No definition available.

Name:	nktr_DebtInstrumentMaturityMonthAndYear
Namespace Prefix:	nktr_
Data Type:	xbrli:gYearMonthItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

Debt instrument maximum maturity period.

No definition available.

Name:	nktr_DebtInstrumentMaximumMaturityPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	nktr_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Debt Instrument Weighted Average Maturity Period One

No definition available.

Name:	nktr_DebtInstrumentWeightedAverageMaturityPeriodOne
Namespace Prefix:	nktr_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Letters Of Credit Outstanding

No definition available.

Name:	nktr_LettersOfCreditOutstanding
Namespace Prefix:	nktr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

The total amount of proceeds received for the sale of securities, categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities, during the reporting period.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 9

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27724398&loc=d3e27357-111563

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainsLossesSaleProceeds
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

Amount of transfers of assets measured on a recurring basis out of Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy into Level 2.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 820

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (bb)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25499696&loc=d3e19207-110258

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueAssetsLevel1ToLevel2TransfersAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Amount of transfers of assets measured on a recurring basis out of Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy into Level 1.

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueAssetsLevel2ToLevel1TransfersAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

The noncurrent cash, cash equivalents and investments that is restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits classified as long-term; that is not expected to be released from such existing restrictions within one year of the balance sheet date or operating cycle, whichever is longer. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. Includes noncurrent cash equivalents and investments that are similarly restricted as to withdrawal, usage or disposal.

No definition available.