<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.19.3.a.u2</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>209</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>483</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>false</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>77</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>6</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0001001 - Document - Cover Page</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/CoverPage</Role>
      <ShortName>Cover Page</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001002 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1002003 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003004 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofOperationsandComprehensiveLoss</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004005 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1005006 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2101101 - Disclosure - Organization</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/Organization</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2102102 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2109103 - Disclosure - Recent Accounting Pronouncements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/RecentAccountingPronouncements</Role>
      <ShortName>Recent Accounting Pronouncements</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2111104 - Disclosure - Virgin Galactic Business Combination</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/VirginGalacticBusinessCombination</Role>
      <ShortName>Virgin Galactic Business Combination</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2115105 - Disclosure - Related Party Transactions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions</Role>
      <ShortName>Related Party Transactions</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2117106 - Disclosure - Inventory</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/Inventory</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventory</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2121107 - Disclosure - Property, Plant, and Equipment, net</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/PropertyPlantandEquipmentnet</Role>
      <ShortName>Property, Plant, and Equipment, net</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2125108 - Disclosure - Leases</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/Leases</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2131109 - Disclosure - Accrued Liabilities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/AccruedLiabilities</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Liabilities</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2134110 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/IncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2143111 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/StockholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2145112 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/EarningsPerShare</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2149113 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/StockBasedCompensation</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2156114 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/CommitmentsandContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2160115 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plan</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlan</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plan</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2162116 - Disclosure - Supplemental Cash Flow Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/SupplementalCashFlowInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Cash Flow Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2165117 - Disclosure - Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataunaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2203201 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Policies</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies</ParentRole>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2304301 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies</ParentRole>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2312302 - Disclosure - Virgin Galactic Business Combination (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/VirginGalacticBusinessCombinationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Virgin Galactic Business Combination (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/VirginGalacticBusinessCombination</ParentRole>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2318303 - Disclosure - Inventory (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/InventoryTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventory (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/Inventory</ParentRole>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2322304 - Disclosure - Property, Plant, and Equipment, net (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/PropertyPlantandEquipmentnetTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Property, Plant, and Equipment, net (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/PropertyPlantandEquipmentnet</ParentRole>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2326305 - Disclosure - Leases (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/LeasesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/Leases</ParentRole>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2332306 - Disclosure - Accrued Liabilities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/AccruedLiabilitiesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Liabilities (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/AccruedLiabilities</ParentRole>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2335307 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/IncomeTaxes</ParentRole>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2346308 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/EarningsPerShare</ParentRole>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2350309 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/StockBasedCompensationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/StockBasedCompensation</ParentRole>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2357310 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/CommitmentsandContingencies</ParentRole>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2363311 - Disclosure - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/SupplementalCashFlowInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/SupplementalCashFlowInformation</ParentRole>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2366312 - Disclosure - Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataunauditedTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataunaudited</ParentRole>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405401 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406402 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Reclassifications) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesReclassificationsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Reclassifications) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407403 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Useful Lives of Property and Equipment) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleofUsefulLivesofPropertyandEquipmentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Useful Lives of Property and Equipment) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408404 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Assets at Fair Value) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleofAssetsatFairValueDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Assets at Fair Value) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410405 - Disclosure - Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/RecentAccountingPronouncementsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/RecentAccountingPronouncements</ParentRole>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413406 - Disclosure - Virgin Galactic Business Combination (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/VirginGalacticBusinessCombinationNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Virgin Galactic Business Combination (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/VirginGalacticBusinessCombinationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2414407 - Disclosure - Virgin Galactic Business Combination (Summary of Common Stock) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/VirginGalacticBusinessCombinationSummaryofCommonStockDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Virgin Galactic Business Combination (Summary of Common Stock) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/VirginGalacticBusinessCombinationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416408 - Disclosure - Related Party Transactions (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Related Party Transactions (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions</ParentRole>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2419409 - Disclosure - Inventory (Schedule of Inventory) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/InventoryScheduleofInventoryDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventory (Schedule of Inventory) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/InventoryTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420410 - Disclosure - Inventory (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/InventoryNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventory (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/InventoryTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2423411 - Disclosure - Property, Plant, and Equipment, net (Schedule of Property, Plant, and Equipment) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/PropertyPlantandEquipmentnetScheduleofPropertyPlantandEquipmentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Property, Plant, and Equipment, net (Schedule of Property, Plant, and Equipment) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/PropertyPlantandEquipmentnetTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2424412 - Disclosure - Property, Plant, and Equipment, net (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/PropertyPlantandEquipmentnetNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Property, Plant, and Equipment, net (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/PropertyPlantandEquipmentnetTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2427413 - Disclosure - Leases (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/LeasesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/LeasesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2428414 - Disclosure - Leases (Lease Cost) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/LeasesLeaseCostDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases (Lease Cost) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/LeasesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2429415 - Disclosure - Leases (Cash Flow Information) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/LeasesCashFlowInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases (Cash Flow Information) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/LeasesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2430416 - Disclosure - Leases (Supplemental Balance Sheet) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/LeasesSupplementalBalanceSheetDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases (Supplemental Balance Sheet) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/LeasesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2433417 - Disclosure - Accrued Liabilities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/AccruedLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Liabilities (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/AccruedLiabilitiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2436418 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Loss Before Income Taxes) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/IncomeTaxesLossBeforeIncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Loss Before Income Taxes) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2437419 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Income Tax Expense) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxExpenseDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Income Tax Expense) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2438420 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2439421 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/IncomeTaxesDeferredTaxAssetsandLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2440422 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tax Credit Carryforwards) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/IncomeTaxesTaxCreditCarryforwardsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Tax Credit Carryforwards) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2441423 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/IncomeTaxesEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2442424 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Change in Uncertain Tax Positions) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/IncomeTaxesChangeinUncertainTaxPositionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Change in Uncertain Tax Positions) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2444425 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/StockholdersEquityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/StockholdersEquity</ParentRole>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2447426 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Earnings Per Share) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/EarningsPerShareScheduleofEarningsPerShareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Earnings Per Share) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2448427 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/EarningsPerShareNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>63</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2451428 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/StockBasedCompensationNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/StockBasedCompensationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>64</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2452429 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (2014 Stock Plan Activity) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/StockBasedCompensation2014StockPlanActivityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation (2014 Stock Plan Activity) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/StockBasedCompensationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>65</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2453430 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (2019 Stock Plan Activity) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/StockBasedCompensation2019StockPlanActivityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation (2019 Stock Plan Activity) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/StockBasedCompensationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>66</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2454431 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (RSU Activity) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/StockBasedCompensationRSUActivityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation (RSU Activity) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/StockBasedCompensationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>67</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2455432 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Valuation Assumptions) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/StockBasedCompensationValuationAssumptionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation (Valuation Assumptions) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/StockBasedCompensationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>68</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2458433 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>69</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2459434 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Lease Maturities) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesLeaseMaturitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Lease Maturities) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>70</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2461435 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plan (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlanDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plan (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlan</ParentRole>
      <Position>71</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2464436 - Disclosure - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/SupplementalCashFlowInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/SupplementalCashFlowInformationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>72</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="spce-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2467437 - Disclosure - Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataunauditedDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.virgingalactic.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataunauditedTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>73</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File doctype="10-K" original="spce-20191231.htm">spce-20191231.htm</File>
    <File>spce-20191231.xsd</File>
    <File>spce-20191231_cal.xml</File>
    <File>spce-20191231_def.xml</File>
    <File>spce-20191231_lab.xml</File>
    <File>spce-20191231_pre.xml</File>
    <File>spce-20191231exh231.htm</File>
    <File>spce-20191231exh321.htm</File>
    <File>spce-20191231exh322.htm</File>
    <File>spce-20191231exh44.htm</File>
    <File>spce201910-kexh311.htm</File>
    <File>spce201910-kexh312.htm</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles>
    <File>spce-20191231_g1.jpg</File>
    <File>spce-20191231_g2.jpg</File>
    <File>spce-20191231_g3.jpg</File>
    <File>spce-20191231_g4.jpg</File>
    <File>spce-20191231_g5.jpg</File>
  </SupplementalFiles>
  <BaseTaxonomies>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/srt/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
  </BaseTaxonomies>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
