Convertible and Long-term Debt Obligations - Schedule of Interest Expense (Detail) - SolarCity [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual interest coupon	$ 39,129	$ 27,060	$ 32,061
Amortization of debt issuance costs	6,932	8,567	8,102
Amortization of debt discounts	114,023	99,811	97,786
Total	$ 160,084	$ 135,438	$ 137,949