CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Consolidated Statements Of Operations And Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 9,929	$ 10,527	$ 36,562	$ 35,413
Cost of goods sold	9,316	10,578	36,254	33,732
Gross profit	613	(51)	308	1,681
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing	1,224	2,319	4,744	7,900
General and administrative	1,849	3,402	6,368	8,698
Research and development	120	856	429	1,949
Total operating expenses	3,193	6,577	11,541	18,547
Loss from operations	(2,580)	(6,628)	(11,233)	(16,866)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net	(955)	(691)	(2,580)	(2,134)
Loss from equity investment in joint venture	(82)	(25)	(656)	(296)
Other Income	263	467	791	933
Total income (expense)	(774)	(249)	(2,445)	(1,497)
Loss before income taxes	(3,354)	(6,877)	(13,678)	(18,363)
Income tax benefit	8	14	33	144
Net Loss	(3,346)	(6,863)	(13,645)	(18,219)
Less: Net loss attributable to non controlling interest	843	1,811	4,097	5,164
Net loss attributable to Zap common shareholders	(2,503)	(5,052)	(9,548)	(13,055)
Net Loss	(3,346)	(6,863)	(13,645)	(18,219)
Other Comprehensive income / (loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	193	25	853	(128)
Net unrealized loss on available for sale securities		133		(408)
Other comprehensive income / (loss)	193	158	853	(536)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(3,153)	(6,705)	(12,792)	(18,755)
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non controlling interest	(748)	(1,799)	(3,679)	(5,227)
Comprehensive loss attributable to ZAP's common shareholders	$ (2,405)	$ (4,906)	$ (9,113)	$ (13,528)
Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders:
Basic and diluted	$ (0.01)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.06)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic and diluted	302,518	300,156	302,518	299,316