Capella Education (CPLA) 10-K 19 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. 13, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	cpla
Entity Registrant Name	CAPELLA EDUCATION CO
Entity Central Index Key	1104349
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		12,214,705
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$592.50

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$94,003		$124,097
Marketable securities, current	29,619		18,342
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $6,558 at December 31, 2014 and $7,091 at December 31, 2013	17,902		16,919
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	9,007		10,548
Deferred income taxes	2,809		2,846
Total current assets	153,340		172,752
Marketable securities, non-current	43,430		17,740
Property and equipment, net	37,246		39,993
Goodwill	16,961		16,969
Intangibles, net	1,927		2,795
Other Assets	1,453		0
Total assets	254,357		250,249
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	6,832		7,939
Accrued liabilities	23,410		33,164
Dividends Payable	4,622		4,346
Income taxes payable	709		0
Deferred revenue	11,718		10,736
Total current liabilities	47,291		56,185
Deferred rent	2,440		3,221
Other liabilities	3,698		2,541
Deferred income taxes	5,894		6,283
Total liabilities	59,323		68,230
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares — 100,000; Issued and Outstanding shares — 12,243 at December 31, 2014 and 12,361 at December 31, 2013	122		124
Additional paid-in capital	112,417		104,546
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-335	[1]	-114	[1]
Retained earnings	82,830		77,463
Total shareholders' equity	195,034		182,019
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$254,357		$250,249
[1]	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is net of $14 thousand, $17 thousand, and $6 thousand of taxes as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s marketable securities were primarily caused by changes in market values as a result of interest rate changes.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Accounts receivable, allowance	$6,558	$7,091
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, authorized shares	100,000	100,000
Common stock, issued shares	12,243	12,361
Common stock, outstanding shares	12,243	12,361

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
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$421,967	$415,623	$421,890
Costs and expenses:
Instructional costs and services	185,503	183,757	191,947
Marketing and promotional	99,790	102,198	100,809
Admissions advisory	28,042	27,103	30,151
General and administrative	41,847	42,688	39,600
Lease amendment charges	2,690	0	0
Total costs and expenses	357,872	355,746	362,507
Operating income	64,095	59,877	59,383
Other income (expense), net	-725	-179	-45
Income before income taxes	63,370	59,698	59,338
Income tax expense	25,427	24,495	23,047
Net income	37,943	35,203	36,291
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	186
Net income attributable to Capella Education Company	$37,943	$35,203	$36,477
Net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share:
Basic net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share	$3.09	$2.84	$2.77
Diluted net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share	$3.03	$2.80	$2.76
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic	12,286	12,391	13,156
Weighted average shares outstanding - Diluted	12,535	12,566	13,220
Cash dividend declared per common share	$1.42	$0.35	$0

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
Net income	$37,943	$35,203	$36,291
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	186
Net income attributable to Capella Education Company	37,943	35,203	36,477
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation loss	-169	-110	-54
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities, net of tax	-52	18	-275
Comprehensive income attributable to Capella Education Company	$37,722	$35,111	$36,148

Consolidated_Statement_of_Shar

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
In Thousands
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$162,599	$139	$103,900	$307	$58,253
Balance, common stock shares at Dec. 31, 2011		13,882
Exercise of stock options, shares		34
Exercise of stock options	628	0	628	0	0
Share-based compensation	4,880	0	4,880	0	0
Tax benefit (shortfall) realized from share-based compensation	-598	0	-598	0	0
Issuance of restricted stock, net, shares		20
Issuance of restricted stock, net	-41	0	-41	0	0
Accretion of noncontrolling interest	-96	0	486	0	-582
Repurchase of common stock, shares		-1,543
Repurchase of common stock	-51,418	-15	-11,539	0	-39,864
Net income attributable to Capella Education Company	36,477	0	0	0	36,477
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of tax	-275	0	0	-275	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-54	0	0	-54	0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	152,102	124	97,716	-22	54,284
Balance, common stock shares at Dec. 31, 2012		12,393
Exercise of stock options, shares		98
Exercise of stock options	3,452	1	3,451	0	0
Share-based compensation	5,330	0	5,330	0	0
Tax benefit (shortfall) realized from share-based compensation	-521	0	-521	0	0
Issuance of restricted stock, net, shares		38
Issuance of restricted stock, net	-107	0	-107	0	0
Repurchase of common stock, shares	-168	-168
Repurchase of common stock	-8,965	-1	-1,323	0	-7,641
Cash dividends declared	-4,383	0	0	0	-4,383
Net income attributable to Capella Education Company	35,203	0	0	0	35,203
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of tax	18	0	0	18	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-110	0	0	-110	0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	182,019	124	104,546	-114	77,463
Balance, common stock shares at Dec. 31, 2013	12,361	12,361
Exercise of stock options, shares		118
Exercise of stock options	5,599	1	5,598	0	0
Share-based compensation	5,129	0	5,129	0	0
Tax benefit (shortfall) realized from share-based compensation	159	0	159	0	0
Issuance of restricted stock, net, shares		46
Issuance of restricted stock, net	-626	0	-626	0	0
Repurchase of common stock, shares	-282	-282
Repurchase of common stock	-17,299	-3	-2,389	0	-14,907
Cash dividends declared	-17,669	0	0	0	-17,669
Net income attributable to Capella Education Company	37,943	0	0	0	37,943
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of tax	-52	0	0	-52	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-169	0	0	-169	0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$195,034	$122	$112,417	($335)	$82,830
Balance, common stock shares at Dec. 31, 2014	12,243	12,243

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
Operating activities
Net income	$37,943	$35,203	$36,291
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for bad debts	14,848	15,132	17,310
Depreciation and amortization	23,798	25,877	29,255
Amortization of investment discount/premium	1,843	768	692
Impairment of property and equipment	277	229	1,150
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	69	52	81
Share-based compensation	5,129	5,330	4,880
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	-547	-310	-69
Deferred income taxes	-317	-1,463	-3,584
Payment of contingent consideration included in operating activities	-906	0	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable	-15,843	-16,141	-14,979
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-754	1,787	2,586
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-3,582	4,578	-6,296
Income tax payable	3,000	-1,826	-4,306
Deferred rent	-781	-929	-65
Deferred revenue	1,011	1,062	1,882
Net cash provided by operating activities	65,188	69,349	64,828
Investing activities
Capital expenditures	-20,584	-18,728	-23,278
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment	0	0	303
Investment in partnership interest	-1,453	0	0
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest	0	0	-1,576
Purchases of marketable securities	-64,308	-22,426	-13,887
Maturities of marketable securities	25,415	7,885	55,545
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-60,930	-33,269	17,107
Financing activities
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	547	310	69
Net proceeds from exercise of stock options	5,599	3,452	628
Payments of Dividends	-17,256	0	0
Repurchases of common stock	-17,299	-8,965	-51,418
Payment of contingent consideration included in financing activities	-5,945	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	-34,354	-5,203	-50,721
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash	2	0	29
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-30,094	30,877	31,243
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	124,097	93,220	61,977
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	94,003	124,097	93,220
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Income taxes paid	23,061	27,486	30,947
Non-cash investing and financing activities
Purchase of equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	863	775	472
Declaration of cash dividend to be paid	$4,587	$4,383	$0

