Sunpower (SPWRQ) 10-Q/A 29 Oct 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report (amended) Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015	Jul. 24, 2015	Jun. 29, 2014
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q/A
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 28, 2015
Entity Registrant Name	SUNPOWER CORP
Entity Central Index Key	867,773
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-28
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 2,123
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding		136,404,821

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 28, 2015		Dec. 28, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 623,043		$ 956,175
Restricted cash and cash equivalents, current portion	26,033		18,541
Accounts receivable, net	433,627	[1]	504,316
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	48,449	[1]	187,087
Inventories	310,432		208,573
Advances to suppliers, current portion	96,277		98,129
Project assets - plants and land, current portion	379,900		101,181
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	254,352	[1]	328,845
Total current assets	2,172,113		2,402,847
Restricted cash and cash equivalents, net of current portion	45,436		24,520
Restricted long-term marketable securities	6,905		7,158
Property, plant and equipment, net	643,912	[2]	585,344
Solar power systems leased and to be leased, net	458,708	[3],[4]	390,913
Project assets - plants and land, net of current portion	42,741		15,475
Advances to suppliers, net of current portion	288,285		311,528
Long-term financing receivables, net	261,076		269,587
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net	37,387		37,981
Other long-term assets	391,960	[1]	300,229
Total assets	4,348,523		4,345,582
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	427,412	[1]	419,919
Accrued liabilities1	550,956		331,034
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	92,770		83,440
Short-term debt	12,160		18,105
Convertible debt, current portion	0		245,325
Customer advances, current portion	30,662	[1]	31,788
Total current liabilities	1,113,960		1,129,611
Long-term debt	225,338		214,181
Convertible debt, net of current portion	693,938	[1]	692,955
Customer advances, net of current portion	137,539	[1]	148,896
Other long-term liabilities1	535,438		555,344
Total liabilities	$ 2,706,213		$ 2,740,987
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	$ 31,515		$ 28,566
Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding as of both June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014	0		0
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 367,500,000 shares authorized; 144,783,659 shares issued, and 136,395,049 shares outstanding as of June 28, 2015; 367,500,000 shares authorized; 138,616,252 shares issued, and 131,466,777 shares outstanding as of December 28, 2014;	136		131
Additional paid-in capital	2,263,260		2,219,581
Accumulated deficit	(563,670)		(560,598)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(13,951)		(13,455)
Treasury stock, at cost; 8,388,610 shares of common stock as of June 28, 2015; 7,149,475 shares of common stock as of December 28, 2014	(151,811)		(111,485)
Total stockholders' equity	1,533,964		1,534,174
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	76,831		41,855
Total equity	1,610,795		1,576,029
Total liabilities and equity	$ 4,348,523		$ 4,345,582
[1]	The Company has related-party balances for 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 "Accounts Receivable, net," "Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings," "Prepaid expenses and other current assets," "Other long-term assets," "Accounts payable," "Accrued Liabilities," "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 3, Note 7, Note 10, Note 11, and Note 12).
[2]	Property, plant and equipment, net by geography is based on the physical location of the assets.
[3]	As of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the Company had pledged solar assets with an aggregate book value of zero and $140.1 million, respectively, to third-party investors as security for the Company's contractual obligations.
[4]	Solar power systems leased and to be leased, net are physically located exclusively in the United States.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Jun. 28, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
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	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	367,500,000	367,500,000
Common stock, shares issued		138,616,252
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding		131,466,777
Common stock held in treasury		7,149,475

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 29, 2014
Revenue	$ 381,020	$ 507,871	$ 821,891	$ 1,200,293
Cost of revenue	310,139	413,726	660,192	943,159
Gross margin	70,881	94,145	161,699	257,134
Operating expenses:
Research and development	20,560	16,581	41,728	33,327
Sales, general and administrative	81,520	71,499	158,734	145,427
Restructuring charges	1,749	(717)	5,330	(1,178)
Total operating expenses	103,829	87,363	205,792	177,576
Operating income (loss)	(32,948)	6,782	(44,093)	79,558
Other income (expense), net:
Interest income	494	668	1,050	986
Interest expense	(8,517)	(16,310)	(24,198)	(35,902)
Other, net	14,982	(76)	12,362	1,293
Other income (expense), net	6,959	(15,718)	(10,786)	(33,623)
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated investees	(25,989)	(8,936)	(54,879)	45,935
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	659	8,168	(1,692)	(5,452)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees	1,864	1,936	4,055	3,719
Net income (loss)	(23,466)	1,168	(52,516)	44,202
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	29,975	12,934	49,444	34,944
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders	$ 6,509	$ 14,102	$ (3,072)	$ 79,146
Net income (loss) per share attributable to stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.05	$ 0.11	$ (0.02)	$ 0.63
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.04	$ 0.09	$ (0.02)	$ 0.52
Weighted-average shares:
Basic (in shares)	134,376	129,747	133,205	125,972
Diluted (in shares)	156,995	156,333	133,205	154,886

Consolidated Statement of Compr

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 29, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (23,466)	$ 1,168	$ (52,516)	$ 44,202
Components of comprehensive income (loss):
Translation adjustment	242	68	(1,761)	342
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives (Note 12)	4,996	(28)	808	357
Income taxes	346	31	457	(79)
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss)	5,584	71	(496)	620
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(17,882)	1,239	(53,012)	44,822
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	29,975	12,934	49,444	34,944
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to stockholders	$ 12,093	$ 14,173	$ (3,568)	$ 79,766

Consolidated Statements of Equi

Consolidated Statements of Equity - 6 months ended Jun. 28, 2015 - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Parent [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Shares issued, beginning of period at Dec. 28, 2014				131,466
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period at Dec. 28, 2014	$ 1,576,029	$ 28,566	$ 1,534,174	$ 131	$ 2,219,581	$ (111,485)	$ (13,455)	$ (560,598)	$ 41,855
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(52,516)
Net income (loss)	(53,545)	1,029	(3,072)						(50,473)
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders	(3,072)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(496)		(496)				(496)
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options (in shares)				24
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options	177		177		177
Issuance of restricted stock to employees, net of cancellations (in shares)				3,136
Issuance of restricted stock to employees, net of cancellations				$ 2	(2)
Issuance of common stock upon conversion of convertible debt (in shares)				3,008
Issuance of common stock upon conversion of convertible debt	29,389
Settlement of the 4.75% Warrants				$ 3	(577)
Stock-based compensation expense			29,389		29,389
Tax benefit from convertible debt interest deduction	7,965		7,965		7,965
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation	6,727		6,727		6,727
Contributions from noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	88,891	3,045							88,891
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	91,936
Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	(3,442)	(1,125)							(3,442)
Purchases of treasury stock (in shares)				(1,239)
Purchases of treasury stock	(40,326)		(40,326)			(40,326)
Shares issued, end of period at Jun. 28, 2015				136,395
Stockholders' equity, end of period at Jun. 28, 2015	$ 1,610,795	$ 31,515	$ 1,533,964	$ 136	$ 2,263,260	$ (151,811)	$ (13,951)	$ (563,670)	$ 76,831

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 29, 2014
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (52,516)	$ 44,202
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	60,005	49,397
Stock-based compensation	27,586	28,215
Non-cash interest expense	5,251	10,492
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees	(4,055)	(3,719)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	(6,727)	0
Deferred income taxes and other tax liabilities	(5,812)	3,434
Gain on sale of residential lease portfolio to 8point3 Energy Partners LP	(27,915)	0
Other, net	1,377	2,214
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	65,202	10,091
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	138,638	(76)
Inventories	(130,726)	1,976
Project assets	(311,774)	(1,668)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	29,425	(59,364)
Long-term financing receivables, net	(69,258)	(54,846)
Advances to suppliers	25,094	(12,481)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	(66,084)	(32,213)
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	9,330	(59,580)
Customer advances	(12,482)	(7,645)
Net cash used in operating activities	(325,441)	(81,571)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Increase in restricted cash and cash equivalents	(28,407)	(9,347)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(68,778)	(20,318)
Cash paid for solar power systems, leased and to be leased	(41,832)	(24,937)
Cash paid for solar power systems	(10,007)	0
Proceeds from sales or maturities of marketable securities	0	1,380
Proceeds from 8point3 Energy Partners LP attributable to real estate projects and residential lease portfolio	341,174	0
Purchase of held to maturity securities	0	(30)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(5,894)
Cash paid for investments in unconsolidated investees	(7,092)	(5,013)
Cash paid for intangibles	(526)	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	184,532	(64,159)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of convertible debt, net of issuance costs	0	395,275
Cash paid for repurchase of convertible debt	(324,273)	(42,102)
Proceeds from settlement of 4.75% Bond Hedge	0	68,842
Payments to settle 4.75% Warrants	0	(81,077)
Proceeds from settlement of 4.50% Bond Hedge	74,628	110
Payments to settle 4.50% Warrants	(574)	0
Proceeds from issuance of non-recourse debt financing, net of issuance costs	54,830	73,414
Repayment of non-recourse debt financing	(827)	0
Proceeds from issuance of project loans, net of issuance costs	190,491	0
Assumption of project loan by customer	0	(40,672)
Repayment of bank loans, project loans and other debt	(240,160)	(8,568)
Repayment of residential lease financing	(39,975)	(15,686)
Proceeds from sale-leaseback financing	17,219	16,685
Repayment of sale-leaseback financing	(2,237)	(779)
Proceeds from 8point3 Energy Partners LP attributable to operating leases and unguaranteed sales-type lease residual values	29,300	0
Contributions from noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	91,936	52,778
Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	(4,567)	(1,636)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	178	630
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	6,727	0
Purchases of stock for tax withholding obligations on vested restricted stock	(40,326)	(52,804)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(187,630)	364,410
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(4,593)	(333)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(333,132)	218,347
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	956,175	762,511
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	623,043	980,858
Non-cash transactions:
Assignment of residential lease receivables to a third-party financial institution	1,689	4,256
Costs of solar power systems, leased and to be leased, sourced from existing inventory	30,428	13,903
Costs of solar power systems, leased and to be leased, funded by liabilities	3,971	1,867
Costs of solar power systems under sale-leaseback financing arrangements, sourced from project assets	6,076	15,269
Property, plant and equipment acquisitions funded by liabilities	37,017	9,326
Issuance of common stock upon conversion of convertible debt	0	188,263
Sale of residential lease portfolio in exchange for non-controlling equity interests in the 8point3 Group	$ 68,273	$ 0

Consolidated Statements of Cas8

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parentheticals)	Jun. 28, 2015
Bond Hedge [Member]
Interest rate	4.75%
4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member]
Interest rate	4.75%
4.50% debentures due 2015 [Member]
Interest rate	4.50%

The Company and Summary of Sign

The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	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 energy 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). In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, in connection with a realignment of its internal organizational structure, the Company changed its segment reporting from its Americas, EMEA and APAC Segments to three end-customer segments: (i) Residential Segment, (ii) Commercial Segment and (iii) Power Plant Segment. The Residential and Commercial Segments combined are referred to as Distributed Generation. Historically, the Americas Segment included both North and South America, the EMEA Segment included European countries as well as the Middle East and Africa, and the APAC Segment included all Asia-Pacific countries. Under the new segmentation, the Company’s Residential Segment refers to sales of solar energy solutions to residential end customers through a variety of means, including cash sales and long-term leases directly to end customers, sales to resellers, including the Company's third-party global dealer network, and sales of the Company's operations and maintenance (“O&M”) services. The Company’s Commercial Segment refers to sales of solar energy solutions to commercial and public entity end customers through a variety of means, including direct sales of turn-key engineering, procurement and construction ("EPC") services, sales to the Company's third-party global dealer network, sales of energy under power purchase agreements ("PPAs"), and sales of the Company's O&M services. The Power Plant Segment refers to the Company's large-scale solar products and systems business, which includes power plant project development and project sales, EPC services for power plant construction, power plant O&M services and component sales for power plants developed by third parties, sometimes on a multi-year, firm commitment basis. The Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, as the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), reviews the Company's business and manages resource allocations and measures performance of the Company’s activities among these three end-customer segments. Reclassifications of prior period segment information have been made to conform to the current period presentation. This change does not affect the Company's previously reported Consolidated Financial Statements. 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 establishes in connection with certain project financing arrangements for customers are not designed to be available to service the general liabilities and obligations of the Company. Reclassifications Certain prior period balances, including prior period segment information, 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. The current fiscal year, fiscal 2015, is a 53-week fiscal year and includes a 14-week fourth fiscal quarter, while fiscal year 2014 was a 52-week fiscal year. The second quarter of fiscal 2015 ended on June 28, 2015 , while the second quarter of fiscal 2014 ended on June 29, 2014 . The second quarters of fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 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, goodwill, valuations for business combinations, other intangible assets and other long-term assets; the fair value and residual value of leased solar power systems; fair value of financial instruments; valuation of contingencies and certain accrued liabilities such as accrued warranty; and income taxes and tax valuation allowances. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an update to the standards to simplify the measurement of inventory. The updated standard more closely aligns the measurement of inventory with that of International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and amends the measurement standard from lower of cost or market to lower of cost or net realizable value. The new guidance is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2017 and requires a prospective approach to adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In April 2015, the FASB issued an update to the standards to provide a practical expedient for the measurement date of defined benefit obligation and plan assets for reporting entities with fiscal year-ends that do not coincide with a month-end. The updated standard allows such entities to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations using the month-end that is closest to the entity's fiscal year-end and apply that practical expedient consistently from year to year and to all plans, if an entity has more than one plan. The new practical expedient guidance is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and requires a prospective approach to adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In April 2015, the FASB issued an update to the standards for the presentation of debt issuance costs to reduce complexity in accounting standards and to align with IFRS. The updated standard requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability. U.S. generally accepted accounting principles previously required debt issuance costs to be reflected as an asset on the Company's balance sheet. The new debt issuance cost guidance is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and requires a retrospective approach to adoption. The Company elected early adoption of the updated accounting standard, effective in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, resulting in a one-time reclassification of $11.6M of debt issuance costs from "Other long-term assets" to "Long-term debt" and "Convertible debt, net of current portion" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 28, 2014. In February 2015, the FASB issued a new standard that modifies existing consolidation guidance for reporting organizations that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. The new consolidation guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and requires either a retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the available methods and the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In May 2014, the FASB issued a new revenue recognition standard based on the principle 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 in exchange for those goods and services. The new revenue recognition standard becomes effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 and is to be applied retrospectively using one of two prescribed methods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the available methods and the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. 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 Tot

Transactions with Total and Total S.A.	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Transactions with Total and Total S.A.	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 On April 28, 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 was amended on June 7, 2011, it became effective on June 28, 2011 in connection with the completion of the Tender Offer (the "CSA Effective Date"), and it was further amended on each of December 12, 2011, and December 14, 2012. 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 specified in the Affiliation Agreement (the "Standstill Period"), and subject to certain exceptions, Total, Total S.A., any of their respective affiliates and certain other related parties (collectively 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 its 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. 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. that 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 11). 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"). An aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million 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 11). 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 and O&M services agreements relating to projects owned or partially owned by Total and its affiliates. As of June 28, 2015 , the Company had $0.6 million of "Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings" and $1.4 million of "Accounts receivable, net" on its Consolidated Balance Sheets related to projects in which Total and its affiliates have a direct or indirect material interest. Related-Party Transactions with Total and its Affiliates: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (In thousands) June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Revenue: EPC, O&M, and components revenue under joint projects $ 100 $ 32,612 $ 299 $ 35,501 Research and development expense: Offsetting contributions received under the R&D Agreement $ (395 ) $ (293 ) $ (817 ) $ (553 ) Interest expense: Guarantee fees incurred under the Credit Support Agreement $ 2,272 $ 2,601 $ 4,998 $ 5,346 Fees incurred under the Compensation and Funding Agreement $ — $ — $ — $ 1,200 Interest expense incurred on the 0.75% debentures due 2018 $ 125 $ 453 $ 500 $ 828 Interest expense incurred on the 0.875% debentures due 2021 $ 547 $ 115 $ 1,227 $ 115

8point3 Energy Partners LP (Not

8point3 Energy Partners LP (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block]	8POINT3 ENERGY PARTNERS LP In June 2015, 8point3 Energy Partners LP ("8point3 Energy Partners"), a joint YieldCo vehicle formed by the Company and First Solar, Inc. ("First Solar" and, together with the Company, the "Sponsors") to own, operate and acquire solar energy generation assets, completed an initial public offering (“IPO”) of Class A shares representing limited partner interests in 8point3 Energy Partners. The IPO was consummated on June 24, 2015 (the “IPO Closing Date”) whereupon the Class A shares were listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the trading symbol “CAFD.” Immediately after the IPO, the Company contributed a portfolio of 170 MW of its solar generation assets (the “SPWR Projects”) to 8point3 Operating Company, LLC ("OpCo"), 8point3 Energy Partners' primary operating subsidiary. In exchange for the SPWR Projects, the Company received cash proceeds of $371 million as well as equity interests in several 8point3 Energy Partners affiliated entities: primarily common and subordinated units representing a 40.7% stake in OpCo and a 50.0% economic and management stake in 8point3 Holding Company, LLC (“Holdings”), the parent company of the general partner of 8point3 Energy Partners and the owner of incentive distribution rights (“IDRs”) in OpCo. Holdings, OpCo, 8point3 Energy Partners and their respective subsidiaries are referred to herein as the “8point3 Group.” Additionally, pursuant to a Right of First Offer Agreement between the Company and OpCo, the 8point3 Group has rights of first offer on interests in an additional 513 MW of the Company’s solar energy projects that are currently contracted or are expected to be contracted before being sold by the Company (the “ROFO Projects”). In connection with the IPO, the Company also entered into operations and maintenance, asset management and management services agreements with the 8point3 Group. The services the Company provides under these agreements are priced consistently with market rates for such services and the agreements are terminable by the 8point3 Group for convenience. The Company accounts for its investments in the 8point3 Group using the equity method, whereby the book value of the Company’s investments is recorded as a non-current asset and the Company’s portion of the 8point3 Group’s earnings is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations under the caption "Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated investees." Refer to Note 10 for further discussion of the Company’s equity method investments in the 8point3 Group. The Company’s agreements with the 8point3 Group include substantive, non-standard guarantees of minimum cash flows in respect of each project among the SPWR Projects that had not yet reached its commercial operations date (“COD”) before the IPO Closing Date. The Company’s guarantees relating to each such project expire when the project reaches COD. The Company therefore determined that the risks and rewards of ownership in these projects are not transferred until COD and, accordingly, the Company continues to record the projects on its Consolidated Balance Sheet until that time. Projects that had not reached COD by June 28, 2015 totaled 131 MW of the SPWR Projects and the Company recorded $302 million of IPO proceeds attributable to those projects as a current liability within “Accrued liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The projects discussed in the previous paragraph, which had not reached COD by June 28, 2015, are projects that include the sale or lease of real estate. Accordingly, each of these projects will be evaluated under relevant guidance for real estate transactions after COD and the concomitant expiration of the Company’s non-standard guarantees (and associated risks of ownership) in respect of the project. The Company determined that the subordination of certain of its OpCo units until such time that the 8point3 Group achieves certain cash distribution targets in respect of the OpCo common and subordinated units (the “subordination period”) constituted a form of support to the operations of the SPWR Projects that also survived the sale of the projects. Accordingly, the Company will defer recognition of any profit on the sale of any such project until unconditional cash proceeds from the sale exceed the Company’s total costs incurred in connection with the project. The Company has reflected the $302 million of IPO cash proceeds attributable to these assets as an investing cash inflow in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The balance of the SPWR Projects was composed of a portfolio of residential leases (the “residential lease portfolio”) which included both sales-type and operating leases. The Company evaluated the sale of the residential lease portfolio, excluding the portion related to operating leases and unguaranteed residual values accounted for under lease guidance in the following paragraph, under relevant accounting guidance for consolidations and determined that this portion of the residential lease portfolio met the definition of a business and that deconsolidation criteria were met. The Company received cash proceeds of $39 million and equity proceeds of $68 million attributable to the sale of this portion of the residential lease portfolio and recorded a resulting $28 million gain upon deconsolidation, reflected in “Other, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The equity proceeds were valued using the income approach which utilized a discounted cash flow model based on forecasted cash flows, indexed to 8point3 Energy Partners' IPO price of $21 per Class A share. The Company has reflected the $39 million of IPO cash proceeds attributable to this portion of the residential lease portfolio as an investing cash inflow in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The Company evaluated the sale of the portion of the residential lease portfolio that was composed of operating leases and unguaranteed sales-type lease residual values under relevant guidance for leasing transactions and determined that the Company retained significant risks of ownership as defined in such guidance due, in part, to the subordination of certain of the Company’s OpCo units during the subordination period. Accordingly, the Company accounted for the sale of the operating leases and the unguaranteed sales-type lease residual values as a borrowing and reflected the $29 million of IPO cash proceeds attributable to this portion of the residential lease portfolio as a financing cash inflow in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and as liabilities recorded within “Accrued liabilities” and “Other long-term liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill As of both June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , the Company had goodwill with a carrying amount of $21.2 million , $20.8 million of which was allocated to the Residential Segment and $0.4 million of which was allocated to the Power Plant Segment. No goodwill impairment was recorded during the three and six months ended June 28, 2015 or June 29, 2014 . Other Intangible Assets The following tables present details of the Company's acquired other intangible assets: (In thousands) Gross Accumulated Amortization Net As of June 28, 2015 Patents and purchased technology $ 13,675 $ (1,584 ) $ 12,091 Purchased in-process research and development 3,700 — 3,700 Other 500 (125 ) 375 $ 17,875 $ (1,709 ) $ 16,166 As of December 28, 2014 Patents and purchased technology $ 13,675 $ (615 ) $ 13,060 Purchased in-process research and development 3,700 — 3,700 $ 17,375 $ (615 ) $ 16,760 Amortization expense for intangible assets totaled $0.6 million and $1.1 million for the three and six months ended June 28, 2015 , respectively. No amortization expense was incurred during the three and six months ended June 29, 2014 . As of June 28, 2015 , the estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets with finite useful lives is as follows: (In thousands) Amount Fiscal Year 2015 (remaining six months) $ 1,269 2016 2,114 2017 1,989 2018 1,989 2019 1,989 Thereafter 3,116 $ 12,466

Balance Sheet Components

Balance Sheet Components	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Balance Sheet Components	BALANCE SHEET COMPONENTS As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Accounts receivable, net: Accounts receivable, gross 1,2 $ 453,853 $ 523,613 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (18,432 ) (18,152 ) Less: allowance for sales returns (1,794 ) (1,145 ) $ 433,627 $ 504,316 1 Includes short-term financing receivables associated with solar power systems leased of $9.4 million and $9.1 million as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , respectively (see Note 6). 2 Includes short-term retainage of $243.8 million and $213.0 million as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , 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 contractual milestones are met. As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Inventories: Raw materials $ 85,512 $ 46,848 Work-in-process 116,364 67,903 Finished goods 108,556 93,822 $ 310,432 $ 208,573 As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Prepaid expenses and other current assets: Deferred project costs $ 55,213 $ 64,784 Bond hedge derivative — 51,951 VAT receivables, current portion 8,607 7,554 Deferred costs for solar power systems to be leased 29,852 22,537 Derivative financial instruments 1,907 7,018 Prepaid inventory 5,085 — Other receivables 74,370 79,927 Other prepaid expenses 64,053 47,448 Other current assets 15,265 47,626 $ 254,352 $ 328,845 As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Project assets - plants and land: Project assets — plants $ 410,581 $ 104,328 Project assets — land 12,060 12,328 $ 422,641 $ 116,656 Project assets — plants and land, current portion $ 379,900 $ 101,181 Project assets — plants and land, net of current portion $ 42,741 $ 15,475 As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Property, plant and equipment, net: Manufacturing equipment 3 $ 565,813 $ 554,124 Land and buildings 26,138 26,138 Leasehold improvements 241,764 236,867 Solar power systems 4 140,678 124,848 Computer equipment 94,486 88,257 Furniture and fixtures 9,892 9,436 Construction-in-process 137,359 75,570 1,216,130 1,115,240 Less: accumulated depreciation (572,218 ) (529,896 ) $ 643,912 $ 585,344 3 The Company's mortgage loan agreement with International Finance Corporation ("IFC") is collateralized by certain manufacturing equipment with a net book value of $100.1 million and $111.9 million as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , respectively. 4 Includes $110.4 million and $94.4 million of solar power systems associated with sale-leaseback transactions under the financing method as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , respectively, which are depreciated using the straight-line method to their estimated residual values over the lease terms of up to 20 years (see Note 6). As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Property, plant and equipment, net by geography 5 : Philippines $ 382,485 $ 335,643 United States 196,017 183,631 Mexico 39,511 40,251 Europe 23,258 24,748 Other 2,641 1,071 $ 643,912 $ 585,344 5 Property, plant and equipment, net by geography is based on the physical location of the assets. As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Other long-term assets: Equity method investments $ 283,225 $ 210,898 Cost method investments 36,378 32,308 Derivative financial instruments 848 — Other 71,509 57,023 $ 391,960 $ 300,229 As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Accrued liabilities: Bond hedge derivatives $ — $ 51,951 Employee compensation and employee benefits 41,923 47,667 Deferred revenue 22,835 33,412 Short-term residential lease financing — 1,489 Interest payable 5,038 10,575 Short-term warranty reserves 12,184 13,278 Restructuring reserve 4,278 13,477 VAT payables 7,797 6,073 Derivative financial instruments 4,443 1,345 Inventory payable 5,084 — Short-term residential lease financing with 8point3 Energy Partners 4,220 — Proceeds from 8point3 Energy Partners IPO attributable to pre-COD projects 301,746 — Other 141,408 151,767 $ 550,956 $ 331,034 As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Other long-term liabilities: Deferred revenue $ 180,176 $ 176,804 Long-term warranty reserves 144,347 141,370 Long-term sale-leaseback financing 127,925 111,904 Long-term residential lease financing — 27,122 Long-term residential lease financing with 8point3 Energy Partners 25,149 — Unrecognized tax benefits 20,128 31,764 Long-term pension liability 11,571 9,980 Derivative financial instruments 470 3,712 Other 25,672 52,688 $ 535,438 $ 555,344 As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Accumulated other comprehensive loss: Cumulative translation adjustment $ (10,473 ) $ (8,712 ) Net unrealized loss on derivatives (635 ) (1,443 ) Net loss on long-term pension liability adjustment (2,878 ) (2,878 ) Deferred taxes 35 (422 ) $ (13,951 ) $ (13,455 )

Leasing

Leasing	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Leasing	LEASING Residential Lease Program The Company offers a solar lease program, in partnership with third-party investors, which provides U.S. residential customers SunPower systems under 20 -year lease agreements that include system maintenance and warranty coverage. 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, net" under operating leases on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 : As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Solar power systems leased and to be leased, net 1,2 : Solar power systems leased $ 470,532 $ 396,704 Solar power systems to be leased 23,994 21,202 494,526 417,906 Less: accumulated depreciation (35,818 ) (26,993 ) $ 458,708 $ 390,913 1 S olar power systems leased and to be leased, net are physically located exclusively in the United States. 2 As of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , the Company had pledged solar assets with an aggregate book value of zero and $140.1 million , respectively, to third-party investors as security for the Company's contractual obligations. The following table presents the Company's minimum future rental receipts on operating leases placed in service as of June 28, 2015 : (In thousands) Fiscal 2015 (remaining six months) Fiscal 2016 Fiscal 2017 Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2019 Thereafter Total Minimum future rentals on operating leases placed in service 1 $ 9,252 17,068 17,112 17,162 17,213 248,240 $ 326,047 1 Minimum future rentals on operating leases placed in service does not include contingent rentals that may be received from customers under agreements that include performance-based incentives. Sales-Type Leases As of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , the Company's net investment in sales-type leases presented in "Accounts receivable, net" and "Long-term financing receivables, net" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets was as follows: As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Financing receivables: Minimum lease payments receivable 1 $ 283,936 $ 319,244 Unguaranteed residual value 42,248 34,343 Unearned income (55,719 ) (74,859 ) Net financing receivables $ 270,465 $ 278,728 Current $ 9,389 $ 9,141 Long-term $ 261,076 $ 269,587 1 Net of allowance for doubtful accounts. As of June 28, 2015 , future maturities of net financing receivables for sales-type leases are as follows: (In thousands) Fiscal 2015 (remaining six months) Fiscal 2016 Fiscal 2017 Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2019 Thereafter Total Scheduled maturities of minimum lease payments receivable 1 $ 7,240 13,803 13,924 14,052 14,184 220,733 $ 283,936 1 Minimum future rentals on sales-type leases placed in service does not include contingent rentals that may be received from customers under agreements that include performance-based incentives. Third-Party Financing Arrangements The Company has entered into multiple facilities under which solar power systems are financed by third-party investors. Under the terms of certain arrangements the investors make an upfront payment to the Company, which the Company recognizes as a non-recourse liability that will be reduced over the term of the arrangement 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. The Company uses this approach to account for both operating and sales-type leases with its residential lease customers in the consolidated financial statements. These arrangements were terminated during the six months ended June 28, 2015 . As of June 28, 2015 , and December 28, 2014 , the remaining liability to third-party investors under these arrangements presented in "Accrued liabilities" and "Other long-term liabilities" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, was zero and $28.6 million , respectively (see Note 5). The Company has entered into multiple financing facilities with third-party investors under which the investors invest in entities that hold SunPower solar power systems and leases with residential customers. The Company holds controlling interests in these less-than-wholly-owned entities and therefore fully consolidates these entities. 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 28, 2015 the Company received $46.0 million and $91.9 million , respectively, in contributions from investors under the related facilities and attributed losses of $30.1 million and $49.7 million , respectively, to the third-party investors corresponding principally to certain assets, including tax credits, that were allocated to the investors during the periods. 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 losses of $12.9 million and $34.9 million , respectively, to the third-party investors corresponding principally to certain assets, including tax credits, that were allocated to the investors during the periods. Sale-Leaseback Arrangements The Company enters into sale-leaseback arrangements under which solar power systems are sold to third parties and subsequently leased back by the Company over minimum lease terms of up to 20 years . Separately, the Company enters into PPAs with end customers, who host the leased solar power systems and buy the electricity directly from the Company under PPAs with terms of up to 25 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 28, 2015 , future minimum lease obligations associated with these systems was $92.5 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 amounts of energy produced by the solar power systems. The Company enters into certain sale-leaseback arrangements under which the systems subject to the sale-leaseback arrangements have been determined to be integral equipment as defined under the accounting guidance for such transactions. The Company has continuing involvement with the solar power systems throughout the lease due to purchase option rights in the arrangements. As a result of such continuing involvement, the Company accounts for each of these transactions 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 5). 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 remain on the Company's balance sheet and are classified within "Property, plant and equipment, net" (see Note 5). As of June 28, 2015 , future minimum lease obligations for the sale-leaseback arrangements accounted for under the financing method were $110.4 million , which will be recognized over the lease terms of up to 20 years.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	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 28, 2015 or December 28, 2014 . The following table summarizes the Company's assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 : June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Assets Cash and cash equivalents 1 : Money market funds $ 255,000 $ 255,000 $ — $ 375,000 $ 375,000 $ — Prepaid expenses and other current assets: Debt derivatives (Note 11) — — — 51,951 — 51,951 Derivative financial instruments (Note 12) 1,907 — 1,907 7,018 — 7,018 Other long-term assets: Derivative financial instruments (Note 12) 848 — 848 — — — Total assets $ 257,755 $ 255,000 $ 2,755 $ 433,969 $ 375,000 $ 58,969 Liabilities Accrued liabilities: Debt derivatives (Note 11) $ — $ — $ — $ 51,951 $ — $ 51,951 Derivative financial instruments (Note 12) 4,443 — 4,443 1,345 — 1,345 Other long-term liabilities: Derivative financial instruments (Note 12) 470 — 470 3,712 — 3,712 Total liabilities $ 4,913 $ — $ 4,913 $ 57,008 $ — $ 57,008 1 The Company's cash equivalents consist of money market fund instruments and commercial paper that are classified as available-for-sale and highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 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. 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 described in Note 11) and the embedded cash conversion option within the 4.50% debentures due 2015 (as described in Note 11), which both matured in the first quarter of 2015, were classified as derivative instruments that required 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 as of December 28, 2014 were determined utilizing the following Level 1 and Level 2 inputs: As of 1 December 28, 2014 Stock price $ 26.32 Exercise price $ 22.53 Interest rate 0.19 % Stock volatility 61.7 % Credit risk adjustment 0.65 % Maturity date February 18, 2015 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, are Philippine government bonds that the Company maintains as collateral for business transactions within the Philippines. 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 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , these bonds had a carrying value of $6.9 million and $7.2 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 affect 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 that are accounted for under both the 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 the results of operations of the issuer. As of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , the Company had $283.2 million and $210.9 million , respectively, in investments accounted for under the equity method (see Note 10). As of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , the Company had $36.4 million and $32.3 million , respectively, in investments accounted for under the cost method. Related-Party Transactions with Investees: As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Accounts receivable $ 9,399 $ 22,425 Other long-term assets $ 1,530 $ 1,623 Accounts payable $ 42,301 $ 50,039 Accrued liabilities $ 305,965 $ — Customer advances $ 1,673 $ 4,210 Other long-term liabilities $ 25,149 $ — Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (In thousands) June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Payments made to investees for products/services $ 108,853 $ 117,096 $ 228,030 $ 222,106 Revenue from sales to investees of products/services $ 21,199 $ — $ 26,802 $ — Cost Method Investment in Tendril Networks, Inc. (“Tendril”) In November 2014, the Company purchased $20.0 million of preferred stock for a minority stake in Tendril, accounted for under the cost method because the preferred stock was deemed not to be in-substance common stock. In connection with the investment, the Company acquired warrants to purchase up to approximately 14.3 million shares of Tendril common stock through November 23, 2024. The number of shares of Tendril common stock that may be purchased pursuant to the warrants is subject to the Company's and Tendril's achievement of certain financial and operational milestones and other conditions. In connection with the initial investment in Tendril, the Company also entered into commercial agreements with Tendril under a Master Services Agreement and related Statements of Work. Under these commercial agreements, Tendril will use up to $13.0 million of the Company's initial investment to develop, jointly with the Company, certain solar software solution products.

