Schedule of Warranty Claims (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011		Mar. 31, 2012
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Beginning balance - January 1,	$ 1,679
Adjustment to combine balance as of March 31, 2011				1,476	[1]
Provision charged to warranty expense	162	167	[1]
Less: warranty claims	(25)
Ending balance - September 30,	1,816	1,643	[1]
Current portion of warranty liability	200	200	[1]
Non-current portion of warranty liability	$ 1,616	$ 1,443	[1]

[1] As adjusted to reflect the balances of SGT beginning January 1, 2011 combined with the balances of Solar Power, Inc. beginning March 31, 2011, as required under the accounting guidelines for a transfer of an entity under common control (refer to Note 4-Acquisition of Solar Green Technology).