diff --git a/frappe/workflow/doctype/workflow/workflow.py b/frappe/workflow/doctype/workflow/workflow.py
index 1de48d348f..523a7437c4 100644
--- a/frappe/workflow/doctype/workflow/workflow.py
+++ b/frappe/workflow/doctype/workflow/workflow.py
@@ -59,13 +59,14 @@ class Workflow(Document):
 
 	def update_doc_status(self):
 		doc_before_save = self.get_doc_before_save()
-		for current_doc_state, doc_before_save_state in zip(self.states, doc_before_save.states):
-			if not doc_before_save_state.doc_status == current_doc_state.doc_status:
-				frappe.db.set_value(self.document_type,
-					{self.workflow_state_field: doc_before_save_state.state},
-					'docstatus',
-					current_doc_state.doc_status
-				)
+		if doc_before_save:
+			for current_doc_state, doc_before_save_state in zip(self.states, doc_before_save.states):
+				if not doc_before_save_state.doc_status == current_doc_state.doc_status:
+					frappe.db.set_value(self.document_type,
+						{self.workflow_state_field: doc_before_save_state.state},
+						'docstatus',
+						current_doc_state.doc_status
+					)
 
 	def validate_docstatus(self):
 		def get_state(state):