Strategic Education (STRA) 10-Q 1 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 21, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'STRAYER EDUCATION INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001013934	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	10,820,458

Unaudited_Condensed_Consolidat

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$85,220	$47,517
Tuition receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $6,596 and $5,819 at December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013, respectively	19,686	23,262
Income taxes receivable	907	4,454
Other current assets	12,503	14,422
Total current assets	118,316	89,655
Property and equipment, net	109,958	121,520
Deferred income taxes	5	3,279
Goodwill	6,800	6,800
Other assets	5,872	6,538
Total assets	240,951	227,792
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	39,058	39,124
Unearned tuition	585	494
Other current liabilities	281	281
Current portion of term loan	3,125	3,125
Total current liabilities	43,049	43,024
Term loan, less current portion	119,531	121,875
Other long-term liabilities	21,406	21,905
Total liabilities	183,986	186,804
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, par value $0.01; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 11,387,299 and 10,852,020 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013, respectively	109	114
Additional paid-in capital	6,289	299
Retained earnings	50,586	41,311
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-19	-736
Total stockholders' equity	56,965	40,988
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$240,951	$227,792

Unaudited_Condensed_Consolidat1

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance Sheets [Abstract]	'	'
Allowances for doubtful accounts	$5,819	$6,596
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	10,852,020	11,387,299
Common stock, shares outstanding	10,852,020	11,387,299

Unaudited_Condensed_Consolidat2

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statements of Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$110,031	$124,260	$379,517	$420,046
Costs and expenses:	'	'	'	'
Instruction and educational support	63,673	72,997	208,405	222,413
Marketing	23,077	23,171	57,026	53,693
Admissions advisory	5,188	6,487	15,751	19,733
General and administration	11,472	13,769	35,538	39,345
Total costs and expenses	103,410	116,424	316,720	335,184
Income from operations	6,621	7,836	62,797	84,862
Investment income	1	1	1	4
Interest expense	1,391	1,055	4,024	3,373
Income before income taxes	5,231	6,782	58,774	81,493
Provision for income taxes	2,082	2,679	23,392	32,190
Net income	$3,149	$4,103	$35,382	$49,303
Earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.30	$0.36	$3.34	$4.31
Diluted	$0.30	$0.36	$3.32	$4.29
Weighted average shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	10,510	11,433	10,608	11,428
Diluted	10,552	11,487	10,646	11,482

Unaudited_Condensed_Consolidat3

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$3,149	$4,103	$35,382	$49,303
Other comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'
Change in fair value of derivative instrument, net of income tax	-305	13	717	66
Comprehensive income	$2,844	$4,116	$36,099	$49,369

Unaudited_Condensed_Consolidat4

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
In Thousands, except Share data
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$42,293	$118	$295	$42,491	($611)
Beginning Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011	'	11,792,456	'	'	'
Tax shortfall associated with stock-based compensation arrangements	-418	'	-418	'	'
Restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures and conversions	'	1	-1	'	'
Restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures and conversions, shares	'	80,700	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	9,358	'	9,358	'	'
Common stock dividends	-35,609	'	'	-35,609	'
Change in fair value of derivative instrument, net of income tax	66	'	'	'	66
Net income	49,303	'	'	49,303	'
Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	64,993	119	9,234	56,185	-545
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2012	'	11,873,156	'	'	'
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012	40,988	114	299	41,311	-736
Beginning Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012	'	11,387,299	'	'	'
Tax shortfall associated with stock-based compensation arrangements	-3,521	'	-656	-2,865	'
Repurchase of common stock	-24,999	-5	-1,752	-23,242	'
Repurchase of common stock, shares	'	-495,085	'	'	'
Restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures and conversions	'	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures and conversions, shares	'	-40,194	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	8,398	'	8,398	'	'
Change in fair value of derivative instrument, net of income tax	717	'	'	'	717
Net income	35,382	'	'	35,382	'
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$56,965	$109	$6,289	$50,586	($19)
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2013	'	10,852,020	'	'	'

Unaudited_Condensed_Consolidat5

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$35,382	$49,303
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Amortization of gain on sale of assets	-210	-210
Amortization of deferred rent	-216	173
Amortization of deferred financing costs	585	599
Depreciation and amortization	18,561	17,857
Deferred income taxes	-3,503	-2,827
Stock-based compensation	8,398	9,358
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Tuition receivable, net	3,576	897
Other current assets	1,668	-1,992
Other assets	-2	-134
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	188	5,307
Income taxes payable and income taxes receivable	6,591	-7,630
Unearned tuition	769	-14,201
Other long-term liabilities	374	746
Net cash provided by operating activities	72,161	57,246
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-7,115	-18,165
Net cash used in investing activities	-7,115	-18,165
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Repurchase of common stock	-24,999	'
Payments on term loan	-2,344	-20,000
Payments on revolving credit facility	'	-48,000
Proceeds from revolving credit facility	'	53,000
Common dividends paid	'	-35,609
Net cash used in financing activities	-27,343	-50,609
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	37,703	-11,528
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	47,517	57,137
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	85,220	45,609
Non-cash transactions:	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable	$274	$2,132

Nature_of_Operations

Nature of Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Nature of Operations [Abstract]	'
Nature of Operations	'
	1.	Nature of Operations
	Strayer Education, Inc. (the “Company”), a Maryland corporation, conducts its operations through its wholly owned subsidiary, Strayer University (the “University”). The University is an accredited institution of higher education that provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields of study through physical campuses, predominantly located in the eastern United States, and online. With the Company’s focus on the student, regardless of whether he or she chooses to take classes at a physical campus or online, it has only one reporting segment.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies	'
	2.	Significant Accounting Policies
	Financial Statement Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its only subsidiary, the University. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
	All information as of December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2012 and 2013, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013 is unaudited but, in the opinion of management, contains all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.
	Revenues
	The Company’s educational programs are offered on a quarterly basis. Approximately 96% of the Company’s revenues during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 consisted of tuition revenue. Tuition revenue is recognized in the quarter of instruction. Tuition revenue is shown net of any refunds, withdrawals, corporate discounts, scholarships and employee tuition discounts. At the start of each academic term, a liability (unearned tuition) is recorded for academic services to be provided and a tuition receivable is recorded for the portion of the tuition not paid upfront in cash. Any cash received prior to the start of an academic term is recorded as unearned tuition. The estimated value of scholarship awards which will be realized in the future also are recorded as unearned tuition in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  Revenues also include textbook-related income, application fees, technology fees, placement test fees, withdrawal fees, certificate revenue, and other income, which are recognized when earned.
	Fair Value
	The Fair Value Measurement Topic, ASC 820 (“ASC 820”), establishes a framework for measuring fair value, establishes a fair value hierarchy based upon the observability of inputs used to measure fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Under ASC 820, fair value of an investment is the price that would be received to sell an asset or to transfer a liability to an entity in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to assets and liabilities with readily available quoted prices in an active market and lowest priority to unobservable inputs which require a higher degree of judgment when measuring fair value, as follows:
	●	Level 1 assets or liabilities use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the measurement date;
	●	Level 2 assets or liabilities use observable inputs, other than quoted market prices, that are either directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace for identical or similar assets and liabilities; and
	●	Level 3 assets or liabilities use unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity.
	The Company’s assets and liabilities that are subject to fair value measurement are categorized in one of the three levels above. Fair values are based on the inputs available at the measurement dates, and may rely on certain assumptions that may affect the valuation of fair value for certain assets or liabilities.
	Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
	Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the amount assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Indefinite-lived intangible assets, which include a trade name, are recorded at fair market value on their acquisition date. An indefinite life was assigned to the trade name because it has the continued ability to generate cash flows indefinitely.
	Goodwill and the indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed at least annually for impairment during the three-month period ending September 30, or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change between annual tests that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the respective reporting unit below its carrying amount. Under Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-08, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment, the Company is permitted, but not required, to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the more thorough quantitative goodwill impairment test. Following its qualitative assessment, the Company determined it was not more likely than not that the fair value of its goodwill was less than the carrying amount and, accordingly, no impairment existed at September 30, 2013.
	Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	On the date that the Company enters into a derivative contract, it designates the derivative as a hedge of (a) a forecasted transaction or (b) the variability of cash flows that are to be received or paid in connection with a recognized asset or liability (a cash flow hedge). All derivatives are recognized in the balance sheet at their fair value.
	Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is highly effective and that is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge, to the extent that the hedge is effective, are recorded, net of income tax, in other comprehensive income, until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows of the hedged transaction (e.g., until periodic settlements of a variable-rate asset or liability are recorded in earnings). Any hedge ineffectiveness (which represents the amount by which the changes in the fair value of the derivative exceed the variability in the cash flows of the forecasted transaction) is recorded in current-period earnings.
	The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The Company also formally assesses (both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis) whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions have been highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of hedged items and whether those derivatives may be expected to remain highly effective in future periods. When it is determined that a derivative is not (or has ceased to be) highly effective as a hedge, the Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively.
	Stock-based Compensation
	As required by the Stock Compensation Topic, ASC 718, the Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payment awards, including employee stock options and employee stock purchases related to the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan, based on estimated fair values. Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, is based on awards ultimately expected to vest and, therefore, has been adjusted for estimated forfeitures. The Company is required to estimate forfeitures at the time of grant and revise, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The forfeiture rate used is based on historical experience. The Company also assesses the likelihood that performance criteria associated with performance-based awards will be met. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that performance criteria will not be achieved, the Company revises its estimate of the number of shares it believes will ultimately vest.
	Net Income Per Share
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur assuming conversion or exercise of all dilutive stock awards. The dilutive effect of stock awards was determined using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, all of the following are assumed to be used to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock: (1) the proceeds received from the exercise of stock options, (2) the amount of compensation cost associated with the stock awards for future service not yet recognized by the Company, and (3) the amount of tax benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital when the stock awards become deductible for income tax purposes. Stock options are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share when the stock option exercise price of an individual grant exceeds the average market price for the period. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, the Company had no issued and outstanding stock options that were included in the calculation.
	Set forth below is a reconciliation of shares used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands):
			For the three months				For the nine months
			ended September 30,				ended September 30,
			2012		2013		2012		2013
	Weighted average shares outstanding used to compute basic earnings per share			11,433		10,510		11,428		10,608
	Unvested restricted stock			54		42		54		38
	Shares used to compute diluted earnings per share			11,487		10,552		11,482		10,646

Term_Loan_and_Revolving_Credit

Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]	'
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility	'
	3.	Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility
	On November 8, 2012, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement (the “Amended Credit Facility”), providing for a $100.0 million revolving credit facility and $125.0 million term loan facility, with an option, subject to obtaining additional loan commitments and the satisfaction of certain conditions, to increase the commitments under the Credit Facility by up to $50.0 million in the future. Each of the revolving portions of the Amended Credit Facility, which includes a letter of credit subfacility of $50.0 million, and the term loan portion of the Amended Credit Facility matures on December 31, 2016, and amends and refinances the Company’s original Credit Facility. The term loan portion of the Amended Credit Facility also includes required quarterly amortization payments in the amount of $781,250, or 0.625% of the aggregate original principal amount of the term loan facility, in the case of each payment made during calendar years 2013 and 2014, and $1,562,500, or 1.25% of the aggregate original principal amount of the term loan facility, in the case of each payment made during calendar years 2015 and 2016. The Amended Credit Facility is guaranteed by the University and is secured by substantially all of the personal property and assets of the Company and the guarantor.
	Borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility bear interest at LIBOR or a base rate plus a margin ranging from 2.00% to 2.50%, depending on the Company’s leverage ratio. For the $125.0 million term loan facility, the Company entered into an additional interest rate swap arrangement that fixes its interest rate on the entire term loan facility at an effective rate ranging from 2.85% to 3.35%, depending on the Company’s leverage ratio. In addition, an unused commitment fee ranging from 0.30% to 0.40%, depending on the Company’s leverage ratio, accrues on unused amounts under the revolving portion of the Amended Credit Facility. The Amended Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, representations, warranties, events of default and remedies upon default, including acceleration and rights to foreclose on the collateral securing the Amended Credit Facility. In addition, the Amended Credit Facility requires that the Company satisfy certain financial maintenance covenants, including:
	●	a total leverage ratio of not greater than 2.00:1.00;
	●	a coverage ratio of not less than 1.75:1.00; and
	●	a Department of Education financial composite score of not less than 1.5.
	The Company was in compliance with all the terms of the Amended Credit Facility at September 30, 2013.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company had outstanding $122.7 million under the term loan facility and no balance outstanding under the revolving credit facility. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company paid cash interest of $1.2 million and $3.4 million, respectively, compared to $0.9 million and $2.8 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
	Debt and short-term borrowings consist of the following as of September 30, 2013 (in thousands):
	Term loan		$	122,656
	Revolving credit facility			—
	Total debt			122,656
	Less: Current portion of long-term debt			3,125
	Long-term debt		$	119,531
	Aggregate debt maturities as of September 30, 2013 are as follows:
	2013		$	781
	2014			3,125
	2015			6,250
	2016			112,500
			$	122,656
	Interest Rate Swap
	The Company was party to an interest rate swap on the outstanding balance of the Company’s existing Credit Facility. On November 8, 2012, the Company entered into an additional interest rate swap arrangement in order to minimize the interest rate exposure on the entire balance of the term loan facility (the “Swaps,” inclusive of the existing swap). The Swaps effectively fix the variable interest rate on the associated debt at an effective rate ranging from 2.85% to 3.35%, depending on the leverage ratio, rather than being subject to fluctuations in the LIBOR rate. The terms of the Swaps effectively match the term of the underlying term loan facility. The Swaps have been designated as a cash flow hedge and have been deemed effective in accordance with the Derivatives and Hedging Topic, ASC 815. The Company expects the Swaps to continue to be deemed effective for the duration of the Swaps. The fair value of the Swaps is included in other long-term liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Fair_Value_Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurement	'
	4.	Fair Value Measurement
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consist of the following as of September 30, 2013 (in thousands):
						Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
			September 30,			Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
			2013			Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
						Identical Assets/		Observable		Inputs
						Liabilities		Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds		$	8,381		$	8,381	$	—	$	—
	Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis		$	8,381		$	8,381	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Other liabilities:
	Interest rate swaps		$	31		$	—	$	31	$	—
	Deferred payments			2,116			—		—		2,116
	Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis		$	2,147		$	—	$	31	$	2,116
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consist of the following as of December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
						Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
			December 31,			Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
			2012			Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
						Identical Assets/		Observable		Inputs
						Liabilities		Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds		$	1,380		$	1,380	$	—	$	—
	Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis		$	1,380		$	1,380	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Other liabilities:
	Interest rate swaps		$	1,211		$	—	$	1,211	$	—
	Deferred payments			2,119			—		—		2,119
	Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis		$	3,330		$	—	$	1,211	$	2,119
	The Company measures the above items on a recurring basis at fair value as follows:
	●	Money market funds — Classified in Level 1 is excess cash the Company may hold in both taxable and tax-exempt money market funds, and is included in cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company records any net unrealized gains and losses for changes in fair value as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses from the sale of marketable securities are based on the specific identification method. The Company’s remaining cash and cash equivalents held at December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013, approximate fair value and is not disclosed in the above tables because of the short-term nature of the financial instruments.
	●	Interest rate swap — The Company has two interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $122.7 million as of September 30, 2013, used to minimize the interest rate exposure and fix the variable interest rate on a portion of the Company’s variable rate debt. The swaps are classified within Level 2 and are valued using readily available pricing sources which utilize market observable inputs including the current variable interest rate for similar types of instruments.
	●	Deferred payments — The Company acquired certain assets and entered into a deferred payment arrangement with one of the sellers, which are classified within Level 3 as there is no liquid market for similarly priced instruments.  The deferred payments are valued using a discounted cash flow model that encompassed significant unobservable inputs to estimate the operating results of the acquired assets. The assumptions used to prepare the discounted cash flows include estimates for interest rates, enrollment growth, retention rates and pricing strategies. These assumptions are subject to change as the underlying data sources evolve and the program matures.
	At September 30, 2013, the carrying value of the Company’s debt, which is variable interest rate debt, was $122.7 million and approximates fair value. Variable interest rates are established by market data and used with other observable inputs to estimate fair value measurements, which are categorized as Level 2 measurements under ASC 820.
	The Company did not change its valuation techniques associated with recurring fair value measurements from prior periods, and no assets or liabilities were transferred between levels of the fair value hierarchy during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 or 2013. Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013, include $6.8 million of goodwill and $1.6 million of other indefinite-lived intangible assets. The changes in the fair value of the Company’s Level 3 liability during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
			Deferred
			Payments
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	2,119
	Amounts earned			(212	)
	Adjustments to fair value			209
	Transfers in or out of Level 3			—
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	2,116

