Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Apr. 01, 2012		Dec. 30, 2012
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 79,252			$ 79,318
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(78,655)			(78,574)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	597			744
Amortization of Intangible Assets	147	2,782	[1]
Patents, trade names and purchased technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	49,892			49,892
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(49,892)			(49,892)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	0			0
Purchased In-process Research and Development [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	1,000			1,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(403)			(361)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	597			639
Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	28,360			28,426
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(28,360)			(28,321)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 0			$ 105

[1] As adjusted to conform to the current period presentation for solar power systems leased and to be leased (see Note 1)