SEGMENT REPORTING (Schedule of Segment Results) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 6,821	$ 14,365
Gross profit (loss)	(971)	750
Depreciation and amortization	2,079	1,965
Net loss	(5,011)	(3,915)
Total assets	97,324		107,033
Jonway Auto [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	6,733	14,235
Gross profit (loss)	(994)	649
Depreciation and amortization	1,423	947
Net loss	(3,334)	(2,358)
Total assets	77,722	94,227
ZAP [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	88	123
Gross profit (loss)	23	50
Depreciation and amortization	656	657
Net loss	(1,677)	(1,605)
Total assets	19,464	22,884
Voltage Vehicles Car Lot [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales
Gross profit (loss)
Depreciation and amortization
Net loss
Total assets		179
Advanced Technology Vehicles [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		7
Gross profit (loss)		51
Depreciation and amortization		1
Net loss		48
Total assets		377
ZAP Hong Kong [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales
Gross profit (loss)
Depreciation and amortization
Net loss
Total assets	$ 138