Universal Technical Institute (UTI) 10-K 4 Dec 13 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 22, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE INC.	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001261654	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--09-30	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	24,643,520	'
Trading Symbol	'UTI	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$327,361

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$35,657	$45,665
Restricted cash	5,748	104
Investments, current portion	57,531	51,455
Receivables, net	11,406	14,910
Deferred tax assets, net	7,452	7,977
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	15,553	14,873
Total current assets	133,347	134,984
Investments, less current portion	4,188	4,533
Property and equipment, net	103,070	91,939
Goodwill	20,579	20,579
Deferred tax assets, net	8,835	5,576
Other assets	9,444	10,547
Total assets	279,463	268,158
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	39,229	40,865
Deferred revenue	46,890	52,564
Accrued tool sets	3,971	4,264
Income tax payable	79	744
Other current liabilities	2,192	1,003
Total current liabilities	92,361	99,440
Deferred rent liability	11,932	12,946
Construction liability	27,632	2,421
Other liabilities	8,768	7,266
Total liabilities	140,693	122,073
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 30,535,847 shares issued and 24,643,520 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2013 and 30,222,132 shares issued and 24,891,205 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2012	3	3
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Paid-in capital	171,087	166,970
Treasury stock, at cost, 5,892,327 shares as of September 30, 2013 and 5,330,927 as of September 30, 2012	-89,346	-83,924
Retained earnings	57,026	63,036
Total shareholders' equity	138,770	146,085
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$279,463	$268,158

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	30,535,847	30,222,132
Common stock, shares outstanding	24,643,520	24,891,205
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Treasury stock, at cost	5,892,327	5,330,927

CONSOLIDATED_INCOME_STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'
Revenues	$380,268	$413,552	$451,900
Operating expenses:	'	'	'
Educational services and facilities	199,540	211,979	223,628
Selling, general and administrative	174,799	187,458	183,726
Total operating expenses	374,339	399,437	407,354
Income from operations	5,929	14,115	44,546
Other income:	'	'	'
Interest income	235	306	258
Interest Expense	-1	-4	-6
Other income	655	545	291
Total other income, net	889	847	543
Income before income taxes	6,818	14,962	45,089
Income tax expense	3,008	5,930	18,192
Net income	$3,810	$9,032	$26,897
Earnings per share:	'	'	'
Net income per share - basic (usd per share)	$0.16	$0.37	$1.10
Net income per share - diluted (usd per share)	$0.15	$0.36	$1.09
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:	'	'	'
Basic (shares)	24,515	24,711	24,427
Diluted (shares)	24,704	24,937	24,740
Cash dividends declared per common share (usd per share)	$0.40	$0.30	$0

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_SHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Paid-in Capital	Treasury Stock	Retained Earnings
In Thousands
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2010	$108,041	$3	$150,012	($76,506)	$34,532
Beginning Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2010	'	29,149	'	4,870	'
Net income	26,897	'	'	'	26,897
Issuance of common stock under employee plans, shares	'	517	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock under employee plans	1,269	0	1,269	'	'
Shares withheld for payroll taxes, shares	'	-106	'	'	'
Shares withheld for payroll taxes	-1,739	0	-1,739	'	'
Tax benefit from employee stock plans	638	'	638	'	'
Stock-based compensation	6,317	'	6,317	'	'
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2011	141,423	3	156,497	-76,506	61,429
Ending Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2011	'	29,560	'	4,870	'
Net income	9,032	'	'	'	9,032
Issuance of common stock under employee plans, shares	'	452	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock under employee plans	550	0	550	'	'
Shares withheld for payroll taxes, shares	'	210	'	317	'
Shares withheld for payroll taxes	-1,365	0	4,204	-5,569	'
Tax benefit from employee stock plans	-773	'	-773	'	'
Stock-based compensation	6,492	'	6,492	'	'
Shares repurchased, shares	'	'	'	144	'
Shares repurchased	-1,849	'	'	-1,849	'
Cash dividends declared	-7,425	'	'	'	-7,425
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	146,085	3	166,970	-83,924	63,036
Ending Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2012	'	30,222	'	5,331	'
Net income	3,810	'	'	'	3,810
Issuance of common stock under employee plans, shares	'	421	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock under employee plans	525	0	525	'	'
Shares withheld for payroll taxes, shares	'	-107	'	'	'
Shares withheld for payroll taxes	-1,263	0	-1,263	'	'
Tax benefit from employee stock plans	-1,059	'	-1,059	'	'
Stock-based compensation	5,914	'	5,914	'	'
Shares repurchased, shares	'	'	'	561	'
Shares repurchased	-5,422	'	'	-5,422	'
Cash dividends declared	-9,820	-9,800	'	'	-9,820
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$138,770	$3	$171,087	($89,346)	$57,026
Ending Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2013	'	30,536	'	5,892	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income	$3,810	$9,032	$26,897
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	22,156	23,819	24,842
Amortization of held-to-maturity investments	2,023	1,757	1,195
Bad debt expense	4,762	5,790	8,679
Stock-based compensation	6,224	6,492	6,279
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	0	-159	-1,081
Deferred income taxes	-3,793	-8,490	2,296
Training equipment credits earned, net	-1,926	-1,127	-1,501
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	184	203	957
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Receivables	-1,258	-10,109	-1,240
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,486	-3,520	391
Other assets	-1,223	-1,227	-1,486
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-700	3,037	-15,009
Deferred revenue	-5,674	-8,830	-1,882
Income tax payable/receivable	-665	-1,288	3,279
Accrued tool sets and other current liabilities	896	-96	231
Deferred rent liability	-1,014	1,147	6,178
Other liabilities	1,445	2,078	-953
Net cash provided by operating activities	26,733	18,509	58,072
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Purchase of property and equipment	-9,352	-11,342	-29,098
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment	54	6	64
Purchase of investments	-111,848	-92,503	-89,538
Proceeds received upon maturity of investments	104,094	90,640	64,585
Proceeds from note receivable	0	615	0
Investment in joint venture	0	-4,000	0
Restricted cash	-3,709	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-20,761	-16,584	-53,987
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Payment of cash dividends	-9,820	-7,425	0
Payment of payroll taxes on stock-based compensation through shares withheld	-1,263	-1,365	-1,739
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee plans	525	550	1,269
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	0	159	1,081
Purchase of treasury stock	-5,422	-1,849	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-15,980	-9,930	611
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-10,008	-8,005	4,696
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	45,665	53,670	48,974
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	35,657	45,665	53,670
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'	'	'
Taxes paid	7,467	15,708	12,615
Training equipment obtained in exchange for services	1,164	1,921	1,399
Change in accrued capital expenditures during the period	-1,088	933	-2,434
Construction in progress financed by construction liability during the period	25,211	2,421	0
Stock based compensation classified as liability instruments	$310	$0	$0

Business_Description

Business Description	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Business Description	'
	Business Description
	Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (“UTI” or, collectively, “we” and “our”) provides postsecondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. We offer undergraduate degree and diploma programs at 11 campuses and advanced training programs that are sponsored by the manufacturer or dealer at dedicated training centers. We work closely with leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the automotive, diesel, motorcycle and marine industries to understand their needs for qualified service professionals. Revenues generated from our schools consist primarily of tuition and fees paid by students. To pay for a substantial portion of their tuition, the majority of students rely on funds received from federal financial aid programs under Title IV Programs of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA). For further discussion, see Concentration of Risk and Note 16 “Governmental Regulation and Financial Aid”.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of UTI and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. Such estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions, including those related to revenue recognition, our proprietary loan program, allowance for uncollectible accounts, investments, property and equipment, goodwill recoverability, bonus plans, self-insurance claim liabilities, income taxes, contingencies and stock-based compensation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The results of our analysis form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions, and the impact of such differences may be material to our consolidated financial statements.
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenues consist primarily of student tuition and fees derived from the programs we provide after reductions are made for discounts and scholarships we sponsor, refunds for students who withdraw from our programs prior to specified dates and the portion of tuition students have funded through our proprietary loan program for which payment has not been received. Tuition and fee revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the course or program offered. Approximately 98% of our revenues for each of the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 consisted of tuition. The majority of our undergraduate programs are designed to be completed in 45 to 102 weeks and our advanced training programs range from 11 to 24 weeks in duration. We supplement our revenues with sales of textbooks and program supplies, student housing and other revenues. Sales of textbooks and program supplies, revenue related to student housing and other revenue are each recognized as sales occur or services are performed. Deferred revenue represents the excess of tuition and fee payments received as compared to tuition and fees earned and is reflected as a current liability in our consolidated balance sheets because it is expected to be earned within the next twelve months.
	Proprietary Loan Program
	In order to provide funding for students who are not able to fully finance the cost of their education under traditional governmental financial aid programs, commercial loan programs or other alternative sources, we established a private loan program with a bank (original bank). During the year ended September 30, 2013, the original bank exercised its right to terminate the agreement effective April 30, 2013. The original bank subsequently agreed to an extension through June 29, 2013. During June 2013, we entered into an agreement with a new bank (the bank), which began accepting student loan applications on June 29, 2013. The terms under the agreement are substantially the same as the agreement with the original bank.
	Under terms of the proprietary loan program, the bank originates loans for our students who meet our specific credit criteria with the related proceeds used exclusively to fund a portion of their tuition. We then purchase all such loans from the bank at least monthly and assume all of the related credit risk. The loans bear interest at market rates; however, principal and interest payments are not required until six months after the student completes or withdraws from his or her program. After the deferral period, monthly principal and interest payments are required over the related term of the loan.
	The bank provides these services in exchange for a fee at a percentage of the principal balance of each loan and related fees. Under the terms of the related agreement, we transfer funds for loan purchases to a deposit account with the bank in advance of the bank funding the loan which secures our related loan purchase obligation. We have a $1.0 million deposit with the original bank to secure our remaining loan purchase obligation. Such funds deposited with both banks are classified as restricted cash in our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2013.
	In substance, we provide the students who participate in this program with extended payment terms for a portion of their tuition and as a result, we account for the underlying transactions in accordance with our tuition revenue recognition policy. However, due to the nature of the program coupled with the extended payment terms required under the student loan agreements, collectability is not reasonably assured. Accordingly, we recognize tuition and loan origination fees financed by the loan and any related interest income required under the loan when such amounts are collected. All related expenses incurred with the bank or other service providers are expensed as incurred within educational services and facilities expense and were approximately $2.0 million, $1.5 million and $0.9 million for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 respectively. Since loan collectability is not reasonably assured, the loans and related deferred tuition revenue are not recognized in our consolidated balance sheets.
	The following table summarizes the impact of the proprietary loan program on our tuition revenue and interest income during the period as well as on a cumulative basis at the end of each period in our consolidated statements of income. Tuition revenue and interest income excluded represents amounts which would have been recognized during the period had collectability of the related amounts been assured. Amounts collected and recognized represent actual cash receipts during the period and amounts written off represent amounts which have been turned over to third party collectors.
		Year Ended September 30,									Inception
		2013			2012			2011			to date
	Tuition and interest income excluded	$	22,977		$	17,097		$	9,158		$	69,859
	Amounts collected and recognized	(2,277		)	(1,574		)	(857		)	(5,022		)
	Amounts written off	(6,295		)	(6,352		)	(5,926		)	(20,995		)
	Net amount excluded during the period	$	14,405		$	9,171		$	2,375		$	43,842
	As of September 30, 2013, we had committed to provide loans to our students for approximately $85.9 million since inception.
	The following table summarizes the activity related to the balances outstanding under our proprietary loan program, including loans outstanding, interest and origination fees, which are not recognized in our consolidated balance sheets:
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of period	$	42,880		$	26,863
	Loans extended	22,004			20,968
	Interest accrued	3,455			2,975
	Amounts collected and recognized	(2,277		)	(1,574		)
	Amounts written off	(6,295		)	(6,352		)
	Balance at end of period	$	59,767		$	42,880
	Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts
	We maintain an allowance for uncollectible accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability, failure or refusal of our students to make required payments. We offer a variety of payment plans to help students pay that portion of their education expenses not covered by financial aid programs or alternate fund sources, which are unsecured and not guaranteed. Management analyzes accounts receivable, historical percentages of uncollectible accounts, customer credit worthiness and changes in payment history when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for uncollectible accounts. We use an internal group of collectors, augmented by third party collectors as deemed appropriate, in our collection efforts. Although we believe that our allowance is adequate, if the financial condition of our students deteriorates, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, or if we underestimate the allowances required, additional allowances may be necessary, which would result in increased selling, general and administrative expenses in the period such determination is made.
	Investments
	We invest in pre-funded municipal bonds which are generally secured by escrowed-to-maturity U.S. Treasury notes. Municipal bonds represent debt obligations issued by states, cities, counties and other governmental entities, which earn interest that is exempt from federal income taxes. Additionally, we invest in certificates of deposit issued by financial institutions and corporate bonds from large cap industrial and selected financial companies with a minimum credit rating of A. We have the ability and intention to hold our investments until maturity and therefore classify these investments as held-to-maturity and report them at amortized cost. Investments with an original maturity date of 90 days or less at the time of purchase are classified as cash equivalents and investments with a maturity date greater than one year at the end of the period are classified as non-current.
	We review our held-to-maturity investments for impairment quarterly to determine if other-than-temporary declines in the carrying value have occurred for any individual investment. Other-than-temporary declines in the value of our held-to-maturity investments are recorded as expense in the period in which the determination is made. We determined that no other-than-temporary declines occurred in our held-to-maturity investments during the years ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
	Property and Equipment
	Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense are calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Amortization of leasehold improvements is calculated using the straight-line method over the remaining useful life of the asset or term of lease, whichever is shorter. Costs relating to software developed for internal use and curriculum development are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the related estimated useful lives. Such costs include direct costs of materials and services as well as payroll and related costs for employees who are directly associated with the projects. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.
	We review the carrying value of our property and equipment for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment by examining estimated future cash flows. These cash flows are evaluated by using probability weighting techniques as well as comparisons of past performance against projections. Assets may also be evaluated by identifying independent market values. If we determine that an asset’s carrying value is impaired, we will write-down the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value and charge the impairment as an operating expense in the period in which the determination is made.
	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired business over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is reviewed at least annually for impairment, which might result from the deterioration in the operating performance of the acquired business, adverse market conditions, adverse changes in the applicable laws or regulations and a variety of other circumstances. Any resulting impairment charge would be recognized as an expense in the period in which impairment is identified.
	Our goodwill resulted from the acquisition of our motorcycle and marine education business in 1998. We allocated such goodwill, which totaled $20.6 million, to two of our reporting units that provide the related educational programs. We assess our goodwill for impairment during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. During the year ended September 30, 2013, we utilized a discounted cash flow model that incorporated estimated future cash flows for the next five years and an associated terminal value. Key management assumptions included in the cash flow model included future tuition revenues, operating costs, working capital changes, capital expenditures and a discount rate that approximated our weighted average cost of capital. Based upon our annual assessments, we determined that our goodwill was not impaired as of September 30, 2013 and 2012, and that impairment charges were not required. While actual experience will differ from the amounts included in our assessment, we do not believe that a related impairment of our goodwill is reasonably possible in the foreseeable future.
	Self-Insurance Plans
	We are self-insured for claims related to employee health and dental care and claims related to workers’ compensation. Liabilities associated with these plans are estimated by management with consideration of our historical loss experience, severity factors and independent actuarial analysis. Our claim liabilities are based on estimates, and while we believe the amounts accrued are adequate, the ultimate losses may differ from the amounts provided.
	Deferred Rent Liability
	We lease substantially all of our administrative and educational facilities under operating lease agreements. Some lease agreements contain tenant improvement allowances, free rent periods or rent escalation clauses. In instances where one or more of these items are included in a lease agreement, we record a deferred rent liability on the consolidated balance sheet and record rent expense evenly over the term of the lease.
	Advertising Costs
	Costs related to advertising are expensed as incurred and totaled approximately $37.0 million, $42.1 million and $34.6 million for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Stock-Based Compensation
	Historically, we have issued stock units with vesting subject to a market condition (market shares), stock options and restricted stock. During the year ended September 30, 2013, we issued restricted stock units solely subject to service conditions. We measure all share-based payments to employees at estimated fair value. We recognize the compensation expense for restricted stock awards and restricted stock units with only service conditions on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. We recognize compensation expense for market shares over the requisite period. All compensation expense for market share grants is recognized for participants who fulfill the requisite service period, regardless of whether the market condition for issuing shares is satisfied. We did not grant stock options during the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	Compensation expense associated with restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is measured based on the grant date fair value of our common stock, discounted for non-participation in anticipated dividends during the vesting period. The requisite service period for restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is generally the vesting period. Compensation expense is recognized only for those awards that are expected to vest, which we estimate based upon historical forfeitures.
	The fair value of market shares is estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation which requires assumptions for expected volatilities, correlation coefficients, risk-free rates of return, and dividend yields. The vesting condition for market shares is based on total shareholder return which is the comparison of the change in our stock price and dividends to the change in stock price and dividends of the companies included in a nationally recognized stock index for the measurement periods included in the grant. Expected volatilities are derived using a method that calculates historical volatility over a period equal to the length of the measurement period for us and the companies included in the related index. Correlation coefficients are based on the same data used to calculate historical volatilities and are used to model how our stock price moves in relation to the companies included in the related index. We use a risk-free rate of return that is equal to the yield of a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bill that is commensurate with each measurement period, and we assume that any dividends paid were reinvested.
	Stock-based compensation expense of $6.2 million, $6.5 million and $6.3 million (pre-tax) was recorded for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The tax benefit related to stock-based compensation recognized was $2.4 million, $2.5 million and $2.4 million for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Income Taxes
	We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the estimated future tax consequences of events attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. We also recognize deferred tax assets for net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets are reduced through a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
	Concentration of Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, investments and receivables. As of September 30, 2013, we held cash and cash equivalents of $35.7 million and investments of $61.7 million invested in pre-funded municipal bonds, collateralized by escrowed-to-maturity U.S. treasury notes, certificates of deposit issued by financial institutions and corporate bonds.
	We place our cash and cash equivalents with high quality financial institutions and limit the amount of credit exposure with any one financial institution. We mitigate the concentration risk of our investments by limiting the amount invested in any one issuer. We mitigate the risk associated with our investment in corporate bonds by requiring a minimum credit rating of A.
	We extend credit for tuition and fees, for a limited period of time, to a majority of our students. A substantial portion is repaid through the student’s participation in federally funded financial aid programs. Transfers of funds from the financial aid programs to us are made in accordance with the U.S. Department of Education (ED) requirements. Approximately 68%, 75%, and 75% of our revenues, on a cash basis, were collected from funds distributed under Title IV Programs for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Additionally, approximately 18%, 9% and 4% of our revenues, on a cash basis, were collected from funds distributed under various veterans benefits programs for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, 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 our students participate. Our 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, placement on reimbursement status, or termination proceeding which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
	If any of our institutions were to lose its eligibility to participate in federal student financial aid programs, the students at that institution would lose access to funds derived from those programs and would have to seek alternative sources of funds to pay their tuition and fees. Students obtain access to federal student financial aid through an ED prescribed application and eligibility certification process. Student financial aid funds are generally made available to students at prescribed intervals throughout their predetermined expected length of study. Students typically apply the funds received from the federal financial aid programs to pay their tuition and fees. The transfer of funds is from the financial aid program to the student, who then uses those funds to pay for a portion of the cost of their education. The receipt of financial aid funds reduces the student’s amounts due to us and has no impact on revenue recognition, as the transfer relates to the source of funding for the costs of education which may occur either through Title IV or other funds and resources available to the student.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The carrying value of cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and deferred tuition approximates their respective fair value as of September 30, 2013 and 2012 due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
	Comprehensive Income
	We have no items which affect comprehensive income other than net income.
	Start-up Costs
Costs related to the start-up of new campuses are expensed as incurred.

Postemployment_Benefits

Postemployment Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]	'
Postemployment Benefits	'
	Postemployment Benefits
	In September 2013, we entered into a severance and transition agreement with the Chairman of our Board of Directors. Under the terms of the agreement we recorded approximately $1.6 million in postemployment benefits. In September 2012, we implemented a nationwide reduction in workforce and provided postemployment benefits to approximately 50 impacted employees. Additionally, we periodically enter into agreements which provide postemployment benefits to personnel whose employment is terminated. The postemployment benefit liability, which is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, is generally paid out ratably over the terms of the agreements, which range from 1 month to 24 months, with the final agreement expiring in December 2015.
	The postemployment activity for the year ended September 30, 2013 was as follows:
			Liability Balance at		Postemployment		Cash Paid			Other			Liability Balance at
			September 30, 2012		Benefit Charges					Non-cash (1)			30-Sep-13
	Severance		$	2,002	$	2,089	$	(2,268	)	$	(267	)	$	1,556
	Other		149		68		(145		)	(70		)	2
	Total		$	2,151	$	2,157	$	(2,413	)	$	(337	)	$	1,558
	-1	Primarily relates to the expiration of benefits not used within the time offered under the separation agreement and non-cash severance.

Receivables_net

Receivables, net	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Receivables, net	'
	Receivables, net
	Receivables, net consist of the following:
		September 30,
		2013			2012
	Tuition receivables	$	12,545		$	16,254
	Other receivables	3,010			2,764
	Receivables	15,555			19,018
	Less allowance for uncollectible accounts	(4,149		)	(4,108		)
		$	11,406		$	14,910
	The allowance for uncollectible accounts is estimated using our historical write-off experience applied to the receivable balances for students who are no longer attending school due to graduation or withdrawal or who are in school and have receivable balances in excess of financial aid available to them. We write off receivable balances against the allowance for uncollectible accounts at the time we transfer the balance to a third party collection agency.
	The following table summarizes the activity for our allowance for uncollectible accounts for the year ended September 30:
		Balance at			Additions to			Write-offs of			Balance at
		Beginning of			Bad Debt			Uncollectible			End of
		Period			Expense			Accounts			Period
	2013	$	4,108		$	4,762		$	(4,721	)	$	4,149
	2012	$	5,269		$	5,790		$	(6,951	)	$	4,108
	2011	$	4,064		$	8,679		$	(7,474	)	$	5,269
	During the year ended September 30, 2012, we collected, and recorded as a reduction to bad debt expense, approximately $0.6 million on a note receivable which had been written off in 2004.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	Investments
	We invest in pre-funded municipal bonds which are generally secured by escrowed-to-maturity U.S. Treasury notes. Municipal bonds represent debt obligations issued by states, cities, counties and other governmental entities, which earn interest that is exempt from federal income taxes. Additionally, we invest in certificates of deposit issued by financial institutions and corporate bonds from large cap industrial and selected financial companies with a minimum credit rating of A. We have the ability and intention to hold our investments until maturity and therefore classify these investments as held-to-maturity and report them at amortized cost.
	Amortized cost and fair value for investments classified as held-to-maturity at September 30, 2013 were as follows:
									Estimated
		Amortized		Gross Unrealized					Fair Market
		Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
	Due in less than 1 year:
	Municipal bonds	$	40,942	$	22	$	—		$	40,964
	Corporate bonds	11,684		2		(7		)	11,679
	Certificates of deposit	4,905		—		—			4,905
	Due in 1 - 2 years:
	Municipal bonds	3,943		4		—			3,947
	Certificates of deposit	245		—		—			245
		$	61,719	$	28	$	(7	)	$	61,740
	Amortized cost and fair value for investments classified as held-to-maturity at September 30, 2012 were as follows:
									Estimated
		Amortized		Gross Unrealized					Fair Market
		Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
	Due in less than 1 year:
	Municipal bonds	$	23,402	$	2	$	(8	)	$	23,396
	Corporate bonds	18,210		8		(3		)	18,215
	Certificates of deposit	9,843		3		—			9,846
	Due in 1 - 2 years:
	Municipal bonds	170		—		—			170
	Certificates of deposit	4,363		—		—			4,363
		$	55,988	$	13	$	(11	)	$	55,990
	Investments are exposed to various risks, including interest rate, market and credit risk and as a result, it is possible that changes in the values of these investments may occur and that such changes could affect the amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of income.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	The accounting framework for determining fair value includes a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to measure fair value, which enables the reader of the financial statements to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements. The fair value hierarchy consists of three tiers: Level 1, defined as quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, defined as inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. Any transfers of investments between levels occurs at the end of the reporting period.
	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following:
				Fair Value Measurements Using
		30-Sep-13		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
				in Active		Other		Unobservable
				Markets for		Observable		Inputs
				Identical Assets		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Money market funds	$	23,135	$	23,135	$	—	$	—
	Corporate bonds	11,679		11,679		—		—
	Municipal bonds	44,911		—		44,911		—
	Certificates of deposit	5,150		—		5,150		—
	Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	84,875	$	34,814	$	50,061	$	—
				Fair Value Measurements Using
		30-Sep-12		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
				in Active		Other		Unobservable
				Markets for		Observable		Inputs
				Identical Assets		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Money market funds	$	32,506	$	32,506	$	—	$	—
	Corporate bonds	18,215		18,215		—		—
	Municipal bonds	23,566		—		23,566		—
	Certificates of deposit	14,209		—		14,209		—
	Commercial paper	4,506		—		4,506		—
	Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	93,002	$	50,721	$	42,281	$	—

Property_and_Equipment_net

Property and Equipment, net	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment, net	'
	Property and Equipment, net
	Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:
		Depreciable	September 30,			September 30,
		Lives (in years)	2013			2012
	Land	—	$	1,456		$	1,456
	Building and building improvements	35	13,741			13,675
	Leasehold improvements	28-Jan	48,062			47,185
	Training equipment	10-Mar	82,270			79,952
	Office and computer equipment	10-Mar	37,206			39,656
	Software developed for internal use	5-Mar	10,895			11,048
	Curriculum development	5	18,716			18,716
	Vehicles	5	1,005			949
	Construction in progress	—	33,158			7,225
			246,509			219,862
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(143,439		)	(127,923		)
			$	103,070		$	91,939
	At September 30, 2013, construction in progress included $27.6 million related to the design and construction of our Lisle, Illinois campus.
	Depreciation expense related to our property and equipment was $18.4 million, $19.3 million and $19.9 million for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Amortization expense related to curriculum development and software developed for internal use was $4.8 million, $5.6 million and $5.9 million for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

BuildtoSuit_Lease

Build-to-Suit Lease	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Build-to-Suit Lease	'
	Build-to-Suit Lease
	During the year ended September 30, 2012, we entered into a build-to-suit facility lease agreement and a construction management agreement related to the relocation of our Glendale Heights, Illinois campus to, and the design and construction of a new campus in, Lisle, Illinois. Under build-to-suit lease arrangements, we establish assets and liabilities for the estimated construction costs incurred to the extent we are involved in the construction of structural improvements or take construction risk prior to the lease commencement.
	Under these agreements, we retained all construction risk and therefore, for accounting purposes, were considered the owner during the construction period. We have recorded approximately $27.6 million in construction in progress and $27.6 million in the related construction liability on our consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2013. The construction management agreement required us to fund any budget overruns related to this construction project. Furthermore, although we were owners during the construction period, we do not own the underlying land. Therefore, we have an imputed operating lease expense related to our use of the land that is recognized from the time we entered into the agreement through the initial lease term and was approximately $0.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2013.
	Construction was completed during November 2013 and the facility was placed into service effective December 1, 2013. We have determined that we have continued involvement in the facility after the construction period was completed, which precludes us from achieving sale-leaseback accounting. As such, we did not derecognize the facility or related construction liability upon occupancy and will continue to account for the arrangement as a financing obligation. Accordingly,the asset and a corresponding financing obligation are included in our consolidated balance sheet on December 1, 2013. The asset will be depreciated over the initial lease term of 18 years. The financing obligation will be amortized through the effective interest method in which a portion of the lease payments will be recognized as interest expense, a portion will be allocated to the imputed land lease and the remaining portion will decrease the financing obligation. Future minimum financing payments under this lease as of September 30, 2013 are as follows:
	Years ending September 30,
	2014	$	2,286
	2015	2,852
	2016	2,914
	2017	2,978
	2018	3,044
	Thereafter	46,808
		$	60,882
	Concurrent with the lease agreement, we invested $4.0 million to acquire an equity interest of approximately 28% in a joint venture (JV). In connection with this investment, we do not possess a controlling financial interest as we do not hold a majority of the equity interest, nor do we have the power to make major decisions without approval from the other equity member. Therefore, we do not qualify as the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, this investment is accounted for under the equity method of accounting and is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2013. We will recognize our proportionate share of the JV’s net income or loss, during each accounting period, as a change in our investment. We will evaluate the investment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. To the extent the book value of the investment exceeds its assessed fair value, we will record an appropriate impairment charge. No impairment charge was required during the year ended September 30, 2013.
	We have also entered into a related tax increment financing arrangement which provides us with a tax rebate up to $6.2 million with respect to property taxes paid for the Lisle, Illinois campus. The agreement requires specific actions performed by us throughout the term in order for us to continue receiving the tax rebate.

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_E

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	'
	Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following:
		30-Sep-13		30-Sep-12
	Accounts payable	$	13,758	$	8,246
	Accrued compensation and benefits	16,858		24,372
	Other accrued expenses	8,613		8,247
		$	39,229	$	40,865

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The components of income tax expense are as follows:
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2011
	Current expense	$	6,801		$	14,420		$	15,896
	Deferred (benefit) expense	(3,793		)	(8,490		)	2,296
	Total provision for income taxes	$	3,008		$	5,930		$	18,192
	The income tax provision differs from the tax that would result from application of the statutory federal tax rate of 35.0% to pre-tax income for the year. The reasons for the differences are as follows:
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2011
	Income tax expense at statutory rate	$	2,386		$	5,237		$	15,781
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	503			476			2,086
	Other, net	119			217			325
	Total income tax expense	$	3,008		$	5,930		$	18,192
	The components of the deferred tax assets (liabilities) recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
		September 30,
		2013			2012
	Gross deferred tax assets:
	Compensation not yet deductible for tax	$	7,997		$	8,652
	Allowance for uncollectible accounts	1,618			1,602
	Expenses and accruals not yet deductible	7,224			7,192
	Deferred revenue	12,110			12,271
	Net operating loss carryovers	226			129
	State tax credit carryforwards	308			296
	Valuation allowance	(224		)	(80		)
	Total deferred tax assets, net	29,259			30,062
	Gross deferred tax liabilities:
	Amortization of goodwill and intangibles	(8,027		)	(8,026		)
	Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	(4,052		)	(7,500		)
	Prepaid expenses deductible for tax	(893		)	(983		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities, net	(12,972		)	(16,509		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	16,287		$	13,553
	The deferred tax assets are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows:
		September 30,
		2013			2012
	Current deferred tax assets, net	$	7,452		$	7,977
	Noncurrent deferred tax assets, net	8,835			5,576
	Net deferred tax assets	$	16,287		$	13,553
	The following table summarizes the activity for the valuation allowance for the year ended September 30:
		Balance at			Additions			Write-offs		Balance at
		Beginning of			(Reductions)					End of
		Period			to Income					Period
					Tax
					Expense
	2013	$	80		$	144		$	—	$	224
	2012	$	110		$	(30	)	$	—	$	80
	2011	$	—		$	110		$	—	$	110
	As of September 30, 2013, we had approximately $0.5 million in deferred tax assets related to state net operating loss and credit carryforwards. These tax attributes will expire in the years 2014 through 2024. During the year ended September 30, 2013, we established a valuation allowance in the amount of $0.1 million related to the state net operating loss carry-forwards, as it is more likely than not that the net operating losses will expire unutilized.
	We file income tax returns for federal purposes and in many states. Our tax filings remain subject to examination by applicable tax authorities for a certain length of time following the tax year to which these filings relate. Our tax returns for the years ended September 30, 2010 through September 30, 2012 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and our tax returns for the years ended September 30, 2009 through September 30, 2012 remain subject to examinations by various state taxing authorities.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Operating Leases
	We lease our facilities and certain equipment under non-cancelable operating leases, some of which contain renewal options, escalation clauses and requirements to pay other fees associated with the leases. We recognize rent expense on a straight-line basis. Two of our campus properties are leased from a related party. Future minimum rental commitments as of September 30, 2013 for all non-cancelable operating leases are as follows:
	Years ending September 30,
	2014	$	29,066
	2015	28,791
	2016	27,260
	2017	23,507
	2018	23,457
	Thereafter	76,986
		$	209,067
	Rent expense for operating leases was approximately $28.9 million, $28.2 million and $28.6 million for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Rent expense includes rent paid to related parties which was approximately $2.5 million, $2.5 million and $2.4 million for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Since 1991, certain of our properties have been leased from entities controlled by John C. White, the Chairman of our Board of Directors.
	A portion of the property comprising our Orlando location is occupied pursuant to a lease with the John C. and Cynthia L. White 1989 Family Trust, with the lease term expiring on August 19, 2022. The annual base lease payments for the first year under this lease totaled approximately $0.3 million, with annual adjustments based on the higher of (i) an amount equal to 4% of the total annual rent for the immediately preceding year or (ii) the percentage of increase in the Consumer Price Index.
	Another portion of the property comprising our Orlando location is occupied pursuant to a lease with Delegates LLC, an entity controlled by the White Family Trust, with the lease term expiring on August 19, 2022. The beneficiaries of this trust are Mr. White’s children, and the trustee of the trust is not related to Mr. White. Annual base lease payments for the first year under this lease totaled approximately $0.7 million, with annual adjustments based on the higher of (i) an amount equal to 4% of the total annual rent for the immediately preceding year or (ii) the percentage of increase in the Consumer Price Index.
	Additionally, since April 1994, we have leased two of our Phoenix properties under one lease from City Park LLC, a successor in interest of 2844 West Deer Valley LLC and in which the John C. and Cynthia L. White 1989 Family Trust holds a 25% interest. The lease expires on December 31, 2022, and the annual base lease payments for the first year under this lease, as amended, totaled approximately $0.5 million, with annual adjustments of 2% of the total annual rent for the immediately preceding year. We believe that the rental rates under these leases approximated fair market rental value of the properties at the time the lease agreements were negotiated.
	Licensing Agreements
	In 1997, we entered into a licensing agreement that gives us the right to use certain materials and trademarks in the development of our courses and delivery of services on our campuses. The agreement was amended in January 2013. Under the terms of the amended license agreement, we are committed to pay royalties based upon a flat fee per student for students who attend the licensed program. Minimum payments are $0.6 million for calendar years 2013 and 2014. A license fee is also payable based upon a percentage of net sales related to the sale of any product which bears the licensed trademark. The royalty and license expenses related to this agreement were $0.6 million, $0.7 million and $0.6 million for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and were recorded in educational services and facilities expenses. In addition, we are required to pay a minimum marketing and advertising fee for which in return we receive the right to utilize certain advertising space in the licensor’s published periodicals. The required marketing and advertising fee is $0.8 million and $0.9 million for calendar years 2013 and 2014, respectively. The marketing and advertising fees related to this agreement were $0.9 million for each of the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, and were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. The agreement expires December 31, 2014.
	In 1999, we entered into a licensing agreement that gives us the right to use certain materials and trademarks in the development of our courses. The agreement was amended in November 2009. Under the terms of the amended agreement, we are required to pay a flat fee per student for each program a student completes. There are no minimum license fees required to be paid. The agreement terminates upon the written notice of either party providing not less than ninety days notification of intent to terminate. License fees related to this agreement were $1.1 million, $1.2 million and $1.5 million for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and were recorded in educational services and facilities expenses.
	In May 2007, we entered into a licensing agreement that gives us the right to use certain trademarks, trade names, trade dress and other intellectual property in connection with the operation of our campuses and courses. We are committed to pay royalties based upon revenue and sponsorship revenue, as defined in the agreement, from July 1, 2007 through December 31, 2017, the expiration of the agreement. The agreement required a minimum royalty payment of $1.8 million in calendar year 2013. The minimum royalty payments increase by $0.05 million in each calendar year subsequent to 2010. The expense related to these agreements was $1.7 million, $1.7 million and $2.0 million for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and was recorded in educational services and facilities expenses.
	In July 2013, we entered into a training and materials agreement that gives us the right to use certain materials and trademarks in development of our courses. Under the terms of the agreement, we are required to pay a flat fee per student for each related program a student completes. There is an immaterial minimum annual fee required to be paid upon commencement of the program and annually thereafter. The agreement terminates upon the written notice of either party providing not less than 90 days notification of intent to terminate. There was no expense related to this agreement for the year ended September 30, 2013.
	Vendor Relationships
	We have an agreement with a vendor that allows us to purchase promotional tool kits for our students at a discount from the vendor’s list price. In addition, we earn credits that are redeemable for equipment from the vendor that we use in our business. Credits are earned on our purchases as well as purchases made by students enrolled in our programs. We have agreed to grant the vendor exclusive access to our campuses, to display advertising and to use their tools to train our students. Under the related agreement, which expires in April 2017, we are required to maintain a minimum balance of $1.0 million in credits earned on student purchases. The credits under this agreement may be redeemed in multiple ways, which historically has been for additional equipment at the full retail list price, which is more than we would be required to pay using cash. Upon termination of the agreement, we continue to earn credits relative to promotional tool kits we purchase or additional tools our active students purchase. We continue to earn these credits until a tool kit is provided to the last student eligible under the agreement. A net prepaid expense with the vendor resulted from an excess of credits earned over credits used of $5.7 million and $4.0 million as of September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Students are provided a voucher which can be redeemed for a tool kit near graduation. The cost of the tool kits, net of the credit, is accrued during the time period in which the students begin attending school until they have progressed to the point that the promotional tool kit vouchers are provided. Our consolidated balance sheets include an accrued tool set liability of $4.0 million and $4.3 million as of September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Additionally, our liability to the vendor for vouchers redeemed by students was $1.1 million and $1.9 million as of September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheets.
	Executive Employment Agreements
	We have employment agreements with key executives that provide for continued salary payments and benefits if the executives are terminated for reasons other than cause or in the event of a change in control, as defined in the agreements. The aggregate amount of our commitments under these agreements, including immaterial medical benefit and salary changes effective subsequent to September 30, 2013, is approximately $3.8 million.
	Change in Control Agreements
	We have severance agreements with other executives that provide for continued salary payments if the employees are terminated for any reason within twelve months subsequent to a change in control. Under the terms of the agreements, these employees are entitled to between six and twelve months salary at their highest rate during the previous twelve months. In addition, the employees are eligible to receive the unearned portion of their target bonus in effect in the year termination occurs and would be eligible to receive medical benefits under the plans maintained by us at no cost. The aggregate amount of our commitments under these agreements, including immaterial medical benefit and salary changes effective subsequent to September 30, 2013, is approximately $7.9 million.
	Deferred Compensation Plans
	We have established a deferred compensation plan (the Plan) effective April 1, 2010, into which certain members of management are eligible to defer a maximum of 75% of their regular compensation and a maximum of 100% of their incentive compensation. Non-employee members of our Board of Directors are eligible to defer up to 100% of their cash compensation. The amounts deferred by the participant under this Plan are credited with earnings or losses based upon changes in values of participant elected notional investments. Each participant is fully vested in the amounts deferred.
	We may make contributions at the discretion of our Board of Directors that will generally vest according to a five year vesting schedule. Distribution elections under the Plan may be for separation from service distribution or in-service distribution. We are not obligated to fund the Plan; however, we have purchased life insurance policies on the participants in order to fund the related benefits and such policies have been placed into a rabbi trust.
	Our obligations under the Plan totaled $3.7 million and $2.5 million as of September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and are included in other liabilities while the cash surrender value of the life insurance policies totaled $4.0 million and $2.5 million as of September 30, 2013 and 2012 respectively, and are included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets.
	Surety Bonds
	Each of our campuses must be authorized by the applicable state education agency in which the campus is located to operate and to grant degrees, diplomas or certificates to its students. Our campuses are subject to extensive, ongoing regulation by each of these states. Additionally, our campuses are required to be authorized by the applicable state education agencies of certain other states in which our campuses recruit students. Our insurers issue surety bonds for us on behalf of our campuses and admissions representatives with multiple states to maintain authorization to conduct our business. We are obligated to reimburse our insurers for any surety bonds that are paid by the insurers. As of September 30, 2013, the total face amount of these surety bonds was approximately $19.2 million.
	Legal
	In the ordinary conduct of our business, we are periodically subject to lawsuits, demands in arbitration, investigations, regulatory proceedings or other claims, including, but not limited to, claims involving current or former students, routine employment matters, business disputes and regulatory demands. When we are aware of a claim or potential claim, we assess the likelihood of any loss or exposure. If it is probable that a loss will result and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we would accrue a liability for the loss. When a loss is not both probable and estimable, we do not accrue a liability. Where a loss is not probable but is reasonably possible, including if a loss in excess of an accrued liability is reasonably possible, we determine whether it is possible to provide an estimate of the amount of the loss or range of possible losses for the claim. Because we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of the legal proceedings (including lawsuits, investigations, regulatory proceedings or claims) asserted against us, such current pending legal proceedings to which we are a party may have a material adverse effect on our business, cash flows, results of operations or financial condition.
	As previously disclosed, in November 2011, one of our former employees filed a lawsuit under the Federal False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. § 3729, et seq.) (FCA Suit) in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona Court, alleging that our compensation of our admissions representatives violated the “incentive compensation ban” of Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, amongst other potential violations allegedly occurring over a number of years. We also disclosed that the same former employee had filed a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) alleging retaliatory employment practices in violation of the whistleblower provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended (DOL Complaint).
	As also previously disclosed, the U.S. Department of Justice informed us that it had declined to intervene in the FCA Suit and closed its investigation and the DOL closed its investigation. Further, we separately entered into a settlement agreement with the former employee, pursuant to which these matters were dismissed and all of her claims against us were resolved. The settlement agreement provided that, in return for the dismissal of her claims, the former employee received a payment only with respect to her claims in the DOL Complaint. Our expense under the settlement agreement, following contribution by our insurer, was approximately $0.4 million and was recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2013. The settlement agreement provides that we and all other defendants named in the FCA Suit and the DOL Complaint (Universal Technical Institute of Arizona, Inc., Universal Technical Institute of Delaware, Inc., Universal Technical Institute of Massachusetts, Inc., Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania, Inc., Universal Technical Institute of Phoenix, Inc., Universal Technical Institute of Texas, Inc, Kimberly and Chris McWaters and Eugene and Jane Doe Putnam) expressly deny any liability, wrongdoing, noncompliance or violation of applicable law or regulation.
	In September 2012, we received a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) from the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts related to a pending investigation in connection with allegations that we caused false claims to be submitted to the Commonwealth relating to student loans, guarantees and grants provided to students at our Norwood, Massachusetts campus. The CID required us to produce documents and provide written testimony regarding a broad range of the Company’s business from September 2006 to the present. We responded timely to the request, as well as a follow-up requests for additional information. At this time, we cannot predict the eventual scope, duration, outcome or associated costs of this request and accordingly we have not recorded any liability in the accompanying financial statements.
	In October 2012 and January 2013, the ACCSC requested certain documentation related to the preliminary investigation by the United States Department of Justice. Pursuant to applicable law and the United States’ request, we were not able to provide the information requested and notified ACCSC as such. In October 2013, we informed the ACCSC of the declination of intervention and closing of investigations as well as the settlement of the former employee’s claims. In addition, at ACCSC’s request, we have provided ACCSC with documentation relating to the actions taken by the Court and the Government. At this time, we cannot predict the eventual scope, duration, outcome or associated costs, if any, of this request and accordingly we have not recorded any liability in the accompanying financial statements.

