Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Costs and expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Selling and Marketing Expense Selling and promotional Selling and Marketing Expense, Total Selling and promotional, including $151 and $2,702 for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $612 and $7,694 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, to related parties Selling and promotional expenses to related parties Selling and promotional expenses to related parties General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses, Total Total costs and expenses Interest Expense Interest expense Interest expense Interest income Investment Income, Interest Interest income Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles, Noncontrolling Interest Income before income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax expense Income tax expense Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income Net income Net Income Per Common Share [Abstract] Earnings per share: Net income per common share: Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic income per share(1) Basic Basic Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted income per share(1) Diluted Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Summery of weighted average number of common shares outstanding Shares used in computing net income per common share: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic Basic Basic common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted common shares outstanding Diluted ASSETS: Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts Receivable, Net, Current, Total Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $14,418 and $30,112 at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively Net of allowance for doubtful accounts Balance at End of Period Balance at Beginning of Period Allowance for doubtful accounts Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Other Assets, Current Other current assets Other current assets Assets, Current, Total Total current assets Total current assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property and equipment, net Property and equipment, net Goodwill Goodwill Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Total assets Assets, Total Total assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued liabilities Litigation Reserve, Current Accrual for Estimated litigation Loss Accrued litigation loss Restructuring Reserve, Current Accrued Exit Costs, Ending Balance Accrued Exit Costs, Beginning Balance Accrued exit costs Accrued Income Taxes, Current Tax reserves, income tax related Income taxes payable Due to related parties Due to Related Parties, Current Current portion of capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Current Current portion of notes payable Notes Payable, Current Current portion of notes payable Liabilities, Current, Total Total current liabilities Total current liabilities Capital lease obligations, less current portion Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities, Total Total liabilities Stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Total Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 Preferred stock, par value 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, $0.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorized; 45,938 and 45,811 shares issued and 44,331 and 45,761 shares outstanding at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Common stock, par value 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 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Total Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated earnings Balance Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Total Total stockholders' equity Total stockholders' equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity, Total Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Cash flows provided by operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Share-based compensation Share-based Compensation Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation Amortization of debt issuance costs Amortization of Financing Costs Provision for bad debts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Non Capitalizable System Conversion Costs Non-capitalizable system conversion costs Non-capitalizable system conversion costs Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Changes in assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable Changes in accounting receivables Accounts receivable Prepaid expenses and other Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid, Deferred Expense and Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities and employee related liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Income Taxes Payable Income taxes receivable/payable Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows used in investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Capital expenditures Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from sale or maturity of investments Proceeds from sale or maturity of investments Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows used in financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Repurchase of common shares Allocation of Purchase Price of Repurchase of Common Stock Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Net proceeds from exercise of stock options Net proceeds from exercise of stock options Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in financing activities Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for interest Interest Paid Cash paid for income taxes Income Taxes Paid Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Tax Benefit of Spirit Warrant Intangible Tax benefit of Spirit warrant intangible Tax benefit of Spirit warrant intangible Nature of Business Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Net Income Per Common Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Share-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Regulatory [Text Block] Regulatory Regulatory Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Balance Sheets [Abstract] Income Statements [Abstract] Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Balance, shares Balance, shares Shares, Issued Unrealized loss on hedging derivative, net of taxes of $41 Other Comprehensive Income, Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized losses on hedging derivatives Other Comprehensive Income, Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized losses on available for sale securities Other Comprehensive Income, Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax Realized gains on available for sale securities Reclassification of realized gains on available for-sale securities, net of taxes of $12 Realized gains on available for sale securities Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income Total comprehensive income Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Stock Options Exercised Total Shares, exercised Exercise of stock options, Shares Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Exercise of stock options Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation Share-based compensation Other Comprehensive Income, Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax Tax effect on unrealized loss on hedging derivative Common Stock Additional Paid-in Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated Earnings Property and Equipment [Abstract] Property and equipment Regulatory [Abstract] Regulatory. SPIRIT TRANSACTION AND LOAN AGREEMENT [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Denominator [Abstract] Denominator: Denominator. Property, Plant and Equipment [Text Block] Property and equipment Furniture, fixtures and equipment [Member] Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Less accumulated depreciation and amortization Less accumulated depreciation and amortization Less accumulated depreciation and amortization Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Beginning Balance Property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land and Building [Member] Land [Member] Land improvements [Member] Leasehold improvements [Member] Buildings [Member] Machinery and Equipment [Member] Computer equipment [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Types [Member] Equipment under capital leases [Member] Construction in progress [Member] Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Balance at End of Period Balance at Beginning of Period Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense, Total Charged to Expense Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Deductions Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions, Total Deductions Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable: Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Other [Member] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Restricted cash maintained to meet related settlement agreement Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Restricted cash and cash equivalents Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Deferred Revenue, Current, Total Student deposits Customer Deposits, Current Notes Payable, Noncurrent Notes Payable, Noncurrent, Total Notes payable, less current portion Treasury stock, at cost, 1,607 and 50 shares of common stock at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Treasury Stock, Value, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Value, Beginning Balance Aggregate cost Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Shares, Beginning Balance Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Common stock purchased for treasury Aggregate cost shares of common stock Common stock purchased for treasury Increase (Decrease) in Customer Deposits Student deposits Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other liabilities, noncurrent Other noncurrent liabilities Unaudited Interim Financial Information Policy [Text Block] Unaudited Interim Financial Information Unaudited Interim Financial Information. Reclassifications Policy [Text Block] Reclassifications Reclassifications. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Policy [Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements Recent Accounting Pronouncements. Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense Exit Costs Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash Payments to Date Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash, Total Payments to Date Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Derivative Variable Interest Rates Interest rate receivable on interest rate swap amortizing notional amount Derivative Variable Interest Rates. Cost of Sales, Policy [Text Block] Instructional Costs and Services Derivatives, Policy [Text Block] Derivatives and Hedging Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities or Restructurings, Policy [Text Block] Exit Costs Type of Restructuring [Domain] Interest Rate Corridor [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Summary of exit activities Derivative, Number of Instruments Held Number of derivative instruments held Derivative Instruments, Loss Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income, Effective Portion Loss on derivatives included as a component of other comprehensive income, net of taxes Notional Amount of Cash Flow Hedge Instruments Notional amount of interest rate swap Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Fixed Interest rate payable on interest rate swap amortizing notional amount Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Text Block] Summary of exit activities Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block] Future minimum lease payments under operating leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current 2011 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2012 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2013 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2014 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Total minimum Payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract] Future minimum lease payments under operating leases Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract] Commitments and contingencies. Operating Leases, Rent Expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Total Total rent expense and related taxes and operating expenses under operating leases Incentive Plan [Member] Incentive plan. Instructional Costs and Services [Member] Instructional costs and services. Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] Employee stock purchase plan. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Stock Options Disclosures [Abstract] Summary of the activity related to stock options granted under the Company's Incentive Plan Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award stock options. Total Shares outstanding, beginning balance Total Shares outstanding, ending balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Total Shares, granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Total Shares, forfeited, canceled or expired Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Total Shares, exercisable Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Options Available for Issuance Number Total Shares, available for issuance Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award options available for issuance number. 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 Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share, granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share, exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share, forfeited, canceled or expired Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share, exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years), Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Text Block] Share-based Compensation Expense Share Based Compensation Expense Net of Tax Share-based compensation expense, net of tax Share based compensation expense net of tax. Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Total Share-based Compensation Expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Tax effect of share-based compensation Share Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract] Share-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract] Share based compensation. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Common stock authorized Percentage Increase in Shares Authorized for Issuance Percentage increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under the Incentive Plan Percentage increase in shares authorized for issuance. Value of Closing Stock Price Value of closing stock price Value of closing stock price. Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, by Report Line [Axis] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Report Line [Domain] Selling and Marketing Expense [Member] Selling and Promotional Expense [Member] General and Administrative Expense [Member] Revenues Revenues, Total Net revenue Instructional Costs and Services Instructional costs and services Costs directly attributable to educational services, including salaries and benefits for full-time faculty, administrators and academic advisors, and costs associated with adjunct faculty. Also includes costs for educational supplies such as books, costs associated with academic records and graduation, costs associated with collections from our students such as bad debt expense, and other university services such as evaluating transcripts. Business Exit Costs Exit costs Prepaid Royalties Noncurrent Prepaid royalties noncurrent. Prepaid royalties Additional Paid in Capital Additional Paid in Capital, Ending Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Beginning Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Total Additional paid-in capital Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash, Total Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable Maximum Variable Interest Rate Description Interest rate payable on interest rate corridor if 30 Day LIBOR is less than 4% Maximum variable interest rate on thirty day Libor. Maximum Variable Interest Rate Percentage Interest rate payable on interest rate corridor 30 Day LIBOR equal to 4% through 6% Maximum variable interest rate on thirty day Libor equal to four percentage through six percentage. Variable Interest Rate Payable on Interest Rate Corridor Description Interest rate payable on interest rate corridor 30 Day LIBOR exceeds 6% Maximum variable interest rate on thirty day Libor exceeds six percentage. Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Restructuring Reserve [Line Items] Derivative, Name [Domain] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Line Items] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax : Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued compensation and benefits Accrued compensation and benefits Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Restricted cash Income Taxes Receivable, Current Income taxes receivable Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Common stock shares Common stock purchased for treasury, Shares Loan Amendment [Abstract] Loan Amendment [Abstract] Loan amendment. Loan Amendment [Text Block] Loan Amendment Loan amendment. Selling and Promotional Policy [Text Block] Selling and Promotional Selling and Promotional Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Text Block] General and Administrative Revenue Recognition, Policy [Text Block] Revenue Recognition Accrued exit costs [Member] Accrued exit costs [Member] Accrued exit costs. Interest Expense on Derivatives Related to Credit Risk Interest expense on derivatives related to credit risk Interest Expense On Derivatives Related to Credit Risk Collaboration Agreement Cost Collaboration agreement cost Collaboration Agreement Cost Arrangement Expense Arrangement expense Arrangement expense. Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount University's stock options outstanding were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings Net Income Per Common Share (Textual) [Abstract] Net Income Per Common Share (Textual) [Abstract] Net Income Per Common Share. Software Development [Member] Internally Developed Software [Member] Regulatory (Textual) [Abstract] Regulatory. Regulatory (Textual) [Abstract] Effect of Control Under Department of Education Regulations of the Outstanding Voting Stock Effect of control under Department of Education regulations of the outstanding voting stock. Effect of control under Department of Education regulations of the outstanding voting stock Treasury Stock (Textual) [Abstract] Treasury Stock. Treasury Stock (Textual) [Abstract] Loan Amendment (Textual) [Abstract] Loan Amendment. Loan Amendment (Textual) [Abstract] Expiration Date on the Repurchase Authorizations Expiration date on the repurchase authorizations. Expiration date on the repurchase authorizations Extended the Maturity Date of the Existing Loan Extended the maturity date of the existing loan Extended the maturity date of the existing loan. Decreased the Interest Rate on the Outstanding Balance Decreased the interest rate on the outstanding balance Decreased the interest rate on the outstanding balance. Restructuring Reserve Accrued Exit Costs, Ending Balance Accrued Exit Costs, Beginning Balance Restructuring Reserve, Total Amount agreed to pay to settle qui tam matter as restricted cash Amount agreed to pay to settle the qui tam matter as restricted cash. Amount agreed to pay to settle the qui tam matter as restricted cash Pledged collateral as noncurrent restricted cash Pledged collateral as noncurrent restricted cash. Pledged collateral as noncurrent restricted cash Reduced Pledge Collateral Reduced pledge collateral. Reduced pledge collateral Average days from the date of receipt in which funds remain as restricted cash and cash equivalents Average days from the date of receipt in which funds remain as restricted cash and cash equivalents. Average days from the date of receipt in which funds remain as restricted cash and cash equivalents Reduction in revenue due to scholarships offered to students Reduction in revenue due to scholarships offered to students. Reduction in revenue due to scholarships offered to students Common stock acquired, shares Common stock acquired, shares. Common stock acquired, shares Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Amount of revolving line of credit Tax Effect of Share Based Compensation Expense [Abstract] Tax effect of share-based compensation Tax Effect of Share Based Compensation Expense. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Table Text Block] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Valuation and Qualifying Accounts. Additional Share Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract] Additional Share-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract] Share Based Compensation. Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Revolving line of credit facility, expiration date Stock Issued During Period Shares Share Based Compensation Share-based compensation, shares Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement Litigation settlement Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement, Total Increase decrease in deferred rent Increase decrease in deferred rent. Deferred rent Derivative Contract Details (Textual) [Abstract] Derivative Contract. Derivative Contract Details (Textual) [Abstract] Consolidation, Policy [Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Payments for Legal Settlements University paid in accordance with the settlement agreement Area of the Company's campus Area of the Company's campus in Phoenix, Arizona Area of the Company's campus. Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Debt issuance costs Shortfall Tax Expense from Share Based Compensation Shortfall tax expense from share-based compensation. Shortfall tax expense from share-based compensation Nature of Business (Textual) [Abstract] Nature of Business (Textual) [Abstract] Nature of business. Exit costs Exit costs Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and contingencies Other Noncash Income Expense Other Other Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset, Total Fair value of interest rate corridor included in other assets Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability, Total Fair value of interest rate swap is a liability ,which is included in other non current liability Derivative, Inception Date Inception date of derivative agreements Derivative, Maturity Date Maturity date of derivative agreements Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years), Outstanding Treasury Stock [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Axis] Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Purchase of equipment through capital lease obligations Treasury Stock [Text Block] Nature of Business [Abstract] Nature of Business [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract] Share-based Compensation [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Policy Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Fair Value of Financial Instruments Policy Fair Value of Financial Instruments Use of Estimates Use of Estimates Segment Reporting Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Information Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share Based Compensation Stock Options Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of the activity related to stock options granted under the Company's Incentive Plan Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] Treasury Stock [Abstract] Increase (Decrease) in Due to Related Parties, Current Increase (Decrease) in Due to Related Parties, Current, Total Summary of weighted average number of common shares outstanding Property Plant and Equipments [Abstract] Property Plant and Equipments [Abstract] Property Plant And Equipments. Income Taxes [Abstract] Share-based Compensation [ Abstract] Share-based Compensation Expense Treasury Stock Due to/from related parties Accrual for Taxes Other than Income Taxes, Current Tax reserves, non-income tax related Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Principal payments on notes payable and capital lease obligations Principal payments on notes payable and capital lease obligations Operating Income (Loss) Due to related parties Operating income Segment reporting operating income or expense Mind Streams [Member] Mind Streams. Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Lease Termination Fee Lease termination fee Lease termination fee. Lease Termination Fee [Policy Text Block] Lease Termination Fee Lease termination fee. Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Percentage of Earned Financial Aid by Students Percentage of earned financial aid by students. Percentage of earned financial aid by students Lease Termination Fee Payable Lease termination fee payable to old landlord Lease Termination Fee Payable. Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Remaining authorized repurchase amount Restatement of Consolidated Financial Statements [Abstract] Restatement of consolidated financial statements. Restatement of Consolidated Financial Statements [Text Block] Restatement of Consolidated Financial Statements Restatement of consolidated financial statements. Restatement of Consolidated Financial Statements (Textual) [Abstract] Restatement of Consolidated Financial Statements (Textual) [Abstract] Restatement of consolidated financial statements. Results Of Operations [Table Text Block] Results of operations Results of operations. Results Of Cash Flows [Table Text Block] Results of cash flows Results of cash flows. Scenario Previously Restated [Member] Scenario Previously Restated [Member] Scenario previously restated. Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] Results Of Operations [Abstract] Results of operations Results of operations. Results of Cash Flows [Abstract] Results of cash flows Results of cash flows. Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Additional Amount Authorized by Board of Directors Additional amount authorized by board of directors Additional amount authorized by board of directors. Authorized to Repurchase Common Stock Including Additional Repurchase Authorized to repurchase common stock including Additional repurchase Authorized to repurchase common stock including additional repurchase. Authorized to repurchase common stock Amounts borrowed on the line of credit Stock Repurchase Program Authorized Amount Line Of Credit Facility Amount Outstanding Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Percent of Financial Aid Earn by Student Percent of financial aid earn by student Percent of financial aid earn by student. Period for write off Inactive Student Accounts Period for write off inactive student accounts Period for write off inactive student accounts.