Sunpower (SPWRQ) 10-Q 2 Nov 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 27, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Oct. 1, 2017
Entity Registrant Name	SUNPOWER CORP
Entity Central Index Key	867,773
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 905,567,150
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding		139,571,477

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 01, 2017		Jan. 01, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 275,004		$ 425,309
Restricted cash and cash equivalents, current portion	41,738		33,657
Accounts receivable, net	186,230	[1]	219,638
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	19,229	[1]	32,780
Inventories	408,212		401,707
Advances to suppliers, current portion	46,096		111,479
Project assets - plants and land, current portion1	364,165	[1]	374,459
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	164,420	[1]	315,670
Total current assets	1,505,094		1,914,699
Restricted cash and cash equivalents, net of current portion	61,211		55,246
Restricted long-term marketable securities	6,131		4,971
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,052,834		1,027,066
Solar power systems leased and to be leased, net	707,534		621,267
Project assets - plants and land, net of current portion	42,311		33,571
Advances to suppliers, net of current portion	185,968		173,277
Long-term financing receivables, net	598,832		507,333
Other intangible assets, net	33,686		44,218
Other long-term assets	115,040	[1]	185,519
Total assets	4,308,641		4,567,167
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	408,430	[1]	540,295
Accrued liabilities1	251,127	[1]	391,226
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	8,438		77,140
Short-term debt	57,453		71,376
Convertible debt, current portion1	299,495
Customer advances, current portion	45,273	[1]	10,138
Total current liabilities	1,070,216		1,090,175
Long-term debt	601,070		451,243
Convertible debt, net of current portion	815,978	[1]	1,113,478
Customer Advances, Noncurrent	71,877	[1]	298
Other long-term liabilities1	795,943	[1]	721,032
Total liabilities	3,355,084		3,376,226
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	125,860		103,621
Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding as of both October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017	0		0
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 367,500,000 shares authorized; 149,653,762 shares issued, and 139,543,120 outstanding as of October 1, 2017; 148,079,718 shares issued, and 138,510,325 outstanding as of January 1, 2017	140		139
Additional paid-in capital	2,434,428		2,410,395
Accumulated deficit	(1,546,511)		(1,218,681)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(4,109)		(7,238)
Treasury stock, at cost; 10,110,642 shares of common stock as of October 1, 2017; 9,569,393 shares of common stock as of January 1, 2017	(181,174)		(176,783)
Total stockholders' equity	702,774		1,007,832
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	124,923		79,488
Total equity	827,697		1,087,320
Total liabilities and equity	$ 4,308,641		$ 4,567,167
[1]	The Company has related-party balances for transactions made with Total S.A. 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," "Project assets - plants and land, current portion," "Prepaid expenses and other current assets," "Other long-term assets," "Accounts payable," "Accrued liabilities," "Customer advances, current portion," "Convertible debt, current portion," "Convertible debt, net of current portion," "Customer advances, net of current portion," and "Other long-term liabilities" financial statement line items in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 2, Note 6, Note 8, Note 9, Note 10, and Note 11).

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Oct. 01, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017
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	149,570,870	148,079,718
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	139,479,270	138,510,325
Common stock held in treasury	10,091,600	9,569,393

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Oct. 01, 2017		Oct. 02, 2016
Solar power systems, components, and other	$ 427,049,000	$ 673,538,000	$ 1,063,622,000	[1]	$ 1,358,249,000
Residential leasing	50,142,000	55,808,000	150,091,000	[1]	176,424,000
Revenue	477,191,000	729,346,000	1,213,713,000		1,534,673,000
Solar power systems, components, and other	428,056,000	558,342,000	1,113,169,000	[1]	1,179,777,000
Residential leasing	33,477,000	41,796,000	100,583,000	[1]	132,857,000
Cost of revenue	461,533,000	600,138,000	1,213,752,000		1,312,634,000
Gross margin	15,658,000	129,208,000	(39,000)		222,039,000
Operating expenses:
Research and development1	20,693,000	28,153,000	60,962,000	[1]	92,270,000
Sales, general and administrative1	68,401,000	80,070,000	204,507,000	[1]	262,544,000
Restructuring charges	3,517,000	31,202,000	18,276,000		31,415,000
Total operating expenses	92,611,000	139,425,000	283,745,000		386,229,000
Operating loss	(76,953,000)	(10,217,000)	(283,784,000)		(164,190,000)
Other income (expense), net:
Interest income	636,000	630,000	1,961,000		2,133,000
Interest expense1	(21,898,000)	15,813,000	(65,037,000)		42,644,000
Gain on settlement of preexisting relationships with acquisition	0	203,252,000	0		203,252,000
Loss on equity method investment in connection with acquisition	0	90,946,000	0		90,946,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0	147,365,000	0		(147,365,000)
Other, net	(1,406,000)	(5,169,000)	(19,340,000)		(17,223,000)
Other expense, net	(22,668,000)	(55,411,000)	(82,416,000)		(92,793,000)
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated investees	(99,621,000)	(65,628,000)	(366,200,000)		(256,983,000)
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	5,457,000	(7,049,000)	1,073,000		(16,878,000)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees	15,308,000	16,770,000	21,809,000		24,356,000
Net loss	(78,856,000)	(55,907,000)	(343,318,000)		(249,505,000)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	24,609,000	(15,362,000)	60,832,000		(53,559,000)
Net loss attributable to stockholders	$ (54,247,000)	$ (40,545,000)	$ (282,486,000)		$ (195,946,000)
Net loss per share attributable to stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.39)	$ (0.29)	$ (2.03)		$ (1.42)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.39)	$ (0.29)	$ (2.03)		$ (1.42)
Weighted-average shares:
Basic (in shares)	139,517	138,209	139,289		137,832
Diluted (in shares)	139,517	138,209	139,289		137,832
[1]	1 The Company has related-party transactions with Total S.A. and its affiliates as well as unconsolidated entities in which the Company has a direct equity investment. These related-party transactions are recorded within the "Revenue: Solar power systems, components, and other," "Cost of revenue: Solar power systems, components, and other," "Operating expenses: Research and development," "Operating expenses: Sales, general and administrative," and "Other income (expense), net: Interest expense" financial statement line items in the Consolidated Statements of Operations (see Note 2 and Note 9).

Consolidated Statement of Compr

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (78,856)	$ (55,907)	$ (343,318)	$ (249,505)
Components of comprehensive loss:
Translation adjustment	2,627	(272)	4,051	1,285
Net change in derivatives (Note 11)	(209)	56	(1,487)	(6,825)
Net gain (loss) on long-term pension liability adjustment			0
Income taxes	108	30	565	(716)
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	2,526	(246)	3,129	(4,824)
Total comprehensive loss	(76,330)	(56,153)	(340,189)	(254,329)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	24,609	(15,362)	60,832	(53,559)
Comprehensive loss attributable to stockholders	$ (51,721)	$ (40,791)	$ (279,357)	$ (200,770)

Consolidated Statements of Equi

Consolidated Statements of Equity - 9 months ended Oct. 01, 2017 - 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]
CumulativeEffectUponAdoptionofASU2016-09_ASU2016-16	$ (45,344)		$ (45,344)					$ (45,344)
Shares issued, beginning of period at Jan. 01, 2017				138,508
Stockholders' equity, beginning of period at Jan. 01, 2017	1,087,320	$ 103,621	1,007,832	$ 139	$ 2,410,395	$ (176,783)	$ (7,238)	(1,218,681)	$ 79,488
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net loss	(343,318)
Net loss	(318,609)	(24,709)	(282,486)						(36,123)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	(282,486)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,129		3,129				3,129
Issuance of restricted stock to employees, net of cancellations (in shares)				1,574
Issuance of restricted stock to employees, net of cancellations	1		1	$ 1	0
Stock-based compensation expense	24,033		24,033		24,033
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	89,510	52,325							89,510
Contributions from noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	141,037
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(7,952)	(5,377)							(7,952)
Purchases of treasury stock (in shares)				(542)
Purchases of treasury stock	(4,391)		(4,391)			(4,391)
Shares issued, end of period at Oct. 01, 2017				139,540
Stockholders' equity, end of period at Oct. 01, 2017	$ 827,697	$ 125,860	$ 702,774	$ 140	$ 2,434,428	$ (181,174)	$ (4,109)	$ (1,546,511)	$ 124,923

Consolidated Statements of Equ7

Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parentheticals)	Dec. 28, 2014
Warrant (Under the CSO2014) [Member]
Interest rate	4.75%

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016
Net loss	$ (343,318,000)	$ (249,505,000)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, end of period	377,953,000	462,959,000
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	514,212,000	1,020,764,000
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities, net of effect of acquisitions:
Depreciation and amortization	133,541,000	122,842,000
Stock-based compensation	25,380,000	48,902,000
Non-cash interest expense	12,553,000	963,000
Non-cash restructuring charges	0	17,926,000
Gain on settlement of preexisting relationships with acquisition	0	(203,252,000)
Impairment of Equity Method Investments	8,607,000	90,946,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0	147,365,000
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution	22,232,000	0
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees	(21,809,000)	(24,356,000)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	0	1,222,000
Deferred income taxes	1,575,000	2,791,000
Other, net	5,180,000	(3,805,000)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	34,776,000	36,563,000
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	13,551,000	13,579,000
Inventories	(67,012,000)	101,146,000
Project assets	(62,024,000)	(434,645,000)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	150,628,000	(69,293,000)
Long-term financing receivables, net	(91,499,000)	(136,543,000)
Advances to suppliers	52,692,000	(45,003,000)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	(228,368,000)	(144,202,000)
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	(68,702,000)	(15,879,000)
Customer advances	106,713,000	(14,440,000)
Net cash used in operating activities	(315,304,000)	(798,338,000)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(57,614,000)	149,475,000
Cash paid for solar power systems, leased and to be leased	(64,532,000)	64,417,000
Cash paid for solar power systems	(38,242,000)	2,282,000
Proceeds from sales or maturities of marketable securities	0	(6,210,000)
Proceeds from 8point3 Energy Partners LP attributable to real estate projects and residential lease portfolio	0	9,838,000
Purchases of marketable securities	(1,306,000)	0
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	24,003,000
Dividend from equity method investees	2,891,000	0
Cash paid for investments in unconsolidated investees	(15,947,000)	11,046,000
Net cash used in investing activities	(174,750,000)	(254,851,000)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of non-recourse residential financing, net of issuance costs	83,177,000	142,862,000
Repayment of non-recourse residential financing	(4,755,000)	36,707,000
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt	318,675,000	602,286,000
Repayment of bank loans and other debt	(303,562,000)	15,572,000
Repayment of non-recourse power plant and commercial financing	(148,606,000)	257,538,000
Contributions from noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests attributable to residential projects	141,037,000	91,723,000
Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests attributable to residential projects	(13,028,000)	13,419,000
Proceeds from (Payments to) Noncontrolling Interests	89,510,000
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	0	1,222,000
Purchases of stock for tax withholding obligations on vested restricted stock	(4,390,000)	20,953,000
Proceeds from issuance of bank loans, net of issuance costs	283,149,000	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	352,497,000	493,904,000
Contributions from noncontrolling interests attributable to power plant and commercial projects	800,000	0
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents	1,298,000	1,480,000
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)	(136,259,000)	(557,805,000)
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents, end of period1	275,004,000
Non-cash transactions:
Assignment of residential lease receivables to third parties	90,000	3,722,000
Costs of solar power systems, leased and to be leased, sourced from existing inventory	42,392,000	43,983,000
Costs of solar power systems, leased and to be leased, funded by liabilities	5,298,000	6,226,000
Costs of solar power systems under sale-leaseback financing arrangements, sourced from project assets	65,885,000	7,375,000
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	32,367,000	85,994,000
Exchange of receivables for an investment in an unconsolidated investee	0	2,890,000
Contractual_obligations_satisfied_with_inventory	19,855,000	0
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Other Liabilities Assumed	0	100,550,000
Net reclassification of cash proceeds offset by project assets in connection with the deconsolidation of assets sold to the 8point3 Group	$ 4,918,000	$ 43,588,000

Consolidated Statements of Cas9

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parentheticals)	Dec. 28, 2014
4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member] | Bond Hedge [Member]
Interest rate	4.75%
4.50% debentures due 2015 [Member] | Bond Hedge [Member]
Interest rate	4.50%
Warrant (Under the CSO2014) [Member]
Interest rate	4.75%

The Company and Summary of Sign

The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
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 leading global energy company that delivers complete solar solutions to residential, commercial, and power plant customers worldwide through an array of hardware, software, and financing options and through utility-scale solar power system construction and development capabilities, operations and maintenance ("O&M") services, and "Smart Energy" solutions. SunPower's Smart Energy initiative is designed to add layers of intelligent control to homes, buildings and grids-all personalized through easy-to-use customer interfaces. Of all the solar cells commercially available to the mass market, the Company believes its solar cells have the highest conversion efficiency, a measurement of the amount of sunlight converted by the solar cell into electricity. SunPower Corporation is a majority-owned subsidiary of Total Solar International SAS France ("Total"), formerly Total Energies Nouvelles Activités USA, a subsidiary of Total S.A. ("Total S.A.") (see Note 2 ). The Company's Chief Executive Officer, as the chief operating decision maker ("CODM"), has organized the Company, manages resource allocations and measures performance of the Company's activities among three 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. 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 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. Liquidity The Company continues to face challenging industry conditions and a competitive environment. While the Company continues to focus on improving overall operating performance and liquidity, including managing cash flow and working capital, notably with cash savings resulting from restructuring actions and cost reduction initiatives put in place in the third and fourth quarters of 2016, the Company's net losses continued through the third quarter of 2017 and are expected to continue through 2018. The Company has the ability to enhance its available cash by borrowing up to $95.0 million under its revolving credit facility with Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank ("Credit Agricole") pursuant to the Letter Agreement executed by the Company and Total S.A. on May 8, 2017 (see Note 2). However, the Company’s $300.0 million 0.75% senior convertible debentures due 2018 (the “0.75% debentures due 2018”), $200.0 million of which are held by Total, mature on June 1, 2018. These events and conditions indicate the Company may not have the liquid funds necessary to repay the existing 0.75% debentures due 2018 at maturity and satisfy its estimated liquidity needs within the 12 months from the date of issuance of these interim financial statements. The Company has a history of successfully refinancing and extending the maturity date of its debts; however, there is no assurance that the 0.75% debentures due 2018 will be refinanced or their maturity extended to sufficiently meet the Company’s obligations as they become due or on terms acceptable to the Company. Given its current share price compared to the conversion price of $24.95 per share for the 0.75% debentures due 2018, the Company anticipates that bondholders will choose to select repayment in cash. In addition, the Company has decided to divest certain assets, such as its equity interest in 8point3 Group, and join the sale process initiated by First Solar, Inc. The Company anticipates that it could repay the 0.75% debentures due 2018 with proceeds from these divestitures. Regarding the 8point3 Group sale process, while the Company believes both parties are committed to proceeding, no final decision on any particular alternative has yet been reached. While the Company believes it is probable that it can effectively implement plans to sell its investment in 8point3 Group, which mitigates the conditions and events giving rise to uncertainty regarding repayment of the 0.75% debentures due 2018, there are a number of factors that may defer or otherwise limit the Company’s ability to sell this investment including, among others, (i) final approval of a transaction, once a partner, structure, and price are finalized, by the Company’s Board of Directors, (ii) legal and regulatory approvals, and (iii) approval by various classes of equity owners and/or the Board of Directors of 8point3 Energy Partners (or a subcommittee thereof), as required based on the final transaction structure. The Company believes it has sufficiently evaluated these conditions in concluding that the sale of the Company's equity interests in 8point3 Group is considered probable of occurring prior to the maturity of the 0.75% debentures due 2018. The Company cannot predict, with certainty, the outcome of its actions to generate liquidity, including the outcome of the 8point3 Group divestiture, or whether such actions would generate the necessary liquidity as currently anticipated to fulfill its obligations within the 12 months from the date of issuance of these interim 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 have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation in the Company's consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Such reclassifications had no effect on previously reported results of operations or accumulated deficit. Fiscal Years The Company has a 52-to-53-week fiscal year that ends on the Sunday closest to December 31. Accordingly, every fifth or sixth year will be a 53-week fiscal year. Both fiscal 2017 and 2016 are 52-week fiscal years. The third quarter of fiscal 2017 ended on October 1, 2017 , while the third quarter of fiscal 2016 ended on October 2, 2016 . The third quarters of fiscal 2017 and 2016 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 valuation assumptions including discount rates, future cash flows and economic useful lives of property, plant and equipment, valuations for business combinations, other intangible assets, investments, and other long-term assets; fair value and residual value of 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 and indemnities. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In November 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an update to the standards to require companies to include amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in cash and cash equivalents when reconciling beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The new standard is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company elected early adoption of the updated accounting standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The Company had restricted cash and cash equivalents held by various banks to secure its letter of credit facilities and deposits designated for the construction of various residential, commercial and power plant solar energy projects. The adoption of this accounting standard did not result in a significant impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In October 2016, the FASB issued an update to the standards to amend how a reporting entity considers indirect interests held by related parties under common control when evaluating whether it is the primary beneficiary of a Variable Interest Entities. The Company adopted the updated accounting standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Adoption of the new accounting standard did not have a material impact to the Company's consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued an update to the standards to require entities to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The new guidance is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company elected early adoption of the accounting standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, resulting in a cumulative-effect adjustment of a $61.0 million increase in accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2017, with corresponding adjustments to Prepaid expenses and other current assets, and Other long-term assets of $4.9 million and $56.1 million , respectively. In August 2016, the FASB issued an update to the standards to clarify the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows, including debt prepayment or extinguishment costs, settlement of contingent consideration arising from a business combination, insurance settlement proceeds, and distributions from certain equity method investees. The new guidance is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company elected early adoption of the updated accounting standard on a retrospective basis in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The adoption of this updated accounting standard did not result in a significant impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued an update to the standards to simplify certain aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions to employees. The new standard requires excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recorded in the statements of income as a component of the provision for income taxes when stock awards vest or are settled. In addition, it eliminates the requirement to reclassify cash flows related to excess tax benefits from operating activities to financing activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows. The standard also provides an accounting policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur, allows companies to withhold more of an employee’s vesting shares for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting, and clarifies that all cash payments made to tax authorities on an employee’s behalf for withheld shares should be presented as a financing activity on the cash flows statement. The Company adopted the new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Upon adoption on a prospective basis, excess tax benefits or deficiencies from share-based award activity are reflected in the consolidated statements of income as a component of the provision for income taxes, whereas they were previously recognized in equity. The Company also elected to continue to estimate expected forfeitures to determine stock-based compensation expense and to present excess tax benefits as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows retrospectively. Adoption of the new accounting standard resulted in a decrease of net cumulative-effect adjustment of $15.7 million , primarily related to the recognition of the previously unrecognized excess tax benefits which decreased the accumulated deficit with a corresponding adjustment to long-term tax liabilities as of January 1, 2017. The Company adopted the guidance on a modified retrospective basis. In March 2016, the FASB issued an update to the standards to eliminate the retroactive adoption of the equity method of accounting if an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership or degree of influence. The new guidance was effective for the Company for the first quarter of fiscal 2017 and required a prospective approach to adoption. The Company adopted the guidance in the first quarter of 2017, which impacted its investment in Dongfang Huansheng Photovoltaic (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd., given it qualified for equity method treatment during the quarter (see Note 9). Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In August 2017, the FASB issued an update to the standards which targeted improvements to accounting for hedging activities. The improvements include (i) alignment of risk management activities and financial reporting, and (ii) other simplifications in the application of hedge accounting guidance. The new guidance is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of 2019 and requires a modified retrospective approach to adoption. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In May 2017, the FASB issued an update to the standards to clarify which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. The new guidance is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In February 2017, the FASB issued new guidance to clarify the scope and application of the sale or transfer of nonfinancial assets to noncustomers, including partial sales and also to define what constitutes an “in substance nonfinancial asset” which can include financial assets. The new guidance eliminates several accounting differences between transactions involving assets and transactions involving businesses. Further, the guidance aligns the accounting for derecognition of a nonfinancial asset with that of a business. The new guidance is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of 2018. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In January 2017, the FASB issued an update to the standards to clarify the definition of a business to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The new guidance is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2018 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 June 2016, the FASB issued an update to the standards to amend the methodology for measuring credit losses on financial instruments and the timing of when such losses are recorded. The new guidance is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2020. Early adoption is permitted beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In February 2016, the FASB issued an update to the standards to require lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset for all leases (lease terms of more than 12 months) at the commencement date. The new guidance is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and requires a modified retrospective 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 January 2016, the FASB issued an update to the standards to require equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income (other than those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee). The new guidance is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Upon adoption, an entity should apply the amendments by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet at the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. Early adoption is permitted for the accounting guidance on financial liabilities under the fair value option. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In May 2014, the FASB issued a new revenue recognition standard ("ASC 606") 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 FASB has issued several updates to ASC 606 which (i) clarify the application of the principal versus agent guidance; (ii) clarify the guidance relating to performance obligations and licensing; (iii) clarify the assessment of the collectability criterion, presentation of sales taxes, measurement date for non-cash consideration and completed contracts at transition; and (iv) clarify narrow aspects of ASC 606 or corrects unintended application of the guidance. The new revenue recognition standard, amended by the updates, 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 will adopt ASC 606 on January 1, 2018 retrospectively, applying the new standard to each prior reporting period presented. The Company's ability to adopt retrospectively is dependent upon the completion of the analysis of information necessary to restate prior period financial statements and disclosures. The Company is in the process of reviewing historical contracts to quantify the impact of adoption on its consolidated financial statements. The Company is also in the process of assessing the appropriate changes to its business processes and upgrading its systems and controls to support recognition and disclosure under ASC 606. The Company expects the adoption of ASC 606 to primarily affect its Power Plants and Commercial Segments. Sales of solar power systems that include the sale or lease of related real estate, which occur under both segments, are currently accounted for under the guidance for real estate sales ("ASC 360-20"). ASC 360-20 requires the Company to evaluate whether such arrangements have any forms of continuing involvement that may affect the revenue or profit recognition of the transactions, including arrangements with prohibited forms of continuing involvement requiring the Company to reduce the potential profit on a project sale by its maximum exposure to loss. The Company anticipates that ASC 606, which supersedes the real estate sales guidance under ASC 360-20, will result in the earlier recognition of revenue and profit. In addition, the Company’s investment in the 8point3 Group as of October 1, 2017 , has a negative carrying value of $72.4 million primarily as a result of profit deferred under ASC 360-20. Under ASC 606, the Company expects that a material amount of this deferred profit will have been recognized prior to January 1, 2018, and as a result the Company’s carrying value in the 8point3 Group will materially increase upon adoption. The Company expects that revenue recognition for its other sales arrangements, including the sales of components, sales and construction of solar systems, and operations and maintenance services, will remain materially consistent. The Company continues to assess the potential impacts of the new standard, including the areas described above, and anticipates that this standard will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. However, the Company does not know or cannot reasonably estimate quantitative information, beyond that discussed above, related to the impact of the new standard on the financial statements at this time.

Transactions with Total and Tot

Transactions with Total and Total S.A.	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
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 (the "Private Placement Agreement"), 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. As of October 1, 2017 , through the increase of the Company's total outstanding common stock due to the exercise of warrants and issuance of restricted and performance stock units, Total's ownership of the Company's outstanding common stock has decreased to approximately 56% . Supply Agreement In November 2016, the Company and Total entered into a four-year, up to 200-MW supply agreement to support the solarization of Total facilities. The agreement covers the supply of 150 MW of E-Series panels with an option to purchase up to another 50 MW of P-Series panels. In March 2017, the Company received a prepayment totaling $88.5 million . The prepayment is secured by certain of the Company's assets located in the United States and in Mexico. The Company recognizes revenue for the solar panels consistent with its revenue recognition policy for solar power components: when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the product has occurred, title and risk of loss has passed to Total, the sales price is fixed or determinable, collectability of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured, and the risks and rewards of ownership have passed. In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company started to supply Total with panels under the supply agreement and as of October 1, 2017 , the Company had $12.5 million of "Customer advances, current portion" and $71.7 million of "Customer advances, net of current portion" on its Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the aforementioned supply agreement (see Note 8 ). Amended and Restated Credit Support Agreement In June 2016, the Company and Total S.A. entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Support Agreement (the "Credit Support Agreement"), which amended and restated the Credit Support Agreement dated April 28, 2011, by and between the Company and Total S.A., as amended. Under the Credit Support Agreement, 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. At any time until December 31, 2018, Total S.A. will, at the Company's request, guarantee the payment to the applicable issuing bank of the Company's obligation to reimburse 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. Such letters of credit must be issued no later than December 31, 2018 and expire no later than March 31, 2020. Total is required to issue and enter into a Guaranty requested by the Company, subject to certain terms and conditions. In addition, Total will not be required to enter into the Guaranty if, after giving effect to the Company’s request for a Guaranty, the sum of (a) the aggregate amount available to be drawn under all guaranteed letter of credit facilities, (b) the amount of letters of credit available to be issued under any guaranteed facility, and (c) the aggregate amount of draws (including accrued but unpaid interest) on any letters of credit issued under any guaranteed facility that have not yet been reimbursed by the Company, would exceed $500 million in the aggregate. Such maximum amounts of credit support available to the Company can be reduced upon the occurrence of specified events. In consideration for the commitments of Total S.A. pursuant to the Credit Support Agreement, the Company is required to pay Total S.A. a guaranty fee for each letter of credit that is the subject of a Guaranty under the Credit Support Agreement and was outstanding for all or part of the preceding calendar quarter. The Credit Support Agreement will terminate following December 31, 2018, after the later of the satisfaction of all obligations thereunder and the termination or expiration of each Guaranty provided thereunder. In addition to the Credit Support Agreement, the Company and Total S.A. entered into a letter agreement (the "Letter Agreement") in May 2017 to facilitate the issuance by Total S.A. of one or more guaranties of the Company's payment obligations (the "Guaranties") of up to $100.0 million (the "Support Amount") under the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement with Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as "Administrative Agent," and the other lenders party thereto; See Note 10 for additional information on the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement with Credit Agricole. In consideration for the commitments of Total S.A. pursuant to the Letter Agreement, the Company is required to pay a guarantor commitment fee of 0.50% per annum for the unutilized Support Amount and a guaranty fee of 2.35% per annum of the Guaranty outstanding. The maturity date of the Letter Agreement is August 26, 2019. 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 the 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 ability of the Company and its board of directors 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. 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, which is governed by the Private Placement Agreement and a Compensation and Funding Agreement, dated February 28, 2012, as amended, 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 Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) (the "Exchange Act"), 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. 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. 4.00% Debentures Due 2023 In December 2015, the Company issued $425.0 million in principal amount of its 4.00% senior convertible debentures due 2023 (the "4.00% debentures due 2023"). An aggregate principal amount of $100.0 million of the 4.00% debentures due 2023 were acquired by Total. The 4.00% debentures due 2023 are convertible into shares of the Company's common stock at any time based on an initial conversion price equal to $30.53 per share, which provides Total the right to acquire up to 3,275,680 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 4.00% debentures due 2023. Joint Projects with Total and its Affiliates: The Company enters into various EPC and 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 October 1, 2017 , the Company had $1.3 million of "Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings" and $4.9 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. During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, in connection with a co-development project between the Company and Total, Total paid $0.5 million to the Company in exchange for the Company's ownership interest in the co-development project. Related-Party Transactions with Total and its Affiliates: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (In thousands) October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Revenue: EPC, O&M, and components revenue $ 12,500 $ 1,632 $ 19,683 $ 63,161 Cost of revenue: EPC, O&M, and components cost of revenue $ 9,793 $ 2,276 $ 14,198 $ 58,300 Research and development expense: Offsetting contributions received under the R&D Agreement $ (15 ) $ (111 ) $ (119 ) $ (532 ) Interest expense: Guarantee fees incurred under the Credit Support Agreement $ 1,481 $ 1,821 $ 4,860 $ 5,088 Interest expense incurred on the 0.75% debentures due 2018 $ 375 $ 375 $ 1,125 $ 1,125 Interest expense incurred on the 0.875% debentures due 2021 $ 547 $ 547 $ 1,641 $ 1,641 Interest expense incurred on the 4.00% debentures due 2023 $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 3,000 $ 3,000

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Other Intangible Assets The following tables present details of the Company's acquired other intangible assets: (In thousands) Gross Accumulated Amortization Net As of October 1, 2017 Patents and purchased technology $ 51,140 $ (23,718 ) $ 27,422 Project pipeline assets 9,446 (3,182 ) 6,264 Purchased in-process research and development 1,200 (1,200 ) — Other 1,000 (1,000 ) — $ 62,786 $ (29,100 ) $ 33,686 As of January 1, 2017 Patents and purchased technology $ 51,140 $ (16,014 ) $ 35,126 Project pipeline assets 9,446 (1,804 ) 7,642 Purchased in-process research and development 1,200 — 1,200 Other 1,000 (750 ) 250 $ 62,786 $ (18,568 ) $ 44,218 During the three and nine months ended October 1, 2017 , aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets totaled $3.0 million and $10.5 million , respectively. During the three and nine months ended October 2, 2016 , aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets totaled $3.0 million and $14.5 million , respectively. As of October 1, 2017 , the estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets with finite useful lives is as follows: (In thousands) Amount Fiscal Year 2017 (remaining three months) $ 2,964 2018 14,407 2019 9,963 2020 6,317 2021 23 Thereafter 12 $ 33,686

Balance Sheet Components

Balance Sheet Components	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Balance Sheet Components	BALANCE SHEET COMPONENTS As of (In thousands) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Accounts receivable, net: Accounts receivable, gross 1,2,3 $ 225,714 $ 242,451 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (37,246 ) (20,380 ) Less: allowance for sales returns (2,238 ) (2,433 ) $ 186,230 $ 219,638 1 Includes short-term financing receivables associated with solar power systems leased of $23.1 million and $19.3 million as of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , respectively (see Note 5 ). 2 Includes short-term retainage of $10.4 million and $8.8 million as of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , 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 As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , the Company pledged accounts receivable of $1.8 million and $0.3 million , respectively, to third-party investors as security for the Company's contractual obligations. As of (In thousands) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Inventories: Raw materials $ 104,116 $ 136,906 Work-in-process 143,303 184,967 Finished goods 160,793 79,834 $ 408,212 $ 401,707 As of (In thousands) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Prepaid expenses and other current assets: Deferred project costs 1 $ 17,930 $ 68,338 VAT receivables, current portion 22,279 14,260 Deferred costs for solar power systems to be leased 21,535 28,705 Derivative financial instruments 1,525 4,802 Prepaid inventory — 83,943 Other receivables 79,624 85,834 Prepaid taxes 117 5,468 Other prepaid expenses 20,920 24,260 Other current assets 490 60 $ 164,420 $ 315,670 1 As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , the Company had pledged deferred project costs of $6.4 million and $2.3 million , respectively, to third-party investors as security for the Company's contractual obligations. As of (In thousands) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Project assets - plants and land: Project assets — plants $ 394,285 $ 389,103 Project assets — land 12,191 18,927 $ 406,476 $ 408,030 Project assets - plants and land, current portion $ 364,165 $ 374,459 Project assets - plants and land, net of current portion $ 42,311 $ 33,571 As of (In thousands) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Property, plant and equipment, net: Manufacturing equipment 1 $ 417,974 $ 403,808 Land and buildings 196,883 130,080 Leasehold improvements 300,402 280,620 Solar power systems 2 313,747 207,277 Computer equipment 113,896 185,518 Furniture and fixtures 12,958 12,591 Construction-in-process 15,917 39,849 1,371,777 1,259,743 Less: accumulated depreciation (318,943 ) (232,677 ) $ 1,052,834 $ 1,027,066 1 The Company's mortgage loan agreement with International Finance Corporation ("IFC") was collateralized by certain manufacturing equipment with a net book value of $14.3 million as of January 1, 2017 . During the first quarter of 2017 , the entire outstanding balance, and the associated interest, of the mortgage loan agreement with IFC has been repaid. 2 Includes $281.2 million and $177.1 million of solar power systems associated with sale-leaseback transactions under the financing method as of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , 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 5 ). As of (In thousands) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Property, plant and equipment, net by geography 1 : Philippines $ 338,319 $ 373,286 United States 360,766 276,053 Malaysia 249,871 275,980 Mexico 84,227 81,419 Europe 19,501 20,154 Other 150 174 $ 1,052,834 $ 1,027,066 1 Property, plant and equipment, net by geography is based on the physical location of the assets. As of (In thousands) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Other long-term assets: Equity method investments 1 $ (5,523 ) $ (6,931 ) Derivative financial instruments 9,149 11,429 Cost method investments 33,156 39,423 Other 2 78,258 141,598 $ 115,040 $ 185,519 1 Includes the carrying value of the Company's investment in the 8point3 Group, which had a negative value of $72.4 million and $60.6 million as of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , respectively (see Note 9 ). 2 As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , the Company had pledged deferred project costs of $5.8 million and $0.4 million , respectively, to third-party investors as security for the Company's contractual obligations. As of (In thousands) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Accrued liabilities: Employee compensation and employee benefits $ 41,922 $ 43,370 Deferred revenue 28,683 27,649 Interest payable 11,211 15,329 Short-term warranty reserves 21,829 4,894 Restructuring reserve 3,719 18,001 VAT payables 7,184 4,743 Derivative financial instruments 745 2,023 Inventory payable — 83,943 Proceeds from 8point3 Energy Partners attributable to projects prior to Commercial Operation Date ("COD") — 3,665 Contributions from noncontrolling interests attributable to projects prior to COD 2,304 93,875 Taxes payable 18,601 25,602 Liability due to AU Optronics 29,967 31,714 Other 84,962 36,418 $ 251,127 $ 391,226 As of (In thousands) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Other long-term liabilities: Deferred revenue $ 185,298 $ 188,932 Long-term warranty reserves 155,157 156,315 Long-term sale-leaseback financing 314,688 204,879 Long-term residential lease financing with 8point3 Energy Partners 29,281 29,370 Unrecognized tax benefits 24,335 47,203 Long-term pension liability 4,117 3,381 Derivative financial instruments 979 448 Long-term liability due to AU Optronics 61,165 71,639 Other 20,923 18,865 $ 795,943 $ 721,032 As of (In thousands) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Accumulated other comprehensive loss: Cumulative translation adjustment $ (8,218 ) $ (12,249 ) Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives (265 ) 1,203 Net gain on long-term pension liability adjustment 4,228 4,228 Deferred taxes 146 (420 ) $ (4,109 ) $ (7,238 )

Leasing

Leasing	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Leasing	LEASING Residential Lease Program The Company offers a solar lease program, which provides U.S. residential customers with 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 October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 : As of (In thousands) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Solar power systems leased and to be leased, net 1,2 : Solar power systems leased $ 776,826 $ 666,700 Solar power systems to be leased 23,804 25,367 800,630 692,067 Less: accumulated depreciation (93,096 ) (70,800 ) $ 707,534 $ 621,267 1 Solar power systems leased and to be leased, net are physically located exclusively in the United States. 2 As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , the Company had pledged solar assets with an aggregate book value of $108.8 million and $13.1 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 October 1, 2017 : (In thousands) Fiscal 2017 (remaining three months) Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2019 Fiscal 2020 Fiscal 2021 Thereafter Total Minimum future rentals on operating leases placed in service 1 $ 7,887 30,745 30,809 30,873 30,939 433,084 $ 564,337 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 nor does it include rent receivables on operating leases sold to the 8point3 Group. Sales-Type Leases As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , 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) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Financing receivables 1 : Minimum lease payments receivable 2 $ 656,314 $ 560,582 Unguaranteed residual value 82,018 70,636 Unearned income (116,363 ) (104,624 ) Net financing receivables $ 621,969 $ 526,594 Current $ 23,137 $ 19,261 Long-term $ 598,832 $ 507,333 1 As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , the Company had pledged financing receivables of $109.1 million and $18.6 million , respectively, to third-party investors as security for the Company's contractual obligations. 2 Net of allowance for doubtful accounts amounting to $5.7 million and $4.5 million , as of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , respectively. As of October 1, 2017 , future maturities of net financing receivables for sales-type leases are as follows: (In thousands) Fiscal 2017 (remaining three months) Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2019 Fiscal 2020 Fiscal 2021 Thereafter Total Scheduled maturities of minimum lease payments receivable 1 $ 9,443 33,755 34,038 34,330 34,628 510,120 $ 656,314 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. 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 25 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 October 1, 2017 , future minimum lease obligations associated with these systems were $73.7 million , which will be recognized over the minimum lease terms. Future minimum payments to be received from customers under PPAs associated with the solar power systems under sale-leaseback arrangements classified as operating leases will be recognized over the lease terms of up to 20 years and are contingent upon the 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. 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 4 ). As of October 1, 2017 , future minimum lease obligations for the sale-leaseback arrangements accounted for under the financing method were $266.1 million , which will be recognized over the lease terms of up to 25 years . During the three and nine months ended October 1, 2017 , the Company had net financing proceeds of $53.7 million and $95.7 million , respectively, in connection with these sale-leaseback arrangements. During both the three and nine months ended October 2, 2016 , the Company had net financing proceeds of $12.4 million , in connection with these sale-leaseback arrangements. As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , the carrying amount of the sale-leaseback financing liabilities, presented in "Other long-term liabilities" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $314.7 million and $204.9 million , respectively (see Note 4 ).

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
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 October 1, 2017 or January 1, 2017 . The following table summarizes the Company's assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 : October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 (In thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Assets Restricted cash and cash equivalents 1 : Money market funds $ — $ — $ — $ 3,002 $ 3,002 $ — Prepaid expenses and other current assets: Derivative financial instruments (Note 11) 1,525 — 1,525 4,802 — 4,802 Other long-term assets: Derivative financial instruments (Note 11) 9,149 — 9,149 11,429 — 11,429 Total assets $ 10,674 $ — $ 10,674 $ 19,233 $ 3,002 $ 16,231 Liabilities Accrued liabilities: Derivative financial instruments (Note 11) $ 745 $ — $ 745 $ 2,023 $ — $ 2,023 Other long-term liabilities: Derivative financial instruments (Note 11) 979 — 979 448 — 448 Total liabilities $ 1,724 $ — $ 1,724 $ 2,471 $ — $ 2,471 1 The Company's restricted cash and cash equivalents consist of money market fund instruments and commercial paper that are classified as available-for-sale and are 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. Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis The Company measures certain investments and non-financial assets (including 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. As of October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016 , there were no such items recorded at fair value. 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 various maturity dates and are classified as "Restricted long-term marketable securities" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 these bonds had a carrying value of $6.1 million and $5.0 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 October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , the Company had $(5.5) million and $(6.9) million , respectively, in investments accounted for under the equity method (see Note 9 ). As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , the Company had $33.2 million and $39.4 million respectively, in investments accounted for under the cost method.

Restructuring

Restructuring	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring	RESTRUCTURING December 2016 Restructuring Plan On December 2, 2016, the Company adopted a restructuring plan to reduce costs and focus on improving cash flow. As part of the plan, the Board of Directors approved the closure of the Company’s Philippine-based Fab 2 manufacturing facility. In connection with the plan, which is expected to be completed by the first half of fiscal 2018, the Company expects approximately 2,500 employees to be affected, primarily in the Philippines. The Company expects to incur restructuring charges in connection with the plan totaling approximately $225 million to $275 million , consisting primarily of asset impairments, severance benefits, lease and related termination costs, and other associated costs. The Company expects approximately 30% of such total restructuring charges to be cash. The actual timing and costs of the plan may differ from the Company’s current expectations and estimates. August 2016 Restructuring Plan On August 9, 2016 , the Company adopted a restructuring plan in response to expected near-term challenges primarily relating to the Company’s Power Plant Segment. In connection with the realignment, which is expected to be completed by the end of fiscal 2017, the Company expects approximately 1,200 employees to be affected, primarily in the Philippines. The Company expects to incur restructuring charges totaling approximately $35 million to $45 million , consisting primarily of severance benefits, asset impairments, lease and related termination costs, and other associated costs. The Company expects more than 50% of total charges to be cash. 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 prior fiscal years, 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 October 1, 2017 , and the remaining costs to be incurred are not expected to be material. The following table summarizes the restructuring charges recognized in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations: Nine Months Ended (In thousands) October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Cumulative To Date December 2016 Plan: Non-cash impairment charges (benefits) $ — $ 17,926 $ 148,791 Severance and benefits 4,410 12,624 20,311 Lease and related termination costs 707 557 707 Other costs 1 13,186 85 21,005 $ 18,303 $ 31,192 $ 190,814 August 2016 Plan: Non-cash impairment charges $ — $ — $ 17,926 Severance and benefits (898 ) — 14,693 Lease and related termination costs 2 — 559 Other costs 1 879 $ — 1,243 $ (17 ) $ — $ 34,421 Legacy Restructuring Plans: Non-cash impairment charges $ — $ — $ 61,320 Severance and benefits 14 350 61,963 Lease and related termination costs — (214 ) 6,813 Other costs 1 (24 ) 87 13,575 (10 ) 223 143,671 Total restructuring charges $ 18,276 $ 31,415 $ 368,906 1 Other costs primarily represent associated legal and advisory services, and costs of relocating employees. The following table summarizes the restructuring reserve activity during the nine months ended October 1, 2017 : Nine Months Ended (In thousands) January 1, 2017 Charges (Benefits) Payments October 1, 2017 December 2016 Plan: Severance and benefits 8,111 4,410 (10,555 ) 1,966 Lease and related termination costs — 707 (557 ) 150 Other costs 1 5,932 13,186 (18,864 ) 254 $ 14,043 $ 18,303 $ (29,976 ) $ 2,370 August 2016 Plan: Severance and benefits 3,448 (898 ) (1,432 ) 1,118 Lease and related termination costs — 2 (2 ) — Other costs 1 86 879 (929 ) 36 $ 3,534 $ (17 ) $ (2,363 ) 1,154 Legacy Restructuring Plans: Severance and benefits $ 299 $ 14 $ (118 ) $ 195 Lease and related termination costs 52 — (52 ) — Other costs 1 73 (24 ) (49 ) — 424 (10 ) (219 ) 195 Total restructuring liability $ 18,001 $ 18,276 $ (32,558 ) $ 3,719 1 Other costs primarily represent associated legal and advisory services, and costs of relocating employees. The following table summarizes the restructuring reserve activity during the nine months ended October 2, 2016 : Nine Months Ended (In thousands) January 3, 2016 Charges (Benefits) Payments October 2, 2016 August 2016 Plan: Non-cash impairment charges — $ 17,926 $ — $ — Severance and benefits — 12,624 (7,580 ) 5,044 Lease and related termination costs — 557 (3 ) 554 Other costs 1 — 85 (85 ) — — 31,192 (7,668 ) 5,598 Legacy Restructuring Plans: Severance and benefits $ 395 $ 350 $ (426 ) $ 319 Lease and related termination costs 743 (214 ) (361 ) 168 Other costs 1 685 87 (658 ) 114 1,823 223 (1,445 ) 601 Total restructuring liability $ 1,823 $ 31,415 $ (9,113 ) $ 6,199 1 Other costs primarily represent associated legal services and costs of relocating employees.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
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 October 1, 2017 , future minimum lease payments for facilities under operating leases were $45.6 million , to be paid over the remaining contractual terms of up to 9 years . The Company also leases certain buildings, machinery and equipment under non-cancellable capital leases. As of October 1, 2017 , future minimum lease payments for assets under capital leases were $4.2 million , to be paid over the remaining contractual terms of up to 7 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, purchase commitments arising from these agreements are excluded from the Company's disclosed future obligations under 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, among others, which specify future quantities and pricing of products to be supplied by the vendors for periods of up to 4 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 October 1, 2017 are as follows: (In thousands) Fiscal 2017 (remaining three months) Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2019 Fiscal 2020 Fiscal 2021 Thereafter Total 1 Future purchase obligations $ 341,393 109,596 224,611 336,489 1,000 2,000 $ 1,015,089 1 Total future purchase obligations were composed of $199.1 million related to non-cancellable purchase orders and $816.0 million related to long-term supply agreements. The Company expects that all obligations related to non-cancellable purchase orders for manufacturing equipment will be recovered through future cash flows of the solar cell manufacturing lines and solar panel assembly lines when such long-lived assets are placed in service. Factors considered important that could result in an impairment review include significant under-performance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of use of acquired assets, and significant negative industry or economic trends. Obligations related to non-cancellable purchase orders for inventories match current and forecasted sales orders that will consume these ordered materials and actual consumption of these ordered materials are compared to expected demand regularly. The Company anticipates total obligations related to long-term supply agreements for inventories, which in the case of polysilicon are at purchase prices significantly above current market prices for similar materials, will be recovered because the quantities required to be purchased are expected to be utilized in the manufacture and profitable sale of solar power products in the future based on the Company's long-term operating plans. Additionally, in order to reduce inventory and improve working capital, the Company has periodically elected to sell polysilicon inventory in the marketplace at prices below the Company's purchase price, thereby incurring a loss. 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 net realizable 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 was required to make prepayments to the vendors over the terms of the arrangements. As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , advances to suppliers totaled $232.1 million and $284.8 million , respectively, of which $46.1 million and $111.5 million , respectively, is classified as short-term in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Two suppliers accounted for 96% and 3% of total advances to suppliers, respectively, as of October 1, 2017 , and 90% and 10% , respectively, as of January 1, 2017 . Advances from Customers The estimated utilization of advances from customers as of October 1, 2017 is as follows: (In thousands) Fiscal 2017 (remaining three months) Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2019 Fiscal 2020 Fiscal 2021 Thereafter Total Estimated utilization of advances from customers $ 6,872 41,778 37,288 31,211 — — $ 117,149 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. In November 2016, the Company and Total entered into a four-year, up to 200-MW supply agreement to support the solarization of Total facilities (see Note 2 ); in March 2017, the Company received a prepayment totaling $88.5 million . As of October 1, 2017 , the Company had received $84.2 million in advance payments from Total, of which $12.5 million was classified as short-term in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, based on projected shipment dates. Product Warranties The following table summarizes accrued warranty activity for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016 , respectively: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (In thousands) October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Balance at the beginning of the period $ 172,466 $ 164,784 $ 161,209 $ 164,127 Accruals for warranties issued during the period 7,373 (1,776 ) 22,809 7,338 Settlements and adjustments during the period (2,853 ) (2,954 ) (7,032 ) (11,411 ) Balance at the end of the period $ 176,986 $ 160,054 $ 176,986 $ 160,054 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 agreements with unconsolidated investees, subject to certain conditions (see Note 9 ). As of October 1, 2017 , the Company has future financing obligations related to these agreements as follows: (In thousands) Amount Year 2017 (remaining three months) $ 10,818 2018 13,337 $ 24,155 Liabilities Associated with Uncertain Tax Positions Total liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions were $24.3 million and $47.2 million as of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , respectively. These amounts are included in "Other long-term liabilities" in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets in their respective periods as they are not expected to be paid within the next 12 months. Due to the complexity and uncertainty associated with its tax positions, the Company cannot make a reasonably reliable estimate of the period in which cash settlement, if any, would be made for its liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions in Other long-term liabilities. Indemnifications The Company is a party to a variety of agreements under which it may be obligated to indemnify the 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 Section 48(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, regarding solar commercial investment tax credits ("ITCs") and U.S. Treasury Department ("Treasury Department") grant payments under Section 1603 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (each a "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 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 ITCs and Treasury Department Cash Grant programs. The Company applies for ITCs and Cash Grant incentives based on guidance provided by the Internal Revenue Service ("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 tax equity investors, incorporate assumptions regarding the future level of incentives to be received, which in some instances may be claimed directly by the Company's customers and investors. Generally, such obligations would arise as a result of reductions to the value of the underlying solar power systems as assessed by the IRS. At each balance sheet date, the Company assesses and recognizes, when applicable, the potential exposure from these obligations based on all the information available at that time, including any audits undertaken by the IRS. The maximum potential future payments that the Company could have to make under this obligation would depend on the difference between the eligible basis claimed on the tax filing for the solar energy systems sold or transferred to indemnified parties and the values that the IRS may redetermine as the eligible basis for the systems for purposes of claiming ITCs or Cash Grants. The Company uses the eligible basis for tax filing purposes determined with the assistance of independent third-party appraisals to determine the ITCs that are passed-through to and claimed by the indemnified parties. Since the Company cannot determine future revisions to Treasury Department guidelines governing system values, how the IRS will evaluate system values used in claiming ITCs, or Cash Grants, or how its customers and investors have utilized or will utilize these benefits in their own filings, 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 October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , the underfunded status of the Company’s pension plans, presented in "Other long-term liabilities" on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $4.1 million and $3.4 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. Total other comprehensive gain related to the Company’s benefit plans was zero for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2017 . Legal Matters Tax Benefit Indemnification Litigation On March 19, 2014, a lawsuit was filed by NRG Solar LLC, now known as NRG Renew 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 benefits associated with the project that were approved by the Treasury Department for an amount that was less than expected. 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 the Treasury Department. In April 2017, SunPower Systems and NRG entered into a binding term sheet to resolve the matter by settlement and the Company consequently recorded a litigation accrual of $43.9 million in its April 2, 2017 financial statements related to this matter. On June 27, 2017 (the "Effective Date"), SunPower Systems entered into a final settlement agreement (the "Settlement Agreement") with NRG to settle all claims, counterclaims, disputes and damages that have been asserted in connection with the events underlying the California litigation. Pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement, SunPower Systems was required to pay NRG $10.0 million in cash (the "Initial Payment") within ten days of the Effective Date and will be required to pay $15.0 million in cash on or before December 15, 2018. In addition, NRG is entitled to receive, at NRG's direction and at no cost to NRG, modules over the period between the Effective Date and December 31, 2019. On June 29, 2017, the Company made the Initial Payment. On July 6, 2017, the court dismissed the case with prejudice. Class Action and Derivative Suits On August 16, 2016 and August 26, 2016, two securities class action lawsuits were filed against the Company and certain of its officers and directors (the "Defendants") in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California on behalf of a class consisting of those who acquired the Company's securities from February 17, 2016 through August 9, 2016 (the "Class Period"). The substantially identical complaints allege violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act, and Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") Rule 10b-5. The complaints were filed following the issuance of the Company's August 9, 2016 earnings release and revised guidance and generally allege that throughout the Class Period, the Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects. On December 9, 2016, the court consolidated the cases and appointed a lead plaintiff. Following the withdrawal of the original lead plaintiff, on August 21, 2017, the court appointed an investor group as lead plaintiff. An amended complaint was filed on October 17, 2017, and the Company expects to file motion to dismiss the amended complaint. Four shareholder derivative actions have been filed in federal court, purporting to be brought on the Company's behalf against certain of the Company's current and former officers and directors based on the same events alleged in the securities class action lawsuits described above. The Company is named as a nominal defendant. The plaintiffs assert claims for alleged breaches of fiduciary duties, unjust enrichment, and waste of corporate assets for the period from February 2016 through the present and generally allege that the defendants made or caused the Company to make materially false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects. The plaintiffs also claim that the alleged conduct is a breach of the Company's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and that the defendants, including members of the Company's Audit Committee, breached their fiduciary duties by failing to ensure the adequacy of the Company's internal controls, and by causing or allowing the Company to disseminate false and misleading statements in the Company’s SEC filings and other disclosures. The securities class action lawsuits and the federal derivative actions have all been related by the court and assigned to one judge. The derivative cases are stayed pending the outcome of an anticipated motion to dismiss the class action complaint. Shareholder derivative actions purporting to be brought on the Company’s behalf were brought in the Superior Court of California for the County of Santa Clara against certain of the Company’s current and former officers and directors based on the same events alleged in the securities class action and federal derivative lawsuits described above, and alleging breaches of fiduciary duties. The state court cases are stayed pending the outcome of an anticipated motion to dismiss the class action complaint. The Company is currently unable to determine if the resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, liquidity, or results of operations. 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	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments	EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , the carrying value of the Company's equity method investments totaled $(5.5) million and $(6.9) million , respectively, and is classified as "Other long-term assets" in its Consolidated Balance Sheets. These balances include the carrying value of the Company's investment in the 8point3 Group, which had a negative value of $72.4 million and $60.6 million as of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , respectively (see below). 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 and AU Optronics Singapore Pte. Ltd. (“AUO”) formed a joint venture, AUOSP (formerly known as AUO SunPower Sdn. Bhd.). On September 29, 2016, the Company completed its acquisition of AUOSP pursuant to a stock purchase agreement, under which the Company acquired 100% of the voting equity interest in AUOSP (see Note 3 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2017 ). Prior to the acquisition, the Company and AUO each owned 50% of the equity in the former AUOSP, which is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. AUOSP owns a solar cell manufacturing facility in Malaysia and manufactures solar cells and, prior to the acquisition, sold them on a "cost-plus" basis to the Company and AUO. Prior to the acquisition, the Company accounted for its investment in AUOSP using the equity method as a result of the shared power arrangement. As a result of the acquisition, AUOSP became a consolidated subsidiary of the Company and the results of operations of AUOSP have been included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations of the Company since September 29, 2016. 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 low-concentration PV (LCPV) 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 because, 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 because 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 because, 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 because 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, LP ("8point3"), 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, consummated its initial public offering ("IPO"). 8point3's Class A shares are now listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the trading symbol “CAFD”. Immediately after the IPO, the Company contributed a portfolio of solar generation assets (the "SPWR Projects") to 8point3 Operating Company, LLC ("OpCo"), 8point3's 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 affiliated entities: primarily common and subordinated units representing a 40.7% stake in OpCo (since reduced to 36.5% via a secondary issuance of shares in fiscal 2016) and a 50.0% economic and management stake in 8point3 Holding Company, LLC (“Holdings”), the parent company of the general partner of 8point3 and the owner of incentive distribution rights (“IDRs”) in OpCo. Holdings, OpCo, 8point3 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 portfolio of the Company’s solar energy projects that are currently contracted or are expected to be contracted before being sold by the Company to other parties (the “ROFO Projects”). In connection with the IPO, the Company also entered into O&M, 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 has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of the 8point3 Group or any of its individual subsidiaries because, 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 were subject to certain forbearance periods and are subject to certain subordination periods. During the forbearance period, the Sponsors agreed to forego any distributions declared on their common and subordinated units. The forbearance period ended during fiscal 2016 and the OpCo units held by the Company were entitled to distributions beginning in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2016. During the three and nine months ended October 1, 2017 , the Company received $7.6 million and $22.2 million , respectively , in dividend distributions from the 8point3 Group. 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 ("IDRs"), 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. On September 30, 2016, OpCo entered into an amendment and joinder agreement under the 8point3 Credit Facility, pursuant to which OpCo obtained a new $250.0 million incremental term loan facility, increasing the maximum borrowing capacity under the 8point3 Credit Facility to $775.0 million . Under relevant guidance for leasing transactions, the Company treated the portion of the sale of the residential lease portfolio originally sold to the 8point3 Group in connection with the IPO transaction, composed of operating leases and unguaranteed sales-type lease residual values, as a borrowing and reflected the cash proceeds attributable to this portion of the residential lease portfolio as liabilities recorded within “Accrued liabilities” and “Other long-term liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 4 ). As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , the operating leases and the unguaranteed sales-type lease residual values that were sold to the 8point3 Group had an aggregate carrying value of $72.1 million and $74.4 million , respectively , on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. During fiscal 2016, the Company sold several ROFO Projects to 8point3, including a noncontrolling interest in the 128 MW Henrietta utility-scale power plant in California (the "Henrietta Project") and controlling interests in the 60 MW Hooper utility-scale power plant in Colorado and several commercial projects. The Company accounted for these sales as partial sales of real estate and recognized revenue equal to total project costs when such projects reached their commercial operation date. No profit on these sales was recognized, as unconditional cash proceeds did not exceed total project costs, and such derecognition resulted in a net $50.8 million reduction in the carrying value of the Company’s investments in the 8point3 Group as of October 1, 2017 . Some of the commercial projects have not yet reached their commercial operation date and therefore, the Company continues to record these projects on its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of October 1, 2017 . The net cash proceeds from the sales of these projects to the 8point3 Group as well as related proceeds from tax equity investors were classified as operating cash inflows in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. In addition to the treatment above with respect to the transactions with the 8point3 Group, the sale of the controlling interest in the Henrietta Project in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 was accounted for as a partial sale of real estate pursuant to which the Company recognized revenue equal to the sales value. As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , the Company's investment in the 8point3 Group had a negative carrying value of $72.4 million and $60.6 million , respectively, resulting from the continued deferral of profit recognition for projects sold to the 8point3 Group that included the sale or lease of real estate. The Company owns approximately 29 million shares in OpCo as well as exchange rights to convert these shares on a one-for-one basis to the publicly traded Class A shares of 8point3. Based on the closing stock price of Class A shares as of September 29, 2017 , the final trading day prior to the end of the Company’s fiscal quarter, the Company’s investment in OpCo has an estimated market value of $426.3 million . On April 5, 2017, the Company announced that it is evaluating strategic options for 8point3, following the announcement by First Solar that it had notified the board of directors of the partnership that it is reviewing alternatives for the sale of its interest in 8point3. Since the announcement on April 5, 2017, the Company received significant initial interest in the acquisition of its interest in the 8point3 Group or in the sale of the entire partnership, and thus has made the strategic decision not to actively seek a replacement partner for First Solar and to focus its efforts on divesting its equity interest in 8point3 Group, and join the sale process initiated by First Solar. While the Company believes both parties are committed to proceeding, no final decision on any particular alternative has yet been reached. Equity Investments in Dongfang Huansheng Photovoltaic (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. In March 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with Dongfang Electric Corporation and Tianjin Zhonghuan Semiconductor Co., Ltd. to form Dongfang Huansheng Photovoltaic (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd., a jointly owned cell manufacturing facility to manufacture the Company's P-Series modules in China. The joint venture is based in Yixing City in Jiangsu Province, China. In March 2016, the Company made an initial $9.2 million investment for a 15% equity ownership interest in the joint venture, which was accounted for under the cost method. In February 2017, the Company invested an additional $9.0 million which included an investment of $7.7 million and reinvested dividends of $1.3 million , bringing the Company's equity ownership to 20% of the joint venture. The Company has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of the joint venture because, 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 the joint venture that most significantly impact its economic performance. The Company accounts for its investment in the joint venture using the equity method because the Company is able to exercise significant influence over the joint venture due to its board position. Equity Investments in Project Entities The Company has from time to time maintained noncontrolling interests in project entities, which may be accounted for as either cost or equity method investments depending on the magnitude of the Company’s investment and whether the Company exercises significant influence over the investee. The Company’s involvement in these entities primarily takes two forms. First, the Company may take a noncontrolling interest in an early-stage project and maintain that investment over the development cycle, often in situations in which the Company’s products are also sold to the entity under separate agreements. Second, the Company may retain a noncontrolling interest in a development project after a controlling interest is sold to a third party. In either form, the Company may maintain its investment for all or part of the operational life of the project or may seek to subsequently dispose of its investment. As of October 1, 2017 , the Company’s investments in such projects have a carrying value of $43.9 million , of which $39.5 million is accounted for under the equity method and the remainder under the cost method. The majority of this balance relates to the Boulder Solar Project. As of January 1, 2017 , the Company’s investments in such projects had a carrying value of $45.5 million , of which $41.2 million was accounted for under the equity method and the remainder under the cost method. Related-Party Transactions with Investees: As of (In thousands) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Accounts receivable $ 1,829 $ 3,397 Other long-term assets $ — $ 723 Accrued liabilities $ — $ 3,665 Customer advances $ 175 $ 57 Other long-term liabilities $ 29,281 $ 29,370 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (In thousands) October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Payments made to investees for products/services $ — $ 98,322 $ — $ 337,831 Revenues and fees received from investees for products/services 1 $ 4,595 $ 139,485 $ 29,803 $ 271,534 1 Includes a portion of proceeds received from tax equity investors in connection with 8point3 transactions. Cost Method Investment in Tendril Networks, Inc. ("Tendril") In November 2014, the Company invested in Tendril by purchasing $20.0 million of its preferred stock. In the first half of fiscal 2017, the Company invested an additional $3.0 million in Tendril by purchasing $1.5 million of preferred stock in February 2017 and then again in April 2017. The Company's total investment in Tendril constitutes a minority stake and is accounted for under the cost method because the preferred stock is deemed not to be in-substance common stock. In connection with the initial investment, the Company acquired warrants to purchase up to approximately 14 million shares of Tendril common stock exercisable 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.

Debt and Credit Sources

Debt and Credit Sources	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
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: October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 (In thousands) Face Value Short-term Long-term Total Face Value Short-term Long-term Total Convertible debt: 4.00% debentures due 2023 $ 425,000 $ — $ 418,405 $ 418,405 $ 425,000 $ — $ 417,473 $ 417,473 0.875% debentures due 2021 400,000 — 397,574 397,574 400,000 — 397,079 397,079 0.75% debentures due 2018 300,000 299,495 — 299,495 300,000 — 298,926 298,926 IFC mortgage loan — — — — 17,500 17,121 — 17,121 CEDA loan 30,000 — 28,451 28,451 30,000 — 28,191 28,191 Non-recourse financing and other debt 1 637,841 56,313 569,580 625,893 477,594 52,892 419,905 472,797 $ 1,792,841 $ 355,808 $ 1,414,010 $ 1,769,818 $ 1,650,094 $ 70,013 $ 1,561,574 $ 1,631,587 1 Other debt excludes payments related to capital leases, which are disclosed in Note 8 . As of October 1, 2017 , the aggregate future contractual maturities of the Company's outstanding debt, at face value, were as follows: (In thousands) Fiscal 2017 (remaining three months) Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2019 Fiscal 2020 Fiscal 2021 Thereafter Total Aggregate future maturities of outstanding debt $ 43,959 316,891 23,211 22,259 423,688 962,833 $ 1,792,841 Convertible Debt The following table summarizes the Company's outstanding convertible debt: October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 (In thousands) Carrying Value Face Value Fair Value 1 Carrying Value Face Value Fair Value 1 Convertible debt: 4.00% debentures due 2023 $ 418,405 $ 425,000 $ 354,476 $ 417,473 $ 425,000 $ 301,555 0.875% debentures due 2021 397,574 400,000 322,008 397,079 400,000 266,996 0.75% debentures due 2018 299,495 300,000 290,751 298,926 300,000 270,627 $ 1,115,474 $ 1,125,000 $ 967,235 $ 1,113,478 $ 1,125,000 $ 839,178 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. 4.00% Debentures Due 2023 In December 2015, the Company issued $425.0 million in principal amount of its 4.00% debentures due 2023. Interest is payable semi-annually, beginning on July 15, 2016. 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 $30.53 per share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. If not earlier repurchased or converted, the 4.00% debentures due 2023 mature on January 15, 2023. 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. 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 was required to repay the amount borrowed starting two years after the date of borrowing, in 10 equal semi-annual installments. The Company was 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 was able to prepay all or a part of the outstanding principal, subject to a 1% prepayment premium. The Company had pledged certain assets as collateral supporting its repayment obligations (see Note 4 ). As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , the Company had restricted cash and cash equivalents of zero and $9.2 million , respectively, related to the IFC debt service reserve, which was the amount, as determined by IFC, equal to the aggregate principal and interest due on the next succeeding interest payment date. On January 17, 2017, the Company repaid the entire outstanding balance, and the associated interest, of the mortgage loan agreement with IFC. 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 agreement 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. On February 17, 2016, the Company entered into an amendment to the credit agreement, expanding the available borrowings under the revolving credit facility to $300.0 million and adding a $200.0 million letter of credit subfacility, 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. On June 23, 2017, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) with Credit Agricole, as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto, which amends and restates the Revolving Credit Agreement dated July 3, 2013, as amended. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement was entered into in connection with the Letter Agreement between the Company and Total S.A. dated May 8, 2017 (the "Letter Agreement"), which was entered into to facilitate the issuance by Total S.A. of one or more guaranties of the Company’s payment obligations (the “Guaranties”) of up to $100.0 million under the Restated Credit Agreement. The maturity date of the Letter Agreement is August 26, 2019. The maturity date of the facility under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement is August 26, 2019 (the “Maturity Date”), and amounts borrowed under the facility may be repaid and reborrowed until the Maturity Date. Available borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement remain $300.0 million ; provided that the aggregate principal amount of all amounts borrowed under the facility cannot exceed 95.0% of the amounts guaranteed by Total under the Letter Agreement. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (a) removes the ability of the Company to request the issuance of performance and financial letters of credit, (b) removes certain covenants, including covenants related to a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated liquidity, (c) removes the negative pledge on certain assets of the Company, (d) removes certain domestic subsidiaries of the Company as guarantors, and (e) effects other revisions to the terms thereof. All collateral previously pledged to secure the Company’s obligations to the lenders has been released. The Company is required to pay (a) interest on outstanding borrowings under the facility of (i) with respect to any LIBOR rate loan, an amount equal to 0.6% 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; and (ii) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, an amount equal to 0.25% plus the greater of (1) the prime rate, (2) the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50% , and (3) the one-month LIBOR rate plus 1% ; and (b) a commitment fee of 0.06% per annum on funds available for borrowing and not borrowed. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement includes representations, covenants, and events of default customary for financing transactions of this type. As of October 1, 2017 , the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility. As of January 1, 2017 , the Company had $4.7 million of outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility, all of which were related to letters of credit that were fully cash collateralized at the time. August 2016 Letter of Credit Facility Agreement In August 2016, the Company entered into a letter of credit facility with Banco Santander, S.A. 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 $85 million . As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , there were no letters of credit issued and outstanding under the facility with Banco Santander, S.A. The availability of such letters of credit is subject to review and approval by Banco Santander, S.A. at the time of each request made by the Company. 2016 Letter of Credit Facility Agreements In June 2016, the Company entered into a Continuing Agreement for Standby Letters of Credit and Demand Guarantees with Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (the “2016 Non-Guaranteed LC Facility”) which provides for the issuance, upon request by the Company, of letters of credit to support the Company’s obligations in an aggregate amount not to exceed $50.0 million . The 2016 Non-Guaranteed LC Facility will terminate on June 29, 2018. As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , letters of credit issued and outstanding under the 2016 Non-Guaranteed LC Facility totaled $37.4 million and $45.8 million , respectively. In June 2016, the Company entered into bilateral letter of credit facility agreements (the “2016 Guaranteed LC Facilities”) with Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ ("BTMU"), Credit Agricole, and HSBC USA Bank, National Association ("HSBC"). Each letter of credit facility agreement provides for the issuance, upon the Company’s request, of letters of credit by the issuing bank thereunder in order to support certain of the Company’s obligations until December 31, 2018. Payment of obligations under the 2016 Guaranteed Letter of Credit Facilities is guaranteed by Total S.A. pursuant to the Credit Support Agreement. Aggregate letter of credit amounts may be increased upon the agreement of the respective parties but, otherwise, may not exceed $75.0 million with BTMU, $75.0 million with Credit Agricole and $175.0 million with HSBC. Each letter of credit issued under one of the letter of credit facilities generally must have an expiration date, subject to certain exceptions, no later than the earlier of (a) two years from completion of the applicable project and (b) March 31, 2020. In June 2016, in connection with the 2016 Guaranteed LC Facilities, the Company entered into a transfer agreement to transfer to the 2016 Guaranteed LC Facilities all existing outstanding letters of credit issued under the Company’s letter of credit facility agreement with Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as administrative agent, and certain financial institutions, entered into in August 2011 and amended from time to time. In connection with the transfer of the existing outstanding letters of credit, the aggregate commitment amount under the August 2011 letter of credit facility was permanently reduced to zero on June 29, 2016. As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , letters of credit issued and outstanding under the 2016 Guaranteed LC Facilities totaled $185.9 million and $244.8 million , respectively. September 2011 Letter of Credit Facility with Deutsche Bank and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (together, "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 October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , letters of credit issued and outstanding under the Deutsche Bank Trust facility totaled $1.4 million and $3.1 million , respectively, which were fully collateralized with restricted cash on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Revolving Credit Facility with Mizuho Bank Ltd. ("Mizuho") and Goldman Sachs Bank USA ("Goldman Sachs") On May 4, 2016, the Company entered into a revolving credit facility (as amended to date, the “Construction Revolver”) with Mizuho, as administrative agent, and Goldman Sachs, under which the Company may borrow up to $200 million . The Construction Revolver also includes a $100 million accordion feature. On October 27, 2017, the Company and Mizuho entered into an amendment to the Construction Revolver, which reduces the amount that the Company may borrow to up to $50 million . Amounts borrowed under the facility may be repaid and reborrowed in support of the Company’s commercial and small-scale utility projects in the United States until the May 4, 2021 maturity date. The facility includes representations, covenants, and events of default customary for financing transactions of this type. Borrowings under the Construction Revolver bear interest at the applicable LIBOR rate plus 1.50% for the first two years, with the final year at LIBOR plus 1.75% . All outstanding indebtedness under the facility may be voluntarily prepaid in whole or in part without premium or penalty (with certain limitations to partial repayments), other than customary breakage costs. The facility is secured by the assets of, and equity in, the various project companies to which the borrowings relate, but is otherwise non-recourse to the Company and its other affiliates. As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , the aggregate carrying value of the Construction Revolver totaled $1.7 million and $10.5 million , respectively. Non-recourse Financing and Other Debt In order to facilitate the construction, sale or ongoing operation of certain solar projects, including the Company's residential leasing program, the Company regularly obtains project-level financing. These financings are secured either by the assets of the specific project being financed or by the Company's equity in the relevant project entity and the lenders do not have recourse to the general assets of the Company for repayment of such debt obligations, and hence the financings are referred to as non-recourse. Non-recourse financing is typically in the form of loans from third-party financial institutions, but also takes other forms, including "partnership flip" structures, sale-leaseback arrangements, or other forms commonly used in the solar or similar industries. The Company may seek non-recourse financing covering solely the construction period of the solar project or may also seek financing covering part or all of the operating life of the solar project. The Company classifies non-recourse financings in the Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with their terms; however, in certain circumstances, the Company may repay or refinance these financings prior to stated maturity dates in connection with the sale of the related project or similar such circumstances. In addition, in certain instances, the customer may assume the loans at the time that the project entity is sold to the customer. In these instances, subsequent debt assumption is reflected as a financing outflow and operating inflow in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows to reflect the substance of the assumption as a facilitation of customer financing from a third party. The following presents a summary of the Company's non-recourse financing arrangements, including arrangements that are not classified as debt: Aggregate Carrying Value 1 (In thousands) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Balance Sheet Classification Residential Lease Program Bridge loans $ 16,338 $ 6,718 Short-term debt and Long-term debt Long-term loans 353,012 283,852 Short-term debt and Long-term debt Financing arrangements with third parties 29,281 29,370 Other long-term liabilities Tax equity partnership flip facilities 250,783 183,109 Redeemable non-controlling interests in subsidiaries and Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries Power Plant and Commercial Projects Boulder I credit facility 28,168 28,775 Short-term debt and Long-term debt El Pelicano credit facility 176,949 90,474 Short-term debt and Long-term debt Construction Revolver 1,716 10,469 Long-term debt Arizona loan 7,339 7,649 Short-term debt and Long-term debt 1 Based on the nature of the debt arrangements included in the table above, and the Company's intention to fully repay or transfer the obligations at their face values plus any applicable interest, the Company believes their carrying value materially approximates fair value, which is categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. For the Company’s residential lease program, non-recourse financing is typically accomplished by aggregating an agreed-upon volume of solar power systems and leases with residential customers into a specific project entity. The Company has entered into the following non-recourse financings with respect to its residential lease program: In fiscal 2016, the Company entered into bridge loans to finance solar power systems and leases under its residential lease program. The loans are repaid over terms ranging from two to seven years. Some loans may be prepaid without penalties at the Company's option at any time, while other loans may be prepaid, subject to a prepayment fee, after one year. During the three and nine months ended October 1, 2017 , the Company had net proceeds of $4.0 million and $9.6 million , respectively , in connection with these loans. During the three and nine months ended October 2, 2016 , the Company had net proceeds (repayments) of $(30.6) million and $3.5 million , respectively, in connection with these loans. As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , the aggregate carrying amount of these loans, presented in "Short-term debt" and "Long-term debt" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $16.3 million and $6.7 million , respectively . The Company enters into long-term loans to finance solar power systems and leases under its residential lease program. The loans are repaid over their terms of between 17 and 18 years, and may be prepaid without penalty at the Company’s option beginning seven years after the original issuance of the loan. During the three and nine months ended October 1, 2017 , the Company had net proceeds of $46.8 million and $68.8 million , respectively, in connection with these loans. During the three and nine months ended October 2, 2016 , the Company had net proceeds of $80.8 million and 82.9 million , respectively, in connection with these loans. As of October 1, 2017 , and January 1, 2017 , the aggregate carrying amount of these loans, presented in "Short-term debt" and "Long-term debt" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $353.0 million and $283.9 million , respectively. The Company has entered into multiple arrangements under which solar power systems are financed by third-party investors or customers, including by a legal sale of the underlying asset that is accounted for as a borrowing under relevant accounting guidelines, as the requirements to recognize the transfer of the asset were not met. Under the terms of these arrangements, the third parties make an upfront payment to the Company, which the Company recognizes as a liability that will be reduced over the term of the arrangement as lease receivables and government incentives are received by the third party. As the liability is reduced, the Company makes a corresponding reduction in receivables. The Company uses this approach to account for both operating and sales-type leases with its residential lease customers in its consolidated financial statements. During the three and nine months ended October 2, 2016 , the Company had net proceeds of $4.9 million and $19.8 million , respectively, in connection with these facilities. As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , the aggregate carrying amount of these facilities, presented in "Other long-term liabilities" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $29.3 million and $29.4 million , respectively (see Note 4 ). The Company also enters into facilities with third-party tax equity investors under which the investors invest in a structure known as a "partnership flip". 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 noncontrolling interests in its consolidated financial statements. Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries that are redeemable at the option of the noncontrolling interest holder are classified accordingly as redeemable between liabilities and equity on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the three and nine months ended October 1, 2017 , the Company had net contributions of $39.8 million and $128.0 million , respectively, under these facilities and attributed losses of $24.7 million and $61.0 million , respectively, to the non-controlling interests corresponding principally to certain assets, including tax credits, which were allocated to the non-controlling interests during the periods. During the three and nine months ended October 2, 2016 , the Company had net contributions of $28.0 million and $78.3 million , respectively, under these facilities and attributed losses of $18.7 million and $55.6 million , respectively, to the non-controlling interests corresponding principally to certain assets, including tax credits, that were allocated to the non-controlling interests during the periods. As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , the aggregate carrying amount of these facilities, presented in “Redeemable non-controlling interests in subsidiaries” and “Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $250.8 million and $183.1 million , respectively. For the Company’s power plant and commercial solar projects, non-recourse financing is typically accomplished using an individual solar power system or a series of solar power systems with a common end customer, in each case owned by a specific project entity. The Company has entered into the following non-recourse financings with respect to its power plant and commercial projects: In fiscal 2017, the Company entered into a short-term credit facility to finance the 70 MW utility-scale Gala power plant project in Oregon. In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company repaid the full outstanding amount of $106.0 million in connection with the facility. In fiscal 2016, the Company entered into the Construction Revolver credit facility to support the construction of the Company’s commercial and small-scale utility projects in the United States. During the three and nine months ended October 1, 2017 , the Company had net proceeds (repayments) of zero and $(9.1) million , respectively , in connection with the facility. As of October 1, 2017 , and January 1, 2017 , the aggregate carrying amount of the Construction Revolver, presented in "Long-term debt" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $1.7 million and $10.5 million , respectively . In fiscal 2016, the Company entered into a long-term credit facility to finance the 125 MW utility-scale Boulder power plant project in Nevada. As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , the aggregate carrying amount of this facility, presented in "Short-term debt" and "Long-term debt" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $28.2 million and $28.8 million , respectively. In fiscal 2016, the Company entered into a long-term credit facility to finance the 111 MW utility-scale El Pelicano power plant project in Chile. During the three and nine months ended October 1, 2017 , the Company had net proceeds of $2.1 million and $86.4 million , respectively , in connection with the facility. As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , the aggregate carrying amount of this facility, presented in "Short-term debt" and "Long-term debt" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $176.9 million and $90.5 million , respectively . In fiscal 2013, the Company entered into a long-term loan agreement to finance a 5.4 MW utility and power plant operating in Arizona. As of both October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , the aggregate carrying amount under this loan, presented in "Short-term debt" and "Long-term debt" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $7.3 million and $7.6 million , respectively. Other debt is further composed of non-recourse project loans in EMEA, which are scheduled to mature through 2028. See Note 5 for discussion of the Company’s sale-leaseback arrangements accounted for under the financing method.

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
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 October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , all of which utilize Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy: (In thousands) Balance Sheet Classification October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Assets: Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency forward exchange contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 424 $ 1,711 $ 424 $ 1,711 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency option contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ — $ 1,076 Foreign currency forward exchange contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,101 2,015 Interest rate contracts Other long-term assets 9,149 11,429 $ 10,250 $ 14,520 Liabilities: Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency option contracts Accrued liabilities $ — $ 71 Interest rate contracts Other long-term liabilities 398 448 $ 398 $ 519 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency option contracts Accrued liabilities $ — $ 15 Foreign currency forward exchange contracts Accrued liabilities 745 1,937 Interest rate contracts Other long-term liabilities 581 — $ 1,326 $ 1,952 October 1, 2017 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 $ 10,674 $ — $ 10,674 $ 632 $ — $ 10,042 Derivative liabilities $ 1,724 $ — $ 1,724 $ 632 $ — $ 1,092 January 1, 2017 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 $ 16,231 $ — $ 16,231 $ 1,694 $ — $ 14,537 Derivative liabilities $ 2,471 $ — $ 2,471 $ 1,694 $ — $ 777 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 Nine Months Ended (In thousands) October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges: Gain (loss) in OCI at the beginning of the period $ (75 ) $ (939 ) $ 1,203 $ 5,942 Unrealized gain (loss) recognized in OCI (effective portion) (320 ) (39 ) (745 ) (50 ) Less: Loss (gain) reclassified from OCI to revenue (effective portion) 111 95 (742 ) (6,775 ) Net loss on derivatives $ (209 ) $ 56 $ (1,487 ) $ (6,825 ) Loss in OCI at the end of the period $ (284 ) $ (883 ) $ (284 ) $ (883 ) The following table summarizes the amount of gain or loss recognized in "Other, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the three and nine months ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016 : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (In thousands) October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges: Gain (loss) recognized in "Other, net" on derivatives (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing) $ 85 $ (117 ) $ 188 $ (1,788 ) Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Gain (loss) recognized in "Other, net" $ 722 $ (6,090 ) $ (346 ) $ (17,799 ) 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 October 1, 2017 , the Company had designated outstanding cash flow hedge forward contracts with an aggregate notional value of $17.4 million . As of January 1, 2017 , the Company had designated outstanding cash flow hedge option contracts with an aggregate notional value of $17.3 million . 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 October 1, 2017 , to hedge balance sheet exposure, the Company held forward contracts with an aggregate notional value of $0.6 million . The maturity dates of these contracts range from October 2, 2017 to January 4, 2018 . As of January 1, 2017 , to hedge balance sheet exposure, the Company held option contracts and forward contracts with aggregate notional values of $11.0 million and $42.9 million , respectively. The maturity dates of these contracts ranged from January 2017 to June 2017 . 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 both October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , the Company had interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges with an aggregate notional values of $7.3 million and $7.6 million , respectively, and interest rate swap agreements not designated as cash flow hedges with an aggregate notional values of $191.4 million and $170.3 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 swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges is reclassified into interest expense when the hedged transactions are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company analyzes its designated 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. All changes in the fair value of non-designated interest rate swap agreements are recognized immediately in current period earnings. 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	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES In the three and nine months ended October 1, 2017 , the Company's income tax benefit of $5.5 million and $1.1 million , respectively , on a loss before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees of $99.6 million and $366.2 million , respectively , were primarily due to the related tax effects of the carryback of fiscal 2016 net operating losses to fiscal 2015 U.S. tax returns, offset by projected tax expense in profitable foreign jurisdictions. The income tax provision of $7.0 million and $16.9 million in the three and nine months ended October 2, 2016 on a loss before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees of $65.6 million and $257.0 million , respectively, were due to projected tax expense in profitable foreign jurisdictions, recognition of U.S. prepaid income tax due to intercompany transactions, settlement of foreign audits, and provision to return adjustments in U.S. and foreign jurisdictions. For the reporting period ended October 1, 2017 , in accordance with FASB guidance for interim reporting of income tax, the Company has computed its provision for income taxes based on a projected annual effective tax rate while excluding loss jurisdictions which cannot be benefited. The Company adopted the guidance under ASU 2016-09 “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 and as a result, excess tax benefits from share-based award activity for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2017 are reflected as a reduction of the provision for income taxes whereas they were previously recognized in equity. The Company did not recognize any tax benefit during the three and nine months ended October 1, 2017 because the Company has forecasted a current year loss in the United States. The Company also early adopted the guidance under ASU 2016-16 “Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory” in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 and as a result, tax effects of intercompany transactions are recognized when the transfers occur whereas they were previously deferred and amortized.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
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, and the outstanding senior convertible debentures. The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted net loss per share: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (In thousands, except per share amounts) October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Basic net loss per share: Numerator Net loss attributable to stockholders $ (54,247 ) $ (40,545 ) $ (282,486 ) $ (195,946 ) Denominator Basic weighted-average common shares 139,517 138,209 139,289 137,832 Basic net loss per share $ (0.39 ) $ (0.29 ) $ (2.03 ) $ (1.42 ) Diluted net loss per share: Numerator Net loss available to common stockholders $ (54,247 ) $ (40,545 ) $ (282,486 ) $ (195,946 ) Denominator Dilutive weighted-average common shares 139,517 138,209 139,289 137,832 Diluted net loss per share $ (0.39 ) $ (0.29 ) $ (2.03 ) $ (1.42 ) The following is a summary of outstanding anti-dilutive potential common stock that was excluded from loss per diluted share in the following periods: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (In thousands) October 1, 2017 1 October 2, 2016 1 October 1, 2017 1 October 2, 2016 1 Stock options — 141 — 141 Restricted stock units 4,302 5,384 4,302 5,384 Upfront Warrants (held by Total) 1,406 3,179 1,406 4,962 4.00% debentures due 2023 13,922 13,922 13,922 13,922 0.75% debentures due 2018 12,026 12,026 12,026 12,026 0.875% debentures due 2021 8,203 8,203 8,203 8,203 1 As a result of the net loss per share for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016 , 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 periods.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	14 . 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 Nine Months Ended (In thousands) October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Cost of Residential revenue $ 869 $ 2,083 $ 1,393 $ 4,562 Cost of Commercial revenue 750 1,744 1,292 3,141 Cost of Power Plant revenue 1,256 2,202 2,426 7,914 Research and development 1,661 2,936 4,225 8,934 Sales, general and administrative 4,863 6,942 16,044 24,351 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 9,399 $ 15,907 $ 25,380 $ 48,902 The following table summarizes the consolidated stock-based compensation expense by type of award: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (In thousands) October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Restricted stock units $ 8,905 $ 14,011 $ 25,816 $ 47,178 Change in stock-based compensation capitalized in inventory 494 1,896 (436 ) 1,724 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 9,399 $ 15,907 $ 25,380 $ 48,902

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION The Company's Chief Executive Officer, as the CODM, has organized the Company, manages resource allocations and measures performance of the Company's activities among 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. The CODM assesses the performance of the three end-customer segments using information about their revenue, gross margin, and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA") after certain adjustments, described below in further detail. Additionally, for purposes of calculating Adjusted EBITDA, the calculation includes equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees and net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests and excludes cash interest expense, net of interest income, and depreciation. The CODM does not review asset information by segment. Adjustments Made for Segment Purposes 8point3 Energy Partners The Company includes adjustments related to the sales of projects contributed to 8point3 based on the difference between the fair market value of the consideration received and the net carrying value of the projects contributed, of which, a portion is deferred in proportion to the Company’s retained equity interest in 8point3. Under U.S. GAAP (“GAAP”), these sales are recognized under either real estate, lease, or consolidation accounting guidance depending upon the nature of the individual asset contributed, with outcomes ranging from no, partial, or full profit recognition. Utility and power plant projects The Company includes adjustments related to the revenue recognition of certain utility and power plant projects based on percentage-of-completion accounting and, when relevant, the allocation of segment revenue and margin to the Company’s project development efforts at the time of initial project sale. Under GAAP, such projects are accounted for under real estate accounting guidance, under which no separate allocation to the Company’s project development efforts occurs and the amount of revenue and margin that is recognized may be limited in circumstances where the Company has certain forms of continuing involvement in the project. Over the life of each project, cumulative revenue and gross margin will eventually be equivalent under both the GAAP and segment treatments; however, revenue and gross margin will generally be recognized earlier under the Company’s segment treatment. Within each project, the relationship between the adjustments to revenue and gross margins is generally consistent. However, as the Company may have multiple utility and power plant projects in differing stages of progress at any given time, the relationship in the aggregate will occasionally appear otherwise. Sale of operating lease assets The Company includes adjustments related to the revenue recognition on the sale of certain solar assets subject to an operating lease (or of solar assets that are leased by or intended to be leased by the third-party purchaser to another party) based on the net proceeds received from the purchaser. Under GAAP, these sales are accounted for as borrowing transactions in accordance with lease accounting guidance. Under such guidance, revenue and profit recognition is based on rental payments made by the end lessee, and the net proceeds from the purchaser are recorded as a non-recourse borrowing liability, with imputed interest expense recorded on the liability. This treatment continues until the Company has transferred the substantial risks of ownership, as defined by lease accounting guidance, to the purchaser, at which point the sale is recognized. Sale-leaseback transactions The Company includes adjustments related to the revenue recognition on certain sale-leaseback transactions based on the net proceeds received from the buyer-lessor. Under GAAP, these transactions are accounted for under the financing method in accordance with real estate accounting guidance. Under such guidance, no revenue or profit is recognized at the inception of the transaction, and the net proceeds from the buyer-lessor are recorded as a financing liability. Imputed interest is recorded on the liability equal to the Company’s incremental borrowing rate adjusted solely to prevent negative amortization. Cost of above-market polysilicon As described in Note 8 , the Company has entered in previous years into multiple long-term, fixed-price supply agreements to purchase polysilicon for periods of up to ten years. The prices in these supply agreements, which include a cash portion and a non-cash portion attributable to the amortization of prepayments made under the agreements, significantly exceed market prices. Additionally, in order to reduce inventory and improve working capital, the Company has periodically elected to sell polysilicon inventory in the marketplace at prices below the Company’s purchase price, thereby incurring a loss. Starting in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company has excluded the impact of its above-market cost of polysilicon, including the effect of above-market polysilicon on product costs, losses incurred on sales of polysilicon to third parties, and inventory reserves and project asset impairments recorded as a result of above-market polysilicon, from its segment results. Stock-based compensation The Company incurs stock-based compensation expense related primarily to the Company’s equity incentive awards. The Company excludes this expense from its segment results. Amortization of intangible assets The Company incurs amortization expense on intangible assets as a result of acquisitions, which include patents, project assets, purchased technology, in-process research and development and trade names. The Company excludes this expense from its segment results. Non-cash interest expense The Company incurs non-cash interest expense related to the amortization of items such as original issuance discounts on certain of its convertible debt. The Company excludes this expense from its segment results. Restructuring expense The Company incurs restructuring expense related to reorganization plans aimed towards realigning resources consistent with the Company's global strategy and improving its overall operating efficiency and cost structure. The Company excludes this expense from its segment results. Goodwill Impairment In the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company performed an interim goodwill impairment evaluation due to market circumstances at the time, including a decline in the Company's stock price which resulted in the market capitalization of the Company being below its book value. The Company's preliminary calculation determined that the implied fair value of goodwill for all reporting units was zero and therefore recorded a goodwill impairment loss of $147.4 million , which includes $89.6 million of goodwill recognized in the third quarter of 2016 in connection with the Company's acquisition of the remaining 50% of AUOSP (see Notes 3 and 4). The Company excludes from its segment results the impairment of goodwill arising from business combinations prior to the acquisition of AUOSP. No adjustment was made for the impairment of the goodwill arising from the acquisition of AUOSP. Arbitration ruling On January 28, 2015, an arbitral tribunal of the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce declared a binding 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”), the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary. 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. The second partial and final awards dated July 14, 2015 and September 30, 2015, respectively, reduced the estimated amounts to be paid to FPEC, and on July 22, 2016, SPML entered into a settlement with FPEC and FPSC and paid a total of $50.5 million in settlement of all claims between the parties. As a result, the Company recorded its best estimate of probable loss related to this matter at the time of the initial ruling and updated the estimate as circumstances warranted. The Company excludes these amounts from its segment results. IPO-related costs The Company incurred legal, accounting, advisory, valuation, and other costs related to the IPO of 8point3, as well as modifications to or terminations of certain existing financing structures in preparation for the sale to 8point3. The Company excludes these costs from its segment results. Other The Company combines amounts previously disclosed under separate captions into “Other” when amounts do not have a significant impact on the presented fiscal periods. Segment and Geographical Information The following tables present information by end-customer segment including revenue, gross margin, and Adjusted EBITDA, each as reviewed by the CODM, as well as information about significant customers and revenue by geography, based on the destination of the shipments. Three Months Ended 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 $ 151,913 $ 157,751 $ 223,927 $ 32,633 21.5 % $ 25,500 16.2 % $ 10,097 4.5 % 8point3 Energy Partners 1,345 (334 ) (112 ) 480 (212 ) 109 Utility and power plant projects — — (5,887 ) — — (3,367 ) Sale-leaseback transactions — (51,412 ) — — (10,701 ) 32 Cost of above-market polysilicon — — — (4,751 ) (6,996 ) (21,714 ) Stock-based compensation — — — (869 ) (750 ) (1,256 ) Amortization of intangible assets — — — (847 ) (821 ) (899 ) Non-cash interest expense — — — (2 ) (3 ) (5 ) GAAP $ 153,258 $ 106,005 $ 217,928 $ 26,644 17.4 % $ 6,017 5.7 % $ (17,003 ) (7.8 )% Three Months Ended 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 $ 176,433 $ 143,135 $ 450,540 $ 42,243 23.9 % $ 17,771 12.4 % $ 121,493 27.0 % 8point3 Energy Partners 1,336 (3,181 ) (31,456 ) 250 (2,162 ) (11,876 ) Utility and power plant projects — — (37 ) — — (47 ) Sale of operating lease assets (7,424 ) — — (2,085 ) — — Sale-leaseback transactions — — — — (85 ) — Cost of above-market polysilicon — — — (5,880 ) (5,492 ) (16,043 ) Stock-based compensation — — — (2,083 ) (1,744 ) (2,202 ) Amortization of intangible assets — — — (869 ) (868 ) (830 ) Non-cash interest expense — — — (67 ) (84 ) (132 ) GAAP $ 170,345 $ 139,954 $ 419,047 $ 31,509 18.5 % $ 7,336 5.2 % $ 90,363 21.6 % Nine Months Ended 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 $ 442,413 $ 397,551 $ 464,599 $ 84,761 19.2 % $ 37,917 9.5 % $ 15,083 3.2 % 8point3 Energy Partners 4,001 (4,471 ) 879 1,460 (2,796 ) (346 ) Utility and power plant projects — (327 ) 17,885 — (327 ) (32,592 ) Sale-leaseback transactions — (78,380 ) (30,437 ) — (5,811 ) 556 Cost of above-market polysilicon — — — (13,833 ) (19,128 ) (52,141 ) Stock-based compensation — — — (1,393 ) (1,292 ) (2,426 ) Amortization of intangible assets — — — (2,931 ) (2,329 ) (2,441 ) Non-cash interest expense — — — (8 ) (8 ) (14 ) GAAP $ 446,414 $ 314,373 $ 452,926 $ 68,056 15.2 % $ 6,226 2.0 % $ (74,321 ) (16.4 )% Nine Months Ended 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 $ 523,942 $ 305,868 $ 775,736 $ 129,129 24.6 % $ 42,146 13.8 % $ 150,461 19.4 % 8point3 Energy Partners 3,935 (3,181 ) (17,481 ) 1,154 (2,341 ) (7,749 ) Utility and power plant projects — — (13,490 ) — — (7,732 ) Sale of operating lease assets (28,010 ) — — (8,163 ) — — Sale-leaseback transactions — (12,646 ) — — (3,073 ) — Cost of above-market polysilicon — — — (12,934 ) (9,562 ) (33,534 ) Stock-based compensation — — — (4,562 ) (3,141 ) (7,915 ) Amortization of intangible assets — — — (1,856 ) (2,102 ) (1,153 ) Non-cash interest expense — — — (201 ) (175 ) (510 ) Arbitration ruling — — — 1,345 922 3,585 GAAP $ 499,867 $ 290,041 $ 744,765 $ 103,912 20.8 % $ 22,674 7.8 % $ 95,453 12.8 % Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (In thousands): October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Adjusted EBITDA as reviewed by CODM Distributed Generation Residential $ 48,486 $ 41,688 $ 135,298 $ 124,564 Commercial 24,264 11,329 31,557 19,990 Power Plant 14,454 129,313 18,526 150,767 Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA as reviewed by CODM $ 87,204 $ 182,330 $ 185,381 $ 295,321 Reconciliation to Consolidated Statements of Loss 8point3 Energy Partners 916 (19,320 ) (9,643 ) (48,078 ) Utility and power plant projects (3,367 ) (47 ) (32,919 ) (7,732 ) Sale of operating lease assets — (2,098 ) — (8,197 ) Sale-leaseback transactions (12,440 ) (277 ) (10,425 ) (3,265 ) Cost of above-market polysilicon (33,461 ) (27,415 ) (85,102 ) (56,030 ) Stock-based compensation (9,399 ) (15,907 ) (25,380 ) (48,902 ) Amortization of intangible assets (3,026 ) (3,018 ) (10,279 ) (14,351 ) Non-cash interest expense (33 ) (308 ) (103 ) (963 ) Restructuring expense (3,517 ) (31,202 ) (18,276 ) (31,415 ) Goodwill impairment — (57,765 ) — (57,765 ) Arbitration ruling — — — 5,852 IPO-related costs — — 82 (35 ) Other — 20 — 31 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees (15,308 ) (16,770 ) (21,809 ) (24,355 ) Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests (24,609 ) (15,362 ) (60,832 ) (53,559 ) Cash interest expense, net of interest income (19,492 ) (14,990 ) (57,907 ) (40,318 ) Depreciation (43,161 ) (36,809 ) (123,010 ) (108,365 ) Corporate and unallocated items (19,928 ) (6,690 ) (95,978 ) (54,857 ) Loss before taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees $ (99,621 ) $ (65,628 ) $ (366,200 ) $ (256,983 ) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (As a percentage of total revenue): October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Significant Customers: Business Segment 8point3 Energy Partners Power Plant * 17 % * 15 % Southern Renewable Partnerships, LLC Power Plant * 35 % * 17 % Avangrid Renewables, LLC Power Plant 24 % n/a 10 % n/a *denotes less than 10% during the period Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (As a percentage of total revenue): October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Revenue by geography: United States 81 % 87 % 80 % 82 % Rest of World 19 % 13 % 20 % 18 % 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 %

The Company and Summary of Si25

The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
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 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. Both fiscal 2017 and 2016 are 52-week fiscal years. The third quarter of fiscal 2017 ended on October 1, 2017 , while the third quarter of fiscal 2016 ended on October 2, 2016 . The third quarters of fiscal 2017 and 2016 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 valuation assumptions including discount rates, future cash flows and economic useful lives of property, plant and equipment, valuations for business combinations, other intangible assets, investments, and other long-term assets; fair value and residual value of 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 and indemnities. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In November 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an update to the standards to require companies to include amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in cash and cash equivalents when reconciling beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The new standard is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company elected early adoption of the updated accounting standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The Company had restricted cash and cash equivalents held by various banks to secure its letter of credit facilities and deposits designated for the construction of various residential, commercial and power plant solar energy projects. The adoption of this accounting standard did not result in a significant impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In October 2016, the FASB issued an update to the standards to amend how a reporting entity considers indirect interests held by related parties under common control when evaluating whether it is the primary beneficiary of a Variable Interest Entities. The Company adopted the updated accounting standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Adoption of the new accounting standard did not have a material impact to the Company's consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued an update to the standards to require entities to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The new guidance is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company elected early adoption of the accounting standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, resulting in a cumulative-effect adjustment of a $61.0 million increase in accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2017, with corresponding adjustments to Prepaid expenses and other current assets, and Other long-term assets of $4.9 million and $56.1 million , respectively. In August 2016, the FASB issued an update to the standards to clarify the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows, including debt prepayment or extinguishment costs, settlement of contingent consideration arising from a business combination, insurance settlement proceeds, and distributions from certain equity method investees. The new guidance is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company elected early adoption of the updated accounting standard on a retrospective basis in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The adoption of this updated accounting standard did not result in a significant impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued an update to the standards to simplify certain aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions to employees. The new standard requires excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recorded in the statements of income as a component of the provision for income taxes when stock awards vest or are settled. In addition, it eliminates the requirement to reclassify cash flows related to excess tax benefits from operating activities to financing activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows. The standard also provides an accounting policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur, allows companies to withhold more of an employee’s vesting shares for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting, and clarifies that all cash payments made to tax authorities on an employee’s behalf for withheld shares should be presented as a financing activity on the cash flows statement. The Company adopted the new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Upon adoption on a prospective basis, excess tax benefits or deficiencies from share-based award activity are reflected in the consolidated statements of income as a component of the provision for income taxes, whereas they were previously recognized in equity. The Company also elected to continue to estimate expected forfeitures to determine stock-based compensation expense and to present excess tax benefits as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows retrospectively. Adoption of the new accounting standard resulted in a decrease of net cumulative-effect adjustment of $15.7 million , primarily related to the recognition of the previously unrecognized excess tax benefits which decreased the accumulated deficit with a corresponding adjustment to long-term tax liabilities as of January 1, 2017. The Company adopted the guidance on a modified retrospective basis. In March 2016, the FASB issued an update to the standards to eliminate the retroactive adoption of the equity method of accounting if an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership or degree of influence. The new guidance was effective for the Company for the first quarter of fiscal 2017 and required a prospective approach to adoption. The Company adopted the guidance in the first quarter of 2017, which impacted its investment in Dongfang Huansheng Photovoltaic (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd., given it qualified for equity method treatment during the quarter (see Note 9). Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In August 2017, the FASB issued an update to the standards which targeted improvements to accounting for hedging activities. The improvements include (i) alignment of risk management activities and financial reporting, and (ii) other simplifications in the application of hedge accounting guidance. The new guidance is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of 2019 and requires a modified retrospective approach to adoption. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In May 2017, the FASB issued an update to the standards to clarify which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. The new guidance is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In February 2017, the FASB issued new guidance to clarify the scope and application of the sale or transfer of nonfinancial assets to noncustomers, including partial sales and also to define what constitutes an “in substance nonfinancial asset” which can include financial assets. The new guidance eliminates several accounting differences between transactions involving assets and transactions involving businesses. Further, the guidance aligns the accounting for derecognition of a nonfinancial asset with that of a business. The new guidance is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of 2018. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In January 2017, the FASB issued an update to the standards to clarify the definition of a business to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The new guidance is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2018 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 June 2016, the FASB issued an update to the standards to amend the methodology for measuring credit losses on financial instruments and the timing of when such losses are recorded. The new guidance is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2020. Early adoption is permitted beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In February 2016, the FASB issued an update to the standards to require lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset for all leases (lease terms of more than 12 months) at the commencement date. The new guidance is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and requires a modified retrospective 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 January 2016, the FASB issued an update to the standards to require equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income (other than those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee). The new guidance is effective for the Company no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Upon adoption, an entity should apply the amendments by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet at the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. Early adoption is permitted for the accounting guidance on financial liabilities under the fair value option. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In May 2014, the FASB issued a new revenue recognition standard ("ASC 606") 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 FASB has issued several updates to ASC 606 which (i) clarify the application of the principal versus agent guidance; (ii) clarify the guidance relating to performance obligations and licensing; (iii) clarify the assessment of the collectability criterion, presentation of sales taxes, measurement date for non-cash consideration and completed contracts at transition; and (iv) clarify narrow aspects of ASC 606 or corrects unintended application of the guidance. The new revenue recognition standard, amended by the updates, 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 will adopt ASC 606 on January 1, 2018 retrospectively, applying the new standard to each prior reporting period presented. The Company's ability to adopt retrospectively is dependent upon the completion of the analysis of information necessary to restate prior period financial statements and disclosures. The Company is in the process of reviewing historical contracts to quantify the impact of adoption on its consolidated financial statements. The Company is also in the process of assessing the appropriate changes to its business processes and upgrading its systems and controls to support recognition and disclosure under ASC 606. The Company expects the adoption of ASC 606 to primarily affect its Power Plants and Commercial Segments. Sales of solar power systems that include the sale or lease of related real estate, which occur under both segments, are currently accounted for under the guidance for real estate sales ("ASC 360-20"). ASC 360-20 requires the Company to evaluate whether such arrangements have any forms of continuing involvement that may affect the revenue or profit recognition of the transactions, including arrangements with prohibited forms of continuing involvement requiring the Company to reduce the potential profit on a project sale by its maximum exposure to loss. The Company anticipates that ASC 606, which supersedes the real estate sales guidance under ASC 360-20, will result in the earlier recognition of revenue and profit. In addition, the Company’s investment in the 8point3 Group as of October 1, 2017 , has a negative carrying value of $72.4 million primarily as a result of profit deferred under ASC 360-20. Under ASC 606, the Company expects that a material amount of this deferred profit will have been recognized prior to January 1, 2018, and as a result the Company’s carrying value in the 8point3 Group will materially increase upon adoption. The Company expects that revenue recognition for its other sales arrangements, including the sales of components, sales and construction of solar systems, and operations and maintenance services, will remain materially consistent. The Company continues to assess the potential impacts of the new standard, including the areas described above, and anticipates that this standard will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. However, the Company does not know or cannot reasonably estimate quantitative information, beyond that discussed above, related to the impact of the new standard on the financial statements at this time.

Transactions with Total and T26

Transactions with Total and Total S.A. (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of related party transactions	Related-Party Transactions with Total and its Affiliates: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (In thousands) October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Revenue: EPC, O&M, and components revenue $ 12,500 $ 1,632 $ 19,683 $ 63,161 Cost of revenue: EPC, O&M, and components cost of revenue $ 9,793 $ 2,276 $ 14,198 $ 58,300 Research and development expense: Offsetting contributions received under the R&D Agreement $ (15 ) $ (111 ) $ (119 ) $ (532 ) Interest expense: Guarantee fees incurred under the Credit Support Agreement $ 1,481 $ 1,821 $ 4,860 $ 5,088 Interest expense incurred on the 0.75% debentures due 2018 $ 375 $ 375 $ 1,125 $ 1,125 Interest expense incurred on the 0.875% debentures due 2021 $ 547 $ 547 $ 1,641 $ 1,641 Interest expense incurred on the 4.00% debentures due 2023 $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 3,000 $ 3,000 As of (In thousands) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Accounts receivable $ 1,829 $ 3,397 Other long-term assets $ — $ 723 Accrued liabilities $ — $ 3,665 Customer advances $ 175 $ 57 Other long-term liabilities $ 29,281 $ 29,370 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (In thousands) October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Payments made to investees for products/services $ — $ 98,322 $ — $ 337,831 Revenues and fees received from investees for products/services 1 $ 4,595 $ 139,485 $ 29,803 $ 271,534 1 Includes a portion of proceeds received from tax equity investors in connection with 8point3 transactions.

Goodwill and Other Intangible27

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
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 October 1, 2017 Patents and purchased technology $ 51,140 $ (23,718 ) $ 27,422 Project pipeline assets 9,446 (3,182 ) 6,264 Purchased in-process research and development 1,200 (1,200 ) — Other 1,000 (1,000 ) — $ 62,786 $ (29,100 ) $ 33,686 As of January 1, 2017 Patents and purchased technology $ 51,140 $ (16,014 ) $ 35,126 Project pipeline assets 9,446 (1,804 ) 7,642 Purchased in-process research and development 1,200 — 1,200 Other 1,000 (750 ) 250 $ 62,786 $ (18,568 ) $ 44,218
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense	As of October 1, 2017 , the estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets with finite useful lives is as follows: (In thousands) Amount Fiscal Year 2017 (remaining three months) $ 2,964 2018 14,407 2019 9,963 2020 6,317 2021 23 Thereafter 12 $ 33,686

Balance Sheet Components (Table

Balance Sheet Components (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Receivable	As of (In thousands) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Accounts receivable, net: Accounts receivable, gross 1,2,3 $ 225,714 $ 242,451 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (37,246 ) (20,380 ) Less: allowance for sales returns (2,238 ) (2,433 ) $ 186,230 $ 219,638 1 Includes short-term financing receivables associated with solar power systems leased of $23.1 million and $19.3 million as of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , respectively (see Note 5 ). 2 Includes short-term retainage of $10.4 million and $8.8 million as of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , 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) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Inventories: Raw materials $ 104,116 $ 136,906 Work-in-process 143,303 184,967 Finished goods 160,793 79,834 $ 408,212 $ 401,707
Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	As of (In thousands) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Prepaid expenses and other current assets: Deferred project costs 1 $ 17,930 $ 68,338 VAT receivables, current portion 22,279 14,260 Deferred costs for solar power systems to be leased 21,535 28,705 Derivative financial instruments 1,525 4,802 Prepaid inventory — 83,943 Other receivables 79,624 85,834 Prepaid taxes 117 5,468 Other prepaid expenses 20,920 24,260 Other current assets 490 60 $ 164,420 $ 315,670
Schedule Investments In Power And Distribution Projects	As of (In thousands) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Project assets - plants and land: Project assets — plants $ 394,285 $ 389,103 Project assets — land 12,191 18,927 $ 406,476 $ 408,030 Project assets - plants and land, current portion $ 364,165 $ 374,459 Project assets - plants and land, net of current portion $ 42,311 $ 33,571
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	As of (In thousands) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Property, plant and equipment, net: Manufacturing equipment 1 $ 417,974 $ 403,808 Land and buildings 196,883 130,080 Leasehold improvements 300,402 280,620 Solar power systems 2 313,747 207,277 Computer equipment 113,896 185,518 Furniture and fixtures 12,958 12,591 Construction-in-process 15,917 39,849 1,371,777 1,259,743 Less: accumulated depreciation (318,943 ) (232,677 ) $ 1,052,834 $ 1,027,066 1 The Company's mortgage loan agreement with International Finance Corporation ("IFC") was collateralized by certain manufacturing equipment with a net book value of $14.3 million as of January 1, 2017 . During the first quarter of 2017 , the entire outstanding balance, and the associated interest, of the mortgage loan agreement with IFC has been repaid. 2 Includes $281.2 million and $177.1 million of solar power systems associated with sale-leaseback transactions under the financing method as of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , 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 5 ).
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment by Geographic Region	As of (In thousands) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Property, plant and equipment, net by geography 1 : Philippines $ 338,319 $ 373,286 United States 360,766 276,053 Malaysia 249,871 275,980 Mexico 84,227 81,419 Europe 19,501 20,154 Other 150 174 $ 1,052,834 $ 1,027,066 1 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) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Other long-term assets: Equity method investments 1 $ (5,523 ) $ (6,931 ) Derivative financial instruments 9,149 11,429 Cost method investments 33,156 39,423 Other 2 78,258 141,598 $ 115,040 $ 185,519
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities	As of (In thousands) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Accrued liabilities: Employee compensation and employee benefits $ 41,922 $ 43,370 Deferred revenue 28,683 27,649 Interest payable 11,211 15,329 Short-term warranty reserves 21,829 4,894 Restructuring reserve 3,719 18,001 VAT payables 7,184 4,743 Derivative financial instruments 745 2,023 Inventory payable — 83,943 Proceeds from 8point3 Energy Partners attributable to projects prior to Commercial Operation Date ("COD") — 3,665 Contributions from noncontrolling interests attributable to projects prior to COD 2,304 93,875 Taxes payable 18,601 25,602 Liability due to AU Optronics 29,967 31,714 Other 84,962 36,418 $ 251,127 $ 391,226
Schedule of Other Long-Term Liabilities	As of (In thousands) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Other long-term liabilities: Deferred revenue $ 185,298 $ 188,932 Long-term warranty reserves 155,157 156,315 Long-term sale-leaseback financing 314,688 204,879 Long-term residential lease financing with 8point3 Energy Partners 29,281 29,370 Unrecognized tax benefits 24,335 47,203 Long-term pension liability 4,117 3,381 Derivative financial instruments 979 448 Long-term liability due to AU Optronics 61,165 71,639 Other 20,923 18,865 $ 795,943 $ 721,032
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	As of (In thousands) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Accumulated other comprehensive loss: Cumulative translation adjustment $ (8,218 ) $ (12,249 ) Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives (265 ) 1,203 Net gain on long-term pension liability adjustment 4,228 4,228 Deferred taxes 146 (420 ) $ (4,109 ) $ (7,238 )

Leasing (Tables)

Leasing (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
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 October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 : As of (In thousands) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Solar power systems leased and to be leased, net 1,2 : Solar power systems leased $ 776,826 $ 666,700 Solar power systems to be leased 23,804 25,367 800,630 692,067 Less: accumulated depreciation (93,096 ) (70,800 ) $ 707,534 $ 621,267 1 Solar power systems leased and to be leased, net are physically located exclusively in the United States. 2 As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , the Company had pledged solar assets with an aggregate book value of $108.8 million and $13.1 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 October 1, 2017 : (In thousands) Fiscal 2017 (remaining three months) Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2019 Fiscal 2020 Fiscal 2021 Thereafter Total Minimum future rentals on operating leases placed in service 1 $ 7,887 30,745 30,809 30,873 30,939 433,084 $ 564,337 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 nor does it include rent receivables on operating leases sold to the 8point3 Group.
Schedule of accounts, notes, loans and financing receivable	As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , 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) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Financing receivables 1 : Minimum lease payments receivable 2 $ 656,314 $ 560,582 Unguaranteed residual value 82,018 70,636 Unearned income (116,363 ) (104,624 ) Net financing receivables $ 621,969 $ 526,594 Current $ 23,137 $ 19,261 Long-term $ 598,832 $ 507,333 1 As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , the Company had pledged financing receivables of $109.1 million and $18.6 million , respectively, to third-party investors as security for the Company's contractual obligations. 2 Net of allowance for doubtful accounts amounting to $5.7 million and $4.5 million , as of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , respectively.
Schedule of future maturities of net financing receivables	As of October 1, 2017 , future maturities of net financing receivables for sales-type leases are as follows: (In thousands) Fiscal 2017 (remaining three months) Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2019 Fiscal 2020 Fiscal 2021 Thereafter Total Scheduled maturities of minimum lease payments receivable 1 $ 9,443 33,755 34,038 34,330 34,628 510,120 $ 656,314 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)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
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 October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 : October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 (In thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Assets Restricted cash and cash equivalents 1 : Money market funds $ — $ — $ — $ 3,002 $ 3,002 $ — Prepaid expenses and other current assets: Derivative financial instruments (Note 11) 1,525 — 1,525 4,802 — 4,802 Other long-term assets: Derivative financial instruments (Note 11) 9,149 — 9,149 11,429 — 11,429 Total assets $ 10,674 $ — $ 10,674 $ 19,233 $ 3,002 $ 16,231 Liabilities Accrued liabilities: Derivative financial instruments (Note 11) $ 745 $ — $ 745 $ 2,023 $ — $ 2,023 Other long-term liabilities: Derivative financial instruments (Note 11) 979 — 979 448 — 448 Total liabilities $ 1,724 $ — $ 1,724 $ 2,471 $ — $ 2,471 1 The Company's restricted cash and cash equivalents consist of money market fund instruments and commercial paper that are classified as available-for-sale and are 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 (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
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: Nine Months Ended (In thousands) October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Cumulative To Date December 2016 Plan: Non-cash impairment charges (benefits) $ — $ 17,926 $ 148,791 Severance and benefits 4,410 12,624 20,311 Lease and related termination costs 707 557 707 Other costs 1 13,186 85 21,005 $ 18,303 $ 31,192 $ 190,814 August 2016 Plan: Non-cash impairment charges $ — $ — $ 17,926 Severance and benefits (898 ) — 14,693 Lease and related termination costs 2 — 559 Other costs 1 879 $ — 1,243 $ (17 ) $ — $ 34,421 Legacy Restructuring Plans: Non-cash impairment charges $ — $ — $ 61,320 Severance and benefits 14 350 61,963 Lease and related termination costs — (214 ) 6,813 Other costs 1 (24 ) 87 13,575 (10 ) 223 143,671 Total restructuring charges $ 18,276 $ 31,415 $ 368,906 1 Other costs primarily represent associated legal and advisory services, and costs of relocating employees.
Schedule of restructuring reserve	The following table summarizes the restructuring reserve activity during the nine months ended October 1, 2017 : Nine Months Ended (In thousands) January 1, 2017 Charges (Benefits) Payments October 1, 2017 December 2016 Plan: Severance and benefits 8,111 4,410 (10,555 ) 1,966 Lease and related termination costs — 707 (557 ) 150 Other costs 1 5,932 13,186 (18,864 ) 254 $ 14,043 $ 18,303 $ (29,976 ) $ 2,370 August 2016 Plan: Severance and benefits 3,448 (898 ) (1,432 ) 1,118 Lease and related termination costs — 2 (2 ) — Other costs 1 86 879 (929 ) 36 $ 3,534 $ (17 ) $ (2,363 ) 1,154 Legacy Restructuring Plans: Severance and benefits $ 299 $ 14 $ (118 ) $ 195 Lease and related termination costs 52 — (52 ) — Other costs 1 73 (24 ) (49 ) — 424 (10 ) (219 ) 195 Total restructuring liability $ 18,001 $ 18,276 $ (32,558 ) $ 3,719 1 Other costs primarily represent associated legal and advisory services, and costs of relocating employees. The following table summarizes the restructuring reserve activity during the nine months ended October 2, 2016 : Nine Months Ended (In thousands) January 3, 2016 Charges (Benefits) Payments October 2, 2016 August 2016 Plan: Non-cash impairment charges — $ 17,926 $ — $ — Severance and benefits — 12,624 (7,580 ) 5,044 Lease and related termination costs — 557 (3 ) 554 Other costs 1 — 85 (85 ) — — 31,192 (7,668 ) 5,598 Legacy Restructuring Plans: Severance and benefits $ 395 $ 350 $ (426 ) $ 319 Lease and related termination costs 743 (214 ) (361 ) 168 Other costs 1 685 87 (658 ) 114 1,823 223 (1,445 ) 601 Total restructuring liability $ 1,823 $ 31,415 $ (9,113 ) $ 6,199 1 Other costs primarily represent associated legal services and costs of relocating employees.

