				702,020
	EMEA		54,653			97,396			154,094				188,890
	APAC		101,292			85,320			180,971				153,865
	Total cost of revenue		413,726			468,655			943,159				1,044,775
	Gross margin
	Americas		75,267			81,670			195,977				149,711
	EMEA		10,056			9,614			36,873				(13,228		)
	APAC		8,822			16,577			24,284				30,691
	Total gross margin		$	94,145		$	107,861		$	257,134			$	167,174
			Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	Depreciation by region (in thousands):		June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013			June 29, 2014				June 30, 2013
	Americas		$	12,682		$	11,923		$	27,756			$	21,738
	EMEA		$	3,454		$	5,682		$	7,933			$	11,515
	APAC		$	7,890		$	6,946		$	13,708			$	14,918
				Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	(As a percentage of total revenue):			June 29, 2014		June 30, 2013		June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Significant Customers:	Business Segment
	MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company	Americas		31	%	14	%	37	%		14	%
	NRG Solar, Inc.	Americas		*		19	%	*			32	%
	* denotes less than 10% during the period
Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block]	'
				Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	(As a percentage of total revenue):			June 29, 2014		June 30, 2013		June 29, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Significant Customers:	Business Segment
	MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company	Americas		31	%	14	%	37	%		14	%
	NRG Solar, Inc.	Americas		*		19	%	*			32	%
	* denotes less than 10% during the period
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]	'
			Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	Revenue by Significant Category (in thousands):		29-Jun-14			30-Jun-13			29-Jun-14				30-Jun-13
	Solar power products1		$	237,212		$	238,403		$	475,790			$	424,283
	Solar power systems2		224,852			299,610			628,607				704,525
	Residential leases3		32,679			28,673			71,411				63,923
	Other revenue4		13,128			9,830			24,485				19,218
			$	507,871		$	576,516		$	1,200,293			$	1,211,949

Transactions_with_Total_and_To2

Transactions with Total and Total S.A. (Details) (USD $)

Jun. 29, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Total [Member]

Liquidity Support Facility [Member]

Compensation and Funding Agreement [Member]

0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]

0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]

0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]

0.875% debentures due 2021 [Member]

0.875% debentures due 2021 [Member]

0.875% debentures due 2021 [Member]

Tender Offer Agreement [Member]

Private Placement [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Upfront Warrants (held by Total) [Member]

Interest Expense [Member]

Interest Expense [Member]

Interest Expense [Member]

Interest Expense [Member]

Interest Expense [Member]

Interest Expense [Member]

Interest Expense [Member]

Interest Expense [Member]

Interest Expense [Member]

Interest Expense [Member]

Interest Expense [Member]

Interest Expense [Member]

Interest Expense [Member]

Interest Expense [Member]

Interest Expense [Member]

Interest Expense [Member]

Research and Development Expense [Member]

Research and Development Expense [Member]

Research and Development Expense [Member]

Research and Development Expense [Member]

Sales [Member]

Sales [Member]

Sales [Member]

Sales [Member]

Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Compensation and Funding Agreement [Member]

0.875% debentures due 2021 [Member]

Total [Member]

Credit Support Agreement [Member]

Credit Support Agreement [Member]

Credit Support Agreement [Member]

Credit Support Agreement [Member]

Compensation and Funding Agreement [Member]

Compensation and Funding Agreement [Member]

Compensation and Funding Agreement [Member]

Compensation and Funding Agreement [Member]

0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]

0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]

0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]

0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]

0.875% debentures due 2021 [Member]

0.875% debentures due 2021 [Member]

0.875% debentures due 2021 [Member]

0.875% debentures due 2021 [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

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Sale of Stock, Consideration Received Per Transaction

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$23.25

$8.80

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Sale of Stock, Price Per Share

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$1,400,000,000

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Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction

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18,600,000

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Sale of Stock, Percentage of Ownership after Transaction

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60.00%

66.00%

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Liquidity Support Facility, Maximum Capacity

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600,000,000

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Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End

'

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2.75%

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Line of Credit Facility, Other Fee, Rate

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5.00%

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Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights

'

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'

'

'

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'

7.8685

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Class of Warrant or Right, Term

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'7 years

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Liquidity Support Facility, Warrant, Minimum Amount of Outstanding Convertible Debt Required to be Outstanding

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25,000,000

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Liquidity Support Facility, Warrant, Maximum Ownership Percentage Allowed

'

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74.99%

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'

Debt Instrument, Face Value

1,118,622,000

923,505,000

'

'

'

300,000,000

300,000,000

200,000,000

400,000,000

0

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250,000,000

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Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price

'

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$24.95

'

'

$48.76

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Debt Instrument, Convertible, Number of Equity Instruments

'

'

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'

'

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8,017,420

'

'

5,126,775

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Accounts receivable

38,782,000

11,780,000

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2,800,000

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings

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'

'

'

'

'

'

22,900,000

'

Revenue from Related Parties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

32,612,000

0

35,501,000

0

'

'

Proceeds from Collaborators

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-293,000

-955,000

-553,000

-955,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest Expense, Related Party

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2,601,000

$1,722,000

$5,346,000

$3,533,000

$0

$840,000

$1,200,000

$2,541,000

$453,000

$125,000

$828,000

$125,000

$115,000

$0

$115,000

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance_Sheet_Components_Detai

Balance Sheet Components (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 29, 2014		Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012
Property, plant and equipment, net by geography:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	$526,494,000		'	$533,387,000		'	'	'
Accounts receivable, net:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Accounts receivable, gross	372,832,000	[1],[2]	'	389,152,000	[1],[2]	'	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning	-24,980,000		'	-26,463,000		'	'	'
Less: allowance for sales returns	-1,979,000		'	-2,095,000		'	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	345,873,000		'	360,594,000		'	'	'
Short-term financing receivable	-8,646,000		'	-4,433,000		'	'	'
Short-term retainage	74,100,000		'	8,300,000		'	'	'
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Raw materials	37,671,000		'	51,905,000		'	'	'
Work-in-process	49,152,000		'	52,756,000		'	'	'
Finished goods	142,898,000		'	140,914,000		'	'	'
Inventories	229,721,000		'	245,575,000		'	'	'
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Deferred project costs	376,885,000		'	275,389,000		'	'	'
Bond hedge derivative	211,611,000		'	110,477,000		'	'	'
VAT receivables, current portion	21,121,000		'	21,481,000		'	'	'
Deferred costs for solar power systems to be leased	12,377,000		'	23,429,000		'	'	'
Foreign Currency Derivative Assets at Fair Value	1,122,000		'	4,642,000		'	'	'
Other receivables	94,852,000		'	112,062,000		'	'	'
Other prepaid expenses	46,500,000		'	28,629,000		'	'	'
Other current assets	66,143,000		'	70,161,000		'	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	830,611,000	[3]	'	646,270,000	[3]	'	'	'
Project Assets [Abstract]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Project assets b plants	50,143,000		'	64,564,000		'	'	'
Project assets b land	12,397,000		'	11,043,000		'	'	'
Project assets - plants and land	62,540,000		'	75,607,000		'	'	'
Project assets - plants and land, current portion	10,622,000		'	69,196,000		'	'	'
Project assets - plants and land, net of current portion	51,918,000		'	6,411,000		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Manufacturing equipment	545,644,000	[4]	'	538,616,000	[4]	'	'	'
Land and buildings	26,138,000		'	26,138,000		'	'	'
Leasehold improvements	232,209,000		'	229,846,000		'	'	'
Solar power systems4	97,659,000	[5]	'	82,036,000	[5]	'	'	'
Computer equipment	80,927,000		'	79,519,000		'	'	'
Furniture and fixtures	8,399,000		'	8,392,000		'	'	'
Construction-in-process	20,843,000		'	11,724,000		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,011,819,000		'	976,271,000		'	'	'
Less: accumulated depreciation	-485,325,000		'	-442,884,000		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	526,494,000		'	533,387,000		'	'	'
Solar power systems, sale leaseback	67,900,000		'	52,600,000		'	'	'
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Equity method investments	135,473,000		'	131,739,000		'	'	'
Retainage	64,232,000	[6]	'	88,934,000	[6]	'	'	'
Cost method investments	17,344,000		'	12,374,000		'	'	'
Long-term debt issuance costs	13,116,000		'	10,274,000		'	'	'
Other	62,747,000		'	55,156,000		'	'	'
Other long-term assets	292,912,000	[3]	'	298,477,000	[3]	'	'	'
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Bond hedge derivatives	211,640,000		'	110,477,000		'	'	'
Employee compensation and employee benefits	48,533,000		'	50,449,000		'	'	'
Deferred revenue	27,164,000		'	29,287,000		'	'	'
Short-term residential lease financing	1,835,000		'	14,436,000		'	'	'
Interest payable	6,866,000		'	10,971,000		'	'	'
Short-term warranty reserves	9,725,000		'	10,426,000		'	'	'
Restructuring reserve	1,785,000		'	7,134,000		'	'	'
VAT payables	5,353,000		'	7,089,000		'	'	'
Foreign currency derivatives	1,157,000		'	6,170,000		'	'	'
Other	92,290,000		'	111,718,000		'	'	'
Accrued liabilities	406,348,000		'	358,157,000		'	'	'
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Deferred revenue	178,597,000		'	176,925,000		'	'	'
Long-term warranty reserves	141,068,000		'	138,946,000		'	'	'
Long-term sale-leaseback financing	81,412,000		'	65,944,000		'	'	'
Long-term residential lease financing	28,159,000		'	31,933,000		'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	30,379,000		'	28,927,000		'	'	'
