Balance Sheet Components - Schedule of Account Payables and Other Current Liabilities (Parenthetical) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2016
Schedule Of Account Payables And Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Accrued distributions to tax equity investors	$ 581	$ 630	$ 1,000
Accounts payable to related parties	600		100
SunPower | Macy's Maryland Acquisition
Schedule Of Account Payables And Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Purchase price paid by tax equity investors			19,500
SunPower | Kern Phase 1(a) Assets
Schedule Of Account Payables And Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Purchase price paid by tax equity investors	5,800		19,500
SunPower | Kern Phase 2(b) Assets
Schedule Of Account Payables And Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Purchase price paid by tax equity investors	$ 5,800
SunPower | Kern Phase 1(b) Assets
Schedule Of Account Payables And Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Purchase price paid by tax equity investors			19,500
SunPower | Kern Phase 2(a)
Schedule Of Account Payables And Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Purchase price paid by tax equity investors			$ 19,500