Note 13 - Stock-based Compensation (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	3 years 9 months	5 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	0.00%	0.00%	[1]
Shares, Outstanding (in Shares)	198,214,456
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding (in Shares)	300,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)	$ 1.6
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	3 years 292 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value (in Dollars)	$ 0.5	$ 0.4
Time-based Options [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Expiration Period	3 years
Time-based Options [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Expiration Period	5 years
Time-based Options [Member]
Service Based Vesting Increments	25.00%
Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Reserved Share, Percentage of Outstanding Shares	9.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized (in Shares)	2,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant (in Shares)	11,565,606
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term		3 years	[1]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		3 years
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term		3 years 9 months	[1]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		4 years
Performance Based Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term		5 years

[1] As recast to reflect the activity 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 5 -Acquisition of Solar Green Technology ).