v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Nov. 01, 2011
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name Grand Canyon Education, Inc.  
Entity Central Index Key 0001434588  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2011  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No  
Entity Voluntary Filers No  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   44,331,047