Property Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Interest expense capitalized	$ 23,300	$ 9,100
Property, plant and equipment, net	7,016,551		$ 5,982,957
Other long-term liabilities	2,081,822		1,891,449
Depreciation and amortization expense	160,100	$ 99,200
Gross property and equipment assets under capital leases	279,200		112,600
Accumulated depreciation on property and equipment under capital leases	48,900		40,200
Build To Suit Arrangements [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,380,000		1,320,000
Liability recorded relating to guarantees	11,100		3,800
Other long-term liabilities	1,400,000		1,320,000
Gigafactory [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Costs related to construction activities	$ 1,140,000		$ 825,300