Solar Services - Operating Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 04, 2021	Jan. 03, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Solar power systems leased	$ 115,206	$ 115,620
Less: accumulated depreciation and impairment	(66,875)	(65,219)
Solar power systems leased, net	$ 48,331	$ 50,401

Solar power systems leased and to be leased to residential customers under operating leases, gross of accumulated depreciation.

No definition available.

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Namespace Prefix:	spwr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant