Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Textuals (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Product Warranties [Abstract]
Standard Product Warranty Term	10 years
Minimum Period for Which Minimum Power Output Warranty Granted	10 years
Minimum Percentage of Power Output for Frst Ten Years, Product Warranties	90.00%
Subsequent Period After 10 Years for Which Minimum Warranty Is Granted	15 years
Minimum Percentage of Power Output after Ten Years Up To Twenty Five Years, Product Warranties	80.00%
EPC Standard Product Warranty Term, Minimum	1 year
EPC Standard Product Warranty Term, Maximum	2 years
Selling, General and Administrative Expense [Abstract]
Advertising Expense	$ 1.4	$ 2.0	$ 1.1
Self-Insurance [Abstract]
Stop-Loss Coverage Amount Per Covered Person	$ 0.2
Minimum Percentage of Power Output for Term of Warranty, System Level Module Performance Warranty	80.00%
Plant Level Energy Degradation Term	25 years
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Internal Use Software [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	3
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Maximum	7