v3.6.0.2
Acquisition of SolarCity - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
 1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Nov. 21, 2016
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2016
Sep. 30, 2016
Jun. 30, 2016
Mar. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Sep. 30, 2015
Jun. 30, 2015
Mar. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Jul. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                            
Net revenue     $ 2,284,631 $ 2,298,436 $ 1,270,017 $ 1,147,048 $ 1,214,379 $ 936,789 $ 954,976 $ 939,880 $ 7,000,132 $ 4,046,025 $ 3,198,356  
Operating loss                     $ (667,340) $ (716,629) $ (186,689)  
SolarCity [Member]                            
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                            
Acquisition date                     Nov. 21, 2016      
Business combination, common stock conversion basis each issued and outstanding share of SolarCity common stock was converted into 0.110 (the “Exchange Ratio”) shares of Tesla common stock.                          
Business combination, stock conversion ratio of shares 0.11%                          
Fair value of consideration transferred, total $ 2,145,977                          
Stock-based compensation expense 95,900                          
Business acquisition transaction costs 21,700                          
Recognized gain on acquisition $ 88,727   $ 88,700                      
Net revenue   $ 84,100                        
Operating loss   $ 68,200                        
SolarCity [Member] | Common Stock [Member]                            
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                            
Stock price $ 185.04                         $ 230.01