SEGMENT REPORTING (Schedule Of Segment Results) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 10,527	$ 14,008	$ 35,413	$ 42,062
Gross profit (loss)	(51)	2,137	1,681	4,727
Depreciation, amortization and impairment	2,751	1,699	5,845	(5,689)
Net loss	(6,863)	(9,859)	(18,219)	(30,719)
Total assets	129,219	105,292	129,219	105,292	121,488
Joway Conventional Vehicles [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	10,296	13,734	34,666	40,402
Gross profit (loss)	96	1,979	1,718	4,311
Depreciation, amortization and impairment	1,789	1,138	3,775	3,995
Net loss	(4,207)	(2,064)	(10,540)	(5,588)
Total assets	104,354	85,786	104,354	85,786
Electric Comsumer Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	177	155	562	457
Gross profit (loss)	75	47	148	120
Depreciation, amortization and impairment	955	551	2,048	1,664
Net loss	(2,329)	(7,622)	(7,035)	(23,897)
Total assets	24,259	17,744	24,259	17,744
Car Outlet [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	27	196	142	810
Gross profit (loss)	(41)	74	(1)	227
Depreciation, amortization and impairment	6	3	5	7
Net loss	(169)	(12)	(285)	(83)
Total assets	256	704	256	704
Advanced Technology Vehicles [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	27	3	43	393
Gross profit (loss)	(181)	37	(184)	69
Depreciation, amortization and impairment	1	7	20	23
Net loss	(158)	(161)	(359)	(1,151)
Total assets	$ 350	$ 1,058	$ 350	$ 1,058