v3.6.0.2
VIE Arrangements - Summary of Number of Current VIE Funds by Classification of Investor, the Carrying Value, Total Investor Contributions Received and Undrawn Investor Contributions (Detail)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Fund
Dec. 31, 2015
USD ($)
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]    
Carrying Value of Solar Energy Systems $ 3,134,080 $ 1,791,403
VIEs [Member]    
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]    
Number of funds | Fund 47  
Total Investor Contributions Received $ 3,924,652  
Undrawn Investor Contributions 272,092  
Carrying Value of Solar Energy Systems $ 4,618,443  
VIEs [Member] | Financial Institutions [Member]    
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]    
Number of funds | Fund 34  
Total Investor Contributions Received $ 2,623,918  
Undrawn Investor Contributions 106,850  
Carrying Value of Solar Energy Systems $ 3,085,024  
VIEs [Member] | Corporations [Member]    
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]    
Number of funds | Fund 8  
Total Investor Contributions Received $ 1,020,058  
Undrawn Investor Contributions 130,209  
Carrying Value of Solar Energy Systems $ 1,353,193  
VIEs [Member] | Utilities [Member]    
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]    
Number of funds | Fund 4  
Total Investor Contributions Received $ 278,888  
Undrawn Investor Contributions 35,033  
Carrying Value of Solar Energy Systems $ 178,280  
VIEs [Member] | Other Investors [Member]    
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]    
Number of funds | Fund 1  
Total Investor Contributions Received $ 1,788  
Carrying Value of Solar Energy Systems $ 1,946