Segment Information Segment Information - Category (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 29, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Revenue by Significant Category
Revenue	$ 657,120		$ 648,948		$ 1,869,069		$ 1,738,976
Solar Power Product [Member]
Revenue by Significant Category
Revenue	223,952		211,157		648,235		764,942
Solar Power Systems [Member]
Revenue by Significant Category
Revenue	378,477	[1]	400,757	[1]	1,083,002	[1]	886,755	[1]
Residential Leases [Member]
Revenue by Significant Category
Revenue	31,575		15,662		95,498		50,302
Others, revenue by category
Revenue by Significant Category
Revenue	$ 23,116	[2]	$ 21,372	[2]	$ 42,334	[2]	$ 36,977	[2]

[1] Solar power systems represents revenue recognized in connection with our construction and development contracts.

[2] Other revenue includes revenue related to our solar power services and solutions, such as post-installation systems monitoring and maintenance in connection with construction contracts, and commercial PPA agreements.