Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2012	May 04, 2012	Jul. 03, 2011
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Apr. 01, 2012
Entity Registrant Name	SUNPOWER CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000867773
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 710.3
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		118,341,990