Strategic Education (STRA) 10-K 20 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 19, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	STRAYER EDUCATION INC
Entity Central Index Key	1013934
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Public Float			$551
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		10,903,341

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$162,283	$94,760
Tuition receivable, net	16,942	15,842
Other current assets	17,426	16,738
Total current assets	196,651	127,340
Property and equipment, net	82,266	94,421
Deferred income taxes	16,241	17,129
Goodwill	6,800	6,800
Other assets	5,857	8,576
Total assets	307,815	254,266
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	43,836	38,527
Income taxes payable	1,286	2,569
Deferred revenue	4,682	656
Other current liabilities	281	281
Current portion of term loan	6,250	3,125
Total current liabilities	56,335	45,158
Term loan, less current portion	112,500	118,750
Other long-term liabilities	46,248	51,456
Total liabilities	215,083	215,364
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value $0.01; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 10,797,464 and 10,903,341 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively	109	108
Additional paid-in capital	14,550	7,137
Retained earnings	77,985	31,629
Accumulated other comprehensive income	88	28
Total stockholders' equity	92,732	38,902
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$307,815	$254,266

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	10,903,341	10,797,464
Common stock, shares outstanding	10,903,341	10,797,464

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statements of Income [Abstract]
Revenues	$446,041	$503,600	$561,979
Costs and expenses:
Instruction and educational support	236,303	310,446	300,098
Marketing	66,495	75,426	71,864
Admissions advisory	16,661	20,390	26,374
General and administration	44,835	64,637	50,056
Total costs and expenses	364,294	470,899	448,392
Income from operations	81,747	32,701	113,587
Investment income	117	2	4
Interest expense	5,248	5,419	4,616
Income before income taxes	76,616	27,284	108,975
Provision for income taxes	30,260	10,859	43,045
Net income	$46,356	$16,425	$65,930
Earnings per share:
Basic	$4.39	$1.55	$5.79
Diluted	$4.35	$1.55	$5.76
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	10,561	10,584	11,390
Diluted	10,650	10,624	11,440

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$46,356	$16,425	$65,930
Other comprehensive income:
Change in fair value of derivative instrument, net of income tax	60	764	-125
Comprehensive income	$46,416	$17,189	$65,805

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
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	-245		-245
Repurchase of common stock	-25,001	-5	-5,214	-19,782
Repurchase of common stock, shares	-484,841	-484,841
Restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures		1	-1
Restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures, shares		79,684
Stock-based compensation	5,464		5,464
Common stock dividends	-47,328			-47,328
Change in fair value of derivative instrument, net of income tax	-125				-125
Net income	65,930			65,930
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2012	40,988	114	299	41,311	-736
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012		11,387,299
Tax shortfall associated with stock-based compensation arrangements	-3,567		-702	-2,865
Repurchase of common stock	-24,999	-5	-1,752	-23,242
Repurchase of common stock, shares	-495,085	-495,085
Restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures		-1	1
Restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures, shares		-94,750
Stock-based compensation	9,291		9,291
Change in fair value of derivative instrument, net of income tax	764				764
Net income	16,425			16,425
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	38,902	108	7,137	31,629	28
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013		10,797,464
Tax shortfall associated with stock-based compensation arrangements	-2,039		-2,039
Repurchase of common stock, shares
Restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures		1	-1
Restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures, shares		105,877
Stock-based compensation	9,453		9,453
Change in fair value of derivative instrument, net of income tax	60				60
Net income	46,356			46,356
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$92,732	$109	$14,550	$77,985	$88
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014		10,903,341

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$46,356	$16,425	$65,930
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of gain on sale of assets	-280	-281	-281
Amortization of deferred rent	-1,092	-462	323
Amortization of deferred financing costs	780	780	795
Depreciation and amortization	20,630	35,563	23,973
Deferred income taxes	-1,036	-23,435	-38
Stock-based compensation	9,453	9,291	5,464
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Tuition receivable, net	685	4,024	1,744
Other current assets	-2,862	2,434	-2,130
Other assets	219	494	-135
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	6,550	-116	5,673
Income taxes payable and income taxes receivable	737	7,799	-4,306
Deferred revenue	11,783	2,059	-14,870
Other long-term liabilities	-14,373	29,518	-80
Net cash provided by operating activities	77,550	84,093	82,062
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	-6,902	-8,726	-24,733
Net cash used in investing activities	-6,902	-8,726	-24,733
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on term loan	-3,125	-3,125	-20,000
Repurchase of common stock		-24,999	-25,001
Proceeds from term loan			47,500
Payments on revolving credit facility			-83,000
Proceeds from revolving credit facility			63,000
Common dividends paid			-47,328
Payment of deferred financing costs			-2,120
Net cash used in financing activities	-3,125	-28,124	-66,949
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	67,523	47,243	-9,620
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year	94,760	47,517	57,137
Cash and cash equivalents - end of year	162,283	94,760	47,517
Non-cash transactions:
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable	$412	$47	$529

Nature_of_Operations

Nature of Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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.
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company’s educational programs are offered on a quarterly basis and such periods coincide with the Company’s quarterly financial reporting periods. Approximately 96% of the Company’s revenues during the year ended December 31, 2014, consisted of tuition revenue. Tuition revenue is recognized in the quarter of instruction. Tuition revenue is assessed for collectibility on a student-by-student basis throughout the quarter of instruction, and is shown net of any refunds, withdrawals, corporate discounts, scholarships and employee tuition discounts. This collectibility assessment considers available sources of funds for the student including Federal Financial Student Aid programs. The Company reassesses the collectibility of tuition revenue that it may earn based on new information and changes in the facts and circumstances relevant to a student’s ability to pay, including the timing of a student’s withdrawal from a program of study.
	At the start of each academic term, a liability (deferred revenue) 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 deferred revenue. The estimated value of scholarship awards which will be realized in the future is based on historical experience of students who are expected to realize scholarship awards earned as courses are successfully completed. Deferred revenue is recorded as a current or long-term liability in the consolidated balance sheets based on when the benefit is expected to be realized. Revenues also include textbook-related income, certificate revenue, certain academic fees, licensing revenue, and other income, which are recognized when earned.
	The Company’s refund policy typically permits students who complete less than half of a course to receive a partial refund of tuition for that course. Refunds reduce the tuition revenue that would have otherwise been recognized for that student. Since the Company’s academic terms coincide with its financial reporting periods, all refunds are processed and recorded within the same quarter as the corresponding revenue. The amount of tuition revenue refundable to students may vary based on the student’s state of residence. Unused books and related academic materials may be returned for a full refund within 21 days of the start of class; however, purchases of electronic content are not refundable if downloaded. Revenues derived from fees are not eligible for a refund.
	Graduation Fund
	In the third quarter of 2013, the Company introduced the Graduation Fund, which allows new undergraduate students to earn tuition credits that are redeemable in the final year of a student’s course of study if he or she successfully remains in the program. New students registering in credit-bearing courses in any undergraduate program for the summer 2013 term (fiscal third quarter) and subsequent terms qualify for the Graduation Fund. Students must meet all of the University’s admission requirements and not be eligible
	for any previously offered scholarship program. The Company’s employees and their dependents are not eligible for the program. To maintain eligibility, students must be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program, and they become ineligible to participate in the Graduation Fund if they have more than one consecutive term of non-attendance. In their final academic year, qualifying students will receive one free course for every three courses that were successfully completed.
	Revenue from students participating in the Graduation Fund is recorded in accordance with the Revenue Recognition Topic, ASC 605-50. The Company allocates the value of benefits to be earned evenly to each of the underlying revenue transactions that result in progress by the student toward earning the benefit. The Company’s estimate of the benefits that will be earned in the future is based on its historical experience of student persistence toward completion of a course of study within this program and similar programs. Each quarter, the Company assesses its methodologies and assumptions underlying these estimates and, to date, any adjustments to the estimates have not been material.
	The table below presents activity in the Graduation Fund for the year ended December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	(699
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	1,898
	Revenue deferred			8,507
	Benefit redeemed			)
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	9,706
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash maintained in mostly FDIC-insured bank accounts and cash invested in bank overnight deposits and money market mutual funds. The Company places its cash and temporary cash investments with various financial institutions. The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	The Company places its cash and temporary cash investments in bank overnight deposits and money market mutual funds with various financial institutions. Cash and cash equivalent balances are in excess of the FDIC insurance limit. The Company has not experienced any losses on its cash and cash equivalents.
	Restricted Cash
	A significant portion of the Company’s revenues are funded by various federal and state government programs. The Company generally does not receive funds from these programs prior to the start of the corresponding academic term. The Company may be required to return certain funds for students who withdraw from the University during the academic term. At December 31, 2014, the Company had approximately $0.2 million of these unpaid obligations, which are recorded as restricted cash and included in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheet. There was no amount payable for these obligations at December 31, 2013.
	As part of commencing operations in Pennsylvania in 2003, the Company was required to maintain a “minimum protective endowment” of at least $0.5 million in an interest-bearing account. These funds are required as long as the Company operates its campuses in the state. The Company holds these funds in an interest-bearing account which is included in other assets.
	Tuition Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company records tuition receivable and deferred revenue for its students upon the start of the academic term. Therefore, at the end of the quarter (and academic term), tuition receivable represents amounts due from students for educational services already provided and deferred revenue represents advance payments from students for academic services to be provided in the future. Tuition receivables are not collateralized; however, credit risk is minimized as a result of the diverse nature of the University’s student base. The University establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts primarily based upon historical collection rates by age of receivable, net of recoveries. These collection rates incorporate historical performance based on a student’s current enrollment status and likelihood of future enrollment. The Company periodically assesses its methodologies for estimating bad debts in consideration of actual experience.
	The Company’s tuition receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows:
			December 31,
	($ in thousands)		2013			2014
	Tuition receivable		$	26,145		$	25,777
	Allowance for doubtful accounts			(10,303	)		(8,835	)
	Tuition receivable, net		$	15,842		$	16,942
	Approximately $3.4 million and $1.6 million of tuition receivable is included in “Other assets” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively, because these amounts are expected to be collected after 12 months.
	The following table illustrates changes in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts for each of the past three years:
			Year Ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)		2012			2013			2014
	Beginning allowance for doubtful accounts		$	7,279		$	6,596		$	10,303
	Additions charged to expense			23,728			22,225			16,947
	Write-offs, net of recoveries			(24,411	)		(18,518	)		(18,415	)
	Ending allowance for doubtful accounts		$	6,596		$	10,303		$	8,835
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. In accordance with the Property, Plant and Equipment Topic, ASC 360, the carrying values of the Company’s assets are re-evaluated when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If it is determined that an impairment loss has occurred based on expected undiscounted future cash flows, then a loss is recognized using a fair-value based model. Through 2014, no such impairment loss had occurred. Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 40 years. Depreciation and amortization amounted to $24.0 million, $35.6 and $20.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively.
	Construction in progress includes costs of computer software developed for internal use, which is accounted for in accordance with the Internal-Use Software Topic, ASC 350-40. Computer software development costs that are incurred in the preliminary project stage are expensed as incurred. During the development stage direct consulting costs, payroll and payroll-related costs for employees that are directly associated with the project are capitalized and will be amortized over the estimated useful life of the software once placed into operation. Purchases of property and equipment and changes in accounts payable for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014 in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows have been adjusted to exclude non-cash purchases of property and equipment transactions during that period.
	Fair Value
	The Fair Value Measurement Topic, ASC 820-10 (“ASC 820-10”), 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 820-10, 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 asset 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 in 2014.
	Long-Term Liabilities
	Included in the Company’s long-term liabilities are the non-current portion of the Company’s borrowings under its term loan and revolving credit facility, liabilities related to the Company’s operating leases, deferred payments related to an acquisition, fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap, and the non-current portion of unearned tuition. In conjunction with the opening of some campuses and other facilities, the Company was reimbursed by the lessors for improvements made to those leased properties. In accordance with the Operating Leases Subtopic, ASC 840-20 (“ASC 840-20”), these underlying assets were capitalized as leasehold improvements and a 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 ten years. In accordance with ASC 840-20, the Company records rent expense on a straight-line basis over the initial term of a lease. The cumulative difference between the rent payment and the straight-line rent expense is recorded as a liability. The Company also records the non-current portion of the gain related to the sale and lease back of a campus facility as a long-term liability.
	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.
	Authorized Stock
	The Company has authorized 20,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01, of which 10,797,464 and 10,903,341 shares were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively. The Company also has authorized 8,000,000 shares of preferred stock, none of which has been issued or outstanding since 2004. Before any preferred stock may be issued in the future, the Board of Directors would need to establish the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications, and the terms or conditions of the redemption of the preferred stock.
	Advertising Costs
	The Company expenses advertising costs in the quarter incurred, except for costs associated with the production of media commercials which are expensed when the commercial is first aired.
	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 made to employees and directors, including employee stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, 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 Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, 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, the estimate 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 unexercised stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units. 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 year ended December 31, 2014, the Company had no issued and outstanding stock options that were excluded from the calculation.
Set forth below is a reconciliation of shares used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands):
—
		2012			2013			2014
Weighted average shares outstanding used to compute basic earnings per share			11,390			10,584			10,561
Incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options			—					6
Unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units			50			40			83
Shares used to compute diluted earnings per share			11,440			10,624			10,650
Income Taxes
The Company provides for deferred income taxes based on temporary differences between financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.
The Income Taxes Topic, ASC 740, requires the Company to determine whether uncertain tax positions should be recognized within the Company’s financial statements. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. Uncertain tax positions are recognized when a tax position, based solely on its technical merits, is determined to be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. Upon determination, uncertain tax positions are measured to determine the amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position is derecognized if it no longer meets the more likely than not threshold of being sustained.
The tax years 2012-2014 remain open for Federal tax examination and the tax years 2010-2014 remain open to examination by state and local taxing jurisdictions in which the Company is subject.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the period reported. The most significant management estimates included allowances for doubtful accounts, the useful lives of property and equipment, fair value of future contractual operating lease obligations, potential sublease income and vacancy periods, accrued expenses, forfeiture rates and the likelihood of achieving performance criteria for stock-based awards, value of free courses earned by students
that will be redeemed in the future, valuation of goodwill, intangible assets and the interest rate swap arrangement, and the provision for income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income consists of net income and the change in the fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap, net of income taxes.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”). The standard establishes a new recognition model that requires revenue to be recognized in a manner to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is not permitted. The Company currently is evaluating the impact that the standard will have on its financial condition, results of operations, and disclosures.

Restructuring_and_Related_Char

Restructuring and Related Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Charges	3	Restructuring and Related Charges
	In October 2013, the Company implemented a restructuring to better align the Company’s resources with its current student enrollments. This restructuring, which occurred primarily in the fourth quarter of 2013, included the closing of approximately 20 physical locations and reductions in the number of campus-based and corporate employees.
	The following table sets forth the changes in the Company’s restructuring liability by type of cost during the year ended December 31, 2014:
	($ in thousands)		Lease			Severance			Total
			and Related			and Other
			Costs, Net			Employee
						Separation Costs
	Balance at December 31, 2013(1)		$	42,550		$	2,216		$	44,766
	Payments			(12,418	)		(2,138	)		(14,556	)
	Adjustments(2)			(2,849	)		(78	)		(2,927	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014(1)		$	27,283		$	—		$	27,283
	-1	The current portion of restructuring liabilities was $10.4 million and $6.0 million as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014, respectively, which are included in Accounts payable and accrued expenses. The long-term portion is included in Other long-term liabilities.
	-2	Adjustments for lease and related costs during the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily result from changes in the timing and expected income from settlements and executed sublease agreements signed during the period, which amounted to $4.1 million, partly offset by the accretion of interest on lease costs of approximately $1.3 million. Adjustments for severance and other employee separation costs primarily related to employees who were re-hired to other roles within the Company and were not paid severance.
	Lease and Related Costs, Net — During the fourth quarter of 2013, the University implemented a plan to close approximately 20 of its campus locations. The Company recorded approximately $36.0 million of aggregate charges representing the estimated fair value of future contractual operating lease obligations, which were recorded in the periods the Company ceased using the respective facilities. Lease obligations, some of which continue through 2022, are measured at fair value using a discounted cash flow approach encompassing significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). The estimation of future cash flows includes non-cancelable contractual lease costs over the remaining terms of the leases discounted at the Company’s marginal borrowing rate of 4.5%, partially offset by estimated future sublease rental income discounted at credit-adjusted rates. The Company’s estimate of the amount and timing of sublease rental income considers
	subleases that have been executed and subleases expected to be executed, based on current commercial real estate market data and conditions, and other qualitative factors specific to the facilities. The estimates are adjusted as market conditions change or as new information becomes available. Through December 31, 2014, adjustments to these reserves have related to settlements of leases with the landlords, execution of sublease agreements and accretion of interest.
	Severance and Other Employee Separation Costs — During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company implemented workforce reductions in order to better align its human capital resources with the evolving needs of students. A total of $6.9 million in severance and other employee separation costs were recorded at that time. The remaining liability at December 31, 2013 was paid in 2014.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	4	Property and Equipment
	The composition of property and equipment as of December 31, 2013 and 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
			2013			2014			Estimated useful
									life (years)
	Land		$	7,138		$	7,138			—
	Buildings and improvements			19,105			18,998			5–40
	Furniture, equipment, and computer hardware and software			159,160			153,417			5–10
	Leasehold improvements			39,299			38,732			3–10
	Construction in progress			790			1,942			—
				225,492			220,227
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization			(131,071	)		(137,961	)
			$	94,421		$	82,266
	Construction in progress includes costs associated with the construction of new campuses and the development of information technology applications. In 2013 and 2014, the Company recorded leasehold improvements of $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively, which were reimbursed by lessors as lease incentives. In 2013 and 2014, the Company wrote off $0.8 million and $13.6 million, respectively, in fixed assets that were fully depreciated and no longer in service.

Term_Loan_and_Revolving_Credit

Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility	5	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 Amended 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 in the case of each payment made during calendar years 2013 and 2014 (0.625% of the aggregate original principal amount of the term loan facility), and $1,562,500 in the case of each payment made during calendar years 2015 and 2016 (1.25% of the aggregate original principal amount of the term loan facility). The Amended Credit Facility is guaranteed by the Company’s subsidiary 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. The Company is party to an 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 leverage ratio of not greater than 2 to 1. Leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of total debt to trailing four-quarter EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and non-cash charges such as stock-based compensation).
	•	A coverage ratio of not less than 1.75 to 1. Coverage ratio is defined as the ratio of trailing four-quarter EBITDA and rent expense to trailing four-quarter interest and rent expense.
	•	A Department of Education Financial Responsibility Composite Score of not less than 1.5.
	The Company was in compliance with all the terms of the Amended Credit Facility at December 31, 2014.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company paid cash interest of $4.4 million, and the Company’s average annual interest rate, including non-cash charges for the amortization of debt financing costs, was 4.3%.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $118.8 million outstanding under the term loan facility and no balance outstanding under the revolving credit facility.
	Debt and short-term borrowings consist of the following as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	Term loan		$	118,750
	Revolving credit facility			—
	Total debt			118,750
	Less: Current portion of long-term debt			6,250
	Long-term debt		$	112,500
	Aggregate debt maturities as of December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
	2015		$	6,250
	2016			112,500
			$	118,750
	Interest Rate Swap
	The Company is party to an interest rate swap on the outstanding balance of the Amended Credit Facility in order to minimize the interest rate exposure on the balance of the term loan facility (the “Swap”). The Swap effectively fixes the variable interest rate on the associated term loan at a rate ranging from 2.85% to 3.35%, depending on the Company’s leverage ratio, rather than being subject to fluctuations in the LIBOR rate. The term of the Swap effectively matches the term of the underlying term loan facility. The Swap has been designated as a cash flow hedge and has been deemed effective in accordance with the Derivatives and Hedging Topic, ASC 815. The Company expects the Swap to continue to be deemed effective for the duration of the Swap. The fair value of the Swap is included in Other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Fair_Value_Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement	6	Fair Value Measurement
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consist of the following as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
						Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
			December 31,			Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
			2014			Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
						Identical Assets/		Observable		Inputs
						Liabilities		Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds		$	8,275		$	8,275	$	—	$	—
	Interest rate swap			143			—		143		—
	Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis		$	8,418		$	8,275	$	143	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Other long-term liabilities:
	Deferred payments			2,398			—		—		2,398
	Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis		$	2,398		$	—	$	—	$	2,398
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consist of the following as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
						Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
			December 31,			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		$	8,382		$	8,382	$	—	$	—
	Interest rate swaps			45			—		45		—
	Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis		$	8,427		$	8,382	$	45	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Other long-term liabilities:
	Deferred payments			2,115			—		—		2,115
	Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis		$	2,115		$	—	$	—	$	2,115
	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 holds in both taxable and tax-exempt money market funds and are included in Cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying 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. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents not held in money market funds at December 31, 2013 and 2014, approximate fair value and are not disclosed in the above tables because of the short-term nature of the financial instruments.
	•	Interest rate swap — The Company has an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $118.8 million as of December 31, 2014, used to minimize the interest rate exposure and fix the variable interest rate on a portion of the Company’s variable rate debt. The swap is classified within Level 2 and is 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 in connection with an acquisition completed in 2011, which is classified within Level 3 as there is no liquid market for similarly priced instruments. The deferred payment is valued using a discounted cash flow model that encompasses 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.
	The Company’s lease loss liability incorporates an assessment of current sublease market conditions and uses Level 3 inputs, but is not deemed a fair value liability as the future lease payments are required to be discounted using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at the date of lease abandonment without subsequent adjustment. See Note 3 for further discussion of the Company’s lease loss liability.
	At December 31, 2014, the carrying value of the Company’s debt was $118.8 million. All of the Company’s debt is variable interest rate debt and is classified within Level 2 because it is valued using readily available pricing sources which utilize market observable inputs. The Company has determined the carrying amount approximates fair value.
	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 years ended December 31, 2013 or 2014. Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2013 and 2014, include $6.8 million of goodwill and $1.6 million of other indefinite-lived intangible assets. Changes in the fair value of the Company’s Level 3 liability that was outstanding throughout the year ended December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
			Deferred
			Payments
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	2,115
	Amounts earned			(545	)
	Adjustments to fair value			828
	Transfers in or out of Level 3			—
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	2,398

Stock_Options_Restricted_Stock

Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Abstract]
Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units	7	Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
	In April 2011, the Company’s stockholders approved the Strayer Education, Inc. 2011 Equity Compensation Plan (the “Plan”), which provides for the granting of restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options intended to qualify as incentive stock options, 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.
	In February 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors approved grants of 46,064 shares of restricted stock to certain individuals. These shares, which vest 100% in February 2018, were granted pursuant to the Plan. The Company’s stock price closed at $33.65 on the date of these restricted stock grants.
	In May 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors approved grants of 46,674 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 15,868 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 $42.85 on the date of these restricted stock grants.
	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, unless waived by the Board of Directors.
	Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
	The table below sets forth the restricted stock and restricted stock units activity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014:
			Number of			Weighted-average
			shares			grant price
	Balance, December 31, 2011			380,944		$	194.26
	Grants			82,741			111.44
	Vested shares			(26,189	)		195.58
	Forfeitures			(3,057	)		127.51
	Balance, December 31, 2012			434,439		$	178.88
	Grants			225,741			57.9
	Vested shares			(51,916	)		164.22
	Forfeitures			(120,491	)		140.3
	Balance, December 31, 2013			487,773		$	131.51
	Grants			108,606			38.95
	Vested shares			(69,434	)		158.97
	Forfeitures			(2,729	)		93.44
	Balance, December 31, 2014			524,216		$	115.67
	Stock Options
	The table below sets forth the stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 and other stock option information at December 31, 2014:
			Number of			Weighted-average			Weighted-			Aggregate
			shares			exercise price			average			intrinsic
									remaining			value(1)
									contractual			(in thousands)
									life (years)
	Balance, December 31, 2011			100,000		$	107.28			1.1		$	—
	Grants			—			—
	Exercises			—			—
	Forfeitures			—			—
	Balance, December 31, 2012			100,000		$	107.28			0.1		$	—
	Grants			100,000			51.95
	Exercises			—			—
	Forfeitures/Expirations			(100,000	)		107.28
	Balance, December 31, 2013			100,000		$	51.95			7		$	—
	Grants			—			—
	Exercises			—			—
	Forfeitures			—			—
	Balance, December 31, 2014			100,000		$	51.95			6		$	2,233
	Exercisable, December 31, 2014			—		$	—			—			—
	-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 all 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.
	The number of shares exercisable as of December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 are as follows:
			Number of			Weighted-average
			shares			exercise price
	Exercisable, December 31, 2012			100,000		$	107.28
	Exercisable, December 31, 2013			—		$	51.95
	Exercisable, December 31, 2014			—		$	51.95
	Valuation and Expense Information under Stock Compensation Topic ASC 718
	At December 31, 2014, total stock-based compensation cost which has not yet been recognized was $28.8 million for unvested restricted stock, restricted stock units, and stock option awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over the next 42 months on a weighted-average basis. Awards of approximately 398,000 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 the Company’s ability to maintain regulatory compliance. 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. During 2012, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that certain performance criteria for 45,920 shares would not be met, and reduced stock-based compensation expense by approximately $7.0 million.
	The following table sets forth the amount of stock-based compensation expense recorded in each of the expense line items (in thousands):
			2012			2013			2014
	Instruction and educational support		$	3,273		$	1,976		$	1,736
	Marketing			—			—			—
	Admissions advisory			—			—			—
	General and administration			2,191			7,315			7,717
	Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense			5,464			9,291			9,453
	Tax benefit			2,158			3,698			3,734
	Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax		$	3,306		$	5,593		$	5,719
	The following table summarizes information regarding share-based payment arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 (in thousands):
			For the year ended
			December 31,
		2012			2013			2014
Proceeds from stock options exercised		$	—		$	—		$	—
Excess tax benefits (shortfall) related to share-based payment arrangements		$	(245	)	$	(3,567	)	$	(2,039	)
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised		$	—		$	—		$	—

Other_LongTerm_Liabilities

Other Long-Term Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract]
Other Long-Term Liabilities	8	Other Long-Term Liabilities
	Other long-term liabilities consist of the following as of December 31, 2013 and 2014 (in thousands):
			2013		2014
	Loss on facilities not in use		$	34,339	$	21,280
	Deferred revenue, net of current portion			1,897		9,654
	Deferred rent and other facility costs			8,258		8,646
	Deferred payments related to acquisition			4,915		5,198
	Lease incentives			1,353		1,056
	Deferred gain on sale of campus building			694		414
			$	51,456	$	46,248
	Loss on Facilities Not in Use and Deferred Rent and Other Facility Costs
	The Company records a liability for lease costs of campuses and non-campus facilities that are not currently in use (see Note 3). For facilities still in use, 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.
	Deferred Revenue
	The Company provides for certain scholarship and awards programs, such as the Graduation Fund (see Note 2 for additional information), that are earned by students when they successfully complete course requirements. The Company also has licensed certain of its non-credit bearing course content to a third party. Included in long-term deferred revenue is the amount of revenue under these arrangements that the Company expects will be realized after one year.
	Deferred Payments Related to Acquisition
	The Company acquired certain assets and entered into deferred payment arrangements with one of the sellers in connection with an acquisition completed in 2011. In addition, one of the sellers contributed $2.8 million to the Company representing the seller’s continuing interest in the assets acquired.
	Lease Incentives
	In conjunction with the opening of new campuses or renovating existing ones, the Company, in some instances, was reimbursed by the lessors for improvements made to the leased properties. In accordance with ASC 840-20, the underlying assets were capitalized as leasehold improvements and a 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.

Other_Employee_Benefit_Plans

Other Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Employee Benefit Plans	9	Other Employee Benefit Plans
	The Company has a 401(k) plan covering all eligible employees of the Company. Effective January 1, 2015, participants may contribute up to $18,000 of their base compensation annually. Employee contributions are voluntary. Discretionary contributions were made by the Company matching 50% of employee deferrals up to a maximum of 3% of the employee’s annual salary. The Company’s contributions, which vest immediately, totaled $2.9 million, $1.1 million and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively.
	In May 1998, the Company adopted the Strayer Education, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). Under the ESPP, eligible employees may purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, subject to certain limitations, at 90% of its market value at the date of purchase. Purchases are limited to 10% of an employee’s eligible compensation. The aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be made available for purchase by participating employees under the ESPP is 2,500,000 shares. Shares purchased in the open market for employees for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014 were as follows:
			Shares		Average price
			purchased		per share
	2012			6,549	$	71.14
	2013			8,911	$	42.27
	2014			5,872	$	44.55

Stock_Repurchase_Plan

Stock Repurchase Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock Repurchase Plan [Abstract]
Stock Repurchase Plan	10	Stock Repurchase Plan
	As announced on November 3, 2003, the Company’s Board of Directors initially authorized the Company to repurchase up to an aggregate of $15 million in value of common stock through December 31, 2004 in open market purchases from time to time at the discretion of the Company’s management depending on market conditions and other corporate considerations. The Company’s Board of Directors amended the program on various dates, increasing the repurchase amount authorized and extending the expiration date. At December 31, 2014, approximately $70 million of the Company’s share repurchase authorization was remaining for repurchases through December 31, 2015. All of the Company’s share repurchases were effected in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. This stock repurchase plan may be modified, suspended or terminated at any time by the Company without notice.
	A summary of the Company’s stock repurchase activity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014, all of which was part of a publicly announced plan, is set forth in the table below:
			Number of		Average price paid		Amount available for
			shares		per share		future repurchases
			repurchased				(in millions)
	2012			484,841	$	51.56	$	95
	2013			495,085	$	50.49	$	70
	2014			—	$	—	$	70
	Repurchases of common stock are recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital. To the extent additional paid-in capital had been reduced to zero through stock repurchases, retained earnings was then reduced.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	11	Commitments and Contingencies
	The University participates in various federal student financial assistance programs which are subject to audit. Management believes that the potential effects of audit adjustments, if any, for the periods currently under audit will not have a material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had 93 long-term, non-cancelable operating leases for campuses and other administrative facilities. Rent expense was $46.5 million, $82.2 million and $35.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively. Rent expense for 2013 includes approximately $36.0 million in charges related to the closure of approximately 20 locations. Rent expense for 2014 includes a benefit of approximately $4.1 million to reduce the Company’s liability for losses on facilities no longer in use. The rents on the Company’s leases are subject to annual increases. The minimum rental commitments for the Company as of December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
			Minimum
			rental
			commitments
	2015		$	38,966
	2016			36,202
	2017			31,281
	2018			26,624
	2019			21,200
	Thereafter			38,312
	Total		$	192,585

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	12	Income Taxes
	The income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 is summarized below (in thousands):
			2012			2013			2014
	Current:
	Federal		$	36,028		$	26,390		$	25,285
	State			8,333			4,582			4,490
	Total current			44,361			30,972			29,775
	Deferred:
	Federal			(608	)		(18,387	)		141
	State			(708	)		(1,726	)		344
	Total deferred			(1,316	)		(20,113	)		485
	Total provision for income taxes		$	43,045		$	10,859		$	30,260
	The tax effects of the principal temporary differences that give rise to the Company’s deferred tax assets are as follows as of December 31, 2013 and 2014 (in thousands):
			2013			2014
	Tuition receivable		$	4,021		$	3,439
	Other facility-related costs			3,684			2,824
	Employee-related liabilities			144			(96	)
	Current net deferred tax asset			7,849			6,167
	Stock-based compensation			13,871			12,994
	Property and equipment			(13,091	)		(11,622	)
	Other facility-related costs			13,696			8,903
	Deferred revenue			—			3,758
	Deferred leasing costs			3,082			2,797
	Interest rate swap			(18	)		(56	)
	Other			(411	)		(533	)
	Long-term net deferred tax asset			17,129			16,241
	Net deferred tax asset		$	24,978		$	22,408
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2014, the Company’s liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits are included in income taxes payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Interest and penalties, including those related to uncertain tax positions, are included in the provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company recognized $0.4 million of expense in 2013 and $0.1 million of benefits in 2014, related to interest and penalties. The total amount of interest and penalties included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets was $0.4 million and $0.3 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
	The following table summarizes changes in unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, for the respective periods (in thousands):
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2014
	Beginning unrecognized tax benefits		$	—		$	1,745
	Additions based on tax positions taken in the current year			1,745			2,085
	Gross reductions for tax positions taken in prior years			—			(565	)
	Settlements with taxing authorities			—			(329	)
	Ending unrecognized tax benefits		$	1,745		$	2,936
	It is reasonably possible that approximately $0.4 million of unrecognized tax benefits will be reduced in the next twelve months due to expiration of the applicable statutes of limitations. The Company does not anticipate significant changes to other unrecognized tax benefits.
	As of December 31, 2014, $2.1 million of the Company’s total unrecognized tax benefits would favorably affect the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized. If amounts accrued are less than amounts ultimately assessed by taxing authorities, the Company would record additional income tax expense.
	A reconciliation between the Company’s statutory tax rate and the effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014 is as follows:
			2012			2013			2014
	Statutory federal rate			35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal benefits			4.3			4.6			4.2
	Other			0.2			0.2			0.3
	Effective tax rate			39.5	%		39.8	%		39.5	%
	Cash payments for income taxes were $47.4 million in 2012, $26.5 million in 2013, and $30.8 million in 2014.

Summarized_Quarterly_Financial

Summarized Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summarized Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Summarized Quarterly Financial Data	13	Summarized Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
	Quarterly financial information for 2013 and 2014 is as follows (in thousands except per share data):
			Quarter
	2013		First		Second		Third		Fourth
	Revenues		$	137,506	$	131,980	$	110,031	$	124,083
	Income (loss) from operations			29,919		26,257		6,621		(30,096	)
	Net income (loss)			17,231		15,002		3,149		(18,957	)
	Net income (loss) per share:
	Basic		$	1.59	$	1.43	$	0.3	$	(1.80	)
	Diluted		$	1.59	$	1.42	$	0.3	$	(1.80	)
			Quarter
	2014		First		Second		Third		Fourth
	Revenues		$	116,468	$	112,747	$	100,756	$	116,070
	Income from operations			25,909		23,998		9,216		22,624
	Net income			14,783		13,677		4,953		12,943
	Net income per share:
	Basic		$	1.4	$	1.29	$	0.47	$	1.22
	Diluted		$	1.4	$	1.29	$	0.46	$	1.21