Restructuring

Restructuring	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring	RESTRUCTURING November 2014 Restructuring Plan On November 14, 2014 , the Company announced a reorganization plan intended to realign resources consistent with the Company's global strategy and improve its overall operating efficiency and cost structure. In connection with this plan, which is expected to be completed by the end of fiscal 2015, SunPower expects approximately 95 to 115 employees to be affected, primarily in Europe, representing approximately 1% to 2% of the Company's global workforce. The Company expects to incur restructuring charges totaling approximately $17 million to $25 million , principally composed of severance benefits, lease and related termination costs, and other associated costs. The Company expects more than 90% of total charges to be cash charges. The actual timing and costs of the plan may differ from the Company’s current expectations and estimates due to a number of factors, including uncertainties related to required consultations with employee representatives as well as other local labor law requirements and mandatory processes in the relevant jurisdictions. Legacy Restructuring Plans During fiscal 2012 and 2011 , the Company implemented approved restructuring plans, related to all segments, to align with changes in the global solar market which included the consolidation of the Company's Philippine manufacturing operations as well as actions to accelerate operating cost reduction and improve overall operating efficiency. These restructuring activities were substantially complete as of June 28, 2015 , however, 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 charges recognized in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations: Six Months Ended Cumulative To Date (In thousands) June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 November 2014 Plan: Non-cash impairment charges $ 5 $ — $ 724 Severance and benefits 3,310 — 15,490 Other costs 1 2,338 — 2,551 5,653 — 18,765 Legacy Restructuring Plans: Non-cash impairment charges — — 60,596 Severance and benefits (132 ) (1,265 ) 46,577 Lease and related termination costs — 339 5,774 Other costs 1 (191 ) (252 ) 10,668 (323 ) (1,178 ) 123,615 Total restructuring charges $ 5,330 $ (1,178 ) $ 142,380 The following table summarizes the restructuring reserve activity during the six months ended June 28, 2015 : Six Months Ended (In thousands) December 28, 2014 Charges (Benefits) Payments June 28, 2015 November 2014 Plan: Severance and benefits $ 12,075 $ 3,310 $ (13,260 ) $ 2,125 Other costs 1 145 2,338 (368 ) 2,115 12,220 5,648 (13,628 ) 4,240 Legacy Restructuring Plans: Severance and benefits 421 (132 ) (281 ) 8 Lease and related termination costs 390 — (390 ) — Other costs 1 446 (191 ) (225 ) 30 1,257 (323 ) (896 ) 38 Total restructuring liability $ 13,477 $ 5,325 $ (14,524 ) $ 4,278 1 Other costs primarily represent associated legal services and costs of relocating employees.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	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 28, 2015 , future minimum lease payments for facilities under operating leases were $50.8 million , to be paid over the remaining contractual terms of up to 10 years . The Company also leases certain buildings, machinery and equipment under non-cancellable capital leases. As of June 28, 2015 , future minimum lease payments for assets under capital leases were $6.4 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 before firm orders are placed. Consequently, not all 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 28, 2015 are as follows: (In thousands) Fiscal 2015 (remaining six months) Fiscal 2016 Fiscal 2017 Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2019 Thereafter Total 1,2,3 Future purchase obligations $ 713,339 323,543 349,587 184,199 177,714 166,867 $ 1,915,249 1 Total future purchase obligations as of June 28, 2015 include $130.1 million to related parties. 2 Total future purchase obligations was composed of $238.7 million related to non-cancellable purchase orders and $1.7 billion related to long-term supply agreements. 3 The Company did not fulfill all of the purchase commitments it was otherwise obligated to take by December 31, 2014, as specified in several related contracts with a supplier. A s of June 28, 2015 , the Company has recorded an offsetting asset, recorded within "Prepaid expenses and other current assets," and liability, recorded within "Accrued liabilities," totaling $5.1 million . This amount represents the unfulfilled amount as of that date as the Company expects to satisfy the obligation via purchases of inventory in fiscal 2015, within the applicable contractual cure period. 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, some of which are structured as "take or pay" contracts, 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. The Company did not make any additional advance payments under its long-term supply agreements during the first half of fiscal 2015. 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 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , advances to suppliers totaled $384.6 million and $409.7 million , respectively, of which $96.3 million and $98.1 million , respectively, is classified as short-term in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Two suppliers accounted for 84% and 16% of total advances to suppliers as of June 28, 2015 , and 82% and 17% as of December 28, 2014 . 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 28, 2015 is as follows: (In thousands) Fiscal 2015 (remaining six months) Fiscal 2016 Fiscal 2017 Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2019 Thereafter Total Estimated utilization of advances from customers $ 11,357 30,662 27,039 27,039 28,842 43,263 $ 168,202 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 that are sold to the Company on a "cost-plus" basis. As of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , outstanding advance payments received from AUOSP totaled $158.1 million and $167.2 million , respectively, of which $20.5 million and $18.3 million , respectively, was classified as short-term in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, based on projected product shipment dates. Product Warranties The following table summarizes accrued warranty activity for the three months ended June 28, 2015 and June 29, 2014 , respectively: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (In thousands) June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Balance at the beginning of the period $ 154,098 $ 151,415 $ 154,648 $ 149,372 Accruals for warranties issued during the period 4,181 4,311 12,342 9,501 Settlements and adjustments during the period (1,748 ) (4,933 ) (10,459 ) (8,080 ) Balance at the end of the period $ 156,531 $ 150,793 $ 156,531 $ 150,793 Contingent Obligations Project agreements entered into with the Company's Commercial and Power Plant customers often require the Company to undertake obligations including: (i) system output performance warranties; (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 specified periods. Historically, the Company's systems have performed significantly above the performance warranty thresholds, and there have been no cases in which the Company has 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 other unconsolidated investees, subject to certain conditions (see Note 10). As of June 28, 2015 , the Company has future financing obligations through fiscal 2015 totaling $179.8 million . Liabilities Associated with Uncertain Tax Positions Total liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions were $24.1 million and $31.8 million as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , respectively. As of June 28, 2015 , approximately $4.0 million of transfer-pricing uncertain tax positions are included in "Accrued liabilities" in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as they are reasonably possible to be paid within the next 12 months as a result of settlement, and $20.1 million of uncertain tax positions 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 12 months. As of December 28, 2014 , total liabilities of $31.8 million associated with uncertain tax positions were included in "Other long-term liabilities" as they were not expected to be paid within the next 12 months. The reduction in liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions from December 28, 2014 , was primarily due to tax settlements in certain foreign jurisdictions in the quarter ended June 28, 2015 . 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 counterparty 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 the 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, sale-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. Defined Benefit Pension Plans The Company maintains defined benefit pension plans for the majority of its non-U.S. employees. Benefits under these plans are generally based on an employee’s years of service and compensation. Funding requirements are determined on an individual country and plan basis and are subject to local country practices and market circumstances. The funded status of the pension plans, which represents the difference between the benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets, is calculated on a plan-by-plan basis. The benefit obligation and related funded status are determined using assumptions as of the end of each fiscal year. The Company recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of its pension plans as an asset or liability on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , the underfunded status of the Company’s pension plans, presented in "Other long-term liabilities" on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $11.6 million and $10.0 million , respectively. The impact of transition assets and obligations and actuarial gains and losses are recorded in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss", and are generally amortized as a component of net periodic cost over the average remaining service period of participating employees. Legal Matters Tax Benefit Indemnification Litigation On March 19, 2014, a lawsuit was 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 $75.0 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 is vigorously contesting the claim. Additionally, SunPower Systems filed a cross-complaint against NRG seeking damages in excess of $7.5 million for breach of contract and related claims arising from NRG’s failure to fulfill its obligations under the contract, including its obligation to take “reasonable, available steps” to engage Treasury. The Company is currently unable to determine if the resolution of this matter will have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. First Philec Arbitration On January 28, 2015, an arbitral tribunal of the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce issued a first partial award in the matter of an arbitration between First Philippine Electric Corporation ("FPEC") and First Philippine Solar Corporation ("FPSC") against SunPower Philippines Manufacturing, Ltd. ("SPML"), our wholly-owned subsidiary. FPSC is a joint venture of FPEC and SPML for the purpose of slicing silicon wafers from ingots. SPML has not purchased any wafers from FPSC since the third quarter of 2012. The tribunal found SPML in breach of its obligations under its supply agreement with FPSC, and in breach of its joint venture agreement with FPEC. In its first partial award, the tribunal ordered that (i) SPML must purchase FPEC’s interests in FPSC for an aggregate of $30.3 million and (ii) after completing the purchase of FPEC’s controlling interest in FPSC, SPML must pay FPSC damages in the amount of $25.2 million . The arbitral tribunal issued its second partial award dated July 14, 2015, which ordered that (i) the price payable by SPML to FPEC for its interests in FPSC be reduced from $30.3 million to $23.2 million , (ii) FPEC’s request for interest is refused, and (iii) the payment and transfer of shares between FPEC and SPML is to take place in accordance with the procedure agreed between the parties. The tribunal reserved for its final award the determination of the costs of the proceeding. SPML has filed a challenge to the first partial award with the High Court in Hong Kong and also given notice of its intention to challenge the second partial award. SPML has also filed applications to the Court in the Philippines to: (i) prevent FPSC or FPEC from enforcing the awards pending the outcome of the challenge in Hong Kong; and (ii) seeking access to FPSC's books and records. As of June 28, 2015 , the Company recorded an accrual of $55.9 million related to this matter based on the Company's best estimate of probable loss. AUO Arbitration On April 17, 2015, SunPower Technology Ltd. ("SPTL"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, commenced an arbitration before the ICC International Court of Arbitration against AUO and AU Optronics Corporation, the ultimate parent company of AUO ("AUO Corp.," and together with AUO, the “AUO Group”), for breaches of the AUOSP Joint Venture Agreement and associated agreements executed in 2010 (the "JVA") as well as breaches of the License and Patent Technology Agreement executed in 2011 (the "LTA"). SPTL’s claim alleges that, among other things, the AUO Group has sold solar modules containing cells manufactured at AUOSP in violation of provisions in the JVA and the LTA that set geographical restrictions on sales activities as well as provisions that restrict each party’s use of the other’s confidential information. On June 23, 2015, the AUO Group filed and served its formal Memorial of Claim and Counterclaims against SPTL and the Company (collectively, the "SunPower Group"). In its counterclaim, the AUO Group seeks $28.6 million in lost profits and $35.6 million in disgorgement from the SunPower Group, alleging improper use of the AUO Group’s proprietary manufacturing expertise. The merits hearings are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2016. The Company is currently unable to determine whether the resolution of this matter will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 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. 28, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments	EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS As of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , the Company's carrying value of its equity method investments totaled $283.2 million and $210.9 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 Statements of Operations. Equity Investment and Joint Venture with AUOSP In fiscal 2010, the Company, AUO and AUO Corp. 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. The Company and AUO agreed to each contribute additional amounts through fiscal 2015 amounting to $169.0 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 28, 2015 , the Company's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its equity investment in AUOSP is limited to the carrying value of the investment. As of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , the Company's investment in AUOSP had a carrying value of $196.7 million and $191.7 million , respectively. 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 C7 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. Equity Investment in 8point3 Energy Partners In June 2015, 8point3 Energy Partners, a joint YieldCo vehicle formed by the Sponsors to own, operate and acquire solar energy generation assets, consummated its IPO and its Class A shares are now listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the trading symbol “CAFD.” Refer to the sections titled "Note 3. 8point3 Energy Partners LP" in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further information regarding the Company’s transactions with the 8point3 Group. The Company has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of the 8point3 Group or any of its individual subsidiaries since, although the Sponsors 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 the 8point3 Group that most significantly impact its economic performance. In making this determination the Company considered, among other factors, the equal division between the Sponsors of management rights in the 8point3 Group and the corresponding equal influence over its significant decisions, the role and influence of the independent directors on the board of directors of the general partner of 8point3 Energy Partners, and how both Sponsors contribute to the activities that most significantly impact the 8point3 Group's economic performance. The Company accounts for its investment in the 8point3 Group using the equity method because the Company determined that, notwithstanding the division of management and ownership interests between the Sponsors, the Company exercises significant influence over the operations of the 8point3 Group. Future quarterly distributions from OpCo are subject to certain forbearance and subordination periods. During the forbearance period, the Sponsors have agreed to forego any distributions declared on their common and subordinated units. The forbearance period will end when, on or after March 1, 2016, the board of directors of the general partner of 8point3 Energy Partners, with the concurrence of its conflicts committee, determines that OpCo will be able to earn and pay at least the minimum quarterly distribution on each of its outstanding common and subordinated units for such quarter and the successive quarter. During the subordination period, holders of the subordinated units are not entitled to receive any distributions until the common units have received their minimum quarterly distribution plus any arrearages in the payment of minimum distributions from prior quarters. Approximately 70% of the Company’s OpCo units are subject to subordination. The subordination period will end after OpCo has earned and paid minimum quarterly distributions for three years ending on or after August 31, 2018 and there are no outstanding arrearages on common units. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the subordination period could end after OpCo has earned and paid 150% of minimum quarterly distributions, plus the related distribution on the incentive distribution rights, for one year ending on or after August 31, 2016 and there are no outstanding arrearages on common units. At the end of the subordination period, all subordinated units will convert to common units on a one-for-one basis. The Company also, through its interests in Holdings, holds IDRs in OpCo, which represent rights to incremental distributions after certain distribution thresholds are met. In June 2015, OpCo entered into a $525.0 million senior secured credit facility, consisting of a $300.0 million term loan facility, a $25.0 million delayed draw term loan facility, and a $200.0 million revolving credit facility (the “8point3 Credit Facility”). Proceeds from the term loan were used to make initial distributions to the Sponsors. The 8point3 Credit Facility is secured by a pledge of the Sponsors’ equity interests in OpCo. As of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , the Company's investment in the 8point3 Group had a carrying value of $68.2 million and zero , respectively.

Debt and Credit Sources

Debt and Credit Sources	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt and Credit Sources	DEBT AND CREDIT SOURCES The following table summarizes the Company's outstanding debt on its Consolidated Balance Sheets: June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 (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 $ — $ 396,083 $ 396,083 $ 400,000 $ — $ 395,475 $ 395,475 0.75% debentures due 2018 300,000 — 297,776 297,776 300,000 — 297,401 297,401 4.50% debentures due 2015 — — — 249,645 245,325 — 245,325 0.75% debentures due 2027 79 79 — 79 79 — 79 79 IFC mortgage loan 32,500 7,500 24,097 31,597 47,500 14,983 31,492 46,475 CEDA loan 30,000 — 27,537 27,537 30,000 — 27,379 27,379 Quinto Credit Facility — — — — 61,481 — 61,481 61,481 Other debt 1 173,055 3,371 168,627 171,998 91,398 1,963 88,605 90,568 $ 935,634 $ 10,950 $ 914,120 $ 925,070 $ 1,180,103 $ 262,271 $ 901,912 $ 1,164,183 1 Other debt excludes payments related to capital leases, which are disclosed in Note 9. As of June 28, 2015 , the aggregate future contractual maturities of the Company's outstanding debt, at face value, was as follows: (In thousands) Fiscal 2015 (remaining six months) Fiscal 2016 Fiscal 2017 Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2019 Thereafter Total Aggregate future maturities of outstanding debt $ 1,123 18,591 19,487 308,208 5,256 582,969 $ 935,634 Convertible Debt The following table summarizes the Company's outstanding convertible debt: March 29, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Carrying Value Face Value Fair Value 1 Carrying Value Face Value Fair Value 1 Convertible debt: 0.875% debentures due 2021 $ 396,083 $ 400,000 $ 406,772 $ 395,475 $ 400,000 $ 358,000 0.75% debentures due 2018 297,776 300,000 413,955 297,401 300,000 366,750 4.50% debentures due 2015 — — — 245,325 249,645 294,581 0.75% debentures due 2027 79 79 76 79 79 80 $ 693,938 $ 700,079 $ 820,803 $ 938,280 $ 949,724 $ 1,019,411 1 The fair value of the convertible debt was determined using Level 2 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 2010, the Company issued $250.0 million in principal amount of its 4.50% senior cash convertible debentures ("4.50% debentures due 2015"). Interest was payable semi-annually, beginning on September 15, 2010. The 4.50% debentures due 2015 were convertible only into cash, and not into shares of the Company's common stock (or any other securities) at a conversion price of $22.53 per share. The 4.50% debentures due 2015 matured on March 15, 2015. During March 2015, the Company paid holders an aggregate of $324.3 million in cash in connection with the settlement of the outstanding 4.50% debentures due 2015. No 4.50% debentures due 2015 remained outstanding after the maturity date. The embedded cash conversion option was a derivative instrument (derivative liability) that was 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 were reported in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations until the 4.50% debentures due 2015 matured in March 2015. During the three and six months ended June 28, 2015 , the Company recognized a non-cash loss of zero and $52.0 million , recorded in "Other, net" in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations to recognize the change in fair value prior to expiration of the embedded conversion option. During the three and six months ended June 29, 2014 , the Company recognized a non-cash loss of $82.1 million and $101.1 million , respectively, recorded in "Other, net" in the Company's Consolidated Statements 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 represented 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. The transactions effectively reduced 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 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. Each 4.50% Bond Hedge was a separate transaction, entered into by the Company with each counterparty, and was not part of the terms of the 4.50% debentures due 2015. The 4.50% Bond Hedge, which was indexed to the Company's common stock, was a derivative instrument that required mark-to-market accounting treatment due to the cash settlement features until the 4.50% Bond Hedge settled in March 2015. During March 2015, the Company exercised its rights under the 4.50% Bond Hedge, resulting in a payment to the Company of $74.6 million . During the three and six months ended June 28, 2015 , the Company recognized a non-cash gain of zero and $52.0 million , respectively, recorded in "Other, net" in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations to recognize the change in fair value before settlement of the 4.50% Bond Hedge. 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, recorded in "Other, net" in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations related to the change in fair value of the 4.50% Bond Hedge. In connection with the 4.50% Warrants, the Company entered into warrant confirmations (collectively, and as amended from time to time, the “2015 Warrant Confirms”) with Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, Bank of America, N.A., Barclays Bank PLC and Credit Suisse International providing for the acquisition, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, of up to approximately 11.1 million shares of the Company's common stock via net share settlement. Each 4.50% Warrant transaction was a separate transaction, entered into by the Company with each counterparty, and was not part of the terms of the 4.50% debentures due 2015. During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company entered into separate partial unwind agreements with each of Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch; Bank of America, N.A.; Barclays Bank PLC; and Credit Suisse International in order to reduce the number of warrants issued pursuant to the 2015 Warrant Confirms. Pursuant to the terms of these partial unwind agreements, the Company issued an aggregate of approximately 3.0 million shares of common stock to settle all of the warrants under the 2015 Warrant Confirms. Accordingly, as of June 28, 2015, no 4.50% Warrants remained outstanding. 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 common stock to holders that exercised conversion rights before maturity and paid holders an aggregate of $41.7 million in cash in connection with the settlement of the remaining 4.75% debentures. Accordingly, after 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 components of 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 borrowed $75.0 million and is required to repay the amount borrowed starting two 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 5). As of both June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , the Company had restricted cash and cash equivalents of $9.2 million related to the IFC debt service reserve, which is 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 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. Revolving Credit Facility with Credit Agricole In July 2013, the Company entered into a revolving credit facility (the "revolving credit facility") with Credit Agricole, as administrative agent, and certain financial institutions, under which the Company may borrow up to $250.0 million . On August 26, 2014, the Company entered into an amendment to the revolving credit facility that, among other things, extends the maturity date of the facility from July 3, 2016 to August 26, 2019 (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 revolving credit facility to an aggregate of $300.0 million , subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The revolving credit facility includes representations, covenants, and events of default customary for financing transactions of this type. The 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. 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 both June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility. 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 project 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. On October 17, 2014, the Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary (the "Quinto Project Company"), entered into an approximately $377.0 million credit facility with Santander Bank, N.A., Mizuho Bank, Ltd. and Credit Agricole (the "Quinto Credit Facility") in connection with the planned construction of the approximately 135 MW Quinto Solar Energy Project, located in Merced County, California (the "Quinto Project"). On June 24, 2015, in connection with the closing of 8point3 Energy Partners' IPO and the concurrent transfer of the Quinto Project to an affiliate of 8point3 Energy Partners, the Quinto Project Company repaid the full amount outstanding under the Quinto Credit Facility and terminated the agreement early. Immediately before termination, there were outstanding borrowings of $224.3 million under the Quinto Credit Facility. The Quinto Project Company did not incur any material penalties for early repayment of the Quinto Credit Facility. Other Debt During fiscal 2015, the Company entered into a long-term non-recourse credit facility to finance a 52 MW utility and power plant in Colorado. The outstanding borrowings under this facility amounted to $27.6 million as of June 28, 2015 . During fiscal 2014 and 2015, the Company entered into three long-term non-recourse loans to finance solar power systems and leases under its residential lease program. In fiscal 2015 , the Company drew down $54.8 million of proceeds, net of issuance costs, under the loan agreements. The loans have 17-year terms and as of June 28, 2015 , the short-term and long-term balances of the loans were $2.8 million and $132.2 million , respectively. During fiscal 2013, the Company entered into a long-term non-recourse loan agreement to finance a 5.4 MW utility and power plant operating in Arizona. The outstanding balance of the loan as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 was $8.5 million and $8.6 million , respectively. Other debt is further composed 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 $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 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , letters of credit issued and outstanding under the August 2011 letter of credit facility with Deutsche Bank totaled $594.6 million and $654.7 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 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , letters of credit issued and outstanding under the Deutsche Bank Trust facility amounted to $14.5 million and $1.6 million , respectively, which were fully collateralized with restricted cash on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Foreign Currency Derivatives [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The following tables present information about the Company's hedge instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , all of which utilize Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy: (In thousands) Balance Sheet Classification June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Assets Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency option contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ — $ 2,240 Foreign currency forward exchange contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets 103 4 $ 103 $ 2,244 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency forward exchange contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,804 4,774 Interest rate contracts Other long-term assets $ 848 $ — $ 2,652 $ 4,774 Liabilities Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency forward exchange contracts Accrued liabilities 925 — Interest rate contracts Other long-term liabilities 470 3,712 $ 1,395 $ 3,712 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency forward exchange contracts Accrued liabilities 3,518 1,345 Interest rate contracts Other long-term liabilities — — $ 3,518 $ 1,345 June 28, 2015 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 $ 2,755 $ — $ 2,755 $ 2,377 $ — $ 378 Derivative liabilities $ 4,913 $ — $ 4,913 $ 2,377 $ — $ 2,536 December 28, 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 $ 7,018 $ — $ 7,018 $ 1,345 $ — $ 5,673 Derivative liabilities $ 5,057 $ — $ 5,057 $ 1,345 $ — $ 3,712 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 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges: Loss in OCI at the beginning of the period $ (5,631 ) $ (420 ) $ (1,443 ) $ (805 ) Unrealized gain (loss) recognized in OCI 7,343 (135 ) 4,635 (138 ) Less: Loss (gain) reclassified from OCI to earnings (2,347 ) 107 (3,827 ) 495 Net gain (loss) on derivatives $ 4,996 $ (28 ) $ 808 $ 357 Loss in OCI at the end of the period $ (635 ) $ (448 ) $ (635 ) $ (448 ) 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 28, 2015 , and June 29, 2014 : Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (In thousands) June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges: Gain (loss) recognized in "Other, net" on derivatives (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing) $ (1,968 ) $ 331 $ (5,223 ) $ 811 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Gain (loss) recognized in "Other, net" $ (8,417 ) $ (1,224 ) $ (902 ) $ 206 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 and interest rate fluctuations. 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 28, 2015 , the Company had designated outstanding cash flow hedge option contracts and forward contracts with an aggregate notional value of zero and $40.4 million , respectively. As of December 28, 2014 , the Company had designated outstanding cash flow hedge option contracts and forward contracts with an aggregate notional value of $26.6 million and $12.2 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 is 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 28, 2015 , the Company held option contracts and forward contracts with an aggregate notional value of zero and $55.8 million , respectively, to hedge balance sheet exposure. The maturity dates of these contracts range from June 2015 to September 2015. The Company held option contracts and forward contracts with an aggregate notional value of zero and $122.5 million , respectively, as of December 28, 2014 , to hedge balance sheet exposure. Interest Rate Risk The Company also enters into interest rate swap agreements to reduce the impact of changes in interest rates on its project specific non-recourse floating rate debt. As of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , the Company had interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges with an aggregate notional value of $8.5 million and $247.0 million , respectively. These swap agreements allow the Company to effectively convert floating rate payments into fixed rate payments periodically over the life of the agreements. These derivatives have a maturity of more than 12 months. The effective portion of these cash flow hedges is reclassified into interest expense when the hedged transactions are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company analyzes its interest rate swaps quarterly to determine if the hedge transaction remains effective or ineffective. The Company may discontinue hedge accounting for interest rate swaps prospectively if certain criteria are no longer met, the interest rate swap is terminated or exercised, or if the Company elects to remove the cash flow hedge designation. If hedge accounting is discontinued, and the forecasted hedged transaction is considered possible to occur, the previously recognized gain or loss on the interest rate swaps will remain in accumulated other comprehensive loss and will be reclassified into earnings during the same period the forecasted hedged transaction affects earnings or is otherwise deemed improbable to occur. 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 to these 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 Company continuously evaluates the credit standing of its counterparties.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES In the three and six months ended June 28, 2015 , the Company's income tax benefit of $0.7 million and income tax provision of $1.7 million , respectively, on a loss before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees of $26.0 million and $54.9 million , respectively, was primarily due to projected tax expense, partially offset by discrete benefits pertaining to tax settlements in certain foreign jurisdictions in the three months ended June 28, 2015. 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 in 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 mix of forecasted earnings.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Per Share	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 the outstanding 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 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Basic net income (loss) per share: Numerator Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders $ 6,509 $ 14,102 $ (3,072 ) $ 79,146 Denominator Basic weighted-average common shares 134,376 129,747 133,205 125,972 Basic net income (loss) per share $ 0.05 $ 0.11 $ (0.02 ) $ 0.63 Diluted net income (loss) per share: Numerator Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders 6,509 14,102 (3,072 ) 79,146 Add: Interest expense incurred on the 0.75% debentures due 2018, net of tax 512 551 — 1,001 Add: Interest expense incurred on the 0.875% debentures due 2021, net of tax — — — 181 Net income (loss) available to common stockholders 7,021 14,653 (3,072 ) 80,328 Denominator Basic weighted-average common shares 134,376 129,747 133,205 125,972 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options 36 93 — 101 Restricted stock units 1,483 4,095 — 5,149 Upfront Warrants (held by Total) 7,201 7,278 — 7,253 Warrants (under the CSO2015) 1,873 3,094 — 3,004 Warrants (under the CSO2014) — — — 524 0.75% debentures due 2018 12,026 12,026 — 12,026 0.875% debentures due 2021 — — — 857 Dilutive weighted-average common shares 156,995 156,333 133,205 154,886 Diluted net income (loss) per share $ 0.04 $ 0.09 $ (0.02 ) $ 0.52 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 . The warrants under the CSO2015 and CSO2014, when such warrants were still outstanding, entitled holders to 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. In February 2014, the CSO2014 was settled, leaving none of the related Warrants outstanding (see Note 11); and during the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company entered into unwind agreements pursuant to which the Company issued common stock to settle all of the outstanding warrants relating to the CSO2015 (see Note 11). Holders of the Company's 0.875% debentures due 2021 and 0.75% debentures due 2018 may, and holders of the 4.75% debentures due 2014 before their maturity could, convert the debentures into shares of the Company's common stock, at the applicable conversion rate, at any time on or before maturity. These debentures are included in the calculation of diluted net income per share if they were outstanding during the period presented and if their inclusion is dilutive under the if-converted method. In April 2014, the 4.75% debentures due 2014 matured and were fully settled in both cash and shares of the Company's common stock (see Note 11). Holders of the Company's 4.50% debentures due 2015 could, under certain circumstances at their option and before maturity, 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. In March 2015, the 4.50% debentures due 2015 matured and were settled in cash (see Note 11). The following is a summary of outstanding anti-dilutive potential common stock that was excluded from income (loss) per diluted share in the following periods: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (In thousands) June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 1 June 29, 2014 Stock options 149 139 185 149 Restricted stock units 293 293 1,776 379 Upfront Warrants (held by Total) — — 7,055 — Warrants (under the CSO2015) — — 1,827 — 0.75% debentures due 2018 — — 12.026 — 0.875% debentures due 2021 8,203 1,713 8,203 — 4.75% debentures due 2014 n/a 1,330 n/a 5,021 1 As a result of the net loss per share for the six months ended June 28, 2015, 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.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	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 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Cost of Residential revenue $ 1,212 $ 890 $ 2,134 $ 1,884 Cost of Commercial revenue 531 491 919 1,031 Cost of Power Plant revenue 1,517 1,969 2,773 3,991 Research and development 2,380 1,912 4,653 3,709 Sales, general and administrative 8,400 8,086 17,107 17,600 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 14,040 $ 13,348 $ 27,586 $ 28,215 The following table summarizes the consolidated stock-based compensation expense by type of awards: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (In thousands) June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Restricted stock units 14,885 13,472 29,389 28,348 Change in stock-based compensation capitalized in inventory (845 ) (124 ) (1,803 ) (133 ) Total stock-based compensation expense $ 14,040 $ 13,348 $ 27,586 $ 28,215

Segment Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, in connection with a realignment of its internal organizational structure, the Company changed its segment reporting from its Americas, EMEA and APAC Segments to three end-customer segments: (i) Residential Segment, (ii) Commercial Segment and (iii) Power Plant Segment (see Note 1). The Residential and Commercial Segments combined are referred to as Distributed Generation. Reclassifications of prior period segment information have been made to conform to the current period presentation. This change does not affect the Company's previously reported Consolidated Financial Statements. The following tables present information by end-customer segment including revenue, gross margin, and depreciation and amortization, as well as revenue by geography, based on the destination of the shipments: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (In thousands) June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Revenue Distributed Generation Residential 152,205 156,134 307,529 320,852 Commercial 62,984 85,087 112,047 161,591 Power Plant 165,831 266,650 402,315 717,850 Total revenue 381,020 507,871 821,891 1,200,293 Cost of revenue Distributed Generation Residential 116,979 125,002 239,751 257,689 Commercial 58,842 74,789 105,722 139,252 Power Plant 134,318 213,935 314,719 546,218 Total cost of revenue 310,139 413,726 660,192 943,159 Gross margin Distributed Generation Residential 35,226 31,132 67,778 63,163 Commercial 4,142 10,298 6,325 22,339 Power Plant 31,513 52,715 87,596 171,632 Total gross margin $ 70,881 $ 94,145 $ 161,699 $ 257,134 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Depreciation and amortization by segment (in thousands): June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Distributed Generation Residential $ 10,504 $ 7,128 $ 20,676 $ 13,163 Commercial $ 6,287 $ 3,989 $ 9,694 $ 6,792 Power Plant $ 14,651 $ 12,909 $ 29,635 $ 29,442 The following tables present information by significant customers and categories: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (As a percentage of total revenue) June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Significant Customers: Business Segment MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company Power Plant 15 % 31 % 25 % 37 % Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (As a percentage of total revenue) June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Revenue by geography: United States 62 % 59 % 66 % 64 % Japan 15 % 19 % 15 % 15 % Rest of World 23 % 22 % 19 % 21 % 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 %

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Acquisition of Solar Power Plant Development Assets On July 27, 2015, the Company acquired 1.5 GWs of U.S. solar power plant development assets from Australia-based Infigen Energy. With the acquisition, the Company assumed ownership of projects in varying stages of development across 11 states. Included in the development portfolio are three projects totaling 55 MWac with power purchase agreements with Southern California Edison. All three are located in Kern County, California. The Company expects to start construction on these projects later this year with commercial operation anticipated in 2016. The Company expects to offer some of the acquired projects for sale to 8point3 Energy Partners.

The Company and Summary of Si26

The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	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 establishes in connection with certain project financing arrangements for customers are not designed to be available to service the general liabilities and obligations of the Company.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain prior period balances, including prior period segment information, 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	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. The current fiscal year, fiscal 2015, is a 53-week fiscal year and includes a 14-week fourth fiscal quarter, while fiscal year 2014 was a 52-week fiscal year. The second quarter of fiscal 2015 ended on June 28, 2015 , while the second quarter of fiscal 2014 ended on June 29, 2014 . The second quarters of fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 were both 13-week quarters.
Management Estimates	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, goodwill, valuations for business combinations, other intangible assets and other long-term assets; the fair value and residual value of leased solar power systems; fair value of financial instruments; valuation of contingencies and 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	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an update to the standards to simplify the measurement of inventory. The updated standard more closely aligns the measurement of inventory with that of International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and amends the measurement standard from lower of cost or market to lower of cost or net realizable value. The new guidance is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2017 and requires a prospective approach to adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In April 2015, the FASB issued an update to the standards to provide a practical expedient for the measurement date of defined benefit obligation and plan assets for reporting entities with fiscal year-ends that do not coincide with a month-end. The updated standard allows such entities to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations using the month-end that is closest to the entity's fiscal year-end and apply that practical expedient consistently from year to year and to all plans, if an entity has more than one plan. The new practical expedient guidance is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and requires a prospective approach to adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In April 2015, the FASB issued an update to the standards for the presentation of debt issuance costs to reduce complexity in accounting standards and to align with IFRS. The updated standard requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability. U.S. generally accepted accounting principles previously required debt issuance costs to be reflected as an asset on the Company's balance sheet. The new debt issuance cost guidance is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and requires a retrospective approach to adoption. The Company elected early adoption of the updated accounting standard, effective in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, resulting in a one-time reclassification of $11.6M of debt issuance costs from "Other long-term assets" to "Long-term debt" and "Convertible debt, net of current portion" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 28, 2014. In February 2015, the FASB issued a new standard that modifies existing consolidation guidance for reporting organizations that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. The new consolidation guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and requires either a retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the available methods and the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In May 2014, the FASB issued a new revenue recognition standard based on the principle 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 in exchange for those goods and services. The new revenue recognition standard becomes effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 and is to be applied retrospectively using one of two prescribed methods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the available methods and the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. 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.

The Company and Summary of Si27

The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Property, plant and equipment, net: Manufacturing equipment 3 $ 565,813 $ 554,124 Land and buildings 26,138 26,138 Leasehold improvements 241,764 236,867 Solar power systems 4 140,678 124,848 Computer equipment 94,486 88,257 Furniture and fixtures 9,892 9,436 Construction-in-process 137,359 75,570 1,216,130 1,115,240 Less: accumulated depreciation (572,218 ) (529,896 ) $ 643,912 $ 585,344 3 The Company's mortgage loan agreement with International Finance Corporation ("IFC") is collateralized by certain manufacturing equipment with a net book value of $100.1 million and $111.9 million as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , respectively. 4 Includes $110.4 million and $94.4 million of solar power systems associated with sale-leaseback transactions under the financing method as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , respectively, which are depreciated using the straight-line method to their estimated residual values over the lease terms of up to 20 years (see Note 6).

Transactions with Total and T28

Transactions with Total and Total S.A. (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of related party transactions	Related-Party Transactions with Total and its Affiliates: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (In thousands) June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Revenue: EPC, O&M, and components revenue under joint projects $ 100 $ 32,612 $ 299 $ 35,501 Research and development expense: Offsetting contributions received under the R&D Agreement $ (395 ) $ (293 ) $ (817 ) $ (553 ) Interest expense: Guarantee fees incurred under the Credit Support Agreement $ 2,272 $ 2,601 $ 4,998 $ 5,346 Fees incurred under the Compensation and Funding Agreement $ — $ — $ — $ 1,200 Interest expense incurred on the 0.75% debentures due 2018 $ 125 $ 453 $ 500 $ 828 Interest expense incurred on the 0.875% debentures due 2021 $ 547 $ 115 $ 1,227 $ 115 Related-Party Transactions with Investees: As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Accounts receivable $ 9,399 $ 22,425 Other long-term assets $ 1,530 $ 1,623 Accounts payable $ 42,301 $ 50,039 Accrued liabilities $ 305,965 $ — Customer advances $ 1,673 $ 4,210 Other long-term liabilities $ 25,149 $ — Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (In thousands) June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Payments made to investees for products/services $ 108,853 $ 117,096 $ 228,030 $ 222,106 Revenue from sales to investees of products/services $ 21,199 $ — $ 26,802 $ —

Goodwill and Other Intangible29

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets	The following tables present details of the Company's acquired other intangible assets: (In thousands) Gross Accumulated Amortization Net As of June 28, 2015 Patents and purchased technology $ 13,675 $ (1,584 ) $ 12,091 Purchased in-process research and development 3,700 — 3,700 Other 500 (125 ) 375 $ 17,875 $ (1,709 ) $ 16,166 As of December 28, 2014 Patents and purchased technology $ 13,675 $ (615 ) $ 13,060 Purchased in-process research and development 3,700 — 3,700 $ 17,375 $ (615 ) $ 16,760
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense	As of June 28, 2015 , the estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets with finite useful lives is as follows: (In thousands) Amount Fiscal Year 2015 (remaining six months) $ 1,269 2016 2,114 2017 1,989 2018 1,989 2019 1,989 Thereafter 3,116 $ 12,466

Balance Sheet Components (Table

Balance Sheet Components (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Receivable	As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Accounts receivable, net: Accounts receivable, gross 1,2 $ 453,853 $ 523,613 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (18,432 ) (18,152 ) Less: allowance for sales returns (1,794 ) (1,145 ) $ 433,627 $ 504,316 1 Includes short-term financing receivables associated with solar power systems leased of $9.4 million and $9.1 million as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , respectively (see Note 6). 2 Includes short-term retainage of $243.8 million and $213.0 million as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , 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 contractual milestones are met.
Schedule of Inventory	As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Inventories: Raw materials $ 85,512 $ 46,848 Work-in-process 116,364 67,903 Finished goods 108,556 93,822 $ 310,432 $ 208,573
Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Prepaid expenses and other current assets: Deferred project costs $ 55,213 $ 64,784 Bond hedge derivative — 51,951 VAT receivables, current portion 8,607 7,554 Deferred costs for solar power systems to be leased 29,852 22,537 Derivative financial instruments 1,907 7,018 Prepaid inventory 5,085 — Other receivables 74,370 79,927 Other prepaid expenses 64,053 47,448 Other current assets 15,265 47,626 $ 254,352 $ 328,845
Schedule Investments In Power And Distribution Projects	As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Project assets - plants and land: Project assets — plants $ 410,581 $ 104,328 Project assets — land 12,060 12,328 $ 422,641 $ 116,656 Project assets — plants and land, current portion $ 379,900 $ 101,181 Project assets — plants and land, net of current portion $ 42,741 $ 15,475
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Property, plant and equipment, net: Manufacturing equipment 3 $ 565,813 $ 554,124 Land and buildings 26,138 26,138 Leasehold improvements 241,764 236,867 Solar power systems 4 140,678 124,848 Computer equipment 94,486 88,257 Furniture and fixtures 9,892 9,436 Construction-in-process 137,359 75,570 1,216,130 1,115,240 Less: accumulated depreciation (572,218 ) (529,896 ) $ 643,912 $ 585,344 3 The Company's mortgage loan agreement with International Finance Corporation ("IFC") is collateralized by certain manufacturing equipment with a net book value of $100.1 million and $111.9 million as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , respectively. 4 Includes $110.4 million and $94.4 million of solar power systems associated with sale-leaseback transactions under the financing method as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , respectively, which are depreciated using the straight-line method to their estimated residual values over the lease terms of up to 20 years (see Note 6).
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment by Geographic Region	As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Property, plant and equipment, net by geography 5 : Philippines $ 382,485 $ 335,643 United States 196,017 183,631 Mexico 39,511 40,251 Europe 23,258 24,748 Other 2,641 1,071 $ 643,912 $ 585,344 5 Property, plant and equipment, net by geography is based on the physical location of the assets.
Schedule of Other Long-Term Assets	As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Other long-term assets: Equity method investments $ 283,225 $ 210,898 Cost method investments 36,378 32,308 Derivative financial instruments 848 — Other 71,509 57,023 $ 391,960 $ 300,229
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities	As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Accrued liabilities: Bond hedge derivatives $ — $ 51,951 Employee compensation and employee benefits 41,923 47,667 Deferred revenue 22,835 33,412 Short-term residential lease financing — 1,489 Interest payable 5,038 10,575 Short-term warranty reserves 12,184 13,278 Restructuring reserve 4,278 13,477 VAT payables 7,797 6,073 Derivative financial instruments 4,443 1,345 Inventory payable 5,084 — Short-term residential lease financing with 8point3 Energy Partners 4,220 — Proceeds from 8point3 Energy Partners IPO attributable to pre-COD projects 301,746 — Other 141,408 151,767 $ 550,956 $ 331,034
Schedule of Other Long-Term Liabilities	As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Other long-term liabilities: Deferred revenue $ 180,176 $ 176,804 Long-term warranty reserves 144,347 141,370 Long-term sale-leaseback financing 127,925 111,904 Long-term residential lease financing — 27,122 Long-term residential lease financing with 8point3 Energy Partners 25,149 — Unrecognized tax benefits 20,128 31,764 Long-term pension liability 11,571 9,980 Derivative financial instruments 470 3,712 Other 25,672 52,688 $ 535,438 $ 555,344
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Accumulated other comprehensive loss: Cumulative translation adjustment $ (10,473 ) $ (8,712 ) Net unrealized loss on derivatives (635 ) (1,443 ) Net loss on long-term pension liability adjustment (2,878 ) (2,878 ) Deferred taxes 35 (422 ) $ (13,951 ) $ (13,455 )

Leasing (Tables)

Leasing (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of property subject to or available for operating lease	The following table summarizes "Solar power systems leased and to be leased, net" under operating leases on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 : As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Solar power systems leased and to be leased, net 1,2 : Solar power systems leased $ 470,532 $ 396,704 Solar power systems to be leased 23,994 21,202 494,526 417,906 Less: accumulated depreciation (35,818 ) (26,993 ) $ 458,708 $ 390,913 1 S olar power systems leased and to be leased, net are physically located exclusively in the United States. 2 As of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , the Company had pledged solar assets with an aggregate book value of zero and $140.1 million , respectively, to third-party investors as security for the Company's contractual obligations.
Schedule of minimum future rental receipts on operating leases placed in service	The following table presents the Company's minimum future rental receipts on operating leases placed in service as of June 28, 2015 : (In thousands) Fiscal 2015 (remaining six months) Fiscal 2016 Fiscal 2017 Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2019 Thereafter Total Minimum future rentals on operating leases placed in service 1 $ 9,252 17,068 17,112 17,162 17,213 248,240 $ 326,047 1 Minimum future rentals on operating leases placed in service does not include contingent rentals that may be received from customers under agreements that include performance-based incentives.
Schedule of accounts, notes, loans and financing receivable	As of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , the Company's net investment in sales-type leases presented in "Accounts receivable, net" and "Long-term financing receivables, net" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets was as follows: As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Financing receivables: Minimum lease payments receivable 1 $ 283,936 $ 319,244 Unguaranteed residual value 42,248 34,343 Unearned income (55,719 ) (74,859 ) Net financing receivables $ 270,465 $ 278,728 Current $ 9,389 $ 9,141 Long-term $ 261,076 $ 269,587 1 Net of allowance for doubtful accounts.
Schedule of future maturities of net financing receivables	As of June 28, 2015 , future maturities of net financing receivables for sales-type leases are as follows: (In thousands) Fiscal 2015 (remaining six months) Fiscal 2016 Fiscal 2017 Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2019 Thereafter Total Scheduled maturities of minimum lease payments receivable 1 $ 7,240 13,803 13,924 14,052 14,184 220,733 $ 283,936 1 Minimum future rentals on sales-type leases placed in service does not include contingent rentals that may be received from customers under agreements that include performance-based incentives.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary of assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis	The following table summarizes the Company's assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 : June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Assets Cash and cash equivalents 1 : Money market funds $ 255,000 $ 255,000 $ — $ 375,000 $ 375,000 $ — Prepaid expenses and other current assets: Debt derivatives (Note 11) — — — 51,951 — 51,951 Derivative financial instruments (Note 12) 1,907 — 1,907 7,018 — 7,018 Other long-term assets: Derivative financial instruments (Note 12) 848 — 848 — — — Total assets $ 257,755 $ 255,000 $ 2,755 $ 433,969 $ 375,000 $ 58,969 Liabilities Accrued liabilities: Debt derivatives (Note 11) $ — $ — $ — $ 51,951 $ — $ 51,951 Derivative financial instruments (Note 12) 4,443 — 4,443 1,345 — 1,345 Other long-term liabilities: Derivative financial instruments (Note 12) 470 — 470 3,712 — 3,712 Total liabilities $ 4,913 $ — $ 4,913 $ 57,008 $ — $ 57,008 1 The Company's cash equivalents consist of money market fund instruments and commercial paper that are classified as available-for-sale and highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 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.
Summary of fair value on derivative instruments	The fair values of these derivative instruments as of December 28, 2014 were determined utilizing the following Level 1 and Level 2 inputs: As of 1 December 28, 2014 Stock price $ 26.32 Exercise price $ 22.53 Interest rate 0.19 % Stock volatility 61.7 % Credit risk adjustment 0.65 % Maturity date February 18, 2015 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	Related-Party Transactions with Total and its Affiliates: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (In thousands) June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Revenue: EPC, O&M, and components revenue under joint projects $ 100 $ 32,612 $ 299 $ 35,501 Research and development expense: Offsetting contributions received under the R&D Agreement $ (395 ) $ (293 ) $ (817 ) $ (553 ) Interest expense: Guarantee fees incurred under the Credit Support Agreement $ 2,272 $ 2,601 $ 4,998 $ 5,346 Fees incurred under the Compensation and Funding Agreement $ — $ — $ — $ 1,200 Interest expense incurred on the 0.75% debentures due 2018 $ 125 $ 453 $ 500 $ 828 Interest expense incurred on the 0.875% debentures due 2021 $ 547 $ 115 $ 1,227 $ 115 Related-Party Transactions with Investees: As of (In thousands) June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Accounts receivable $ 9,399 $ 22,425 Other long-term assets $ 1,530 $ 1,623 Accounts payable $ 42,301 $ 50,039 Accrued liabilities $ 305,965 $ — Customer advances $ 1,673 $ 4,210 Other long-term liabilities $ 25,149 $ — Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (In thousands) June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Payments made to investees for products/services $ 108,853 $ 117,096 $ 228,030 $ 222,106 Revenue from sales to investees of products/services $ 21,199 $ — $ 26,802 $ —

Restructuring (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Summary of restructuring and related costs	The following table summarizes the restructuring charges recognized in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations: Six Months Ended Cumulative To Date (In thousands) June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 November 2014 Plan: Non-cash impairment charges $ 5 $ — $ 724 Severance and benefits 3,310 — 15,490 Other costs 1 2,338 — 2,551 5,653 — 18,765 Legacy Restructuring Plans: Non-cash impairment charges — — 60,596 Severance and benefits (132 ) (1,265 ) 46,577 Lease and related termination costs — 339 5,774 Other costs 1 (191 ) (252 ) 10,668 (323 ) (1,178 ) 123,615 Total restructuring charges $ 5,330 $ (1,178 ) $ 142,380
Schedule of restructuring reserve	The following table summarizes the restructuring reserve activity during the six months ended June 28, 2015 : Six Months Ended (In thousands) December 28, 2014 Charges (Benefits) Payments June 28, 2015 November 2014 Plan: Severance and benefits $ 12,075 $ 3,310 $ (13,260 ) $ 2,125 Other costs 1 145 2,338 (368 ) 2,115 12,220 5,648 (13,628 ) 4,240 Legacy Restructuring Plans: Severance and benefits 421 (132 ) (281 ) 8 Lease and related termination costs 390 — (390 ) — Other costs 1 446 (191 ) (225 ) 30 1,257 (323 ) (896 ) 38 Total restructuring liability $ 13,477 $ 5,325 $ (14,524 ) $ 4,278 1 Other costs primarily represent associated legal services and costs of relocating employees.

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of unrecorded unconditional purchase obligations	Future purchase obligations under non-cancellable purchase orders and long-term supply agreements as of June 28, 2015 are as follows: (In thousands) Fiscal 2015 (remaining six months) Fiscal 2016 Fiscal 2017 Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2019 Thereafter Total 1,2,3 Future purchase obligations $ 713,339 323,543 349,587 184,199 177,714 166,867 $ 1,915,249 1 Total future purchase obligations as of June 28, 2015 include $130.1 million to related parties. 2 Total future purchase obligations was composed of $238.7 million related to non-cancellable purchase orders and $1.7 billion related to long-term supply agreements. 3 The Company did not fulfill all of the purchase commitments it was otherwise obligated to take by December 31, 2014, as specified in several related contracts with a supplier. A s of June 28, 2015 , the Company has recorded an offsetting asset, recorded within "Prepaid expenses and other current assets," and liability, recorded within "Accrued liabilities," totaling $5.1 million . This amount represents the unfulfilled amount as of that date as the Company expects to satisfy the obligation via purchases of inventory in fiscal 2015, within the applicable contractual cure period.
Schedule of estimated utilization of advances from customers	The estimated utilization of advances from customers as of June 28, 2015 is as follows: (In thousands) Fiscal 2015 (remaining six months) Fiscal 2016 Fiscal 2017 Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2019 Thereafter Total Estimated utilization of advances from customers $ 11,357 30,662 27,039 27,039 28,842 43,263 $ 168,202
Schedule of product warranty liability	The following table summarizes accrued warranty activity for the three months ended June 28, 2015 and June 29, 2014 , respectively: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (In thousands) June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Balance at the beginning of the period $ 154,098 $ 151,415 $ 154,648 $ 149,372 Accruals for warranties issued during the period 4,181 4,311 12,342 9,501 Settlements and adjustments during the period (1,748 ) (4,933 ) (10,459 ) (8,080 ) Balance at the end of the period $ 156,531 $ 150,793 $ 156,531 $ 150,793

Debt and Credit Sources (Tables

Debt and Credit Sources (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of debt	The following table summarizes the Company's outstanding debt on its Consolidated Balance Sheets: June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 (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 $ — $ 396,083 $ 396,083 $ 400,000 $ — $ 395,475 $ 395,475 0.75% debentures due 2018 300,000 — 297,776 297,776 300,000 — 297,401 297,401 4.50% debentures due 2015 — — — 249,645 245,325 — 245,325 0.75% debentures due 2027 79 79 — 79 79 — 79 79 IFC mortgage loan 32,500 7,500 24,097 31,597 47,500 14,983 31,492 46,475 CEDA loan 30,000 — 27,537 27,537 30,000 — 27,379 27,379 Quinto Credit Facility — — — — 61,481 — 61,481 61,481 Other debt 1 173,055 3,371 168,627 171,998 91,398 1,963 88,605 90,568 $ 935,634 $ 10,950 $ 914,120 $ 925,070 $ 1,180,103 $ 262,271 $ 901,912 $ 1,164,183 1 Other debt excludes payments related to capital leases, which are disclosed in Note 9.
Schedule of maturities of debt	As of June 28, 2015 , the aggregate future contractual maturities of the Company's outstanding debt, at face value, was as follows: (In thousands) Fiscal 2015 (remaining six months) Fiscal 2016 Fiscal 2017 Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2019 Thereafter Total Aggregate future maturities of outstanding debt $ 1,123 18,591 19,487 308,208 5,256 582,969 $ 935,634
Schedule of long-term convertible debt instruments	The following table summarizes the Company's outstanding convertible debt: March 29, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Carrying Value Face Value Fair Value 1 Carrying Value Face Value Fair Value 1 Convertible debt: 0.875% debentures due 2021 $ 396,083 $ 400,000 $ 406,772 $ 395,475 $ 400,000 $ 358,000 0.75% debentures due 2018 297,776 300,000 413,955 297,401 300,000 366,750 4.50% debentures due 2015 — — — 245,325 249,645 294,581 0.75% debentures due 2027 79 79 76 79 79 80 $ 693,938 $ 700,079 $ 820,803 $ 938,280 $ 949,724 $ 1,019,411 1 The fair value of the convertible debt was determined using Level 2 inputs based on quarterly market prices as reported by an independent pricing source.

Derivative Financial Instrume36

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Foreign Currency Derivatives [Abstract]
Schedule of hedge instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The following tables present information about the Company's hedge instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , all of which utilize Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy: (In thousands) Balance Sheet Classification June 28, 2015 December 28, 2014 Assets Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency option contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ — $ 2,240 Foreign currency forward exchange contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets 103 4 $ 103 $ 2,244 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency forward exchange contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,804 4,774 Interest rate contracts Other long-term assets $ 848 $ — $ 2,652 $ 4,774 Liabilities Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency forward exchange contracts Accrued liabilities 925 — Interest rate contracts Other long-term liabilities 470 3,712 $ 1,395 $ 3,712 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency forward exchange contracts Accrued liabilities 3,518 1,345 Interest rate contracts Other long-term liabilities — — $ 3,518 $ 1,345
Schedule of offsetting assets and liabilities	June 28, 2015 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 $ 2,755 $ — $ 2,755 $ 2,377 $ — $ 378 Derivative liabilities $ 4,913 $ — $ 4,913 $ 2,377 $ — $ 2,536 December 28, 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 $ 7,018 $ — $ 7,018 $ 1,345 $ — $ 5,673 Derivative liabilities $ 5,057 $ — $ 5,057 $ 1,345 $ — $ 3,712
Schedule of derivative instruments, effect on other comprehensive income (loss)	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 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges: Loss in OCI at the beginning of the period $ (5,631 ) $ (420 ) $ (1,443 ) $ (805 ) Unrealized gain (loss) recognized in OCI 7,343 (135 ) 4,635 (138 ) Less: Loss (gain) reclassified from OCI to earnings (2,347 ) 107 (3,827 ) 495 Net gain (loss) on derivatives $ 4,996 $ (28 ) $ 808 $ 357 Loss in OCI at the end of the period $ (635 ) $ (448 ) $ (635 ) $ (448 )
Schedule of gain or loss recognized in Statement of Operations	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 28, 2015 , and June 29, 2014 : Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (In thousands) June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges: Gain (loss) recognized in "Other, net" on derivatives (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing) $ (1,968 ) $ 331 $ (5,223 ) $ 811 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Gain (loss) recognized in "Other, net" $ (8,417 ) $ (1,224 ) $ (902 ) $ 206

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Ta

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of income (loss) per share	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 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Basic net income (loss) per share: Numerator Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders $ 6,509 $ 14,102 $ (3,072 ) $ 79,146 Denominator Basic weighted-average common shares 134,376 129,747 133,205 125,972 Basic net income (loss) per share $ 0.05 $ 0.11 $ (0.02 ) $ 0.63 Diluted net income (loss) per share: Numerator Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders 6,509 14,102 (3,072 ) 79,146 Add: Interest expense incurred on the 0.75% debentures due 2018, net of tax 512 551 — 1,001 Add: Interest expense incurred on the 0.875% debentures due 2021, net of tax — — — 181 Net income (loss) available to common stockholders 7,021 14,653 (3,072 ) 80,328 Denominator Basic weighted-average common shares 134,376 129,747 133,205 125,972 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options 36 93 — 101 Restricted stock units 1,483 4,095 — 5,149 Upfront Warrants (held by Total) 7,201 7,278 — 7,253 Warrants (under the CSO2015) 1,873 3,094 — 3,004 Warrants (under the CSO2014) — — — 524 0.75% debentures due 2018 12,026 12,026 — 12,026 0.875% debentures due 2021 — — — 857 Dilutive weighted-average common shares 156,995 156,333 133,205 154,886 Diluted net income (loss) per share $ 0.04 $ 0.09 $ (0.02 ) $ 0.52
Schedule of outstanding anti-dilutive potential common stock excluded from income per share	The following is a summary of outstanding anti-dilutive potential common stock that was excluded from income (loss) per diluted share in the following periods: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (In thousands) June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 1 June 29, 2014 Stock options 149 139 185 149 Restricted stock units 293 293 1,776 379 Upfront Warrants (held by Total) — — 7,055 — Warrants (under the CSO2015) — — 1,827 — 0.75% debentures due 2018 — — 12.026 — 0.875% debentures due 2021 8,203 1,713 8,203 — 4.75% debentures due 2014 n/a 1,330 n/a 5,021 1 As a result of the net loss per share for the six months ended June 28, 2015, 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.

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of stock-based compensation expense by line item on the Statement of Operations	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 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Cost of Residential revenue $ 1,212 $ 890 $ 2,134 $ 1,884 Cost of Commercial revenue 531 491 919 1,031 Cost of Power Plant revenue 1,517 1,969 2,773 3,991 Research and development 2,380 1,912 4,653 3,709 Sales, general and administrative 8,400 8,086 17,107 17,600 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 14,040 $ 13,348 $ 27,586 $ 28,215
Summary of stock-based compensation expense by type of award	The following table summarizes the consolidated stock-based compensation expense by type of awards: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (In thousands) June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Restricted stock units 14,885 13,472 29,389 28,348 Change in stock-based compensation capitalized in inventory (845 ) (124 ) (1,803 ) (133 ) Total stock-based compensation expense $ 14,040 $ 13,348 $ 27,586 $ 28,215

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of segment reporting information	The following tables present information by end-customer segment including revenue, gross margin, and depreciation and amortization, as well as revenue by geography, based on the destination of the shipments: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (In thousands) June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Revenue Distributed Generation Residential 152,205 156,134 307,529 320,852 Commercial 62,984 85,087 112,047 161,591 Power Plant 165,831 266,650 402,315 717,850 Total revenue 381,020 507,871 821,891 1,200,293 Cost of revenue Distributed Generation Residential 116,979 125,002 239,751 257,689 Commercial 58,842 74,789 105,722 139,252 Power Plant 134,318 213,935 314,719 546,218 Total cost of revenue 310,139 413,726 660,192 943,159 Gross margin Distributed Generation Residential 35,226 31,132 67,778 63,163 Commercial 4,142 10,298 6,325 22,339 Power Plant 31,513 52,715 87,596 171,632 Total gross margin $ 70,881 $ 94,145 $ 161,699 $ 257,134 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Depreciation and amortization by segment (in thousands): June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Distributed Generation Residential $ 10,504 $ 7,128 $ 20,676 $ 13,163 Commercial $ 6,287 $ 3,989 $ 9,694 $ 6,792 Power Plant $ 14,651 $ 12,909 $ 29,635 $ 29,442
Schedule of revenue by major customers	The following tables present information by significant customers and categories: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (As a percentage of total revenue) June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Significant Customers: Business Segment MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company Power Plant 15 % 31 % 25 % 37 %
Revenue from significant category	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (As a percentage of total revenue) June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 June 28, 2015 June 29, 2014 Revenue by geography: United States 62 % 59 % 66 % 64 % Japan 15 % 19 % 15 % 15 % Rest of World 23 % 22 % 19 % 21 % 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 %
Reconciliation of segment revenue and gross margin	A reconciliation of the Company's segment revenue and gross margin to its consolidated financial statements for the three months ended June 28, 2015 , and June 29, 2014 is as follows: Three Months Ended June 28, 2015 Revenue Gross margin Revenue and Gross margin by segment (in thousands, except percentages): Residential Commercial Power Plant Residential Commercial Power Plant As reviewed by CODM $ 152,205 $ 62,984 $ 161,518 $ 35,410 23.3 % $ 4,016 6.4 % $ 26,717 16.5 % Utility and power plant projects — — 4,313 — — 4,328 FPSC arbitration ruling — — — 1,969 1,294 3,837 Stock-based compensation — — — (1,212 ) (531 ) (1,516 ) Other — — — (941 ) (637 ) (1,853 ) GAAP $ 152,205 $ 62,984 $ 165,831 $ 35,226 23.1 % $ 4,142 6.6 % $ 31,513 19.0 % Three Months Ended June 29, 2014 Revenue Gross margin Revenue and Gross margin by segment (in thousands, except percentages): Residential Commercial Power Plant Residential Commercial Power Plant As reviewed by CODM $ 156,134 $ 85,087 $ 379,845 $ 32,207 20.6 % $ 10,887 12.8 % $ 77,738 20.5 % Utility and power plant projects — — (113,195 ) — — (22,614 ) Stock-based compensation — — — (890 ) (491 ) (1,969 ) Other — — — (185 ) (98 ) (440 ) GAAP $ 156,134 $ 85,087 $ 266,650 $ 31,132 19.9 % $ 10,298 12.1 % $ 52,715 19.8 % A reconciliation of the Company's segment revenue and gross margin to its consolidated financial statements for the six months ended June 28, 2015 , and June 29, 2014 is as follows: Six Months Ended June 28, 2015 Revenue Gross margin Revenue and Gross margin by segment (in thousands, except percentages): Residential Commercial Power Plant Residential Commercial Power Plant As reviewed by CODM $ 307,529 $ 112,047 $ 387,732 $ 70,688 23.0 % $ 7,041 6.3 % $ 76,575 19.7 % Utility and power plant projects — — 14,583 — — 15,579 FPSC arbitration ruling — — — 1,969 1,294 3,837 Stock-based compensation — — — (2,134 ) (919 ) (2,772 ) Other — — — (2,745 ) (1,091 ) (5,623 ) GAAP $ 307,529 $ 112,047 $ 402,315 $ 67,778 22.0 % $ 6,325 5.6 % $ 87,596 21.8 % Six Months Ended June 29, 2014 Revenue Gross margin Revenue and Gross margin by segment (in thousands, except percentages): Residential Commercial Power Plant Residential Commercial Power Plant As reviewed by CODM $ 320,852 $ 161,591 $ 822,336 $ 65,420 20.4 % $ 23,562 14.6 % $ 182,487 22.2 % Utility and power plant projects — — (104,486 ) — — (6,006 ) Stock-based compensation — — — (1,884 ) (1,031 ) (3,991 ) Other — — — (373 ) (192 ) (858 ) GAAP $ 320,852 $ 161,591 $ 717,850 $ 63,163 19.7 % $ 22,339 13.8 % $ 171,632 23.9 %

The Company and Summary of Si40

The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Property, Plant & Equipment, Estimated Useful Life (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	1 year
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	15 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	8 years
Computer Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Computer Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	2 years
Solar power systems [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	30 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years

The Company and Summary of Si41

The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Debt Issuance Cost	$ 11.6
Operating lease, term		20 years
Sale leaseback transactions, lease term		20 years
Capital leases, maximum term		20 years

Transactions with Total and T42

Transactions with Total and Total S.A. (Details)	1 Months Ended					3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014USD ($)shares$ / shares	May. 31, 2013USD ($)shares$ / shares	Feb. 28, 2012USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2011$ / sharesshares	Jun. 30, 2011USD ($)$ / shares	Jun. 28, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Jun. 29, 2014USD ($)$ / shares	Jun. 28, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Jun. 29, 2014USD ($)$ / shares	Mar. 29, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill						$ 17,875,000		$ 17,875,000			$ 17,375,000
Debt instrument, face value						935,634,000		935,634,000			1,180,103,000
Accounts receivable						$ 9,399,000		$ 9,399,000			22,425,000
Total [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Liquidity support facility, warrant, maximum ownership percentage allowed			74.99%
Compensation and Funding Agreement [Member] | Total [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest rate at period end						2.75%		2.75%
0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest rate		0.75%				0.75%		0.75%
Debt instrument, face value		$ 300,000,000				$ 300,000,000		$ 300,000,000			300,000,000
Debt instrument, convertible, conversion price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 24.95				$ 24.95		$ 24.95
0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member] | Total [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value		$ 200,000,000
Debt Instrument, convertible, number of shares converted | shares		8,017,420
0.875% debentures due 2021 [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest rate	0.875%					0.875%	0.875%	0.875%	0.875%
Debt instrument, face value	$ 400,000,000					$ 400,000,000	$ 400,000,000	$ 400,000,000	$ 400,000,000		$ 400,000,000
Debt instrument, convertible, conversion price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 48.76						$ 48.76		$ 48.76
0.875% debentures due 2021 [Member] | Total [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, convertible, number of shares converted | shares	5,126,775
Tender Offer Agreement [Member] | Total [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership after sale of stock, percentage					60.00%
Consideration received in cash tender offer (in dollars per share) | $ / shares					$ 23.25
Cash tender offer					$ 1,400,000,000
Private Placement [Member] | Total [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership after sale of stock, percentage				66.00%
Consideration received in cash tender offer (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 8.80
Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction | shares				18,600,000
Total [Member] | Compensation and Funding Agreement [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Line of credit, fee rate								5.00%
Total [Member] | 0.875% debentures due 2021 [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value	$ 250,000,000						$ 250,000,000		$ 250,000,000
Upfront Warrants (held by Total) [Member] | Total [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Warrant or right, number of securities called by each warrant or right (in shares) | shares			9,531,677
Class of warrant or right, exercise price of warrants or rights (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 7.8685
Class of warrant or right, term			7 years
Liquidity support facility, warrant, minimum amount of outstanding convertible debt required to be outstanding			$ 25,000,000
Interest Expense [Member] | Credit Support Agreement [Member] | Total [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest Expense, Related Party						2,272,000	2,601,000	$ 4,998,000	5,346,000
Interest Expense [Member] | Compensation and Funding Agreement [Member] | Total [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest Expense, Related Party						0	0	0	1,200,000
Interest Expense [Member] | 0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member] | Total [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest Expense, Related Party						125,000	453,000	500,000	828,000
Interest Expense [Member] | 0.875% debentures due 2021 [Member] | Total [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest Expense, Related Party						547,000	115,000	1,227,000	115,000
Research and Development Expense [Member] | Total [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Offsetting contributions received under the R&D Agreement						(395,000)	(293,000)	(817,000)	553,000
Sales [Member] | Total [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
EPC, O&M, and components revenue under joint projects						$ 100,000	$ 32,612,000	$ 299,000	$ 35,501,000
Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings [Member] | Total [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings										$ 600,000
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Total [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts receivable										$ 1,400,000

8point3 Energy Partners LP (Det

8point3 Energy Partners LP (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale of Lease Receivables	$ 29,000
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital	371,000
Proceeds from Sale of Finance Receivables	39,000
Proceeds from 8point3 Energy Partners IPO attributable to pre-COD projects	301,746	$ 0
Equity method investments	283,225	210,898
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments	28,000
8Point3 Energy [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	$ 68,200	$ 0

Goodwill and Other Intangible44

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill RollForward (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 28, 2015USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 21.2
Residential leases [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	20.8
Power Plant [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 0.4

Goodwill and Other Intangible45

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ (600)	$ (1,100)
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(1,709)	(1,709)	$ (615)
Other intangible assets, net	16,166	16,166	16,760
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill	17,875	17,875	17,375
Patents and Purchased Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, gross	13,675	13,675	13,675
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(1,584)	(1,584)	(615)
Other intangible assets, net	12,091	12,091	13,060
Purchased In-Process Research and Development [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, gross	3,700	3,700	3,700
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	0	0	0
Other intangible assets, net	3,700	3,700	$ 3,700
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, gross	500	500
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(125)	(125)
Other intangible assets, net	$ 375	$ 375

Goodwill and Other Intangible46

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Future Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 28, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total	$ 16,166	$ 16,760
Patents and Purchased Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2,015	1,269
2,016	2,114
2,017	1,989
2,018	1,989
2,019	1,989
Thereafter	3,116
Total	12,466
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total	$ 375

Goodwill and Other Intangible47

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill, impairment loss	$ 0	$ 0
Amortization of intangible assets	$ (600,000)	$ (1,100,000)

Balance Sheet Components (Detai

Balance Sheet Components (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jun. 28, 2015		Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014
Accounts receivable, net:
Accounts receivable, gross	[1],[2]	$ 453,853			$ 523,613
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts		(18,432)			(18,152)
Less: allowance for sales returns		(1,794)			(1,145)
Accounts receivable, net		433,627	[3]		504,316
Short-term financing receivable		(9,389)			(9,141)
Short-term retainage		243,800			213,000
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials		85,512			46,848
Work-in-process		116,364			67,903
Finished goods		108,556			93,822
Inventories		310,432			208,573
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]
Deferred project costs		55,213			64,784
Bond hedge derivative		0			51,951
VAT receivables, current portion		8,607			7,554
Deferred costs for solar power systems to be leased		29,852			22,537
Derivative financial instruments		1,907			7,018
Prepaid inventory		5,085			0
Other receivables		74,370			79,927
Other prepaid expenses		64,053			47,448
Other current assets		15,265			47,626
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		254,352	[3]		328,845
Project Assets [Abstract]
Project assets — plants		410,581			104,328
Project assets — land		12,060			12,328
Project assets - plants and land		422,641			116,656
Project assets - plants and land, current portion		379,900			101,181
Project assets - plants and land, net of current portion		42,741			15,475
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Manufacturing equipment		565,813	[4]		554,124
Land and buildings		26,138			26,138
Leasehold improvements		241,764			236,867
Solar power systems		140,678	[5]		124,848
Computer equipment		94,486			88,257
Furniture and fixtures		9,892			9,436
Construction-in-process		137,359			75,570
Property, plant and equipment, gross		1,216,130			1,115,240
Less: accumulated depreciation		(572,218)			(529,896)
Property, plant and equipment, net		643,912	[6]		585,344
Pledged Assets, Other, Not Separately Reported on Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Solar power systems, sale leaseback		110,400			94,400
Property, plant and equipment, net by geography:
Property, plant and equipment, net		643,912	[6]		585,344
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Equity method investments		283,225			210,898
Cost method investments		36,378			32,308
Other		71,509			57,023
Other long-term assets		391,960	[3]		300,229
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Bond hedge derivatives		0			51,951
Employee compensation and employee benefits		41,923			47,667
Deferred revenue		22,835			33,412
Short-term residential lease financing		0			1,489
Interest payable		5,038			10,575
Short-term warranty reserves		12,184			13,278
Restructuring reserve		4,278			13,477
VAT payables		7,797			6,073
Derivative financial instruments		4,443			1,345
Inventory payable		5,084			0
Short-term residential lease financing with 8point3 Energy Partners		4,220			0
Proceeds from 8point3 Energy Partners IPO attributable to pre-COD projects		301,746			0
Other		141,408			151,767
Accrued liabilities		550,956			331,034
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Deferred revenue		180,176			176,804
Long-term warranty reserves		144,347			141,370
Long-term sale-leaseback financing		127,925			111,904
Long-term residential lease financing		0			27,122
Long-term residential lease financing with 8point3 Energy Partners		25,149			0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Including Income Tax Penalties And Interest Accrued, Non-Current		20,128			31,764
Long-term pension liability		11,571			9,980
Derivative financial instruments		470			3,712
Other		25,672			52,688
Other long-term liabilities		535,438			555,344
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Cumulative translation adjustment		(10,473)			(8,712)
Net unrealized loss on derivatives		(635)		$ (5,631)	(1,443)	$ (448)	$ (420)
Net loss on long-term pension liability adjustment		(2,878)			(2,878)
Deferred taxes		35			(422)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(13,951)			(13,455)
IFC Mortgage Loan [Member]
Pledged Assets, Other, Not Separately Reported on Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Collateralized Equipment		100,100			111,900
UNITED STATES
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment, net		196,017	[6]		183,631
Property, plant and equipment, net by geography:
Property, plant and equipment, net		196,017	[6]		183,631
PHILIPPINES
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment, net		382,485	[6]		335,643
Property, plant and equipment, net by geography:
Property, plant and equipment, net		382,485	[6]		335,643
MEXICO
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment, net		39,511	[6]		40,251
Property, plant and equipment, net by geography:
Property, plant and equipment, net		39,511	[6]		40,251
Europe [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment, net		23,258	[6]		24,748
Property, plant and equipment, net by geography:
Property, plant and equipment, net		23,258	[6]		24,748
UNKNOWN COUNTRY
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment, net		2,641	[6]		1,071
Property, plant and equipment, net by geography:
Property, plant and equipment, net		2,641	[6]		1,071
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Noncurrent		$ 848			$ 0
[1]	Includes short-term financing receivables associated with solar power systems leased of $9.4 million and $9.1 million as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively (see Note 6).
[2]	Includes short-term retainage of $243.8 million and $213.0 million as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014, 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 contractual milestones are met.
[3]	The Company has related-party balances for 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 "Accounts Receivable, net," "Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings," "Prepaid expenses and other current assets," "Other long-term assets," "Accounts payable," "Accrued Liabilities," "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 3, Note 7, Note 10, Note 11, and Note 12).
[4]	3 The Company's mortgage loan agreement with International Finance Corporation ("IFC") is collateralized by certain manufacturing equipment with a net book value of $100.1 million and $111.9 million as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively.
[5]	Includes $110.4 million and $94.4 million of solar power systems associated with sale-leaseback transactions under the financing method as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively, which are depreciated using the straight-line method to their estimated residual values over the lease terms of up to 20 years (see Note 6).
[6]	Property, plant and equipment, net by geography is based on the physical location of the assets.

Leasing (Details)

Leasing (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
		Jun. 28, 2015		Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 28, 2015		Jun. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014
Leasing [Line Items]
Capital leases, maximum term					20 years
Solar power systems leased and to be leased [Abstract]
Solar power systems leased, gross		$ 470,532	[1],[2]		$ 470,532	[1],[2]		$ 396,704
Solar power systems to be leased, gross		23,994	[1],[2]		23,994	[1],[2]		21,202
Solar Power Systems Leased And To Be Leased, Gross		494,526	[1],[2]		494,526	[1],[2]		417,906
Accumulated depreciation - residential lease		(35,818)	[1],[2]		(35,818)	[1],[2]		(26,993)
Solar Power Systems Leased And To Be Leased, Net		458,708	[1],[2]		458,708	[1],[2]		390,913
Pledged Solar Assets, book value		0			0			140,100
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract]
2,015	[3]	9,252			9,252
2,016	[3]	17,068			17,068
2,017	[3]	17,112			17,112
2,018	[3]	17,162			17,162
2,019	[3]	17,213			17,213
Thereafter	[3]	248,240			248,240
Minimum future rental receipts	[3]	326,047			326,047
Financing receivables:
Financing receivable, gross		283,936	[4],[5]		283,936	[4],[5]		319,244
Unguaranteed residual value		42,248			42,248			34,343
Unearned income		(55,719)			(55,719)			(74,859)
Net financing receivables		270,465			270,465			278,728
Current		9,389			9,389			9,141
Long-term		261,076			261,076			269,587
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,015	[5]	7,240			7,240
2,016	[5]	13,803			13,803
2,017	[5]	13,924			13,924
2,018	[5]	14,052			14,052
2,019	[5]	14,184			14,184
Thereafter	[5]	220,733			220,733
Financing receivable, gross		283,936	[4],[5]		283,936	[4],[5]		319,244
Third-Party Financing Arrangements [Abstract]
Non-recourse debt		0			0			$ 28,600
Contributions from noncontrolling interests		46,046		$ 22,200	91,936		$ 52,778
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest - leasing operations		30,100			49,700
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests		29,975		$ 12,934	$ 49,444		$ 34,944
Sale-Leaseback [Abstract]
Sale leaseback transactions, lease term					20 years
Purchase Price Agreement, Term					25 years
Future minimum lease obligations		92,500			$ 92,500
Operating lease, term					20 years
Sale leaseback, minimum lease obligation		$ 110,400			$ 110,400
[1]	As of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the Company had pledged solar assets with an aggregate book value of zero and $140.1 million, respectively, to third-party investors as security for the Company's contractual obligations.
[2]	Solar power systems leased and to be leased, net are physically located exclusively in the United States.
[3]	Minimum future rentals on operating leases placed in service does not include contingent rentals that may be received from customers under agreements that include performance-based incentives.
[4]	1 Net of allowance for doubtful accounts.
[5]	Minimum future rentals on sales-type leases placed in service does not include contingent rentals that may be received from customers under agreements that include performance-based incentives.

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($)		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
		Nov. 30, 2014	Jun. 28, 2015		Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 28, 2015		Jun. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Credit Losses on Debt Securities Held			$ 0			$ 0
Accrued liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments (Note 12)			4,443,000			4,443,000			$ 1,345,000
Other long-term liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments (Note 12)			470,000			470,000			3,712,000
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Accounts receivable			9,399,000			9,399,000			22,425,000
Accounts payable			42,301,000			42,301,000			50,039,000
Other long-term liabilities			1,530,000			1,530,000			1,623,000
Payments made to investees for products/services			108,853,000		$ 117,096,000	228,030,000		$ 222,106,000
Restricted long-term marketable securities			6,905,000			6,905,000			7,158,000
Accrued liabilities, related party			305,965,000			305,965,000			0
Restricted long-term marketable securities			6,905,000			6,905,000			7,158,000
Equity method investments			283,225,000			283,225,000			210,898,000
Cost method investments			36,378,000			36,378,000			32,308,000
Customer advances			1,673,000			1,673,000
Revenue from sales to investees of products/services			21,199,000		$ 0	26,802,000		$ 0
Other long-term liabilities			$ 25,149,000			$ 25,149,000			$ 0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Date						5 years
4.5% Bond Hedge [Member]
Other long-term liabilities:
Interest rate			4.50%			4.50%
Fair Value Inputs, Quantitative Information [Abstract]
Stock price (in dollars per share)									$ 26.32
Exercise price (in dollars per share)									$ 22.53
Interest rate	[1]								0.1908%
Stock Volatility	[1]								61.70%
Credit Risk Adjustment	[1]								0.64888%
Maturity date									Feb. 18, 2015
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents:
Money market funds			$ 255,000,000	[2]		$ 255,000,000	[2]		$ 375,000,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
Debt derivatives (Note 11)			0			0			51,951,000
Derivative financial instruments (Note 12)			1,907,000			1,907,000			7,018,000
Other long-term assets:
Derivative financial instruments (Note 12)			848,000			848,000			0
Total assets			257,755,000			257,755,000			433,969,000
Accrued liabilities:
Debt derivatives (Note 11)			0			0			51,951,000
Derivative financial instruments (Note 12)			4,443,000			4,443,000			1,345,000
Other long-term liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments (Note 12)			470,000			470,000			3,712,000
Total liabilities			4,913,000			4,913,000			57,008,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents:
Money market funds			255,000,000	[2]		255,000,000	[2]		375,000,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
Debt derivatives (Note 11)			0			0			0
Derivative financial instruments (Note 12)			0			0			0
Other long-term assets:
Derivative financial instruments (Note 12)			0			0			0
Total assets			255,000,000			255,000,000			375,000,000
Accrued liabilities:
Debt derivatives (Note 11)			0			0			0
Derivative financial instruments (Note 12)			0			0			0
Other long-term liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments (Note 12)			0			0			0
Total liabilities			0			0			0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents:
Money market funds			0	[2]		0	[2]		0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
Debt derivatives (Note 11)			0			0			51,951,000
Derivative financial instruments (Note 12)			1,907,000			1,907,000			7,018,000
Other long-term assets:
Derivative financial instruments (Note 12)									0
Total assets			2,755,000			2,755,000			58,969,000
Accrued liabilities:
Debt derivatives (Note 11)			0			0			51,951,000
Derivative financial instruments (Note 12)			4,443,000			4,443,000			1,345,000
Other long-term liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments (Note 12)			470,000			470,000			3,712,000
Total liabilities			$ 4,913,000			$ 4,913,000			$ 57,008,000
4.50% debentures due 2015 [Member]
Other long-term liabilities:
Interest rate			4.50%			4.50%
Tendril Networks Inc [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Quantitative Information [Abstract]
Cost method investment, original cost		$ 20,000,000
Tendril Networks Inc [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Quantitative Information [Abstract]
Cost method investment, agreement to purchase additional interest (in shares)		14,300,000
SunPower Inc [Member] | Tendril Networks Inc [Member] | Master Services Agreement and Statement of Works [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Quantitative Information [Abstract]
Cost method investments, joint investment in development project		$ 13,000,000
[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.
[2]	1 The Company's cash equivalents consist of money market fund instruments and commercial paper that are classified as available-for-sale and highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 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.

Restructuring (Details)

Restructuring (Details)		Nov. 14, 2014USD ($)employees	Jun. 28, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 29, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 28, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 29, 2014USD ($)
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring charges					$ 5,330,000	$ (1,178,000)
Restructuring cost incurred to date			$ 142,380,000		142,380,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning					13,477,000
Restructuring reserve, charges (benefits)			1,749,000	$ (717,000)	5,330,000	(1,178,000)
Restructuring reserve, payments					(14,524,000)
Restructuring Reserve, end			4,278,000		4,278,000
November 2014 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Percent of restructuring charges in cash		90.00%
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring charges					5,653,000	0
Restructuring cost incurred to date			18,765,000		18,765,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning					12,220,000
Restructuring reserve, charges (benefits)					5,648,000
Restructuring reserve, payments					13,628,000
Restructuring Reserve, end			4,240,000		4,240,000
Legacy Restructuring Plans [Member]
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring charges					(323,000)	(1,178,000)
Restructuring cost incurred to date			123,615,000		123,615,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning					1,257,000
Restructuring reserve, charges (benefits)					(323,000)
Restructuring reserve, payments					896,000
Restructuring Reserve, end			38,000		38,000
Employee Severance [Member] | November 2014 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring charges						0
Restructuring cost incurred to date			15,490,000		15,490,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning					12,075,000
Restructuring reserve, charges (benefits)					3,310,000
Restructuring reserve, payments					13,260,000
Restructuring Reserve, end			2,125,000		2,125,000
Employee Severance [Member] | Legacy Restructuring Plans [Member]
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring charges						(1,265,000)
Restructuring cost incurred to date			46,577,000		46,577,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning					421,000
Restructuring reserve, charges (benefits)					(132,000)
Restructuring reserve, payments					281,000
Restructuring Reserve, end			8,000		8,000
Facility Closing [Member] | Legacy Restructuring Plans [Member]
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring charges						339,000
Restructuring cost incurred to date			5,774,000		5,774,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning					390,000
Restructuring reserve, charges (benefits)					0
Restructuring reserve, payments					390,000
Restructuring Reserve, end			0		0
Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, charges (benefits)					5,325,000
Other Restructuring [Member] | November 2014 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring charges						0
Restructuring cost incurred to date			2,551,000		2,551,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning	[1]				145,000
Restructuring reserve, charges (benefits)					2,338,000
Restructuring reserve, payments					368,000
Restructuring Reserve, end			2,115,000		2,115,000
Other Restructuring [Member] | Legacy Restructuring Plans [Member]
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring charges						(252,000)
Restructuring cost incurred to date			10,668,000		10,668,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning	[1]				446,000
Restructuring reserve, charges (benefits)					(191,000)
Restructuring reserve, payments					225,000
Restructuring Reserve, end			30,000		30,000
Non-cash impairment charges [Member] | November 2014 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring charges						0
Restructuring cost incurred to date			724,000		724,000
Non-cash impairment charges [Member] | Legacy Restructuring Plans [Member]
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring charges					0	$ 0
Restructuring cost incurred to date			$ 60,596,000		$ 60,596,000
Minimum [Member] | November 2014 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reorganization, number of jobs affected | employees		95,000
Reorganization, percentage of workforce affected		1.00%
Restructuring charges		$ 17,000,000
Maximum [Member] | November 2014 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reorganization, number of jobs affected | employees		115,000
Reorganization, percentage of workforce affected		2.00%
Restructuring charges		$ 25,000,000
[1]	1 Other costs primarily represent associated legal services and costs of relocating employees.

Commitments and Contingencies52

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($)		Jul. 14, 2015	Apr. 17, 2015	Jan. 28, 2015	Mar. 19, 2014	Jun. 28, 2015		Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 28, 2015		Jun. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014
Leases, Operating [Abstract]
Operating leases, future minimum payments due						$ 50,800,000			$ 50,800,000
Operating lease, term									10 years
Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract]
Capital lease obligations						6,400,000			$ 6,400,000
Capital leases, maximum term									10 years
Purchase commitments supply and price, term									10 years
Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,015						713,339,000			$ 713,339,000
2,016						323,543,000			323,543,000
2,017						349,587,000			349,587,000
2,018						184,199,000			184,199,000
2,019						177,714,000			177,714,000
Thereafter						166,867,000			166,867,000
Total	[1],[2],[3]					1,915,249,000			1,915,249,000
Future purchase obligations to related parties						130,100,000			130,100,000
Future purchase obligations related to non-cancellable purchase orders						238,700,000			238,700,000
Future purchase obligations related to long-term supply agreements									1,700,000,000
Inventory payable						5,084,000			5,084,000			$ 0
Advances to Suppliers [Abstract]
Advance payments made to supplier								$ 16,400,000			$ 32,900,000
Advances to suppliers						384,600,000			384,600,000			409,700,000
Advances to suppliers, current portion						96,277,000			96,277,000			98,129,000
Advances From Customer, Maturity Profile [Abstract]
2,015						11,357,000			11,357,000
2,016						30,662,000			30,662,000
2,017						27,039,000			27,039,000
2,018						27,039,000			27,039,000
2,019						28,842,000			28,842,000
Thereafter						43,263,000			43,263,000
Total						168,202,000			168,202,000
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Customer advances, current portion						30,662,000	[4]		30,662,000	[4]		31,788,000
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]
Product Warranties, beginning						154,098,000		151,415,000	154,648,000
Accruals for warranties issued during the period						4,181,000		4,311,000	12,342,000		9,501,000
Settlements and adjustments during the period						(1,748,000)		(4,933,000)	(10,459,000)		8,080,000
Product Warranties, end						156,531,000		150,793,000	156,531,000		$ 150,793,000	154,648,000
Liabilities Associated with Uncertain Tax Positions [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits						24,128,000			24,128,000
Interest on Convertible Debt, Net of Tax						512,000		$ 551,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Including Income Tax Penalties And Interest Accrued, Current						4,000,000			4,000,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Including Income Tax Penalties And Interest Accrued, Non-Current						20,128,000			20,128,000			31,764,000
Long-term pension liability						11,571,000			11,571,000			9,980,000
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought						7,500,000			7,500,000
First Philec Arbitration [Member]
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Loss contingency accrual recorded						55,900,000			55,900,000
Solar power systems [Member] | NRG Solar Inc. [Member] | Pending Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Damages sought					$ 75,000,000
First Philippine Solar Corporation [Member] | SunPower Philippines Manufacturing LTD [Member] | First Philec Arbitration [Member] | Judicial Ruling [Member]
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Court required payments to third party to buyout minority interests, amount		$ 23,200,000		$ 30,300,000
First Philippine Solar Corporation [Member] | SunPower Philippines Manufacturing LTD [Member] | First Philec Arbitration [Member] | Judicial Ruling [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Damages awarded				$ 25,200,000
AUO Group [Member] | SunPower Philippines Manufacturing LTD [Member] | AUO Group [Member] | 524291 Claims Adjusting [Member]
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought			$ 28,600,000
Loss Contingency, Amount Sought, Disgorgement			$ 35,600,000
AUOSP [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Customer advances and deposits						158,100,000			158,100,000			167,200,000
Customer advances, current portion						20,500,000			20,500,000			$ 18,300,000
Future Financing Commitments [Line Items]
Future financing obligation, year one						$ 179,800,000			$ 179,800,000
Supplier Concentration Risk [Member] | Supplier One [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage									84.00%			82.00%
Supplier Concentration Risk [Member] | Supplier Two [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage									16.00%			17.00%
[1]	The Company did not fulfill all of the purchase commitments it was otherwise obligated to take by December 31, 2014, as specified in several related contracts with a supplier. As of June 28, 2015, the Company has recorded an offsetting asset, recorded within "Prepaid expenses and other current assets," and liability, recorded within "Accrued liabilities," totaling $5.1 million. This amount represents the unfulfilled amount as of that date as the Company expects to satisfy the obligation via purchases of inventory in fiscal 2015, within the applicable contractual cure period.
[2]	Total future purchase obligations was composed of $238.7 million related to non-cancellable purchase orders and $1.7 billion related to long-term supply agreements.
[3]	otal future purchase obligations as of June 28, 2015 include $130.1 million to related parties.
[4]	The Company has related-party balances for 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 "Accounts Receivable, net," "Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings," "Prepaid expenses and other current assets," "Other long-term assets," "Accounts payable," "Accrued Liabilities," "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 3, Note 7, Note 10, Note 11, and Note 12).

Equity Method Investments (Deta

Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 28, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments			$ 283,225,000	$ 210,898,000
Purchase Price Agreement, Term			25 years
CCPV [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage			25.00%
Payments to acquire equity method investments		$ 16,400,000
Diamond Energy [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	25.00%
Payments to acquire equity method investments	$ 3,000,000
AUOSP [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments			$ 196,700,000	191,700,000
Equity method investment, ownership percentage			50.00%
Joint venture, energy output committed to purchase, percentage			80.00%
Future financing obligation, year one			$ 169,000,000
Additional cash contributions			50,000,000
8Point3 Energy [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments			$ 68,200,000	$ 0