Common_Shareholders_Equity

Common Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Common Shareholdersb Equity	'
	Common Shareholders’ Equity
	Common Stock
	Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by our Board of Directors and have the right to one vote per share on all matters requiring shareholder approval. On December 21, 2012; March 29, 2013; June 28, 2013 and September 30, 2013, we paid cash dividends of $0.10 per share to common stockholders of record as of December 7, 2012; March 15, 2013; June 21, 2013 and September 20, 2013, respectively. The aggregate payment was approximately $9.8 million.
	Share Repurchase Program
	On December 20, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $25.0 million of our common stock in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The timing and actual number of shares purchased will depend on a variety of factors such as price, corporate and regulatory requirements and prevailing market conditions. We may terminate or limit the share repurchase program at any time without prior notice. During the year ended September 30, 2013, we purchased 561,400 shares at an average price per share of $9.62 and a total cost of approximately $5.4 million. As of September 30, 2013, we have purchased 705,000 shares at an average price per share of $10.27 and a total cost of approximately $7.3 million under this program.
	Stock Option and Incentive Compensation Plans
	We have two stock-based compensation plans; the Management 2002 Stock Option Program (2002 Plan) and the 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan (2003 Plan).
	The 2002 Plan was approved by our Board of Directors on April 1, 2002 and provided for the issuance of options to purchase 0.7 million shares of our common stock. On February 25, 2003, our Board of Directors authorized an additional 0.1 million options to purchase our common stock under the 2002 Plan.
	Options issued under the 2002 Plan vest ratably each year over a four-year period. The expiration date of options granted under the 2002 Plan is the earlier of the ten-year anniversary of the grant date; the one-year anniversary of the termination of the participant’s employment by reason of death or disability; 30 days after the date of the participant’s termination of employment if caused by reasons other than death, disability, cause, material breach or unsatisfactory performance or on the termination date if termination occurs for reasons of cause, material breach or unsatisfactory performance. We do not intend to grant any additional options under the 2002 Plan.
	The 2003 Plan was approved by our Board of Directors and adopted effective December 22, 2003 upon consummation of our initial public offering and amended on February 28, 2007 and February 22, 2012 by our stockholders. The 2003 Plan, as amended, authorizes the issuance of various common stock awards, including stock options, restricted stock and stock units, for approximately 5.3 million shares of our common stock.
	As of September 30, 2013, 4.2 million shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2003 Plan, of which 1.1 million shares are available for future grant.
	We use historical data to estimate forfeitures. Our estimated forfeitures are adjusted as actual forfeitures differ from our estimates, resulting in stock-based compensation expense only for those awards that actually vest. If factors change and different assumptions are employed in future periods, previously recognized stock-based compensation expense may require adjustment.
	The following table summarizes the operating expense line and the impact on net income in the consolidated statements of income in which stock-based compensation expense has been recorded:
			Year Ended September 30,
			2013			2012			2011
	Educational services and facilities		$	617		$	1,080		$	939
	Selling, general and administrative		5,607			5,412			5,340
	Total stock-based compensation expense		$	6,224		$	6,492		$	6,279
	Income tax benefit		$	2,427		$	2,532		$	2,449
	Stock Options
	Stock options were issued with exercise prices equal to the closing price of our stock on the grant date and which generally vest ratably over a four-year period. The expiration date of stock options granted under the 2003 Plan is the earlier of the seven or ten-year anniversary of the grant date, based on the terms of the individual grant; the one-year anniversary of the termination of the participant’s employment by reason of death or disability; ninety-days after the date of the participant’s termination of employment if caused by reasons other than death, disability, cause, material breach or unsatisfactory performance; or on the termination date if termination occurs for reasons of cause, material breach or unsatisfactory performance.
	The fair value of each stock option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The estimated fair value is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables, including, but not limited to, our expected stock price volatility, the expected term of the awards and actual and projected employee stock exercise behaviors.
	We did not grant stock options during the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	The following table summarizes stock option activity under the 2002 and 2003 Plans:
			Number of		Weighted			Weighted		Aggregate
			Shares		Average Exercise			Average		Intrinsic
			(In thousands)		Price			Remaining		Value
					per Share			Contractual
								Life (Years)
	Outstanding as of September 30, 2012		999		$	24.21		2.18		$	107
	Stock options exercised		(21	)	$	12.67
	Stock options forfeited		(95	)	$	25.68
	Outstanding as of September 30, 2013		883		$	24.33		1.2		$	—
	Stock options exercisable as of September 30, 2013		883		$	24.33		1.2		$	—
	As of September 30, 2013, there were no non-vested stock options and there was no unrecognized stock compensation expense related to non-vested stock options.
	The total fair value of options which vested during the years ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The total fair value of options which vested during the year ended September 30, 2013 was immaterial. The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table is based on our closing stock price of $12.13 as of September 30, 2013. The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total intrinsic value that would have been received by the stock option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of that date. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the year ended September 30, 2013 was less than $0.1 million. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the year ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was $0.5 million and $2.5 million, respectively.
	The amount of cash received and associated tax benefits for stock options exercised are summarized as follows:
			Year Ended September 30,
			2013			2012			2011
	Cash received		$	262		$	224		$	950
	Tax benefits		$	6		$	178		$	961
	Restricted Stock Awards
	Our restricted stock awards are issued at fair market value which is based on the closing prices of our stock on the grant date, discounted for non-participation in anticipated dividends during the vesting period. The restrictions on these awards generally lapse ratably over a four or five year period based on the terms of the individual grant. The restrictions associated with our restricted stock awarded under the 2003 Plan will lapse upon the death, disability, or if, within one year following a change of control, employment is terminated without cause or for good reason. If employment is terminated for any other reason, all shares of restricted stock shall be forfeited upon termination.
	The following table summarizes restricted stock activity under the 2003 Plan:
			Number of Shares		Weighted Average
			(In thousands)		Grant Date
					Fair Value
					per Share
	Nonvested restricted stock outstanding as of September 30, 2012		1,114		$	14.72
	Restricted stock awarded		21		$	10.78
	Restricted stock vested		(344	)	$	16.1
	Restricted stock forfeited		(88	)	$	14.7
	Nonvested restricted stock outstanding as of September 30, 2013		703		$	13.93
	As of September 30, 2013, unrecognized stock compensation expense related to restricted stock awards was $9.2 million which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.1 years.
	Restricted Stock Units
	Our restricted stock units are issued at fair market value which is based on our closing prices of our stock on the grant date. The restrictions on these units generally lapse ratably over a four or five year period based on the terms of the individual grant. The restrictions associated with our restricted stock units awarded under the 2003 Plan will lapse upon the death, disability, or if, within one year following a change of control, employment is terminated without cause or for good reason. If employment is terminated for any other reason, all shares of restricted stock shall be forfeited upon termination.
	The following table summarizes restricted stock unit activity under the 2003 Plan:
			Number of Shares		Weighted Average
			(In thousands)		Grant Date
					Fair Value
					per Share
	Nonvested restricted stock units outstanding as of September 30, 2012		—		$	—
	Restricted stock awarded		589		$	9.6
Restricted stock vested		—		$	—
Restricted stock forfeited		—		$	—
Nonvested restricted stock units outstanding as of September 30, 2013		589		$	9.6
As of September 30, 2013, unrecognized stock compensation expense related to restricted stock awards was $5.6 million which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 4.0 years.
Market Shares
The market condition for market shares is based on total shareholder return which is the comparison of the change in our stock price and dividends to the change in stock price and dividends of the companies included in a nationally recognized stock index for the measurement periods included in the grant. On the settlement date for each measurement period, participants will receive shares of our common stock equal to 0% to 200% of the market shares originally granted depending on where our total shareholder return ranks among the companies included in the related index for that measurement period. The market shares vest subject to a market condition and on the settlement date which is expected to be no later than 2 1/2 months after the end of each measurement period.
We estimate the fair value of market shares using a Monte Carlo simulation which requires assumptions for expected volatilities, correlation coefficients, risk-free rates of return, and dividend yields. Expected volatilities are derived using a method that calculates historical volatility over a period equal to the length of the measurement period for UTI and the companies included in the related index. Correlation coefficients are based on the same data used to calculate historical volatilities and are used to model how our stock price moves in relation to the companies in the related index. We use a risk-free rate of return that is equal to the yield of a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bill that is commensurate with each measurement period, and we assume that any dividends paid were reinvested.
To receive the market shares awarded for a measurement period, participants are required to be employed by the company on the settlement date unless one of the following conditions is met. Upon death or disability of a participant, determination of whether, and to what extent the market condition has been achieved will be made based on actual performance against the stated criteria through the death or disability date. If an employee is terminated or leaves for good cause within one year following a change in control, a determination of whether, and to what extent the market condition has been achieved will be based on actual performance against the stated criteria through the change in control date. If employment is terminated for any other reason, all unvested market shares shall be forfeited upon termination.
The September 2010 grant included a measurement period of 36 months. We did not grant market shares during the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011. The market shares do not have voting rights or rights to dividends.
Compensation expense for the market shares is recognized over the requisite periods. All compensation expense for the grant will be recognized for participants who fulfill the requisite service period, regardless of whether the market condition for issuing shares is satisfied.
The following table summarizes market share activity under the 2003 Plan:
		Number of Shares		Weighted Average
		(In thousands)		Grant Date
				Fair Value
				per Share
Nonvested market shares outstanding as of September 30, 2012		56		$	26.88
Market shares cancelled(1)		(11	)	$	26.01
Market shares vested		—		$	—
Market shares forfeited(2)		(3	)	$	27
Nonvested market shares outstanding as of September 30, 2013		42		$	27.1
-1	Relates to market shares assumed vested at the end of the prior year measurement period which did not actually vest on the subsequent settlement date.
-2	Relates to employee terminations.
As of September 30, 2013, unrecognized stock compensation expense related to market shares was less than $0.1 million which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.2 years.

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings per Share	'
	Earnings per Share
	Basic net income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share reflects the assumed conversion of all dilutive securities, if any. For the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, approximately 1.6 million shares, 1.5 million shares and 1.1 million shares, respectively, which could be issued under outstanding stock-based grants, were not included in the determination of our diluted shares outstanding as they were anti-dilutive.
	The calculation of the weighted average number of shares outstanding used in computing basic and diluted net income per share was as follows:
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013	2012	2011
	Weighted average number of shares	(In thousands)
	Basic shares outstanding	24,515	24,711	24,427
	Dilutive effect related to employee stock plans	189	226	313
	Diluted shares outstanding	24,704	24,937	24,740

Defined_Contribution_Employee_

Defined Contribution Employee Benefit Plan	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Defined Contribution Employee Benefit Plan	'
	Defined Contribution Employee Benefit Plan
	We sponsor a defined contribution 401(k) plan, under which our employees elect to withhold specified amounts from their wages to contribute to the plan and we have a fiduciary responsibility with respect to the plan. The plan provides for matching a portion of employees’ contributions at management’s discretion. All contributions and matches by us are invested at the direction of the employee in one or more mutual funds or cash. We made matching contributions of approximately $1.2 million, $2.0 million and $1.8 million for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	Our principal business is providing postsecondary education. We also provide manufacturer-specific training and these operations are managed separately from our campus operations. These operations do not currently meet the quantitative criteria for segments and therefore are reflected in the Other category. Corporate expenses are allocated to Postsecondary Education and the Other category based on compensation expense.
	Summary information by reportable segment is as follows:
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2011
	Revenues
	Postsecondary education	$	371,663		$	403,793		$	443,510
	Other	8,605			9,759			8,390
	Consolidated	$	380,268		$	413,552		$	451,900
	Income (loss) from operations
	Postsecondary education	$	8,359		$	16,284		$	48,424
	Other	(2,430		)	(2,169		)	(3,878		)
	Consolidated	$	5,929		$	14,115		$	44,546
	Depreciation and amortization
	Postsecondary education	$	21,796		$	23,400		$	24,265
	Other	360			419			577
	Consolidated	$	22,156		$	23,819		$	24,842
	Net income (loss)
	Postsecondary education	$	5,202		$	10,256		$	29,162
	Other	(1,392		)	(1,224		)	(2,265		)
	Consolidated	$	3,810		$	9,032		$	26,897
		As of September 30,
		2013			2012			2011
	Goodwill
	Postsecondary education	$	20,579		$	20,579		$	20,579
	Other	—			—			—
	Consolidated	$	20,579		$	20,579		$	20,579
	Total assets
	Postsecondary education	$	272,178		$	260,497		$	263,833
	Other	7,285			7,661			2,196
	Consolidated	$	279,463		$	268,158		$	266,029

