Solar Energy Systems, Net - Components of Solar Energy Systems, Net (Parenthetical) (Detail) - Solar Energy Systems [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Finance Leased Assets [Line Items]
Gross finance leased assets	$ 36	$ 36
Accumulated depreciation and amortization on finance leased assets	$ 7	$ 6

Finance leased assets accumulated depreciation and amortization.

No definition available.

Name:	tsla_FinanceLeasedAssetsAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization
Namespace Prefix:	tsla_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant