SEGMENT REPORTING (Schedule of Segment Results) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 3,382	$ 8,362
Gross profit (loss)	66	(512)
Depreciation and amortization	1,922	2,092
Net profit (loss)	(3,389)	(4,676)
Total assets	$ 79,454	$ 88,884	$ 79,650
ZAP Hong Kong [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales
Gross profit (loss)
Depreciation and amortization
Net profit (loss)
Total assets		$ 8
Jonway Auto [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 3,378	8,186
Gross profit (loss)	65	(587)
Depreciation and amortization	1,271	1,435
Net profit (loss)	(2,230)	(3,272)
Total assets	62,443	69,799
ZAP [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	4	176
Gross profit (loss)	1	75
Depreciation and amortization	651	657
Net profit (loss)	(1,159)	(1,404)
Total assets	$ 14,011	$ 19,077