| Document And Entity Information | Aug. 16, 2021 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity, Registrant Name | NOVATION COMPANIES, INC. |
| Document, Type | 8-K |
| Document, Period End Date | Aug. 16, 2021 |
| Entity, Incorporation, State or Country Code | MD |
| Entity, File Number | 000-22897 |
| Entity, Tax Identification Number | 74-2830661 |
| Entity, Address, Address Line One | 9229 Ward Parkway, Suite 340 |
| Entity, Address, City or Town | Kansas City |
| Entity, Address, State or Province | MO |
| Entity, Address, Postal Zip Code | 64114 |
| City Area Code | 816 |
| Local Phone Number | 237-7000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity, Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity, Central Index Key | 0001025953 |