Debt and Credit Sources (Detail

Debt and Credit Sources (Details) $ / shares in Units, ₪ in Millions		1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
		Apr. 30, 2014USD ($)shares	Feb. 28, 2014USD ($)	May. 31, 2010USD ($)installment	Jun. 28, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares		Jun. 29, 2014USD ($)$ / shares	Jan. 02, 2011USD ($)$ / shares	Jun. 28, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares		Jun. 29, 2014USD ($)$ / shares	Jun. 24, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)	Oct. 17, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 30, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 30, 2014ILS (₪)	May. 31, 2013USD ($)$ / shares	Feb. 28, 2012$ / sharesshares	May. 31, 2009USD ($)$ / shares
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value					$ 935,634,000				$ 935,634,000				$ 1,180,103,000
Short-term					10,950,000				10,950,000				262,271,000
Long-term					914,120,000				914,120,000				901,912,000
Debt instruments, carrying value					925,070,000				925,070,000				1,164,183,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,015					1,123,000				1,123,000
2,016					18,591,000				18,591,000
2,017					19,487,000				19,487,000
2,018					308,208,000				308,208,000
2,019					5,256,000				5,256,000
Thereafter					582,969,000				582,969,000
Debt instrument, face value					935,634,000				935,634,000				1,180,103,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Convertible debt, current portion					0				0				245,325,000
Convertible Debt, Noncurrent					693,938,000	[1]			693,938,000	[1]			692,955,000
Debt instrument, face value					$ 935,634,000				935,634,000				1,180,103,000
Repayments of Convertible Debt									324,273,000		$ 42,102,000
Non-cash interest expense									5,251,000		10,492,000
Proceeds from settlement of 4.50% Bond Hedge									74,628,000		110,000
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Proceeds from issuance of non-recourse debt financing, net of issuance costs									$ 54,830,000		73,414,000
Bond Hedge [Member]
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Interest rate					4.75%				4.75%
Hooper Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value					$ 27,600,000				$ 27,600,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					27,600,000				27,600,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					27,600,000				27,600,000
Residential Lease Program [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term					2,800,000				2,800,000
Long-term					132,200,000				132,200,000
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value					8,500,000				8,500,000				8,600,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					8,500,000				8,500,000				8,600,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					8,500,000				8,500,000				8,600,000
0.875% debentures due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value					400,000,000		$ 400,000,000		400,000,000		400,000,000		400,000,000
Short-term					0				0				0
Long-term					396,083,000				396,083,000				395,475,000
Debt instruments, carrying value					396,083,000				396,083,000				395,475,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					400,000,000		400,000,000		400,000,000		400,000,000		400,000,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					$ 400,000,000		$ 400,000,000		$ 400,000,000		$ 400,000,000		400,000,000
Interest rate					0.875%		0.875%		0.875%		0.875%
Debt instrument, convertible, conversion price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares							$ 48.76				$ 48.76
0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value					$ 300,000,000				$ 300,000,000				300,000,000				$ 300,000,000
Short-term					0				0				0
Long-term					297,776,000				297,776,000				297,401,000
Debt instruments, carrying value					297,776,000				297,776,000				297,401,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					300,000,000				300,000,000				300,000,000				300,000,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					$ 300,000,000				$ 300,000,000				300,000,000				$ 300,000,000
Interest rate					0.75%				0.75%								0.75%
Debt instrument, convertible, conversion price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares					$ 24.95				$ 24.95								$ 24.95
4.50% debentures due 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value					$ 0	[2]		$ 250,000,000	$ 0	[2]			249,645,000
Short-term						[2]				[2]			245,325,000
Long-term					$ 0	[2]			$ 0	[2]			0
Debt instruments, carrying value					0	[2]			0	[2]			245,325,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					0	[2]		250,000,000	0	[2]			249,645,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					$ 0	[2]		$ 250,000,000	$ 0	[2]			249,645,000
Interest rate					4.50%				4.50%
4.50% debentures due 2015 [Member] | Cash Conversion Option [Member]
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	[3]							$ 22.53
4.50% debentures due 2015 [Member] | Bond Hedge [Member]
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares								$ 22.53
Recognized non-cash loss					$ 0		$ 82,100,000		$ (52,000,000)		$ 101,200,000
4.50% debentures due 2015 [Member] | Warrants (Under the CSO2015) [Member]
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Recognized non-cash loss					$ 0		$ 82,100,000		$ (52,000,000)		$ 101,100,000
4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member]
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Interest rate					4.75%				4.75%
Issuance of common stock upon conversion of convertible debt (in shares) | shares		7,100,000
Cash paid for settlement of debt		$ 41,700,000
4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member] | Bond Hedge [Member]
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares									$ 26.40
Warrants in full, paid cash settlement			$ 68,800,000
4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member] | Bond Hedge [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Indexed Shares | shares					8,700,000				8,700,000
4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member] | Warrants (Under the CSO2015) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Warrant or right, number of securities called by each warrant or right (in shares) | shares					11,100,000				11,100,000
0.75% debentures due 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value					$ 79,000				$ 79,000				79,000
Short-term					79,000				79,000				0
Long-term					0				0				79,000
Debt instruments, carrying value					79,000				79,000				79,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					79,000				79,000				79,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					79,000				79,000				79,000
IFC Mortgage Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value				$ 75,000,000	32,500,000				32,500,000				47,500,000
Short-term					7,500,000				7,500,000				14,983,000
Long-term					24,097,000				24,097,000				31,492,000
Debt instruments, carrying value					31,597,000				31,597,000				46,475,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value				75,000,000	32,500,000				32,500,000				47,500,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value				$ 75,000,000	32,500,000				32,500,000				47,500,000
Debt instrument, delayed repayment, deferment term				2 years
Debt instrument, number of installment payments | installment				10
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%
Restricted cash and cash equivalents					9,200,000				9,200,000				9,200,000
CEDA Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value					30,000,000				30,000,000				30,000,000
Short-term					0				0				0
Long-term					27,537,000				27,537,000				27,379,000
Debt instruments, carrying value					27,537,000				27,537,000				27,379,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					30,000,000				30,000,000				30,000,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					30,000,000				30,000,000				30,000,000
Quinto Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value					0				0				61,481,000
Short-term					0				0				0
Long-term					0				0				61,481,000
Debt instruments, carrying value					0				0				61,481,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					0				0				61,481,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					0				0				61,481,000
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Liquidity support facility, maximum capacity														$ 377,000,000
Other Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value					173,055,000	[2]			173,055,000	[2]			91,398,000
Short-term					3,371,000	[2]			3,371,000	[2]			1,963,000
Long-term					168,627,000	[2]			168,627,000	[2]			88,605,000
Debt instruments, carrying value					171,998,000	[2]			171,998,000	[2]		$ 224,300,000	90,568,000		$ 40,700,000	₪ 141.8
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					173,055,000	[2]			173,055,000	[2]			91,398,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					173,055,000	[2]			173,055,000	[2]			91,398,000
July 2013 Credit Agricole Syndicated Revolver [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | Credit Agricole [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value					0				0				0
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					0				0				0
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					0				0				0
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity					250,000,000				250,000,000
Liquidity support facility, maximum capacity					300,000,000				$ 300,000,000
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%
July 2013 Credit Agricole Syndicated Revolver [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | Credit Agricole [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Line of credit facility, basis spread on base loan, period two									0.50%
Line of credit facility, unused capacity, commitment fee percentage, period two									0.25%
Line of credit facility, basis spread, period two									1.50%
July 2013 Credit Agricole Syndicated Revolver [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | Credit Agricole [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Line of credit facility, basis spread on base loan, period two									1.00%
Line of credit facility, unused capacity, commitment fee percentage, period two									0.35%
Line of credit facility, basis spread, period two									2.00%
August 2011 Letter of Credit [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member] | Deutsche Bank [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Letter of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity, in 2014					878,000,000				$ 878,000,000
Letter of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity, in 2015					936,000,000				936,000,000
Letter of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity, in 2016					1,000,000,000				1,000,000,000
Letters of Credit outstanding, amount					594,600,000				594,600,000				654,700,000
September 2011 Letter of Credit [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member] | Deutsche Bank [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Liquidity support facility, maximum capacity					200,000,000				200,000,000
Letters of Credit outstanding, amount					$ 14,500,000				$ 14,500,000				1,600,000
Total [Member] | 0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value																	$ 200,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value																	200,000,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value																	$ 200,000,000
Warrant (Under the CSO2014) [Member]
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Class of warrant or right, exercise price of warrants or rights (in dollars per share) | $ / shares					$ 26.40				$ 26.40										$ 26.40
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Payments for Repurchase of Warrants			$ 81,100,000
Warrant (Under the CSO2014) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Warrant or right, number of securities called by each warrant or right (in shares) | shares					8,700,000				8,700,000
Warrants (Under the CSO2015) [Member]
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Class of warrant or right, exercise price of warrants or rights (in dollars per share) | $ / shares					$ 24				$ 24
Upfront Warrants (held by Total) [Member] | Total [Member]
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Warrant or right, number of securities called by each warrant or right (in shares) | shares																		9,531,677
Class of warrant or right, exercise price of warrants or rights (in dollars per share) | $ / shares																		$ 7.8685
Convertible Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value					$ 700,079,000				$ 700,079,000				949,724,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					700,079,000				700,079,000				949,724,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Convertible Debt, Noncurrent					693,938,000				693,938,000				938,280,000
Debt instrument, face value					700,079,000				700,079,000				949,724,000
Fair Value					820,803,000	[4]			820,803,000	[4]			1,019,411,000
Convertible Debt [Member] | 0.875% debentures due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value					400,000,000				400,000,000				400,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					400,000,000				400,000,000				400,000,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Convertible Debt, Noncurrent					396,083,000				396,083,000				395,475,000
Debt instrument, face value					400,000,000				400,000,000				400,000,000
Fair Value					406,772,000	[4]			406,772,000	[4]			358,000,000
Convertible Debt [Member] | 0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value					300,000,000				300,000,000				300,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					300,000,000				300,000,000				300,000,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Convertible Debt, Noncurrent					297,776,000				297,776,000				297,401,000
Debt instrument, face value					300,000,000				300,000,000				300,000,000
Fair Value					413,955,000	[4]			413,955,000	[4]			366,750,000
Convertible Debt [Member] | 4.50% debentures due 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value					0				0				249,645,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					0				0				249,645,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Convertible debt, current portion					0				0				245,325,000
Debt instrument, face value					0				0				249,645,000
Fair Value					0	[4]			0	[4]			294,581,000
Convertible Debt [Member] | 4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value																			$ 230,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value																			230,000,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value																			$ 230,000,000
Convertible Debt [Member] | 0.75% debentures due 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value					79,000				79,000				79,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					79,000				79,000				79,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Convertible Debt, Noncurrent					79,000				79,000				79,000
Debt instrument, face value					79,000				79,000				79,000
Fair Value					76,000	[4]			76,000	[4]			80,000
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount					$ 8,500,000				$ 8,500,000				$ 247,000,000
[1]	The Company has related-party balances for 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 "Accounts Receivable, net," "Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings," "Prepaid expenses and other current assets," "Other long-term assets," "Accounts payable," "Accrued Liabilities," "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 3, Note 7, Note 10, Note 11, and Note 12).
[2]	Other debt excludes payments related to capital leases, which are disclosed in Note 9.
[3]	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.
[4]	The fair value of the convertible debt was determined using Level 2 inputs based on quarterly market prices as reported by an independent pricing source.

Derivative Financial Instrume55

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets, net amounts	$ 2,755		$ 2,755		$ 7,018
Derivative financial instruments	4,443		4,443		1,345
Derivative liabilities, net amounts	4,913		4,913		5,057
Derivative assets, gross amounts recognized	2,755		2,755		7,018
Derivative assets, financial instruments	2,377		2,377		1,345
Derivative assets, net amounts	378		378		5,673
Derivative liabilities, gross amounts recognized	4,913		4,913		5,057
Derivative liabilities, financial instruments	2,377		2,377		1,345
Derivative liabilities, net amounts	2,536		2,536		3,712
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Roll Forward
Gain (loss) in OCI at the beginning of the period	(5,631)	$ (420)	(1,443)
Unrealized gain (loss) recognized in OCI	7,343	(135)	4,635	$ (138)
Less: Loss (gain) reclassified from OCI to earnings	(2,347)	107	(3,827)	495
Net gain (loss) on derivatives	4,996	(28)	808	357
Gain (loss) in OCI at the end of the period	(635)	(448)	(635)	(448)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net [Abstract]
Gain (loss) recognized in Other, net on derivatives (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing)	1,968	(331)	(5,223)	(811)
Gain (loss) recognized in Other, net	(8,417)	$ (1,224)	(902)	$ 206
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets, net amounts	103		103		2,244
Derivative liabilities, net amounts	1,395		1,395		3,712
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	40,400		40,400		12,200
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign currency option contracts [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	0		0		26,600
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets, net amounts	2,652		2,652		4,774
Derivative liabilities, net amounts	3,518		3,518		1,345
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	55,800		55,800		122,500
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Foreign currency option contracts [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	0		0		0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Current derivative assets	103		103		4
Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign currency option contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Current derivative assets	0		0		2,240
Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Current derivative assets	1,804		1,804		4,774
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Current derivative liabilities	848		848		0
Accrued liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	925		925		0
Accrued liabilities [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	3,518		3,518		1,345
Other long-term liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Current derivative liabilities	470		470		3,712
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	8,500		8,500		247,000
Other long-term liabilities [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Current derivative liabilities	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 29, 2014
Geographic distribution of income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees:
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated investees	$ (25,989)	$ (8,936)	$ (54,879)	$ 45,935
Deferred tax benefit (expense)
Provision for income taxes	659	$ 8,168	(1,692)	$ (5,452)
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 24,128		$ 24,128

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (De

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 29, 2014	Feb. 28, 2012	May. 31, 2009
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders	$ 6,509	$ 14,102	$ (3,072)	$ 79,146
Basic weighted-average common shares (in shares)	134,376,000	129,747,000	133,205,000	125,972,000
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.05	$ 0.11	$ (0.02)	$ 0.63
Interest expense incurred on debentures	$ 512	$ 551
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$ 7,021	$ 14,653	$ (3,072)	$ 80,328
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Diluted weighted-average common shares	(156,995,000)	(156,333,000)	(133,205,000)	(154,886,000)
Dilutive net income (loss) per share	$ 0.04	$ 0.09	$ (0.02)	$ 0.52
Stock options [Member]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Outstanding anti-dilutive potential common stock excluded from income (loss) per diluted share	149,000	139,000	185,000	149,000
Restricted stock units [Member]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Outstanding anti-dilutive potential common stock excluded from income (loss) per diluted share	293,000	293,000	1,776,000	379,000
Upfront Warrants (held by Total) [Member]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Outstanding anti-dilutive potential common stock excluded from income (loss) per diluted share	0	0	7,055,000	0
Warrants (Under the CSO2015) [Member]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Outstanding anti-dilutive potential common stock excluded from income (loss) per diluted share	0	0	1,827,000	0
0.875% debentures due 2021 [Member]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Outstanding anti-dilutive potential common stock excluded from income (loss) per diluted share	8,203,000	1,713,000	8,203,000	0
4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Outstanding anti-dilutive potential common stock excluded from income (loss) per diluted share		1,330,000		5,021,000
0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted [Abstract]
Interest expense incurred on debentures			$ 0	$ 1,001
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Debentures due	12,026,000	12,026,000	0	12,026,000
Outstanding anti-dilutive potential common stock excluded from income (loss) per diluted share	0	0	12,000	0
4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member]
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted [Abstract]
Interest expense incurred on debentures	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 181
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Debentures due	0	0	0	857,000
4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Warrant (Under the CSO2014) [Member]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Warrant or right, number of securities called by each warrant or right (in shares)	8,700,000		8,700,000
Upfront Warrants (held by Total) [Member]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Warrants	7,201,000	7,278,000	0	7,253,000
Upfront Warrants (held by Total) [Member] | Total [Member]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Warrant or right, number of securities called by each warrant or right (in shares)					9,531,677
Class of warrant or right, exercise price of warrants or rights (in dollars per share)					$ 7.8685
Warrants (Under the CSO2015) [Member]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Warrants	1,873,000	3,094,000	0	3,004,000
Class of warrant or right, exercise price of warrants or rights (in dollars per share)	$ 24		$ 24
Warrant (Under the CSO2014) [Member]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Warrants	0	0	0	524,000
Class of warrant or right, exercise price of warrants or rights (in dollars per share)	$ 26.40		$ 26.40			$ 26.40
Warrant (Under the CSO2014) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Warrant or right, number of securities called by each warrant or right (in shares)	8,700,000		8,700,000
Stock options [Member]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Restricted stock units	36,000	93,000	0	101,000
Restricted stock units [Member]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Restricted stock units	1,483,000	4,095,000	0	5,149,000

Stock-Based Compensation (Detai

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 29, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 14,040	$ 13,348	$ 27,586	$ 28,215
Restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	14,885	13,472	29,389	28,348
Change in stock-based compensation capitalized in inventory [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	(845)	(124)	(1,803)	(133)
Cost of revenue [Member] | Americas [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	1,212	890	2,134	1,884
Cost of revenue [Member] | EMEA [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	531	491	919	1,031
Cost of revenue [Member] | APAC [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	1,517	1,969	2,773	3,991
Research and development [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	2,380	1,912	4,653	3,709
Selling, general and administrative [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 8,400	$ 8,086	$ 17,107	$ 17,600

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 29, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Cost of revenue	$ 310,139	$ 413,726	$ 660,192	$ 943,159
Gross margin	70,881	94,145	161,699	257,134
Stock-based compensation expense	(14,040)	(13,348)	(27,586)	(28,215)
Non-cash interest expense			(5,251)	(10,492)
Revenue	$ 381,020	$ 507,871	$ 821,891	$ 1,200,293
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Significant Customers as a Percentage Of Total Revenue	62.00%	59.00%	66.00%	64.00%
JAPAN
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Significant Customers as a Percentage Of Total Revenue	15.00%	19.00%	15.00%	15.00%
REST OF THE WORLD [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Significant Customers as a Percentage Of Total Revenue	23.00%	22.00%	19.00%	21.00%
Residential leases [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Cost of revenue	$ 116,979	$ 125,002	$ 239,751	$ 257,689
Gross margin	35,226	31,132	67,778	63,163
Depreciation and amortization	10,504	7,128	20,676	13,163
Revenue	152,205	156,134	307,529	320,852
Commercial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Cost of revenue	58,842	74,789	105,722	139,252
Gross margin	4,142	10,298	6,325	22,339
Depreciation and amortization	6,287	3,989	9,694	6,792
Revenue	62,984	85,087	112,047	161,591
Power Plant [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Cost of revenue	134,318	213,935	314,719	546,218
Gross margin	31,513	52,715	87,596	171,632
Depreciation and amortization	14,651	12,909	29,635	29,442
Revenue	$ 165,831	$ 266,650	$ 402,315	$ 717,850
Power Plant [Member] | Mid American Energy Holdings Company [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Significant Customers as a Percentage Of Total Revenue	15.00%	31.00%	25.00%	37.00%
Revenue [Member] | Residential leases [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue, As reviewed by CODM	$ 152,205	$ 156,134	$ 307,529	$ 320,852
Revenue	152,205	156,134	307,529	320,852
Revenue [Member] | Commercial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue, As reviewed by CODM	62,984	85,087	112,047	161,591
Revenue	62,984	85,087	112,047	161,591
Revenue [Member] | Power Plant [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue, As reviewed by CODM	161,518	379,845	387,732	822,336
Revenue	165,831	266,650	402,315	717,850
Revenue [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Residential leases [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue, Utility and power plant project	0	0	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense	0	0	0	0
Revenue, Other	0	0	0	0
Revenue [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Commercial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue, Utility and power plant project	0	0	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense	0	0	0	0
Revenue, Other	0	0	0	0
Revenue [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Power Plant [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue, Utility and power plant project	4,313	(113,195)	14,583	(104,486)
Stock-based compensation expense	0	0	0	0
Revenue, Other	0	0	0	0
Gross margin [Member] | Residential leases [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross margin	$ 35,226	$ 31,132	$ 67,778	$ 63,163
Gross margin, As a percentage of total revenues	23.14379%	19.93928%	22.03955%	19.68602%
Gross margin, As reviewed by CODM	$ 35,410	$ 32,207	$ 70,688	$ 65,420
Gross margin, As a percentage of total revenues (As reviewed by CODM)	23.26468%	20.62779%	22.9858%	20.38946%
Gross margin [Member] | Commercial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross margin	$ 4,142	$ 10,298	$ 6,325	$ 22,339
Gross margin, As a percentage of total revenues	6.57627%	12.10291%	5.64495%	13.82441%
Gross margin, As reviewed by CODM	$ 4,016	$ 10,887	$ 7,041	$ 23,562
Gross margin, As a percentage of total revenues (As reviewed by CODM)	6.37622%	12.79514%	6.28397%	14.58126%
Gross margin [Member] | Power Plant [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross margin	$ 31,513	$ 52,715	$ 87,596	$ 171,632
Gross margin, As a percentage of total revenues	19.00308%	19.76936%	21.77299%	23.90917%
Gross margin, As reviewed by CODM	$ 26,717	$ 77,738	$ 76,575	$ 182,487
Gross margin, As a percentage of total revenues (As reviewed by CODM)	16.54119%	20.46572%	19.74947%	22.19129%
Loss Contingency, Actions Taken by Court, Arbitrator or Mediator	3,837		3,837
Gross margin [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Residential leases [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross margin, Utility and power plant projects	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Loss Contingency, Actions Taken by Court, Arbitrator or Mediator	1,969		1,969
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 1,212	890	$ 2,134	1,884
Gross margin, Other	941	185	2,745	373
Gross margin [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Commercial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross margin, Utility and power plant projects	$ 0	0	$ 0	0
Loss Contingency, Actions Taken by Court, Arbitrator or Mediator	1,294		1,294
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 531	491	$ 919	1,031
Gross margin, Other	637	98	1,091	192
Gross margin [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Power Plant [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross margin, Utility and power plant projects	4,328	(22,614)	15,579	(6,006)
Stock-based compensation expense	1,516	1,969	2,772	3,991
Gross margin, Other	$ 1,853	$ 440	$ 5,623	$ 858
Stock options [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Significant Customers as a Percentage Of Total Revenue	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%