Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Accrued Expenses Accounts Payable Current Accounts payable Accounts Receivable Net Current Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $680 and $738 as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively Accretion Amortization Of Discounts And Premiums Investments Amortization & accretion of marketable securities Accrued Insurance Current Insurance Accrued Liabilities Current Accrued expenses Total accrued expenses Accrued Liabilities Deposits Current Accrued Liabilities Deposits Current Deposit liability Accrued Liabilities Fleet Current Accrued Liabilities Fleet Current Fleet related Accrued Liabilities Member Deposits Current Accrued Liabilities Member Deposits Current Member deposits Accrued Marketing Costs Current Marketing Accrued Professional Fees Current Legal, audit, tax, and professional fees Accrued Rent Current Rent Accumulated Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Property Plant And Equipment Less: accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Property Plant And Equipment Period Increase Decrease Increased depreciation expense during estimated holding period of vehicles Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interest and Other Activity Acquisition Of Noncontrolling Interest And Other Activity Acquisition of redeemable non-controlling interest Additional Capital Leases [Member] Additional Capital Leases [Member] Additional Capital Leases Additional Paid In Capital Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities, net of acquisition Agency Securities [Member] US Agency Securities Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable Current Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Amortization Of Acquired Intangible Assets Amortization of acquired intangible assets Amortization of acquired intangible assets Amortization Of Debt Discount Premium Amortization & accretion of debt related warrants Amortization Of Debt To Interest Expense Term Amortization Of Debt To Interest Expense Term Expected life of debt Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount Shares excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share By Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Asset Backed Securities Loan Facility [Member] Asset Backed Securities Loan Facility [Member] ABS Facility Assets Total assets Assets [Abstract] Assets Assets Current Total current assets Assets Current [Abstract] Current assets Assets Pledged As Collateral Assets Pledged As Collateral Assets Pledged As Collateral Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure Available-for-sale securities, Fair value Availableforsale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain Available-for-sale securities, Unrealized Gain Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses 1 Available-for-sale securities, Unrealized Losses Available For Sale Securities [Text Block] Available-For-Sale Securities Award Type [Axis] Award Type Business Acquisition Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Assets Acquired Total assets Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Assets Acquired Liabilities Assumed Net Total purchase price allocation Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Cash and Cash Equivalents Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Cash And Cash Equivalents Cash acquired Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Current Assets Prepaid Expense And Other Assets Prepaid and other Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Current Assets Receivables Accounts receivable Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Current Liabilities Accounts Payable Accounts payable Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Deposits Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Deposits Customer deposits Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Deposits Assets Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Deposits Assets Deposits Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Goodwill Amount Goodwill Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Intangible Assets and Goodwill Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Intangible Assets And Goodwill Goodwill & other intangibles Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Liabilities Assumed Total liabilities Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Noncontrolling Interest Non controlling interest Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Notes Payable And Long Term Debt Notes payable Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Liabilities and Accrued Expenses Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Other Liabilities And Accrued Expenses Accrued expenses Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Property Plant And Equipment Property and equipment Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisitions and Other Investments Business Combination Integration Related Costs Acquisition and integration costs Business Description And Basis Of Presentation [Policy Text Block] Business Description And Basis Of Presentation Policy [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Assets acquired under capital leases Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Total future minimum lease payments Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Current Capital Leases, 2012 Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Five Years Capital Leases, 2016 Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Four Years Capital Leases, 2015 Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Six Years Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Six Years Capital Leases, 2017 Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Three Years Capital Leases, 2014 Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Two Years Capital Leases, 2013 Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter Capital Leases, 2018 Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Executory Costs Less amounts currently due Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Present Value Of Net Minimum Payments Capital Leases, Total future minimum lease payments, net Capital Leases Net Investment In Sales Type Leases Minimum Payments To Be Received Return of guaranteed residual value of expired leases Cash Acquired From Acquisition Cash acquired in business combination, net of transaction costs Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value End of period Beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Fair Value Disclosure Cash and cash equivalents, Fair Value Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities Fair Value Disclosure Cash Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities Fair Value Disclosure Total, Fair value Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities Cash Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities [Line Items] Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items] Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Table] Cash Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities [Table] Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Table] Cash Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities [Text Block] Financial Instruments - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities Unrealized Gains Cash Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities Unrealized Gains Total, Unrealized Gain Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities Unrealized Losses Cash Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities Unrealized Losses Total, Unrealized Losses Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities Amortized Cost Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities Amortized Cost Total, Adjusted Cost Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Cash equivalents, Adjusted Cost Cash [Member] Cash Certificates Of Deposit [Member] Certificates Of Deposit And Time Deposits Commitment And Contingencies [Axis] Commitment And Contingencies [Axis] Commitment And Contingencies [Axis] Commitment And Contingencies [Domain] Commitment And Contingencies [Domain] Commitment And Contingencies [Domain] Commitments And Contingencies Commitments and contingencies (Note 9) Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Common Stock Capital Shares Reserved For Future Issuance Number of shares originally reserved for issuance pursuant to stock options and stock awards Common Stock [Member] Common Stock Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common Stock Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock Shares Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock Shares Outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock Value Common stock, $0.001 par value: 500,000,000 shares authorized at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011; 40,012,746 and 39,655,840 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items] Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items] Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items] Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Comprehensive loss attributable to Zipcar, Inc. Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Less: comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive loss Consolidation Policy [Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Conversion of Stock [Member] Conversion Of Stock [Member] Conversion of Stock Costs And Expenses [Abstract] Cost and expenses Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Current State And Local Tax Expense Benefit Current provision for state income tax Debt Disclosure [Line Items] Debt Disclosure [Line Items] Debt Disclosure [Line Items] Debt Disclosure [Table] Debt Disclosure [Table] Debt Disclosure [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument Debt Instrument Basis Spread On Variable Rate Additional debt interest rate on undrawn portion Debt Instrument Carrying Amount Debt aggregate principal amount Debt Instrument Installment Period Debt Instrument Installment Period Debt installment period (in months) Debt Instrument Interest Rate Stated Percentage Debt interest rate above 30-day commercial conduit interest rates Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Interest Expense Net Debt Interest Expense Net Portion of interest expense related primarily to final interest payments Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Maximum Contractual Term Stock-based awards maximum term Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Share Based Payments [Line Items] Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items] Deferred Revenue Current Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue Noncurrent Deferred revenue, net of current portion Deferred Revenue Recognition Period Deferred Revenue Recognition Period Deferred revenue recognition period Denzel Mobility CarSharing Gmbh [Member] Denzel Mobility Car Sharing Gmbh [Member] Denzel Mobility CarSharing Gmbh Depreciation Depreciation expense Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Depreciation and amortization Total Depreciation Expense Per Diluted Share Depreciation Expense Per Diluted Share Depreciation expense per diluted share Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Financial Instruments Policy [Text Block] Derivative Financial Instruments Policy [Text Block] Derivatives and Financial Instruments Derivative Instrument Payment Of Interest Rate Swaps Designated As Cash Flow Hedges Derivative Instrument Payment Of Interest Rate Swaps Designated As Cash Flow Hedges Interest rate derivative purchase price Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instruments Term Of Derivative Contracts Derivative Instruments Term Of Derivative Contracts Interest rate contract term Disclosure - Acquisitions and Other Investments - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Acquisitions And Other Investments Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Acquisitions and Other Investments - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Anti-Dilutive Effect On Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share [Abstract] Disclosure Anti Dilutive Effect On Diluted Net Income Loss Per Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Anti-Dilutive Effect On Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Available For Sale Securities [Abstract] Disclosure Available For Sale Securities [Abstract] Disclosure - Available For Sale Securities [Abstract] Disclosure - Changes In Goodwill [Abstract] Disclosure Changes In Goodwill [Abstract] Disclosure - Changes In Goodwill [Abstract] Disclosure - Commitments And Contingencies - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Commitments And Contingencies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Commitments And Contingencies - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Composition Of Property And Equipment [Abstract] Disclosure Composition Of Property And Equipment [Abstract] Disclosure - Composition Of Property And Equipment [Abstract] Disclosure - Estimated Useful Lives of Property and Equipment [Abstract] Disclosure Estimated Useful Lives Of Property And Equipment [Abstract] Disclosure - Estimated Useful Lives of Property and Equipment [Abstract] Disclosure - Financial Instruments - Cash, Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Financial Instruments Cash Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Financial Instruments - Cash, Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Future Minimum Annual Lease Payments [Abstract] Disclosure Future Minimum Annual Lease Payments [Abstract] Disclosure - Future Minimum Annual Lease Payments [Abstract] Disclosure - Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Abstract] Disclosure Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Abstract] Disclosure - Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Abstract] Disclosure - Goodwill And Other Intangibles [Abstract] Disclosure Goodwill And Other Intangibles [Abstract] Disclosure - Goodwill And Other Intangibles [Abstract] Disclosure - Income Taxes - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Income Taxes Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Income Taxes - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Long-term debt [Abstract] Disclosure Longterm Debt [Abstract] Disclosure - Long-term debt [Abstract] Disclosure - Long Term Debt - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Long Term Debt Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Long Term Debt - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Nature of the Business - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Nature Of The Business Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Nature of the Business - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments [Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure - Payments due on long-term debt [Abstract] Disclosure Payments Due On Longterm Debt [Abstract] Disclosure - Payments due on long-term debt [Abstract] Disclosure - Purchase Price Allocation Table [Abstract] Disclosure Purchase Price Allocation Table [Abstract] Disclosure - Purchase Price Allocation Table [Abstract] Disclosure - Revenue And Long-Lived Assets By Geographic Area [Abstract] Disclosure Revenue And Long Lived Assets By Geographic Area [Abstract] Disclosure - Revenue And Long-Lived Assets By Geographic Area [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Abstract] Disclosure Schedule Of Stock Based Compensation Expense [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Abstract] Disclosure - Segment Information [Abstract] Disclosure Segment Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Segment Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Segment Information - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Segment Information Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Segment Information - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Significant Accounting Policies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Stock Based Compensation Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Subsequent Event - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Subsequent Event Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Subsequent Event - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Summary Of Accrued Expenses [Abstract] Disclosure Summary Of Accrued Expenses [Abstract] Disclosure - Summary Of Accrued Expenses [Abstract] Disclosure - Summary of Changes in Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest [Abstract] Disclosure Summary Of Changes In Redeemable Non Controlling Interest [Abstract] Disclosure - Summary of Changes in Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest [Abstract] Document - Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document - Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Document Type Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Net loss attributable to common stockholders per share: Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Other Disclosures [Abstract] Weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in computing per share amounts: Earnings Per Share Policy [Text Block] Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders Effect Of Exchange Rate On Cash And Cash Equivalents Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Employee Related Liabilities Current Payroll and related benefits Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs Report Line [Domain] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Report Line [Domain] Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Method Investment Ownership Percentage Equity investment in Avancar in percent Equity Method Investments Equity investment in Avancar Equity Method Investments [Member] Equity Method Investments Europe [Member] Europe [Member] Europe Expected Additional Depreciation Expense Expected Additional Depreciation Expense Estimated increase in depreciation expenses resulting from change in holding period estimate Extinguishment Of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment Of Debt Type [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Fair Value By Fair Value Hierarchy Level [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Inputs Level 1 [Member] Level 1 Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Policy Fair Value of Financial Instruments Finite Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization, Foreign Currency Translation Effect Finite Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization Foreign Currency Translation Effect Goodwill Foreign Exchange Finite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite Lived Intangible Assets Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite Lived Intangible Assets Remaining Amortization Period Additional amortization period of amended and extended facility (in years) Fleet Operations Fleet Operations Fleet operations Foreign Currency Transactions And Translations Policy [Text Block] Foreign Currency Foreign Currency Translation Effects Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Foreign Currency Translation Effects Attributable To Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Foreign currency translation adjustment Funded By Company [Member] Funded By Company [Member] Funded By Company Gain Loss On Disposition Of Assets Loss on disposal of fixed assets G B UNITED KINGDOM Goodwill Goodwill, Ending balance Goodwill, Beginning balance Goodwill Goodwill Acquired During Period And Adjustments Goodwill Acquired During Period And Adjustments Adjustments to Acquisitions Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items] Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Table] Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Table] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Table] Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Member] Goodwill [Member] Goodwill In Car Electronic Equipment [Member] In Car Electronic Equipment [Member] In Car Electronic Equipment Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Extraordinary Items Noncontrolling Interest Total segment income (loss) before income taxes Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Minority Interest And Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Loss before income taxes Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Loss from equity method investments Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Tax Expense Benefit (Benefit) provision for income taxes Income Tax Policy [Text Block] Income Taxes Increase Decrease In Accounts Payable Accounts payable Increase Decrease In Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable Increase Decrease In Accrued Liabilities Accrued expenses Increase Decrease In Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue Increase Decrease In Deposits Increase in deposits Increase Decrease In Fair Value Of Interest Rate Fair Value Hedging Instruments 1 Change in fair value of the interest rate swap Increase Decrease In Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in operating assets and liabilities Increase Decrease In Prepaid Deferred Expense And Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase Decrease In Restricted Cash Increase in restricted cash Initial Public Offering, Gross Price per Share Initial Public Offering Gross Price Per Share IPO price per share Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Amortization Intangible Assets, Gross Intangible Assets Gross Gross Carrying Amount Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill Intangible assets Interest Expense Total Interest expense Interest Expense Debt Gross interest expense Interest Expense Percentage Assets Under Capital Lease Interest Expense Percentage Assets Under Capital Lease Capital lease interest rate percentage Interest Payable Current Interest and credit card fees Interest Rate Cap [Member] Interest Rate Cap Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Derivative At Fair Value Net Interest rate swap fair value International [Member] International [Member] International Investment Income Categories [Domain] Investment Income, Categories [Domain] Investment Income Interest Interest income Investments And Other Noncurrent Assets Deposits and other noncurrent assets Other noncurrent assets Leasehold Improvements [Member] Leasehold Improvements Lease Term Lease Term Capital lease term Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Letters Of Credit Outstanding Amount Letter of credit outstanding, operating leases Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities And Stockholders Equity Total liabilities and equity Liabilities And Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Equity Liabilities Current Total current liabilities Liabilities Current [Abstract] Current liabilities Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity Term loans Line Of Credit Facility Revolving Period Line Of Credit Facility Revolving Period Revolving period of amended and extended facility (in years) Long Term Debt Long Term Debt Long Term Debt Long Term Debt And Capital Lease Obligations Capital lease obligations and other debt, net of current portion Long Term Debt And Capital Lease Obligations Current Current portion of capital lease obligations and other debt Long Term Debt Current Less: current portion of long-term debt Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year Four 2015 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year One Longterm Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year One 2012 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year Three 2014 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year Two 2013 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal [Line Items] Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal [Line Items] Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal [Line Items] Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal [Table] Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal [Table] Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal [Table] Long Term Debt Noncurrent Long-term debt Long Term Debt [Text Block] Long-Term Debt Long Term Marketable Securities Maturities Term, Maximum Long Term Marketable Securities Maturities Term Maximum Maturities of long-term marketable securities, maximum Long Term Marketable Securities Maturities Term, Minimum Long Term Marketable Securities Maturities Term Minimum Maturities of long-term marketable securities, minimum Long-term marketable securities. Long Term Marketable Securities [Member] Long-term marketable securities Marketable Securities Short-term and long-term marketable securities Marketable Securities Current Short-term marketable securities Marketable Securities Noncurrent Long-term marketable securities Maximum [Member] Maximum Member Services and Fulfillment Member Services And Fulfillment Member services and fulfillment Member Services and Fulfillment [Member] Member Services And Fulfillment [Member] Member Services and Fulfillment Minimum [Member] Minimum Minimum Percent Likelihood Of Being Realized Upon Settlement Minimum Percent Likelihood Of Being Realized Upon Settlement Minimum percentage of likelihood of benefit recognized upon ultimate settlement Minimum Percent Ownership For Controlling Interest Percent Minimum Percent Ownership For Controlling Interest Percent Controlling Interest in Avancar Minority Interest Ownership Percentage By Noncontrolling Owners Ownership percentage in Flexcar's subsidiaries held by third party Minority Interest Ownership Percentage By Parent Ownership percentage in Flexcar's subsidiaries Money Market Funds [Member] Money Market Funds Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities, net of acquisition Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities Net Income Loss Net loss attributable to Zipcar, Inc. Net Income Loss Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Less: net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest Net Income Loss Attributable To Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Net loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest New Accounting Pronouncements Policy Policy [Text Block] New Accounting Guidance Noncash Investing And Financing Items [Abstract] Noncash investing and financing activities Noncompete Agreements [Member] Noncompete Agreements Noncurrent Assets Total Nonoperating Income Expense Other income (expense), net Nonoperating Income Expense [Abstract] Other income (expense) North America North America [Member] North America Notes Issued 1 Issuance of note in connection with insurance premiums Note payable issued Notes 2011 Series 1 [Member] Notes Twenty Eleven Series One [Member] Notes 2011 Series Notional Amount Of Interest