Note 18 - Operating Risk and Geographical Information (Detail) - Net Sales By Geographic Location (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
United States	$ 64,617	$ 97,058	[1]
	99,956	139,767	[1],[2]
Europe [Member]
Net Sales	35,101	42,450	[1]
Asia [Member]
Net Sales	238	239	[1]
Mexico [Member]
Net Sales		13	[1]
Other Countries [Member]
Net Sales		$ 7	[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] As recast to reflect the balances of Solar Green Technology S.p.A. ("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 ).