| Cover | Mar. 03, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 8, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | SHIFT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-38839 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 82-5325852 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2525 16th Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 316 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | San Francisco |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94103 |
| City Area Code | 855 |
| Local Phone Number | 575-6739 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | SFT |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | true |
| Entity Ex Transition Period | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001762322 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
