2.2.0.25falsefalse1002000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance SheetstruefalseIn Thousandsfalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse3/31/2011 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $I2011Q1http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001274494instant2011-03-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00usdStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USD_to_EURDividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217EURiso42170sharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0usdPerShareDividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$2falsefalseUSDfalsefalse12/31/2010 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $I2010Q4http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001274494instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00usdStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170sharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0usdPerShareDividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$6true0us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseCurrent assets:7false0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse355725000355725falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse765689000765689falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncludes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits should not be reported as cash and cash equivalents.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7, 26 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 8, 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 falsefalseCash and cash equivalents8false0us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesCurrentus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse199785000199785falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse167889000167889falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal debt and equity financial instruments including: (1) securities held-to-maturity, (2) trading securities, and (3) securities available-for-sale which are intended to be held for less than one year or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 2 -Article 5 falsefalseMarketable securities and investments9false0us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrentus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse362695000362695falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse305537000305537falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount due from customers or clients, within one year of the balance sheet date (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer), for goods or services (including trade receivables) that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to the estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph a(1) -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 4 -Article 5 falsefalseAccounts receivable trade, net10false0us-gaap_UnbilledContractsReceivableus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1058200010582falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse14820001482falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryUnbilled amounts due for services rendered or to be rendered, actions taken or to be taken, or a promise to refrain from taking certain actions in accordance with the terms of a legally binding agreement between the entity and, at a minimum, one other party. An example would be amounts associated with contracts or programs where the recognized revenue for performance thereunder exceeds the amounts billed under the terms thereof as of the date of the balance sheet.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c(3) -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 11 -Section A -Paragraph 4, 21 falsefalseAccounts receivable, unbilled11false0us-gaap_InventoryNetus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse271215000271215falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse195863000195863falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying amount (lower of cost or market) as of the balance sheet date of inventories less all valuation and other allowances. Excludes noncurrent inventory balances (expected to remain on hand past one year or one operating cycle, if longer).No authoritative reference available.falsefalseInventories12false0us-gaap_InventoryForLongTermContractsOrProgramsus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1602100016021falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse45790004579falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying amount as of the balance sheet date of inventories associated with long-term contracts or programs.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph a, d -Article 5 falsefalseBalance of systems parts13false0fslr_ProjectAssetsCurrentfslrfalsedebitinstantProject Assets Current.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryProject Assets Current.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseProject assets14false0us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetCurrentus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse401000401falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse388000388falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe current portion of the aggregate tax effects as of the balance sheet date of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws; after deducting the allocated valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such amount to net realizable value. Deferred tax liabilities and assets shall be classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, shall be classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. An unrecognized tax benefit that is directly related to a position taken in a tax year that results in a net operating loss carryforward should be presented as a reduction of the related deferred tax asset.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 41, 42, 43 falsefalseDeferred tax asset, net15false0us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse177831000177831falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse143033000143033falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of the carrying amount for an unclassified balance sheet date of expenditures made in advance of when the economic benefit of the cost will be realized, and which will be expensed in future periods with the passage of time or when a triggering event occurs and the carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of assets not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Also includes assets not individually reported in the financial statements, or not separately disclosed in notes.No authoritative reference available.falsefalsePrepaid expenses and other current assets16false0us-gaap_AssetsCurrentus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse13942550001394255falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse15844600001584460falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are expected to be realized in cash, sold, or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 9 -Article 5 truefalseTotal current assets17false0us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse15495290001549529falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse14307890001430789falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTangible assets that are held by an entity for use in the production or supply of goods and services, for rental to others, or for administrative purposes and that are expected to provide economic benefit for more than one year; net of accumulated depreciation. Examples include land, buildings, and production equipment.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph a -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 12 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph b, c Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 8 -Article 7 falsefalseProperty, plant and equipment, net18false0fslr_ProjectAssetsNoncurrentfslrfalsedebitinstantProject assets noncurrent.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse384376000384376falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse320140000320140falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryProject assets noncurrent.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseProject assets19false0us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetNoncurrentus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse265591000265591falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse259236000259236falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe noncurrent portion as of the balance sheet date of the aggregate carrying amount of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws; after the valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such amount to net realizable value. Deferred tax liabilities and assets shall be classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, shall be classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 41, 42, 43 falsefalseDeferred tax asset, net20false0us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesNoncurrentus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse157442000157442falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse180271000180271falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal debt and equity financial instruments including: (1) securities held-to-maturity and (2) securities available-for-sale that will be held for the long-term.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 17 falsefalseMarketable securities21false0us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsNoncurrentus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse147707000147707falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse8600300086003falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe noncurrent cash, cash equivalents and investments that is restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits classified as long-term; that is not expected to be released from such existing restrictions within one year of the balance sheet date or operating cycle, whichever is longer. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. Includes noncurrent cash equivalents and investments that are similarly restricted as to withdrawal, usage or disposal.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseRestricted cash and investments22false0us-gaap_Goodwillus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse458808000458808falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse433288000433288falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to adoption of FAS 142 and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 142 -Paragraph 43 falsefalseGoodwill23false0us-gaap_InventoryNoncurrentus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse3060700030607[1]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse4272800042728[1]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryInventories not expected to be converted to cash, sold or exchanged within the normal operating cycle.