SEGMENT REPORTING (Schedule of Segment Results) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 28,689,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet	$ 51,547,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
Gross profit (loss)	(3,014,000)us-gaap_GrossProfit	952,000us-gaap_GrossProfit
Depreciation and amortization	8,284,000	8,169,000
Net Loss	(24,373,000)us-gaap_ProfitLoss	(21,949,000)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Total assets	90,996,000us-gaap_Assets	107,033,000us-gaap_Assets
Jonway Auto [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	27,889,000	50,631,000
Gross profit (loss)	(3,239,000)	797,000
Depreciation and amortization	5,756,000	5,541,000
Net Loss	(13,858,000)	(14,190,000)
Total assets	73,168,000	86,971,000
ZAP [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	800,000	871,000
Gross profit (loss)	225,000	188,000
Depreciation and amortization	2,528,000	2,628,000
Net Loss	(10,515,000)	(7,516,000)
Total assets	17,754,000	19,991,000
Voltage Vehicles Car Lot [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales
Gross profit (loss)
Depreciation and amortization
Net Loss		(174,000)
Total assets
Advanced Technology Vehicles [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		45,000
Gross profit (loss)		(33,000)
Depreciation and amortization
Net Loss		(68,000)
Total assets
ZAP Hong Kong [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales
Gross profit (loss)
Depreciation and amortization
Net Loss		(1,000)
Total assets	$ 74,000	$ 71,000

Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.

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The aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets.

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The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts.

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