Nature_Of_Business

Nature Of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Nature Of Business [Abstract]
Nature of Operations [Text Block]	Nature of Business
	Capella Education Company (the Company) was incorporated on December 27, 1991, and is the parent company of its wholly owned subsidiaries, Capella University (the University), Resource Development International Limited (RDI), Sophia Learning, LLC (Sophia), and Capella Learning Solutions (CLS). The University, founded in 1993, is an online postsecondary education services company offering a variety of bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs primarily delivered to working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. In 2011, the Company acquired RDI, which is an independent provider of United Kingdom (UK) university distance learning qualifications and markets, develops and delivers programs worldwide via its offices and partners across Asia, North America, Africa and Europe. Sophia provides a social teaching and learning platform that integrates education with technology. On April 16, 2012, the Company acquired the remaining interest in Sophia which is now a wholly owned subsidiary as of that date. Capella Learning Solutions (CLS) is a subsidiary created in 2013 that provides online training solutions and services to corporate partners which are delivered through Capella's online learning platform. With the Company's focus on academic quality in an online delivery format, it has one reporting segment.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the University, CLS, RDI and its subsidiaries, and Sophia, after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions. RDI operates on a fiscal year-ending on October 31.
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the accrued liabilities table as of December 31, 2013 in Note 7 to align with current reporting methods.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company’s revenues primarily consist of tuition. Tuition revenue is deferred and recognized as revenue ratably over the period of instruction. If a learner withdraws or drops a course, the Company follows the University refund policy, which generally is: 100 percent refund through five days, 75 percent refund from six to twelve days, and zero percent refund for the remainder of the period. The refund policy varies slightly for learners within certain states due to state rules or regulations. The Company does not recognize revenue for learners who enroll but never engage in the courseroom. Refunds are recorded as a reduction of revenue in the period that the learner withdraws from a course. When the University is required to return funds distributed under Title IV Programs of the Higher Education Act (Title IV or Title IV Programs) to the Department of Education, the learner is not released from his or her payment obligation.
	Colloquia tuition revenue is recognized over the length of the colloquia, which ranges from three to 42 days.
	Deferred revenue in any period represents the excess of tuition and fees received as compared to tuition and fees recognized as revenue in the consolidated statements of income and is reflected as a current liability on our consolidated balance sheets.
	The Company also enters into arrangements to provide program development and management consulting services to other third parties to establish or expand their training and educational programs. These arrangements often include the delivery of multiple products and services, primarily including hosting the training, providing maintenance and support, and other professional services. For arrangements that involve multiple elements, the Company recognizes revenue for delivered elements when they have stand-alone value to the customer, they have been accepted by the customer, and for which there are only customary refund or return rights. Arrangement consideration is allocated to the deliverables based on the relative selling price of each element. The selling price used for each deliverable is based on vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE) of fair value if available, third-party evidence (TPE) of fair value if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. Estimated selling price is determined in a manner consistent with that used to establish the price to sell the deliverable on a standalone basis. Revenue is recognized for each element in a manner consistent with the nature of the product or service delivered.
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability, failure or refusal of our learners to make required payments. The Company determines the allowance for doubtful accounts amount based on an analysis of our accounts receivable portfolio and historical write-off experience, and current economic conditions, recoveries and trends. Bad debt expense is recorded as an instructional costs and services expense in the consolidated statements of income. The Company generally writes off accounts receivable balances once the account is deemed to be uncollectible, which typically occurs after outside collection agencies have pursued collection efforts. The Company recorded bad debt expense of $14.8 million, $15.1 million, and $17.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid marketable securities with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase, and variable rate demand notes, to be cash equivalents. The variable rate demand notes contain a feature allowing the Company to settle the instrument with the issuer on a daily or weekly basis at the Company's discretion. As a result, these securities are highly liquid and are classified as cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are carried at fair value.
	Marketable Securities
	Management determines the appropriate designation of marketable securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. All of the Company’s marketable securities are designated as available-for-sale as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	Available-for-sale marketable securities are carried at fair value as determined by quoted market prices or other inputs either directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace for identical or similar assets, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders’ equity. Management reviews the fair value of the portfolio at least monthly, and evaluates individual securities with fair value below amortized cost at the balance sheet date for impairment. In order to determine whether impairment is other than temporary, management evaluates whether the Company intends to sell the impaired security and whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovering its amortized cost basis.
	If management intends to sell an impaired debt security, or it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security prior to recovering its amortized cost basis, an other-than-temporary impairment is deemed to have occurred. The amount of an other-than-temporary impairment related to a credit loss, or securities that management intends to sell before recovery, is recognized in earnings. The amount of an other-than-temporary impairment on debt securities related to other factors is recorded consistent with changes in the fair value of all other available-for-sale securities as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders’ equity.
	The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Amortization of premiums, accretion of discounts, interest, dividend income and realized gains and losses are included in other income (expense). The contractual maturity date of available-for-sale securities is based on the days remaining to the effective maturity. The Company classifies marketable securities as either current or non-current assets based on management’s intent with regard to usage of those funds, which is dependent upon the security's maturity date and liquidity considerations based on current market conditions. If management intends to hold the securities for longer than one year as of the balance sheet date, they are classified as non-current.
	Fair Value Measurement
	Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company classifies assets and liabilities recorded at fair value under the fair value hierarchy based upon the observability of inputs used in valuation techniques. Observable inputs (highest level) reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs (lowest level) reflect internally developed market assumptions. The fair value measurements are classified under the following hierarchy:
	•	Level 1 – Observable inputs that reflect quoted market prices (unadjusted) for identical assets and liabilities in active markets;
	•	Level 2 – Observable inputs, other than quoted market prices, that are either directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace for identical or similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets and liabilities; and
	•	Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity that are significant to the fair value of assets or liabilities.
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to credit risk, consist primarily of cash equivalents, marketable securities and accounts receivable.
	Management believes the credit risk related to cash equivalents and marketable securities is limited due to the adherence to an investment policy that requires marketable securities to have a minimum Standard & Poor’s rating of A minus (or equivalent) at the time of purchase. All of the Company’s cash equivalents and marketable securities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 consist of investments rated A- or higher by at least one rating agency. In addition, the Company utilizes money managers who conduct initial and ongoing credit analysis on its investment portfolio to monitor and minimize the potential impact of market risk associated with its cash equivalents and marketable securities.
	Management believes that the credit risk related to accounts receivable is mitigated due to the large number and diversity of learners that principally comprise the Company’s customer base. The Company’s credit risk with respect to these accounts receivable is mitigated through the participation of a majority of the learners in federally funded financial aid programs.
	Approximately 77%, 78%, and 79% of Capella University's revenues (calculated on a cash basis) were collected from funds distributed under Title IV Programs for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The financial aid and assistance programs are subject to political and budgetary considerations. There is no assurance that such funding will be maintained at current levels.
	Extensive and complex regulations govern the financial assistance programs in which Capella University's learners participate. Capella University's administration of these programs is periodically reviewed by various regulatory agencies. Any regulatory violation could be the basis for the initiation of potential adverse actions, including a suspension, limitation, or termination proceeding, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
	If the University were to lose its eligibility to participate in federal student financial aid programs, the learners at the University would lose access to funds derived from those programs and would have to seek alternative sources of funds to pay their tuition and fees. See Note 14 for further information on the regulatory environment in which the Company operates.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost. Computer software is included in property and equipment and consists of purchased software, capitalized web site development costs and internally developed software. Capitalized web site development costs consist mainly of salaries and outside development fees directly related to web sites and various databases. Web site content development is generally expensed as incurred. Internally developed software represents qualifying salary and consulting costs for time spent on developing internal use software. The Company capitalizes certain costs associated with internally developed software, primarily consisting of the direct labor associated with creating the internally developed software. Software development projects generally include three stages: the preliminary project stage (all costs are expensed as incurred), the application development stage (certain costs are capitalized and certain costs are expensed as incurred), and the post-implementation/operation stage (all costs are expensed as incurred). The costs capitalized in the application development stage include the costs of designing the application, coding, installation of hardware, and testing. The capitalization of software requires judgment in determining when a project has reached the application development stage and the period over which the Company expects to benefit from the use of that software.
	Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method, over the following estimated useful lives:
	Computer equipment	3 to 7 years
	Furniture and office equipment	5 to 7 years
	Computer software	3 to 5 years
	Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the related lease term or estimated useful life, whichever is shorter.
	The Company reviews its fixed assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered not recoverable, a potential impairment loss is recognized to the extent the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. The Company recorded impairment charges of $0.3 million, $0.2 million, and $1.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The impairment charges primarily consist of course retirements, and the write-off of previously capitalized internal software development costs related to abandoned software projects. These charges are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income and classified as instructional costs and services, marketing and promotional, admissions advisory, or general and administrative expense based on the primary function with which the asset was associated.
	Income Taxes
	The Company uses the asset and liability method to compute the differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the related financial amounts. The Company has deferred tax assets and liabilities that reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Deferred tax assets are subject to periodic recoverability assessments. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that more likely than not will be realized. The Company considers all positive and negative evidence relating to the realization of the deferred tax assets in assessing the need for a valuation allowance.
	The Company records a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes using a two-step approach for evaluating tax positions. Step one, recognition, occurs when the Company concludes that a tax position, based solely on its technical merits, is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. Step two, measurement, is only addressed if the position is more likely than not to be sustained. Under step two, the tax benefit is measured as the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis, which is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
	Contingencies
	The Company accrues for costs associated with contingencies including, but not limited to, regulatory compliance and legal matters, when such costs are probable and reasonably estimable. Contingent liabilities are adjusted as further information is obtained, circumstances change, or contingencies are resolved. The Company bases these accruals on management’s estimate of such costs, which may vary from the ultimate cost and expenses associated with any such contingency.
	Intangible Assets
	Finite-lived intangible assets that are acquired in business combinations are recorded at fair market value on their acquisition date and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the economic useful life of the asset. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company does not have any indefinite-lived intangible assets.
	The Company reviews its intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are not recoverable, a potential impairment loss is recognized to the extent the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Fair value is generally determined using a discounted cash flow approach.
	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the fair value assigned to the underlying assets acquired and assumed liabilities. At the time of an acquisition, the Company allocates the goodwill and related assets and liabilities to its respective reporting units. The Company identifies its reporting units by assessing whether the components of its operating segment constitute businesses for which discrete financial information is available and management regularly reviews the operating results of those components. The Company assesses goodwill for impairment at least annually on the first day of the fourth quarter, 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.
	The Company's goodwill impairment test includes an option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount based on the qualitative assessment, or that a qualitative assessment should not be performed for a reporting unit, the Company proceeds with performing a two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. In the first step, the Company compares the fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying value of its net assets. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets of the reporting unit, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. If the carrying value of the net assets of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, the Company performs a second step to determine the implied fair value of the goodwill and compares it to the carrying value of the goodwill. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than the carrying amount of the goodwill.
	The process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill is subjective and requires significant judgment at many points during the analysis, including determining whether to perform the optional qualitative assessment and determining the fair value of the reporting unit during the two-step test. The goodwill testing process includes the use of industry accepted valuation methods, management review and approval of certain criteria and assumptions and engaging third-party valuation specialists to assist with the analysis.
	Foreign Currency Translation
	The United States (U.S.) dollar is the functional currency of the Company’s entities operating in the U.S. The functional currency of the Company’s entities operating outside the U.S. is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity generates and expends cash, which is generally the local currency. The assets and liabilities of these operations are translated to U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates. The resulting translation adjustments and the effect of exchange rate changes on intercompany transactions of a long-term investment nature are included in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Income and expense items are translated monthly at the average exchange rate for that period. The Company reports gains and losses from foreign exchange rate changes related to intercompany receivables and payables that are not of a long-term investment nature, as well as gains and losses from foreign currency denominated transactions, in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Advertising
	The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred, other than production-related advertising costs primarily attributable to television commercials, which are capitalized as a prepaid expense when paid and subsequently expensed at the time of first airing. Advertising costs for 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $73.0 million, $78.1 million, and $82.4 million, respectively, which are included within marketing and promotional expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Net Income Attributable to Capella Education Company per Common Share
	Basic net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share is based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Dilutive shares are computed using the Treasury Stock method and include the incremental effect of shares that would be issued upon the assumed exercise of stock options, vesting of restricted stock units, and satisfaction of service conditions for market stock units.
	The following table presents a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator in the basic and diluted net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share calculation.
		Year-Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to Capella Education Company	$	37,943	$	35,203	$	36,477
	Denominator:
Denominator for basic net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share - weighted average shares outstanding	12,286		12,391		13,156
Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock, and market stock units	249		175		64
Denominator for diluted net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share - weighted average shares outstanding	12,535		12,566		13,220
Basic net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share	$	3.09	$	2.84	$	2.77
Diluted net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share	$	3.03	$	2.8	$	2.76
Options to purchase 0.2 million, 0.5 million, and 0.6 million common shares, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted net income per common share in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, because their effect would be antidilutive.
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income includes net income and all changes in the Company’s equity during a period from non-owner sources, which for the Company consists of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale marketable securities, net of tax, and foreign currency translation gains and losses.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including employee stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), and market stock units (MSUs) based on estimated fair values of the share award on the date of grant.
•	Stock options and restricted stock units. To calculate the estimated fair value of stock options on the date of grant, the Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the Company to estimate key assumptions such as the expected term, volatility, risk-free interest rate and dividend yield to determine the fair value of stock options, based on both historical information and management judgment regarding market factors and trends.
The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense for stock options and restricted stock unit awards using the straight-line method over the period that the awards are expected to vest, which is also the service period, net of estimated forfeitures. The Company estimates expected forfeitures of share-based awards and recognizes compensation cost only for those awards expected to vest.
In estimating expected forfeitures for stock options and restricted stock units, the Company analyzes historical forfeiture and termination information and considers how future rates are expected to differ from historical rates. The Company ultimately adjusts this forfeiture assumption to actual forfeitures. Any changes in the forfeiture assumptions do not impact the total amount of expense ultimately recognized over the vesting period. Instead, different forfeiture assumptions only impact the timing of expense recognition over the vesting period. If the actual forfeitures differ from management estimates, additional adjustments to compensation expense are recorded.
•	Market stock units. To calculate the estimated fair value of MSUs on the date of grant, the Company uses Monte Carlo simulations. The Monte Carlo simulations are based on the expected average market price of the Company's common stock for a defined number of calendar days prior to the stated vesting date to estimate the expected number of MSUs that will convert into common shares at the vesting date. Management's key assumptions include volatility, risk-free interest rates, and dividend yields.
The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense for MSU awards using the straight-line method, over the period that the awards are expected to vest. Compensation cost related to an award with a market condition will be recognized regardless of whether the market condition is satisfied, provided that the requisite service has been provided.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entities Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, which is included in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 205, Presentation of Financial Statements. This update provides an explicit requirement for management to assess an entity's ability to continue as a going concern, and to provide related footnote disclosure in certain circumstances. The guidance will be effective for the Company's annual reporting period beginning January 1, 2017, and applied prospectively; early adoption is also permitted. The Company does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or disclosures.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which is included in ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that creates a single source of revenue guidance for all companies in all industries. The model is more principles-based than current guidance, and is primarily based on recognizing revenue at an amount that reflects consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. The guidance will be effective for the Company's interim and annual reporting periods beginning January 1, 2017. The standard allows the Company to transition to the new model using either a full or modified retrospective approach, and early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its business practices, financial condition, results of operations, and disclosures.
In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters. This update addresses diversity in practice regarding the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investments in a foreign entity. In addition, the standard addresses diversity in practice for the treatment of business combinations achieved in stages involving a foreign entity. The guidance was effective for the Company's interim and annual reporting periods beginning January 1, 2014, and applied prospectively. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or disclosures.
The Company has reviewed and considered all other recent accounting pronouncements and believes there are none that could potentially have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or disclosures.

Marketable_Securities

Marketable Securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities	Marketable Securities
	The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities, in thousands:
		As of December 31, 2014
		Amortized Cost		Gross		Gross			Estimated
				Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair Value
				Gains		(Losses)
	Tax-exempt municipal securities	$	65,708	$	31	$	(71	)	$	65,668
	Corporate debt securities	7,379		4		(2		)	7,381
	Total	$	73,087	$	35	$	(73	)	$	73,049
		As of December 31, 2013
		Amortized Cost		Gross		Gross			Estimated
				Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair Value
				Gains		(Losses)
	Tax-exempt municipal securities	$	30,422	$	46	$	—		$	30,468
	Corporate debt securities	5,615		3		(4		)	5,614
	Total	$	36,037	$	49	$	(4	)	$	36,082
	The unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s investments in municipal and corporate debt securities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were caused by changes in market values primarily due to interest rate changes. All of the Company's securities in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2014 had been in an unrealized loss position for less than twelve months. The Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities prior to the recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be maturity. No other-than-temporary impairment charges were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
	The following table summarizes the remaining contractual maturities of the Company’s marketable securities, in thousands:
		As of December 31, 2014		As of December 31, 2013
	Due within one year	$	29,619	$	18,342
	Due after one year through five years	43,430		17,740
	Total	$	73,049	$	36,082
	The following table is a summary of the proceeds from the maturities of available-for-sale securities, in thousands:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Maturities of marketable securities	$	25,415	$	7,885	$	55,545
	Total	$	25,415	$	7,885	$	55,545
	The Company did not record any gross realized gains or gross realized losses in net income during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012. Additionally, there were no proceeds from sales of marketable securities prior to maturity during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	Fair Value Measurements
	The following tables summarize certain information for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, in thousands:
		Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2014 Using
	Description	Fair Value			Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
					Active Markets		Observable Inputs		Unobservable
					for Identical		(Level 2)		Inputs
					Assets				(Level 3)
					(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash	$	64,004		$	64,004	$	—	$	—
	Money market funds	29,999			29,999		—		—
	Marketable securities:
	Tax-exempt municipal securities	65,668			—		65,668		—
	Corporate debt securities	7,381			—		7,381		—
	Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	167,052		$	94,003	$	73,049	$	—
		Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2013 Using
	Description	Fair Value			Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
					Active Markets		Observable Inputs		Unobservable
					for Identical		(Level 2)		Inputs
					Assets				(Level 3)
					(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash	$	47,796		$	47,796	$	—	$	—
	Money market funds	57,066			57,066		—		—
	Variable rate demand notes	19,235			19,235		—		—
	Marketable securities:
	Tax-exempt municipal securities	30,468			—		30,468		—
	Corporate debt securities	5,614			—		5,614		—
	Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	160,179		$	124,097	$	36,082	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Accrued liabilities:
	RDI contingent consideration	$	6,304		$	—	$	—	$	6,304
	Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	$	6,304		$	—	$	—	$	6,304
	The Company measures cash and cash equivalents at fair value primarily using real-time quotes for transactions in active exchange markets involving identical assets. The Company’s marketable securities are classified within Level 2 and are valued using readily available pricing sources for comparable instruments utilizing market observable inputs. The Company does not hold securities in inactive markets. The Company did not have any transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value measurement hierarchy during the years-ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	Level 3 Measurements
	RDI Contingent Consideration
	In connection with the 2011 acquisition of RDI, the Company was required to make an additional payment to the former shareholders of RDI when RDI was awarded Taught Degree Awarding Powers (TDAP) by the British government.
	On April 14, 2014, RDI received notice from the British government that it had successfully been awarded TDAP. TDAP will enable RDI to independently validate its own degrees going forward under the auspices of the Quality Assurance Agency, a government body that reviews the standards and quality of all UK universities. Pursuant to the terms of the acquisition agreement in 2011, the Company made an additional payment of £4.0 million (approximately $6.9 million) to the former shareholders of RDI on May 12, 2014.
	Prior to payment, the contingent consideration was classified as a liability under Accounting Standards Codification 805 Business Combinations (ASC 805), which required the Company to re-measure the liability at fair value at each reporting date until it was extinguished. The Company classified the RDI contingent consideration liability within Level 3 of the fair value measurement hierarchy as its fair value was determined using inputs not readily observable in the market.
	The following table presents a reconciliation of the fair value of the RDI contingent consideration, in thousands:
		Year-Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of year	$	6,304		$	6,252
	Increase in RDI contingent consideration liability	547			52
	Payment of RDI contingent consideration liability	(6,851		)	—
	Balance, end of year	$	—		$	6,304
	The change in the fair value of the RDI contingent consideration liability was recorded in other expense, net in the consolidated statements of income during the year-ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. The fair value of the RDI contingent consideration liability was recorded in accrued liabilities within the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013.
	The cash payment made to settle the RDI contingent consideration liability is recorded as cash used in operating activities and cash used in financing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows during the year-ended December 31, 2014. The portion of the payment recorded as cash used in operating activities represents the accumulated change in fair value of the contingent consideration liability between the acquisition date of July 15, 2011 and the payment date of May 12, 2014, and the portion of the payment recorded as financing activities represents the initial fair value of the liability recorded at the July 15, 2011 acquisition date.

Property_And_Equipment

Property And Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property And Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment consist of the following, presented in thousands:
		As of December 31,
		2014			2013
	Computer software	$	134,249		$	130,870
	Computer equipment	34,757			44,050
	Furniture and office equipment	13,248			13,563
	Leasehold improvements	1,252			1,311
		183,506			189,794
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(146,260		)	(149,801		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	37,246		$	39,993
	Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $22.9 million, $24.0 million, and $27.4 million, respectively. Included in these amounts is amortization of capitalized internally developed software of $15.3 million, $15.0 million, and $17.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Computer software includes approximately $28.1 million and $28.5 million of unamortized internally developed software as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill And Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The carrying amount of goodwill as of December 31, 2014 was $17.0 million and recorded under the RDI reporting unit, as a result of the acquisition of RDI in July 2011.
	The following table presents changes in goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, in thousands:
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	16,970
	Effects of foreign currency exchange rates	(1		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	16,969
	Effects of foreign currency exchange rates	(8		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	16,961
	The Company completed its goodwill impairment test for the RDI reporting unit using the first day of the fourth quarter of 2014 as the assessment date, and did not identify any impairment charges for the year-ended December 31, 2014. The Company chose not to perform the qualitative assessment and instead performed step one of the quantitative goodwill impairment test using a combination of an income-based approach and a market-based approach to determine the fair value.
	The income approach consisted of a discounted cash flow model that included probability weightings of projected future cash flows for the RDI reporting unit, calculating a terminal value, and discounting such cash flows by a risk-adjusted rate of return. The market approach included a combination of fair values determined from (1) comparable transactions approach using observable market transactions within the industry; and (2) the guideline company approach using publicly traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics of the reporting unit to develop a multiple which was then applied to the operating performance of the reporting unit to determine fair value. The determination of fair value of the RDI reporting unit consists of using unobservable inputs under the fair value measurement standards.
	The Company believes that the most critical assumptions and estimates used in determining the estimated fair value of its RDI reporting unit, include, but are not limited to, the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows, the discount rate, terminal growth rates, selection of comparable market multiples in both the comparable transaction and guideline company approaches, and application of weighting factors when a combination of valuation methods are used. The assumptions used in determining the expected future cash flows consider various factors such as historical operating trends particularly in student enrollment, the political environment the reporting unit operates in, anticipated economic and regulatory conditions, accreditation status and reasonable expectations for planned business and long-term operating strategies and initiatives. The discount rate is based on the Company's assumption of a prudent investor's required rate of return for assuming the risk of investing in a particular company in a specific country. The terminal growth rate reflects the sustainable operating income a reporting unit could generate in a perpetual state as a function of revenue growth, inflation and future margin expectations. The Company also believes that the assumptions used in the goodwill impairment tests are consistent with a reasonable market participant view while employing the concept of highest and best use of the asset.
	Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
	Changes in the carrying amount of intangible assets are as follows, in thousands:
		Student Relationships			Validation Partner Relationships			Trademark and Trade Name			Learning Model			Internally Developed Software			Total
	Net Carrying Amount as of December 31, 2012	$	1,498		$	1,876		$	610		$	519		$	171		4,674
	Amortization	(1,240		)	(328		)	(70		)	(141		)	(100		)	(1,879		)
	Net Carrying Amount as of December 31, 2013	258			1,548			540			378			71			2,795
	Amortization	(258		)	(329		)	(70		)	(140		)	(71		)	(868		)
	Net Carrying Amount as of December 31, 2014	$	—		$	1,219		$	470		$	238		$	—		$	1,927
	The Company amortizes its intangible assets on a straight-line basis. The estimated useful lives of the intangible assets range from two to ten years. The weighted average useful life of the Company’s finite-lived intangible assets that are not fully amortized as of December 31, 2014 is four years.
	The following table presents future amortization expense for intangible assets as of December 31, 2014, in thousands:
	2015	539
	2016	498
	2017	399
	2018	303
	2019	70
	2020 and thereafter	118
	Total	$	1,927

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities	Accrued Liabilities
	Accrued liabilities consist of the following, in thousands:
		As of December 31, 2014		As of December 31, 2013
	Accrued compensation and benefits	$	7,482	$	10,333
	Accrued instructional	4,361		5,043
	Accrued vacation	1,234		1,040
	Accrued invoices	8,238		7,240
	RDI contingent consideration	—		6,304
	Other	2,095		3,204
	Total	$	23,410	$	33,164
	"Other" in the table above consists primarily of the current portion of deferred rent, customer deposits, and other miscellaneous accruals.

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Commitments and Contingencies
	Operating Leases
	The Company leases its office facilities and certain office equipment under various noncancelable operating leases. Effective August 29, 2011, the Company entered into an amendment of its lease with Minneapolis 225 Holdings, LLC pursuant to which the Company renewed and extended its existing lease for premises at 225 South Sixth Street in Minneapolis, Minnesota through October 31, 2018. Renewal terms under this lease allow the Company to extend the lease for up to two additional five-year terms.
	On April 3, 2014, the Company accepted notice to activate an amendment to this lease. Pursuant to the amendment, in June 2014, the Company returned 54,940 square feet of its previously leased space of 426,165 square feet. Employees located in this area were relocated to other areas within the Company's remaining space. The Company recorded a charge of approximately $2.6 million during the year-ended December 31, 2014 in connection with this amendment, which is included within the lease amendment charge line item of the consolidated statements of income.
	The Company also consolidated certain of its other leased office space which resulted in an additional charge of $0.1 million during the year-ended December 31, 2014. This amount is included within the lease amendment charge line item of the consolidated statements of income.
	The following presents the Company's future minimum lease commitments as of December 31, 2014, in thousands:
	2015(1)	$	8,116
	2016	6,177
	2017	5,950
	2018	4,877
	2019	—
	2020 and thereafter	—
	Total	$	25,120
	(1) Includes $1.9 million lease termination payment related to the April 3, 2014 lease amendment.
	The Company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, although the lease may include escalation clauses providing for lower payments at the beginning of the lease term and higher payments at the end of the lease term. Cash or lease incentives received from lessors are recognized on a straight-line basis as a reduction to rent from the date the Company takes possession of the property through the end of the lease term. The Company records the unamortized portion of the incentive as an offset to deferred rent, in accrued liabilities or long-term liabilities, as appropriate.
	Total rent expense, related taxes, and operating expenses under operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, was $12.3 million, $12.4 million, and $12.2 million, respectively.
	Revolving Credit Facility
	On September 30, 2011, the Company entered into an unsecured revolving credit agreement (the Credit Agreement) with Bank of America, N.A., and certain other lenders. The Credit Agreement provides $100.0 million of borrowing capacity (the credit facility), with an increase option of an additional $50.0 million. The Credit Agreement expires on September 30, 2016.
	Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus an applicable rate of 1.75% to 2.25% based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio or, at the Company’s option, an alternative base rate (defined as the higher of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, (b) Bank of America’s prime rate, or (c) the one-month LIBOR plus 1.0%) plus an applicable rate of 0.75% to 1.25% based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. The Credit Agreement requires payment of a commitment fee, based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio, charged on the unused credit facility. The Company recorded commitment fee expenses of $0.3 million, $0.3 million, and $0.3 million in other expense, net, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Outstanding letters of credit are also charged a fee, based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. The Company capitalized approximately $0.5 million of debt issuance costs related to the credit facility, which are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of five years. The remaining unamortized portion of debt issuance costs are not significant. Interest expense for the amortization of debt issuance costs is recorded in other expense, net.
	The Credit Agreement contains certain covenants that, among other things, require maintenance of certain financial ratios, as defined in the agreement. Failure to comply with the covenants contained in the Credit Agreement will constitute an event of default and could result in termination of the agreement and require payment of all outstanding borrowings. As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 there were no borrowings under the credit facility and the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.
	Litigation
	In the ordinary conduct of business, the Company is subject to various lawsuits and claims covering a wide range of matters including, but not limited to, claims involving learners or graduates and routine employment matters. While the outcome of these matters is uncertain, the Company does not believe there are any significant matters as of December 31, 2014 that are probable or estimable, for which the outcome could have a material adverse impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Share_Repurchase_Program_and_D

Share Repurchase Program and Dividends	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Share Repurchase Program and Dividends	Share Repurchase Program and Dividends
	Share Repurchase Program
	The Company announced its current share repurchase program in July 2008. The Board of Directors authorizes repurchases of outstanding shares of common stock from time to time depending on market conditions and other considerations. A summary of the Company’s comprehensive share repurchase activity from the program's commencement through December 31, 2014, all of which was part of its publicly announced program, is presented below, in thousands:
	Board authorizations:
	Jul-08	$	60,000
	Aug-10	60,662
	Feb-11	65,000
	Dec-11	50,000
	Aug-13	50,000
	Total amount authorized	285,662
	Total value of shares repurchased	253,631
	Residual authorization	$	32,031
	The following table summarizes shares repurchased, in thousands:
		Year-Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Shares repurchased	282			168
	Total consideration, excluding commissions	$	17,287		$	8,958
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had purchased an aggregate of 5.6 million shares under the program’s outstanding authorizations at an average price per share of $44.94 totaling $253.6 million.
	Dividends
	During the year-ended December 31, 2014, the Company declared the following cash dividends, presented below in thousands except per share amounts:
	Declaration Date		Record Date	Payment Date		Dividend per Share		Total Dividend Amount
	20-Feb-14		March 26, 2014	April 10, 2014		$	0.35	$	4,382
	6-May-14		June 11, 2014	July 10, 2014		$	0.35	$	4,354
	7-Aug-14		September 10, 2014	October 10, 2014		$	0.35	$	4,346
	10-Dec-14		December 24, 2014	January 15, 2015		$	0.37	$	4,587
	During the three months ended December 31, 2014, the dividend of $0.37 per outstanding share of common stock declared on December 10, 2014 was recorded as a reduction to retained earnings. Of the total dividend amount, $4.6 million is attributable to shares of common stock outstanding as of the record date and restricted stock units expected to vest in the next twelve months. This amount is classified as dividends payable in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014. The remaining balance is attributable to restricted stock units expected to vest subsequent to the next twelve months and is classified as other liabilities in the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014. All future dividends are subject to declaration by the Company's board of directors and may be adjusted due to future business needs or other factors deemed relevant by the board of directors.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation
	Share-Based Incentive Plans
	On May 6, 2014, the Company implemented a stock incentive plan (the 2014 Plan) that allows for incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock awards (RSAs), stock unit awards, and other stock-based awards to be granted to employees, directors, officers, and others. The 2014 Plan authorized the issuance of 480,000 shares of the Company's common stock, plus 830,888 shares that remained available for future grants under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2005 Plan) on the effective date of the 2014 Plan. Upon effectiveness of the 2014 Plan, no further awards will be made under the 2005 Plan. As of December 31, 2014, the maximum number of shares of common stock reserved under the 2014 Plan was approximately 1.3 million, of which 1.3 million shares were available for grant.
	The Board of Directors establishes the terms and conditions of all grants, subject to the 2014 Plan and applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code). Under the 2014 Plan, options must be granted at an exercise price not less than the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. The options expire on the date determined by the Board of Directors, but may not extend more than ten years from the grant date. The options generally become exercisable over a four year period. Restricted stock units (RSUs) generally vest over a three year period. Canceled options and RSUs become available for reissuance under the 2014 Plan. Upon an exercise of stock options, the Company issues new shares.
	The Company also has issued stock options under the discontinued 2005 Plan. Stock options, restricted stock units, and market stock units issued pursuant to the 2005 Plan are still outstanding. However, unexercised options that are canceled upon termination of employment are not available for reissuance under the 2005 Plan.
	Share-Based Compensation Expense
	The table below reflects the Company’s share-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of income, in thousands:
		Year-Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Instructional costs and services	$	729			$	1,568			$	1,433
	Marketing and promotional	270				629				468
	Admissions advisory	52				54				48
	General and administrative	4,078				3,079				2,931
	Share-based compensation expense included in operating income	5,129				5,330				4,880
	Tax benefit from share-based compensation expense	1,722				1,964				1,818
	Share-based compensation expense, net of tax	$	3,407			$	3,366			$	3,062
	Effective in 2014, the Company evaluated the allocation of share-based compensation among its operating expense categories and determined reallocation of expenses related to certain executives and directors was necessary to best align with the Company's organizational structure. Prior to 2014, share-based compensation expense related to awards granted to certain executives and members of the Company's Board of Directors was allocated among all of the Company's operating expense categories. Effective in 2014, the Company is prospectively including all share-based compensation expense related to awards granted to these individuals as general and administrative expense.
	The following table summarizes additional information regarding share-based compensation arrangements for the years presented, in thousands:
		Year-Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Net proceeds from stock options exercised	$	5,599			$	3,452			$	628
	Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	2,127				1,915				515
	Tax benefit (shortfall) realized from share-based compensation arrangements	159				(521		)		(598		)
	As of December 31, 2014, total compensation cost related to nonvested service-based stock options, RSUs, and MSUs to be recognized in future periods was $6.5 million. The weighted average period over which this expense will be recognized is 1.9 years. The fair value of stock options and RSUs vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, was $4.7 million, $4.3 million, and $3.5 million, respectively.
	Service-Based Stock Options
	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the year-ended December 31, 2014:
		Plan Options Outstanding
		Incentive			Non-Qualified			Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	13			603			$	48.84
	Granted	—			120			64.82
	Exercised	(9	)		(109	)		47.22
	Forfeited or expired	—			(21	)		50.71
	Balance, December 31, 2014	4			593			$	52.31
	The aggregate intrinsic value in the table below represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last day of the year and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on December 31, 2014. The amount of aggregate intrinsic value will change based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock.
		Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Exercise or Purchase Price per Share				Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
		(in thousands, except per share and contractual term data)
	Balance, December 31, 2014	597			$	52.31			5.8		$	15,592
	Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2014	571			$	52.43			5.69		$	14,891
	Exercisable, December 31, 2014	280			$	57.79			3.57		$	6,249
	The fair value of the Company's service-based stock options was estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
		Year-Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Weighted-average exercise price (1)	$	64.82			$	32.26			$	40.48
	Expected life (in years) (2)	4.53				4.47				4.39
	Expected volatility (3)	41.76		%		46.38		%		48.83		%
	Risk-free interest rate (4)	1.37		%		0.74		%		0.73		%
	Dividend yield (5)	2.16		%		—		%		—		%
	Weighted-average fair value of options granted	$	19.52			$	12.46			$	16.23
	-1	The weighted-average exercise price is equal to the Company's weighted-average stock price as of the grant date during each of the respective years.
	-2	The Company’s expected life on options granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is based upon its historical stock option exercise, forfeiture, and expiration activity.
	-3	The expected volatility assumption for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is based upon the Company’s historical stock price for a period commensurate with the expected life of the options.
	-4	The risk-free interest rate assumption is based upon the U.S. Treasury zero coupon yield curve on the grant date for a maturity similar to the expected life of the options.
	-5	The dividend yield assumption is based on our history and expectation of regular dividend payments. The Company initiated a quarterly cash dividend in the fourth quarter of 2013. Prior to this time, the Company had not historically paid dividends and did not have any plans to do so.
	Restricted Stock Units
	The following table summarizes RSU activity for the year-ended December 31, 2014:
		Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	161			$	40.66
	Granted	52			63.13
	Vested	(56	)		44.7
	Canceled	(6	)		45.86
	Balance, December 31, 2014	151			$	46.64
	The aggregate intrinsic value in the table below represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value of RSUs on December 31, 2014. The amount of aggregate intrinsic value will change based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock.
	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	(in thousands, except contractual term data)
Balance, December 31, 2014	151			1.05		$	11,626
Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2014	140			1.01		$	10,754
Market Stock Units
The following table summarizes MSU activity for the year-ended December 31, 2014:
	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
	(in thousands, except per share data)
Balance, December 31, 2013	104			$	24.13
Granted	—			—
Vested (1)	—			—
Canceled	—			—
Balance, December 31, 2014	104			$	24.13
-1	The vesting of MSUs is subject to the achievement of the 90-day average closing price of the Company's common stock at the end of the defined service period. The shares vested is calculated using the 90-day average closing price of the Company's common stock as of December 31, 2018.
The aggregate intrinsic value in the table below represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value of MSUs on December 31, 2014. The amount of aggregate intrinsic value will change based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock.
	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	(in thousands, except contractual term data)
Balance, December 31, 2014	104			3.35		$	8,002
Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2014	104			3.35		$	8,002

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The components of income tax expense are as follows, and presented in thousands:
		Year-Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Current income tax expense:
	Federal	$	24,133			$	24,480			$	25,182
	State	1,611				1,478				1,445
	Foreign	—				—				4
	Deferred income tax expense:
	Federal	(341		)		(1,429		)		(2,533		)
	State	79				(44		)		(185		)
	Foreign	(55		)		10				(866		)
	Income tax expense	$	25,427			$	24,495			$	23,047
	The following presents a reconciliation of income tax computed at the U.S. statutory rate to the effective income tax rate:
		Year-Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes	2.7			2.5			2.3
	Foreign taxes	0.9			1.3			1
	Valuation allowance	0.6			2.4			1.1
	Tax-exempt interest	(0.1	)		(0.1	)		(0.5	)
	Other	1			(0.1	)		(0.1	)
	Effective income tax rate	40.1	%		41	%		38.8	%
	The following table presents significant components of the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, in thousands:
		Year-Ended December 31,
		2014				2013
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	3,102			$	2,957
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	3,402				3,251
	Accrued liabilities	1,823				2,198
	Share-based compensation	4,993				4,833
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	14				—
	Other	17				1
	Deferred income tax assets	13,351				13,240
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Prepaid expenses	(1,441		)		(1,376		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income	—				(16		)
	Property and equipment	(12,078		)		(12,489		)
	Intangible assets	(388		)		(597		)
	Other	—				(27		)
	Deferred income tax liabilities	(13,907		)		(14,505		)
	Net deferred tax liability before valuation allowance	(556		)		(1,265		)
	Valuation allowance	(2,529		)		(2,172		)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(3,085	)		$	(3,437	)
	The net operating loss carryforwards in the table above represent $14.1 million of UK net operating losses, which do not expire.
	The Company regularly assesses the likelihood that its deferred tax assets will be recovered in the future. A valuation allowance is recorded to the extent the Company concludes a deferred tax asset will not more-likely-than-not be realized. The Company considers all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax assets in assessing the need for a valuation allowance. If the Company determines it will not realize all or part of its deferred tax assets, adjustments to the deferred tax asset are charged to earnings in the period such determinations were made.
	During 2012, the Company concluded that it was more-likely-than-not that its UK deferred tax assets would not be fully realized, a position the Company continues to assert. During 2014, the valuation allowance increased by $0.3 million primarily as a result of net operating losses in the Company's UK subsidiary.
	The Company's accounting for deferred tax consequences represents its best estimate of future events. A valuation allowance established, or revised, as a result of the Company's assessment is recorded through income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Changes in current estimates due to unanticipated events, or other factors, could have a material effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
	The Company did not have unremitted earnings from its international subsidiaries due to an earnings and profits deficit balance in the foreign jurisdiction during the years ended December 31, 2014 or 2013. Therefore, the Company did not establish deferred tax liabilities for unremitted earnings at December 31, 2014 or 2013.
	The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax and multiple state jurisdictions, as well as UK corporation tax and Hong Kong profits tax.
	During 2014, both an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) income tax audit for the 2010 tax year and a New York state income tax audit for tax years 2008-2010 were completed without significant findings. No other income tax audits are ongoing or pending as of December 31, 2014.
	For U.S. federal and UK corporation tax purposes, the statute of limitations remains open on tax years from 2011. For Hong Kong, the statute of limitations is six years and for state purposes, the statute of limitations varies by jurisdiction, but is generally from three to five years.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $38 thousand of total gross unrecognized tax benefits. Of this total, $25 thousand (net of the federal benefit on state issues) represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect its effective income tax rate in future periods.
	The following table reconciles the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, in thousands:
		Year-Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Balance at January 1	$	42			$	75			$	425
	Additions for tax positions of current year	—				12				6
	Additions for tax positions of prior years	9				—				14
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years	—				—				—
	Settlements	—				—				2
	Reductions due to lapse of the applicable statute of limitations	(13		)		(45		)		(372		)
	Balance at December 31	$	38			$	42			$	75
	The Company does not anticipate any significant increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months. In the fourth quarter of 2014, the statute of limitations expired on approximately $13 thousand in unrecognized tax benefits related to state issues from tax years 2010-2011. In the fourth quarter of 2015, the statute of limitations will expire on approximately $11 thousand in unrecognized tax benefits related to state issues from tax years 2008-2012.
The Company continues to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. The Company recognized $2 thousand, $5 thousand, and $16 thousand in interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Acquisitions_and_Other_Investm

Acquisitions and Other Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Other Investments	Acquisitions and Other Investments
	During the year-ended December 31, 2014, the Company made a cost method investment of $1.5 million in a limited partnership, with a commitment to invest up to an additional $3.5 million over the next ten years. The partnership invests in innovative companies in the healthcare field. The Company's investment comprises less than 3.0% of the total partnership interest and is classified as other assets in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014.
	Sophia Learning, LLC
	The Company acquired a majority ownership interest in Sophia in 2010. On April 16, 2012, the Company acquired the remaining interest in Sophia for approximately $1.6 million in an arms-length transaction. The Company began accounting for Sophia as a wholly owned subsidiary beginning in the second quarter of 2012 when the noncontrolling interests were acquired.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), in thousands:
		As of December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Foreign currency translation	$	(311	)	$	(142	)	$	(32	)
	Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of tax	(24		)	28			10
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(1)	$	(335	)	$	(114	)	$	(22	)
	-1	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is net of $14 thousand, $17 thousand, and $6 thousand of taxes as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s marketable securities were primarily caused by changes in market values as a result of interest rate changes.
	There were no reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net income for the years ended December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

Regulatory_Supervision_And_Ove

Regulatory Supervision And Oversight	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Regulatory Supervision And Oversight [Abstract]
Regulatory Supervision And Oversight	Regulatory Supervision and Oversight
	Political and budgetary concerns significantly affect the Title IV Programs. Congress reauthorizes the Higher Education Act (HEA) and other laws governing Title IV Programs approximately every five to eight years. The last reauthorization of the HEA was completed in 2008. Additionally, Congress reviews and determines appropriations for Title IV programs on an annual basis through the budget and appropriations processes. As of December 31, 2014, programs in which the University's learners participate are operative and sufficiently funded.

Other_Employee_Benefit_Plans

Other Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Other employee benefit plans [Text Block]	Other Employee Benefit Plans
	The Company sponsors an employee retirement savings plan, which qualifies under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The plan provides eligible employees with an opportunity to make tax-deferred contributions into a long-term investment and savings program. All employees over the age of 18 are eligible to participate in the plan. The plan allows eligible employees to contribute up to 100% of their annual salary, subject to IRS annual limits. The plan allows the Company to make discretionary contributions; however, there is no requirement that it do so. The Company matches 100% on the first 2%, and 50% on the next 4%, of the employee contributions. Employer contributions and related expenses were $4.5 million, $4.7 million, and $4.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	In May 2005, the Company adopted the Capella Education Company Employee Stock Purchase Plan, referred to as the ESPP. The Company has reserved an aggregate of 0.5 million shares of its common stock for issuance under the ESPP. The ESPP permits eligible employees to utilize up to 10% of their salary to purchase the Company’s common stock at a price of no less than 85% of the fair market value per share of the Company’s common stock at the beginning or the end of the relevant offering period, whichever is less. The compensation committee of the Board of Directors will administer the ESPP. The Company had not implemented this plan as of December 31, 2014.

