v3.19.2
Document and Entity Information - shares
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2019
Aug. 02, 2019
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Transition Report false  
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2019  
Entity File Number 001-34211  
Entity Registrant Name GRAND CANYON EDUCATION, INC.  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE  
Entity Tax Identification Number 20-3356009  
Entity Address, Address Line One 2600 W. Camelback Road  
Entity Address, City or Town Phoenix  
Entity Address, State or Province AZ  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 85017  
City Area Code 602  
Local Phone Number 247-4400  
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock  
Trading Symbol LOPE  
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business false  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   48,340,573
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Entity Central Index Key 0001434588  
Amendment Flag false