Rate Derivatives Interest rate cap notional amount Number of customers Number Of Customers Number of customer served Number Of Financial Institutions Number Of Financial Institutions Number of financial institutions Number Of Reportable Segments Number of reportable segments Number of Vehicles Number Of Vehicles Number of vehicles acquired Office And Computer Equipment [Member] Office And Computer Equipment [Member] Office And Computer Equipment One Time Membership Fees Recognized Period One Time Membership Fees Recognized Period Annual membership fees recognized period Operating Expenses Total operating expenses Operating Income Loss Income (loss) from operations Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Total future minimum lease payments Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Current Operating Leases, 2012 Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Five Years Operating Leases, 2016 Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Four Years Operating Leases, 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Six Years Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Six Years Operating Leases, 2017 Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Three Years Operating Leases, 2014 Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Two Years Operating Leases, 2013 Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter Operating Leases, 2018 Operating Leases Rent Expense Net Operating lease rent expense Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Nature of the Business Other Accrued Liabilities Current Other Adjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into functional currency of the reporting entity. Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Adjustment Period Increase Decrease Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Holding Gain Loss On Securities Arising During Period Net Of Tax Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities Other Income (Expense), Net [Policy Text Block] Other Income Expense Net Policy [Text Block] Other Income Other International [Member] Other International [Member] Other International Other Liabilities Other liabilities Other Member [Member] Other Member [Member] Member relationships Other Noncash Income Amount received selling some of the zero emission vehicle ("ZEV") credits to a third party Other Nonoperating Income Expense Other, net Other Operating Income Expense Net Other income (expense), net Parking [Member] Parking [Member] Parking Spaces Payment of Warrant Expenses Payment Of Warrant Expenses Portion of interest expense related to warrant expenses Payments Of Debt Issuance Costs Portion of interest expense related to unamortized debt issuance costs Payments Of Debts From Proceeds Of Issuance Of Initial Public Offering Payments Of Debts From Proceeds Of Issuance Of Initial Public Offering Proceeds used upon closing of initial public offering to repay all outstanding balances Payments Of Stock Issuance Costs Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with initial public offering, issuance costs Payments To Acquire Additional Interest In Subsidiaries Payments to acquire additional interest in subsidiaries Payments To Acquire Available For Sale Securities Purchases of available-for-sale securities Payments To Acquire Equity Method Investments Investment in equity method investee The cash outflow to acquire minority interest and shall be classified as cash flows from investing activities Payments To Acquire Minority Interest Equity investment in Wheelz,Inc. Payments To Acquire Property Plant And Equipment Purchases of property and equipment Percentage of Common Stock Outstanding Percentage Of Common Stock Outstanding Percent of Common Stock Outstanding Percentage Of Debt Hedged By Interest Rate Derivatives Interest rate cap percentage Percentage of Fair Market Value Percentage Of Fair Market Value Percentage of fair market value Pre-Existing Shareholders [Member] Pre Existing Shareholders [Member] Pre-Existing Shareholders Prepaid Expense And Other Assets Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Proceeds From Issuance Initial Public Offering Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with initial public offering Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with initial public offering, net of issuance costs of $1,881 Proceeds From Issuance Of Debt Proceeds from issuance of debt, net of debt issuance costs Proceeds From Issuance Of Shares Under Incentive And Share Based Compensation Plans Proceeds from issuance of restricted stock Proceeds from Issuance of Variable Rate Senior Notes Proceeds From Issuance Of Variable Rate Senior Notes Proceeds from Issuance of variable funding notes Proceeds From Sale Of Available For Sale Securities Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities Proceeds From Sale Of Property Plant And Equipment Proceeds from sale of property and equipment Proceeds From Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants Profit Loss Net loss Net loss Property Plant And Equipment Additions Increase in cost of property and equipment Property Plant And Equipment By Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property Plant And Equipment Estimated Useful Lives Property and equipment, estimated useful lives Property Plant And Equipment Gross Property and equipment Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property Plant And Equipment Net Property and equipment, net Property and equipment, net Property Plant And Equipment Policy [Text Block] Property and Equipment Property Plant And Equipment [Text Block] Composition Of Property And Equipment Property Plant And Equipment Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property Plant And Equipment Useful Life Property and equipment, estimated useful lives, average (in years) Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock Warrant Adjustment to Fair Value Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock Warrant Adjustment To Fair Value Redeemable convertible preferred stock warrant adjustment to fair value Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Accretion Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Accretion Accretion of non-controlling interest to redemption value Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest By Legal Entity [Table] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, by Legal Entity [Table] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Equity Carrying Amount Balance at end of the period Balance at beginning of the period Non-controlling interest redeemable value Redeemable non-controlling interest Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Table [Text Block] Summary of changes in Redeemable Non Controlling Interest Redemption of noncontrolling interest Redemption Of Noncontrolling Interest Redemption of non-controlling interest Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Related Party Transactions By Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Repayments Of Debt And Capital Lease Obligations Repayment of outstanding debt balances Payments of principal under notes payable, capital lease obligations and other debt Research And Development Expense Research and development Research And Development Expense [Member] Research and Development Reservation System [Member] Reservation System [Member] Reservation System Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents Restricted cash Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Restricted cash Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents [Axis] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents Noncurrent Restricted cash Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock Retained Earnings Accumulated Deficit Accumulated deficit Revenue Recognition Policy [Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenues Total segment revenue Revenue Total Sale Of Stock Pursuant To Exercise Of Underwriters Over Allotment Option Sale Of Stock Pursuant To Exercise Of Underwriters Over Allotment Option Issuance of shares pursuant to the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares Sales And Excise Tax Payable Current Sales tax Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Line Items] Schedule Of Accrued Liabilities [Line Items] Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Line Items] Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table] Schedule Of Accrued Liabilities [Table] Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table] Schedule Of Accrued Liabilities Table [Text Block] Summary Of Accrued Expenses Schedule Of Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Anti-Dilutive Effect On Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share Schedule Of Business Acquisitions By Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items] Schedule Of Business Acquisitions Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Table] Schedule Of Business Acquisitions Purchase Price Allocation [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Table] Schedule Of Debt Table [Text Block] Long Term Debt Schedule Of Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Share Based Payments [Table] Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Table] Schedule Of Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs By Report Line [Axis] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, by Report Line [Axis] Schedule Of Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule Of Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Text Block] Schedule Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Schedule Of Estimated Useful Lives Of Property And Equipment Table [Text Block] Schedule Of Estimated Useful Lives Of Property And Equipment Table [Text Block] Estimated Useful Lives of Property and Equipment Schedule Of Future Minimum Rental Payments For Operating Leases Table [Text Block] Schedule Of Future Minimum Annual Lease Payments Under 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Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Total Share Based Liabilities Paid Restricted shares outstanding, total share based liabilities paid Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Number Of Shares Available For Grant Common stock available for future issuances Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Granted Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average grant date fair value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Number Outstanding stock options to purchase shares of common stock Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Other Share Increase Decrease Increase in shares available for issuance under the 2011 Plan Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Per Share Weighted Average Price Of Shares Purchased Purchase price per share of restricted shares issued to three board members Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Shares Available For Grant Increases Decreases In Period Description Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Shares Available For Grant Increases Decreases In Period Description Annual increase in the number of shares available for issuance description Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Shares Issued In Period Restricted shares issued to three board members Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price Share Based Compensation Option And Incentive Plans Policy Stock-Based Compensation Short-term marketable securities. Short Term Marketable Securities [Member] Short-term marketable securities Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Software [Member] Software Statement Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Statement Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Stockholders Equity Total stockholders' equity Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Stockholders' equity: Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items] Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items] Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items] Stockholders Equity Note [Table] Stockholders Equity Note [Table] Stockholders Equity Note [Table] Stockholders [Member] Stockholders [Member] Stockholders Number of shares of stock issued in an initial public offering. Stock Issued During Period Shares Initial Public Offering Issuance of common stock in initial public offering Stock Issued During Period Value Share Based Compensation Proceeds from the issuance of shares Stock Options [Member] Options To Purchase Common Stock Streetcar [Member] Streetcar [Member] Streetcar Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent event Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Text Block [Abstract] Text Block [Abstract] Trade Names [Member] Trade Names Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Two Thousand Eleven Stock Incentive Plan [Member] Two Thousand Eleven Stock Incentive Plan [Member] Two Thousand Eleven Stock Incentive Plan Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Unamortised debt issuance cost U S UNITED STATES Use Of Estimates Use of Estimates U S Treasury Securities [Member] US Treasury Securities Vehicles [Member] Vehicles Warrant [Member] Warrants To Purchase Common Stock Weighted Average Amortization Period Weighted Average Amortization Period Weighted average amortization life (years) Weighted Average Number Of Share Outstanding Basic And Diluted Basic and Diluted