CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 5,220	$ 9,929	$ 19,630	$ 36,562
Cost of goods sold	(5,840)	(9,316)	(21,200)	(36,254)
Gross profit	(620)	613	(1,570)	308
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing	1,703	1,224	3,183	4,744
General and administrative	1,448	1,849	5,888	6,368
Research and development	119	120	380	429
Total operating expenses	3,270	3,193	9,451	11,541
Loss from operations	(3,890)	(2,580)	(11,021)	(11,233)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net	(1,124)	(955)	(2,998)	(2,580)
Loss from equity in joint venture		(82)		(656)
Other Income	212	263	635	791
Total income (expense)	(912)	(774)	(2,363)	(2,445)
Loss before income taxes	(4,802)	(3,354)	(13,384)	(13,678)
Income tax benefit(expense)	(1)	8	(302)	33
Net Loss	(4,803)	(3,346)	(13,686)	(13,645)
Less: loss attributable to non-controlling interest	1,390	843	4,127	4,097
Net loss attributable to ZAP's common shareholders	(3,413)	(2,503)	(9,559)	(9,548)
Net Loss	(4,803)	(3,346)	(13,686)	(13,645)
Other Comprehensive income / (Loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(3)	193	(119)	853
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(4,806)	(3,153)	(13,805)	(12,792)
Less : Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest	1,392	748	4,185	3,679
Comprehensive loss attributable to ZAP	$ (3,414)	$ (2,405)	$ (9,620)	$ (9,113)
Net loss per share
Basic and diluted	$ (0.01)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.03)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic and diluted	412,700	302,518	360,632	302,518