v3.19.3.a.u2

Segment and Geographic Information - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) segment | Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of reportable segments (in segments) | segment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2 |  |
Revenue | $ 163,178 | $ 153,798 | $ 135,461 | $ 122,234 | $ 115,095 | $ 106,963 | $ 97,423 | $ 92,288 | $ 574,671 | $ 411,769 | $ 286,752
Accounts receivable, net | 33,655 |  |  |  | 32,636 |  |  |  | 33,655 | 32,636 |
Graduate Program Segment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenue |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 417,206 | 348,361 | 270,432
Accounts receivable, net | 3,454 |  |  |  | 31,110 |  |  |  | 3,454 | 31,110 |
Deferred revenue, recognized during period |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,400 | 2,500 |
Net capitalized contract acquisition costs | 500 |  |  |  | 300 |  |  |  | 500 | 300 |
Additional net capitalized contract acquisition cost |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 200 |  |
Alternative Credential Segment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenue |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 157,465 | 63,408 | 16,320
Accounts receivable, net | 12,436 |  |  |  | 982 |  |  |  | 12,436 | 982 |
Deferred revenue, recognized during period |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5,400 | 4,500 |
Alternative Credential Segment | Non-US |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenue |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 40,800 | 33,900 | 10,000
Long-lived assets | 2,700 |  |  |  | 1,200 |  |  |  | 2,700 | 1,200 |
University client 1 | Revenue | Customer concentration risk | Graduate Program Segment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenue |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 83,500 | $ 86,900 | $ 77,600
Percentage of concentration of credit risk |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 15.00% | 21.00% | 27.00%
University client 1 | Accounts receivable | Credit concentration risk | Graduate Program Segment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of concentration of credit risk |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 18.00% | 36.00% |
Accounts receivable, net | 6,100 |  |  |  | 11,900 |  |  |  | $ 6,100 | $ 11,900 |
University client 2 | Revenue | Customer concentration risk | Graduate Program Segment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenue |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 54,200 | $ 48,200
Percentage of concentration of credit risk |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 13.00% | 17.00%
University client 2 | Accounts receivable | Credit concentration risk | Graduate Program Segment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of concentration of credit risk |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 15.00% | 36.00% |
Accounts receivable, net | $ 4,900 |  |  |  | $ 11,800 |  |  |  | $ 4,900 | $ 11,800 |
University client 3 | Revenue | Customer concentration risk | Graduate Program Segment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenue |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 42,700 | $ 30,100
Percentage of concentration of credit risk |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 10.00% | 11.00%
University Client 4 | Revenue | Customer concentration risk | Graduate Program Segment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenue |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 28,300
Percentage of concentration of credit risk |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 10.00%
1 University Client | Revenue | Customer concentration risk | Alternative Credential Segment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of concentration of credit risk |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 22.00% |  |
1 University Client | Sales Revenue Segment Revenue | Customer concentration risk | Alternative Credential Segment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenue |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 33,900 |  |
3 University Clients | Sales Revenue Segment Revenue | Customer concentration risk | Alternative Credential Segment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of concentration of credit risk |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 81.00% |  | 82.00%

X
- Definition Capitalized Contract Cost, Additional Costs Capitalized + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | twou_CapitalizedContractCostAdditionalCostsCapitalized
Namespace Prefix: | twou_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount, after allowance for credit loss, of right to consideration from customer for product sold and service rendered in normal course of business, classified as current. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118956577&loc=SL49130549-203045 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118952595&loc=d3e4428-111522 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(3)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118951113&loc=d3e6676-107765 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 9 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118952595&loc=d3e4531-111522 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount, after accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment loss, of asset recognized from cost incurred to obtain or fulfill contract with customer. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 340 -SubTopic 40 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68051541&loc=SL49131252-203054 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CapitalizedContractCostNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition For an entity that discloses a concentration risk in relation to quantitative amount, which serves as the "benchmark" (or denominator) in the equation, this concept represents the concentration percentage derived from the division. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 275 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 18 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=99393423&loc=d3e6351-108592 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 20 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118260190&loc=d3e13531-108611 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 21 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118260190&loc=d3e13537-108611 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 275 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 20 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=99393423&loc=d3e6404-108592 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of revenue recognized that was previously included in balance of obligation to transfer good or service to customer for which consideration from customer has been received or is due. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118956577&loc=SL49130549-203045 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Long-lived assets other than financial instruments, long-term customer relationships of a financial institution, mortgage and other servicing rights, deferred policy acquisition costs, and deferred tax assets. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 41 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115929826&loc=d3e9038-108599 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NoncurrentAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Number of segments reported by the entity. A reportable segment is a component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount, excluding tax collected from customer, of revenue from satisfaction of performance obligation by transferring promised good or service to customer. Tax collected from customer is tax assessed by governmental authority that is both imposed on and concurrent with specific revenue-producing transaction, including, but not limited to, sales, use, value added and excise. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118956577&loc=SL49130543-203045 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118956577&loc=SL49130545-203045 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount, including tax collected from customer, of revenue from satisfaction of performance obligation by transferring promised good or service to customer. Tax collected from customer is tax assessed by governmental authority that is both imposed on and concurrent with specific revenue-producing transaction, including, but not limited to, sales, use, value-added and excise. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118956577&loc=SL49130545-203045 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118956577&loc=SL49130543-203045 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=twou_GraduateProgramSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=twou_AlternativeCredentialSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_StatementGeographicalAxis=us-gaap_NonUsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_MajorCustomersAxis=twou_UniversityClientOneMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis=us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerSegmentBenchmarkMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis=us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis=us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis=us-gaap_CreditConcentrationRiskMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_MajorCustomersAxis=twou_UniversityClientTwoMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_MajorCustomersAxis=twou_UniversityClientThreeMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_MajorCustomersAxis=twou_UniversityClientFourMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_MajorCustomersAxis=twou_OneUniversityClientMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis=twou_SalesRevenueSegmentRevenueMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_MajorCustomersAxis=twou_ThreeUniversityClientsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |