CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements Of Operations And Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 14,365	$ 12,181
Cost of goods sold	13,615	11,479
Gross profit	750	702
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing	1,433	2,112
General and administrative	1,976	2,491
Research and development	150	279
Total operating expenses	3,559	4,882
Loss from operations	(2,809)	(4,180)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net	(822)	(486)
Loss from equity investment in joint venture	(485)	(119)
Other income (expense), net	188	235
Total other expense	(1,119)	(370)
Loss before income taxes	(3,928)	(4,550)
Income tax benefit (expense)	13	38
Net Loss	(3,915)	(4,512)
Less: Net loss attributable to non controlling interest	1,155	1,073
Net loss attributable to Zap common shareholders	(2,760)	(3,439)
Other Comprehensive income (loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	206	(187)
Net unrealized (loss) on available for sale securities		(474)
Other comprehensive income/( loss)	206	(661)
Total comprehensive loss	(3,709)	(5,173)
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non controlling interest	(1,054)	(1,165)
Comprehensive loss attributable to ZAP common shareholders	$ (2,655)	$ (4,008)
Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders:
Basic and diluted	$ (0.01)	$ (0.01)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic and diluted	302,518	298,217