Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	May 31, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Other current assets	$ 2,451,000		$ 2,451,000			$ 1,875,000
Environmental contingencies	0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Solar Energy System Performance Warranty
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
System output performance warranty	52,000		52,000
Solar Power System Performance Warranty
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
System output performance warranty	52,000	$ 199,000	52,000	$ 199,000	$ 64,000	196,000	$ 140,000	$ 237,000
Other current assets	100,000		100,000			200,000
SunPower | Solar Energy System Performance Warranty
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
System output performance warranty	$ 100,000		$ 100,000			$ 200,000