| Document and Entity Information Document | Jan. 20, 2022 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 20, 2022 |
| Entity File Number | 001-34166 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 94-3008969 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 51 Rio Robles |
| Entity Address, City or Town | San Jose |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 95134 |
| City Area Code | 408 |
| Local Phone Number | 240-5500 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | SPWR |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000867773 |
| Entity Registrant Name | SUNPOWER CORP |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