Other	69,555,000		'	81,316,000		'	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	529,170,000		'	523,991,000		'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Cumulative translation adjustment	-3,424,000		'	-3,766,000		'	'	'
Net unrealized loss on derivatives	-448,000		-420,000	-805,000		1,238,000	2,592,000	-243,000
Deferred taxes	174,000		'	253,000		'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-3,698,000		'	-4,318,000		'	'	'
IFC Mortgage Loan [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Pledged Assets, Other, Not Separately Reported on Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Collateralized Equipment	130,700,000		'	145,900,000		'	'	'
UNITED STATES	'		'	'		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net by geography:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	164,026,000		'	153,074,000		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	164,026,000		'	153,074,000		'	'	'
PHILIPPINES	'		'	'		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net by geography:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	301,685,000		'	321,410,000		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	301,685,000		'	321,410,000		'	'	'
MEXICO	'		'	'		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net by geography:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	35,330,000		'	32,705,000		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	35,330,000		'	32,705,000		'	'	'
Europe [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net by geography:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	24,562,000		'	25,293,000		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	24,562,000		'	25,293,000		'	'	'
UNKNOWN COUNTRY	'		'	'		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net by geography:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	891,000		'	905,000		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	$891,000		'	$905,000		'	'	'
[1]	Includes short-term retainage of $74.1 million and $8.3 million as of JuneB 29, 2014 and DecemberB 29, 2013, respectively. Retainage refers to the earned, but unbilled, portion of a construction and development project for which payment is deferred 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 $8.6 million and $4.4 million as of JuneB 29, 2014 and DecemberB 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 "Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings," "Prepaid expenses and other current assets," "Other long-term assets," "Accounts payable," "Customer advances, current portion," "Convertible debt, net of current portion," and "Customer advances, net of current portion" financial statement line items in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 2, Note 4, 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 $130.7 million and $145.9 million as of June 29, 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 June 29, 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 for which payment is deferred 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			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 29, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 29, 2013
Solar power systems leased and to be leased [Abstract]	'		'	'		'	'
Solar power systems leased, gross	$349,632,000		'	$349,632,000		'	$324,202,000
Solar power systems to be leased, gross	17,111,000		'	17,111,000		'	36,645,000
Solar Power Systems Leased And To Be Leased, Gross	366,743,000		'	366,743,000		'	360,847,000
Accumulated depreciation - residential lease	-19,969,000		'	-19,969,000		'	-15,343,000
Solar Power Systems Leased And To Be Leased, Net	346,774,000		'	346,774,000		'	345,504,000
Pledged Solar Assets, book value	142,500,000		'	142,500,000		'	147,700,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract]	'		'	'		'	'
2014	6,074,000		'	6,074,000		'	'
2015	10,700,000		'	10,700,000		'	'
2016	10,732,000		'	10,732,000		'	'
2017	10,770,000		'	10,770,000		'	'
2018	10,811,000		'	10,811,000		'	'
Thereafter	161,354,000		'	161,354,000		'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable	210,441,000		'	210,441,000		'	'
Financing receivables:	'		'	'		'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	278,802,000	[1]	'	278,802,000	[1]	'	217,666,000	[1]
Unguaranteed residual value	28,991,000		'	28,991,000		'	23,366,000
Unearned Income	-69,028,000		'	-69,028,000		'	-61,326,000
Financing Receivable, Net	238,765,000		'	238,765,000		'	179,706,000
Current	8,646,000		'	8,646,000		'	4,433,000
Long-term	230,119,000		'	230,119,000		'	175,273,000
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'	'		'	'
2014	6,743,000		'	6,743,000		'	'
2015	13,043,000		'	13,043,000		'	'
2016	13,215,000		'	13,215,000		'	'
2017	13,394,000		'	13,394,000		'	'
2018	13,578,000		'	13,578,000		'	'
Thereafter	218,829,000		'	218,829,000		'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	278,802,000	[1]	'	278,802,000	[1]	'	217,666,000	[1]
Third-Party Financing Arrangements [Abstract]	'		'	'		'	'
Non-Recourse Debt	30,000,000		'	30,000,000		'	46,400,000
Contributions from noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	22,200,000		31,600,000	52,778,000		43,866,000	'
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	12,934,000		15,300,000	34,944,000		22,573,000	'
Sale-Leaseback [Abstract]	'		'	'		'	'
Sale Leaseback, Minimum Lease Obligation (Non-Integral Equipment)	101,100,000		'	101,100,000		'	'
Lease Term - Sale Leaseback (Non-integral Equipment)	'		'	'20 years		'	'
Sale Leaseback, Minimum Lease Obligation (Integral Equipment)	$76,100,000		'	$76,100,000		'	'
Lease Term - Sale Leaseback (Integral Equipment)	'		'	'20 years		'	'
[1]	1B Net of allowance for doubtful accounts.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 29, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Jun. 29, 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]

Cash and cash equivalents:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Money market funds

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$508,001

[1]

$358,001

[1]

$508,001

[1]

$358,001

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

Commercial Paper

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

29,997

[1]

'

0

[1]

0

[1]

29,997

[1]

0

[1]

Prepaid expenses and other current assets:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt derivatives (Note 10)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

211,611

110,477

0

0

211,611

110,477

Foreign currency derivatives

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,122

4,642

0

0

1,122

4,642

Other long-term assets:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Asset, Noncurrent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

588

0

0

0

588

Total assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

750,731

473,708

508,001

358,001

242,730

115,707

Accrued liabilities:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Bond hedge derivatives

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

211,640

110,477

0

0

211,640

110,477

Foreign currency derivatives

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,157

6,170

0

0

1,157

6,170

Other long-term liabilities:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign currency derivatives (Note 10)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

555

0

0

0

555

Total liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

212,797

117,202

0

0

212,797

117,202

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock price

'

'

'

'

'

$41.06

[2]

$28.91

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise price

'

'

'

'

'

22.53

[2]

22.53

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

0.25%

[2]

0.33%

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Volatility

'

'

'

'

'

55.30%

[2]

57.70%

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit Risk Adjustment

'

'

'

'

'

0.63%

[2]

0.71%

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

18-Feb-15

[2]

18-Feb-15

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts receivable

38,782

'

38,782

'

11,780

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts payable

46,401

'

46,401

'

51,499

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term note receivable

3,499

'

3,499

'

3,688

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments made to investees for products/services

132,280

111,915

244,319

246,831

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted long-term marketable securities

7,566

'

7,566

'

8,892

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted long-term marketable securities

7,566

'

7,566

'

8,892

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity method investments

135,473

'

135,473

'

131,739

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cost method investments

$17,344

'

$17,344

'

$12,374

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

1B The Company's cash equivalents consist of money market fund instruments and commercial paper are classified as available-for-sale and are highly liquid investments with original maturities of ninety days or less. The Company's money market fund instruments are categorized 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 of the Company's common stock 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			6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 29, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'	'		'
Restructuring Reserve, beginning	'		'	$7,134		'
Restructuring Charges (Benefits)	-717		928	-1,178		591
Payments for Restructuring	'		'	-4,171		'
Restructuring Reserve, end	1,785		'	1,785		'
Employee Severance [Member] | Legacy Restructuring Plans [Member]	'		'	'		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'	'		'
Restructuring Reserve, beginning	'		'	3,961		'
Restructuring Charges (Benefits)	'		'	-1,265		'
Payments for Restructuring	'		'	-1,844		'
Restructuring Reserve, end	852		'	852		'
Facility Closing [Member] | Legacy Restructuring Plans [Member]	'		'	'		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'	'		'
Restructuring Reserve, beginning	'		'	1,609		'
Restructuring Charges (Benefits)	'		'	339		'
Payments for Restructuring	'		'	-1,435		'
Restructuring Reserve, end	513		'	513		'
Other Restructuring [Member] | Legacy Restructuring Plans [Member]	'		'	'		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'	'		'
Restructuring Reserve, beginning	'		'	1,564	[1]	'
Restructuring Charges (Benefits)	'		'	-252	[1]	'
Payments for Restructuring	'		'	-892	[1]	'
Restructuring Reserve, end	$420	[1]	'	$420	[1]	'
[1]	1B Other costs primarily represent associated legal services.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Jun. 29, 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

$6,000,000

'

$6,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Leases, Operating [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due

59,600,000

'

59,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2014

609,583,000

'

609,583,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2015

371,474,000

'

371,474,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2016

334,813,000

'

334,813,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2017

298,778,000

'

298,778,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2018

181,553,000

'

181,553,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Thereafter

335,542,000

'

335,542,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total

2,131,743,000

'

2,131,743,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total obligations related to non-cancellable purchase orders

229,300,000

'

229,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Supply Agreements with Suppliers

1,900,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase Commitments Supply And Price Period

'

'

'10

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commitments To Non-Consolidated Joint Ventures

51,700,000

'

51,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Advances to Suppliers [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Advance payments made to Supplier

16,400,000

'

32,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Advances to Suppliers

395,800,000

'

395,800,000

383,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Advances to suppliers, current portion

78,767,000

'

78,767,000

58,619,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Advance To Suppliers Due Year One

'

'

32,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Concentration Risk [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Concentration Risk, Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

80.00%

77.00%

19.00%

22.00%

Advances From Customer, Maturity Profile [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2014

16,162,000

'

16,162,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2015

31,463,000

'

31,463,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2016

22,713,000

'

22,713,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2017

27,039,000

'

27,039,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2018

72,104,000

'

72,104,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Thereafter

27,039,000

'

27,039,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total

196,520,000

'

196,520,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Customer Advances and Deposits

'

'

'

'

174,300,000

181,300,000

'

'

'

'

Customer advances, current portion

38,431,000

[1]

'

38,431,000

[1]

36,883,000

[1]

16,200,000

14,000,000

'

'

'

'

Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Product Warranties, beginning

151,415,000

119,549,000

149,372,000

117,172,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accruals of warranties issued during the period

4,311,000

7,897,000

9,501,000

12,352,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Settlements made during the period

-4,933,000

-1,153,000

-8,080,000

-3,231,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Product Warranties, end

150,793,000

126,293,000

150,793,000

149,372,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

$30,379,000

'

$30,379,000

$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 "Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings," "Prepaid expenses and other current assets," "Other long-term assets," "Accounts payable," "Customer advances, current portion," "Convertible debt, net of current portion," and "Customer advances, net of current portion" financial statement line items in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 2, Note 4, Note 7, Note 8, and Note 9).

Equity_Method_Investments_Deta

Equity Method Investments (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 29, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
			CCPV [Member]	Diamond Energy [Member]	AUOSP [Member]	AUOSP [Member]	Woongjin [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity method investments	$135,473,000	$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	3,499,000	3,688,000	'	'	'	'	'
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 $)

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 29, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

0.875% debentures due 2021 [Member]

0.875% debentures due 2021 [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]

4.50% 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]

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]

August 2011 Letter of Credit [Member]

August 2011 Letter of Credit [Member]

September 2011 Letter of Credit [Member]

September 2011 Letter of Credit [Member]

Total [Member]

Warrant (Under the CSO2014) [Member]

Warrant (Under the CSO2014) [Member]

Warrant (Under the CSO2014) [Member]

Warrants (Under the CSO2015) [Member]

Warrants (Under the CSO2015) [Member]

Upfront Warrants (held by Total) [Member]

Cash Conversion Option [Member]

Cash Conversion Option [Member]

Cash Conversion Option [Member]

Cash Conversion Option [Member]

Bond Hedge [Member]

Bond Hedge [Member]

Bond Hedge [Member]

Bond Hedge [Member]

Bond Hedge [Member]

Bond Hedge [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Total [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Credit Agricole [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Deutsche Bank [Member]

Deutsche Bank [Member]

Deutsche Bank [Member]

Deutsche Bank [Member]

