Segment Reporting (Schedule Of Segment Results) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 12,705	$ 16,266	$ 24,886	$ 27,974
Gross profit (loss)	1,030	1,555	1,732	2,590
Depreciation, amortization and impairment	1,298	1,637	3,605	3,286
Net loss	(6,844)	(13,679)	(11,356)	(20,861)
Total assets	127,078	101,592	127,078	101,592	121,488
Jonway Conventional Vehicles [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	12,381	15,721	24,370	26,668
Gross profit (loss)	899	1,422	1,622	2,357
Depreciation, amortization and impairment	742	1,078	2,494	2,210
Net loss	(4,651)	(2,278)	6,334	(6,152)
Total assets	81,906	82,360	81,906	82,360
Electric Consumer Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	272	102	386	302
Gross profit (loss)	45	24	73	48
Depreciation, amortization and impairment	547	554	1,093	1,063
Net loss	(2,077)	(10,803)	(4,196)	(13,648)
Total assets	44,222	17,470	44,222	17,470
Car Outlet [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	42	249	115	614
Gross profit (loss)	33	95	40	153
Depreciation, amortization and impairment	2	2	4	4
Net loss	(94)	(15)	(128)	(71)
Total assets	631	709	631	709
Advanced Technology Vehicles [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	10	194	16	390
Gross profit (loss)	53	14	(3)	32
Depreciation, amortization and impairment	7	3	14	9
Net loss	(22)	(583)	(190)	(990)
Total assets	$ 319	$ 1,053	$ 319	$ 1,053