Government_Regulation_and_Fina

Government Regulation and Financial Aid	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]	'
Government Regulation and Financial Aid	'
	Government Regulation and Financial Aid
	Our institutions are subject to extensive regulation by federal and state governmental agencies and accrediting bodies. In particular, HEA, and the regulations promulgated thereunder by ED, subject the institutions to significant regulatory scrutiny on the basis of numerous standards that schools must satisfy in order to participate in the various federal student financial assistance programs under Title IV of the HEA.
	To participate in the Title IV Programs, an institution must be authorized to offer its programs of instruction by relevant state education agencies, be accredited by an accrediting commission recognized by ED and be certified as an eligible institution by ED. ED will certify an institution to participate in the Title IV Programs only after the institution has demonstrated compliance with the HEA and ED’s extensive regulations regarding institutional eligibility. An institution must also demonstrate its compliance to ED on an ongoing basis.
	State Authorization
	Each of our institutions must be authorized by the applicable state education agency for the state in which the institution is located in order to operate and grant degrees or diplomas to its students. Our institutions are subject to extensive, ongoing regulation by each of these states. Additionally, our institutions are required to be authorized by the applicable state education agencies of certain other states in which our institutions recruit students. If any one of our campuses were to lose its authorization from the education agency of the state in which the campus is located, that campus would be unable to offer its programs and we could be forced to close that campus. If one of our campuses were to lose its authorization from a state other than the state in which the campus is located, that campus would not be able to recruit students in that state.
	Accreditation
	Accreditation is a non-governmental process through which an institution voluntarily submits to ongoing qualitative reviews by an organization of peer institutions. Accrediting commissions primarily examine the academic quality of the institution’s instructional programs. A grant of accreditation is generally viewed as confirmation that the institution’s programs meet generally accepted academic standards. Accrediting commissions also review the administrative and financial operations of the institutions they accredit to ensure that each institution has the resources necessary to perform its educational mission.
	Accreditation by an ED recognized commission is required for an institution to be certified to participate in Title IV Programs. In order to be recognized by ED, accrediting commissions must adopt specific standards for their review of educational institutions. All of our institutions are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), an accrediting commission recognized by ED.
	An accrediting commission may place an institution on reporting status to monitor one or more specified areas of performance in relation to the accreditation standards. An institution placed on reporting status is required to report periodically to the accrediting commission on that institution’s performance in the area or areas specified by the commission.
	Regulation of Federal Student Financial Aid Programs
	Political and budgetary concerns significantly affect Title IV Programs. Congress has historically reauthorized the HEA approximately every five to six years with the last reauthorization in 2008. Significant factors relating to Title IV Programs that could adversely affect us include the following:
	90/10 Rule
	A for-profit institution loses its eligibility to participate in Title IV Programs if it derives more than 90% of its revenue from Title IV Programs for two consecutive fiscal years as calculated under a cash basis formula mandated by ED. The loss of such eligibility would begin on the first day following the conclusion of the second consecutive year in which the institution exceeded the 90% limit and, as such, any Title IV Program funds already received by the institution and its students during a period of ineligibility would have to be returned to ED or a lender. Additionally, if an institution exceeds the 90% level for a single year, ED will place the institution on provisional certification for a period of at least two years. For the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, approximately 68%, 75% and 75% respectively, of our revenues, on a cash basis, were derived from funds distributed under Title IV Programs.
	Federal Student Loan Defaults
	To remain eligible to participate in Title IV Programs, institutions must maintain federal student loan cohort default rates below specified levels. An institution whose cohort default rate is 25% or more for three consecutive federal fiscal years (FFYs) or 40% or more for any given FFY loses eligibility to participate in some or all Title IV Programs. This sanction is effective for the remainder of the FFY in which the institution lost its eligibility and for the two subsequent FFYs. The HEA expanded the measurement period for defaults from two years to three; a change that is expected to increase our FFEL/DL cohort default rates. The regulations also increased the threshold for an institution to lose eligibility to participate in Title IV Programs from 25% to 30%. The one year threshold of 40% has not been increased. ED began calculating both the two and three-year cohort default rates beginning with the 2009 cohort. Sanctions will be applicable after three consecutive years of the three-year cohort default rates are available, which we anticipate will occur in September of 2014. During the transition period, sanctions will be based on the two-year cohort default rate.
	Financial Responsibility Standards
	All institutions participating in Title IV Programs must satisfy specific ED standards of financial responsibility. ED evaluates institutions for compliance with these standards each year, based on the institution’s annual audited financial statements, as well as following a change of control of the institution.
	The institution’s financial responsibility is measured by its composite score which is calculated by ED based on (i) the equity ratio which measures the institution’s capital resources, ability to borrow and financial viability; (ii) the primary reserve ratio which measures the institution’s ability to support current operations from expendable resources; and (iii) the net income ratio which measures the institution’s ability to operate at a profit. An institution that does not meet ED’s minimum composite score may demonstrate its financial responsibility by posting a letter of credit in favor of the ED in an amount equal to at least 50% of the Title IV Program funds received by the institution during its most recently completed fiscal year and possibly accepting other conditions on its participation in the Title IV Programs.
	ED has historically evaluated the financial condition of our institutions on a consolidated basis based on the financial statements of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. as the parent company. ED’s regulations permit ED to examine the financial statements of Universal Technical Institute, Inc., the financial statements of each institution and the financial statements of any related party. Our composite score has exceeded the required minimum composite score of 1.5 for each of our fiscal years since 2004.
	Return of Title IV Funds
	An institution participating in Title IV Programs must calculate the amount of unearned Title IV Program funds that have been disbursed to students who withdraw from their educational programs before completing them. The institution must return those unearned funds to ED or the appropriate lending institution in a timely manner, which is generally within 45 days from the date the institution determines that the student has withdrawn. If an institution is cited in an audit or program review for returning Title IV Program funds late for 5% or more of the students in the audit or program review sample, the institution must post a letter of credit in favor of ED in an amount equal to 25% of the total Title IV Program funds that should have been returned in the previous fiscal year.
	Because we operate in a highly regulated industry, we, like other industry participants, may be subject from time to time to investigations, claims of non-compliance, or lawsuits by governmental agencies or third parties, which allege statutory violations, regulatory infractions, or common law causes of action.
	There can be no assurance that other regulatory agencies or third parties will not undertake investigations or make claims against us, or that such claims, if made, will not have a material adverse effect on our business, cash flows, results of operations or financial condition.

Quarterly_Financial_Summary_Un

Quarterly Financial Summary (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Summary (Unaudited)	'
	Quarterly Financial Summary (Unaudited)
	Year ended September 30, 2013	First		Second			Third		Fourth		Fiscal
		Quarter		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter		Year
	Revenues	$	98,441	$	95,075		$	90,954	$	95,798	$	380,268
	Income (loss) from operations	$	6,006	$	(1,939	)	$	458	$	1,404	$	5,929
	Net income (loss)	$	3,562	$	(920	)	$	296	$	872	$	3,810
	Income (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	0.14	$	(0.04	)	$	0.01	$	0.04	$	0.16
	Diluted	$	0.14	$	(0.04	)	$	0.01	$	0.04	$	0.15
	Year ended September 30, 2012	First		Second			Third		Fourth		Fiscal
		Quarter		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter		Year
	Revenues	$	106,427	$	106,240		$	99,601	$	101,284	$	413,552
	Income from operations	$	7,327	$	3,015		$	1,518	$	2,255	$	14,115
	Net income	$	4,479	$	1,932		$	1,013	$	1,608	$	9,032
	Income per share:
	Basic	$	0.18	$	0.08		$	0.04	$	0.06	$	0.37
	Diluted	$	0.18	$	0.08		$	0.04	$	0.06	$	0.36
	The summation of quarterly per share information does not equal amounts for the full year as quarterly calculations are performed on a discrete basis. Additionally, securities may have had an anti-dilutive effect during individual quarters but not for the full year.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of UTI and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. Such estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions, including those related to revenue recognition, our proprietary loan program, allowance for uncollectible accounts, investments, property and equipment, goodwill recoverability, bonus plans, self-insurance claim liabilities, income taxes, contingencies and stock-based compensation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The results of our analysis form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions, and the impact of such differences may be material to our consolidated financial statements.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenues consist primarily of student tuition and fees derived from the programs we provide after reductions are made for discounts and scholarships we sponsor, refunds for students who withdraw from our programs prior to specified dates and the portion of tuition students have funded through our proprietary loan program for which payment has not been received. Tuition and fee revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the course or program offered. Approximately 98% of our revenues for each of the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 consisted of tuition. The majority of our undergraduate programs are designed to be completed in 45 to 102 weeks and our advanced training programs range from 11 to 24 weeks in duration. We supplement our revenues with sales of textbooks and program supplies, student housing and other revenues. Sales of textbooks and program supplies, revenue related to student housing and other revenue are each recognized as sales occur or services are performed. Deferred revenue represents the excess of tuition and fee payments received as compared to tuition and fees earned and is reflected as a current liability in our consolidated balance sheets because it is expected to be earned within the next twelve months.
Proprietary Loan Program	'
	Proprietary Loan Program
	In order to provide funding for students who are not able to fully finance the cost of their education under traditional governmental financial aid programs, commercial loan programs or other alternative sources, we established a private loan program with a bank (original bank). During the year ended September 30, 2013, the original bank exercised its right to terminate the agreement effective April 30, 2013. The original bank subsequently agreed to an extension through June 29, 2013. During June 2013, we entered into an agreement with a new bank (the bank), which began accepting student loan applications on June 29, 2013. The terms under the agreement are substantially the same as the agreement with the original bank.
	Under terms of the proprietary loan program, the bank originates loans for our students who meet our specific credit criteria with the related proceeds used exclusively to fund a portion of their tuition. We then purchase all such loans from the bank at least monthly and assume all of the related credit risk. The loans bear interest at market rates; however, principal and interest payments are not required until six months after the student completes or withdraws from his or her program. After the deferral period, monthly principal and interest payments are required over the related term of the loan.
	The bank provides these services in exchange for a fee at a percentage of the principal balance of each loan and related fees. Under the terms of the related agreement, we transfer funds for loan purchases to a deposit account with the bank in advance of the bank funding the loan which secures our related loan purchase obligation. We have a $1.0 million deposit with the original bank to secure our remaining loan purchase obligation. Such funds deposited with both banks are classified as restricted cash in our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2013.
	In substance, we provide the students who participate in this program with extended payment terms for a portion of their tuition and as a result, we account for the underlying transactions in accordance with our tuition revenue recognition policy. However, due to the nature of the program coupled with the extended payment terms required under the student loan agreements, collectability is not reasonably assured. Accordingly, we recognize tuition and loan origination fees financed by the loan and any related interest income required under the loan when such amounts are collected. All related expenses incurred with the bank or other service providers are expensed as incurred within educational services and facilities expense and were approximately $2.0 million, $1.5 million and $0.9 million for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 respectively. Since loan collectability is not reasonably assured, the loans and related deferred tuition revenue are not recognized in our consolidated balance sheets.
	The following table summarizes the impact of the proprietary loan program on our tuition revenue and interest income during the period as well as on a cumulative basis at the end of each period in our consolidated statements of income. Tuition revenue and interest income excluded represents amounts which would have been recognized during the period had collectability of the related amounts been assured. Amounts collected and recognized represent actual cash receipts during the period and amounts written off represent amounts which have been turned over to third party collectors.
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts	'
	Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts
	We maintain an allowance for uncollectible accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability, failure or refusal of our students to make required payments. We offer a variety of payment plans to help students pay that portion of their education expenses not covered by financial aid programs or alternate fund sources, which are unsecured and not guaranteed. Management analyzes accounts receivable, historical percentages of uncollectible accounts, customer credit worthiness and changes in payment history when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for uncollectible accounts. We use an internal group of collectors, augmented by third party collectors as deemed appropriate, in our collection efforts. Although we believe that our allowance is adequate, if the financial condition of our students deteriorates, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, or if we underestimate the allowances required, additional allowances may be necessary, which would result in increased selling, general and administrative expenses in the period such determination is made.
Investments	'
	Investments
	We invest in pre-funded municipal bonds which are generally secured by escrowed-to-maturity U.S. Treasury notes. Municipal bonds represent debt obligations issued by states, cities, counties and other governmental entities, which earn interest that is exempt from federal income taxes. Additionally, we invest in certificates of deposit issued by financial institutions and corporate bonds from large cap industrial and selected financial companies with a minimum credit rating of A. We have the ability and intention to hold our investments until maturity and therefore classify these investments as held-to-maturity and report them at amortized cost. Investments with an original maturity date of 90 days or less at the time of purchase are classified as cash equivalents and investments with a maturity date greater than one year at the end of the period are classified as non-current.
	We review our held-to-maturity investments for impairment quarterly to determine if other-than-temporary declines in the carrying value have occurred for any individual investment. Other-than-temporary declines in the value of our held-to-maturity investments are recorded as expense in the period in which the determination is made.
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment
	Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense are calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Amortization of leasehold improvements is calculated using the straight-line method over the remaining useful life of the asset or term of lease, whichever is shorter. Costs relating to software developed for internal use and curriculum development are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the related estimated useful lives. Such costs include direct costs of materials and services as well as payroll and related costs for employees who are directly associated with the projects. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.
	We review the carrying value of our property and equipment for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment by examining estimated future cash flows. These cash flows are evaluated by using probability weighting techniques as well as comparisons of past performance against projections. Assets may also be evaluated by identifying independent market values. If we determine that an asset’s carrying value is impaired, we will write-down the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value and charge the impairment as an operating expense in the period in which the determination is made.
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired business over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is reviewed at least annually for impairment, which might result from the deterioration in the operating performance of the acquired business, adverse market conditions, adverse changes in the applicable laws or regulations and a variety of other circumstances. Any resulting impairment charge would be recognized as an expense in the period in which impairment is identified.
	Our goodwill resulted from the acquisition of our motorcycle and marine education business in 1998. We allocated such goodwill, which totaled $20.6 million, to two of our reporting units that provide the related educational programs. We assess our goodwill for impairment during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. During the year ended September 30, 2013, we utilized a discounted cash flow model that incorporated estimated future cash flows for the next five years and an associated terminal value. Key management assumptions included in the cash flow model included future tuition revenues, operating costs, working capital changes, capital expenditures and a discount rate that approximated our weighted average cost of capital. Based upon our annual assessments, we determined that our goodwill was not impaired as of September 30, 2013 and 2012, and that impairment charges were not required. While actual experience will differ from the amounts included in our assessment, we do not believe that a related impairment of our goodwill is reasonably possible in the foreseeable future.
Self-Insurance Plans	'
	Self-Insurance Plans
	We are self-insured for claims related to employee health and dental care and claims related to workers’ compensation. Liabilities associated with these plans are estimated by management with consideration of our historical loss experience, severity factors and independent actuarial analysis. Our claim liabilities are based on estimates, and while we believe the amounts accrued are adequate, the ultimate losses may differ from the amounts provided.
Deferred Rent Liability	'
	Deferred Rent Liability
	We lease substantially all of our administrative and educational facilities under operating lease agreements. Some lease agreements contain tenant improvement allowances, free rent periods or rent escalation clauses. In instances where one or more of these items are included in a lease agreement, we record a deferred rent liability on the consolidated balance sheet and record rent expense evenly over the term of the lease.
Advertising Costs	'
	Advertising Costs
	Costs related to advertising are expensed as incurred and totaled approximately $37.0 million, $42.1 million and $34.6 million for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	Historically, we have issued stock units with vesting subject to a market condition (market shares), stock options and restricted stock. During the year ended September 30, 2013, we issued restricted stock units solely subject to service conditions. We measure all share-based payments to employees at estimated fair value. We recognize the compensation expense for restricted stock awards and restricted stock units with only service conditions on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. We recognize compensation expense for market shares over the requisite period. All compensation expense for market share grants is recognized for participants who fulfill the requisite service period, regardless of whether the market condition for issuing shares is satisfied. We did not grant stock options during the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	Compensation expense associated with restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is measured based on the grant date fair value of our common stock, discounted for non-participation in anticipated dividends during the vesting period. The requisite service period for restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is generally the vesting period. Compensation expense is recognized only for those awards that are expected to vest, which we estimate based upon historical forfeitures.
	The fair value of market shares is estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation which requires assumptions for expected volatilities, correlation coefficients, risk-free rates of return, and dividend yields. The vesting condition for market shares is based on total shareholder return which is the comparison of the change in our stock price and dividends to the change in stock price and dividends of the companies included in a nationally recognized stock index for the measurement periods included in the grant. Expected volatilities are derived using a method that calculates historical volatility over a period equal to the length of the measurement period for us and the companies included in the related index. Correlation coefficients are based on the same data used to calculate historical volatilities and are used to model how our stock price moves in relation to the companies included in the related index. We use a risk-free rate of return that is equal to the yield of a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bill that is commensurate with each measurement period, and we assume that any dividends paid were reinvested.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the estimated future tax consequences of events attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. We also recognize deferred tax assets for net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets are reduced through a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Concentration of Risk	'
	Concentration of Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, investments and receivables. As of September 30, 2013, we held cash and cash equivalents of $35.7 million and investments of $61.7 million invested in pre-funded municipal bonds, collateralized by escrowed-to-maturity U.S. treasury notes, certificates of deposit issued by financial institutions and corporate bonds.
	We place our cash and cash equivalents with high quality financial institutions and limit the amount of credit exposure with any one financial institution. We mitigate the concentration risk of our investments by limiting the amount invested in any one issuer. We mitigate the risk associated with our investment in corporate bonds by requiring a minimum credit rating of A.
	We extend credit for tuition and fees, for a limited period of time, to a majority of our students. A substantial portion is repaid through the student’s participation in federally funded financial aid programs. Transfers of funds from the financial aid programs to us are made in accordance with the U.S. Department of Education (ED) requirements. Approximately 68%, 75%, and 75% of our revenues, on a cash basis, were collected from funds distributed under Title IV Programs for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Additionally, approximately 18%, 9% and 4% of our revenues, on a cash basis, were collected from funds distributed under various veterans benefits programs for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, 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 our students participate. Our 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, placement on reimbursement status, or termination proceeding which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
	If any of our institutions were to lose its eligibility to participate in federal student financial aid programs, the students at that institution would lose access to funds derived from those programs and would have to seek alternative sources of funds to pay their tuition and fees. Students obtain access to federal student financial aid through an ED prescribed application and eligibility certification process. Student financial aid funds are generally made available to students at prescribed intervals throughout their predetermined expected length of study. Students typically apply the funds received from the federal financial aid programs to pay their tuition and fees. The transfer of funds is from the financial aid program to the student, who then uses those funds to pay for a portion of the cost of their education. The receipt of financial aid funds reduces the student’s amounts due to us and has no impact on revenue recognition, as the transfer relates to the source of funding for the costs of education which may occur either through Title IV or other funds and resources available to the student.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The carrying value of cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and deferred tuition approximates their respective fair value as of September 30, 2013 and 2012 due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
Comprehensive Income	'
	Comprehensive Income
	We have no items which affect comprehensive income other than net income.
Start-up Costs	'
	Start-up Costs
	Costs related to the start-up of new campuses are expensed as incurred.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Impact of the proprietary loan program on our tuition revenue and interest income during the period as well as on a cumulative basis	'
		Year Ended September 30,									Inception
		2013			2012			2011			to date
	Tuition and interest income excluded	$	22,977		$	17,097		$	9,158		$	69,859
	Amounts collected and recognized	(2,277		)	(1,574		)	(857		)	(5,022		)
	Amounts written off	(6,295		)	(6,352		)	(5,926		)	(20,995		)
	Net amount excluded during the period	$	14,405		$	9,171		$	2,375		$	43,842
Activity related to the balances outstanding under our proprietary loan program, including loans outstanding, interest and origination fees	'
	The following table summarizes the activity related to the balances outstanding under our proprietary loan program, including loans outstanding, interest and origination fees, which are not recognized in our consolidated balance sheets:
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of period	$	42,880		$	26,863
	Loans extended	22,004			20,968
	Interest accrued	3,455			2,975
	Amounts collected and recognized	(2,277		)	(1,574		)
	Amounts written off	(6,295		)	(6,352		)
	Balance at end of period	$	59,767		$	42,880

Postemployment_Benefits_Tables

Postemployment Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]	'
Postemployment Activity	'
	The postemployment activity for the year ended September 30, 2013 was as follows:
			Liability Balance at		Postemployment		Cash Paid			Other			Liability Balance at
			September 30, 2012		Benefit Charges					Non-cash (1)			30-Sep-13
	Severance		$	2,002	$	2,089	$	(2,268	)	$	(267	)	$	1,556
	Other		149		68		(145		)	(70		)	2
	Total		$	2,151	$	2,157	$	(2,413	)	$	(337	)	$	1,558
	-1	Primarily relates to the expiration of benefits not used within the time offered under the separation agreement and non-cash severance.

Receivables_net_Tables

Receivables, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Receivables, net	'
	Receivables, net consist of the following:
		September 30,
		2013			2012
	Tuition receivables	$	12,545		$	16,254
	Other receivables	3,010			2,764
	Receivables	15,555			19,018
	Less allowance for uncollectible accounts	(4,149		)	(4,108		)
		$	11,406		$	14,910
Summary of the activity for our allowance for uncollectible accounts	'
	The following table summarizes the activity for our allowance for uncollectible accounts for the year ended September 30:
		Balance at			Additions to			Write-offs of			Balance at
		Beginning of			Bad Debt			Uncollectible			End of
		Period			Expense			Accounts			Period
	2013	$	4,108		$	4,762		$	(4,721	)	$	4,149
	2012	$	5,269		$	5,790		$	(6,951	)	$	4,108
	2011	$	4,064		$	8,679		$	(7,474	)	$	5,269

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Held to Maturity Investments	'
	Amortized cost and fair value for investments classified as held-to-maturity at September 30, 2013 were as follows:
									Estimated
		Amortized		Gross Unrealized					Fair Market
		Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
	Due in less than 1 year:
	Municipal bonds	$	40,942	$	22	$	—		$	40,964
	Corporate bonds	11,684		2		(7		)	11,679
	Certificates of deposit	4,905		—		—			4,905
	Due in 1 - 2 years:
	Municipal bonds	3,943		4		—			3,947
	Certificates of deposit	245		—		—			245
		$	61,719	$	28	$	(7	)	$	61,740
	Amortized cost and fair value for investments classified as held-to-maturity at September 30, 2012 were as follows:
									Estimated
		Amortized		Gross Unrealized					Fair Market
		Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
	Due in less than 1 year:
	Municipal bonds	$	23,402	$	2	$	(8	)	$	23,396
	Corporate bonds	18,210		8		(3		)	18,215
	Certificates of deposit	9,843		3		—			9,846
	Due in 1 - 2 years:
	Municipal bonds	170		—		—			170
	Certificates of deposit	4,363		—		—			4,363
		$	55,988	$	13	$	(11	)	$	55,990

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Summary of Fair Value of Our Money Market Mutual Funds, Municipal Bonds and Certificates of Deposit	'
	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following:
				Fair Value Measurements Using
		30-Sep-13		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
				in Active		Other		Unobservable
				Markets for		Observable		Inputs
				Identical Assets		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Money market funds	$	23,135	$	23,135	$	—	$	—
	Corporate bonds	11,679		11,679		—		—
	Municipal bonds	44,911		—		44,911		—
	Certificates of deposit	5,150		—		5,150		—
	Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	84,875	$	34,814	$	50,061	$	—
				Fair Value Measurements Using
		30-Sep-12		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
				in Active		Other		Unobservable
				Markets for		Observable		Inputs
				Identical Assets		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Money market funds	$	32,506	$	32,506	$	—	$	—
	Corporate bonds	18,215		18,215		—		—
	Municipal bonds	23,566		—		23,566		—
	Certificates of deposit	14,209		—		14,209		—
	Commercial paper	4,506		—		4,506		—
	Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	93,002	$	50,721	$	42,281	$	—

Property_and_Equipment_net_Tab

Property and Equipment, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and equipment, net	'
	Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:
		Depreciable	September 30,			September 30,
		Lives (in years)	2013			2012
	Land	—	$	1,456		$	1,456
	Building and building improvements	35	13,741			13,675
	Leasehold improvements	28-Jan	48,062			47,185
	Training equipment	10-Mar	82,270			79,952
	Office and computer equipment	10-Mar	37,206			39,656
	Software developed for internal use	5-Mar	10,895			11,048
	Curriculum development	5	18,716			18,716
	Vehicles	5	1,005			949
	Construction in progress	—	33,158			7,225
			246,509			219,862
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(143,439		)	(127,923		)
			$	103,070		$	91,939

BuildtoSuit_Lease_Tables

Build-to-Suit Lease (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Future minimum lease payments	'
	Future minimum financing payments under this lease as of September 30, 2013 are as follows:
	Years ending September 30,
	2014	$	2,286
	2015	2,852
	2016	2,914
	2017	2,978
	2018	3,044
	Thereafter	46,808
		$	60,882

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_E1

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	'
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following:
		30-Sep-13		30-Sep-12
	Accounts payable	$	13,758	$	8,246
	Accrued compensation and benefits	16,858		24,372
	Other accrued expenses	8,613		8,247
		$	39,229	$	40,865

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of income tax expense	'
	The components of income tax expense are as follows:
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2011
	Current expense	$	6,801		$	14,420		$	15,896
	Deferred (benefit) expense	(3,793		)	(8,490		)	2,296
	Total provision for income taxes	$	3,008		$	5,930		$	18,192
Reconciliation of tax rate	'
	The income tax provision differs from the tax that would result from application of the statutory federal tax rate of 35.0% to pre-tax income for the year. The reasons for the differences are as follows:
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2011
	Income tax expense at statutory rate	$	2,386		$	5,237		$	15,781
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	503			476			2,086
	Other, net	119			217			325
	Total income tax expense	$	3,008		$	5,930		$	18,192
Components of Deferred tax assets (liabilities)	'
	The components of the deferred tax assets (liabilities) recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
		September 30,
		2013			2012
	Gross deferred tax assets:
	Compensation not yet deductible for tax	$	7,997		$	8,652
	Allowance for uncollectible accounts	1,618			1,602
	Expenses and accruals not yet deductible	7,224			7,192
	Deferred revenue	12,110			12,271
	Net operating loss carryovers	226			129
	State tax credit carryforwards	308			296
	Valuation allowance	(224		)	(80		)
	Total deferred tax assets, net	29,259			30,062
	Gross deferred tax liabilities:
	Amortization of goodwill and intangibles	(8,027		)	(8,026		)
	Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	(4,052		)	(7,500		)
	Prepaid expenses deductible for tax	(893		)	(983		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities, net	(12,972		)	(16,509		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	16,287		$	13,553
Classification of deferred tax assets (liabilities)	'
	The deferred tax assets are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows:
		September 30,
		2013			2012
	Current deferred tax assets, net	$	7,452		$	7,977
	Noncurrent deferred tax assets, net	8,835			5,576
	Net deferred tax assets	$	16,287		$	13,553
Summary of valuation allowance	'
	The following table summarizes the activity for the valuation allowance for the year ended September 30:
		Balance at			Additions			Write-offs		Balance at
		Beginning of			(Reductions)					End of
		Period			to Income					Period
					Tax
					Expense
	2013	$	80		$	144		$	—	$	224
	2012	$	110		$	(30	)	$	—	$	80
	2011	$	—		$	110		$	—	$	110

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Future Minimum Rental Commitments	'
	Future minimum rental commitments as of September 30, 2013 for all non-cancelable operating leases are as follows:
	Years ending September 30,
	2014	$	29,066
	2015	28,791
	2016	27,260
	2017	23,507
	2018	23,457
	Thereafter	76,986
		$	209,067

