Consolidated Statements Of Operations And Comprehensive Loss (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements Of Operations And Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 56,237	$ 3,816
Cost of goods sold	51,777	3,387
Gross profit	4,460	429
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing	12,303	2,123
General and administrative (includes stock compensation of $2.3 million in 2011 and $2.6 million in 2010	13,171	11,406
Research and development	7,259	996
Total operating expenses	32,733	14,525
Loss from operations	(28,273)	(14,096)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net	(18,812)	(1,322)
Loss from equity in Joint Venture	(272)	(319)
Loss on financial instruments	(423)	(4,094)
Other income (expense), net	2,213	817
Total other income (expense)	(17,294)	(4,918)
Loss before income taxes	(45,567)	(19,014)
Income tax benefit (expense)	145	(4)
Loss from operations of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries	(45,422)	(19,018)
Less: net loss attributable to non controlling interest	4,625
Net loss attributable to Zap's common shareholders	(40,797)	(19,018)
Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders:
Basic and diluted	$ (0.19)	$ (0.16)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic and diluted	213,935	119,075
Net loss attributable to to ZAPls common shareholders	(40,797)	(19,018)
Other Comprehensive income
Foreign currency translation adjustment	2,394
Net unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities	(57)	(112)
Other Comprehensive income (loss)	2,337	(112)
Comprehensive loss	(43,085)	(19,130)
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non controlling interest	(3,452)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Zap's common shareholders	$ (39,633)	$ (19,130)