Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document Type Document Type Document Quarterly Report Document Transition Report Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Entity File Number Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Title of 12(b) Security Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Security Exchange Name Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Consolidated Income Statements Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Service revenue Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Costs and expenses: Technology and academic services. Technology and Academic Services Technology and academic services Counseling services and support. Counseling Services and Support Counseling services and support Marketing Expense Marketing and communication General and Administrative Expense General and administrative Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of intangible assets Costs and Expenses Total costs and expenses Operating Income (Loss) Operating income Interest Income on Note Receivable. Interest income on Note Receivable Interest income on Secured Note Interest Expense Interest expense Investment Income, Nonoperating Investment interest and other Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income before income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax expense Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income Net Income Per Common Share Earnings per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic income per share Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted income per share Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic weighted average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted weighted average shares outstanding Diluted weighted average shares outstanding Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets [Abstract] ASSETS: Assets, Current [Abstract] Current assets Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Investments. Investments Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable, net Interest Receivable Interest receivable on Secured Note Income Taxes Receivable, Current Income tax receivable Other Assets, Current Other current assets Assets, Current Total current assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net Property and equipment, net Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Right-of-use assets Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent Secured Note receivable, net Secured Note receivable, carrying value Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Amortizable intangible assets, net Goodwill Goodwill Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Assets Total assets Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current liabilities Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued compensation and benefits Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued liabilities Accrued Income Taxes, Current Income taxes payable Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Deferred revenue Operating Lease, Liability, Current Current portion of lease liability Notes Payable, Current Current portion of notes payable Less: Current portion Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Deferred income taxes, noncurrent Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other long-term liability Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Lease liability, less current portion Notes Payable, Noncurrent Notes payable, less current portion Liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and Contingencies. Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Stockholders' equity Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorized; 53,637 and 53,277 shares issued and 43,054 and 46,649 shares outstanding at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Treasury stock, at cost, 10,583 and 6,628 shares of common stock at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Adjustment to additional paid in capital Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Ending Balance Beginning Balance Total stockholders' equity Stockholders equity Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred stock, shares outstanding 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 Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury stock, shares Statement of Stockholders' Equity Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings Shares, Issued Ending Balance, shares Beginning Balance, shares Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Common stock purchased for treasury Common stock acquired, cost Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Common stock acquired, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeited Restricted shares forfeited, shares Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Share-based compensation Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Share-based compensation, shares Shares issued under plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Exercise of stock options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Total Shares, Exercised Exercise of stock options, shares Income Tax Effects Allocated Directly to Equity, Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle Cumulative effect from the adoption of accounting pronouncements, tax Income taxes Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash flows provided by operating activities: Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Share-based compensation Share-based compensation expense The current period expense charged against earnings on long-lived, physical assets (excluding intangible assets) not used in production to allocate or recognize the cost of such assets over their useful lives; or to record the reduction in book value of an intangible asset over the benefit period of such asset; or to reflect consumption during the period of an asset that is not used in production. Depreciation and Amortization, Excluding Intangible Assets Depreciation and amortization Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Deferred income taxes Other Noncash Income (Expense) Other, including fixed asset impairments Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable and interest receivable from university partners Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Other assets The increase (decrease) in operating lease liabilities recognized in exchange for right-of-use assets. Increase (Decrease) In Operating Lease Liabilities Recognized In Exchange For Right Of Use Assets Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Income taxes receivable/payable Amount of increase (decrease) in obligation to transfer good or service to customer for which consideration has been received or is receivable excluding student deposits. Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability, Excluding Student Deposits Deferred revenue Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows used in investing activities: Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Capital expenditures The cash outflow associated with the internal development or modification of education resources that qualify for capitalization. Payments To Develop Education Resources Additions of amortizable content Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Purchases of investments The cash outflow to fund an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the entity (holder) a definite sum of money at a future date. Payments to Fund Notes Receivable Funding to GCU Proceeds from Collection of Notes Receivable Repayment by GCU Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities Proceeds from sale or maturity of investments Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities: Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Principal payments on notes payable Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Repurchase of common shares including shares withheld in lieu of income taxes Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Net proceeds from exercise of stock options Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Cash paid for interest Income Taxes Paid Cash paid for income taxes Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability ROU Asset and Liability recognition Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss Balance at End of Period Balance at Beginning of Period Allowance for credit losses Nature of Business Nature of Operations [Text Block] Nature of Business Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Investments Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Investments Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Net Income Per Common Share Allowance for Credit Losses Credit Loss, Financial Instrument [Text Block] Allowance for Credit Losses Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property and Equipment Amortizable Intangible Assets Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Amortizable Intangible Assets Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Leases Notes Payable and Other Noncurrent Liabilities Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, and Other Liabilities Disclosure, Noncurrent [Text Block] Notes Payable and Other Noncurrent Liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Share-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Share-Based Compensation Treasury Stock. Treasury Stock [Text Block] Treasury Stock Subsequent Event. Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Event Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Unaudited interim financial information. Unaudited Interim Financial Information [Policy Text Block] Unaudited Interim Financial Information Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments Disclosure of accounting policy for secured note receivable. Secured Note Receivable [Policy Text Block] Arrangements with GCU Internally developed software and technology. Internally Developed Technology [Policy Text Block] Internally Developed Software The entire policy pertaining to capitalized content development. Capitalized Content Development [Policy Text Block] Capitalized Content Development Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block] Leases Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block] Business Combinations Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Amortizable Intangible Assets Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans, Director Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-Based Compensation Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Policy for Uncollectible Amounts [Policy Text Block] Allowance for Credit Losses Technical and academic services. Technical and Academic Services [Policy Text Block] Technology and Academic Services Counseling services and support. Counseling Services and Support [Policy Text Block] Counseling Services and Support Marketing and communication. Marketing And Communication [Policy Text Block] Marketing and Communication Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block] General and Administrative Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentration of Credit Risk Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Information New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2020 and Recent Accounting Pronouncements Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Schedule of weighted average number of common shares outstanding Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Schedule of allowance for credit losses Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of property and equipment Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Summary of amortizable intangible assets Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of amortization expense for university partner relationships and trade names Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Schedule of future payment obligations with respect to operating leases Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of notes payable Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of activity related to restricted stock granted under company's incentive plan Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of activity related to stock options granted under company's incentive plan Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of share-based compensation expense Nature Of Operations [Table] Nature Of Operations [Table] Nature Of Operations [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Represents information relating to Orbis Education Services, LLC . Orbis Education Services Llc [Member] Orbis Education Nature Of Operations [Line Items] Nature Of Operations [Line Items] Nature Of Operations Number of online and on ground colleges offering graduate and undergraduate degrees within the university. Number Of Colleges Number of colleges operated The number of off-campus classroom and laboratory sites. Number of Off-Campus Classroom and Laboratory Sites Number of off-campus classroom and laboratory sites Represents the number of universities served by the entity. Number Of University Service Partners Number of university partners Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Purchase price Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of significant accounting policies. Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Purchase price of acquired assets. Purchase Price Of Acquired Assets Purchase price of assets The rate of interest on the Senior Secured Note. Senior Secured Note, Stated Interest Rate Interest rate on Secured Note The amount of additional funds provided by the entity, net of repayments, under a secured note agreement. Note Receivable, Additional Funding Under Secured Note, Net of Repayments Funding provided to GCU, net of repayments Percentage of tuition and fee revenue used for closing of purchase agreement. Percentage of tuition and fee revenue used for closing of purchase agreement Percentage of tuition and fee revenue used for closing of purchase agreement Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Estimated average useful life Number of Operating Segments Number of operating segments Number of Reporting Units Number of reporting units Unbilled Contracts Receivable Unbilled revenue The term of contracts to provide goods or services to customers. Term Of Contracts With Customers Initial contract terms of service agreements Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Write-offs Amounts written off Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Allowance for doubtful accounts Operating Lease, Liability Present value of lease liabilities Lease liabilities Notes Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure Secured Note receivable, fair value Concentration Risk, Percentage Concentration risk percentage Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Acquisition Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Intangible assets Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Investments Debt Securities, Trading Investments - Trading Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale debt securities Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Denominator: Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Stock awards outstanding excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward] Allowance for credit losses Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property Plant And Equipment Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land [Member] Land Land Improvements [Member] Land Improvements Building [Member] Buildings Leasehold Improvements [Member] Buildings and Leasehold Improvements Computer Equipment [Member] Computer Equipment Furniture And Fixtures [Member] Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Software Development [Member] Internally Developed Software Construction In Progress [Member] Construction in Progress Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property and equipment Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Less accumulated depreciation and amortization Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite Lived Intangible Assets Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Information pertaining to university partner relationship finite-lived intangible assets. University Partner Relationship Intangible Assets [Member] University partner relationships Trade Names [Member] Trade names Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Net Carrying Amount Information pertaining to university partner relationships and trade names. University Partner Relationships And Trade Names [Member] University partner relationships and trade names Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Amortization expense Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year Remainder of 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2024 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2025 Amount of amortization for asset, excluding financial asset and goodwill, lacking physical substance with finite life expected to be recognized after fourth fiscal year following current fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported from current statement of financial position date (rolling approach). Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, after Year Four Therefore Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum Maximum [Member] Maximum Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Leases Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract Term of operating leases Lessee, Operating Lease, Existence of Option to Extend [true false] Operating Lease, Cost Operating lease costs The amount of noncancelable operating lease commitments noy yet commenced as of the reporting date. Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Not Yet Commenced, Commitment Amount Non-cancelable operating lease commitments not yet commenced Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Weighted-average remaining lease term Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Weighted-average discount rate of operating leases The number of financing leases maintained by the entity. Number of Financing Leases Number of financing leases Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year Remainder of 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2024 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2025 Amount of lessee's undiscounted obligation for lease payment for operating lease due after fourth fiscal year following current fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported from current statement of financial position date (rolling approach). Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, after Year Four Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Total lease payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Less interest Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Information pertaining to the First Amendment to the GCE Credit Agreement. First Amendment To Gce Credit Agreement [Member] Amended and restated credit agreement Information pertaining to the Second Amendment to the GCE Credit Agreement. Second Amendment To Gce Credit Agreement [Member] Amendment - October 31, 2019 Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Represents information relating to term loan facility. Term Loan Facility [Member] Term loan facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving credit facility Debt Instrument [Line Items] Notes Payable and Other Noncurrent Liabilities Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Amount of credit facilities Debt Instrument, Term Term of credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net Increase (decrease) in facility Long-term Debt, Gross Note payable, gross Debt Issuance Costs, Gross Loan modification costs Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Represents information relating to interest rate, one month LIBOR. One Month Libor [Member] 30-Day LIBOR Quarterly payment of notes payable. Quarterly Payment Of Notes Payable Quarterly payment of notes payable Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Margin on variable interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest rate of notes payable Notes Payable Notes payable including current portion Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Plans Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Shares available for grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Shares granted Total Shares, Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Vesting right percentage Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Vesting period Number of anniversaries of grant date upon which restricted stock units vest. Number Of Anniversaries Of Grant Date Upon Which Restricted Stock Units Vest Number of anniversaries of the vesting date following the date of grant Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation Shares withheld for taxes Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Common stock in lieu of taxes Award Type [Axis] Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Total Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Total Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance Total Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Total Shares, Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Total Shares, Forfeited, canceled or expired Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Weighted Average Grant Date Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited, canceled or expired Employee Stock Option [Member] Stock Options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Total Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Total Shares outstanding, Ending balance Total Shares outstanding, Beginning balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Total Shares, Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share Outstanding, Ending balance Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share Outstanding, Beginning balance Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share, Exercised 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] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Technical and academic services. Technical And Academic Services [Member] Technology and Academic Services Counseling support and services. Counseling Support And Services [Member] Counseling Services and Support Selling And Marketing Expense [Member] Marketing and Communication University related expenses. University Related Expenses [Member] University related expenses Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Tax effect of share-based compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax Share-based compensation expense, net of tax Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Information pertaining to the common stock repurchase authorization. Common Stock Repurchase Authorization [Member] Common stock repurchase authorization Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Treasury Stock Amount of increase in stock repurchase plan authorized. Stock Repurchase Program, Increase in Authorized Amount Increase in stock repurchase plan authorized Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Authorized amount for repurchase of common stock Amount of targeted repurchase of common stock under an accelerated share repurchase ("ASR") agreement. Accelerated Share Repurchase, Targeted Repurchase Amount Targeted repurchase of common stock Accelerated Share Repurchases, Initial Price Paid Per Share Stock price on initial delivery The number of repurchased shares delivered in the initial delivery under an accelerated share repurchase agreement. Accelerated Share Repurchases, Shares Repurchased, Initial Delivery Number of repurchased shares delivered in initial delivery Stock repurchased on initial execution of accelerated share repurchase ("ASR") agreement as a percentage of the number of shares initially underlying the ASR agreement. Accelerated Share Repurchase, Initial Purchase, Percentage of Common Stock Underlying Agreement Initial share delivery as a percentage of the number of shares initially underlying the ASR agreement The additional number of repurchased shares delivered in final settlement under an accelerated share repurchase agreement. Accelerated Share Repurchases, Shares Repurchased, Final Settlement Delivery Number of additional repurchased shares delivered at final settlement The aggregate number of repurchased shares delivered under an accelerated share repurchase agreement. Accelerated Share Repurchases, Shares Delivered Aggregate number of shares delivered Accelerated Share Repurchases, Final Price Paid Per Share Final average cost per share Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Remaining authorized repurchase amount Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event Accounts and Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent [Abstract] Secured Note receivable Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Cumulative Effect Period Of Adoption [Domain] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Cumulative Effect Period Of Adoption Adjustment [Member] Cumulative Effect of Adoption Adjustment Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type Of Adoption [Member] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update201613 [Member] ASU 2016-13 Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Grand Canyon University. Grand Canyon University [Member] Grand Canyon University Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Axis] Arrangements And Nonarrangement Transactions [Member] Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Domain] Master services agreement. Master Services Agreement [Member] Master Services Agreement Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Computer Software Intangible Asset [Member] Computer Software Information pertaining to capitalized content development. Capitalized Content Development [Member] Capitalized Content Development Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Sales Revenue Net [Member] Revenue Benchmark Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Customer Concentration Risk Customer [Axis] Name Of Major Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Contracts conveying rights, but not obligations, to buy or sell a specific quantity of stock at a specified price during a specified period (an American option) or at a specified date (a European option) and other antidilutive restricted stock awards. Stock Option And Restricted Stock Awards [Member] Stock Option And Restricted Stock Awards Line Of Credit [Member] Credit facility Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] Share Based Compensation Award Tranche One [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One Share Based Compensation Award Tranche Two [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two Share Based Compensation Award Tranche Three [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three Share Based Compensation Award Tranche Four [Member] Share Based Compensation Award Tranche Four [Member] Share-based Compensation Award Tranche Four Share Based Compensation Award Tranche Five [Member] Share Based Compensation Award Tranche Five [Member] Share-based Compensation Award Tranche Five Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Two Thousand And Seventeen Equity Incentive Plan [Member] Two Thousand And Seventeen Equity Incentive Plan [Member] 2017 Plan 2008 Equity Incentive Plan. Two Thousand Eight Equity Incentive Plan [Member] 2008 Plan Grantee Status [Axis] Grantee Status [Domain] Grantee Status [Domain] Share Based Payment Arrangement Nonemployee [Member] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonemployee Accelerated Share Repurchases, Date [Axis] Accelerated Share Repurchases Date [Domain] Accelerated Share Repurchases, Date [Domain] Represents accelerated share repurchase executed on March 10, 2021. Accelerated Share Repurchase2021 March10 [Member] Accelerated Share Repurchase March 10, 2021 Represents accelerated share repurchase executed on May, 14, 2021. Accelerated Share Repurchase2021 May14 [Member] Accelerated Share Repurchase May 14, 2021