Property Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Interest expense capitalized	$ 37,300	$ 11,400	$ 96,000	$ 30,400
Property, plant and equipment, net	9,394,397		9,394,397		$ 5,982,957
Other long-term liabilities	2,382,830		2,382,830		1,891,449
Depreciation and amortization expense	197,500	$ 126,800	534,200	$ 337,900
Gross property and equipment assets under capital leases	612,300		612,300		112,600
Accumulated depreciation on property and equipment under capital leases	88,300		88,300		40,200
Build To Suit Arrangements [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,590,000		1,590,000		1,320,000
Liability recorded relating to guarantees	17,500		17,500		3,800
Other long-term liabilities	1,620,000		1,620,000		1,320,000
Gigafactory [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Costs related to construction activities	$ 2,850,000		$ 2,850,000		$ 1,040,000