Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract]
Common stock issued, per share	$ 92.20tsla_CommonStockOfferingPricePerShare	$ 28.25tsla_CommonStockOfferingPricePerShare
Common stock initial public offering issuance costs	$ 6,367	$ 584
Common stock issued private placement, per share	$ 92.20

Common stock initial public offering issuance costs.

No definition available.

Name:	tsla_CommonStockInitialPublicOfferingIssuanceCosts
Namespace Prefix:	tsla_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration