v3.19.3.a.u2
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
$ in Billions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Feb. 14, 2020
Jun. 28, 2019
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Transition Report false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 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 Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
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   48,165,704  
Entity Public Float     $ 5.6
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Entity Central Index Key 0001434588    
Amendment Flag false