Consolidated Statement Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Loss from operations of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries	$ (45,422)	$ (19,018)
Reconciling items:
Stock-based employee compensation, consulting and other services	2,327	2,660
Stock-based compensation for R&D cost	3,784	961
Depreciation and amortization	7,357	117
Inventory Reserve	667	360
Allowance for doubtful accounts	11	30
Stock-based compensation for consulting and other services	144	1,032
Stock based compensation for management fees due to a related party		2,500
Accretion of financial instruments	16,937	799
Loss from joint venture	254	417
Impairment of other investments	56	90
Gain on Debt extinguishment		(818)
Gain on disposal of equipment	(220)
Deferred Tax benefit	(149)
Change in fair value of derivative liability	349	4,094
Changes in assets and liabilities: (net of acquisition )
Notes receivable from Jonway auto Dealers	3,313
Accounts receivable	913	(122)
Inventories	3,293	(183)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(126)	220
Due from related parties	633
Accounts payable	(308)	(130)
Accrued liabilities	1,534	575
Due to related parties	(3,497)
Advances to customers	(145)
Cash used for operations	(8,295)	(6,416)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of 51% Interest in Zhejiang Jonway Automobile , net	(18,037)	(10,000)
Purchase of marketable securities		(2,000)
Investment made for unconsolidated entities	(774)
Acquisition of property and equipment	(2,108)	(70)
Disposal of equipment	279	18
Cash flows used in investing activities:	(20,640)	(12,052)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Restricted cash	(2,827)
Proceeds from capital raises	4,198	13,043
Proceeds from issuance of convertible debt	19,000	3,260
Proceeds from stock option exercises	561
Proceeds from short term debt	6,984	149
Proceeds from notes payable	5,921
Proceeds from related parties	1,549
Payment of short term debt	(2,300)	(1,281)
Cash provided by financing activities	33,086	15,171
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	205
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	4,356	(3,297)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	1,503	4,800
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	5,859	1,503
Supplemental Disclosure Of Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Cash paid during period for interest	177
Cash paid during period for taxes	$ 4	$ 4