| Document And Entity Information | Feb. 13, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 13, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Tesla, Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001318605 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 001-34756 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 91-2197729 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3500 Deer Creek Road |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Palo Alto |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94304 |
| City Area Code | 650 |
| Local Phone Number | 681-5000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of each class | Common stock |
| Trading Symbol | TSLA |
| Name of each exchange on which registered | NASDAQ |
