SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND USE OF ESTIMATES (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 21, 2011
Significant Accounting Policies And Use Of Estimates [Line Items]
Outstanding common stock options, warrants and debentures	66,300,000	99,600,000
Outstanding debt convertible to shares	188,000,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 286		$ 9
Useful Life	50 years
Percentage acquired in Jonway Auto	51.00%			51.00%
Personal Electric Products Including ZAPPY3 and Zapino Scooters [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies And Use Of Estimates [Line Items]
Warranty term	30 to 90 days
Xebra, ZAPTRUCK XL, and ZAPVAN Shuttle [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies And Use Of Estimates [Line Items]
Warranty term	six months
Xebra Vehicles Repaired By ZAP [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies And Use Of Estimates [Line Items]
Warranty term	six months
Jonway SUV Products [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies And Use Of Estimates [Line Items]
Warranty term	2-year or 60,000 kilometers
Zhejiang Jonway Automobile Co., Ltd. [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies And Use Of Estimates [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership in Jonway Auto				49.00%
Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies And Use Of Estimates [Line Items]
Percentage of deposit required for bank acceptance notes	40.00%
Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies And Use Of Estimates [Line Items]
Percentage of deposit required for bank acceptance notes	60.00%
Derivative Liabilities [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies And Use Of Estimates [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities converted into shares		4,300,000
EPA License [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies And Use Of Estimates [Line Items]
Useful Life	7 years
Land Use Rights [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies And Use Of Estimates [Line Items]
Useful Life	50 years
Customer Relationships [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies And Use Of Estimates [Line Items]
Useful Life	8 years 6 months
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies And Use Of Estimates [Line Items]
Useful Life	7 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies And Use Of Estimates [Line Items]
Useful Life	10 years