Adjustments to additional paid in capital increase (decrease) in stock split.

No definition available.

Name:	tsla_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncreaseDecreaseInStockSplit
Namespace Prefix:	tsla_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Conversion price per share.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	tsla_ConversionPricePerShare
Namespace Prefix:	tsla_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt conversion converted for cash.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	tsla_DebtConversionConvertedForCash
Namespace Prefix:	tsla_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt instrument convertible conversion price percentage.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	tsla_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPricePercentage
Namespace Prefix:	tsla_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Long term debt and finance leases current.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	tsla_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeasesCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	tsla_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Long term debt and finance leases, noncurrent

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	tsla_LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeasesNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	tsla_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The number of shares we purchase under note hedge transactions entered.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	tsla_NoteHedgesNumberOfSharesContractedToBuy
Namespace Prefix:	tsla_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The cost of the convertible note hedge transactions.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	tsla_NoteHedgesTransactionCosts
Namespace Prefix:	tsla_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of common shares received.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	tsla_NumberOfCommonSharesReceived
Namespace Prefix:	tsla_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Percentage of principal amount of convertible notes is equal to repurchase price.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	tsla_PercentageOfPrincipalAmountOfConvertibleNotesIsEqualToRepurchasePrice
Namespace Prefix:	tsla_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Purchase price per common stock.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	tsla_PurchasePricePerCommonStock
Namespace Prefix:	tsla_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Reclassifications of temporary equity to equity component of debt instrument.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	tsla_ReclassificationsOfTemporaryEquityToEquityComponentOfDebtInstrument
Namespace Prefix:	tsla_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Exercise price per share or per unit of warrants or rights outstanding.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21475-112644

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number of securities into which the class of warrant or right may be converted. For example, but not limited to, 500,000 warrants may be converted into 1,000,000 shares.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The value of the financial instrument(s) that the original debt is being converted into in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121583591&loc=d3e4304-108586

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121583591&loc=d3e4332-108586

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of shares issued in exchange for the original debt being converted in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or payments in the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121583591&loc=d3e4332-108586

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121583591&loc=d3e4304-108586

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of the original debt being converted in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtConversionOriginalDebtAmount1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The price per share of the conversion feature embedded in the debt instrument.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120520924&loc=SL6031898-161870

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The amount by which the convertible debt's if-converted value exceeds its principle amount at the balance sheet date, regardless of whether the instrument is currently convertible. This element applies to public companies only.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120520924&loc=SL6031898-161870

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleIfConvertedValueInExcessOfPrincipal
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Threshold period of specified consecutive trading days within which common stock price to conversion price of convertible debt instrument must exceed threshold percentage for specified number of trading days to trigger conversion feature.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveTradingDays1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Threshold number of specified trading days that common stock price to conversion price of convertible debt instruments must exceed threshold percentage within a specified consecutive trading period to trigger conversion feature.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdTradingDays
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=119993939&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775985&loc=d3e28878-108400

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Effective interest rate for the funds borrowed under the debt agreement considering interest compounding and original issue discount or premium.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120520924&loc=SL6036836-161870

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=119993939&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percentage price of original principal amount of debt at which debt can be redeemed by the issuer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph e
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=75038535&loc=d3e64711-112823

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash inflow from additional borrowings, net of cash paid to third parties in connection with debt origination.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121586364&loc=d3e3255-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash inflow from issuance of rights to purchase common shares at predetermined price (usually issued together with corporate debt).

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121586364&loc=d3e3255-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtConversionByUniqueDescriptionAxis=tsla_OneHundredThirtyPercentApplicableConversionPriceMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=tsla_TwoPointZeroZeroPercentSeniorConvertibleNoteDueTwentyTwentyFourMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=tsla_RecourseDebtMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtConversionByUniqueDescriptionAxis=tsla_NinetyEightPercentApplicableConversionPriceMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Debt - 2024 Notes, Bond Hedges and Warrant Transactions - Additional Information (Detail)	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019 USD ($) d $ / shares shares	Mar. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) d shares	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Hedge transactions		$ 398,000,000
Proceeds from issuance of warrants		$ 257,000,000			$ 174,000,000
Debt and finance leases, net of current portion			$ 9,556,000,000	$ 9,556,000,000	11,634,000,000
Current portion of debt and finance leases			$ 2,132,000,000	2,132,000,000	$ 1,785,000,000
Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument convertible, percentage of conversion price			130.00%
One Hundred Thirty Percent Applicable Conversion Price [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument convertible consecutive trading days \| d			20
One Hundred Thirty Percent Applicable Conversion Price [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument convertible trading days \| d			30
2.00% Convertible Senior Notes due in 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of convertible senior notes	$ 1,840,000,000
Proceeds from convertible senior notes, net of underwriting discounts and issuance costs	1,820,000,000
Convertible principal amount	$ 1,000			$ 558,000,000
Shares issued upon conversion of each $1000 principal amount \| shares	16.1380			8,000,000.0
Convertible notes, conversion price \| $ / shares	$ 61.97
Debt instrument convertible, percentage of conversion price	130.00%
Product percentage of closing sale price of common stock	98.00%
Percentage of repurchase price is equal to principal amount of convertible notes	100.00%
Debt conversion, converted instrument, amount	$ 491,000,000
Debt instrument, effective interest rate	8.68%
Payment for purchase of common stock \| shares	29,700,000
Common stock purchase price \| $ / shares	$ 61.97
Hedge transactions	$ 476,000,000
Shares issued under warrants \| shares	29,700,000
Exercise price of warrant \| $ / shares	$ 121.50
Proceeds from issuance of warrants	$ 174,000,000
Debt conversion converted for cash				$ 558,000,000
Increase (decrease) to additional paid in capital, stock split				$ (31,000,000)
Number of common shares received \| shares			8,000,000.0	8,000,000.0
Debt instrument convertible, if-converted value in excess of principal				$ 13,320,000,000
2.00% Convertible Senior Notes due in 2024 [Member] \| Recourse debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and finance leases, net of current portion			$ (171,000,000)	(171,000,000)
Current portion of debt and finance leases			$ 171,000,000	171,000,000
Difference between the aggregate principal and carrying value as mezzanine equity				$ 43,000,000
2.00% Convertible Senior Notes due in 2024 [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Conversion price per share \| $ / shares	$ 61.97
2.00% Convertible Senior Notes due in 2024 [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Conversion price per share \| $ / shares	$ 121.50
2.00% Convertible Senior Notes due in 2024 [Member] \| One Hundred Thirty Percent Applicable Conversion Price [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument convertible consecutive trading days \| d	20
2.00% Convertible Senior Notes due in 2024 [Member] \| One Hundred Thirty Percent Applicable Conversion Price [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument convertible trading days \| d	30
2.00% Convertible Senior Notes due in 2024 [Member] \| Ninety Eight Percent Applicable Conversion Price
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument convertible consecutive trading days \| d	5