Warranties Narrative (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified			9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012 Thin Films [Member] Minimum [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Thin Films [Member] Maximum [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Solar Energy [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Solar Energy [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Solar Energy [Member] Minimum [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Solar Energy [Member] Maximum [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Customer Deposits Member [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Customer Deposits Member [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Other Long Term Liabilities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Other Long Term Liabilities [Member]
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]
Standard Product Warranty Term			18 months	24 months			5 years	10 years
Extended Product Warranty Term					20 years	20 years
Deferred Revenue Related To Extended Warranty Contracts	$ 19.2	$ 12.9							$ 0.4	$ 8.0	$ 18.8	$ 4.9