5. Restricted Cash and Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands |
9 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
Sep. 30, 2015 |
Dec. 31, 2014 |
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| Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract] | ||
| Restricted cash | $ 63,234 | $ 49,818 |
| Restricted investments | 339,926 | 357,235 |
| Restricted cash and investments, noncurrent | 403,160 | 407,053 |
| Restricted cash, current | $ 39,756 | $ 74,695 |
| Solar module collection and recycling custodial account | 90 days | |
| Product minimum service life | 25 years |
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition Describes the solar modules minimum service life. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
- Definition Describes the timing to fund the Solar Module Collection and Recycling Liability custodial account after year-end for the prior year module sales. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
- Definition Investments in debt and equity securities which are categorized neither as trading securities nor held-to-maturity securities, which are intended be sold or mature greater than one year from the balance sheet date or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer, and that are pledged to one or more secured parties who have the right to buy, sell, or re-pledge the collateral. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
- Definition The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalent items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against short-term borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. For a classified balance sheet represents the current portion only (the noncurrent portion has a separate concept); there is a separate and distinct element for unclassified presentations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
- Definition Cash and equivalents whose use in whole or in part is restricted for the long-term, generally by contractual agreements or regulatory requirements. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
- Definition The noncurrent cash, cash equivalents and investments that is restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits classified as long-term; that is not expected to be released from such existing restrictions within one year of the balance sheet date or operating cycle, whichever is longer. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. Includes noncurrent cash equivalents and investments that are similarly restricted as to withdrawal, usage or disposal. No definition available.
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