v3.19.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2019
May 15, 2019
Document And Entity Information    
Entity Registrant Name Kaixin Auto Holdings  
Entity Central Index Key 0001713539  
Document Type 10-Q  
Trading Symbol CMSS  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2019  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity's Reporting Status Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business true  
Entity Emerging Growth Company true  
Entity Ex Transition Period false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   61,352,859
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019