| Cover Page | Sep. 03, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K/A |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 1, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | ZOVIO INC |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-34272 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 59-3551629 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1811 E. Northrop Blvd |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Chandler, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | AZ |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 85286 |
| City Area Code | 858 |
| Local Phone Number | 668-2586 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | ZVO |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001305323 |
| Amendment Flag | true |
| Amendment Description | To file Exhibit 2.1, the Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated August 1, 2020 |