Quarterly_Financial_Summary_Un

Quarterly Financial Summary (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	The following unaudited consolidated interim financial information presented should be read in conjunction with other information included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The following unaudited consolidated financial information reflects all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the results of interim periods. The following tables set forth selected unaudited quarterly financial information for each of the Company’s last eight quarters:
		First		Second		Third		Fourth		Total
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	2014
	Revenues	$	105,596	$	104,832	$	103,097	$	108,442	$	421,967
	Operating income	15,143		15,464		13,176		20,312		64,095
	Net income attributable to Capella Education Company	8,817		9,044		7,757		12,325		37,943
	Net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share:
	Basic	$	0.71	$	0.74	$	0.63	$	1.01	$	3.09
	Diluted	$	0.7	$	0.72	$	0.62	$	0.99	$	3.03
	Cash dividend declared per common share	$	0.35	$	0.35	$	0.35	$	0.37	$	1.42
	2013
	Revenues	$	105,242	$	103,693	$	100,703	$	105,985	$	415,623
	Operating income	15,175		17,465		10,510		16,727		59,877
	Net income attributable to Capella Education Company	8,755		10,422		6,010		10,016		35,203
	Net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share:
	Basic	$	0.71	$	0.84	$	0.48	$	0.81	$	2.84
	Diluted	$	0.7	$	0.83	$	0.48	$	0.79	$	2.8
	Cash dividend declared per common share	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	0.35	$	0.35

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY
	Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
	Fiscal Years 2014, 2013, and 2012
		Beginning Balance		Acquisition		Additions Charged to Expense		Deductions(a)			Ending Balance
		(In thousands)
	Allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended:
	December 31, 2014	$	7,091	$	—	$	14,848	$	(15,381	)	$	6,558
	December 31, 2013	$	6,231	$	—	$	15,132	$	(14,272	)	$	7,091
	December 31, 2012	$	5,789	$	—	$	17,310	$	(16,868	)	$	6,231
		Beginning Balance		Acquisition		Additions Charged to Expense (b)		Deductions			Ending Balance
		(In thousands)
	Valuation allowance for the year-ended:
	31-Dec-14	$	2,172	$	—	$	357	$	—		$	2,529
	December 31, 2013	$	700	$	—	$	1,472	$	—		$	2,172
	31-Dec-12	$	—	—		700		—			$	700
	(a)	Allowance for doubtful accounts deductions represent write-offs of accounts receivable.
	(b)	Valuation allowance addition includes establishment of and increases to valuation allowance on foreign net deferred tax assets primarily related to net operating losses.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account1

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation	Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the University, CLS, RDI and its subsidiaries, and Sophia, after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions. RDI operates on a fiscal year-ending on October 31.
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the accrued liabilities table as of December 31, 2013 in Note 7 to align with current reporting methods.
Use Of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	The Company’s revenues primarily consist of tuition. Tuition revenue is deferred and recognized as revenue ratably over the period of instruction. If a learner withdraws or drops a course, the Company follows the University refund policy, which generally is: 100 percent refund through five days, 75 percent refund from six to twelve days, and zero percent refund for the remainder of the period. The refund policy varies slightly for learners within certain states due to state rules or regulations. The Company does not recognize revenue for learners who enroll but never engage in the courseroom. Refunds are recorded as a reduction of revenue in the period that the learner withdraws from a course. When the University is required to return funds distributed under Title IV Programs of the Higher Education Act (Title IV or Title IV Programs) to the Department of Education, the learner is not released from his or her payment obligation.
	Colloquia tuition revenue is recognized over the length of the colloquia, which ranges from three to 42 days.
	Deferred revenue in any period represents the excess of tuition and fees received as compared to tuition and fees recognized as revenue in the consolidated statements of income and is reflected as a current liability on our consolidated balance sheets.
	The Company also enters into arrangements to provide program development and management consulting services to other third parties to establish or expand their training and educational programs. These arrangements often include the delivery of multiple products and services, primarily including hosting the training, providing maintenance and support, and other professional services. For arrangements that involve multiple elements, the Company recognizes revenue for delivered elements when they have stand-alone value to the customer, they have been accepted by the customer, and for which there are only customary refund or return rights. Arrangement consideration is allocated to the deliverables based on the relative selling price of each element. The selling price used for each deliverable is based on vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE) of fair value if available, third-party evidence (TPE) of fair value if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. Estimated selling price is determined in a manner consistent with that used to establish the price to sell the deliverable on a standalone basis. Revenue is recognized for each element in a manner consistent with the nature of the product or service delivered.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability, failure or refusal of our learners to make required payments. The Company determines the allowance for doubtful accounts amount based on an analysis of our accounts receivable portfolio and historical write-off experience, and current economic conditions, recoveries and trends. Bad debt expense is recorded as an instructional costs and services expense in the consolidated statements of income. The Company generally writes off accounts receivable balances once the account is deemed to be uncollectible, which typically occurs after outside collection agencies have pursued collection efforts. The Company recorded bad debt expense of $14.8 million, $15.1 million, and $17.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid marketable securities with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase, and variable rate demand notes, to be cash equivalents. The variable rate demand notes contain a feature allowing the Company to settle the instrument with the issuer on a daily or weekly basis at the Company's discretion. As a result, these securities are highly liquid and are classified as cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are carried at fair value.
Marketable Securities	Marketable Securities
	Management determines the appropriate designation of marketable securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. All of the Company’s marketable securities are designated as available-for-sale as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	Available-for-sale marketable securities are carried at fair value as determined by quoted market prices or other inputs either directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace for identical or similar assets, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders’ equity. Management reviews the fair value of the portfolio at least monthly, and evaluates individual securities with fair value below amortized cost at the balance sheet date for impairment. In order to determine whether impairment is other than temporary, management evaluates whether the Company intends to sell the impaired security and whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovering its amortized cost basis.
	If management intends to sell an impaired debt security, or it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security prior to recovering its amortized cost basis, an other-than-temporary impairment is deemed to have occurred. The amount of an other-than-temporary impairment related to a credit loss, or securities that management intends to sell before recovery, is recognized in earnings. The amount of an other-than-temporary impairment on debt securities related to other factors is recorded consistent with changes in the fair value of all other available-for-sale securities as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders’ equity.
	The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Amortization of premiums, accretion of discounts, interest, dividend income and realized gains and losses are included in other income (expense). The contractual maturity date of available-for-sale securities is based on the days remaining to the effective maturity. The Company classifies marketable securities as either current or non-current assets based on management’s intent with regard to usage of those funds, which is dependent upon the security's maturity date and liquidity considerations based on current market conditions. If management intends to hold the securities for longer than one year as of the balance sheet date, they are classified as non-current.
Fair Value Measurement	Fair Value Measurement
	Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company classifies assets and liabilities recorded at fair value under the fair value hierarchy based upon the observability of inputs used in valuation techniques. Observable inputs (highest level) reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs (lowest level) reflect internally developed market assumptions. The fair value measurements are classified under the following hierarchy:
	•	Level 1 – Observable inputs that reflect quoted market prices (unadjusted) for identical assets and liabilities in active markets;
	•	Level 2 – Observable inputs, other than quoted market prices, that are either directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace for identical or similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets and liabilities; and
	•	Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity that are significant to the fair value of assets or liabilities.
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to credit risk, consist primarily of cash equivalents, marketable securities and accounts receivable.
	Management believes the credit risk related to cash equivalents and marketable securities is limited due to the adherence to an investment policy that requires marketable securities to have a minimum Standard & Poor’s rating of A minus (or equivalent) at the time of purchase. All of the Company’s cash equivalents and marketable securities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 consist of investments rated A- or higher by at least one rating agency. In addition, the Company utilizes money managers who conduct initial and ongoing credit analysis on its investment portfolio to monitor and minimize the potential impact of market risk associated with its cash equivalents and marketable securities.
	Management believes that the credit risk related to accounts receivable is mitigated due to the large number and diversity of learners that principally comprise the Company’s customer base. The Company’s credit risk with respect to these accounts receivable is mitigated through the participation of a majority of the learners in federally funded financial aid programs.
	Approximately 77%, 78%, and 79% of Capella University's revenues (calculated on a cash basis) were collected from funds distributed under Title IV Programs for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The financial aid and assistance programs are subject to political and budgetary considerations. There is no assurance that such funding will be maintained at current levels.
	Extensive and complex regulations govern the financial assistance programs in which Capella University's learners participate. Capella University's administration of these programs is periodically reviewed by various regulatory agencies. Any regulatory violation could be the basis for the initiation of potential adverse actions, including a suspension, limitation, or termination proceeding, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
	If the University were to lose its eligibility to participate in federal student financial aid programs, the learners at the University would lose access to funds derived from those programs and would have to seek alternative sources of funds to pay their tuition and fees. See Note 14 for further information on the regulatory environment in which the Company operates.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost. Computer software is included in property and equipment and consists of purchased software, capitalized web site development costs and internally developed software. Capitalized web site development costs consist mainly of salaries and outside development fees directly related to web sites and various databases. Web site content development is generally expensed as incurred. Internally developed software represents qualifying salary and consulting costs for time spent on developing internal use software. The Company capitalizes certain costs associated with internally developed software, primarily consisting of the direct labor associated with creating the internally developed software. Software development projects generally include three stages: the preliminary project stage (all costs are expensed as incurred), the application development stage (certain costs are capitalized and certain costs are expensed as incurred), and the post-implementation/operation stage (all costs are expensed as incurred). The costs capitalized in the application development stage include the costs of designing the application, coding, installation of hardware, and testing. The capitalization of software requires judgment in determining when a project has reached the application development stage and the period over which the Company expects to benefit from the use of that software.
	Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method, over the following estimated useful lives:
	Computer equipment	3 to 7 years
	Furniture and office equipment	5 to 7 years
	Computer software	3 to 5 years
	Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the related lease term or estimated useful life, whichever is shorter.
	The Company reviews its fixed assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered not recoverable, a potential impairment loss is recognized to the extent the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. The Company recorded impairment charges of $0.3 million, $0.2 million, and $1.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The impairment charges primarily consist of course retirements, and the write-off of previously capitalized internal software development costs related to abandoned software projects. These charges are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income and classified as instructional costs and services, marketing and promotional, admissions advisory, or general and administrative expense based on the primary function with which the asset was associated.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company uses the asset and liability method to compute the differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the related financial amounts. The Company has deferred tax assets and liabilities that reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Deferred tax assets are subject to periodic recoverability assessments. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that more likely than not will be realized. The Company considers all positive and negative evidence relating to the realization of the deferred tax assets in assessing the need for a valuation allowance.
	The Company records a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes using a two-step approach for evaluating tax positions. Step one, recognition, occurs when the Company concludes that a tax position, based solely on its technical merits, is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. Step two, measurement, is only addressed if the position is more likely than not to be sustained. Under step two, the tax benefit is measured as the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis, which is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
Contingencies	Contingencies
	The Company accrues for costs associated with contingencies including, but not limited to, regulatory compliance and legal matters, when such costs are probable and reasonably estimable. Contingent liabilities are adjusted as further information is obtained, circumstances change, or contingencies are resolved. The Company bases these accruals on management’s estimate of such costs, which may vary from the ultimate cost and expenses associated with any such contingency.
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets
	Finite-lived intangible assets that are acquired in business combinations are recorded at fair market value on their acquisition date and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the economic useful life of the asset. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company does not have any indefinite-lived intangible assets.
	The Company reviews its intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are not recoverable, a potential impairment loss is recognized to the extent the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Fair value is generally determined using a discounted cash flow approach.
Goodwill	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the fair value assigned to the underlying assets acquired and assumed liabilities. At the time of an acquisition, the Company allocates the goodwill and related assets and liabilities to its respective reporting units. The Company identifies its reporting units by assessing whether the components of its operating segment constitute businesses for which discrete financial information is available and management regularly reviews the operating results of those components. The Company assesses goodwill for impairment at least annually on the first day of the fourth quarter, 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.
	The Company's goodwill impairment test includes an option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount based on the qualitative assessment, or that a qualitative assessment should not be performed for a reporting unit, the Company proceeds with performing a two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. In the first step, the Company compares the fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying value of its net assets. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets of the reporting unit, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. If the carrying value of the net assets of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, the Company performs a second step to determine the implied fair value of the goodwill and compares it to the carrying value of the goodwill. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than the carrying amount of the goodwill.
	The process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill is subjective and requires significant judgment at many points during the analysis, including determining whether to perform the optional qualitative assessment and determining the fair value of the reporting unit during the two-step test. The goodwill testing process includes the use of industry accepted valuation methods, management review and approval of certain criteria and assumptions and engaging third-party valuation specialists to assist with the analysis.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation
	The United States (U.S.) dollar is the functional currency of the Company’s entities operating in the U.S. The functional currency of the Company’s entities operating outside the U.S. is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity generates and expends cash, which is generally the local currency. The assets and liabilities of these operations are translated to U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates. The resulting translation adjustments and the effect of exchange rate changes on intercompany transactions of a long-term investment nature are included in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Income and expense items are translated monthly at the average exchange rate for that period. The Company reports gains and losses from foreign exchange rate changes related to intercompany receivables and payables that are not of a long-term investment nature, as well as gains and losses from foreign currency denominated transactions, in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Advertising	Advertising
	The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred, other than production-related advertising costs primarily attributable to television commercials, which are capitalized as a prepaid expense when paid and subsequently expensed at the time of first airing. Advertising costs for 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $73.0 million, $78.1 million, and $82.4 million, respectively, which are included within marketing and promotional expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Net Income Attributable to Capella Education Company per Common Share	Net Income Attributable to Capella Education Company per Common Share
	Basic net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share is based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Dilutive shares are computed using the Treasury Stock method and include the incremental effect of shares that would be issued upon the assumed exercise of stock options, vesting of restricted stock units, and satisfaction of service conditions for market stock units.
	The following table presents a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator in the basic and diluted net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share calculation.
		Year-Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to Capella Education Company	$	37,943	$	35,203	$	36,477
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share - weighted average shares outstanding	12,286		12,391		13,156
	Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock, and market stock units	249		175		64
	Denominator for diluted net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share - weighted average shares outstanding	12,535		12,566		13,220
	Basic net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share	$	3.09	$	2.84	$	2.77
	Diluted net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share	$	3.03	$	2.8	$	2.76
	Options to purchase 0.2 million, 0.5 million, and 0.6 million common shares, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted net income per common share in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, because their effect would be antidilutive.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income
	Comprehensive income includes net income and all changes in the Company’s equity during a period from non-owner sources, which for the Company consists of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale marketable securities, net of tax, and foreign currency translation gains and losses.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including employee stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), and market stock units (MSUs) based on estimated fair values of the share award on the date of grant.
	•	Stock options and restricted stock units. To calculate the estimated fair value of stock options on the date of grant, the Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the Company to estimate key assumptions such as the expected term, volatility, risk-free interest rate and dividend yield to determine the fair value of stock options, based on both historical information and management judgment regarding market factors and trends.
	The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense for stock options and restricted stock unit awards using the straight-line method over the period that the awards are expected to vest, which is also the service period, net of estimated forfeitures. The Company estimates expected forfeitures of share-based awards and recognizes compensation cost only for those awards expected to vest.
	In estimating expected forfeitures for stock options and restricted stock units, the Company analyzes historical forfeiture and termination information and considers how future rates are expected to differ from historical rates. The Company ultimately adjusts this forfeiture assumption to actual forfeitures. Any changes in the forfeiture assumptions do not impact the total amount of expense ultimately recognized over the vesting period. Instead, different forfeiture assumptions only impact the timing of expense recognition over the vesting period. If the actual forfeitures differ from management estimates, additional adjustments to compensation expense are recorded.
	•	Market stock units. To calculate the estimated fair value of MSUs on the date of grant, the Company uses Monte Carlo simulations. The Monte Carlo simulations are based on the expected average market price of the Company's common stock for a defined number of calendar days prior to the stated vesting date to estimate the expected number of MSUs that will convert into common shares at the vesting date. Management's key assumptions include volatility, risk-free interest rates, and dividend yields.
	The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense for MSU awards using the straight-line method, over the period that the awards are expected to vest. Compensation cost related to an award with a market condition will be recognized regardless of whether the market condition is satisfied, provided that the requisite service has been provided.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entities Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, which is included in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 205, Presentation of Financial Statements. This update provides an explicit requirement for management to assess an entity's ability to continue as a going concern, and to provide related footnote disclosure in certain circumstances. The guidance will be effective for the Company's annual reporting period beginning January 1, 2017, and applied prospectively; early adoption is also permitted. The Company does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or disclosures.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which is included in ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that creates a single source of revenue guidance for all companies in all industries. The model is more principles-based than current guidance, and is primarily based on recognizing revenue at an amount that reflects consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. The guidance will be effective for the Company's interim and annual reporting periods beginning January 1, 2017. The standard allows the Company to transition to the new model using either a full or modified retrospective approach, and early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its business practices, financial condition, results of operations, and disclosures.
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters. This update addresses diversity in practice regarding the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investments in a foreign entity. In addition, the standard addresses diversity in practice for the treatment of business combinations achieved in stages involving a foreign entity. The guidance was effective for the Company's interim and annual reporting periods beginning January 1, 2014, and applied prospectively. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or disclosures.
	The Company has reviewed and considered all other recent accounting pronouncements and believes there are none that could potentially have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or disclosures.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account2

