| Cover | Feb. 25, 2021 | Nov. 09, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 25, 2021 | |
| 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 | |
| Local Phone Number | 480 | |
| City Area Code | 666-1038 | |
| Written Communications | false | |
| Soliciting Material | false | |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false | |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, $0.0001 par value per share | |
| Trading Symbol | NKLA | |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001731289 | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
