Note 1. First Solar and Its Business Revisions - Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Other liabilities	$ 392,312	$ 320,584
Total liabilities	1,767,844	1,729,504
Accumulated earnings	2,790,110	2,243,689
Total stockholders' equity	$ 5,548,487	4,991,487	$ 4,468,071	$ 3,573,294
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Other liabilities		284,584
Total liabilities		1,693,504
Accumulated earnings		2,279,689
Total stockholders' equity		5,027,487
Restatement Adjustment [Member]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Other liabilities		36,000
Total liabilities		36,000
Accumulated earnings		(36,000)	$ (35,000)	$ (32,700)
Total stockholders' equity		$ (36,000)