LEASE - Total leases - Gross difference (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
LEASE
Total future minimum lease payments	$ 82,851
Less: imputed interest	4,292
NPV for future minimum lease payments	$ 78,559
Total future minimum lease payments		$ 127,348
Less: imputed interest		5,024
NPV for future minimum lease payments		$ 71,802

Present value of minimum lease payments for leases net of executory costs, including amounts paid by the lessee to the lessor for insurance, maintenance and taxes.

No definition available.

Name:	csiq_LeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsPresentValueOfNetMinimumPayments
Namespace Prefix:	csiq_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant