| Document and Entity Information | Dec. 21, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | Nikola Corp |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001731289 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Dec. 21, 2021 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-38495 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 82-4151153 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 4141 E Broadway Road |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Phoenix |
| Entity Address, State or Province | AZ |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 85040 |
| City Area Code | (480) |
| Local Phone Number | 666-1038 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | NKLA |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