Litigation

Litigation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Litigation	14	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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Regulation [Abstract]
Regulation	15	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. The negotiations did not result in the required consensus. On
	March 25, 2014, the Department issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for public comment, and on October 31, 2014, the Department published the final regulation which will become effective on July 1, 2015.
	The new requirements include two debt-to-earnings measures, consisting of an annual income rate and a discretionary income rate. The annual income rate measures student debt in relation to earnings, and the discretionary income rate measures student debt in relation to discretionary income. Under the new gainful employment regulation, a program would pass if the program’s graduates:
	•	have an annual income rate that does not exceed 8%; or
	•	have a discretionary income rate that does not exceed 20%.
	In addition, a program that does not pass either of the debt-to-earnings metrics, and that has an annual income rate between 8% and 12%, or a discretionary income rate between 20% and 30%, would be considered to be in a warning zone. A program would fail if the program’s graduates have an annual income rate of 12% or greater and a discretionary income rate of 30% or greater. A program would become Title IV-ineligible for three years if it fails both metrics for two out of three consecutive years, or fails to pass at least one metric for four consecutive award years.
	If an institution is notified by the Secretary that a program could become ineligible, based on its final rates, for the next award year:
	•	the institution must provide a warning with respect to the program to students and prospective students indicating, among other things, that students may not be able to use Title IV funds to attend or continue in the program; and
	•	the institution must not enroll, register or enter into a financial commitment with a prospective student until a specified time after providing the warning to the prospective student.
	The new regulation also requires institutions to report student and program level data to the Department, and comply with additional disclosure requirements beginning in January 2017.
	In addition, the gainful employment regulation requires institutions to certify by December 31, 2015, among other things, that each eligible gainful employment program is programmatically accredited if required by a federal governmental entity or a state governmental entity in the state in which it is located or is otherwise required to obtain state approval, and that the each eligible program satisfies the applicable educational prerequisites for professional licensure or certification requirements in each state in which it is located or is otherwise required to obtain state approval, so that a student who completes the program and seeks employment in that state qualifies to take any licensure or certification exam that is needed for the student to practice or find employment in an occupation that the program prepares students to enter.
	The Company does not have adequate guidance or data from the Department to determine definitively the full financial or operational impact, if any, of the new regulations going forward. The requirements associated with the gainful employment regulations will substantially increase our administrative burdens and could affect our student enrollment, persistence and retention. Further, although the regulations provide opportunities for an institution to correct any potential deficiencies in a program prior to the loss of Title IV eligibility, the continuing eligibility of our academic programs will be affected by factors beyond management’s control such as changes in our graduates’ income levels, changes in student borrowing levels, increases in interest rates, changes in the percentage of former students who are current in the repayment of their student loans, and various other factors. Even if we were able to correct any deficiency in the gainful employment metrics in a timely manner, the disclosure requirements associated with a program’s failure to meet at least one metric may adversely affect student enrollments in that program and may adversely affect the reputation of our institution.
	In November 2014, two organizations filed separate lawsuits against the Department in federal courts seeking to have the new regulation invalidated. Both suits allege that the Department exceeded its statutory authority in promulgating the regulation, that the regulation violates the institution’s constitutional rights, and that the regulation is arbitrary and capricious. We cannot predict when or how the courts may rule on these lawsuits.
	Strayer University must comply with the campus safety and security reporting requirements as well as other requirements in the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, including recent changes made to the Clery Act by the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, which was signed into law on March 7, 2013. On April 1, 2014, a negotiated rulemaking committee reached consensus on proposed regulations, and on October 20, 2014, the Department promulgated regulations implementing the recent amendments to the Clery Act. In addition, the Department has interpreted Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, or Title IX, to categorize sexual violence as a form of prohibited sex discrimination and to require institutions to follow certain disciplinary procedures with respect to such offenses. Failure to comply with the Clery Act or Title IX requirements or regulations thereunder could result in action by the Department to require correction action, fine the Company or limit or suspend its participation in Title IV programs, could lead to litigation, and could harm the Company’s reputation.
	Strayer University is subject to announced and unannounced compliance reviews and audits by various external agencies, including the Department, its Office of Inspector General, state licensing agencies, and accrediting agencies. The Department conducted four campus-based program reviews of Strayer University campuses in three states and the District of Columbia, with one on-site review conducted August 18-20, 2014; one on-site review conducted September 8-11, 2014; and two on-site reviews conducted September 22-26, 2014. The reviews covered federal financial aid years 2012-2013 and 2013-2014, and two of the reviews also covered compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, and regulations related thereto. On October 21, 2014, the Department issued an Expedited Final Program Review Determination Letter for one of the program reviews conducted the week of September 22, 2014, closing the program review with no further action required by the Company. On November 17, 2014, the Company received a Program Review Report for the program review conducted in August 2014, and provided a response to the Department on December 15, 2014. On January 7, 2015, the Company received a Final Program Review Determination letter from that review, closing the review with no further action required by the Company. While the on-site portions of the other two program reviews have concluded, Strayer University has yet to receive determination letters from these reviews.
	Each institution participating in Title IV programs must enter into a Program Participation Agreement with the Department. Under the agreement, the institution agrees to follow the Department’s rules and regulations governing Title IV programs. On October 1, 2014, Strayer University received an executed provisional Program Participation Agreement from the Department allowing it to participate in Title IV programs until June 30, 2017. The Program Participation Agreement was issued on a provisional basis because of the Department’s open program reviews. Under the provisional agreement, the only material additional condition that the University must comply with is obtaining Department approval for substantial changes, including the addition of any new location, level of academic offering, non-degree program, or degree program.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	The Company’s educational programs are offered on a quarterly basis and such periods coincide with the Company’s quarterly financial reporting periods. Approximately 96% of the Company’s revenues during the year ended December 31, 2014, consisted of tuition revenue. Tuition revenue is recognized in the quarter of instruction. Tuition revenue is assessed for collectibility on a student-by-student basis throughout the quarter of instruction, and is shown net of any refunds, withdrawals, corporate discounts, scholarships and employee tuition discounts. This collectibility assessment considers available sources of funds for the student including Federal Financial Student Aid programs. The Company reassesses the collectibility of tuition revenue that it may earn based on new information and changes in the facts and circumstances relevant to a student’s ability to pay, including the timing of a student’s withdrawal from a program of study.
	At the start of each academic term, a liability (deferred revenue) 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 deferred revenue. The estimated value of scholarship awards which will be realized in the future is based on historical experience of students who are expected to realize scholarship awards earned as courses are successfully completed. Deferred revenue is recorded as a current or long-term liability in the consolidated balance sheets based on when the benefit is expected to be realized. Revenues also include textbook-related income, certificate revenue, certain academic fees, licensing revenue, and other income, which are recognized when earned.
	The Company’s refund policy typically permits students who complete less than half of a course to receive a partial refund of tuition for that course. Refunds reduce the tuition revenue that would have otherwise been recognized for that student. Since the Company’s academic terms coincide with its financial reporting periods, all refunds are processed and recorded within the same quarter as the corresponding revenue. The amount of tuition revenue refundable to students may vary based on the student’s state of residence. Unused books and related academic materials may be returned for a full refund within 21 days of the start of class; however, purchases of electronic content are not refundable if downloaded. Revenues derived from fees are not eligible for a refund.
Graduation Fund	Graduation Fund
	In the third quarter of 2013, the Company introduced the Graduation Fund, which allows new undergraduate students to earn tuition credits that are redeemable in the final year of a student’s course of study if he or she successfully remains in the program. New students registering in credit-bearing courses in any undergraduate program for the summer 2013 term (fiscal third quarter) and subsequent terms qualify for the Graduation Fund. Students must meet all of the University’s admission requirements and not be eligible
	for any previously offered scholarship program. The Company’s employees and their dependents are not eligible for the program. To maintain eligibility, students must be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program, and they become ineligible to participate in the Graduation Fund if they have more than one consecutive term of non-attendance. In their final academic year, qualifying students will receive one free course for every three courses that were successfully completed.
	Revenue from students participating in the Graduation Fund is recorded in accordance with the Revenue Recognition Topic, ASC 605-50. The Company allocates the value of benefits to be earned evenly to each of the underlying revenue transactions that result in progress by the student toward earning the benefit. The Company’s estimate of the benefits that will be earned in the future is based on its historical experience of student persistence toward completion of a course of study within this program and similar programs. Each quarter, the Company assesses its methodologies and assumptions underlying these estimates and, to date, any adjustments to the estimates have not been material.
	The table below presents activity in the Graduation Fund for the year ended December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	1,898
	Revenue deferred			8,507
	Benefit redeemed			(699	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	9,706
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash maintained in mostly FDIC-insured bank accounts and cash invested in bank overnight deposits and money market mutual funds. The Company places its cash and temporary cash investments with various financial institutions. The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk
	The Company places its cash and temporary cash investments in bank overnight deposits and money market mutual funds with various financial institutions. Cash and cash equivalent balances are in excess of the FDIC insurance limit. The Company has not experienced any losses on its cash and cash equivalents.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash
	A significant portion of the Company’s revenues are funded by various federal and state government programs. The Company generally does not receive funds from these programs prior to the start of the corresponding academic term. The Company may be required to return certain funds for students who withdraw from the University during the academic term. At December 31, 2014, the Company had approximately $0.2 million of these unpaid obligations, which are recorded as restricted cash and included in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheet. There was no amount payable for these obligations at December 31, 2013.
	As part of commencing operations in Pennsylvania in 2003, the Company was required to maintain a “minimum protective endowment” of at least $0.5 million in an interest-bearing account. These funds are required as long as the Company operates its campuses in the state. The Company holds these funds in an interest-bearing account which is included in other assets.
Tuition Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Tuition Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company records tuition receivable and deferred revenue for its students upon the start of the academic term. Therefore, at the end of the quarter (and academic term), tuition receivable represents amounts due from students for educational services already provided and deferred revenue represents advance payments from students for academic services to be provided in the future. Tuition receivables are not collateralized; however, credit risk is minimized as a result of the diverse nature of the University’s student base. The University establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts primarily based upon historical collection rates by age of receivable, net of recoveries. These collection rates incorporate historical performance based on a student’s current enrollment status and likelihood of future enrollment. The Company periodically assesses its methodologies for estimating bad debts in consideration of actual experience.
	The Company’s tuition receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows:
			December 31,
	($ in thousands)		2013			2014
	Tuition receivable		$	26,145		$	25,777
	Allowance for doubtful accounts			(10,303	)		(8,835	)
	Tuition receivable, net		$	15,842		$	16,942
	Approximately $3.4 million and $1.6 million of tuition receivable is included in “Other assets” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively, because these amounts are expected to be collected after 12 months.
	The following table illustrates changes in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts for each of the past three years:
			Year Ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)		2012			2013			2014
	Beginning allowance for doubtful accounts		$	7,279		$	6,596		$	10,303
	Additions charged to expense			23,728			22,225			16,947
	Write-offs, net of recoveries			(24,411	)		(18,518	)		(18,415	)
	Ending allowance for doubtful accounts		$	6,596		$	10,303		$	8,835
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. In accordance with the Property, Plant and Equipment Topic, ASC 360, the carrying values of the Company’s assets are re-evaluated when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If it is determined that an impairment loss has occurred based on expected undiscounted future cash flows, then a loss is recognized using a fair-value based model. Through 2014, no such impairment loss had occurred. Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 40 years. Depreciation and amortization amounted to $24.0 million, $35.6 and $20.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively.
	Construction in progress includes costs of computer software developed for internal use, which is accounted for in accordance with the Internal-Use Software Topic, ASC 350-40. Computer software development costs that are incurred in the preliminary project stage are expensed as incurred. During the development stage direct consulting costs, payroll and payroll-related costs for employees that are directly associated with the project are capitalized and will be amortized over the estimated useful life of the software once placed into operation. Purchases of property and equipment and changes in accounts payable for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014 in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows have been adjusted to exclude non-cash purchases of property and equipment transactions during that period.
Fair Value	Fair Value
	The Fair Value Measurement Topic, ASC 820-10 (“ASC 820-10”), 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 820-10, 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 asset 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 in 2014.
Long-Term Liabilities	Long-Term Liabilities
	Included in the Company’s long-term liabilities are the non-current portion of the Company’s borrowings under its term loan and revolving credit facility, liabilities related to the Company’s operating leases, deferred payments related to an acquisition, fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap, and the non-current portion of unearned tuition. In conjunction with the opening of some campuses and other facilities, the Company was reimbursed by the lessors for improvements made to those leased properties. In accordance with the Operating Leases Subtopic, ASC 840-20 (“ASC 840-20”), these underlying assets were capitalized as leasehold improvements and a 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 ten years. In accordance with ASC 840-20, the Company records rent expense on a straight-line basis over the initial term of a lease. The cumulative difference between the rent payment and the straight-line rent expense is recorded as a liability. The Company also records the non-current portion of the gain related to the sale and lease back of a campus facility as a long-term liability.
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.
Authorized Stock	Authorized Stock
	The Company has authorized 20,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01, of which 10,797,464 and 10,903,341 shares were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively. The Company also has authorized 8,000,000 shares of preferred stock, none of which has been issued or outstanding since 2004. Before any preferred stock may be issued in the future, the Board of Directors would need to establish the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications, and the terms or conditions of the redemption of the preferred stock.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs
	The Company expenses advertising costs in the quarter incurred, except for costs associated with the production of media commercials which are expensed when the commercial is first aired.
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 made to employees and directors, including employee stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, 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 Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, 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, the estimate 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 unexercised stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units. 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 year ended December 31, 2014, the Company had no issued and outstanding stock options that were excluded from the calculation.
	Set forth below is a reconciliation of shares used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands):
			2012			2013			2014
	Weighted average shares outstanding used to compute basic earnings per share			11,390			10,584			10,561
	Incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options			—			—			6
	Unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units			50			40			83
	Shares used to compute diluted earnings per share			11,440			10,624			10,650
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company provides for deferred income taxes based on temporary differences between financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.
	The Income Taxes Topic, ASC 740, requires the Company to determine whether uncertain tax positions should be recognized within the Company’s financial statements. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. Uncertain tax positions are recognized when a tax position, based solely on its technical merits, is determined to be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. Upon determination, uncertain tax positions are measured to determine the amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position is derecognized if it no longer meets the more likely than not threshold of being sustained.
	The tax years 2012-2014 remain open for Federal tax examination and the tax years 2010-2014 remain open to examination by state and local taxing jurisdictions in which the Company is subject.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the period reported. The most significant management estimates included allowances for doubtful accounts, the useful lives of property and equipment, fair value of future contractual operating lease obligations, potential sublease income and vacancy periods, accrued expenses, forfeiture rates and the likelihood of achieving performance criteria for stock-based awards, value of free courses earned by students
	that will be redeemed in the future, valuation of goodwill, intangible assets and the interest rate swap arrangement, and the provision for income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income
	Comprehensive income consists of net income and the change in the fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap, net of income taxes.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”). The standard establishes a new recognition model that requires revenue to be recognized in a manner to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is not permitted. The Company currently is evaluating the impact that the standard will have on its financial condition, results of operations, and disclosures.

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of graduation fund liability
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	1,898
	Revenue deferred		8,507
	Benefit redeemed		(699	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	9,706
Schedule of tuition receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
		December 31,
	($ in thousands)	2013			2014
	Tuition receivable	$	26,145		$	25,777
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		(10,303	)		(8,835	)
	Tuition receivable, net	$	15,842		$	16,942
Schedule of allowance for doubtful accounts
		Year Ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)	2012			2013			2014
	Beginning allowance for doubtful accounts	$	7,279		$	6,596		$	10,303
	Additions charged to expense		23,728			22,225			16,947
	Write-offs, net of recoveries		(24,411	)		(18,518	)		(18,415	)
	Ending allowance for doubtful accounts	$	6,596		$	10,303		$	8,835
Schedule of reconciliation of shares used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share
		2012			2013			2014
	Weighted average shares outstanding used to compute basic earnings per share		11,390			10,584			10,561
	Incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options		—			—			6
	Unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units		50			40			83
	Shares used to compute diluted earnings per share		11,440			10,624			10,650

Restructuring_and_Related_Char1

Restructuring and Related Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Charges [Abstract]
Schedule of restructuring liability by type of cost
	($ in thousands)		Lease			Severance			Total
			and Related			and Other
			Costs, Net			Employee
						Separation Costs
	Balance at December 31, 2013(1)		$	42,550		$	2,216		$	44,766
	Payments			(12,418	)		(2,138	)		(14,556	)
	Adjustments(2)			(2,849	)		(78	)		(2,927	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014(1)		$	27,283		$	—		$	27,283
	-1	The current portion of restructuring liabilities was $10.4 million and $6.0 million as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014, respectively, which are included in Accounts payable and accrued expenses. The long-term portion is included in Other long-term liabilities.
	-2	Adjustments for lease and related costs during the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily result from changes in the timing and expected income from settlements and executed sublease agreements signed during the period, which amounted to $4.1 million, partly offset by the accretion of interest on lease costs of approximately $1.3 million. Adjustments for severance and other employee separation costs primarily related to employees who were re-hired to other roles within the Company and were not paid severance.

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property and Equipment [Abstract]
Composition of property and equipment		2013			2014			Estimated useful
								life (years)
	Land	$	7,138		$	7,138			—
	Buildings and improvements		19,105			18,998			5–40
	Furniture, equipment, and computer hardware and software		159,160			153,417			5–10
	Leasehold improvements		39,299			38,732			3–10
	Construction in progress		790			1,942			—
			225,492			220,227
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(131,071	)		(137,961	)
		$	94,421		$	82,266

Term_Loan_and_Revolving_Credit1

Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]
Schedule of debt and short-term borrowings
	Term loan			$	118,750
	Revolving credit facility				—
	Total debt				118,750
	Less: Current portion of long-term debt				6,250
	Long-term debt			$	112,500
Schedule of aggregate debt maturities
	2015	$	6,250
	2016		112,500
		$	118,750

Fair_Value_Measurement_Tables

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]
Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
					Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
		December 31,			Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
		2014			Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
					Identical Assets/		Observable		Inputs
					Liabilities		Inputs		(Level 3)
					(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds	$	8,275		$	8,275	$	—	$	—
	Interest rate swap		143			—		143		—
	Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	8,418		$	8,275	$	143	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Other long-term liabilities:
	Deferred payments		2,398			—		—		2,398
	Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	$	2,398		$	—	$	—	$	2,398
					Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
		December 31,			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	$	8,382		$	8,382	$	—	$	—
	Interest rate swaps		45			—		45		—
	Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	8,427		$	8,382	$	45	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Other long-term liabilities:
	Deferred payments		2,115			—		—		2,115
	Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	$	2,115		$	—	$	—	$	2,115
Schedule of changes in fair value of level 3 liability
		Deferred
		Payments
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	2,115
	Amounts earned		(545	)
	Adjustments to fair value		828
	Transfers in or out of Level 3		—
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	2,398

Stock_Options_Restricted_Stock1

Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Abstract]
Schedule of restricted stock and restricted stock units activity
			Number of			Weighted-average
			shares			grant price
	Balance, December 31, 2011			380,944		$	194.26
	Grants			82,741			111.44
	Vested shares			(26,189	)		195.58
	Forfeitures			(3,057	)		127.51
	Balance, December 31, 2012			434,439		$	178.88
	Grants			225,741			57.9
	Vested shares			(51,916	)		164.22
	Forfeitures			(120,491	)		140.3
	Balance, December 31, 2013			487,773		$	131.51
	Grants			108,606			38.95
	Vested shares			(69,434	)		158.97
	Forfeitures			(2,729	)		93.44
	Balance, December 31, 2014			524,216		$	115.67
Schedule of stock option activity and other stock option information
			Number of			Weighted-average			Weighted-			Aggregate
			shares			exercise price			average			intrinsic
									remaining			value(1)
									contractual			(in thousands)
									life (years)
	Balance, December 31, 2011			100,000		$	107.28			1.1		$	—
	Grants			—			—
	Exercises			—			—
	Forfeitures			—			—
	Balance, December 31, 2012			100,000		$	107.28			0.1		$	—
	Grants			100,000			51.95
	Exercises			—			—
	Forfeitures/Expirations			(100,000	)		107.28
	Balance, December 31, 2013			100,000		$	51.95			7		$	—
	Grants			—			—
	Exercises			—			—
	Forfeitures			—			—
	Balance, December 31, 2014			100,000		$	51.95			6		$	2,233
	Exercisable, December 31, 2014			—		$	—			—			—
	-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 all 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.
Summary of number of shares exercisable
			Number of			Weighted-average
			shares			exercise price
	Exercisable, December 31, 2012			100,000		$	107.28
	Exercisable, December 31, 2013			—		$	51.95
	Exercisable, December 31, 2014			—		$	51.95
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense
			2012			2013			2014
	Instruction and educational support		$	3,273		$	1,976		$	1,736
	Marketing			—			—			—
	Admissions advisory			—			—			—
	General and administration			2,191			7,315			7,717
	Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense			5,464			9,291			9,453
	Tax benefit			2,158			3,698			3,734
	Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax		$	3,306		$	5,593		$	5,719
Schedule of information regarding share-based payment arrangements
			For the year ended
			December 31,
			2012			2013			2014
	Proceeds from stock options exercised		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Excess tax benefits (shortfall) related to share-based payment arrangements		$	(245	)	$	(3,567	)	$	(2,039	)
	Intrinsic value of stock options exercised		$	—		$	—		$	—

Other_LongTerm_Liabilities_Tab

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of other long-term liabilities
		2013		2014
	Loss on facilities not in use	$	34,339	$	21,280
	Deferred revenue, net of current portion		1,897		9,654
	Deferred rent and other facility costs		8,258		8,646
	Deferred payments related to acquisition		4,915		5,198
	Lease incentives		1,353		1,056
	Deferred gain on sale of campus building		694		414
		$	51,456	$	46,248

Other_Employee_Benefit_Plans_T

Other Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of shares purchased in the open market for employees
		Shares		Average price
		purchased		per share
	2012		6,549	$	71.14
	2013		8,911	$	42.27
	2014		5,872	$	44.55

Stock_Repurchase_Plan_Tables

Stock Repurchase Plan (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock Repurchase Plan [Abstract]
Schedule of stock repurchase activity
		Number of		Average price paid		Amount available for
		shares		per share		future repurchases
		repurchased				(in millions)
	2012		484,841	$	51.56	$	95
	2013		495,085	$	50.49	$	70
	2014		—	$	—	$	70

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Schedule of minimum rental commitments
		Minimum rental commitments
	2015	$	38,966
	2016		36,202
	2017		31,281
	2018		26,624
	2019		21,200
	Thereafter		38,312
	Total	$	192,585

