v3.20.2

Debt - Additional Information (Details) |  |  | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Jun. 25, 2020 USD ($) | Apr. 23, 2020 USD ($) day $ / shares | Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) agreement | Jun. 30, 2020 USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) agreement | Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) | May 22, 2019 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from debt |  |  |  |  |  | $ 371,681,000 | $ 243,726,000 |  |
Purchases of capped calls in connection with convertible senior notes |  |  |  | $ 50,540,000 |  |  |  |  |
Loss on debt extinguishment |  | $ 11,700,000 | $ 0 |  | $ 0 | 11,671,000 | $ 0 |  |
Deferred financing costs |  |  | $ 116,352,000 |  |  | $ 116,352,000 |  | $ 7,238,000 |
Number of contracts (in contracts) | agreement |  |  | 2 |  |  | 2 |  |  |
Deferred government grant obligations |  |  | $ 3,500,000 |  |  | $ 3,500,000 |  |  |
Prince George's County, Maryland |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate |  |  | 3.00% |  |  | 3.00% |  |  |
Deferred government grant obligations |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest payable |  |  | $ 400,000 |  |  | $ 400,000 |  | $ 300,000 |
Convertible senior notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair value |  |  | 547,200,000 |  |  | 547,200,000 |  |  |
The Notes | Convertible senior notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Aggregate principal amount |  | 380,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from debt |  | $ 369,600,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate |  | 2.25% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt issuance costs |  |  | $ 7,300,000 |  |  | $ 12,300,000 |  |  |
Debt instrument, effective interest rate percentage |  |  | 11.20% |  |  | 10.80% |  |  |
Debt instrument, convertible, carrying Amount |  | $ 117,800,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, convertible, threshold percentage of stock price trigger |  | 130.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, convertible, threshold trading days | day |  | 20 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, convertible, threshold consecutive trading days | day |  | 30 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, convertible, threshold consecutive trading days, sale price per share | day |  | 5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, convertible, measurement period | day |  | 10 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, threshold percentage of sales price per share |  | 98.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, convertible, conversion ratio |  | 0.0353773 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, convertible, conversion price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares |  | $ 28.27 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Capped call, cap price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares |  | $ 44.34 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Purchases of capped calls in connection with convertible senior notes |  | $ 50,500,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
The Notes | Convertible senior notes | Measurement Input, Discount Rate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, discount rate |  | 0.103 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Credit Agreement | Letter of Credit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Aggregate principal amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 250,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity | $ 50,000,000 |  | $ 50,000,000.0 |  |  | $ 50,000,000.0 |  |  |
Debt instrument, principal amount of the lenders' commitments, maximum | $ 100,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Outstanding amount under credit agreement |  |  | $ 0 |  |  | $ 0 |  |  |
Repayments of Debt |  | $ 250,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest payable |  | 1,300,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Deferred financing costs |  | 9,200,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Prepayment premium |  | $ 2,500,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Credit Agreement | Letter of Credit | LIBOR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Variable rate, applicable margin | 3.75% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Credit Agreement | Letter of Credit | LIBOR | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Variable rate, applicable margin | 0.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Credit Agreement | Letter of Credit | Base rate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Variable rate, applicable margin | 2.75% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

X
- Definition Debt Instrument, Convertible, Measurement Period + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | twou_DebtInstrumentConvertibleMeasurementPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | twou_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Consecutive Trading Days, Sale Price Per Share + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | twou_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveTradingDaysSalePricePerShare
Namespace Prefix: | twou_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Debt Instrument, Effective Interest Rate Percentage + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | twou_DebtInstrumentEffectiveInterestRatePercentage
Namespace Prefix: | twou_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Debt Instrument, Prepayment Premium + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | twou_DebtInstrumentPrepaymentPremium
Namespace Prefix: | twou_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Debt Instrument, Principal Amount Of The Lenders' Commitments, Maximum + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | twou_DebtInstrumentPrincipalAmountOfTheLendersCommitmentsMaximum
Namespace Prefix: | twou_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Debt Instrument, Threshold Percentage of Sales Price Per Share + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | twou_DebtInstrumentThresholdPercentageofSalesPricePerShare
Namespace Prefix: | twou_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of deferred government grant obligations due beyond one year or the operating cycle, whichever is longer. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | twou_DeferredGovernmentGrantObligationsNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | twou_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Represents the number of government grants. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | twou_NumberOfGovernmentGrants
Namespace Prefix: | twou_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Option Indexed To Issuer's Equity, Cap Price + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | twou_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityCapPrice
Namespace Prefix: | twou_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of subsequent adjustments to additional paid in capital for convertible financial instruments where a component of equity and a component of debt are recognized. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalEquityComponentOfConvertibleDebtSubsequentAdjustments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of amortization expense attributable to debt discount (premium) and debt issuance costs. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121586364&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=119993939&loc=d3e28555-108399 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCostsAndDiscounts
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The carrying amount of the equity component of convertible debt which may be settled in cash upon conversion. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120520924&loc=SL6031897-161870 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleCarryingAmountOfTheEquityComponent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The price per share of the conversion feature embedded in the debt instrument. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120520924&loc=SL6031898-161870 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Ratio applied to the conversion of debt instrument into equity with equity shares divided by debt principal amount. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 7 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21521-112644 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21506-112644 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(5)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21475-112644 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Threshold period of specified consecutive trading days within which common stock price to conversion price of convertible debt instrument must exceed threshold percentage for specified number of trading days to trigger conversion feature. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveTradingDays1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Minimum percentage of common stock price to conversion price of convertible debt instruments to determine eligibility of conversion. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdPercentageOfStockPriceTrigger
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Threshold number of specified trading days that common stock price to conversion price of convertible debt instruments must exceed threshold percentage within a specified consecutive trading period to trigger conversion feature. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdTradingDays
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=119993939&loc=d3e28551-108399 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 55 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775985&loc=d3e28878-108400 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -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=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

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_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Value of input used to measure debt instrument, including, but not limited to, convertible and non-convertible debt. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (bbb)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117815213&loc=d3e19207-110258 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMeasurementInput
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount, after accumulated amortization, of debt issuance costs. Includes, but is not limited to, legal, accounting, underwriting, printing, and registration costs. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.17) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=119993939&loc=d3e28555-108399 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Difference between the fair value of payments made and the carrying amount of debt which is extinguished prior to maturity. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 50 -Section 40 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117329964&loc=d3e12355-112629 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 50 -Section 40 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117329964&loc=d3e12317-112629 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121586364&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of interest payable on debt, including, but not limited to, trade payables. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.15(5)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120398452&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.15(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400017&loc=d3e572229-122910 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value of the amount outstanding under the credit facility. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 10 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121572278&loc=d3e13433-108611 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityFairValueOfAmountOutstanding
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The fair value amount of long-term debt whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The cash inflow during the period from additional borrowings in aggregate debt. Includes proceeds from short-term and long-term debt. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 14 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121586364&loc=d3e3255-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow during the period from the repayment of aggregate short-term and long-term debt. Excludes payment of capital lease obligations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121586364&loc=d3e3291-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis=twou_PrinceGeorgesCountyMarylandMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=twou_DeferredGovernmentGrantObligationsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=twou_TheNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis=us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=twou_CreditAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=us-gaap_BaseRateMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |