| Cover | Mar. 05, 2021 | Feb. 25, 2021 | Nov. 09, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |||
| Document Type | 8-K | ||
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 5, 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 |
