Note 18 - Operating Risk and Geographical Information (Detail) - Long-lived Assets By Geographic Location (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	$ 21,815	$ 22,841	[1]
United States [Member]
United States	15,028	22,440	[1]
Italy [Member]
Long-lived Assets	6,783	401	[1]
China [Member]
Long-lived Assets	$ 4		[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).