SEGMENT REPORTING (Schedule of Segment Results) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 29,460	$ 28,689
Gross profit (loss)	(1,262)	(3,014)
Depreciation and amortization	8,209	8,284
Net loss	(20,055)	(24,373)
Total assets	79,650	90,996
Jonway Auto [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	29,179	27,889
Gross profit (loss)	(1,333)	(3,239)
Depreciation and amortization	5,600	5,756
Net loss	(12,063)	(13,858)
Total assets	64,949	73,168
ZAP [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	281	800
Gross profit (loss)	71	225
Depreciation and amortization	2,609	2,528
Net loss	(7,992)	(10,515)
Total assets	$ 14,692	$ 17,754
ZAP Hong Kong [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales
Gross profit (loss)
Depreciation and amortization
Net loss
Total assets	$ 9	$ 74