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 3 -Section A -Paragraph 4, 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph d -Article 5 falsefalseInventories24false0us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrentus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse4566600045666falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse4348800043488falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Noncurrent assets are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 17 -Article 5 falsefalseOther assets25false0us-gaap_Assetsus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse44339810004433981falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse43804030004380403falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (CON) -Number 6 -Paragraph 25 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 18 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 12 -Article 7 truefalseTotal assets27true0us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseCurrent liabilities:28false0us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrentus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse9939800099398falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse8231200082312falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value as of the balance sheet date of liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for goods and services received that are used in an entity's business. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph a -Article 5 falsefalseAccounts payable29false0us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrentus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse2814800028148falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1683100016831falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying amount as of the balance sheet date of the unpaid sum of the known and estimated amounts payable to satisfy all currently due domestic and foreign income tax obligations.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph b(1) -Article 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 15 -Article 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 20 -Article 5 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 48 -Paragraph 15, 21 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Section Appendix E -Paragraph 289 falsefalseIncome taxes payable30false0us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse228956000228956falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse244271000244271falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable, pertaining to costs that are statutory in nature, are incurred on contractual obligations, or accumulate over time and for which invoices have not yet been received or will not be rendered. Examples include taxes, interest, rent and utilities. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 20 -Article 5 falsefalseAccrued expenses31false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrentus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse2816900028169falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2658700026587falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryObligation related to long-term debt (excluding convertible debt) and capital leases, the portion which is due in one year or less in the future.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseCurrent portion of long-term debt32false0us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrentus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse8521800085218falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse9967600099676falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of current obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Current liabilities are expected to be paid within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 20 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 3 -Section A -Paragraph 8 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 6 -Paragraph 15 falsefalseOther current liabilities33false0us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse469889000469889falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse469677000469677falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal obligations incurred as part of normal operations that are expected to be paid during the following twelve months or within one business cycle, if longer.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 21 -Article 5 truefalseTotal current liabilities34false0us-gaap_AccruedEnvironmentalLossContingenciesNoncurrentus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse155570000155570falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse132951000132951falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of the obligation (known or estimated) arising from requirements to perform activities to remediate one or more sites, payable after twelve months or beyond the next operating cycle if longer.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 24 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 96-1 -Paragraph 161, 163 falsefalseAccrued solar module collection and recycling liability35false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse103531000103531falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse210804000210804falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of all long-term debt, which is debt initially having maturities due after one year from the balance sheet date or beyond the operating cycle, if longer, but excluding the portions thereof scheduled to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer plus capital lease obligations due to be paid more than one year after the balance sheet date.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 6 -Section H falsefalseLong-term debt36false0us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse139142000139142falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse112026000112026falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Noncurrent liabilities are expected to be paid after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 24 -Article 5 falsefalseOther liabilities37false0us-gaap_Liabilitiesus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse868132000868132falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse925458000925458falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all liabilities that are recognized. Liabilities are probable future sacrifices of economic benefits arising from present obligations of an entity to transfer assets or provide services to other entities in the future.No authoritative reference available.truefalseTotal liabilities38true0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseStockholders equity:39false0us-gaap_CommonStockValueus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse8600086falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse8600086falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryDollar value of issued common stock whether issued at par value, no par or stated value. This item includes treasury stock repurchased by the entity. Note: elements for number of common shares, par value and other disclosure concepts are in another section within stockholders' equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 30 -Article 5 falsefalseCommon stock, $0.001 par value per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 86,066,220 and 85,843,511 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively40false0us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStockus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse18345140001834514falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse18154200001815420falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue received from shareholders in common stock-related transactions that are in excess of par value or stated value and amounts received from other stock-related transactions. Includes only common stock transactions (excludes preferred stock transactions). May be called contributed capital, capital in excess of par, capital surplus, or paid-in capital.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 falsefalseAdditional paid-in capital41false0fslr_ContingentConsiderationfslrfalsecreditinstantContengent consideration.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse11180001118falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse11180001118falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryContengent consideration.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseContingent consideration42false0us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficitus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse17815320001781532falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse16655640001665564falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cumulative amount of the reporting entity's undistributed earnings or deficit.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 falsefalseAccumulated earnings43false0us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-51401000-51401falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-27243000-27243falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAccumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at fiscal year-end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 26 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 falsefalseAccumulated other comprehensive loss44false0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse35658490003565849falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse34549450003454945falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal of Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest), if any. The entity including portions attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests is sometimes referred to as the economic entity. This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 25 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 26 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A3 -Appendix A truefalseTotal stockholders equity45false0us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse44339810004433981falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse43804030004380403falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal of all Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity items.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 32 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 25 -Article 7 truefalseTotal liabilities and stockholders equity1<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;"><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:48px;text-align:justify;text-indent:-24px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">We purchase a critical raw material that is heavily used in our core production process in quantities that anticipate confident, but long-term future demand. We classify the raw materials that we do not expect to be consumed within our operating cycle (which is 12 months) as noncurrent.</font></div></div>239Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)ThousandsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue