SEGMENT REPORTING (Schedule of Segment Results) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 7,154	$ 5,220	$ 20,872	$ 19,630
Gross profit (loss)	(194)	(620)	(977)	(1,570)
Depreciation and amortization	2,016	2,100	6,214	6,276
Net profit (loss)	(3,714)	(4,803)	(13,867)	(13,686)
Total assets	$ 81,655	$ 106,516	$ 81,655	$ 106,516	$ 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	$ 1,439	$ 9	$ 1,439
Jonway Auto [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	7,089	4,951	20,606	18,926
Gross profit (loss)	(189)	(692)	(1,054)	(1,759)
Depreciation and amortization	1,363	1,445	4,253	4,309
Net profit (loss)	(2,235)	(2,837)	(9,529)	(8,424)
Total assets	63,904	82,207	63,904	82,207
ZAP [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	65	269	266	704
Gross profit (loss)	(5)	72	77	189
Depreciation and amortization	653	655	1,961	1,967
Net profit (loss)	(1,479)	(1,966)	(4,338)	(5,262)
Total assets	$ 17,742	$ 22,870	$ 17,742	$ 22,870