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Estimated Useful Lives of Property and Equipment	Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method, over the following estimated useful lives:
	Computer equipment	3 to 7 years
	Furniture and office equipment	5 to 7 years
	Computer software	3 to 5 years
Reconciliation of Numerator and Denominator in the Basic and Diluted Net Income per Common Share Attributable to Capella Education Company	The following table presents a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator in the basic and diluted net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share calculation.
		Year-Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to Capella Education Company	$	37,943	$	35,203	$	36,477
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share - weighted average shares outstanding	12,286		12,391		13,156
	Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock, and market stock units	249		175		64
	Denominator for diluted net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share - weighted average shares outstanding	12,535		12,566		13,220
	Basic net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share	$	3.09	$	2.84	$	2.77
	Diluted net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share	$	3.03	$	2.8	$	2.76

Marketable_Securities_Tables

Marketable Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Summary Of Available-For-Sale Securities	The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities, in thousands:
		As of December 31, 2014
		Amortized Cost		Gross		Gross			Estimated
				Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair Value
				Gains		(Losses)
	Tax-exempt municipal securities	$	65,708	$	31	$	(71	)	$	65,668
	Corporate debt securities	7,379		4		(2		)	7,381
	Total	$	73,087	$	35	$	(73	)	$	73,049
		As of December 31, 2013
		Amortized Cost		Gross		Gross			Estimated
				Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair Value
				Gains		(Losses)
	Tax-exempt municipal securities	$	30,422	$	46	$	—		$	30,468
	Corporate debt securities	5,615		3		(4		)	5,614
	Total	$	36,037	$	49	$	(4	)	$	36,082
Summary Of Remaining Contractual Maturities Of Marketable Securities	The following table summarizes the remaining contractual maturities of the Company’s marketable securities, in thousands:
		As of December 31, 2014		As of December 31, 2013
	Due within one year	$	29,619	$	18,342
	Due after one year through five years	43,430		17,740
	Total	$	73,049	$	36,082
Proceeds From The Sale And Maturities Of Available-For-Sale Securities	The following table is a summary of the proceeds from the maturities of available-for-sale securities, in thousands:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Maturities of marketable securities	$	25,415	$	7,885	$	55,545
	Total	$	25,415	$	7,885	$	55,545

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014										Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The following tables summarize certain information for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, in thousands:
												Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2013 Using
		Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2014 Using									Description	Fair Value		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
	Description	Fair Value			Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant					Active Markets		Observable Inputs		Unobservable
					Active Markets		Observable Inputs		Unobservable					for Identical		(Level 2)		Inputs
					for Identical		(Level 2)		Inputs					Assets				(Level 3)
					Assets				(Level 3)					(Level 1)
					(Level 1)						Assets:
	Assets:										Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash and cash equivalents:										Cash	$	47,796	$	47,796	$	—	$	—
	Cash	$	64,004		$	64,004	$	—	$	—
											Money market funds	57,066		57,066		—		—
	Money market funds	29,999			29,999		—		—
											Variable rate demand notes	19,235		19,235		—		—
	Marketable securities:
	Tax-exempt municipal securities	65,668			—		65,668		—		Marketable securities:
											Tax-exempt municipal securities	30,468		—		30,468		—
	Corporate debt securities	7,381			—		7,381		—
											Corporate debt securities	5,614		—		5,614		—
	Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	167,052		$	94,003	$	73,049	$	—
											Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	160,179	$	124,097	$	36,082	$	—
											Liabilities:
											Accrued liabilities:
											RDI contingent consideration	$	6,304	$	—	$	—	$	6,304
											Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	$	6,304	$	—	$	—	$	6,304
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	The following table presents a reconciliation of the fair value of the RDI contingent consideration, in thousands:
		Year-Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of year	$	6,304		$	6,252
	Increase in RDI contingent consideration liability	547			52
	Payment of RDI contingent consideration liability	(6,851		)	—
	Balance, end of year	$	—		$	6,304

Property_And_Equipment_Tables

Property And Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Schedule Of Property And Equipment	Property and equipment consist of the following, presented in thousands:
		As of December 31,
		2014			2013
	Computer software	$	134,249		$	130,870
	Computer equipment	34,757			44,050
	Furniture and office equipment	13,248			13,563
	Leasehold improvements	1,252			1,311
		183,506			189,794
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(146,260		)	(149,801		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	37,246		$	39,993

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The following table presents changes in goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, in thousands:
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	16,970
	Effects of foreign currency exchange rates	(1		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	16,969
	Effects of foreign currency exchange rates	(8		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	16,961
Schedule of Finite Lived Intangible Asset Activity	Changes in the carrying amount of intangible assets are as follows, in thousands:
		Student Relationships			Validation Partner Relationships			Trademark and Trade Name			Learning Model			Internally Developed Software			Total
	Net Carrying Amount as of December 31, 2012	$	1,498		$	1,876		$	610		$	519		$	171		4,674
	Amortization	(1,240		)	(328		)	(70		)	(141		)	(100		)	(1,879		)
	Net Carrying Amount as of December 31, 2013	258			1,548			540			378			71			2,795
	Amortization	(258		)	(329		)	(70		)	(140		)	(71		)	(868		)
	Net Carrying Amount as of December 31, 2014	$	—		$	1,219		$	470		$	238		$	—		$	1,927
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	The following table presents future amortization expense for intangible assets as of December 31, 2014, in thousands:
	2015	539
	2016	498
	2017	399
	2018	303
	2019	70
	2020 and thereafter	118
	Total	$	1,927

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule Of Accrued Liabilities	Accrued liabilities consist of the following, in thousands:
		As of December 31, 2014		As of December 31, 2013
	Accrued compensation and benefits	$	7,482	$	10,333
	Accrued instructional	4,361		5,043
	Accrued vacation	1,234		1,040
	Accrued invoices	8,238		7,240
	RDI contingent consideration	—		6,304
	Other	2,095		3,204
	Total	$	23,410	$	33,164
	"Other" in the table above consists primarily of the current portion of deferred rent, customer deposits, and other miscellaneous accruals.

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	The following presents the Company's future minimum lease commitments as of December 31, 2014, in thousands:
	2015(1)	$	8,116
	2016	6,177
	2017	5,950
	2018	4,877
	2019	—
	2020 and thereafter	—
	Total	$	25,120
	(1) Includes $1.9 million lease termination payment related to the April 3, 2014 lease amendment.

Share_Repurchase_Program_and_D1

Share Repurchase Program and Dividends (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of Comprehensive Share Repurchase Activity	A summary of the Company’s comprehensive share repurchase activity from the program's commencement through December 31, 2014, all of which was part of its publicly announced program, is presented below, in thousands:
	Board authorizations:
	Jul-08	$	60,000
	Aug-10	60,662
	Feb-11	65,000
	Dec-11	50,000
	Aug-13	50,000
	Total amount authorized	285,662
	Total value of shares repurchased	253,631
	Residual authorization	$	32,031
Schedule of Shares Repurchased	The following table summarizes shares repurchased, in thousands:
		Year-Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Shares repurchased	282			168
	Total consideration, excluding commissions	$	17,287		$	8,958
Cash Dividends Declared	During the year-ended December 31, 2014, the Company declared the following cash dividends, presented below in thousands except per share amounts:
	Declaration Date		Record Date	Payment Date		Dividend per Share		Total Dividend Amount
	20-Feb-14		March 26, 2014	April 10, 2014		$	0.35	$	4,382
	6-May-14		June 11, 2014	July 10, 2014		$	0.35	$	4,354
	7-Aug-14		September 10, 2014	October 10, 2014		$	0.35	$	4,346
	10-Dec-14		December 24, 2014	January 15, 2015		$	0.37	$	4,587

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense	The table below reflects the Company’s share-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of income, in thousands:
		Year-Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Instructional costs and services	$	729			$	1,568			$	1,433
	Marketing and promotional	270				629				468
	Admissions advisory	52				54				48
	General and administrative	4,078				3,079				2,931
	Share-based compensation expense included in operating income	5,129				5,330				4,880
	Tax benefit from share-based compensation expense	1,722				1,964				1,818
	Share-based compensation expense, net of tax	$	3,407			$	3,366			$	3,062
Schedule of Stock Option Exercises and Tax Benefits from Share-Based Compensation Arrangements	The following table summarizes additional information regarding share-based compensation arrangements for the years presented, in thousands:
		Year-Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Net proceeds from stock options exercised	$	5,599			$	3,452			$	628
	Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	2,127				1,915				515
	Tax benefit (shortfall) realized from share-based compensation arrangements	159				(521		)		(598		)
Schedule of Stock Option Activity	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the year-ended December 31, 2014:
		Plan Options Outstanding
		Incentive			Non-Qualified			Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	13			603			$	48.84
	Granted	—			120			64.82
	Exercised	(9	)		(109	)		47.22
	Forfeited or expired	—			(21	)		50.71
	Balance, December 31, 2014	4			593			$	52.31
Schedule of Intrinsic Value, Stock Options	The aggregate intrinsic value in the table below represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last day of the year and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on December 31, 2014. The amount of aggregate intrinsic value will change based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock.
		Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Exercise or Purchase Price per Share				Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
		(in thousands, except per share and contractual term data)
	Balance, December 31, 2014	597			$	52.31			5.8		$	15,592
	Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2014	571			$	52.43			5.69		$	14,891
	Exercisable, December 31, 2014	280			$	57.79			3.57		$	6,249
Schedule of Service-Based Stock Options Estimated Using Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model	The fair value of the Company's service-based stock options was estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
		Year-Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Weighted-average exercise price (1)	$	64.82			$	32.26			$	40.48
	Expected life (in years) (2)	4.53				4.47				4.39
	Expected volatility (3)	41.76		%		46.38		%		48.83		%
	Risk-free interest rate (4)	1.37		%		0.74		%		0.73		%
	Dividend yield (5)	2.16		%		—		%		—		%
	Weighted-average fair value of options granted	$	19.52			$	12.46			$	16.23
	-1	The weighted-average exercise price is equal to the Company's weighted-average stock price as of the grant date during each of the respective years.
	-2	The Company’s expected life on options granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is based upon its historical stock option exercise, forfeiture, and expiration activity.
	-3	The expected volatility assumption for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is based upon the Company’s historical stock price for a period commensurate with the expected life of the options.
	-4	The risk-free interest rate assumption is based upon the U.S. Treasury zero coupon yield curve on the grant date for a maturity similar to the expected life of the options.
	-5	The dividend yield assumption is based on our history and expectation of regular dividend payments. The Company initiated a quarterly cash dividend in the fourth quarter of 2013. Prior to this time, the Company had not historically paid dividends and did not have any plans to do so.
Schedule of Restricted Stock Activity	The following table summarizes RSU activity for the year-ended December 31, 2014:
		Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	161			$	40.66
	Granted	52			63.13
	Vested	(56	)		44.7
	Canceled	(6	)		45.86
	Balance, December 31, 2014	151			$	46.64
Schedule of Intrinsic Value, Restricted Stock Units	The aggregate intrinsic value in the table below represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value of RSUs on December 31, 2014. The amount of aggregate intrinsic value will change based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock.
		Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
		(in thousands, except contractual term data)
	Balance, December 31, 2014	151			1.05		$	11,626
	Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2014	140			1.01		$	10,754
Schedule of Market Stock Activity	The following table summarizes MSU activity for the year-ended December 31, 2014:
		Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	104			$	24.13
	Granted	—			—
	Vested (1)	—			—
	Canceled	—			—
	Balance, December 31, 2014	104			$	24.13
	-1	The vesting of MSUs is subject to the achievement of the 90-day average closing price of the Company's common stock at the end of the defined service period. The shares vested is calculated using the 90-day average closing price of the Company's common stock as of December 31, 2018.
Schedule of Intrinsic Value, Market Stock Units	The aggregate intrinsic value in the table below represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value of MSUs on December 31, 2014. The amount of aggregate intrinsic value will change based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock.
		Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
		(in thousands, except contractual term data)
	Balance, December 31, 2014	104			3.35		$	8,002
	Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2014	104			3.35		$	8,002

