Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Organization, Nature of Operations, and Principles of Consolidation - Additional Information (Detail)

v2.4.0.8
Organization, Nature of Operations, and Principles of Consolidation - Additional Information (Detail) (Real Goods Solar)
May 28, 2013
Dec. 31, 2011
Vote
Class B Common Stock
   
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Number of votes per share   10
Class A Common Stock
   
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Number of votes per share   1
Voting ownership percentage 20.00% 37.50%