The spec says:
----
TypeElement getTypeElement(String name)

    Returns a type element given its *fully qualified name*.

    Parameters:
        name - fully qualified type name
    Returns:
        the named type element, or null if it cannot be found
----

However, the example below shows that *fully qualified name* is refused, but the binary name expected:
---
package test;

public class S_TE0015 {
    public class Inner {}
}
---

// This fails with "com.sun.tools.javac.code.Symbol$CompletionFailure: class file for test.S_TE0015.Inner not found"
// getTypeElement("test.S_TE0015.Inner");

// But this works...
getTypeElement("test.S_TE0015$Inner");
---

During the discussion with Peter, Joe and Scott it was found out that this is not a simple issue. Perhaps, a spec clarification is needed. Filing this bug for tracking.