Common_Shareholders_Equity_Tab

Common Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Summary of operating expense line and the impact on net income	'
	The following table summarizes the operating expense line and the impact on net income in the consolidated statements of income in which stock-based compensation expense has been recorded:
			Year Ended September 30,
			2013			2012			2011
	Educational services and facilities		$	617		$	1,080		$	939
	Selling, general and administrative		5,607			5,412			5,340
	Total stock-based compensation expense		$	6,224		$	6,492		$	6,279
	Income tax benefit		$	2,427		$	2,532		$	2,449
Summary of stock option activity	'
	The following table summarizes stock option activity under the 2002 and 2003 Plans:
			Number of		Weighted			Weighted		Aggregate
			Shares		Average Exercise			Average		Intrinsic
			(In thousands)		Price			Remaining		Value
					per Share			Contractual
								Life (Years)
	Outstanding as of September 30, 2012		999		$	24.21		2.18		$	107
	Stock options exercised		(21	)	$	12.67
	Stock options forfeited		(95	)	$	25.68
	Outstanding as of September 30, 2013		883		$	24.33		1.2		$	—
	Stock options exercisable as of September 30, 2013		883		$	24.33		1.2		$	—
Cash received and associated tax benefit	'
	The amount of cash received and associated tax benefits for stock options exercised are summarized as follows:
			Year Ended September 30,
			2013			2012			2011
	Cash received		$	262		$	224		$	950
	Tax benefits		$	6		$	178		$	961
Share-based compensation activity	'
	The following table summarizes restricted stock activity under the 2003 Plan:
			Number of Shares		Weighted Average
			(In thousands)		Grant Date
					Fair Value
					per Share
	Nonvested restricted stock outstanding as of September 30, 2012		1,114		$	14.72
	Restricted stock awarded		21		$	10.78
	Restricted stock vested		(344	)	$	16.1
	Restricted stock forfeited		(88	)	$	14.7
	Nonvested restricted stock outstanding as of September 30, 2013		703		$	13.93
	The following table summarizes restricted stock unit activity under the 2003 Plan:
			Number of Shares		Weighted Average
			(In thousands)		Grant Date
					Fair Value
					per Share
	Nonvested restricted stock units outstanding as of September 30, 2012		—		$	—
	Restricted stock awarded		589		$	9.6
	Restricted stock vested		—		$	—
	Restricted stock forfeited		—		$	—
	Nonvested restricted stock units outstanding as of September 30, 2013		589		$	9.6
	The following table summarizes market share activity under the 2003 Plan:
			Number of Shares		Weighted Average
			(In thousands)		Grant Date
					Fair Value
					per Share
	Nonvested market shares outstanding as of September 30, 2012		56		$	26.88
	Market shares cancelled(1)		(11	)	$	26.01
	Market shares vested		—		$	—
	Market shares forfeited(2)		(3	)	$	27
	Nonvested market shares outstanding as of September 30, 2013		42		$	27.1
	-1	Relates to market shares assumed vested at the end of the prior year measurement period which did not actually vest on the subsequent settlement date.
	-2	Relates to employee terminations.

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Summary of Calculation of Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Used in Computing Basic and Diluted Net Income Loss Per Share	'
	The calculation of the weighted average number of shares outstanding used in computing basic and diluted net income per share was as follows:
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013	2012	2011
	Weighted average number of shares	(In thousands)
	Basic shares outstanding	24,515	24,711	24,427
	Dilutive effect related to employee stock plans	189	226	313
	Diluted shares outstanding	24,704	24,937	24,740

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Summary of Information by Reportable Segment	'
	Summary information by reportable segment is as follows:
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2011
	Revenues
	Postsecondary education	$	371,663		$	403,793		$	443,510
	Other	8,605			9,759			8,390
	Consolidated	$	380,268		$	413,552		$	451,900
	Income (loss) from operations
	Postsecondary education	$	8,359		$	16,284		$	48,424
	Other	(2,430		)	(2,169		)	(3,878		)
	Consolidated	$	5,929		$	14,115		$	44,546
	Depreciation and amortization
	Postsecondary education	$	21,796		$	23,400		$	24,265
	Other	360			419			577
	Consolidated	$	22,156		$	23,819		$	24,842
	Net income (loss)
	Postsecondary education	$	5,202		$	10,256		$	29,162
	Other	(1,392		)	(1,224		)	(2,265		)
	Consolidated	$	3,810		$	9,032		$	26,897
		As of September 30,
		2013			2012			2011
	Goodwill
	Postsecondary education	$	20,579		$	20,579		$	20,579
	Other	—			—			—
	Consolidated	$	20,579		$	20,579		$	20,579
	Total assets
	Postsecondary education	$	272,178		$	260,497		$	263,833
	Other	7,285			7,661			2,196
	Consolidated	$	279,463		$	268,158		$	266,029

Quarterly_Financial_Summary_Un1

Quarterly Financial Summary (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Summary (Unaudited)	'
	Year ended September 30, 2013	First		Second			Third		Fourth		Fiscal
		Quarter		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter		Year
	Revenues	$	98,441	$	95,075		$	90,954	$	95,798	$	380,268
	Income (loss) from operations	$	6,006	$	(1,939	)	$	458	$	1,404	$	5,929
	Net income (loss)	$	3,562	$	(920	)	$	296	$	872	$	3,810
	Income (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	0.14	$	(0.04	)	$	0.01	$	0.04	$	0.16
	Diluted	$	0.14	$	(0.04	)	$	0.01	$	0.04	$	0.15
	Year ended September 30, 2012	First		Second			Third		Fourth		Fiscal
		Quarter		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter		Year
	Revenues	$	106,427	$	106,240		$	99,601	$	101,284	$	413,552
	Income from operations	$	7,327	$	3,015		$	1,518	$	2,255	$	14,115
	Net income	$	4,479	$	1,932		$	1,013	$	1,608	$	9,032
	Income per share:
	Basic	$	0.18	$	0.08		$	0.04	$	0.06	$	0.37
	Diluted	$	0.18	$	0.08		$	0.04	$	0.06	$	0.36

Business_Description_Narrative

Business Description (Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2013
	Campus
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Number of campuses through which undergraduate degree, diploma and certificate programs are offered	11

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
	segment
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenue consisted of tuition	98.00%	98.00%	98.00%	'
Deposit related to proprietary loan program	$1,000,000	'	'	'
Expenses Incurred with bank and other services	2,000,000	1,500,000	900,000	'
Total amount of loans committed to provide	85,900,000	'	'	'
Maximum maturity period	'90 days	'	'	'
Goodwill	20,579,000	20,579,000	20,579,000	'
Number of reporting units	2	'	'	'
Advertising Expenses	37,000,000	42,100,000	34,600,000	'
Stock Based Compensation Expenses	6,224,000	6,492,000	6,279,000	'
Tax Benefit	2,427,000	2,532,000	2,449,000	'
Cash and cash equivalents	35,657,000	45,665,000	53,670,000	48,974,000
Investment	$61,700,000	'	'	'
Percentage of cash basis revenue collected from funds distributed under Title IV programs	68.00%	75.00%	75.00%	'
Percentage of Cash Basis Revenue Collected from Funds Distributed Under Veterans Benefits Programs	18.00%	9.00%	4.00%	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Impact of Proprietary Loan Program on Tuition Revenue and Interest Income) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			64 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of impact of proprietary loan program on our tuition revenue and interest income	'	'	'	'
Tuition and interest income excluded	$22,977	$17,097	$9,158	$69,859
Amounts collected and recognized	-2,277	-1,574	-857	-5,022
Amounts written off	-6,295	-6,352	-5,926	-20,995
Net amount excluded during the period	$14,405	$9,171	$2,375	$43,842

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Balances Outstanding under Proprietary Loan Program) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			64 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013
Activity related to the balances outstanding under our proprietary loan program	'	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$42,880	$26,863	'	'
Loans extended	22,004	20,968	'	'
Interest accrued	3,455	2,975	'	'
Amounts collected and recognized	-2,277	-1,574	-857	-5,022
Amounts written off	-6,295	-6,352	-5,926	-20,995
Balance at ending of period	$59,767	$42,880	$26,863	$59,767

Postemployment_Benefits_Narrat

Postemployment Benefits (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
	employees		Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Employee Severance [Member]	Employee Severance [Member]
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of impacted employees due to reduction in workforce	50	'	'	'	'	'
Expiration Period Of Postemployment Benefits Agreements	'	'2015-12	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Postemployment Benefits [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Postemployment benefit expense	'	$2,157	'	'	$1,600	$2,089
Period for payment of post employment benefit	'	'	'1 month	'24 months	'	'

Postemployment_Benefits_Postem

Postemployment Benefits (Postemployment Activity) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Postemployment Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Beginning Balance	'	$2,151
Postemployment Benefit Charges	'	2,157
Cash Paid	'	-2,413
Other Non-cash	'	-337
Liability Ending Balance	1,558	1,558
Severance	'	'
Postemployment Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Beginning Balance	'	2,002
Postemployment Benefit Charges	1,600	2,089
Cash Paid	'	-2,268
Other Non-cash	'	-267
Liability Ending Balance	1,556	1,556
Other	'	'
Postemployment Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Beginning Balance	'	149
Postemployment Benefit Charges	'	68
Cash Paid	'	-145
Other Non-cash	'	-70
Liability Ending Balance	$2	$2

Receivables_net_Narrative_Deta

Receivables, net (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Reduction in bad debt expense	$0.60

Receivables_net_Details

Receivables, net (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Receivables [Abstract]	'	'
Tuition receivables	$12,545	$16,254
Other receivables	3,010	2,764
Receivables	15,555	19,018
Less allowance for uncollectible accounts	-4,149	-4,108
Total	$11,406	$14,910

Receivables_net_Allowance_for_

Receivables, net (Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Receivables [Abstract]	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Period	$4,108	$5,269	$4,064
Additions to Bad Debt Expense	4,762	5,790	8,679
Write-offs of Uncollectible Accounts	-4,721	-6,951	-7,474
Balance at End of Period	$4,149	$4,108	$5,269

Investments_Amortized_Cost_and

Investments (Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Held to Maturity Investments) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	$61,719	$55,988
Gross Unrealized Gains	28	13
Gross Unrealized Losses	-7	-11
Estimated Fair Market Value	61,740	55,990
Municipal bonds, due in less than 1 year	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	40,942	23,402
Gross Unrealized Gains	22	2
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	-8
Estimated Fair Market Value	40,964	23,396
Corporate bonds, due in less than 1 year	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	11,684	18,210
Gross Unrealized Gains	2	8
Gross Unrealized Losses	-7	-3
Estimated Fair Market Value	11,679	18,215
Certificates of deposit, due in less than 1 year	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	4,905	9,843
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	3
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Market Value	4,905	9,846
Municipal bonds, due in 1 - 2 years	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	3,943	170
Gross Unrealized Gains	4	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Market Value	3,947	170
Certificates of deposit, due in 1- 2 years	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	245	4,363
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Market Value	$245	$4,363

Fair_Value_Measurements_Assets

Fair Value Measurements (Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$84,875	$93,002
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Money market funds	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	23,135	32,506
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Corporate bonds	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	11,679	18,215
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Municipal bonds	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	44,911	23,566
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Certificates of deposit	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	5,150	14,209
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Commercial Paper	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	'	4,506
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	34,814	50,721
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Money market funds	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	23,135	32,506
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Corporate bonds	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	11,679	18,215
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Municipal bonds	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Certificates of deposit	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Commercial Paper	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	'	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	50,061	42,281
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Money market funds	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Corporate bonds	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Municipal bonds	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	44,911	23,566
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Certificates of deposit	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	5,150	14,209
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Commercial Paper	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	'	4,506
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Money market funds	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Corporate bonds	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Municipal bonds	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Certificates of deposit	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Commercial Paper	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	'	$0

Property_and_Equipment_net_Nar

Property and Equipment, net (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation	$18.40	$19.30	$19.90
Amortization	4.8	5.6	5.9
Lisle Illinois Campus [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Construction in Progress, Gross	$27.60	'	'

Property_and_Equipment_net_Det

Property and Equipment, net (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Land [Member]

Land [Member]

Building and building improvements [Member]

Building and building improvements [Member]

Leasehold improvements [Member]

Leasehold improvements [Member]

Leasehold improvements [Member]

Leasehold improvements [Member]

Training equipment [Member]

Training equipment [Member]

Training equipment [Member]

Training equipment [Member]

Office and computer equipment [Member]

Office and computer equipment [Member]

Office and computer equipment [Member]

Office and computer equipment [Member]

Software developed for internal use [Member]

Software developed for internal use [Member]

Software developed for internal use [Member]

Software developed for internal use [Member]

Curriculum development [Member]

Curriculum development [Member]

Vehicles [Member]

Vehicles [Member]

Construction in progress [Member]

Construction in progress [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Depreciable Lives

'18 years

'

'

'

'35 years

'

'

'

'1 year

'28 years

'

'

'3 years

'10 years

'

'

'3 years

'10 years

'

'

'3 years

'5 years

'5 years

'

'5 years

'

'

'

Property and equipment, gross

$219,862

$246,509

$1,456

$1,456

$13,741

$13,675

$48,062

$47,185

'

'

$82,270

$79,952

'

'

$37,206

$39,656

'

'

$10,895

$11,048

'

'

$18,716

$18,716

$1,005

$949

$33,158

$7,225

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

-127,923

-143,439

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property and equipment, net

$91,939

$103,070

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

BuildtoSuit_Lease_Future_Minim

Build-to-Suit Lease (Future Minimum Lease Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Future minimum rental commitments	'
2014	$29,066
2015	28,791
2016	27,260
2017	23,507
2018	23,457
Thereafter	76,986
Total	209,067
Build-to-Suit Lease [Member]	'
Future minimum rental commitments	'
2014	2,286
2015	2,852
2016	2,914
2017	2,978
2018	3,044
Thereafter	46,808
Total	$60,882

BuildtoSuit_Lease_Narrative_De

Build-to-Suit Lease (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Build-to-Suit Lease (Additional Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Construction liability	$2,421,000	$27,632,000
Depreciable Lives	'18 years	'
Investment to acquire equity interest	'	4,000,000
Equity interest in a joint venture (JV).	'	28.00%
Maximum tax rebate for property taxes as per tax increment financing arrangement	'	6,200,000
Build-to-Suit Lease [Member]	'	'
Build-to-Suit Lease (Additional Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Construction in progress	'	27,600,000
Construction liability	'	27,600,000
Lisle Illinois Campus [Member]	'	'
Build-to-Suit Lease (Additional Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Construction in progress	'	27,600,000
Lisle Illinois Campus [Member] | Land [Member]	'	'
Build-to-Suit Lease (Additional Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	'	$300,000

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_E2

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts payable	$13,758	$8,246
Accrued compensation and benefits	16,858	24,372
Other accrued expenses	8,613	8,247
Accounts payable and accrued expenses, total	$39,229	$40,865

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
		State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Statutory federal tax rate	35.00%	'
Deferred tax assets related to state net operating loss and credit carryforwards	$0.50	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation allowances related to the state net operating loss carry-forwards	'	$0.10

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Inc

Income Taxes (Components of Income Tax Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Current expense	$6,801	$14,420	$15,896
Deferred (benefit) expense	-3,793	-8,490	2,296
Total provision for income taxes	$3,008	$5,930	$18,192

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Tax Rate) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Income tax expense at statutory rate	$2,386	$5,237	$15,781
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	503	476	2,086
Other, net	119	217	325
Total provision for income taxes	$3,008	$5,930	$18,192

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Def

Income Taxes (Components of Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Gross deferred tax assets:	'	'
Compensation not yet deductible for tax	$7,997	$8,652
Allowance for uncollectible accounts	1,618	1,602
Expenses and accruals not yet deductible	7,224	7,192
Deferred revenue	12,110	12,271
Net operating loss carryovers	226	129
State tax credit carryforwards	308	296
Valuation allowance	-224	-80
Total deferred tax assets, net	29,259	30,062
Gross deferred tax liabilities:	'	'
Amortization of goodwill and intangibles	-8,027	-8,026
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	-4,052	-7,500
Prepaid expenses deductible for tax	-893	-983
Total deferred tax liabilities, net	-12,972	-16,509
Net deferred tax assets	$16,287	$13,553

Income_Taxes_Classification_of

Income Taxes (Classification of Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Current deferred tax assets, net	$7,452	$7,977
Noncurrent deferred tax assets, net	8,835	5,576
Net deferred tax assets	$16,287	$13,553

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Valuat

Income Taxes (Summary of Valuation Allowance) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$80	$110	$0
Additions (reductions) to income tax expense	144	-30	110
Write-offs	0	0	0
Balance at End of Period	$224	$80	$110

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
		Campus
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number Of Campus Properties Leased From Related Party	'	2	'	'
Rent expense includes rent paid to related parties	'	$2,500,000	$2,500,000	$2,400,000
Minimum Balance to be maintained in credits earned on purchases	'	1,000,000	'	'
Net Prepaid Expenses from Excess of Credits Earned Over Credits Used	5,700,000	5,700,000	4,000,000	'
Accrued tool sets	3,971,000	3,971,000	4,264,000	'
Liability to vendor for vouchers redeemed by students	1,100,000	1,100,000	1,900,000	'
Employee agreement amount committed	3,800,000	3,800,000	'	'
Severance agreement amount committed	7,900,000	7,900,000	'	'
Maximum contribution per employee percentage of regular compensation	'	75.00%	'	'
Maximum contribution per employee percentage of incentive compensation	'	100.00%	'	'
Maximum contribution per non-employee percentage of cash compensation	'	100.00%	'	'
Deferred compensation contributions, vesting period	'	'5 years	'	'
Obligation under the plan	3,700,000	3,700,000	2,500,000	'
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance	4,000,000	4,000,000	2,500,000	'
Settlement Agreement expense	400,000	'	'	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Minimum Rentals	'	28,900,000	28,200,000	28,600,000
John C. and Cynthia L. White [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Minimum Rentals	'	300,000	'	'
Minimum Annual Rent Increase	'	4.00%	'	'
Delegates LLC [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Minimum Rentals	'	700,000	'	'
Minimum Annual Rent Increase	'	4.00%	'	'
City Park LLC [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Minimum Rentals	'	500,000	'	'
Minimum Annual Rent Increase	'	2.00%	'	'
Number of leased properties	2	2	'	'
Number of leases	1	1	'	'
Related Party Transaction, Related Party Ownership Percentage Of Lessor	25.00%	25.00%	'	'
Licensing Agreement 1 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Minimum Royalty Payments under Licensing Agreements	'	600,000	'	'
License Costs	'	600,000	700,000	600,000
Minimum Marketing and Advertising Fee to be Paid	'	800,000	'	'
Future Minimum Marketing and Advertising Fee To Be Paid	'	900,000	'	'
Marketing and advertising expense	'	900,000	900,000	900,000
Licensing Agreement 2 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
License Costs	'	1,100,000	1,200,000	1,500,000
Licensing Agreement 3 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Minimum Royalty Payments under Licensing Agreements	'	1,800,000	'	'
License Costs	'	1,700,000	1,700,000	2,000,000
Increase in Minimum Royalty Payments by Subsequent Year	'	50,000	'	'
Licensing Agreement 4 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Minimum notification of intent to terminate agreement	'	'90 days	'	'
Surety Bond [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$19,200,000	$19,200,000	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Severance agreement, term of benefits	'	'6 months	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Severance agreement, term of benefits	'	'12 months	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Future Minimum Rental Commitments) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2014	$29,066
2015	28,791
2016	27,260
2017	23,507
2018	23,457
Thereafter	76,986
Total	$209,067

Common_Shareholders_Equity_Nar

Common Shareholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

21 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 28, 2013

Mar. 29, 2013

Dec. 21, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Feb. 28, 2003

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 01, 2002

Sep. 30, 2013

Feb. 28, 2007

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

plan

vote

Common Stock [Member]

Two Thousand Two Plan [Member]

Two Thousand Two Plan [Member]

Two Thousand Two Plan [Member]

Two Thousand Three Plan [Member]

Two Thousand Three Plan [Member]

Termination Due to Death [Member]

Termination Due to Death [Member]

Termination for reasons other than death, disability, cause, material breach or unsatisfactory performance [Member]

Termination for reasons other than death, disability, cause, material breach or unsatisfactory performance [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Market Shares [Member]

Market Shares [Member]

Market Shares [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Two Thousand Two Plan [Member]

Two Thousand Three Plan [Member]

Two Thousand Two Plan [Member]

Two Thousand Three Plan [Member]

Termination for reasons other than death, disability, cause, material breach or unsatisfactory performance [Member]

Termination for reasons other than death, disability, cause, material breach or unsatisfactory performance [Member]

Termination for reasons other than death, disability, cause, material breach or unsatisfactory performance [Member]

Two Thousand Three Plan [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Market Shares [Member]

Two Thousand Three Plan [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Market Shares [Member]

Two Thousand Three Plan [Member]

Two Thousand Three Plan [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of voting rights per share, common stock

'

'

'

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock dividends declared, per share

$0.10

$0.10

$0.10

$0.10

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash dividend

'

'

'

'

'

$9,820,000

$7,425,000

'

'

$9,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repurchase of common stock authorized by Board of Directors

'

'

'

'

25,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchased shares

'

'

'

'

'

561,000

'

'

705,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Average price per share

'

'

'

'

'

$9.62

'

'

$10.27

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate cost of treasury stock repurchased during the period

'

'

'

'

'

5,422,000

'

'

7,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of repurchase plan replaced by existing plan

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of options to purchase shares of common stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

700,000

'

5,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of additional shares authorized for issuance under an established share-based compensation plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vesting period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'

'4 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'1 year

'2 months 15 days

'

'1 year

'

'4 years

'4 years

'

'

'5 years

'5 years

'

Expiration date of options granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'7 years

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

Termination of the participant reason of death

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Termination of the participant reason other than death

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'30 days

'90 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock reserved for issuance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Available for future grant

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-vested stock option

0

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

703,000

1,114,000

'

589,000

0

'

42,000

56,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized stock compensation expense related to non-vested stock options

0

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total fair value of options vested

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Closing stock price

$12.13

'

'

'

'

$12.13

'

'

$12.13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total intrinsic value of stock option exercise

'

'

'

'

'

100,000

500,000

2,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized stock compensation expense related to restricted stock awards

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$9,200,000

'

'

$5,600,000

'

'

$100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Recognized weighted average period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years 1 month 12 days

'

'

'4 years

'

'

'2 months 12 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of shares receive by the participant of common stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.00%

'

'

'

200.00%

Share-based compensation market shares measurement period 1

'

'

'

'

'

'36 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common_Shareholders_Equity_Sum

Common Shareholders' Equity (Summary of Operating Expense Line and the Impact on Net Income) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation expense	$6,224	$6,492	$6,279
Income tax benefit	2,427	2,532	2,449
Educational Services and Facilities [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation expense	617	1,080	939
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation expense	$5,607	$5,412	$5,340

Common_Shareholders_Equity_Sum1

Common Shareholders' Equity (Summary of Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Stock options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Number of Shares	999	'
Stock options exercised, Number of Shares	-21	'
Stock options forfeited, Number of Shares	-95	'
Stock options outstanding, Ending Balance, Number of Shares	883	999
Stock options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share	$24.21	'
Stock options exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share	$12.67	'
Stock options forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share	$25.68	'
Stock options outstanding, Ending Balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share	$24.33	$24.21
Stock options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'1 year 2 months 12 days	'2 years 2 months 5 days
Stock options outstanding, Ending Balance, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'1 year 2 months 12 days	'2 years 2 months 5 days
Stock options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$107	'
Stock options outstanding, Ending Balance, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	0	107
Stock options exercisable	883	'
Stock options exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share	$24.33	'
Stock options exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'1 year 2 months 12 days	'
Stock options exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$0	'

Common_Shareholders_Equity_Cas

Common Shareholders' Equity (Cash Received and Associated Tax Benefit) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Cash received	$262	$224	$950
Tax benefits	$6	$178	$961

Common_Shareholders_Equity_Sha

Common Shareholders' Equity (Share-based Compensation Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]	'
Ending Balance, Number of Shares	0
Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning Balance, Number of Shares	1,114,000
Awarded, Number of Shares	21,000
Vested, Number of Shares	-344,000
Forfeited, Number of Shares	-88,000
Ending Balance, Number of Shares	703,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]	'
Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	$14.72
Awarded, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	$10.78
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	$16.10
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	$14.70
Ending Balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	$13.93
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning Balance, Number of Shares	0
Awarded, Number of Shares	589,000
Vested, Number of Shares	0
Forfeited, Number of Shares	0
Ending Balance, Number of Shares	589,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]	'
Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	$0
Awarded, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	$9.60
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	$0
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	$0
Ending Balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	$9.60
Market Shares [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning Balance, Number of Shares	56,000
Cancelled, Number of Shares	-11,000
Vested, Number of Shares	0
Forfeited, Number of Shares	-3,000
Ending Balance, Number of Shares	42,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]	'
Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	$26.88
Cancelled, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	$26.01
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	$0
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	$27
Ending Balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	$27.10

Earnings_per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings per Share (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'
Shares not included in the determination of our diluted shares outstanding as they were anti-dilutive	1.6	1.5	1.1

Earnings_per_Share_Calculation

Earnings per Share (Calculation of the Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding) (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Weighted average number of shares	'	'	'
Basic shares outstanding	24,515	24,711	24,427
Dilutive effect related to employee stock plans	189	226	313
Diluted shares outstanding	24,704	24,937	24,740

Defined_Contribution_Employee_1

Defined Contribution Employee Benefit Plan (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	$1.20	$2	$1.80

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$95,798	$90,954	$95,075	$98,441	$101,284	$99,601	$106,240	$106,427	$380,268	$413,552	$451,900
Income (loss) from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from operations	1,404	458	-1,939	6,006	2,255	1,518	3,015	7,327	5,929	14,115	44,546
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	22,156	23,819	24,842
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	872	296	-920	3,562	1,608	1,013	1,932	4,479	3,810	9,032	26,897
Goodwill	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	20,579	'	'	'	20,579	'	'	'	20,579	20,579	20,579
Assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	279,463	'	'	'	268,158	'	'	'	279,463	268,158	266,029
Postsecondary education	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	371,663	403,793	443,510
Income (loss) from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,359	16,284	48,424
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	21,796	23,400	24,265
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,202	10,256	29,162
Goodwill	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	20,579	'	'	'	20,579	'	'	'	20,579	20,579	20,579
Assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	272,178	'	'	'	260,497	'	'	'	272,178	260,497	263,833
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,605	9,759	8,390
Income (loss) from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,430	-2,169	-3,878
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	360	419	577
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,392	-1,224	-2,265
Goodwill	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	0
Assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	$7,285	'	'	'	$7,661	'	'	'	$7,285	$7,661	$2,196

Government_Regulation_and_Fina1

Government Regulation and Financial Aid (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]	'	'	'
Percentage of cash basis revenue collected from funds distributed under Title IV programs	68.00%	75.00%	75.00%

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	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$95,798	$90,954	$95,075	$98,441	$101,284	$99,601	$106,240	$106,427	$380,268	$413,552	$451,900
Income (loss) from operations	1,404	458	-1,939	6,006	2,255	1,518	3,015	7,327	5,929	14,115	44,546
Net income	$872	$296	($920)	$3,562	$1,608	$1,013	$1,932	$4,479	$3,810	$9,032	$26,897
Income (loss) per share:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic (usd per share)	$0.04	$0.01	($0.04)	$0.14	$0.06	$0.04	$0.08	$0.18	$0.16	$0.37	$1.10
Diluted (usd per share)	$0.04	$0.01	($0.04)	$0.14	$0.06	$0.04	$0.08	$0.18	$0.15	$0.36	$1.09