2.2.0.25falsefalse2123100 - Disclosure - Note 12. Notes Receivabletruefalsefalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2011 - 3/31/2011 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $D2011Q1http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001274494duration2011-01-01T00:00:002011-03-31T00:00:00usdStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepure0sharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0usdPerShareDividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$2true0fslr_NotesReceivableNoteAbstractfslrfalsenadurationNotes receivable note.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNotes receivable note.falsefalseNotes Receivable Note [Abstract]3false0us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;">12. Notes Receivable </div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"> </div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;text-indent:26px;font-size:10pt;">On April 8, 2009, we entered into a credit facility agreement with a solar project entity of one of our customers for an available amount of €17.5 million ($24.7 million at the balance sheet close rate on March 31, 2011 of $1.41/€1.00) to provide financing for a PV power generation facility. The credit facility replaced a bridge loan that we had made to this entity. The credit facility bears interest at 8% per annum and is due on December 31, 2026. As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the balance on this credit facility was €7.0 million ($9.9 million at the balance sheet close rate on March 31, 2011 of $1.41/€1.00). The outstanding amount of this credit facility is included within “Other assets” on our consolidated balance sheets.</div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"> </div></div>12. Notes Receivable  On April 8, 2009, we entered into a credit facility agreement with a solar project entity of one of our customers for anfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDisclosure itemizing the various types of trade accounts and notes receivable, and for each the gross carrying value, allowance, and net carrying value as of the balance sheet date. Presentation is categorized by current, noncurrent and unclassified receivables. This disclosure may include (1) the basis at which such receivables are carried in the entity's statements of financial position (2) how the level of the valuation allowance for receivables is determined (3) when impairments, charge-offs or recoveries are recognized for such receivables (4) the treatment of origination fees and costs, including the amortization method for net deferred fees or costs (5) the treatment of any premiums or discounts or unearned income (6) the entity's income recognition policies for such receivables, including those that are impaired, past due or placed on nonaccrual status and (7) the treatment of foreclosures or repossessions (8) the nature and amount of any guarantees to repurchase receivables.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 3, 4 -Article 5 falsefalseNotes Receivable Disclosure [Text Block]12Note 12. Notes ReceivableUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue