| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="windows-1252"?> |
<FilingSummary> |
| <Version> 3.3.1.900 </Version> |
| <ProcessingTime/> |
| <ReportFormat> html </ReportFormat> |
| <ContextCount> 311 </ContextCount> |
| <ElementCount> 446 </ElementCount> |
| <EntityCount> 1 </EntityCount> |
| <FootnotesReported> false </FootnotesReported> |
| <SegmentCount> 109 </SegmentCount> |
| <ScenarioCount> 0 </ScenarioCount> |
| <TuplesReported> false </TuplesReported> |
| <UnitCount> 11 </UnitCount> |
| <MyReports> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R1.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100000 - Document - Document and Entity Information </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Document and Entity Information </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Cover </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 1 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R2.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100010 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheets </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Consolidated Balance Sheets </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Statements </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 2 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R3.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100020 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Statements </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 3 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R4.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100030 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Operations </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Consolidated Statements of Operations </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Statements </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 4 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R5.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100040 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLoss </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Statements </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 5 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R6.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100050 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Statements </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 6 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R7.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100060 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquityParenthetical </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Statements </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 7 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R8.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100070 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Statements </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 8 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R9.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100080 - Disclosure - Overview of the Company </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureOverviewOfCompany </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Overview of the Company </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 9 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R10.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100090 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Summary of Significant Accounting Policies </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 10 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R11.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100100 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFinancialInstruments </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Financial Instruments </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 11 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R12.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100110 - Disclosure - Inventory </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInventory </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Inventory </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 12 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R13.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100120 - Disclosure - Property, Plant, and Equipment </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipment </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Property, Plant, and Equipment </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 13 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R14.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100130 - Disclosure - Accrued Liabilities </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAccruedLiabilities </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Accrued Liabilities </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 14 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R15.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100140 - Disclosure - Customer Deposits </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCustomerDeposits </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Customer Deposits </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 15 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R16.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100150 - Disclosure - Convertible Notes and Long-term Debt Obligations </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Notes </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureConvertibleNotesAndLongTermDebtObligations </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Convertible Notes and Long-term Debt Obligations </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 16 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R17.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100160 - Disclosure - Common Stock </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommonStock </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Common Stock </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 17 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R18.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100170 - Disclosure - Equity Incentive Plans </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityIncentivePlans </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Equity Incentive Plans </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 18 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R19.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100180 - Disclosure - Income Taxes </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxes </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Income Taxes </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 19 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R20.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100190 - Disclosure - Information about Geographic Areas </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInformationAboutGeographicAreas </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Information about Geographic Areas </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 20 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R21.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100200 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Commitments and Contingencies </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 21 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R22.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100210 - Disclosure - Quarterly Results of Operations </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureQuarterlyResultsOfOperations </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Quarterly Results of Operations </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 22 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R23.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100220 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Policies </MenuCategory> |
| | | <ParentRole> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies </ParentRole> |
| | | <Position> 23 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R24.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100230 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Tables </MenuCategory> |
| | | <ParentRole> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies </ParentRole> |
| | | <Position> 24 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R25.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100240 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Financial Instruments (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Tables </MenuCategory> |
| | | <ParentRole> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFinancialInstruments </ParentRole> |
| | | <Position> 25 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R26.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100250 - Disclosure - Inventory (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInventoryTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Inventory (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Tables </MenuCategory> |
| | | <ParentRole> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInventory </ParentRole> |
| | | <Position> 26 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R27.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100260 - Disclosure - Property, Plant, and Equipment (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Property, Plant, and Equipment (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Tables </MenuCategory> |
| | | <ParentRole> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipment </ParentRole> |
| | | <Position> 27 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R28.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100270 - Disclosure - Accrued Liabilities (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAccruedLiabilitiesTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Accrued Liabilities (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Tables </MenuCategory> |
| | | <ParentRole> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAccruedLiabilities </ParentRole> |
| | | <Position> 28 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R29.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100280 - Disclosure - Convertible Notes and Long-term Debt Obligations (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Notes </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureConvertibleNotesAndLongTermDebtObligationsTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Convertible Notes and Long-term Debt Obligations (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Tables </MenuCategory> |
| | | <ParentRole> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureConvertibleNotesAndLongTermDebtObligations </ParentRole> |
| | | <Position> 29 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R30.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100290 - Disclosure - Equity Incentive Plans (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityIncentivePlansTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Equity Incentive Plans (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Tables </MenuCategory> |
| | | <ParentRole> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityIncentivePlans </ParentRole> |
| | | <Position> 30 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R31.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100300 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Income Taxes (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Tables </MenuCategory> |
| | | <ParentRole> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxes </ParentRole> |
| | | <Position> 31 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R32.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100310 - Disclosure - Information about Geographic Areas (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInformationAboutGeographicAreasTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Information about Geographic Areas (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Tables </MenuCategory> |
| | | <ParentRole> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInformationAboutGeographicAreas </ParentRole> |
| | | <Position> 32 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R33.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100320 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Commitments and Contingencies (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Tables </MenuCategory> |
| | | <ParentRole> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies </ParentRole> |
| | | <Position> 33 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R34.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100330 - Disclosure - Quarterly Results of Operations (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureQuarterlyResultsOfOperationsTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Quarterly Results of Operations (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Tables </MenuCategory> |
| | | <ParentRole> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureQuarterlyResultsOfOperations </ParentRole> |
| | | <Position> 34 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R35.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100340 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 35 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R36.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100350 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Activity Related to Resale Value Guarantee Program (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfActivityRelatedToResaleValueGuaranteeProgramDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Activity Related to Resale Value Guarantee Program (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 36 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R37.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100360 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Accounts Receivable from Customers in Excess of 10% of Total Accounts Receivable (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfAccountsReceivableFromCustomersInExcessOf10OfTotalAccountsReceivableDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Accounts Receivable from Customers in Excess of 10% of Total Accounts Receivable (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 37 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R38.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100370 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Estimated Useful Lives of Related Assets (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfEstimatedUsefulLivesOfRelatedAssetsDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Estimated Useful Lives of Related Assets (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 38 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R39.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100380 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Accrued Warranty Activity (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfAccruedWarrantyActivityDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Accrued Warranty Activity (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 39 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R40.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100390 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Potential Weighted Common Shares Outstanding that were Excluded from Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Share of Common Stock (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfPotentialWeightedCommonSharesOutstandingThatWereExcludedFromComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetLossPerShareOfCommonStockDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Potential Weighted Common Shares Outstanding that were Excluded from Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Share of Common Stock (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 40 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R41.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100400 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalInformationDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 41 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R42.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100410 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments - Schedule of Fair Value Hierarchy of Financial Assets Carried at Fair Value (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfFairValueHierarchyOfFinancialAssetsCarriedAtFairValueDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Financial Instruments - Schedule of Fair Value Hierarchy of Financial Assets Carried at Fair Value (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 42 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R43.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100420 - Disclosure - Inventory - Schedule of Inventory (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInventoryScheduleOfInventoryDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Inventory - Schedule of Inventory (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 43 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R44.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100430 - Disclosure - Inventory - Additional Information (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInventoryAdditionalInformationDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Inventory - Additional Information (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 44 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R45.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100440 - Disclosure - Property Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Property Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 45 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R46.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100450 - Disclosure - Property Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditionalInformationDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Property Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 46 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R47.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100460 - Disclosure - Accrued Liabilities - Schedule of Accrued Liabilities (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAccruedLiabilitiesScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Accrued Liabilities - Schedule of Accrued Liabilities (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 47 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R48.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100470 - Disclosure - Customer Deposits - Additional Information (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCustomerDepositsAdditionalInformationDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Customer Deposits - Additional Information (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 48 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R49.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100480 - Disclosure - Convertible Notes and Long-term Debt Obligations - 0.25% and 1.25% Convertible Senior Notes and Bond Hedge and Warrant Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Notes </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureConvertibleNotesAndLongTermDebtObligations025And125ConvertibleSeniorNotesAndBondHedgeAndWarrantTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Convertible Notes and Long-term Debt Obligations - 0.25% and 1.25% Convertible Senior Notes and Bond Hedge and Warrant Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 49 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R50.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100490 - Disclosure - Convertible Notes and Long-term Debt Obligations - 1.50% Convertible Senior Notes and Bond Hedge and Warrant Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Notes </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureConvertibleNotesAndLongTermDebtObligations150ConvertibleSeniorNotesAndBondHedgeAndWarrantTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Convertible Notes and Long-term Debt Obligations - 1.50% Convertible Senior Notes and Bond Hedge and Warrant Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 50 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R51.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100500 - Disclosure - Convertible Notes and Long-term Debt Obligations - Schedule of Debt Discounts (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Notes </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureConvertibleNotesAndLongTermDebtObligationsScheduleOfDebtDiscountsDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Convertible Notes and Long-term Debt Obligations - Schedule of Debt Discounts (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 51 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R52.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100510 - Disclosure - Convertible Notes and Long-term Debt Obligations - Full Repayment of Department of Energy Loan Facility - Additional Information (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Notes </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureConvertibleNotesAndLongTermDebtObligationsFullRepaymentOfDepartmentOfEnergyLoanFacilityAdditionalInformationDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Convertible Notes and Long-term Debt Obligations - Full Repayment of Department of Energy Loan Facility - Additional Information (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 52 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R53.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100520 - Disclosure - Convertible Notes and Long-term Debt Obligations - Warehouse Line of Credit - Additional Information (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Notes </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureConvertibleNotesAndLongTermDebtObligationsWarehouseLineOfCreditAdditionalInformationDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Convertible Notes and Long-term Debt Obligations - Warehouse Line of Credit - Additional Information (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 53 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R54.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100530 - Disclosure - Convertible Notes and Long-term Debt Obligations - Asset-Based Credit Agreement - Additional Information (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Notes </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureConvertibleNotesAndLongTermDebtObligationsAssetBasedCreditAgreementAdditionalInformationDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Convertible Notes and Long-term Debt Obligations - Asset-Based Credit Agreement - Additional Information (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 54 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R55.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100540 - Disclosure - Convertible Notes and Long-term Debt Obligations - Pledged Assets - Additional Information (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Notes </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureConvertibleNotesAndLongTermDebtObligationsPledgedAssetsAdditionalInformationDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Convertible Notes and Long-term Debt Obligations - Pledged Assets - Additional Information (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 55 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R56.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100550 - Disclosure - Convertible Notes and Long-term Debt Obligations - Schedule of Aggregate Amount of Interest Expense Recognized (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Notes </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureConvertibleNotesAndLongTermDebtObligationsScheduleOfAggregateAmountOfInterestExpenseRecognizedDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Convertible Notes and Long-term Debt Obligations - Schedule of Aggregate Amount of Interest Expense Recognized (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 56 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R57.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100560 - Disclosure - Common Stock - Additional Information (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommonStockAdditionalInformationDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Common Stock - Additional Information (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 57 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R58.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100570 - Disclosure - Equity Incentive Plans - Additional Information (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityIncentivePlansAdditionalInformationDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Equity Incentive Plans - Additional Information (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 58 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R59.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100580 - Disclosure - Equity Incentive Plans - Summary of Stock Option and RSU Activity Under Plan (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityIncentivePlansSummaryOfStockOptionAndRSUActivityUnderPlanDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Equity Incentive Plans - Summary of Stock Option and RSU Activity Under Plan (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 59 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R60.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100590 - Disclosure - Equity Incentive Plans - Schedule of Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityIncentivePlansScheduleOfStockOptionsOutstandingAndExercisableDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Equity Incentive Plans - Schedule of Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 60 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R61.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100600 - Disclosure - Equity Incentive Plans - Schedule of Fair Value of Option Award and ESPP on Grant Date (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityIncentivePlansScheduleOfFairValueOfOptionAwardAndESPPOnGrantDateDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Equity Incentive Plans - Schedule of Fair Value of Option Award and ESPP on Grant Date (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 61 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R62.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100610 - Disclosure - Equity Incentive Plans - Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityIncentivePlansSummaryOfStockBasedCompensationExpenseDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Equity Incentive Plans - Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 62 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R63.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100620 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 63 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R64.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100630 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Schedule of Net Loss before Provision for Income Taxes (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesScheduleOfNetLossBeforeProvisionForIncomeTaxesDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Income Taxes - Schedule of Net Loss before Provision for Income Taxes (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 64 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R65.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100640 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Components of Provision for Income Taxes (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesComponentsOfProvisionForIncomeTaxesDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Income Taxes - Components of Provision for Income Taxes (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 65 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R66.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100650 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities) (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Income Taxes - Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities) (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 66 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R67.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100660 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Schedule of Reconciliation of Statutory Federal Income Taxes to Effective Taxes (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesScheduleOfReconciliationOfStatutoryFederalIncomeTaxesToEffectiveTaxesDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Income Taxes - Schedule of Reconciliation of Statutory Federal Income Taxes to Effective Taxes (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 67 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R68.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100670 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Schedule of Aggregate Changes in Balance of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesScheduleOfAggregateChangesInBalanceOfGrossUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Income Taxes - Schedule of Aggregate Changes in Balance of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 68 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R69.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100680 - Disclosure - Information about Geographic Areas - Additional Information (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInformationAboutGeographicAreasAdditionalInformationDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Information about Geographic Areas - Additional Information (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 69 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R70.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100690 - Disclosure - Information about Geographic Areas - Schedule of Revenues by Geographic Area (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInformationAboutGeographicAreasScheduleOfRevenuesByGeographicAreaDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Information about Geographic Areas - Schedule of Revenues by Geographic Area (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 70 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R71.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100700 - Disclosure - Information about Geographic Areas - Schedule of Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Area (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInformationAboutGeographicAreasScheduleOfLongLivedAssetsByGeographicAreaDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Information about Geographic Areas - Schedule of Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Area (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 71 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R72.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100710 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 72 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R73.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100720 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Future Minimum Commitments for Leases (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesScheduleOfFutureMinimumCommitmentsForLeasesDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Future Minimum Commitments for Leases (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 73 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="tsla-20151231.xml"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R74.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 100740 - Disclosure - Quarterly Results of Operations - Schedule of Selected Quarterly Results of Operations (Detail) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.teslamotors.com/20151231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureQuarterlyResultsOfOperationsScheduleOfSelectedQuarterlyResultsOfOperationsDetail </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Quarterly Results of Operations - Schedule of Selected Quarterly Results of Operations (Detail) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Details </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 74 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <LongName> All Reports </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Book </ReportType> |
| | | <ShortName> All Reports </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | </MyReports> |
| <InputFiles> |
| | <File> tsla-20151231.xml </File> |
| | <File> tsla-20151231.xsd </File> |
| | <File> tsla-20151231_cal.xml </File> |
| | <File> tsla-20151231_def.xml </File> |
| | <File> tsla-20151231_lab.xml </File> |
| | <File> tsla-20151231_pre.xml </File> |
| | </InputFiles> |
| <SupplementalFiles/> |
| <BaseTaxonomies/> |
| <HasPresentationLinkbase> true </HasPresentationLinkbase> |
| <HasCalculationLinkbase> true </HasCalculationLinkbase> |
| </FilingSummary> |