Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Detail) - The Accrual for Warranty Claims (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Beginning balance - January 1, (1)	$ 1,679	[1]		[1]
Adjustment to combine balance as of March 31, 2011 (1)		[1]	1,476	[1]
Provision charged to warranty expense	221		212	[1]
Less: warranty claims	(363)		(9)	[1]
Ending balance - December 31,	1,537		1,679	[1]
Current portion of warranty liability	200	[2]	200	[1],[2],[3]
Non-current portion of warranty liability	$ 1,337		$ 1,479	[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 5 -Acquisition of Solar Green Technology).

[2] The noncurrent portion of the product warranty liability is recorded in other liabilities.

[3] As recast 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 5 -Acquisition of Solar Green Technology).