| Document and Entity Information | Nov. 10, 2021 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001811063 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 10, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Nuvation Bio Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-39351 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 85-0862255 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1500 Broadway |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 1401 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | New York |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 10036 |
| City Area Code | (332) |
| Local Phone Number | 208-6102 |
| 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] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Class A Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | NUVB |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Warrant [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Redeemable Warrants, each whole warrant exercisable for one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share |
| Trading Symbol | NUVB.WS |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
