| Cover | Nov. 05, 2020 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 5, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | VELODYNE LIDAR, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-38703 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 83-1138508 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 5521 Hellyer Avenue |
| Entity Address, City or Town | San Jose |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001745317 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 95138 |
| City Area Code | 275-2251 |
| Local Phone Number | 669 |
| 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 |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.0001 par value |
| Trading Symbol | VLDR |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Warrant [Member] | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Warrants, each exercisable for three-quarters of one share of common stock |
| Trading Symbol | VLDRW |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