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	5	Stockholders’ Equity
	Authorized Stock
	The Company has authorized 20,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01, of which 11,387,299 and 10,852,020 shares were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013, respectively. The Company also has authorized 8,000,000 shares of preferred stock, none of which has been issued or outstanding since 2004. In 2012, the Company paid an annual cash dividend of $4.00 per share, or $1.00 per share quarterly. No dividend was paid in the first, second or third quarters of 2013.
	Stock-based Compensation Plans
	The Strayer Education Inc. 2011 Equity Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) provides for the granting of restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options intended to qualify as incentive stock options, stock options that do not qualify as incentive stock options, and other forms of equity compensation and performance-based awards to employees, officers and directors of the Company, or to a consultant or advisor to the Company, at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Vesting provisions are at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Options may be granted at option prices based at or above the fair market value of the shares at the date of grant. The maximum term of the awards granted under the Plan is ten years. Dividends paid on unvested restricted stock are reimbursed to the Company if the recipient forfeits his or her shares as a result of termination of employment, prior to vesting in the award.
	Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
	In February 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors approved grants of 165,712 shares of restricted stock to certain individuals. These shares, which vest over a three- to five-year period, were granted pursuant to the Plan. The Company’s stock price closed at $62.28 on the date of these restricted stock grants. In March 2013, outstanding awards of 200,000 restricted shares were converted to restricted stock units.
	In May 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors approved grants of 43,659 shares of restricted stock. These shares, which vest in their entirety four years from the date of grant, were granted pursuant to the Plan. The Company’s Board of Directors also approved grants of 16,370 shares of restricted stock. These shares, which vest over a three-year period, were awarded to non-employee members of the Company’s Board of Directors, as part of the Company’s annual director compensation program. The Company’s stock price closed at $45.81 on the date of these restricted stock grants.
	The table below sets forth the restricted stock and restricted stock units activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
			Number			Weighted-
			of shares			average grant
			or units			price
	Balance, December 31, 2012			434,439		$	178.88
	Grants			225,741		$	57.9
	Vested shares			(51,916	)	$	164.22
	Forfeitures			(65,935	)	$	183.06
	Balance, September 30, 2013			542,329		$	129.42
	Stock Options
	In February 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors granted an option to purchase 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $51.95 per share. The award vests in its entirety two years from the date of grant and expires eight years from the date of grant. The weighted average fair value of this option is estimated on the date of grant at $22.09 per share using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 0.877%; an expected life of five years; volatility of 48.49%; and dividend yield of 0% over the expected life of the option.
	The table below sets forth the stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and other stock option information at September 30, 2013:
			Number of			Weighted-average exercise price		Weighted-average remaining		Aggregate intrinsic
			shares					contractual		value(1)
								life (yrs.)		(in thousands)
	Balance, December 31, 2012			100,000		$	107.28		0.1	$	—
	Grants			100,000			51.95
	Forfeitures/Expirations			(100,000	)		107.28
	Balance, September 30, 2013			100,000		$	51.95		7.3	$	—
	Exercisable, September 30, 2013			—		$	—		—		—
	(1)	The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the respective trading day and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holder had the options been exercised on the respective trading day. The amount of intrinsic value will change based on the fair market value of the Company’s common stock.
	Valuation and Expense Information under Stock Compensation Topic ASC 718
	At September 30, 2013, total stock-based compensation cost which has not yet been recognized was $40.2 million for unvested restricted stock, restricted stock units, and stock option awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over the next 55 months on a weighted-average basis. Awards of approximately 344,000 shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units are subject to performance conditions. The accrual for stock-based compensation for performance awards is based on the Company’s estimates that such performance criteria are probable of being achieved. Such a determination involves significant judgment surrounding future operating performance of the Company. If the performance targets are not reached during the vesting period, or it is determined it is more likely than not that the performance criteria will not be achieved, related compensation expense is adjusted.
	The following table summarizes the stock-based compensation expense recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013 by expense line item (in thousands):
			For the three months					For the nine months
			ended September 30,					ended September 30,
			2012			2013		2012		2013
	Instruction and educational support		$	976		$	815	$	2,538	$	2,756
	Marketing			—			—		—		—
	Admissions advisory			—			—		—		—
	General and administration			2,551			2,351		6,820		5,642
	Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense			3,527			3,166		9,358		8,398
	Tax benefit			1,393			1,260		3,696		3,342
	Stock-based compensation expense, net of income tax		$	2,134		$	1,906	$	5,662	$	5,056
	During the nine months ended September, 2012 and 2013, the Company recognized a tax shortfall related to share-based payment arrangements of $0.4 million and $3.5 million, respectively. No stock options were exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 or 2013.

