v3.19.3.a.u2
Debt - Zero-Coupon Convertible Senior Notes due in 2020 - Additional Information (Detail)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
d
$ / shares
shares
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2015
USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Convertible senior notes issued to related parties $ 3,000,000 $ 3,000,000  
Zero-Coupon Convertible Senior Notes due in 2020 [Member] | SolarCity [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Convertible senior notes issued to related parties     $ 13,000,000
Maturity Date Dec. 01, 2020    
Debt conversion aggregate principal amount $ 1,000    
Convertible instrument, shares issued | shares 3.3333    
Convertible notes, conversion price | $ / shares $ 300.00    
Debt instrument redeemed description The convertible senior note holders may require us to repurchase their convertible senior notes for cash only under certain defined fundamental changes. On or after June 30, 2017, the convertible senior notes are redeemable by us in the event that the closing price of our common stock exceeds 200% of the conversion price for 45 consecutive trading days ending within three trading days of such redemption notice at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest.    
Common stock price to conversion price, percentage 200.00%    
Debt instrument convertible trading days | d 45    
Percentage of redemption price 100.00%    
Debt instrument convertible, if-converted value in excess of principal $ 41,000,000    
Zero-Coupon Convertible Senior Notes due in 2020 [Member] | SolarCity [Member] | Maximum [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Convertible instrument, shares issued | shares 4.2308    
Zero-Coupon Convertible Senior Notes due in 2020 [Member] | SolarCity [Member] | Minimum [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Convertible notes, conversion price | $ / shares $ 236.36    
Zero-Coupon Convertible Senior Notes due in 2020 [Member] | SolarCity [Member] | Private Placement [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Principal amount of convertible senior notes     $ 113,000,000
Interest Rate     0.00%