| Cover | Sep. 14, 2020 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 14, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Nikola Corporation |
| Entity Incorporation, State or 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 | 666-1038 |
| Local Phone Number | 480 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | true |
| Entity Ex Transition Period | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001731289 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Common stock, $0.0001 par value per share | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, $0.0001 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | NKLA |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