Credit Agricole [Member]

Credit Agricole [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,700,000

'

11,100,000

9,531,677

Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

26.4

26.4

'

24

'

7.8685

Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price

'

'

'

$48.76

'

$24.95

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Face Value

$1,118,622,000

'

$923,505,000

$400,000,000

$0

$300,000,000

$300,000,000

$249,747,000

[1]

$250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$230,000,000

'

'

$79,000

$79,000

$55,000,000

$62,500,000

$30,000,000

$30,000,000

$0

$0

$83,796,000

$50,926,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Short-term

251,952,000

'

512,116,000

0

0

0

0

235,222,000

[1]

225,889,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

230,000,000

'

'

0

0

15,000,000

15,000,000

0

0

0

0

1,730,000

41,227,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term

852,145,000

'

387,278,000

400,000,000

0

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

82,066,000

9,699,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2014

8,454,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2015

267,076,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2016

17,416,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2017

17,555,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2018

305,213,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Thereafter

502,908,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Face Value

1,118,622,000

'

923,505,000

400,000,000

0

300,000,000

300,000,000

249,747,000

[1]

250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

230,000,000

'

'

79,000

79,000

55,000,000

62,500,000

30,000,000

30,000,000

0

0

83,796,000

50,926,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liquidity Support Facility, Maximum 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%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from issuance of non-recourse debt financing, net of issuance costs

73,414,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Basis Spread, Period Two

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.50%

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

720,500,000

736,000,000

1,500,000

2,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible Debt [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible Debt, Current

235,222,000

'

455,889,000

'

'

'

'

235,222,000

225,889,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

230,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible Debt, Noncurrent

700,079,000

[2]

'

300,079,000

[2]

400,000,000

0

300,000,000

300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

79,000

79,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Face Value

1,118,622,000

'

923,505,000

400,000,000

0

300,000,000

300,000,000

249,747,000

[1]

250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

230,000,000

'

'

79,000

79,000

55,000,000

62,500,000

30,000,000

30,000,000

0

0

83,796,000

50,926,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value

'

'

'

458,796,000

[3]

0

[3]

520,365,000

[3]

367,578,000

[3]

458,753,000

[3]

343,895,000

[3]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

[3]

269,252,000

[3]

'

'

81,000

[3]

102,000

[3]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22.53

[4]

'

'

'

22.53

'

'

'

26.4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Indexed Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

82,100,000

46,700,000

101,200,000

58,300,000

82,100,000

46,700,000

101,200,000

58,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,200,000

9,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Carrying Value

$1,104,097,000

'

$899,394,000

$400,000,000

$0

$300,000,000

$300,000,000

$235,222,000

[1]

$225,889,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$230,000,000

'

'

$79,000

$79,000

$55,000,000

$62,500,000

$30,000,000

$30,000,000

$0

$0

$83,796,000

$50,926,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

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 "Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings," "Prepaid expenses and other current assets," "Other long-term assets," "Accounts payable," "Customer advances, current portion," "Convertible debt, net of current portion," and "Customer advances, net of current portion" financial statement line items in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 2, Note 4, 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 of the Company's common stock 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		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 29, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	$1,122,000	'	$1,122,000	'	$5,230,000
Bond hedge derivative	1,122,000	'	1,122,000	'	5,230,000
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities	606,000	'	606,000	'	4,512,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	516,000	'	516,000	'	718,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1,157,000	'	1,157,000	'	6,725,000
Derivative Liability	1,157,000	'	1,157,000	'	6,725,000
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	606,000	'	606,000	'	4,512,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	551,000	'	551,000	'	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	331,000	286,000	811,000	-503,000	'
Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	-1,224,000	-3,319,000	206,000	-3,153,000	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (loss) in Accumulated OCI at the beginning of the period	-420,000	2,592,000	-805,000	-243,000	'
Unrealized gain (loss) recognized in OCI (effective portion)	-135,000	-444,000	-138,000	2,004,000	'
Less: loss (gain) reclassified from Accumulated OCI to revenue (effective portion)	107,000	-910,000	495,000	-523,000	'
Net loss on derivatives	-28,000	-1,354,000	357,000	1,481,000	'
Gain (loss) in Accumulated OCI at the end of the period	-448,000	1,238,000	-448,000	1,238,000	'
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Bond hedge derivative	310,000	'	310,000	'	1,238,000
Derivative Liability	199,000	'	199,000	'	2,150,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	20,500,000	'	20,500,000	'	42,800,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Option [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	66,500,000	'	66,500,000	'	105,900,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Bond hedge derivative	812,000	'	812,000	'	3,992,000
Derivative Liability	958,000	'	958,000	'	4,575,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	35,000,000	'	35,000,000	'	32,100,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Option [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	0	'	0	'	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	'	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	310,000	'	310,000	'	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	798,000	'	798,000	'	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	14,000	'	14,000	'	381,000
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Option [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Noncurrent	0	'	0	'	588,000
Accrued Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency derivatives	2,000	'	2,000	'	0
Accrued Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Option [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency derivatives	197,000	'	197,000	'	1,595,000
Accrued Liabilities [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency derivatives	943,000	'	943,000	'	4,189,000
Accrued Liabilities [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Option [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency derivatives	15,000	'	15,000	'	386,000
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Option [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency derivatives	$0	'	$0	'	$555,000