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Components Of Income Tax Expense	The components of income tax expense are as follows, and presented in thousands:
		Year-Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Current income tax expense:
	Federal	$	24,133			$	24,480			$	25,182
	State	1,611				1,478				1,445
	Foreign	—				—				4
	Deferred income tax expense:
	Federal	(341		)		(1,429		)		(2,533		)
	State	79				(44		)		(185		)
	Foreign	(55		)		10				(866		)
	Income tax expense	$	25,427			$	24,495			$	23,047
Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The following presents a reconciliation of income tax computed at the U.S. statutory rate to the effective income tax rate:
		Year-Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes	2.7			2.5			2.3
	Foreign taxes	0.9			1.3			1
	Valuation allowance	0.6			2.4			1.1
	Tax-exempt interest	(0.1	)		(0.1	)		(0.5	)
	Other	1			(0.1	)		(0.1	)
	Effective income tax rate	40.1	%		41	%		38.8	%
Schedule Of Components Of Deferred Income Tax Assets And Liabilities	The following table presents significant components of the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, in thousands:
		Year-Ended December 31,
		2014				2013
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	3,102			$	2,957
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	3,402				3,251
	Accrued liabilities	1,823				2,198
	Share-based compensation	4,993				4,833
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	14				—
	Other	17				1
	Deferred income tax assets	13,351				13,240
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Prepaid expenses	(1,441		)		(1,376		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income	—				(16		)
	Property and equipment	(12,078		)		(12,489		)
	Intangible assets	(388		)		(597		)
	Other	—				(27		)
	Deferred income tax liabilities	(13,907		)		(14,505		)
	Net deferred tax liability before valuation allowance	(556		)		(1,265		)
	Valuation allowance	(2,529		)		(2,172		)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(3,085	)		$	(3,437	)
Schedule Of Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	The following table reconciles the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, in thousands:
		Year-Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Balance at January 1	$	42			$	75			$	425
	Additions for tax positions of current year	—				12				6
	Additions for tax positions of prior years	9				—				14
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years	—				—				—
	Settlements	—				—				2
	Reductions due to lapse of the applicable statute of limitations	(13		)		(45		)		(372		)
	Balance at December 31	$	38			$	42			$	75

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), in thousands:
		As of December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Foreign currency translation	$	(311	)	$	(142	)	$	(32	)
	Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of tax	(24		)	28			10
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(1)	$	(335	)	$	(114	)	$	(22	)
	-1	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is net of $14 thousand, $17 thousand, and $6 thousand of taxes as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s marketable securities were primarily caused by changes in market values as a result of interest rate changes

Quarterly_Financial_Summary_Un1

Quarterly Financial Summary (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	The following tables set forth selected unaudited quarterly financial information for each of the Company’s last eight quarters:
		First		Second		Third		Fourth		Total
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	2014
	Revenues	$	105,596	$	104,832	$	103,097	$	108,442	$	421,967
	Operating income	15,143		15,464		13,176		20,312		64,095
	Net income attributable to Capella Education Company	8,817		9,044		7,757		12,325		37,943
	Net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share:
	Basic	$	0.71	$	0.74	$	0.63	$	1.01	$	3.09
	Diluted	$	0.7	$	0.72	$	0.62	$	0.99	$	3.03
	Cash dividend declared per common share	$	0.35	$	0.35	$	0.35	$	0.37	$	1.42
	2013
	Revenues	$	105,242	$	103,693	$	100,703	$	105,985	$	415,623
	Operating income	15,175		17,465		10,510		16,727		59,877
	Net income attributable to Capella Education Company	8,755		10,422		6,010		10,016		35,203
	Net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share:
	Basic	$	0.71	$	0.84	$	0.48	$	0.81	$	2.84
	Diluted	$	0.7	$	0.83	$	0.48	$	0.79	$	2.8
	Cash dividend declared per common share	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	0.35	$	0.35

Nature_Of_Business_Details

Nature Of Business (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012
Nature Of Business [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest Acquisition Date	4/16/12

Summary_Of_Significant_Account3

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of refund through five days	100.00%
Percentage of refund from six to twelve days	75.00%
Percentage of refund after twelve days	0.00%
Number of days a learner has to withdraw or drop a course to receive a 100% refund	5
Provision for bad debts	$14,848,000	$15,132,000	$17,310,000
Highly liquid marketable securities, maturities in months	3
Percentage of revenue collected from Title IV programs	77.00%	78.00%	79.00%
Impairment charges	277,000	229,000	1,150,000
Advertising costs	73,000,000	78,100,000	82,400,000
Common shares outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted net income per common share	0.2	0.5	0.6
Maximum [Member]
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of days a learner has to withdraw or drop a course to receive a 75% refund	12
Colloquia tuition revenue recognized over length of colloquia, in days	42
Minimum [Member]
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of days a learner has to withdraw or drop a course to receive a 75% refund	6
Colloquia tuition revenue recognized over length of colloquia, in days	3
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Provision for bad debts	$14,848,000	$15,132,000	$17,310,000

Summary_Of_Significant_Account4

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Estimated useful lives) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Minimum [Member] | Computer Equipment [Member]
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Computer Software [Member]
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Maximum [Member] | Computer Equipment [Member]
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Maximum [Member] | Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Maximum [Member] | Computer Software [Member]
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years

Summary_Of_Significant_Account5

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Reconciliation Of Numerator And Denominator In The Basic And Diluted Net Income Per Common Share Attributable To Capella Education Company) (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
Numerator: [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Capella Education Company	$12,325	$7,757	$9,044	$8,817	$10,016	$6,010	$10,422	$8,755	$37,943	$35,203	$36,477
Denominator: [Abstract]
Denominator for basic net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share- weighted average shares outstanding									12,286	12,391	13,156
Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock, and market stock units									249	175	64
Denominator for diluted net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share- weighted average shares outstanding									12,535	12,566	13,220
Basic net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share	$1.01	$0.63	$0.74	$0.71	$0.81	$0.48	$0.84	$0.71	$3.09	$2.84	$2.77
Diluted net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share	$0.99	$0.62	$0.72	$0.70	$0.79	$0.48	$0.83	$0.70	$3.03	$2.80	$2.76

Marketable_Securities_Summary_

Marketable Securities (Summary Of Available-For-Sale Securities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	$73,087	$36,037
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	35	49
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	73	4
Marketable Securities	73,049	36,082
Tax-Exempt Municipal Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	65,708	30,422
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	31	46
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	71	0
Marketable Securities	65,668	30,468
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	7,379	5,615
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	4	3
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	2	4
Marketable Securities	$7,381	$5,614

Marketable_Securities_Summary_1

Marketable Securities (Summary Of Remaining Contractual Maturities Of Marketable Securities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Due within one year	$29,619	$18,342
Due after one year through five years	43,430	17,740
Marketable Securities	$73,049	$36,082

Marketable_Securities_Proceeds

Marketable Securities (Proceeds From The Sale And Maturities Of Available-For-Sale Securities) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Maturities of available-for-sale securities	$25,415	$7,885	$55,545
Total	$25,415	$7,885	$55,545

Marketable_Securities_Narrativ

Marketable Securities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Other-than-temporary impairment charges	$0	$0	$0
Gross realized gains	0	0	0
Gross realized losses	0	0	0
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions	0
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities	$0	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements (Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount	$0	$0
Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	167,052	160,179
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		6,304
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	94,003	124,097
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	73,049	36,082
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		6,304
Cash [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	64,004	47,796
Cash [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	64,004	47,796
Cash [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Cash [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	29,999	57,066
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	29,999	57,066
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Variable Rate Demand Notes [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure		19,235
Variable Rate Demand Notes [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure		19,235
Variable Rate Demand Notes [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Variable Rate Demand Notes [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Tax-Exempt Municipal Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	65,668	30,468
Tax-Exempt Municipal Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Tax-Exempt Municipal Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	65,668	30,468
Tax-Exempt Municipal Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	7,381	5,614
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	7,381	5,614
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
RDI Contingent Consideration [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Accrued Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		6,304
RDI Contingent Consideration [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Accrued Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		0
RDI Contingent Consideration [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Accrued Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		0
RDI Contingent Consideration [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Accrued Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		$6,304

Fair_Value_Liabilities_Measure

Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation (Details) (RDI Contingent Consideration [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
RDI Contingent Consideration [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	$6,304	$6,252
Increase in RDI contingent consideration liability	547	52
Payment of RDI contingent consideration liability	-6,851	0
Balance, end of year	$0	$6,304

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements Narrative (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	12-May-14	12-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)	USD ($)	RDI Contingent Consideration [Member]	RDI Contingent Consideration [Member]	RDI Contingent Consideration [Member]	RDI Contingent Consideration [Member]
					USD ($)	GBP (£)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
TDAP Award Date				14-Apr-14
RDI contingent consideration	$0	$6,304			$6,900	£ 4,000
RDI contingent consideration payment date			12-May-14

Property_And_Equipment_Schedul

Property And Equipment (Schedule Of Property And Equipment) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$183,506,000	$189,794,000
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-146,260,000	-149,801,000
Property and equipment, net	37,246,000	39,993,000
Depreciation expense	22,900,000	24,000,000	27,400,000
Amortization of capitalized internally developed software	15,319,000	14,998,000	17,467,000
Capitalized internally developed software	28,100,000	28,500,000
Computer Software [Member]
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Computer software	134,249,000	130,870,000
Computer Equipment [Member]
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Computer equipment	34,757,000	44,050,000
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Furniture and office equipment	13,248,000	13,563,000
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Leasehold improvements	$1,252,000	$1,311,000

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Schedule of Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning of year	$16,969	$16,970
Effects of foreign currency exchange rates	-8	-1
Goodwill, end of year	$16,961	$16,969

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite Lived Intangible Asset Activity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$1,927	$2,795	$4,674
Amortization of Intangible Assets	-868	-1,879
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	4 years
Minimum [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	2 years
Maximum [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	10 years
Student Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	0	258	1,498
Amortization of Intangible Assets	-258	-1,240
Validation Partner Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	1,219	1,548	1,876
Amortization of Intangible Assets	-329	-328
Trademark And Trade Name [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	470	540	610
Amortization of Intangible Assets	-70	-70
Learning Model [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	238	378	519
Amortization of Intangible Assets	-140	-141
Internally Developed Software [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	0	71	171
Amortization of Intangible Assets	($71)	($100)

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$539
2016	498
2017	399
2018	303
2019	70
2020 and thereafter	118
Total	$1,927	$2,795	$4,674

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets5

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Goodwill (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$0
Goodwill	$16,961	$16,969	$16,970

Accrued_Liabilities_Schedule_o

Accrued Liabilities (Schedule of Accrued Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued compensation and benefits	$7,482	$10,333
Accrued instructional	4,361	5,043
Accrued vacation	1,234	1,040
Accrued invoices	8,238	7,240
RDI contingent consideration	0	6,304
Other	2,095	3,204
Accrued Liabilities	$23,410	$33,164

Commitments_And_Contingencies_1

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$8,116	[1]
2016	6,177
2017	5,950
2018	4,877
2019	0
2020 and thereafter	0
Total	$25,120
[1]	Includes $1.9 million lease termination payment related to the April 3, 2014 lease amendment.

