INVENTORIES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 11, 2011
Inventories [Line Items]
WIP Jonway SUV's	$ 2,030		$ 2,234
Parts and supplies	5,310		4,879
Finished goods	150		240
Inventories, gross	16,522		12,696
Less-inventory reserve	(1,471)		(1,578)
Inventories, net	15,051	11,118	11,118
Advanced Technology Vehicles [Member]
Inventories [Line Items]
Vehicles	604		713
Vehicles-Conventional [Member]
Inventories [Line Items]
Vehicles	$ 8,428		$ 4,630