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	($8,168)	$4,506	$5,452	$7,495
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees	($8,936)	$7,762	$45,935	($50,885)

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_of_C2

Net Income (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders	$14,102	$19,565	$79,146	($35,131)
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted	14,653	19,758	80,328	-35,131
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Basic	129,747,000	120,943,000	125,972,000	120,248,000
Diluted weighted-average common shares	-156,333,000	-133,973,000	-154,886,000	-120,248,000
Diluted	$0.09	$0.15	$0.52	($0.29)
Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	139,000	207,000	149,000	317,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	293,000	2,738,000	379,000	6,495,000
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	0	0	3,455,000
Warrants (Under the CSO2015) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0	'	0	'
Warrant (Under the CSO2014) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	'	'	0	'
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	0	0	2,114,000
0.875% debentures due 2021 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,713,000	'	0	'
4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,330,000	8,712,000	5,021,000	8,712,000
0.875% debentures due 2021 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Interest on Convertible Debt, Net of Tax	0	0	181	0
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Debt Securities	0	0	857,000	0
0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Interest on Convertible Debt, Net of Tax	$551	$193	$1,001	$0
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Debt Securities	12,026,000	4,276,000	12,026,000	0
4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Bond Hedge [Member]	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right	8,700,000	'	8,700,000	'
Upfront Warrants (held by Total) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Upfront Warrants (held by Total)	7,278,000	4,886,000	7,253,000	0
Warrants (Under the CSO2015) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights	24	'	24	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Upfront Warrants (held by Total)	3,094,000	0	3,004,000	0
Warrants (Under the CSO2015) [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right	11,100,000	'	11,100,000	'
Warrant (Under the CSO2014) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights	26.4	'	26.4	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Upfront Warrants (held by Total)	0	0	524,000	0
Warrant (Under the CSO2014) [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right	8,700,000	'	8,700,000	'
Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	93,000	111,000	101,000	0
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	4,095,000	3,757,000	5,149,000	0

StockBack_Compensation_Details

Stock-Back Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	$13,348	$10,505	$28,215	$19,021
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	13,472	10,386	28,348	19,197
Change in stock-based compensation capitalized in inventory [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	-124	119	-133	-176
Cost of Sales [Member] | Americas [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	1,837	1,136	3,908	1,914
Cost of Sales [Member] | EMEA [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	511	618	1,166	1,059
Cost of Sales [Member] | APAC [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	1,002	763	1,832	1,254
Research and Development Expense [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	1,912	1,225	3,709	2,347
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	$8,086	$6,763	$17,600	$12,447