Commitments_And_Contingencies_2

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	sqft
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Lease Expiration Date			31-Oct-18
Number of lease extension terms			2
Lease Extension Term			5 years 0 months 0 days
Lease Amendment Effective Date	3-Apr-14
Reduction in Square Footage of Leased Property	54,940
Previous Square Footage of Leased Property	426,165
Lease amendment expense primary office location			$2,600,000
Lease consolidation expense other locations			100,000
Lease amendment termination payment	1,900,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net			12,300,000	12,400,000	12,200,000
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit		100,000,000
Line of credit facility increase option		50,000,000
Line of credit facility, expiration date		30-Sep-16
Commitment fee expense			300,000	300,000	300,000
Capitalized transaction costs related to credit facility		500,000
Amortization period of transaction costs, years		5
Borrowings under the line of credit			$0	$0
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, interest rate		1.75%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, interest rate		2.25%
Alternative Base Rate [Member] | Federal Funds Rate [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, interest rate		0.50%
Alternative Base Rate [Member] | One Month Libor [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, interest rate		1.00%
Alternative Base Rate [Member] | One Month Libor [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, interest rate		0.75%
Alternative Base Rate [Member] | One Month Libor [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, interest rate		1.25%

Share_Repurchase_Program_and_D2

Share Repurchase Program and Dividends (Summary of Share Repurchase Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share Repurchase Program Authorizations [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$285,662
Total value of shares repurchased	253,631
Residual Authorization	32,031
Repurchase of common stock, shares	282	168
Repurchase of common stock, excluding commissions	17,287	8,958
July 2008 [Member]
Share Repurchase Program Authorizations [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	60,000
August 2010 [Member]
Share Repurchase Program Authorizations [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	60,662
February 2011 [Member]
Share Repurchase Program Authorizations [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	65,000
December 2011 [Member]
Share Repurchase Program Authorizations [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	50,000
August 2013 [Member]
Share Repurchase Program Authorizations [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$50,000

Share_Repurchase_Program_and_D3

Share Repurchase Program and Dividends (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, 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
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Number of aggregate shares repurchased under programs	5.6								5.6
Shares repurchased, average price per share									$44.94
Aggregate consideration for shares repurchased									$253,600,000
Declaration of cash dividend to be paid	4,587,000	4,346,000	4,354,000	4,382,000	4,383,000				4,587,000	4,383,000	0
Cash dividend declared per common share	$0.37	$0.35	$0.35	$0.35	$0.35	$0	$0	$0	$1.42	$0.35	$0
Dividends Payable, Date Declared	10-Dec-14	7-Aug-14	6-May-14	20-Feb-14
Dividends Payable	$4,552,000								$4,552,000

Share_Repurchase_Program_and_D4

Share Repurchase Program and Dividends (Schedule of Cash Dividends Declared) (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
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Dividends Payable, Date Declared	10-Dec-14	7-Aug-14	6-May-14	20-Feb-14
Record date	24-Dec-14	10-Sep-14	11-Jun-14	26-Mar-14
Payment date	15-Jan-15	10-Oct-14	10-Jul-14	10-Apr-14
Cash dividend declared per common share	$0.37	$0.35	$0.35	$0.35	$0.35	$0	$0	$0	$1.42	$0.35	$0
Declaration of cash dividend to be paid	$4,587	$4,346	$4,354	$4,382	$4,383				$4,587	$4,383	$0

ShareBased_Compensation_Narrat

Share-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	6-May-14
Compensation cost related to nonvested service-based stock options not yet recognized	$6,500,000
Compensation cost related to nonvested service-based stock options not yet recognized, period of recognition	1 year 11 months
Fair value of stock options and RSUs vested in period	$4,700,000	$4,300,000	$3,500,000
Stock incentive plan 2014 [Member]
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance				480,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	1,300,000
Stock incentive plan 2014 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	1,300,000
Stock incentive plan 2005 [Member]
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance				830,888
Stock Options [Member]
Current contractual term of options, years	10 years
Vesting period, years	4 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Vesting period, years	3 years

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar

Share-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense included in operating income	$5,129	$5,330	$4,880
Tax benefit from share-based compensation expense	1,722	1,964	1,818
Share-based compensation expense, net of tax	3,407	3,366	3,062
Instructional costs and services [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense included in operating income	729	1,568	1,433
Marketing and promotional [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense included in operating income	270	629	468
Admissions advisory [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense included in operating income	52	54	48
General and administrative [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense included in operating income	$4,078	$3,079	$2,931

ShareBased_Compensation_Schedu

Share-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock Option Exercises) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Net proceeds from stock options exercised	$5,599	$3,452	$628
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	2,127	1,915	515
Tax benefit (shortfall) realized from share-based compensation	$159	($521)	($598)

ShareBased_Compensation_Schedu1

Share-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average exercise price per share, Granted	$64.82	[1]	$32.26	[1]	$40.48	[1]
Incentive [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Available for Grant, Balance, December 31, 2013	13
Available for Grant/Plan Options Outstanding, Granted	0
Available for Grant/Plan Options Outstanding, Exercised	-9
Available for Grant/Plan Options Outstanding, Forfeited	0
Available for Grant, Balance, December 31, 2014	4
Non Qualified [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Available for Grant, Balance, December 31, 2013	603
Available for Grant/Plan Options Outstanding, Granted	120
Available for Grant/Plan Options Outstanding, Exercised	-109
Available for Grant/Plan Options Outstanding, Forfeited	-21
Available for Grant, Balance, December 31, 2014	593
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share, December 31, 2013	$48.84
Weighted-average exercise price per share, Granted	$64.82
Weighted-average exercise price	$47.22
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share, Forfeited	$50.71
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share, December 31, 2014	$52.31
Outstanding, December 31, 2014, Number of Shares	597
Outstanding, December 31, 2014, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$52.31
Outstanding, December 31, 2014, Weighted-average remaining contractual term	5 years 9 months 19 days
Outstanding, December 31, 2014, Aggregate intrinsic value	$15,592
Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2014, Number of Shares	571
Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2014, Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share	$52.43
Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2014, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 8 months 8 days
Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2014, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	14,891
Exercisable, December 31, 2014, Number of Shares	280
Exercisable, December 31, 2014, Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share	$57.79
Exercisable, December 31, 2014, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years 6 months 25 days
Exercisable, December 31, 2014, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$6,249
[1]	The weighted-average exercise price is equal to the Company's weighted-average stock price as of the grant date during each of the respective years.

ShareBased_Compensation_Schedu2

Share-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Service-Based Stock Options Estimated Using Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Weighted-average exercise price per share, Granted	$64.82	[1]	$32.26	[1]	$40.48	[1]
Expected life (in years)	4 years 6 months 12 days	[2]	4 years 5 months 20 days	[2]	4 years 4 months 22 days	[2]
Expected volatility	41.76%	[3]	46.38%	[3]	48.83%	[3]
Risk-free interest rate	1.37%	[4]	0.74%	[4]	0.73%	[4]
Dividend yield	2.16%	[5]	0.00%	[5]	0.00%	[5]
Weighted-average fair value of options granted	$19.52		$12.46		$16.23
[1]	The weighted-average exercise price is equal to the Company's weighted-average stock price as of the grant date during each of the respective years.
[2]	The Company’s expected life on options granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is based upon its historical stock option exercise, forfeiture, and expiration activity.
[3]	The expected volatility assumption for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is based upon the Company’s historical stock price for a period commensurate with the expected life of the options.
[4]	The risk-free interest rate assumption is based upon the U.S. Treasury zero coupon yield curve on the grant date for a maturity similar to the expected life of the options.
[5]	The dividend yield assumption is based on our history and expectation of regular dividend payments. The Company initiated a quarterly cash dividend in the fourth quarter of 2013. Prior to this time, the Company had not historically paid dividends and did not have any plans to do so.

ShareBased_Compensation_Schedu3

Share-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Restricted Stock Activity) (Details) (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonvested balance, December 31, 2013, Number of Shares	161,000
Number of Shares, Granted	52,000
Number of Shares, Vested	-56,000
Number of Shares, Canceled	-6,000
Nonvested balance, December 31, 2014, Number of Shares	151,000
Nonvested balance, December 31, 2013, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	$40.66
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Granted	$63.13
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	$44.70
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Canceled	$45.86
Nonvested balance, December 31, 2014, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	$46.64
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	1 year 0 months 18 days
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Intrinsic Value	$11,626,000
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Number	140,000
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	1 year 0 months 4 days
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Intrinsic Value	$10,754,000

ShareBased_Compensation_ShareB

Share-Based Compensation Share-Based Compensation (Schedule of Market Stock Units) (Details) (Market Stock Units (MSUs) [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Market Stock Units (MSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonvested balance, December 31, 2013, Number of Shares	104,000
Number of Shares, Granted	0
Number of Shares, Vested	0	[1]
Number of Shares, Canceled	0
Nonvested balance, December 31, 2014, Number of Shares	104,000
Nonvested balance, December 31, 2013, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	$24.13
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Granted	$0
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	$0	[1]
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Canceled	$0
Nonvested balance, December 31, 2014, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	$24.13
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	3 years 4 months 7 days
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Intrinsic Value	$8,002,000
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Number	104,000
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	3 years 4 months 7 days
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Intrinsic Value	$8,002,000
[1]	The vesting of MSUs is subject to the achievement of the 90-day average closing price of the Company's common stock at the end of the defined service period. The shares vested is calculated using the 90-day average closing price of the Company's common stock as of December 31, 2018.

Income_Taxes_Schedule_Of_Compo

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Components Of Income Tax Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current, Federal	$24,133	$24,480	$25,182
Current, State	1,611	1,478	1,445
Current, Foreign	0	0	4
Deferred, Federal	-341	-1,429	-2,533
Deferred, State	79	-44	-185
Deferred, Foreign	-55	10	-866
Income tax expense	$25,427	$24,495	$23,047

Income_Taxes_Schedule_Of_Recon

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Reconciliation Of Income Tax Computed At The U.S. Statutory Rate To The Effective Income Tax Rate) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes	2.70%	2.50%	2.30%
Foreign taxes	0.90%	1.30%	1.00%
Valuation allowance	0.60%	2.40%	1.10%
Tax-exempt interest	-0.10%	-0.10%	-0.50%
Other	1.00%	-0.10%	-0.10%
Effective income tax rate	40.10%	41.00%	38.80%

Income_Taxes_Schedule_Of_Compo1

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Components Of Deferred Income Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$3,102	$2,957
Allowance for doubtful accounts	3,402	3,251
Accrued liabilities	1,823	2,198
Share-based compensation	4,993	4,833
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	14	0
Other	17	1
Total deferred tax assets	13,351	13,240
Prepaid expenses	-1,441	-1,376
Accumulated other comprehensive income	0	-16
Property and equipment	-12,078	-12,489
Intangible Assets	-388	-597
Other	0	-27
Deferred income tax liabilities	-13,907	-14,505
Net deferred tax liability before valuation allowance	-556	-1,265
Valuation allowance	-2,529	-2,172
Net deferred tax liability	($3,085)	($3,437)

Income_Taxes_Schedule_Of_Recon1

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance at January 1	$42	$75	$425
Additions for tax positions of current year	0	12	6
Additions for tax positions of prior years	9	0	14
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	0	0	0
Settlements	0	0	-2
Reductions due to lapse of the applicable statute of limitations	-13	-45	-372
Balance at December 31	$38	$42	$75

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount	$300,000
Total gross unrecognized tax benefits	38,000	42,000	75,000	425,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	25,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations	13,000	45,000	372,000
Valuation allowance	2,529,000	2,172,000
Statute of limitations expiring in 2015	11,000
Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions	2,000	5,000	16,000
Deferred taxes on unremitted earnings of international subsidiaries	0	0
United Kingdom [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	$14,100,000
Hong Kong [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Statute of limitations period	6
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Statute of limitations period	5
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Statute of limitations period	3

Acquisitions_and_Other_Investm1

Acquisitions and Other Investments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Cost method investments		$1.50
Commitments		3.5
Ownership interest (percentage)		3.00%
Noncontrolling Interest Acquisition Date	4/16/12
Payments for Repurchase of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest			$1.60

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation	($311,000)		($142,000)		($32,000)
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities	-24,000		28,000		10,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-335,000	[1]	-114,000	[1]	-22,000	[1]
Tax effect of accumulated other comprehensive income	14,300		16,500		6,000
Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income to net income	$0		$0		$0
[1]	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is net of $14 thousand, $17 thousand, and $6 thousand of taxes as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s marketable securities were primarily caused by changes in market values as a result of interest rate changes.

Regulatory_Supervision_And_Ove1

Regulatory Supervision And Oversight (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Minimum [Member]
Schedule Of Regulatory Supervision And Oversight [Line Items]
Reauthorization The Higher Education Act And Other Laws Governing Title IV Programs Approximate Period	5
Maximum [Member]
Schedule Of Regulatory Supervision And Oversight [Line Items]
Reauthorization The Higher Education Act And Other Laws Governing Title IV Programs Approximate Period	8

Other_Employee_Benefit_Plans_D

Other Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Common stock for issuance under the ESPP	500,000
Maximum employee subscription rate	10.00%
Employee price paid as a percentage of market price	85.00%
Defined Contribution Pension [Member]
Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Eligible Age To Participate In Plan	18
Employee Stock Purchase Plan Employee Percent Of Compensation Maximum	100.00%
Percentage Match by Company On First Contribution Level	100.00%
First Contribution Level Percentage	2.00%
Percentage Match by Company On Second Contribution Level	50.00%
Second Contribution Level Percentage	4.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$4.50	$4.70	$4.50

Quarterly_Financial_Summary_Un2

Quarterly Financial Summary (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
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$108,442	$103,097	$104,832	$105,596	$105,985	$100,703	$103,693	$105,242	$421,967	$415,623	$421,890
Operating income	20,312	13,176	15,464	15,143	16,727	10,510	17,465	15,175	64,095	59,877	59,383
Net income attributable to Capella Education Company	$12,325	$7,757	$9,044	$8,817	$10,016	$6,010	$10,422	$8,755	$37,943	$35,203	$36,477
Basic net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share	$1.01	$0.63	$0.74	$0.71	$0.81	$0.48	$0.84	$0.71	$3.09	$2.84	$2.77
Diluted net income attributable to Capella Education Company per common share	$0.99	$0.62	$0.72	$0.70	$0.79	$0.48	$0.83	$0.70	$3.03	$2.80	$2.76
Cash dividend declared per common share	$0.37	$0.35	$0.35	$0.35	$0.35	$0	$0	$0	$1.42	$0.35	$0

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou1

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Provision for bad debts	$14,848		$15,132		$17,310
Valuation allowance, beginning balance	2,172
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount	300
Valuation allowance, ending balance	2,529		2,172
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Acquisition	0		0		0
Valuation allowance, beginning balance	2,172		700		0
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount	357		1,472	[1]	700	[1]
Deductions	0		0		0
Valuation allowance, ending balance	2,529		2,172		700
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Beginning balance	7,091		6,231		5,789
Acquisition	0		0		0
Provision for bad debts	14,848		15,132		17,310
Deductions	-15,381	[2]	-14,272	[2]	-16,868	[2]
Ending balance	$6,558		$7,091		$6,231
[1]	Valuation allowance addition includes establishment of and increases to valuation allowance on foreign net deferred tax assets primarily related to net operating losses.
[2]	Allowance for doubtful accounts deductions represent write-offs of accounts receivable.