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
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 October 1, 2017 are as follows: (In thousands) Fiscal 2017 (remaining three months) Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2019 Fiscal 2020 Fiscal 2021 Thereafter Total 1 Future purchase obligations $ 341,393 109,596 224,611 336,489 1,000 2,000 $ 1,015,089 1 Total future purchase obligations were composed of $199.1 million related to non-cancellable purchase orders and $816.0 million related to long-term supply agreements.
Schedule of estimated utilization of advances from customers	The estimated utilization of advances from customers as of October 1, 2017 is as follows: (In thousands) Fiscal 2017 (remaining three months) Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2019 Fiscal 2020 Fiscal 2021 Thereafter Total Estimated utilization of advances from customers $ 6,872 41,778 37,288 31,211 — — $ 117,149
Schedule of product warranty liability	The following table summarizes accrued warranty activity for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016 , respectively: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (In thousands) October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Balance at the beginning of the period $ 172,466 $ 164,784 $ 161,209 $ 164,127 Accruals for warranties issued during the period 7,373 (1,776 ) 22,809 7,338 Settlements and adjustments during the period (2,853 ) (2,954 ) (7,032 ) (11,411 ) Balance at the end of the period $ 176,986 $ 160,054 $ 176,986 $ 160,054
Other Commitments [Table Text Block]	The Company is required to provide certain funding under agreements with unconsolidated investees, subject to certain conditions (see Note 9 ). As of October 1, 2017 , the Company has future financing obligations related to these agreements as follows: (In thousands) Amount Year 2017 (remaining three months) $ 10,818 2018 13,337 $ 24,155

Equity Method Investments Equit

Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Schedule of related party transactions	Related-Party Transactions with Total and its Affiliates: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (In thousands) October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Revenue: EPC, O&M, and components revenue $ 12,500 $ 1,632 $ 19,683 $ 63,161 Cost of revenue: EPC, O&M, and components cost of revenue $ 9,793 $ 2,276 $ 14,198 $ 58,300 Research and development expense: Offsetting contributions received under the R&D Agreement $ (15 ) $ (111 ) $ (119 ) $ (532 ) Interest expense: Guarantee fees incurred under the Credit Support Agreement $ 1,481 $ 1,821 $ 4,860 $ 5,088 Interest expense incurred on the 0.75% debentures due 2018 $ 375 $ 375 $ 1,125 $ 1,125 Interest expense incurred on the 0.875% debentures due 2021 $ 547 $ 547 $ 1,641 $ 1,641 Interest expense incurred on the 4.00% debentures due 2023 $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 3,000 $ 3,000 As of (In thousands) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Accounts receivable $ 1,829 $ 3,397 Other long-term assets $ — $ 723 Accrued liabilities $ — $ 3,665 Customer advances $ 175 $ 57 Other long-term liabilities $ 29,281 $ 29,370 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (In thousands) October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Payments made to investees for products/services $ — $ 98,322 $ — $ 337,831 Revenues and fees received from investees for products/services 1 $ 4,595 $ 139,485 $ 29,803 $ 271,534 1 Includes a portion of proceeds received from tax equity investors in connection with 8point3 transactions.

Debt and Credit Sources (Tables

Debt and Credit Sources (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of debt	The following table summarizes the Company's outstanding debt on its Consolidated Balance Sheets: October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 (In thousands) Face Value Short-term Long-term Total Face Value Short-term Long-term Total Convertible debt: 4.00% debentures due 2023 $ 425,000 $ — $ 418,405 $ 418,405 $ 425,000 $ — $ 417,473 $ 417,473 0.875% debentures due 2021 400,000 — 397,574 397,574 400,000 — 397,079 397,079 0.75% debentures due 2018 300,000 299,495 — 299,495 300,000 — 298,926 298,926 IFC mortgage loan — — — — 17,500 17,121 — 17,121 CEDA loan 30,000 — 28,451 28,451 30,000 — 28,191 28,191 Non-recourse financing and other debt 1 637,841 56,313 569,580 625,893 477,594 52,892 419,905 472,797 $ 1,792,841 $ 355,808 $ 1,414,010 $ 1,769,818 $ 1,650,094 $ 70,013 $ 1,561,574 $ 1,631,587 1 Other debt excludes payments related to capital leases, which are disclosed in Note 8 . The following presents a summary of the Company's non-recourse financing arrangements, including arrangements that are not classified as debt: Aggregate Carrying Value 1 (In thousands) October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Balance Sheet Classification Residential Lease Program Bridge loans $ 16,338 $ 6,718 Short-term debt and Long-term debt Long-term loans 353,012 283,852 Short-term debt and Long-term debt Financing arrangements with third parties 29,281 29,370 Other long-term liabilities Tax equity partnership flip facilities 250,783 183,109 Redeemable non-controlling interests in subsidiaries and Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries Power Plant and Commercial Projects Boulder I credit facility 28,168 28,775 Short-term debt and Long-term debt El Pelicano credit facility 176,949 90,474 Short-term debt and Long-term debt Construction Revolver 1,716 10,469 Long-term debt Arizona loan 7,339 7,649 Short-term debt and Long-term debt 1 Based on the nature of the debt arrangements included in the table above, and the Company's intention to fully repay or transfer the obligations at their face values plus any applicable interest, the Company believes their carrying value materially approximates fair value, which is categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Schedule of maturities of debt	As of October 1, 2017 , the aggregate future contractual maturities of the Company's outstanding debt, at face value, were as follows: (In thousands) Fiscal 2017 (remaining three months) Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2019 Fiscal 2020 Fiscal 2021 Thereafter Total Aggregate future maturities of outstanding debt $ 43,959 316,891 23,211 22,259 423,688 962,833 $ 1,792,841
Schedule of long-term convertible debt instruments	The following table summarizes the Company's outstanding convertible debt: October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 (In thousands) Carrying Value Face Value Fair Value 1 Carrying Value Face Value Fair Value 1 Convertible debt: 4.00% debentures due 2023 $ 418,405 $ 425,000 $ 354,476 $ 417,473 $ 425,000 $ 301,555 0.875% debentures due 2021 397,574 400,000 322,008 397,079 400,000 266,996 0.75% debentures due 2018 299,495 300,000 290,751 298,926 300,000 270,627 $ 1,115,474 $ 1,125,000 $ 967,235 $ 1,113,478 $ 1,125,000 $ 839,178 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 Instrume35

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
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 October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , all of which utilize Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy: (In thousands) Balance Sheet Classification October 1, 2017 January 1, 2017 Assets: Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency forward exchange contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 424 $ 1,711 $ 424 $ 1,711 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency option contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ — $ 1,076 Foreign currency forward exchange contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,101 2,015 Interest rate contracts Other long-term assets 9,149 11,429 $ 10,250 $ 14,520 Liabilities: Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency option contracts Accrued liabilities $ — $ 71 Interest rate contracts Other long-term liabilities 398 448 $ 398 $ 519 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency option contracts Accrued liabilities $ — $ 15 Foreign currency forward exchange contracts Accrued liabilities 745 1,937 Interest rate contracts Other long-term liabilities 581 — $ 1,326 $ 1,952
Schedule of offsetting assets and liabilities	October 1, 2017 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 $ 10,674 $ — $ 10,674 $ 632 $ — $ 10,042 Derivative liabilities $ 1,724 $ — $ 1,724 $ 632 $ — $ 1,092 January 1, 2017 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 $ 16,231 $ — $ 16,231 $ 1,694 $ — $ 14,537 Derivative liabilities $ 2,471 $ — $ 2,471 $ 1,694 $ — $ 777
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 Nine Months Ended (In thousands) October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges: Gain (loss) in OCI at the beginning of the period $ (75 ) $ (939 ) $ 1,203 $ 5,942 Unrealized gain (loss) recognized in OCI (effective portion) (320 ) (39 ) (745 ) (50 ) Less: Loss (gain) reclassified from OCI to revenue (effective portion) 111 95 (742 ) (6,775 ) Net loss on derivatives $ (209 ) $ 56 $ (1,487 ) $ (6,825 ) Loss in OCI at the end of the period $ (284 ) $ (883 ) $ (284 ) $ (883 )
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 nine months ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016 : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (In thousands) October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges: Gain (loss) recognized in "Other, net" on derivatives (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing) $ 85 $ (117 ) $ 188 $ (1,788 ) Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Gain (loss) recognized in "Other, net" $ 722 $ (6,090 ) $ (346 ) $ (17,799 )

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Ta

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of income (loss) per share	The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted net loss per share: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (In thousands, except per share amounts) October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Basic net loss per share: Numerator Net loss attributable to stockholders $ (54,247 ) $ (40,545 ) $ (282,486 ) $ (195,946 ) Denominator Basic weighted-average common shares 139,517 138,209 139,289 137,832 Basic net loss per share $ (0.39 ) $ (0.29 ) $ (2.03 ) $ (1.42 ) Diluted net loss per share: Numerator Net loss available to common stockholders $ (54,247 ) $ (40,545 ) $ (282,486 ) $ (195,946 ) Denominator Dilutive weighted-average common shares 139,517 138,209 139,289 137,832 Diluted net loss per share $ (0.39 ) $ (0.29 ) $ (2.03 ) $ (1.42 )
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 loss per diluted share in the following periods: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (In thousands) October 1, 2017 1 October 2, 2016 1 October 1, 2017 1 October 2, 2016 1 Stock options — 141 — 141 Restricted stock units 4,302 5,384 4,302 5,384 Upfront Warrants (held by Total) 1,406 3,179 1,406 4,962 4.00% debentures due 2023 13,922 13,922 13,922 13,922 0.75% debentures due 2018 12,026 12,026 12,026 12,026 0.875% debentures due 2021 8,203 8,203 8,203 8,203 1 As a result of the net loss per share for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016 , 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 periods.

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
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 Nine Months Ended (In thousands) October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Cost of Residential revenue $ 869 $ 2,083 $ 1,393 $ 4,562 Cost of Commercial revenue 750 1,744 1,292 3,141 Cost of Power Plant revenue 1,256 2,202 2,426 7,914 Research and development 1,661 2,936 4,225 8,934 Sales, general and administrative 4,863 6,942 16,044 24,351 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 9,399 $ 15,907 $ 25,380 $ 48,902
Summary of stock-based compensation expense by type of award	The following table summarizes the consolidated stock-based compensation expense by type of award: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (In thousands) October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Restricted stock units $ 8,905 $ 14,011 $ 25,816 $ 47,178 Change in stock-based compensation capitalized in inventory 494 1,896 (436 ) 1,724 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 9,399 $ 15,907 $ 25,380 $ 48,902

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (In thousands): October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Adjusted EBITDA as reviewed by CODM Distributed Generation Residential $ 48,486 $ 41,688 $ 135,298 $ 124,564 Commercial 24,264 11,329 31,557 19,990 Power Plant 14,454 129,313 18,526 150,767 Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA as reviewed by CODM $ 87,204 $ 182,330 $ 185,381 $ 295,321 Reconciliation to Consolidated Statements of Loss 8point3 Energy Partners 916 (19,320 ) (9,643 ) (48,078 ) Utility and power plant projects (3,367 ) (47 ) (32,919 ) (7,732 ) Sale of operating lease assets — (2,098 ) — (8,197 ) Sale-leaseback transactions (12,440 ) (277 ) (10,425 ) (3,265 ) Cost of above-market polysilicon (33,461 ) (27,415 ) (85,102 ) (56,030 ) Stock-based compensation (9,399 ) (15,907 ) (25,380 ) (48,902 ) Amortization of intangible assets (3,026 ) (3,018 ) (10,279 ) (14,351 ) Non-cash interest expense (33 ) (308 ) (103 ) (963 ) Restructuring expense (3,517 ) (31,202 ) (18,276 ) (31,415 ) Goodwill impairment — (57,765 ) — (57,765 ) Arbitration ruling — — — 5,852 IPO-related costs — — 82 (35 ) Other — 20 — 31 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees (15,308 ) (16,770 ) (21,809 ) (24,355 ) Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests (24,609 ) (15,362 ) (60,832 ) (53,559 ) Cash interest expense, net of interest income (19,492 ) (14,990 ) (57,907 ) (40,318 ) Depreciation (43,161 ) (36,809 ) (123,010 ) (108,365 ) Corporate and unallocated items (19,928 ) (6,690 ) (95,978 ) (54,857 ) Loss before taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees $ (99,621 ) $ (65,628 ) $ (366,200 ) $ (256,983 )
Schedule of revenue by major customers	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (As a percentage of total revenue): October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Significant Customers: Business Segment 8point3 Energy Partners Power Plant * 17 % * 15 % Southern Renewable Partnerships, LLC Power Plant * 35 % * 17 % Avangrid Renewables, LLC Power Plant 24 % n/a 10 % n/a
Revenue from significant category	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (As a percentage of total revenue): October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Revenue by geography: United States 81 % 87 % 80 % 82 % Rest of World 19 % 13 % 20 % 18 % 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 %
Reconciliation of segment revenue and gross margin	Three Months Ended 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 $ 151,913 $ 157,751 $ 223,927 $ 32,633 21.5 % $ 25,500 16.2 % $ 10,097 4.5 % 8point3 Energy Partners 1,345 (334 ) (112 ) 480 (212 ) 109 Utility and power plant projects — — (5,887 ) — — (3,367 ) Sale-leaseback transactions — (51,412 ) — — (10,701 ) 32 Cost of above-market polysilicon — — — (4,751 ) (6,996 ) (21,714 ) Stock-based compensation — — — (869 ) (750 ) (1,256 ) Amortization of intangible assets — — — (847 ) (821 ) (899 ) Non-cash interest expense — — — (2 ) (3 ) (5 ) GAAP $ 153,258 $ 106,005 $ 217,928 $ 26,644 17.4 % $ 6,017 5.7 % $ (17,003 ) (7.8 )% Three Months Ended 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 $ 176,433 $ 143,135 $ 450,540 $ 42,243 23.9 % $ 17,771 12.4 % $ 121,493 27.0 % 8point3 Energy Partners 1,336 (3,181 ) (31,456 ) 250 (2,162 ) (11,876 ) Utility and power plant projects — — (37 ) — — (47 ) Sale of operating lease assets (7,424 ) — — (2,085 ) — — Sale-leaseback transactions — — — — (85 ) — Cost of above-market polysilicon — — — (5,880 ) (5,492 ) (16,043 ) Stock-based compensation — — — (2,083 ) (1,744 ) (2,202 ) Amortization of intangible assets — — — (869 ) (868 ) (830 ) Non-cash interest expense — — — (67 ) (84 ) (132 ) GAAP $ 170,345 $ 139,954 $ 419,047 $ 31,509 18.5 % $ 7,336 5.2 % $ 90,363 21.6 % Nine Months Ended 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 $ 442,413 $ 397,551 $ 464,599 $ 84,761 19.2 % $ 37,917 9.5 % $ 15,083 3.2 % 8point3 Energy Partners 4,001 (4,471 ) 879 1,460 (2,796 ) (346 ) Utility and power plant projects — (327 ) 17,885 — (327 ) (32,592 ) Sale-leaseback transactions — (78,380 ) (30,437 ) — (5,811 ) 556 Cost of above-market polysilicon — — — (13,833 ) (19,128 ) (52,141 ) Stock-based compensation — — — (1,393 ) (1,292 ) (2,426 ) Amortization of intangible assets — — — (2,931 ) (2,329 ) (2,441 ) Non-cash interest expense — — — (8 ) (8 ) (14 ) GAAP $ 446,414 $ 314,373 $ 452,926 $ 68,056 15.2 % $ 6,226 2.0 % $ (74,321 ) (16.4 )% Nine Months Ended 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 $ 523,942 $ 305,868 $ 775,736 $ 129,129 24.6 % $ 42,146 13.8 % $ 150,461 19.4 % 8point3 Energy Partners 3,935 (3,181 ) (17,481 ) 1,154 (2,341 ) (7,749 ) Utility and power plant projects — — (13,490 ) — — (7,732 ) Sale of operating lease assets (28,010 ) — — (8,163 ) — — Sale-leaseback transactions — (12,646 ) — — (3,073 ) — Cost of above-market polysilicon — — — (12,934 ) (9,562 ) (33,534 ) Stock-based compensation — — — (4,562 ) (3,141 ) (7,915 ) Amortization of intangible assets — — — (1,856 ) (2,102 ) (1,153 ) Non-cash interest expense — — — (201 ) (175 ) (510 ) Arbitration ruling — — — 1,345 922 3,585 GAAP $ 499,867 $ 290,041 $ 744,765 $ 103,912 20.8 % $ 22,674 7.8 % $ 95,453 12.8 %

The Company and Summary of Si39

The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Property, Plant & Equipment, Estimated Useful Life (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	30 years
Building [Member] | Minimum [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	7 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 Si40

The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017	May 31, 2013
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value	$ 1,792,841,000	$ 1,650,094,000
CumulativeEffectUponAdoptionofASU2016-16	61,000,000
CumulativeEffectUponAdoptionofASU2016-09	15,700,000
Equity Method Investments	$ 5,523,000	6,931,000
Operating lease, term	20 years
Sale leaseback transactions, lease term	25 years
Capital leases, maximum term	20 years
8Point3 Energy [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	$ 72,400,000	(60,600,000)
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
CumulativeEffectUponAdoptionofASU2016-16	4,900,000
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
CumulativeEffectUponAdoptionofASU2016-16	56,100,000
0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value	$ 300,000,000	300,000,000	$ 300,000,000
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price	$ 24.95		$ 24.95
Convertible Debt [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value	$ 1,125,000,000	1,125,000,000
Convertible Debt [Member] | 0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value	300,000,000	$ 300,000,000
Total [Member] | 0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value	200,000,000
Credit Agricole [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | June 2017 Credit Agricole Syndicated Revolver [Member] [Domain]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 95,000,000

Transactions with Total and T41

Transactions with Total and Total S.A. (Details)	1 Months Ended						3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2016USD ($)shares	Jun. 29, 2014USD ($)shares	May 31, 2013USD ($)shares$ / shares	Feb. 28, 2012USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2011$ / sharesshares	Jun. 30, 2011USD ($)$ / shares	Oct. 01, 2017USD ($)$ / shares		Oct. 02, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 01, 2017USD ($)$ / shares		Oct. 02, 2016USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 03, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Customer Advances and Deposits, Related Party							$ 175,000			$ 175,000			$ 57,000
Customer Advances, Current							45,273,000	[1]		45,273,000	[1]		10,138,000
Customer Advances, Noncurrent							71,877,000	[1]		71,877,000	[1]		298,000
Debt instrument, face value							1,792,841,000			1,792,841,000			1,650,094,000
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings							8,438,000			8,438,000			77,140,000
Accounts receivable							1,829,000			1,829,000			3,397,000
Other2							$ 78,258,000			$ 78,258,000			141,598,000
Letter of Credit [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity															$ 25,000,000
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 | $ / shares			$ 24.95				$ 24.95			$ 24.95
0.875% debentures due 2021 [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest rate		0.875%					0.875%			0.875%
Debt instrument, face value		$ 400,000,000					$ 400,000,000			$ 400,000,000			400,000,000
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price | $ / shares							$ 48.76			$ 48.76
4.00% debentures due 2023 [Member] [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.00%						4.00%			4.00%
Debt instrument, face value	$ 425,000,000						$ 425,000,000			$ 425,000,000			$ 425,000,000
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price | $ / shares							$ 30.53			$ 30.53
Total [Member] | Construction Revolver [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Liquidity support facility, maximum capacity							$ 500,000,000			$ 500,000,000
Total [Member] | 0.875% debentures due 2021 [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value		$ 250,000,000
Total [Member] | 4.00% debentures due 2023 [Member] [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value														$ 100,000,000
Total [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership after sale of stock, percentage										56.00%
Customer Advances and Deposits							84,200,000			$ 84,200,000
Customer Advances and Deposits, Related Party							88,500,000			88,500,000
Customer Advances, Current							12,500,000			12,500,000
Customer Advances, Noncurrent							71,700,000			71,700,000
Liquidity support facility, warrant, maximum ownership percentage allowed				74.99%
Other2							500,000			500,000
Total [Member] | 0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value							200,000,000			200,000,000
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Number of Equity Instruments | shares			8,017,420
Total [Member] | 0.875% debentures due 2021 [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Number of Equity Instruments | shares		5,126,775
Total [Member] | 4.00% debentures due 2023 [Member] [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Number of Equity Instruments | shares	3,275,680
Total [Member] | Tender Offer Agreement [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Consideration received in cash tender offer (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						$ 23.25
Cash tender offer						$ 1,400,000,000
Total [Member] | Private Placement [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] | Upfront Warrants (held by 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
Total [Member] | Interest Expense [Member] | Credit Support Agreement [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest Expense, Related Party							1,481,000		$ 1,821,000	4,860,000		$ 5,088,000
Total [Member] | Interest Expense [Member] | 0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest Expense, Related Party							375,000		375,000	1,125,000		1,125,000
Total [Member] | Interest Expense [Member] | 0.875% debentures due 2021 [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest Expense, Related Party							547,000		547,000	1,641,000		1,641,000
Total [Member] | Interest Expense [Member] | 4.00% debentures due 2023 [Member] [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest Expense, Related Party							1,000,000		1,000,000	3,000,000		3,000,000
Total [Member] | Research and Development Expense [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Offsetting contributions received under the R&D Agreement							(15,000)		111,000	(119,000)		532,000
Total [Member] | Sales [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
EPC, O&M, and components revenue							12,500,000		1,632,000	19,683,000		63,161,000
Total [Member] | Cost of revenue [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Costs							9,793,000		$ 2,276,000	14,198,000		$ 58,300,000
Total [Member] | Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings							1,300,000			1,300,000
Total [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts receivable							4,900,000			4,900,000
Credit Agricole [Member] | June 2017 Credit Agricole Syndicated Revolver [Member] [Domain] | Letter of Credit [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity							$ 100,000,000			$ 100,000,000
[1]	The Company has related-party balances for transactions made with Total S.A. 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," "Project assets - plants and land, current portion," "Prepaid expenses and other current assets," "Other long-term assets," "Accounts payable," "Accrued liabilities," "Customer advances, current portion," "Convertible debt, current portion," "Convertible debt, net of current portion," "Customer advances, net of current portion," and "Other long-term liabilities" financial statement line items in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 2, Note 6, Note 8, Note 9, Note 10, and Note 11).

Goodwill and Other Intangible42

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill RollForward (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 3,000,000	$ 3,000,000	$ 10,500,000	$ 14,500,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0	147,365,000	0	(147,365,000)	$ 0	$ 0
Loss on equity method investment in connection with acquisition	$ 0	$ (90,946,000)	$ 0	$ (90,946,000)

Goodwill and Other Intangible43

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Jan. 01, 2017
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 3,000	$ 3,000	$ 10,500	$ 14,500
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(29,100)		(29,100)		$ 18,568
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	33,686		33,686		44,218
Other intangible assets, net	33,686		33,686
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill)	62,786		62,786		62,786
Patents and Purchased Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, gross	51,140		51,140		51,140
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(23,718)		(23,718)		(16,014)
Other intangible assets, net	27,422		27,422		35,126
Project Pipeline Asset [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, gross	9,446		9,446		9,446
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(3,182)		(3,182)		(1,804)
Other intangible assets, net	6,264		6,264		7,642
In Process Research and Development [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, gross	1,200		1,200		1,200
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(1,200)		(1,200)		0
Other intangible assets, net	0		0		1,200
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, gross	1,000		1,000		1,000
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(1,000)		(1,000)		(750)
Other intangible assets, net	$ 0		$ 0		$ 250

Goodwill and Other Intangible44

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Future Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 01, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, net	$ 33,686
Patents and Purchased Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year	2,964
2,016	14,407
2,017	9,963
2,018	6,317
2,019	23
Thereafter	12
Other intangible assets, net	$ 27,422	$ 35,126

Goodwill and Other Intangible45

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 0	$ 147,365,000	$ 0	$ (147,365,000)	$ 0	$ 0
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 3,000,000	3,000,000	$ 10,500,000	$ 14,500,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss Recognized		$ 89,600,000

Balance Sheet Components (Detai

Balance Sheet Components (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017		Jul. 02, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Jul. 03, 2016	Jan. 03, 2016
Pledged Assets Separately Reported, Other Assets Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value	$ 6,400			$ 2,300
Accounts receivable, net:
Accounts receivable, gross	225,714			242,451
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(37,246)			(20,380)
Less: allowance for sales returns	(2,238)			(2,433)
Accounts receivable, net	186,230	[1]		219,638
Short-term financing receivable	(23,137)			(19,261)
Short-term retainage	10,400			8,800
Pledged Assets Separately Reported, Finance Receivables Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value	1,800			300
Pledged Assets, Not Separately Reported, Finance Receivables	109,100			18,600
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	104,116			136,906
Work-in-process	143,303			184,967
Finished goods	160,793			79,834
Inventories	408,212			401,707
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]
Deferred project costs1	17,930			68,338
VAT receivables, current portion	22,279			14,260
Deferred costs for solar power systems to be leased	21,535			28,705
Derivative financial instruments	1,525			4,802
Prepaid inventory	0			83,943
Other receivables	79,624			85,834
Prepaid taxes	117			5,468
Other prepaid expenses	20,920			24,260
Other current assets	490			60
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	164,420	[1]		315,670
Project Assets [Abstract]
Project assets — plants	394,285			389,103
Project assets — land	12,191			18,927
Project assets - plants and land	406,476			408,030
Project assets - plants and land, current portion1	364,165	[1]		374,459
Project assets - plants and land, net of current portion	42,311			33,571
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Manufacturing equipment	417,974			403,808
Land and buildings	196,883			130,080
Leasehold improvements	300,402			280,620
Solar power systems	313,747			207,277
Computer equipment	113,896			185,518
Furniture and fixtures	12,958			12,591
Construction-in-process	15,917			39,849
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,371,777			1,259,743
Less: accumulated depreciation	(318,943)			(232,677)
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,052,834			1,027,066
Pledged Assets, Other, Not Separately Reported on Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Collateralized Equipment	5,800			400
Solar power systems, sale leaseback	281,200			177,100
Property, plant and equipment, net by geography:
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,052,834			1,027,066
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Equity method investments1	(5,523)			(6,931)
Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Noncurrent				11,429
Cost method investments	33,156			39,423
Other2	78,258			141,598
Other long-term assets	115,040	[1]		185,519
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Employee compensation and employee benefits	41,922			43,370
Deferred revenue	28,683			27,649
Interest payable	11,211			15,329
Short-term warranty reserves	21,829			4,894
Restructuring reserve	3,719			18,001	$ 6,199		$ 1,823
VAT payables	7,184			4,743
Derivative financial instruments	745			2,023
Inventory payable	0			83,943
Proceeds from 8point3 Energy Partners IPO attributable to pre-COD projects	0			3,665
Contributions from noncontrolling interests attributable to pre-COD projects	2,304			93,875
Taxes payable	18,601			25,602
Other	84,962			36,418
Accrued liabilities	251,127	[1]		391,226
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Deferred revenue	185,298			188,932
Long-term warranty reserves	155,157			156,315
Long-term sale-leaseback financing	314,688			204,879
Long-term residential lease financing with 8point3 Energy Partners	29,281			29,370
Unrecognized tax benefits	24,335			47,203
Long-term pension liability	4,117			3,381
Derivative financial instruments	979			448
Long-term liability due to AU Optronics	61,165			71,639
Liability due to AU Optronics	29,967			31,714
Other	20,923			18,865
Other long-term liabilities	795,943	[1]		721,032
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Cumulative translation adjustment	(8,218)			(12,249)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	(284)		$ (75)	1,203	$ (883)	$ (939)	$ 5,942
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax	(265)			1,203
Net gain on long-term pension liability adjustment	4,228			4,228
Deferred taxes	146			(420)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (4,109)			(7,238)
Residential Lease, Lease Agreement, Maximum Term	20 years
Pledged Solar Assets, book value	$ 108,800			13,100
IFC Mortgage Loan [Member]
Pledged Assets, Other, Not Separately Reported on Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Collateralized Equipment				14,300
UNITED STATES
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment, net	360,766			276,053
Property, plant and equipment, net by geography:
Property, plant and equipment, net	360,766			276,053
PHILIPPINES
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment, net	338,319			373,286
Property, plant and equipment, net by geography:
Property, plant and equipment, net	338,319			373,286
MALAYSIA
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment, net	249,871			275,980
Property, plant and equipment, net by geography:
Property, plant and equipment, net	249,871			275,980
MEXICO
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment, net	84,227			81,419
Property, plant and equipment, net by geography:
Property, plant and equipment, net	84,227			81,419
Europe [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment, net	19,501			20,154
Property, plant and equipment, net by geography:
Property, plant and equipment, net	19,501			20,154
NOT USED (Deprecated 2016-08-31)
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment, net	150			174
Property, plant and equipment, net by geography:
Property, plant and equipment, net	150			174
8Point3 Energy [Member]
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Equity method investments1	(72,400)			60,600
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Other long-term assets [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member]
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Noncurrent	$ 9,149			$ 11,429
[1]	The Company has related-party balances for transactions made with Total S.A. 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," "Project assets - plants and land, current portion," "Prepaid expenses and other current assets," "Other long-term assets," "Accounts payable," "Accrued liabilities," "Customer advances, current portion," "Convertible debt, current portion," "Convertible debt, net of current portion," "Customer advances, net of current portion," and "Other long-term liabilities" financial statement line items in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 2, Note 6, Note 8, Note 9, Note 10, and Note 11).

Leasing (Details)

Leasing (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Jan. 01, 2017
Leasing [Line Items]
Pledged Assets, Not Separately Reported, Finance Receivables	$ 109,100		$ 109,100		$ 18,600
Capital leases, maximum term			20 years
Solar power systems leased and to be leased [Abstract]
Solar power systems leased, gross	776,826		$ 776,826		666,700
Solar power systems to be leased, gross	23,804		23,804		25,367
Solar Power Systems Leased And To Be Leased, Gross	800,630		800,630		692,067
Accumulated depreciation - residential lease	(93,096)		(93,096)		(70,800)
Solar Power Systems Leased And To Be Leased, Net	707,534		707,534		621,267
Pledged Solar Assets, book value	108,800		108,800		13,100
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract]
2,015	7,887		7,887
2,016	30,745		30,745
2,017	30,809		30,809
2,018	30,873		30,873
2,019	30,939		30,939
Thereafter	433,084		433,084
Minimum future rental receipts	564,337		564,337
Financing receivables:
Financing receivable, gross	656,314		656,314
Unguaranteed residual value	82,018		82,018		70,636
Unearned income	(116,363)		(116,363)		(104,624)
Net financing receivables	621,969		621,969		526,594
Current	23,137		23,137		19,261
Long-term	598,832		598,832		507,333
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,015	9,443		9,443
2,016	33,755		33,755
2,017	34,038		34,038
2,018	34,330		34,330
2,019	34,628		34,628
Thereafter	510,120		510,120
Financing receivable, gross	656,314		656,314		560,582
Third-Party Financing Arrangements [Abstract]
Contributions from noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests			141,037	$ 91,723
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest - leasing operations	(24,700)	$ (18,700)	(61,000)	(55,600)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	24,609	$ (15,362)	$ 60,832	(53,559)
Sale-Leaseback [Abstract]
Sale leaseback transactions, lease term			25 years
Sale Leaseback, Residential customers lease term			25 years
Future minimum lease obligations	73,700		$ 73,700
Operating lease, term			20 years
Sale leaseback, minimum lease obligation	266,100		$ 266,100
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Net Proceeds, Financing Activities	53,700		95,700	$ 12,400
Long-term sale-leaseback financing	314,688		314,688		204,879
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	$ 5,700		$ 5,700		$ 4,500

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Jan. 01, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments				$ 0
Customer Advances and Deposits, Related Party		$ 175,000		175,000		$ 57,000
Accrued liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments (Note 11)		745,000		745,000		2,023,000
Other long-term liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments (Note 11)		979,000		979,000		448,000
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Accounts receivable		1,829,000		1,829,000		3,397,000
Other long-term liabilities		0		0		723,000
Notes Payable, Related Parties		29,281,000		29,281,000		29,370,000
Payments made to investees for products/services		0	$ 98,322,000	0	$ 337,831,000
Restricted long-term marketable securities		6,131,000		6,131,000		4,971,000
Restricted long-term marketable securities		6,131,000		6,131,000		4,971,000
Equity method investments1		5,523,000		5,523,000		6,931,000
Cost method investments		33,156,000		33,156,000		39,423,000
Accrued liabilities, related party		0		0		3,665,000
Revenue from sales to investees of products/services		4,595,000	$ 139,485,000	29,803,000	$ 271,534,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents:
Money market funds		0		0		3,002,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
Derivative financial instruments (Note 11)		1,525,000		1,525,000		4,802,000
Derivative Asset		9,149,000		9,149,000		11,429,000
Other long-term assets:
Total assets		10,674,000		10,674,000		19,233,000
Accrued liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments (Note 11)		745,000		745,000		2,023,000
Other long-term liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments (Note 11)		979,000		979,000		448,000
Total liabilities		1,724,000		1,724,000		2,471,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents:
Money market funds		0		0		3,002,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
Derivative financial instruments (Note 11)		0		0		0
Derivative Asset		0		0		0
Other long-term assets:
Total assets		0		0		3,002,000
Accrued liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments (Note 11)		0		0		0
Other long-term liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments (Note 11)		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		0		0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
Derivative financial instruments (Note 11)		1,525,000		1,525,000		4,802,000
Derivative Asset		9,149,000		9,149,000		11,429,000
Other long-term assets:
Total assets		10,674,000		10,674,000		16,231,000
Accrued liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments (Note 11)		745,000		745,000		2,023,000
Other long-term liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments (Note 11)		979,000		979,000		448,000
Total liabilities		$ 1,724,000		$ 1,724,000		$ 2,471,000
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
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

Restructuring (Details)

Restructuring (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017USD ($)	Oct. 02, 2016USD ($)employees	Oct. 01, 2017USD ($)employeesRate	Oct. 02, 2016USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 3,517	$ 31,202	$ 18,276	$ 31,415
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring cost incurred to date	368,906		368,906
Restructuring Costs			18,276	31,415
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning			18,001	1,823
Restructuring reserve, payments			32,558	(9,113)
Restructuring Reserve, end	3,719	$ 6,199	$ 3,719	6,199
December 2016 Plan [Member] [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reorganization, number of jobs affected | employees			2,500
Restructuring Charges			$ 225,000
Percent of restructuring charges in cash | Rate			30.00%
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring cost incurred to date	190,814		$ 190,814
Restructuring Costs			18,303	31,192
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning			14,043
Restructuring reserve, payments			29,976
Restructuring Reserve, end	2,370		2,370
August 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Activities, Initiation Date		Aug. 9, 2016
Reorganization, number of jobs affected | employees		1,200
Restructuring Charges			$ 35,000	31,192
Percent of restructuring charges in cash | Rate			50.00%
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring cost incurred to date	34,421		$ 34,421
Restructuring Costs			(17)	0
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning			3,534	0
Restructuring reserve, payments			2,363	7,668
Restructuring Reserve, end	1,154	$ 5,598	1,154	5,598
November 2014 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges				223
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring cost incurred to date	143,671		143,671
Restructuring Costs			(10)	223
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning			424	1,823
Restructuring reserve, payments			219	(1,445)
Restructuring Reserve, end	195	601	195	601
Employee Severance [Member] | December 2016 Plan [Member] [Member]
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring cost incurred to date	20,311		20,311
Restructuring Costs			4,410	12,624
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning			8,111
Restructuring reserve, payments			10,555
Restructuring Reserve, end	1,966		1,966
Employee Severance [Member] | August 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges				12,624
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring cost incurred to date	14,693		14,693
Restructuring Costs			(898)	0
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning			3,448	0
Restructuring reserve, payments			1,432	(7,580)
Restructuring Reserve, end	1,118	5,044	1,118	5,044
Employee Severance [Member] | November 2014 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges				350
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring cost incurred to date	61,963		61,963
Restructuring Costs			14	350
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning			299	395
Restructuring reserve, payments			118	426
Restructuring Reserve, end	195	319	195	319
Facility Closing [Member] | December 2016 Plan [Member] [Member]
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring cost incurred to date	707		707
Restructuring Costs			707	557
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning			0
Restructuring reserve, payments			557
Restructuring Reserve, end	150		150
Facility Closing [Member] | August 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges				557
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring cost incurred to date	559		559
Restructuring Costs			2	0
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning			0	0
Restructuring reserve, payments			2	(3)
Restructuring Reserve, end	0	554	0	554
Facility Closing [Member] | November 2014 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges				(214)
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring cost incurred to date	6,813		6,813
Restructuring Costs			0	(214)
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning			52	743
Restructuring reserve, payments			52	361
Restructuring Reserve, end	0	168	0	168
Other Restructuring [Member] | December 2016 Plan [Member] [Member]
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring cost incurred to date	21,005		21,005
Restructuring Costs			13,186	85
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning			5,932
Restructuring reserve, payments			18,864
Restructuring Reserve, end	254		254
Other Restructuring [Member] | August 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges				85
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring cost incurred to date	1,243		1,243
Restructuring Costs			879	0
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning			86	0
Restructuring reserve, payments			929	(85)
Restructuring Reserve, end	36	0	36	0
Other Restructuring [Member] | November 2014 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges				87
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring cost incurred to date	13,575		13,575
Restructuring Costs			(24)	87
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning			73	685
Restructuring reserve, payments			49	658
Restructuring Reserve, end	0	114	0	114
Non-cash impairment charges [Member] | December 2016 Plan [Member] [Member]
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring cost incurred to date	148,791		148,791
Restructuring Costs			0	17,926
Non-cash impairment charges [Member] | August 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges				17,926
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring cost incurred to date	17,926		17,926
Restructuring Costs			0	0
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning				0
Restructuring reserve, payments				0
Restructuring Reserve, end		$ 0		0
Non-cash impairment charges [Member] | November 2014 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring cost incurred to date	$ 61,320		61,320
Restructuring Costs			0	$ 0
Maximum [Member] | December 2016 Plan [Member] [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges			275,000
Maximum [Member] | August 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges			$ 45,000

Commitments and Contingencies50

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 15, 2018	Jul. 06, 2017	Mar. 19, 2014	Oct. 01, 2017		Oct. 02, 2016	Oct. 01, 2017		Oct. 02, 2016	Jan. 01, 2017
Leases, Operating [Abstract]
Operating leases, future minimum payments due				$ 45,600,000			$ 45,600,000
Operating lease, term							9 years
Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract]
Capital lease obligations				4,200,000			$ 4,200,000
Capital leases, maximum term							7 years
Purchase commitments supply and price, term							4 years
Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,015				341,393,000			$ 341,393,000
2,016				109,596,000			109,596,000
2,017				224,611,000			224,611,000
2,018				336,489,000			336,489,000
2,019				1,000,000			1,000,000
Thereafter				2,000,000			2,000,000
Total				1,015,089,000			1,015,089,000
Future purchase obligations related to non-cancellable purchase orders				199,100,000			199,100,000
Future purchase obligations related to long-term supply agreements							816,000,000
Prepaid inventory				0			0			$ 83,943,000
Advances to Suppliers [Abstract]
Advances to suppliers				232,100,000			232,100,000			284,800,000
Advances to suppliers, current portion				46,096,000			46,096,000			111,479,000
Advances From Customer, Maturity Profile [Abstract]
2,015				6,872,000			6,872,000
2,016				41,778,000			41,778,000
2,017				37,288,000			37,288,000
2,018				31,211,000			31,211,000
2,019				0			0
Thereafter				0			0
Total				117,149,000			117,149,000
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Customer Advances and Deposits, Related Party				175,000			175,000			57,000
Customer advances, current portion				45,273,000	[1]		45,273,000	[1]		10,138,000
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]
Product Warranties, beginning				172,466,000		$ 164,784,000	161,209,000		$ 164,127,000	164,127,000
Accruals for warranties issued during the period				(7,373,000)		1,776,000	(22,809,000)		(7,338,000)
Settlements and adjustments during the period				(2,853,000)		2,954,000	(7,032,000)		11,411,000
Product Warranties, end				176,986,000		$ 160,054,000	176,986,000		$ 160,054,000	161,209,000
Future Financing Commitments [Line Items]
Future financing obligation, year one				10,818,000			10,818,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued				24,300,000			24,300,000			47,200,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Including Income Tax Penalties And Interest Accrued				24,335,000			24,335,000			47,203,000
Long-term pension liability				4,117,000			4,117,000			$ 3,381,000
Liabilities Associated with Uncertain Tax Positions [Abstract]
Net gain (loss) on long-term pension liability adjustment							0
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Gain Contingency, Unrecorded Amount				7,500,000			7,500,000
Loss Contingency Accrual				43,900,000			43,900,000
Future Financing Obligation				24,155,000			24,155,000
NRG Solar Inc. [Member]
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Damages sought		$ 10,000,000
First Philec Arbitration [Member]
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Loss Contingency Accrual				50,500,000			50,500,000
Solar power systems [Member] | NRG Solar Inc. [Member] | Pending Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Damages sought			$ 75,000,000
Total [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Customer Advances and Deposits, Related Party				88,500,000			88,500,000
Customer Advances and Deposits				84,200,000			84,200,000
Customer advances, current portion				12,500,000			12,500,000
other unconsolidated investees [Member]
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Future Financing Obligations, Year two				$ 13,337,000			$ 13,337,000
Final Payment [Member] | NRG Solar Inc. [Member]
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Damages sought	$ 15,000,000
Supplier Concentration Risk [Member] | Supplier One [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage							96.00%			90.00%
Supplier Concentration Risk [Member] | Supplier Two [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage							3.00%			10.00%
[1]	The Company has related-party balances for transactions made with Total S.A. 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," "Project assets - plants and land, current portion," "Prepaid expenses and other current assets," "Other long-term assets," "Accounts payable," "Accrued liabilities," "Customer advances, current portion," "Convertible debt, current portion," "Convertible debt, net of current portion," "Customer advances, net of current portion," and "Other long-term liabilities" financial statement line items in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 2, Note 6, Note 8, Note 9, Note 10, and Note 11).

Equity Method Investments (Deta

Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Jan. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2017	Apr. 03, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party				$ 0		$ 98,322,000		$ 0	$ 337,831,000
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties				1,829,000				1,829,000		$ 3,397,000
Equity method investments1				5,523,000				5,523,000		$ 6,931,000
Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure				426,300,000				426,300,000
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital							$ 371,000,000
Equity distributions received related to OpCo from 8point3							40.70%			36.50%
Economic and management stake in 8point3 Holding Company, LLC							50.00%
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution				7,600,000				22,232,000	0
Pledged Solar Assets, carrying value				72,100,000				72,100,000		$ 74,400,000
Derecognition of Equity Method Investment				50,800,000				50,800,000
Future financing obligation, year one				10,818,000				10,818,000
Cost Method Investments, Incremental Investment					$ 1,500,000						$ 3,000,000
Notes Receivable, Related Parties				0				0		723,000
Accrued liabilities, related party				0				0		3,665,000
Customer Advances and Deposits, Related Party				175,000				175,000		57,000
Notes Payable, Related Parties				29,281,000				29,281,000		29,370,000
Revenue from sales to investees of products/services				$ 4,595,000		139,485,000		$ 29,803,000	271,534,000
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 investment, ownership percentage				50.00%				50.00%
8Point3 Energy [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments1				$ 72,400,000				$ 72,400,000		(60,600,000)
8point3 [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment Owned, Balance, Shares				29				29
DongFang [Member] [Domain]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Aggregate Cost					$ 9,000,000
Equity method investment, ownership percentage					20.00%
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments					$ 7,700,000
Dividends					$ 1,300,000
Cost method investment, original cost												$ 9,200,000
Cost Method Investment, Ownership Percentage												15.00%
Project Entities [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments1				$ (39,500,000)				$ (39,500,000)		41,200,000
Equity Method Investment, Aggregate Cost				$ (43,900,000)				$ (43,900,000)		$ 45,500,000
Common Stock [Member] | Tendril Networks Inc [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Cost method investment, agreement to purchase additional interest (in shares)	14
Preferred Stock [Member] | Tendril Networks Inc [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Cost method investment, original cost	$ 20,000,000
Tendril Networks Inc [Member] | SunPower Inc [Member] | Master Services Agreement and Statement of Works [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Cost method investments, joint investment in development project	$ 13,000,000
Letter of Credit [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity													$ 25,000,000
Letter of Credit [Member] | 8Point3 Energy [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity						775,000,000			775,000,000				525,000,000
Letter of Credit [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity						$ 250,000,000			$ 250,000,000				$ 300,000,000

Debt and Credit Sources (Detail

Debt and Credit Sources (Details)	1 Months Ended				3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2016USD ($)shares	Jun. 29, 2014USD ($)shares	May 31, 2013USD ($)shares$ / shares	May 31, 2010USD ($)installment	Oct. 01, 2017USD ($)$ / shares		Apr. 02, 2017USD ($)	Oct. 02, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 01, 2017USD ($)$ / shares		Oct. 02, 2016USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 03, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2012$ / sharesshares
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value					$ 1,792,841,000				$ 1,792,841,000			$ 1,650,094,000
Short-term					355,808,000				355,808,000			70,013,000
Long-term					1,414,010,000				1,414,010,000			1,561,574,000
Debt instruments, carrying value					1,769,818,000				1,769,818,000			1,631,587,000
Net Contributions from non-controlling interests					39,800,000			$ 28,000,000	128,000,000		$ 78,300,000
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Other Payments Required									148,606,000		(257,538,000)
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Convertible debt, current portion1					299,495,000				299,495,000
Convertible Debt, Noncurrent					815,978,000	[1]			815,978,000	[1]		1,113,478,000
Debt instrument, face value					1,792,841,000				1,792,841,000			$ 1,650,094,000
Non-cash interest expense									12,553,000		963,000
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease) for Period, Description												4,662
Proceeds from issuance of non-recourse residential financing, net of issuance costs									83,177,000		142,862,000
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt									318,675,000		602,286,000
Repayments of Debt									(4,755,000)		36,707,000
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest - leasing operations					24,700,000			18,700,000	61,000,000		55,600,000
Noncontrolling interests					250,783,000				250,783,000			$ 183,109,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,017					43,959,000				43,959,000
2,018					316,891,000				316,891,000
2,019					23,211,000				23,211,000
2,020					22,259,000				22,259,000
2,021					423,688,000				423,688,000
Thereafter					962,833,000				962,833,000
Debt instrument, face value					$ 1,792,841,000				$ 1,792,841,000			1,650,094,000
Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Liquidity support facility, maximum capacity														$ 25,000,000
Line of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Liquidity support facility, maximum capacity														200,000,000
CEDA Loan [Member]
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Interest rate					8.50%				8.50%
Long-term Debt [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Liquidity support facility, maximum capacity								250,000,000			250,000,000			$ 300,000,000
El Pelicano [Domain]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instruments, carrying value					$ 176,949,000				$ 176,949,000			90,474,000
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt					2,100,000				86,400,000
Construction Revolver [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instruments, carrying value					1,716,000				1,716,000			10,469,000
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt					0				(9,100,000)
Construction Revolver [Member] | Mizuho and Goldman Sachs [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Liquidity support facility, maximum capacity					200,000,000				200,000,000
Letter of Credit, Additional Borrowing Capacity					100,000,000				$ 100,000,000
Line of credit facility, basis spread on libor rate, period two									1.75%
Line of credit facility, basis spread on libor rate									1.50%
1st Amendment [Member] | Mizuho and Goldman Sachs [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Liquidity support facility, maximum capacity					50,000,000				$ 50,000,000
Residential Lease Program [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instruments, carrying value					353,012,000				353,012,000			283,852,000
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt					46,800,000			80,800,000	68,800,000		82,900,000
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value					7,339,000				7,339,000			7,649,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					7,339,000				7,339,000			7,649,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					7,339,000				7,339,000			7,649,000
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
Short-term					0				0			0
Long-term					397,574,000				397,574,000			397,079,000
Debt instruments, carrying value					397,574,000				397,574,000			397,079,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value		$ 400,000,000			$ 400,000,000				$ 400,000,000			400,000,000
Interest rate		0.875%			0.875%				0.875%
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price | $ / shares					$ 48.76				$ 48.76
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value		$ 400,000,000			$ 400,000,000				$ 400,000,000			400,000,000
4.00% debentures due 2023 [Member] [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value	$ 425,000,000				425,000,000				425,000,000			425,000,000
Short-term					0				0			0
Long-term					418,405,000				418,405,000			417,473,000
Debt instruments, carrying value					418,405,000				418,405,000			417,473,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value	$ 425,000,000				$ 425,000,000				$ 425,000,000			425,000,000
Interest rate	4.00%				4.00%				4.00%
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price | $ / shares					$ 30.53				$ 30.53
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value	$ 425,000,000				$ 425,000,000				$ 425,000,000			425,000,000
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					299,495,000				299,495,000			0
Long-term					0				0			298,926,000
Debt instruments, carrying value					299,495,000				299,495,000			298,926,000
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 | $ / shares			$ 24.95		$ 24.95				$ 24.95
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value			$ 300,000,000		$ 300,000,000				$ 300,000,000			300,000,000
4.50% debentures due 2015 [Member] | Bond Hedge [Member]
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Interest rate															4.50%
4.75% debentures due 2014 [Member] | Bond Hedge [Member]
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Interest rate															4.75%
IFC Mortgage Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value				$ 75,000,000	0				0			17,500,000
Short-term					0				0			17,121,000
Long-term					0				0			0
Debt instruments, carrying value					0				0			17,121,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value				$ 75,000,000	0				0			17,500,000
Debt instrument, delayed repayment, deferment term				2 years
Debt instrument, number of installment payments | installment				10
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					0				0			9,200,000
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate				3.00%
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value				$ 75,000,000	0				0			17,500,000
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					28,451,000				28,451,000			28,191,000
Debt instruments, carrying value					28,451,000				28,451,000			28,191,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					30,000,000				30,000,000			30,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					30,000,000				30,000,000			30,000,000
Other Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value					637,841,000				637,841,000			477,594,000
Short-term					56,313,000				56,313,000			52,892,000
Long-term					569,580,000				569,580,000			419,905,000
Debt instruments, carrying value					625,893,000				625,893,000			472,797,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					637,841,000				637,841,000			477,594,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					637,841,000				637,841,000			477,594,000
July 2013 Credit Agricole Syndicated Revolver [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member] | Credit Agricole [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Liquidity support facility, maximum capacity					200,000,000				200,000,000
July 2013 Credit Agricole Syndicated Revolver [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | Credit Agricole [Member]
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%
June 2017 Credit Agricole Syndicated Revolver [Member] [Domain] | Letter of Credit [Member] | Credit Agricole [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Liquidity support facility, maximum capacity					100,000,000				$ 100,000,000
June 2017 Credit Agricole Syndicated Revolver [Member] [Domain] | Line of Credit [Member] | Credit Agricole [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Liquidity support facility, maximum capacity					300,000,000				300,000,000
August 2016 Letter of Credit [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member] | Banco Santander [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Liquidity support facility, maximum capacity					85,000,000				85,000,000
Letters of Credit outstanding, amount					0				0
June 2016 Letter of Credit [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Aggregate Cost					185,900,000				185,900,000			244,800,000
June 2016 Letter of Credit [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member] | Credit Agricole [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Liquidity support facility, maximum capacity					75,000,000				75,000,000
June 2016 Letter of Credit [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member] | Deutsche Bank [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Liquidity support facility, maximum capacity					50,000,000				50,000,000
Letters of Credit outstanding, amount					37,400,000				37,400,000			45,800,000
June 2016 Letter of Credit [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member] | Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Liquidity support facility, maximum capacity					75,000,000				75,000,000
June 2016 Letter of Credit [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member] | HSBC [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Liquidity support facility, maximum capacity					175,000,000				175,000,000
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					1,400,000				1,400,000			3,100,000
Bridge Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instruments, carrying value					16,338,000				16,338,000			6,718,000
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt					4,000,000			(30,600,000)	9,600,000		3,500,000
Residential Lease Program [Member] [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instruments, carrying value					29,281,000				29,281,000			29,370,000
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt								$ 4,900,000			$ 19,800,000
Gala [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt									(106,000,000)
Boulder power plant [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instruments, carrying value					28,168,000				28,168,000			28,775,000
Total [Member] | 0.875% debentures due 2021 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Number of Equity Instruments | shares		5,126,775
Total [Member] | 4.00% debentures due 2023 [Member] [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Number of Equity Instruments | shares	3,275,680
Total [Member] | 0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value					200,000,000				200,000,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					200,000,000				200,000,000
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Number of Equity Instruments | shares			8,017,420
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					200,000,000				200,000,000
Warrant (Under the CSO2014) [Member]
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Interest rate															4.75%
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					1,125,000,000				1,125,000,000			1,125,000,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Convertible Debt, Noncurrent					1,115,474,000				1,115,474,000			1,113,478,000
Debt instrument, face value					1,125,000,000				1,125,000,000			1,125,000,000
Fair Value					967,235,000				967,235,000			839,178,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					1,125,000,000				1,125,000,000			1,125,000,000
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
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Convertible Debt, Noncurrent					397,574,000				397,574,000			397,079,000
Debt instrument, face value					400,000,000				400,000,000			400,000,000
Fair Value					322,008,000				322,008,000			266,996,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					400,000,000				400,000,000			400,000,000
Convertible Debt [Member] | 4.00% debentures due 2023 [Member] [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value					425,000,000				425,000,000			425,000,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Convertible Debt, Noncurrent					418,405,000				418,405,000			417,473,000
Debt instrument, face value					425,000,000				425,000,000			425,000,000
Fair Value					354,476,000				354,476,000			301,555,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					425,000,000				425,000,000			425,000,000
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
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Convertible Debt, Noncurrent					299,495,000				299,495,000			298,926,000
Debt instrument, face value					300,000,000				300,000,000			300,000,000
Fair Value					290,751,000				290,751,000			270,627,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value					300,000,000				300,000,000			300,000,000
Total [Member] | 0.875% debentures due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value		$ 250,000,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value		250,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value		$ 250,000,000
Total [Member] | 4.00% debentures due 2023 [Member] [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value													$ 100,000,000
Convertible Debt [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value													100,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face value													$ 100,000,000
DongFang [Member] [Domain]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments							$ 7,700,000
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Aggregate Cost							$ 9,000,000
Project Entities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Aggregate Cost					$ (43,900,000)				$ (43,900,000)			$ 45,500,000
[1]	The Company has related-party balances for transactions made with Total S.A. 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," "Project assets - plants and land, current portion," "Prepaid expenses and other current assets," "Other long-term assets," "Accounts payable," "Accrued liabilities," "Customer advances, current portion," "Convertible debt, current portion," "Convertible debt, net of current portion," "Customer advances, net of current portion," and "Other long-term liabilities" financial statement line items in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 2, Note 6, Note 8, Note 9, Note 10, and Note 11).

Derivative Financial Instrume53

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Jan. 01, 2017
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	$ 745		$ 745		$ 2,023
Derivative financial instruments	979		979		448
Current derivative liabilities					11,429
Derivative assets, gross amounts recognized	10,674		10,674		16,231
Derivative assets, financial instruments	632		632		1,694
Derivative assets, net amounts	10,042		10,042		14,537
Derivative liabilities, gross amounts recognized	1,724		1,724		2,471
Derivative liabilities, financial instruments	632		632		1,694
Derivative liabilities, net amounts	1,092		1,092		777
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Gain (loss) in OCI at the beginning of the period	(75)	$ (939)	1,203	$ 5,942
Unrealized gain (loss) recognized in OCI (effective portion)	(320)	(39)	(745)	(50)
Less: Loss (gain) reclassified from OCI to revenue (effective portion)	111	95	(742)	(6,775)
Net loss on derivatives	(209)	56	(1,487)	(6,825)
Gain (loss) in OCI at the end of the period	(284)	(883)	(284)	(883)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net	85	(117)	188	(1,788)
Gain (loss) recognized in Other, net	722	$ (6,090)	(346)	$ (17,799)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	424		424		1,711
Derivative Liability	398		398		519
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative asset, notional amount	17,400		17,400
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Foreign currency option contracts [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative asset, notional amount					17,300
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative asset, notional amount	7,300		7,300		7,600
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	10,250		10,250		14,520
Derivative Liability	1,326		1,326		1,952
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative asset, notional amount	600		600		42,900
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Foreign currency option contracts [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative asset, notional amount					11,000
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative asset, notional amount	191,400		191,400		170,300
Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Foreign currency option contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Current derivative assets	424		424		1,711
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	1,101		1,101		2,015
Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Foreign currency option contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Current derivative assets	0		0		1,076
Other long-term assets [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Current derivative liabilities	9,149		9,149		11,429
Accrued liabilities [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Foreign currency option contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	0		0		71
Accrued liabilities [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	745		745		1,937
Accrued liabilities [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Foreign currency option contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	0		0		15
Other long-term liabilities [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Current derivative liabilities					0
Other long-term liabilities [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Current derivative liabilities	398		398		$ 448
Other long-term liabilities [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	$ 581		$ 581

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Jan. 01, 2017
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	$ (99,621)	$ (65,628)	$ (366,200)	$ (256,983)
Deferred tax benefit (expense)
Provision for income taxes	5,457	$ (7,049)	1,073	$ (16,878)
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 24,335		$ 24,335		$ 47,203

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (De

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Feb. 28, 2012
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders	$ (54,247)	$ (40,545)	$ (282,486)	$ (195,946)
Basic weighted-average common shares (in shares)	139,517,000	138,209,000	139,289,000	137,832,000
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.39)	$ (0.29)	$ (2.03)	$ (1.42)
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$ (54,247)	$ (40,545)	$ (282,486)	$ (195,946)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Diluted weighted-average common shares	(139,517,000)	(138,209,000)	(139,289,000)	(137,832,000)
Dilutive net income (loss) per share	$ (0.39)	$ (0.29)	$ (2.03)	$ (1.42)
4.00% debentures due 2023 [Member] [Member]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Outstanding anti-dilutive potential common stock excluded from income (loss) per diluted share	13,922,000	13,922,000	13,922,000	13,922,000
Stock options [Member]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Outstanding anti-dilutive potential common stock excluded from income (loss) per diluted share	0	141,000	0	141,000
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	4,302,000	5,384,000	4,302,000	5,384,000
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	1,406,000	3,179,000	1,406,000	4,962,000
0.75% debentures due 2018 [Member]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Outstanding anti-dilutive potential common stock excluded from income (loss) per diluted share	12,026,000	12,026,000	12,026,000	12,026,000
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	8,203,000	8,203,000	8,203,000
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

Stock-Based Compensation (Detai

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 9,399	$ 15,907	$ 25,380	$ 48,902
Restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	8,905	14,011	25,816	47,178
Change in stock-based compensation capitalized in inventory [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	494	1,896	(436)	1,724
Cost of revenue [Member] | Residential leases [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	869	2,083	1,393	4,562
Cost of revenue [Member] | Commercial [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	750	1,744	1,292	3,141
Cost of revenue [Member] | Power Plant [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	1,256	2,202	2,426	7,914
Research and development [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	1,661	2,936	4,225	8,934
Selling, general and administrative [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 4,863	$ 6,942	$ 16,044	$ 24,351

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017USD ($)Rate	Oct. 02, 2016USD ($)Rate	Oct. 01, 2017USD ($)segmentsRate	Oct. 02, 2016USD ($)Rate	Jan. 01, 2017	Jan. 03, 2016	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2013USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Accrual	$ 43,900,000		$ 43,900,000
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated	87,204	182,330	185,381	295,321
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	$ (99,621,000)	$ (65,628,000)	$ (366,200,000)	$ (256,983,000)
Number of Reportable Segments | segments			3
Cost of revenue	461,533,000	600,138,000	$ 1,213,752,000	1,312,634,000
Gross margin	15,658,000	129,208,000	(39,000)	222,039,000
Revenue	477,191,000	729,346,000	1,213,713,000	1,534,673,000
Stock-based compensation expense	9,399,000	15,907,000	25,380,000	48,902,000
Stock-based compensation			25,380,000	48,902,000
Amortization of Intangible Assets	(3,000,000)	(3,000,000)	(10,500,000)	(14,500,000)
Restructuring Costs			(18,276,000)	(31,415,000)
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0	147,365,000	0	(147,365,000)			$ 0	$ 0
Non-cash interest expense			(12,553,000)	(963,000)
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	(15,308,000)	(16,770,000)	(21,809,000)	(24,356,000)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ (24,609,000)	$ 15,362,000	$ (60,832,000)	$ 53,559,000
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated	(19,928)	(6,690)	(95,978)	(54,857)
Residential leases [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated	48,486	41,688	135,298	124,564
Commercial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated	24,264	11,329	31,557	19,990
Existing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 0	$ 57,765,000	$ 0	$ 57,765,000
Power Plant [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated	14,454	129,313	18,526	150,767
Power Plant [Member] | 8point3 [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Major Customers	*	0.17	*	0.15
Power Plant [Member] | Southern Renewable Partnerships [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Major Customers	*	0.35	*	0.17
Power Plant [Member] | Avangrid Renewables [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Major Customers	0.24	n/a	0.1	n/a
Power Plant [Member] | NRG Solar Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue As Percentage Of Total Revenues					0.00%	0.00%
Revenue [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$ (43,161,000)	$ (36,809,000)	$ (123,010,000)	$ (108,365,000)
8point3 Energy Partners	916,000	(19,320,000)	(9,643,000)	(48,078,000)
Profit, Operating Lease	0	(2,098,000)	0	(8,197,000)
Other Revenue, Net	$ 0	$ 20,000	$ 0	$ 31,000
Loss Contingency, Actions Taken by Court, Arbitrator or Mediator	0	0	0	5,852
Stock-based compensation	$ (9,399,000)	$ (15,907,000)	$ (25,380,000)	$ (48,902,000)
Amortization of Intangible Assets	3,026,000	3,018,000	10,279,000	14,351,000
Restructuring Costs	(3,517,000)	31,202,000	(18,276,000)	31,415,000
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	0	0	82,000	(35,000)
Non-cash interest expense	(33,000)	308,000	(103,000)	963,000
CostofAboveMarketPolysilicon	(33,461,000)	(27,415,000)	(85,102,000)	(56,030,000)
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	(15,308,000)	16,770,000	(21,809,000)	24,355,000
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(24,609,000)	(15,362,000)	(60,832,000)	(53,559,000)
Cash Interest Expense, Net of Interest Income	(19,492,000)	(14,990,000)	(57,907,000)	(40,318,000)
Gross margin [Member] | Residential leases [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross margin	$ 26,644,000	$ 31,509,000	$ 68,056,000	$ 103,912,000
Gross margin, As a percentage of total revenues | Rate	17.40%	18.50%	15.20%	20.80%
Gross margin, As reviewed by CODM	$ 32,633,000	$ 42,243,000	$ 84,761,000	$ 129,129,000
Gross margin, As a percentage of total revenues (As reviewed by CODM) | Rate	21.50%	23.90%	19.20%	24.60%
Gross margin [Member] | Commercial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross margin	$ 6,017,000	$ 7,336,000	$ 6,226,000	$ 22,674,000
Gross margin, As a percentage of total revenues | Rate	5.70%	5.20%	2.00%	7.80%
Gross margin, As reviewed by CODM	$ 25,500,000	$ 17,771,000	$ 37,917,000	$ 42,146,000
Gross margin, As a percentage of total revenues (As reviewed by CODM) | Rate	16.20%	12.40%	9.50%	13.80%
Gross margin [Member] | Power Plant [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross margin	$ (17,003,000)	$ 90,363,000	$ (74,321,000)	$ 95,453,000
Gross margin, As a percentage of total revenues | Rate	(7.80%)	21.60%	(16.40%)	12.80%
Gross margin, As reviewed by CODM	$ 10,097,000	$ 121,493,000	$ 15,083,000	$ 150,461,000
Gross margin, As a percentage of total revenues (As reviewed by CODM) | Rate	4.50%	27.00%	3.20%	19.40%
8point3 Energy Partners	$ 109,000	$ (11,876,000)	$ (346,000)	$ (7,749,000)
Gross margin [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross margin, Utility and power plant projects	(3,367,000)		(32,919,000)
Sale-leaseback trasaction	(12,440,000)	(277,000)	(10,425,000)	(3,265,000)
Gross margin [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Residential leases [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
8point3 Energy Partners	480,000	250,000	1,460,000	1,154,000
Gross margin, Utility and power plant projects	0	0	0	0
Profit, Operating Lease		(2,085,000)		(8,163,000)
Sale-leaseback trasaction	0	0	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense	(869,000)	(2,083,000)	(1,393,000)	$ (4,562,000)
Loss Contingency, Actions Taken by Court, Arbitrator or Mediator				1,345
Amortization of Intangible Assets	847,000	869,000	2,931,000	$ 1,856,000
Non-cash interest expense	2,000	67,000	8,000	201,000
CostofAboveMarketPolysilicon	(4,751,000)	(5,880,000)	(13,833,000)	(12,934,000)
Gross margin [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Commercial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
8point3 Energy Partners	(212,000)	(2,162,000)	(2,796,000)	(2,341,000)
Gross margin, Utility and power plant projects	0	0	(327,000)	0
Profit, Operating Lease		0		0
Sale-leaseback trasaction	(10,701,000)	(85,000)	(5,811,000)	(3,073,000)
Stock-based compensation expense	(750,000)	(1,744,000)	(1,292,000)	$ (3,141,000)
Loss Contingency, Actions Taken by Court, Arbitrator or Mediator				922
Amortization of Intangible Assets	821,000	868,000	2,329,000	$ 2,102,000
Non-cash interest expense	3,000	84,000	8,000	175,000
CostofAboveMarketPolysilicon	(6,996,000)	(5,492,000)	(19,128,000)	(9,562,000)
Gross margin [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Power Plant [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross margin, Utility and power plant projects	(3,367,000)	(47,000)	(32,592,000)	(7,732,000)
Profit, Operating Lease		0		0
Sale-leaseback trasaction	32,000	0	556,000	0
Stock-based compensation expense	(1,256,000)	(2,202,000)	(2,426,000)	$ (7,915,000)
Loss Contingency, Actions Taken by Court, Arbitrator or Mediator				3,585
Amortization of Intangible Assets	899,000	830,000	2,441,000	$ 1,153,000
Non-cash interest expense	5,000	132,000	14,000	510,000
CostofAboveMarketPolysilicon	(21,714,000)	(16,043,000)	(52,141,000)	(33,534,000)
Sales [Member] | Residential leases [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	153,258,000	170,345,000	446,414,000	499,867,000
Revenue, As reviewed by CODM	151,913,000	176,433,000	442,413,000	523,942,000
Sales [Member] | Commercial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	106,005,000	139,954,000	314,373,000	290,041,000
Revenue, As reviewed by CODM	157,751,000	143,135,000	397,551,000	305,868,000
Sales [Member] | Power Plant [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	217,928,000	419,047,000	452,926,000	744,765,000
Revenue, As reviewed by CODM	223,927,000	450,540,000	464,599,000	775,736,000
Sales [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Residential leases [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
8point3 Energy Partners	1,345,000	1,336,000	4,001,000	3,935,000
Revenue, Utility and power plant project	0	0	0	0
revenue, net, operating lease		(7,424,000)		(28,010,000)
Sale-leaseback trasaction	0	0	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense	0	0	0	$ 0
Loss Contingency, Actions Taken by Court, Arbitrator or Mediator				0
Amortization of Intangible Assets	0	0	0
Non-cash interest expense	0	0	0	$ 0
CostofAboveMarketPolysilicon	0	0	0	0
Sales [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Commercial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
8point3 Energy Partners	(334,000)	(3,181,000)	(4,471,000)	(3,181,000)
Revenue, Utility and power plant project	0	0	(327,000)	0
revenue, net, operating lease		0		0
Sale-leaseback trasaction	(51,412,000)	0	(78,380,000)	(12,646,000)
Stock-based compensation expense	0	0	0	$ 0
Loss Contingency, Actions Taken by Court, Arbitrator or Mediator				0
Amortization of Intangible Assets	0	0	0	$ 0
Non-cash interest expense	0	0	0	0
CostofAboveMarketPolysilicon	0	0	0	0
Sales [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Power Plant [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
8point3 Energy Partners	(112,000)	(31,456,000)	879,000	(17,481,000)
Revenue, Utility and power plant project	(5,887,000)	(37,000)	17,885,000	(13,490,000)
revenue, net, operating lease		0		0
Sale-leaseback trasaction	0	0	(30,437,000)	0
Stock-based compensation expense	0	0	0	$ 0
Loss Contingency, Actions Taken by Court, Arbitrator or Mediator				0
Amortization of Intangible Assets	0	0	0	$ 0
Non-cash interest expense	0	0	0	0
CostofAboveMarketPolysilicon	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
REST OF WORLD [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue As Percentage Of Total Revenues	19.00%	13.00%	20.00%	18.00%
All Countries [Domain]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue As Percentage Of Total Revenues	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue As Percentage Of Total Revenues	81.00%	87.00%	80.00%	82.00%
August 2016 Plan [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Costs			$ 17,000	$ 0
First Philec Arbitration [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Accrual	$ 50,500,000		$ 50,500,000

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017USD ($)	Oct. 02, 2016USD ($)employees	Oct. 01, 2017USD ($)Rate	Oct. 02, 2016USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	May 31, 2010USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value	$ 1,792,841,000		$ 1,792,841,000		$ 1,650,094,000
Loss Contingency Accrual	43,900,000		43,900,000
Restructuring charges	3,517,000	$ 31,202,000	18,276,000	$ 31,415,000
Repayments of Debt			4,755,000	(36,707,000)
First Philec Arbitration [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Accrual	50,500,000		50,500,000
IFC Mortgage Loan [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face value	$ 0		0		$ 17,500,000		$ 75,000,000
Line of Credit [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity						$ 200,000,000
Letter of Credit [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity						$ 25,000,000
August 2016 Plan [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Activities, Initiation Date		Aug. 9, 2016
Reorganization, number of jobs affected | employees		1,200
Restructuring charges			$ 35,000,000	$ 31,192,000
Percent of restructuring charges in cash | Rate			50.00%
August 2016 Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Restructuring charges			$ 45,000,000