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	$13,348	$10,505	$28,215	$19,021
Non-cash interest expense	'	'	10,492	24,071
Revenue	507,871	576,516	1,200,293	1,211,949
Cost of revenue	413,726	468,655	943,159	1,044,775
Gross Profit	94,145	107,861	257,134	167,174
Solar Power Product [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	237,212	238,403	475,790	424,283
Solar Power Systems [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	224,852	299,610	628,607	704,525
Residential leases [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	32,679	28,673	71,411	63,923
other product [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	13,128	9,830	24,485	19,218
APAC [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	110,114	101,897	205,255	184,556
Cost of revenue	101,292	85,320	180,971	153,865
Gross Profit	8,822	16,577	24,284	30,691
Depreciation	7,890	6,946	13,708	14,918
APAC [Member] | Sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue as reviewed by CODM	110,114	101,225	205,255	183,884
Revenue	110,114	101,897	205,255	184,556
APAC [Member] | Sales [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue, Utility and power Plant Project	0	0	0	0
Stock-based Compensation Expense	0	0	0	0
Non-cash interest expense	0	0	0	0
Other Revenue, Net	0	672	0	672
APAC [Member] | Gross Profit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gross Profit as reviewed by CODM	10,055	16,838	26,502	31,880
Gross Profit As a Percentage of Total Revenues (as Reviewed by CODM)	9.10%	16.60%	12.90%	17.30%
Revenue, Utility and power Plant Project	0	'	'	'
Non-cash interest expense	-231	'	'	'
Other, Cost of Revenue	0	'	'	'
Gross Profit	8,822	16,577	24,284	30,691
Gross Profit As a Percentage of Total Revenues	8.00%	16.30%	11.80%	16.60%
APAC [Member] | Gross Profit [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Profit, Utility and Power Plant Projects	'	0	0	0
Stock-based Compensation Expense	'	-763	-1,832	-1,254
Non-cash interest expense	'	-170	-386	-349
Other, Cost of Revenue	'	672	0	414
EMEA [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	64,709	107,010	190,967	175,662
Cost of revenue	54,653	97,396	154,094	188,890
Gross Profit	10,056	9,614	36,873	-13,228
Depreciation	3,454	5,682	7,933	11,515
EMEA [Member] | Sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue as reviewed by CODM	64,709	107,010	190,967	175,662
Revenue	64,709	107,010	190,967	175,662
EMEA [Member] | Sales [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue, Utility and power Plant Project	0	0	0	0
Stock-based Compensation Expense	0	0	0	0
Non-cash interest expense	0	0	0	0
Other Revenue, Net	0	0	0	0
EMEA [Member] | Gross Profit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gross Profit as reviewed by CODM	10,664	10,364	38,260	-11,722
Gross Profit As a Percentage of Total Revenues (as Reviewed by CODM)	16.50%	9.70%	20.00%	-6.70%
Gross Profit	10,056	9,614	36,873	-13,228
Gross Profit As a Percentage of Total Revenues	15.50%	9.00%	19.30%	-7.50%
EMEA [Member] | Gross Profit [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue, Utility and power Plant Project	0	'	'	'
Profit, Utility and Power Plant Projects	'	0	0	0
Stock-based Compensation Expense	-511	-618	-1,166	-1,059
Non-cash interest expense	-97	-132	-221	-261
Other, Cost of Revenue	0	0	0	-186
Americas [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	333,048	367,609	804,071	851,731
Cost of revenue	257,781	285,939	608,094	702,020
Gross Profit	75,267	81,670	195,977	149,711
Depreciation	12,682	11,923	27,756	21,738
Americas [Member] | Sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue as reviewed by CODM	446,243	441,809	908,557	865,130
Revenue	333,048	367,609	804,071	851,731
Americas [Member] | Sales [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue, Utility and power Plant Project	-113,195	-74,200	-104,486	-13,399
Stock-based Compensation Expense	0	0	0	0
Non-cash interest expense	0	0	0	0
Other Revenue, Net	0	0	0	0
Americas [Member] | Gross Profit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gross Profit as reviewed by CODM	100,113	99,281	206,707	236,817
Gross Profit As a Percentage of Total Revenues (as Reviewed by CODM)	22.40%	22.50%	22.80%	27.40%
Stock-based Compensation Expense	-1,002	'	'	'
Gross Profit	75,267	81,670	195,977	149,711
Gross Profit As a Percentage of Total Revenues	22.60%	22.20%	24.40%	17.60%
Americas [Member] | Gross Profit [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue, Utility and power Plant Project	-22,614	'	'	'
Profit, Utility and Power Plant Projects	'	-16,142	-6,006	-84,280
Stock-based Compensation Expense	-1,837	-1,136	-3,908	-1,914
Non-cash interest expense	-371	-291	-792	-511
Other, Cost of Revenue	($24)	($42)	($24)	($401)
Americas [Member] | NRG Solar Inc. [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue As Percentage Of Total Revenues	'	19.00%	'	32.00%
Americas [Member] | Mid American Energy Holdings Company [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue As Percentage Of Total Revenues	31.00%	14.00%	37.00%	14.00%