Note 17. Statement of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Net income (loss)	$ 59,142	$ (449,416)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	58,291	73,164
Impairment of long-lived assets	913	347,087
Impairment of project assets	0	2,232
Share-based compensation	16,488	23,594
Remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities	(4,139)	10,600
Deferred income taxes	(453)	2,943
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements	(24,933)	(9,489)
Gain on sales of marketable securities, and restricted investments, net	0	(13)
Other operating activities	(276)	(880)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade and unbilled	286,447	(26,871)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	88,882	51,050
Other assets	110	(4,467)
Inventories and balance of systems parts	12,655	(251,257)
Project assets and deferred project costs	(297,028)	42,299
Accounts payable	(149,715)	14,000
Income taxes payable	1,839	(12,550)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	835	162,841
Accrued solar module collection and recycling liability	17,397	8,997
Total adjustments	7,313	433,280
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$ 66,455	$ (16,136)