SEGMENT REPORTING (Schedule of Segment Results) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 5,356	$ 7,588	$ 13,718	$ 14,409
Gross profit (loss)	(271)	21	(783)	(950)
Depreciation and amortization	2,106	2,084	4,198	4,176
Net profit (loss)	(5,477)	(3,871)	(10,153)	(8,881)
Total assets	$ 86,207	$ 106,983	$ 86,207	$ 106,983	$ 90,996
ZAP Hong Kong [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales
Gross profit (loss)
Depreciation and amortization
Net profit (loss)
Total assets	$ 9	$ 139	$ 9	$ 139
Jonway Auto [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	5,331	7,240	13,517	13,974
Gross profit (loss)	(278)	(74)	(865)	(1,066)
Depreciation and amortization	1,455	1,428	2,890	2,864
Net profit (loss)	(4,023)	(2,252)	(7,294)	(5,585)
Total assets	67,925	82,487	67,925	82,487
ZAP [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	25	348	201	435
Gross profit (loss)	7	95	82	116
Depreciation and amortization	651	656	1,308	1,312
Net profit (loss)	(1,454)	(1,619)	(2,859)	(3,296)
Total assets	$ 18,273	$ 24,357	$ 18,273	$ 24,357