Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Account Activity Related to Resale Value Guarantee Program (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating Leases [Line Items]
Increase in operating lease vehicles under the resale value guarantee program	$ (197,734)	$ 18,220
Increase in deferred revenue related to Model S deliveries with resale value guarantee	(50,282)	(4,059)
Resale value guarantee liability-beginning of period	236,299
Increase in resale value guarantee	(54,318)
Resale value guarantee liability-end of period	290,617
Resale Value Guarantee [Member]
Operating Leases [Line Items]
Operating lease vehicles under the resale value guarantee program-beginning of period	376,979
Increase in operating lease vehicles under the resale value guarantee program	84,515
Depreciation expense recorded in cost of automotive sales	(12,402)
Additional depreciation expense recorded in cost of automotive sales as a result of early cancellation of resale value guarantee	(2,060)
Operating lease vehicles under the resale value guarantee program-end of period	447,032
Deferred revenue-beginning of period	230,856
Increase in deferred revenue related to Model S deliveries with resale value guarantee	63,070
Amortization of deferred revenue recorded in automotive sales	(21,779)
Additional revenue recorded in automotive sales as a result of early cancellation of resale value guarantee	(1,441)
Deferred revenue-end of period	270,706
Resale value guarantee liability-beginning of period	236,298
Increase in resale value guarantee	55,602
Additional revenue recorded in automotive sales as a result of early cancellation of resale value guarantee	(1,283)
Resale value guarantee liability-end of period	$ 290,617