| Document and Entity Information | Feb. 13, 2020 |
| Document and Entity Information [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 13, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | NVIDIA CORP |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001045810 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 0-23985 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 94-3177549 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2788 San Tomas Expressway |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Santa Clara |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 95051 |
| City Area Code | 408 |
| Local Phone Number | 486-2000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | NVDA |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