Other_LongTerm_Liabilities

Other Long-Term Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Other Long-Term Liabilities	'
	6.	Other Long-Term Liabilities
	Other long-term liabilities consist of the following as of December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013 (in thousands):
			2012		2013
	Deferred rent and other facility costs		$	11,650	$	12,261
	Deferred payments related to acquisition			4,919		4,916
	Lease incentives			3,150		2,755
	Fair value of interest rate swap (see Note 3)			1,211		31
	Deferred gain on sale of campus building			975		765
	Unearned tuition, net of current portion			—		678
			$	21,905	$	21,406
	Deferred Rent and Other Facility Costs
	In accordance with the Operating Leases Subtopic, ASC 840-20 (“ASC 840-20”), the Company records rent expense on a straight-line basis over the initial term of a lease. The difference between the rent payment and the straight-line rent expense is recorded as a liability. Other facility costs include lease costs of non-campus facilities that are not currently in use.
	Lease Incentives
	In conjunction with the opening of new campuses, the Company, in some instances, was reimbursed by the lessors for improvements made to the leased properties. In accordance with ASC 840-20, these improvements were capitalized as leasehold improvements and a long-term liability was established for the reimbursements. The leasehold improvements and the liability are amortized on a straight-line basis over the corresponding lease terms, which generally range from five to 10 years.
	Deferred Gain on Sale of Campus Building
	In June 2007, the Company sold one of its campus buildings for $5.8 million. The Company is leasing back most of the campus building over a 10-year period. In conjunction with this sale and lease back transaction, the Company realized a gain of $2.8 million before tax, which is deferred and recognized over the 10-year lease term.
	Unearned Tuition
	Undergraduate students may be eligible for certain Company-sponsored scholarships. Scholarship programs generally are designed to attract new students and encourage their advancement toward a degree.  Under the Strayer Graduation Fund, qualifying students are eligible to participate in one course free of charge for every three courses successfully completed by that student. The free courses typically are redeemable in the student’s final academic year of attendance. The Company’s estimate of the value of the award earned through September 30, 2013 is included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	7.	Income Taxes
	The Income Taxes Topic, ASC 740 (“ASC 740”), requires the Company to determine whether uncertain tax positions should be recognized within the Company’s financial statements. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits and liabilities at September 30, 2013 is immaterial. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of September 30, 2013, the amount of accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions was immaterial. The tax years 2011 and 2012 remain open for Federal tax examination, and the tax years 2009-2012 remain open to examination by the state and local taxing jurisdictions in which the Company is subject.

Litigation

Litigation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Litigation [Abstract]	'
Litigation	'
	8.	Litigation
	From time to time, the Company is involved in litigation and other legal proceedings arising out of the ordinary course of its business. There are no pending material legal proceedings to which the Company is subject or to which the Company’s property is subject.

Regulation

Regulation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Regulation [Abstract]	'
Regulation	'
	9	Regulation
	The Department of Education (the “Department”) previously attempted to define “an eligible program of training to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.” After a federal court invalidated the Department’s regulation, the Department  established a negotiated rulemaking committee to consider the issue of gainful employment, and appointed Strayer University’s General Counsel to serve on the committee. In September, the Department circulated a proposed draft of the new rule that would apply the two debt-to-income ratios used in the 2011 rule, modified in several material ways, but that did not include the prior Loan Repayment Rate metric. The negotiated rulemaking committee continues its work, and the Department has indicated that it expects to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for public comment in 2014. Given the uncertainty as to the terms and application of any final rules, the Company is unable to determine what impact, if any, the rules will have on its financial condition or results of operations.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent events	'
	10.	Subsequent Events
	In October 2013, the Company began to implement cost reduction initiatives to better align the Company’s resources with its current student enrollments.  These cost reduction initiatives, which will occur primarily in the fourth quarter of 2013, include the closing of approximately 20 physical locations, subject to regulatory approvals, and reductions in the number of campus-based and corporate employees.  The Company estimates that during the three months ended December 31, 2013, it will incur a total of between $45-55 million in one-time charges to implement these initiatives.  Of this amount, approximately $30-40 million is related to the closing of the physical locations for net lease and related facility costs, including the noncash write-down of assets to net realizable value.  In addition, the Company estimates it will incur up to approximately $15 million of charges related to workforce reductions.  Severance costs will be paid primarily on or before December 31, 2013.  The Company estimates that approximately $10 million of the charge will reduce cash flow from operating activities in the fourth quarter of 2013.  These estimates are preliminary and are subject to change as the Company finalizes the terms of its campus closings and severance arrangements.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Financial Statement Presentation	'
	Financial Statement Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its only subsidiary, the University. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
	All information as of December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2012 and 2013, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013 is unaudited but, in the opinion of management, contains all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.
Revenues	'
	Revenues
	The Company’s educational programs are offered on a quarterly basis. Approximately 96% of the Company’s revenues during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 consisted of tuition revenue. Tuition revenue is recognized in the quarter of instruction. Tuition revenue is shown net of any refunds, withdrawals, corporate discounts, scholarships and employee tuition discounts. At the start of each academic term, a liability (unearned tuition) is recorded for academic services to be provided and a tuition receivable is recorded for the portion of the tuition not paid upfront in cash. Any cash received prior to the start of an academic term is recorded as unearned tuition. The estimated value of scholarship awards which will be realized in the future also are recorded as unearned tuition in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  Revenues also include textbook-related income, application fees, technology fees, placement test fees, withdrawal fees, certificate revenue, and other income, which are recognized when earned.
Fair Value	'
	Fair Value
	The Fair Value Measurement Topic, ASC 820 (“ASC 820”), establishes a framework for measuring fair value, establishes a fair value hierarchy based upon the observability of inputs used to measure fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Under ASC 820, fair value of an investment is the price that would be received to sell an asset or to transfer a liability to an entity in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to assets and liabilities with readily available quoted prices in an active market and lowest priority to unobservable inputs which require a higher degree of judgment when measuring fair value, as follows:
	●	Level 1 assets or liabilities use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the measurement date;
	●	Level 2 assets or liabilities use observable inputs, other than quoted market prices, that are either directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace for identical or similar assets and liabilities; and
	●	Level 3 assets or liabilities use unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity.
	The Company’s assets and liabilities that are subject to fair value measurement are categorized in one of the three levels above. Fair values are based on the inputs available at the measurement dates, and may rely on certain assumptions that may affect the valuation of fair value for certain assets or liabilities.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
	Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the amount assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Indefinite-lived intangible assets, which include a trade name, are recorded at fair market value on their acquisition date. An indefinite life was assigned to the trade name because it has the continued ability to generate cash flows indefinitely.
	Goodwill and the indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed at least annually for impairment during the three-month period ending September 30, or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change between annual tests that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the respective reporting unit below its carrying amount. Under Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-08, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment, the Company is permitted, but not required, to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the more thorough quantitative goodwill impairment test. Following its qualitative assessment, the Company determined it was not more likely than not that the fair value of its goodwill was less than the carrying amount and, accordingly, no impairment existed at September 30, 2013.
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	'
	Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	On the date that the Company enters into a derivative contract, it designates the derivative as a hedge of (a) a forecasted transaction or (b) the variability of cash flows that are to be received or paid in connection with a recognized asset or liability (a cash flow hedge). All derivatives are recognized in the balance sheet at their fair value.
	Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is highly effective and that is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge, to the extent that the hedge is effective, are recorded, net of income tax, in other comprehensive income, until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows of the hedged transaction (e.g., until periodic settlements of a variable-rate asset or liability are recorded in earnings). Any hedge ineffectiveness (which represents the amount by which the changes in the fair value of the derivative exceed the variability in the cash flows of the forecasted transaction) is recorded in current-period earnings.
	The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The Company also formally assesses (both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis) whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions have been highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of hedged items and whether those derivatives may be expected to remain highly effective in future periods. When it is determined that a derivative is not (or has ceased to be) highly effective as a hedge, the Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively.
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-based Compensation
	As required by the Stock Compensation Topic, ASC 718, the Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payment awards, including employee stock options and employee stock purchases related to the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan, based on estimated fair values. Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, is based on awards ultimately expected to vest and, therefore, has been adjusted for estimated forfeitures. The Company is required to estimate forfeitures at the time of grant and revise, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The forfeiture rate used is based on historical experience. The Company also assesses the likelihood that performance criteria associated with performance-based awards will be met. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that performance criteria will not be achieved, the Company revises its estimate of the number of shares it believes will ultimately vest.
Net Income Per Share	'
	Net Income Per Share
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur assuming conversion or exercise of all dilutive stock awards. The dilutive effect of stock awards was determined using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, all of the following are assumed to be used to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock: (1) the proceeds received from the exercise of stock options, (2) the amount of compensation cost associated with the stock awards for future service not yet recognized by the Company, and (3) the amount of tax benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital when the stock awards become deductible for income tax purposes. Stock options are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share when the stock option exercise price of an individual grant exceeds the average market price for the period. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, the Company had no issued and outstanding stock options that were included in the calculation.
	Set forth below is a reconciliation of shares used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands):
			For the three months				For the nine months
			ended September 30,				ended September 30,
			2012		2013		2012		2013
	Weighted average shares outstanding used to compute basic earnings per share			11,433		10,510		11,428		10,608
	Unvested restricted stock			54		42		54		38
	Shares used to compute diluted earnings per share			11,487		10,552		11,482		10,646

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of reconciliation of shares used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share	'
		For the three months				For the nine months
		ended September 30,				ended September 30,
		2012		2013		2012		2013
	Weighted average shares outstanding used to compute basic earnings per share		11,433		10,510		11,428		10,608
	Unvested restricted stock		54		42		54		38
	Shares used to compute diluted earnings per share		11,487		10,552		11,482		10,646

Term_Loan_and_Revolving_Credit1

Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]	'
Schedule of debt and short-term borrowings	'
	Term loan	$	122,656
	Revolving credit facility		—
	Total debt		122,656
	Less: Current portion of long-term debt		3,125
	Long-term debt	$	119,531
Schedule of aggregate debt maturities	'
	2013	$	781
	2014		3,125
	2015		6,250
	2016		112,500
		$	122,656

Fair_Value_Measurement_Tables

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]	'
Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'
					Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
		September 30,			Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
		2013			Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
					Identical Assets/		Observable		Inputs
					Liabilities		Inputs		(Level 3)
					(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds	$	8,381		$	8,381	$	—	$	—
	Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	8,381		$	8,381	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Other liabilities:
	Interest rate swaps	$	31		$	—	$	31	$	—
	Deferred payments		2,116			—		—		2,116
	Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	$	2,147		$	—	$	31	$	2,116
					Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
		December 31,			Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
		2012			Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
					Identical Assets/		Observable		Inputs
					Liabilities		Inputs		(Level 3)
					(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds	$	1,380		$	1,380	$	—	$	—
	Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	1,380		$	1,380	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Other liabilities:
	Interest rate swaps	$	1,211		$	—	$	1,211	$	—
	Deferred payments		2,119			—		—		2,119
	Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	$	3,330		$	—	$	1,211	$	2,119
Schedule of changes in fair value of level 3 liability	'
		Deferred
		Payments
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	2,119
	Amounts earned		(212	)
	Adjustments to fair value		209
	Transfers in or out of Level 3		—
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	2,116

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of restricted stock activity	'
		Number			Weighted-
		of shares			average grant
		or units			price
	Balance, December 31, 2012		434,439		$	178.88
	Grants		225,741		$	57.9
	Vested shares		(51,916	)	$	164.22
	Forfeitures		(65,935	)	$	183.06
	Balance, September 30, 2013		542,329		$	129.42
Schedule of stock option activity	'
		Number of			Weighted-average exercise price		Weighted-average remaining		Aggregate intrinsic
		shares					contractual		value(1)
							life (yrs.)		(in thousands)
	Balance, December 31, 2012		100,000		$	107.28		0.1	$	—
	Grants		100,000			51.95
	Forfeitures/Expirations		(100,000	)		107.28
	Balance, September 30, 2013		100,000		$	51.95		7.3	$	—
	Exercisable, September 30, 2013		—		$	—		—		—
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	'
		For the three months					For the nine months
		ended September 30,					ended September 30,
		2012			2013		2012		2013
	Instruction and educational support	$	976		$	815	$	2,538	$	2,756
	Marketing		—			—		—		—
	Admissions advisory		—			—		—		—
	General and administration		2,551			2,351		6,820		5,642
	Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense		3,527			3,166		9,358		8,398
	Tax benefit		1,393			1,260		3,696		3,342
	Stock-based compensation expense, net of income tax	$	2,134		$	1,906	$	5,662	$	5,056

Other_LongTerm_Liabilities_Tab

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of other long-term liabilities	'
		2012		2013
	Deferred rent and other facility costs	$	11,650	$	12,261
	Deferred payments related to acquisition		4,919		4,916
	Lease incentives		3,150		2,755
	Fair value of interest rate swap (see Note 3)		1,211		31
	Deferred gain on sale of campus building		975		765
	Unearned tuition, net of current portion		—		678
		$	21,905	$	21,406

Nature_of_Operations_Details

Nature of Operations (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	Segments
Nature of Operations (Textual)	'
Number of reporting segments	1

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Schedule of reconciliation of shares used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares outstanding used to compute basic earnings per share	10,510	11,433	10,608	11,428
Unvested restricted stock	42	54	38	54
Shares used to compute diluted earnings per share	10,552	11,487	10,646	11,482

Significant_Accounting_Policie4

Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)	'
Percentage of tuition revenue in total revenue	96.00%

Term_Loan_and_Revolving_Credit2

Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of debt and short-term borrowings	'	'
Total debt	$122,656	'
Less: Current portion of long-term debt	3,125	3,125
Long-term debt	119,531	'
Term loan [Member]	'	'
Schedule of debt and short-term borrowings	'	'
Total debt	122,656	'
Revolving credit facility [Member]	'	'
Schedule of debt and short-term borrowings	'	'
Total debt	'	'

Term_Loan_and_Revolving_Credit3

Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Details 1) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of aggregate debt maturities	'
2013	$781
2014	3,125
2015	6,250
2016	112,500
Aggregate debt maturities	$122,656

Term_Loan_and_Revolving_Credit4

Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Nov. 08, 2012
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Textual)	'	'	'	'	'
Debt	$122,656,000	'	$122,656,000	'	'
Option to increase commitments under credit facility	'	'	'	'	50,000,000
Term loan facility, quarterly amortization payments, during 2013	'	'	'	'	781,250
Term loan facility, quarterly amortization payments, during 2014	'	'	'	'	781,250
Term loan facility, quarterly amortization payments, during 2015	'	'	'	'	1,562,500
Term loan facility, quarterly amortization payments, during 2016	'	'	'	'	1,562,500
Quarterly payment percentage of aggregate original principal amount of term loan facility in year one and two	'	'	'	'	0.63%
Quarterly payment percentage of aggregate original principal amount of term loan facility in year three and four	'	'	'	'	1.25%
Cash interest paid	1,200,000	900,000	3,400,000	2,800,000	'
Covenant terms required by credit facility	'	'	'1) A total leverage ratio of not greater than 2.00:1.00; 2) A coverage ratio of not less than 1.75:1.00; 3) A Department of Education financial composite score of not less than 1.5.	'	'
Maximum total leverage ratio	2	'	2	'	'
Minimum coverage ratio	1.75	'	1.75	'	'
Minimum department of education financial composite score	1.5	'	1.5	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Textual)	'	'	'	'	'
Unused commitment fee	'	'	0.30%	'	'
Term loan facility, effective percentage	2.85%	'	2.85%	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Textual)	'	'	'	'	'
Unused commitment fee	'	'	0.40%	'	'
Term loan facility, effective percentage	3.35%	'	3.35%	'	'
Letter of Credit [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Textual)	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum borrowing on term loan facility	'	'	'	'	50,000,000
LIBOR [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Textual)	'	'	'	'	'
Margin rate for interest if using base rate	2.00%	'	2.00%	'	'
Interest rate swap, fixed rate	2.85%	'	2.85%	'	'
LIBOR [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Textual)	'	'	'	'	'
Margin rate for interest if using base rate	2.50%	'	2.50%	'	'
Interest rate swap, fixed rate	3.35%	'	3.35%	'	'
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Textual)	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum borrowing on term loan facility	'	'	'	'	100,000,000
Term Loan Facility [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Textual)	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum borrowing on term loan facility	'	'	'	'	125,000,000
Debt	$122,700,000	'	$122,700,000	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurement_Details

Fair Value Measurement (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash equivalents:	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$8,381	$1,380
Other liabilities:	'	'
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	2,147	3,330
Money Market Funds [Member]	'	'
Cash equivalents:	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	8,381	1,380
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'
Other liabilities:	'	'
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	31	1,211
Deferred Payments [Member]	'	'
Other liabilities:	'	'
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	2,116	2,119
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Cash equivalents:	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	8,381	1,380
Other liabilities:	'	'
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]	'	'
Cash equivalents:	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	8,381	1,380
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'
Other liabilities:	'	'
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Deferred Payments [Member]	'	'
Other liabilities:	'	'
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Cash equivalents:	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Other liabilities:	'	'
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	31	1,211
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]	'	'
Cash equivalents:	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'
Other liabilities:	'	'
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	31	1,211
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Deferred Payments [Member]	'	'
Other liabilities:	'	'
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Cash equivalents:	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Other liabilities:	'	'
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	2,116	2,119
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]	'	'
Cash equivalents:	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'
Other liabilities:	'	'
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Deferred Payments [Member]	'	'
Other liabilities:	'	'
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	$2,116	$2,119

Fair_Value_Measurement_Details1

Fair Value Measurement (Details 1) (Deferred Payments [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Deferred Payments [Member]	'
Schedule of changes in fair value of level 3 liability	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	$2,119
Amounts earned	-212
Adjustments to fair value	209
Transfers in or out of Level 3	'
Balance at September 30, 2013	$2,116

Fair_Value_Measurement_Details2

Fair Value Measurement (Details Textual) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Swap
Fair Value Measurement (Textual)	'	'
Number of interest rate swaps	2	'
Interest rate swap, notional amount	$122.70	'
Carrying value of the debt	122.7	'
Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, goodwill	6.8	6.8
Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, other indefinite-lived intangible assets	$1.60	$1.60

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Schedule of restricted stock activity	'
Beginning Balance, Number of shares	434,439
Grants, Number of shares	225,741
Vested shares, Number of shares	-51,916
Forfeitures, Number of shares	-65,935
Ending Balance, Number of shares	542,329
Beginning Balance, Weighted-average grant price	$178.88
Grants, Weighted-average grant price	$57.90
Vested shares, Weighted-average grant price	$164.22
Forfeitures, Weighted-average grant price	$183.06
Ending Balance, Weighted-average grant price	$129.42

Stockholders_Equity_Details_1

Stockholders' Equity (Details 1) (Stock Options [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Options [Member]	'	'
Schedule of stock option activity	'	'
Beginning Balance, Number of shares	100,000	'
Grants, Number of shares	100,000	'
Forfeitures, Number of shares	-100,000	'
Ending Balance, Number of shares	100,000	100,000
Exercisable, Number of shares	'	'
Beginning Balance, Weighted-average exercise price	$107.28	'
Grants, Weighted-average exercise price	$51.95	'
Forfeitures/Expirations, Weighted-average exercise price	$107.28	'
Ending Balance, Weighted-average exercise price	$51.95	$107.28
Exercisable, Weighted-average exercise price	'	'
Weighted-average remaining contractual life (yrs.)	'7 years 3 months 18 days	'1 month 6 days
Exercisable, Weighted-average remaining contractual life (yrs.)	'0 years	'
Beginning Balance, Aggregate intrinsic value	'	'
Ending Balance, Aggregate intrinsic value	'	'
Exercisable, Aggregate intrinsic value	'	'

Stockholders_Equity_Details_2

Stockholders' Equity (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense	$3,166	$3,527	$8,398	$9,358
Tax benefit	1,260	1,393	3,342	3,696
Stock-based compensation expense, net of income tax	1,906	2,134	5,056	5,662
Instruction and educational support [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense	815	976	2,756	2,538
Marketing [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense	'	'	'	'
Admissions advisory [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense	'	'	'	'
General and administration [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense	$2,351	$2,551	$5,642	$6,820

Stockholders_Equity_Details_Te

Stockholders' Equity (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended			1 Months Ended				1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	31-May-13	Mar. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	31-May-13	Sep. 30, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013
				Board of Directors [Member]	Restricted Stock [Member]	Restricted Stock [Member]	Restricted Stock [Member]	Restricted Stock [Member]	Stock Option [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
								Non-employee [Member]		Restricted Stock [Member]	Restricted Stock [Member]
Stock Options and Restricted Stock (Textual)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares approved for grants	'	'	'	'	43,659	'	165,712	16,370	'	'	'
Vesting period, years	'	'	'	'2 years	'4 years	'	'	'3 years	'	'3 years	'5 years
Closing price of stock on date of stock grant	'	'	'	'	'	'	$62.28	$45.81	'	'	'
Restricted shares converted to restricted stock units	'	'	'	'	'	200,000	'	'	'	'	'
Options granted to purchase common stock	'	'	'	100,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Options granted to purchase common stock, exercise price	'	'	'	$51.95	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Awards expiration period, years	'	'	'	'8 years	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average fair value of the options granted per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$22.09	'	'
Stock options risk-free interest rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.88%	'	'
Stock options expected life	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'5 years	'	'
Stock options volatility rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	48.49%	'	'
Stock options dividend yield	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.00%	'	'
Common stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	'	20,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	'	$0.01	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock, shares issued	10,852,020	'	11,387,299	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock, shares outstanding	10,852,020	'	11,387,299	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	8,000,000	'	8,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, shares issued	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Annual cash dividends per share	'	'	$4	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Quarterly cash dividends per share	'	'	$1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum term of the awards granted under the Plan	'10 years	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation cost which has not yet been recognized	$40.20	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation cost recognized period, in months	'55 months	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Tax shortfall related to share-based payment arrangements	$3.50	$0.40	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock awarded subject to performance condition	344,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Other_LongTerm_Liabilities_Det

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of other long-term liabilities	'	'
Deferred rent and other facility costs	$12,261	$11,650
Deferred payments related to acquisition	4,916	4,919
Lease incentives	2,755	3,150
Fair value of interest rate swap (see Note 3)	31	1,211
Deferred gain on sale of campus building	765	975
Unearned tuition, net of current portion	678	'
Total other long-term liabilities	$21,406	$21,905

Other_LongTerm_Liabilities_Det1

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Long -Term Liabilities (Textual)	'
Sale price of one of campus buildings	$5.80
Sale and lease back term for most of the campus building	'over a 10-year period
Gain on sale and lease back of one of campus buildings before tax	$2.80
Minimum [Member]	'
Other Long -Term Liabilities (Textual)	'
Leasehold improvements and long-term liability amortization period	'5 years
Maximum [Member]	'
Other Long -Term Liabilities (Textual)	'
Leasehold improvements and long-term liability amortization period	'10 years

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
	Campus	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
			Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
Subsequent Events (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of campuses to be closed	20	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	$45	$55
Net lease and related facility costs	'	'	30	40
Severance and other employee separation costs	15	'	'	'
Reduce cash flow from operating activities	'	$10	'	'