FULL PRODUCT VERSION :
java version "1.7.0"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.7.0-b147)
Java HosSpot(TM) Server VM (build 21.0-b17, mixed mode))

ADDITIONAL OS VERSION INFORMATION :
Linux Computer 2.6.38-11-generic #50-Ubuntu SMP Mon Sep 12 :21:18_14 UTC 2011 i686 i686 i386 GNU/Linux

A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM :
In some situations the order of imports in a class may be imported to let javac
compile all classes:

Let X be a class having an inner class X_1 extending some class Y in a
different package. If a subtype of X_1 have to be imported (e.g. it has
another inner class which is referenced) and it is imported before Y is
imported, then X_1 is not compiled.

STEPS TO FOLLOW TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM :
Create Z.java in package z with content:
{{{
package z;
public class  Z{}
}}}

Create A.java in package a with content:
{{{
package a;
import a.A.B.C;
import z.Z;
public class A {
    class B extends Z {
        class C {}
    }
    class D {
        Class foo()  {
            return C.class;
        }
    }
}
}}}

try to run: javac a/A.java

EXPECTED VERSUS ACTUAL BEHAVIOR :
EXPECTED -
A compiles without problems.
ACTUAL -
A does not compile

ERROR MESSAGES/STACK TRACES THAT OCCUR :
a/A.java:5 error: cannot find symbol
    class B extends Z {
                                  ^
  symbol:   class Z
  location: class A
1 error

REPRODUCIBILITY :
This bug can be reproduced always.

CUSTOMER SUBMITTED WORKAROUND :
Reorder the imports or do not nest the classes.