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule of income tax provision		2012				2013				2014
	Current:
	Federal	$	36,028			$	26,390			$	25,285
	State		8,333				4,582				4,490
	Total current		44,361				30,972				29,775
	Deferred:
	Federal		(608				(18,387	)			141
	State		(708	)			(1,726	)			344
	Total deferred		(1,316	)			(20,113	)			485
	Total provision for income taxes	$	43,045			$	10,859			$	30,260
Schedule of tax effects of principal temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets
		2013				2014
	Tuition receivable	$	4,021			$	3,439
	Other facility-related costs		3,684				2,824
	Employee-related liabilities		144				(96	)
	Current net deferred tax asset		7,849				6,167
	Stock-based compensation		13,871				12,994
	Property and equipment		(13,091	)			(11,622	)
	Other facility-related costs		13,696				8,903
	Deferred revenue		-				3,758
	Deferred leasing costs		3,082				2,797
	Interest rate swap		(18	)			(56	)
	Other		(411	)			(533	)
	Long-term net deferred tax asset		17,129				16,241
	Net deferred tax asset	$	24,978			$	22,408
Summary of changes in unrecognized tax benefits			Year Ended December 31,
				2013				2014
	Beginning unrecognized tax benefits			$	—			$	1,745
	Additions based on tax positions taken in the current year				1,745				2,085
	Gross reductions for tax positions taken in prior years				—				(565	)
	Settlements with taxing authorities				—				(329	)
	Ending unrecognized tax benefits			$	1,745			$	2,936
Schedule of reconciliation between statutory tax rate and effective tax rate		2012				2013				2014
	Statutory federal rate		35	%			35	%			35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal benefits		4.3				4.6				4.2
	Other		0.2				0.2				0.3
	Effective tax rate		39.5	%			39.8	%			39.5	%

Summarized_Quarterly_Financial1

Summarized Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summarized Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Schedule of quarterly financial information
		Quarter
	2013	First		Second		Third		Fourth
	Revenues	$	137,506	$	131,980	$	110,031	$	124,083
	Income (loss) from operations		29,919		26,257		6,621		(30,096	)
	Net income (loss)		17,231		15,002		3,149		(18,957	)
	Net income (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	1.59	$	1.43	$	0.3	$	(1.80	)
	Diluted	$	1.59	$	1.42	$	0.3	$	(1.80	)
		Quarter
	2014	First		Second		Third		Fourth
	Revenues	$	116,468	$	112,747	$	100,756	$	116,070
	Income from operations		25,909		23,998		9,216		22,624
	Net income		14,783		13,677		4,953		12,943
	Net income per share:
	Basic	$	1.4	$	1.29	$	0.47	$	1.22
	Diluted	$	1.4	$	1.29	$	0.46	$	1.21

Nature_of_Operations_Details

Nature of Operations (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	Segments
Nature of Operations [Abstract]
Number of reporting segments	1

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Graduation fund liability
Balance at December 31, 2013	$1,898
Revenue deferred	8,507
Benefit redeemed	-699
Balance at December 31, 2014	$9,706

Significant_Accounting_Policie4

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of tuition receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
Tuition receivable	$25,777	$26,145
Allowances for doubtful accounts	-8,835	-10,303	-6,596	-7,279
Tuition receivable, net	$16,942	$15,842

Significant_Accounting_Policie5

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of allowance for doubtful accounts
Beginning allowance for doubtful accounts	$10,303	$6,596	$7,279
Additions charged to expense	16,947	22,225	23,728
Write-offs, net of recoveries	-18,415	-18,518	-24,411
Ending allowance for doubtful accounts	$8,835	$10,303	$6,596

Significant_Accounting_Policie6

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 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	10,561	10,584	11,390
Incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options	6
Unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units	83	40	50
Shares used to compute diluted earnings per share	10,650	10,624	11,440

Significant_Accounting_Policie7

Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Percentage of tuition revenue in total revenue	96.00%
Unused books and academic meterial refunadable period	21 days
Restricted cash	$200,000
Tuition receivable included in other assets	1,600,000	3,400,000
Expected collection period of tuition receivable	After 12 months.
Minimum protective endowment	500,000
Common stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares issued	10,903,341	10,797,464
Common stock, shares outstanding	10,903,341	10,797,464
Preferred stock, shares authorized	8,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued
Preferred stock, shares outstanding
Income tax description	Upon determination, uncertain tax positions are measured to determine the amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position is derecognized if it no longer meets the more likely than not threshold of being sustained.
Depreciation and amortization	20,630,000	35,563,000	23,973,000
Impairment loss
Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Estimated useful life of property and equipment	40 years
Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Estimated useful life of property and equipment	3 years

Restructuring_and_Related_Char2

Restructuring and Related Charges (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of restructuring liability by type of cost
Balance at December 31, 2013	$44,766	[1]
Payments	-14,556
Adjustments	-2,927	[2]
Balance at December 31, 2014	27,283	[1]
Lease and Related Costs, Net [Member]
Schedule of restructuring liability by type of cost
Balance at December 31, 2013	42,550	[1]
Payments	-12,418
Adjustments	-2,849	[2]
Balance at December 31, 2014	27,283	[1]
Severance and Other Employee Separation Costs [Member]
Schedule of restructuring liability by type of cost
Balance at December 31, 2013	2,216	[1]
Payments	-2,138
Adjustments	-78	[2]
Balance at December 31, 2014		[1]
[1]	The current portion of restructuring liabilities was $10.4 million and $6.0 million as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014, respectively, which are included in Accounts payable and accrued expenses. The long-term portion is included in Other long-term liabilities.
[2]	Adjustments for lease and related costs during the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily result from changes in the timing and expected income from settlements and executed sublease agreements signed during the period, which amounted to $4.1 million, partly offset by the accretion of interest on lease costs of approximately $1.3 million. Adjustments for severance and other employee separation costs primarily related to employees who were re-hired to other roles within the Company and were not paid severance.

Restructuring_and_Related_Char3

Restructuring and Related Charges (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
		Campus
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring liabilities	$6	$10.40
Adjustments for lease and related costs primarily	4.1
Adjustments of accretion of interest on lease costs	1.3
Campus location closed		20
Lease term expire		2022
Lease marginal borrowing rate	4.50%
Severance and other employee separation costs		6.9
Lease and Related Costs, Net [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Contractual obligation		$36

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	220,227	$225,492
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-137,961	-131,071
Property and equipment, net	82,266	94,421
Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property and equipment	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property and equipment	40 years
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	7,138	7,138
Buildings and improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	18,998	19,105
Buildings and improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property and equipment	5 years
Buildings and improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property and equipment	40 years
Furniture, equipment and computer hardware and software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	153,417	159,160
Furniture, equipment and computer hardware and software [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property and equipment	5 years
Furniture, equipment and computer hardware and software [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property and equipment	10 years
Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	38,732	39,299
Leasehold improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property and equipment	3 years
Leasehold improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property and equipment	10 years
Construction in progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	1,942	$790

Property_and_Equipment_Details1

Property and Equipment (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property and Equipment [Abstract]
Leasehold improvements reimbursed by lessors as lease incentives	$0.10	$0.30
Fixed assets written off	$13.60	$0.80

Term_Loan_and_Revolving_Credit2

Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of debt and short-term borrowings
Total debt	$118,750
Less: Current portion of long-term debt	6,250	3,125
Long-term debt	112,500	118,750
Term loan [Member]
Schedule of debt and short-term borrowings
Total debt	118,750
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 $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of aggregate debt maturities
2015	$6,250
2016	112,500
Total debt	$118,750

Term_Loan_and_Revolving_Credit4

Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Details Textual) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014		Nov. 08, 2012
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Textual)
Maturity date	31-Dec-16
Debt		$118,750,000
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		4,400,000
Average annual interest rate		4.30%
Covenant terms required by credit facility		1)	A leverage ratio of not greater than 2 to 1. Leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of total debt to trailing four-quarter EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and non-cash charges such as stock-based compensation).
		2)	A coverage ratio of not less than 1.75 to 1. Coverage ratio is defined as the ratio of trailing four-quarter EBITDA and rent expense to trailing four-quarter interest and rent expense.
		3)	A Department of Education Financial Responsibility Composite Score of not less than 1.5.
Maximum total leverage ratio		2
Minimum coverage ratio		1.75
Minimum department of education financial composite score		1.5
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Textual)
Revolving credit facility, value				100,000,000
Option to increase commitments under credit facility				50,000,000
Revolving credit facility, outstanding		0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Textual)
Debt instrument description of variable rate basis		Base rate
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Textual)
Debt instrument description of variable rate basis		LIBOR
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Textual)
Margin rate for interest if using base rate		2.00%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Textual)
Margin rate for interest if using base rate		2.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member]
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Textual)
Option to increase commitments under credit facility				50,000,000
Term Loan Facility [Member]
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Textual)
Revolving credit facility, value				125,000,000
Debt		$118,800,000
Term Loan Facility [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Textual)
Interest rate swap, fixed rate minimum		2.85%
Interest rate swap, fixed rate maximum		3.35%
Term Loan Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Textual)
Unused commitment fee		0.30%
Term Loan Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Textual)
Unused commitment fee		0.40%

Fair_Value_Measurement_Details

Fair Value Measurement (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash equivalents:
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$8,418	$8,427
Other long-term liabilities:
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	2,398	2,115
Money Market Funds [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	8,275	8,382
Deferred Payments [Member]
Other long-term liabilities:
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	2,398	2,115
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	143	45
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	8,275	8,382
Other long-term 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	8,275	8,382
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Deferred Payments [Member]
Other long-term liabilities:
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total assets 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	143	45
Other long-term liabilities:
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis
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] | Deferred Payments [Member]
Other long-term liabilities:
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	143	45
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis
Other long-term liabilities:
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	2,398	2,115
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] | Deferred Payments [Member]
Other long-term liabilities:
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	2,398	2,115
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis

Fair_Value_Measurement_Details1

Fair Value Measurement (Details 1) (Deferred Payments [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Payments [Member]
Schedule of changes in fair value of level 3 liability
Balance at December 31, 2013	$2,115
Amounts earned	-545
Adjustments to fair value	828
Transfers in or out of Level 3
Balance at December 31, 2014	$2,398

Fair_Value_Measurement_Details2

Fair Value Measurement (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Sellers
Fair Value Measurement (Textual)
Interest rate swap, notional amount	$118,750,000
Carrying value of the debt	118,750,000
Deferred payment arrangement number of sellers	1
Fair value assets and liabilities hierarchy level transfers amount
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurement (Textual)
Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, goodwill	6,800,000	6,800,000
Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, other indefinite-lived intangible assets	$1,600,000	$1,600,000

Stock_Options_Restricted_Stock2

Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (Details) (Restricted stock and restricted stock units [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted stock and restricted stock units [Member]
Schedule of restricted stock and restricted stock units activity
Beginning Balance, Number of shares	487,773	434,439	380,944
Grants, Number of shares	108,606	225,741	82,741
Vested shares, Number of shares	-69,434	-51,916	-26,189
Forfeitures, Number of shares	-2,729	-120,491	-3,057
Ending Balance, Number of shares	524,216	487,773	434,439
Beginning Balance, Weighted-average grant price	$131.51	$178.88	$194.26
Grants, Weighted-average grant price	$38.95	$57.90	$111.44
Vested shares, Weighted-average grant price	$158.97	$164.22	$195.58
Forfeitures, Weighted-average grant price	$93.44	$140.30	$127.51
Ending Balance, Weighted-average grant price	$115.67	$131.51	$178.88

Stock_Options_Restricted_Stock3

Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (Details 1) (Stock options [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Stock options [Member]
Schedule of stock option activity and other stock option information
Beginning Balance, Number of shares	100,000		100,000		100,000
Grants, Number of shares			100,000
Exercises, Number of shares
Forfeitures/Expirations, Number of shares			-100,000
Ending Balance, Number of shares	100,000		100,000		100,000		100,000
Exercisable, Number of shares
Beginning Balance, Weighted-average exercise price	$51.95		$107.28		$107.28
Grants, Weighted-average exercise price			$51.95
Exercises, Weighted-average exercise price
Forfeitures/Expirations, Weighted-average exercise price			$107.28
Ending Balance, Weighted-average exercise price	$51.95		$51.95		$107.28		$107.28
Exercisable, Weighted-average exercise price
Weighted-average remaining contractual life (yrs.)	6 years		7 years		1 month 6 days		1 year 1 month 6 days
Beginning Balance, Aggregate intrinsic value		[1]		[1]		[1]
Ending Balance, Aggregate intrinsic value	2,233	[1]		[1]		[1]		[1]
Exercisable, Aggregate intrinsic value		[1]
[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 all 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.

Stock_Options_Restricted_Stock4

Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (Details 2) (Employee Stock [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercisable, Number of shares			100,000
Exercisable, Weighted-average exercise price	$51.95	$51.95	$107.28

Stock_Options_Restricted_Stock5

Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense
Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense	$9,453	$9,291	$5,464
Tax benefit	3,734	3,698	2,158
Stock-based compensation expense, net of income tax	5,719	5,593	3,306
Instruction and educational support [Member]
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense
Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense	1,736	1,976	3,273
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	$7,717	$7,315	$2,191

Stock_Options_Restricted_Stock6

Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of information regarding share-based payment arrangements
Proceeds from stock options exercised
Excess tax benefits (shortfall) related to share-based payment arrangements	-2,039	-3,567	-245
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised

Stock_Options_Restricted_Stock7

Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	31-May-14
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum term of the awards granted under the Plan	10 years
Stock-based compensation cost which has not yet been recognized	$28.80
Stock-based compensation cost recognized period, in months	42 months
Restricted stock awarded subject to performance condition	398,000
Number of shares not meeting performance criteria	45,920
Reduction in stock based compensation	$7
Board of Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares approved for grants		46,064
Vesting percentage		100.00%
Vesting date		28-Feb-18
Closing price of stock on date of stock grant		$33.65
Board of Directors [Member] | Vesting over four years [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares approved for grants			46,674
Vesting period, years			4 years
Board of Directors [Member] | Vesting over three years [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares approved for grants			15,868
Vesting period, years			3 years
Closing price of stock on date of stock grant			42.85

Other_LongTerm_Liabilities_Det

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract]
Loss on facilities not in use	$21,280	$34,339
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	9,654	1,897
Deferred rent and other facility costs	8,646	8,258
Deferred payments related to acquisition	5,198	4,915
Lease incentives	1,056	1,353
Deferred gain on sale of campus building	414	694
Total other long-term liabilities	$46,248	$51,456

Other_LongTerm_Liabilities_Det1

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details Textual) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2007	Dec. 31, 2014
	Asset
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	10 years
Gain on sale and lease back of one of campus buildings before tax	2.8
Funds received from investor		$2.80
Sale and lease back term	10 years
Number of assets sold	1
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

Other_Employee_Benefit_Plans_D

Other Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (Employee Stock [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares purchased	5,872	8,911	6,549
Average price per share	$44.55	$42.27	$71.14

Other_Employee_Benefit_Plans_D1

Other Employee Benefit Plans (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Maximum annual contribution to 401(k) plan by employees, effective January 1, 2015	$18,000
Percentage of company matching contribution to 401(K) plan	50.00%
Defined contribution plan employer matching contribution percent	3.00%
Company's contributions to 401(K) plan	$900,000	$1,100,000	$2,900,000
Common stock shares purchase price limit for employees as percentage of market value under Employee Stock Purchase Plan	90.00%
Employee stock purchase plan maximum percentage of purchase employee can make on eligible compensation	10.00%
Maximum number of shares available for purchase by participating employees	2,500,000

Stock_Repurchase_Plan_Details

Stock Repurchase Plan (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Repurchase Plan [Abstract]
Number of shares repurchased		495,085	484,841
Average price paid per share		$50.49	$51.56
Amount available for future repurchases	$70	$70	$95

Stock_Repurchase_Plan_Details_

Stock Repurchase Plan (Details Textual) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 03, 2003
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Stock Repurchase Plan [Abstract]
Authorized common stock for repurchases, amount				$15
Remaining authorized share for repurchases, amount	$70	$70	$95

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of minimum rental commitments
2015	$38,966
2016	36,202
2017	31,281
2018	26,624
2019	21,200
Thereafter	38,312
Total	$192,585

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Lease	Campus
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Number of long-term, non-cancelable operating leases	93
Rent expense	$35.70	$82.20	$46.50
Charges related to the closure of campuses and other administrative facilities		36
Campus location closed		20
Reduction of liability	$4.10

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current:
Federal	$25,285	$26,390	$36,028
State	4,490	4,582	8,333
Total current	29,775	30,972	44,361
Deferred:
Federal	141	-18,387	-608
State	344	-1,726	-708
Total deferred	485	-20,113	-1,316
Total provision for income taxes	$30,260	$10,859	$43,045

Income_Taxes_Details_1

Income Taxes (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of tax effects of principal temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets
Tuition receivable	$3,439	$4,021
Other facility-related costs	2,824	3,684
Employee-related liabilities	-96	144
Current net deferred tax asset	6,167	7,849
Stock-based compensation	12,994	13,871
Property and equipment	-11,622	-13,091
Other facility-related costs	8,903	13,696
Deferred revenue	3,758
Deferred leasing costs	2,797	3,082
Interest rate swap	-56	-18
Other	-533	-411
Long-term net deferred tax asset	16,241	17,129
Net deferred tax asset	$22,408	$24,978

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of the Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Beginning unrecognized tax benefits	$1,745
Additions based on tax positions taken in the current year	2,085	1,745
Gross reductions for tax positions taken in prior years	-565
Settlements with taxing authorities	-329
Ending unrecognized tax benefits	$2,936	$1,745

Income_Taxes_Details_3

Income Taxes (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of reconciliation between statutory tax rate and effective tax rate
Statutory federal rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal benefits	4.20%	4.60%	4.30%
Other	0.30%	0.20%	0.20%
Effective tax rate	39.50%	39.80%	39.50%

Income_Taxes_Details_Textual

Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes (Textual)
Cash payments for income taxes	$30,800,000	$26,500,000	$47,400,000
Tax expense (benefits) related to interest and penalties	100,000	400,000
Amount of interest and penalties	300,000	400,000
Reduction of unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months, due to expiration of applicable statues of limitation	400,000
Unrecognized tax benefits favorably affecting Company's effective tax rate	2,100,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	$2,936,000	$1,745,000

Summarized_Quarterly_Financial2

Summarized Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Revenues	$116,070	$100,756	$112,747	$116,468	$124,083	$110,031	$131,980	$137,506	$446,041	$503,600	$561,979
Income (loss) from operations	22,624	9,216	23,998	25,909	-30,096	6,621	26,257	29,919	81,747	32,701	113,587
Net income (loss)	$12,943	$4,953	$13,677	$14,783	($18,957)	$3,149	$15,002	$17,231	$46,356	$16,425	$65,930
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic	$1.22	$0.47	$1.29	$1.40	($1.80)	$0.30	$1.43	$1.59	$4.39	$1.55	$5.79
Diluted	$1.21	$0.46	$1.29	$1.40	($1.80)	$0.30	$1.42	$1.59	$4.35	$1.55	$5.76

Regulation_Details

Regulation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Regulation Textual [Abstract]
Average of median annual earning percentage	8.00%
Average of median discretionary percentage	20.00%
Debt to earnings rates description	A program would fail if the program's graduates have an annual income rate of 12% or greater and a discretionary income rate of 30% or greater.
Maximum [Member]
Regulation Textual [Abstract]
Average of median annual earning percentage	12.00%
Average of median discretionary percentage	30.00%
Minimum [Member]
Regulation Textual [Abstract]
Average of median annual earning percentage	8.00%
Average of median discretionary percentage	20.00%