Universal Technical Institute (UTI) 10-Q 30 Apr 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 24, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	24,658,261
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Trading Symbol	'UTI	'
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-Q	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$34,343	$35,657
Restricted cash	4,811	5,748
Investments, current	55,563	57,531
Receivables, net	10,470	11,406
Deferred tax assets, net	5,564	7,452
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	17,065	15,553
Total current assets	127,816	133,347
Investments, less current	11,996	4,188
Property and equipment, net	105,049	103,070
Goodwill	20,579	20,579
Deferred tax assets, net	9,936	8,835
Other assets	9,836	9,444
Total assets	285,212	279,463
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	38,132	39,229
Deferred revenue	50,482	46,890
Accrued tool sets	3,937	3,971
Lease financing obligation, current	546	0
Other current liabilities	2,333	2,271
Total current liabilities	95,430	92,361
Deferred rent liability	11,207	11,932
Lease financing obligation, noncurrent	32,787	0
Construction liability	0	27,632
Other liabilities	10,104	8,768
Total liabilities	149,528	140,693
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 30,542,393 shares issued and 24,650,066 shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 30,535,847 shares issued and 24,643,520 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2013	3	3
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Paid-in capital	173,190	171,087
Treasury stock, at cost, 5,892,327 shares at December 31 and September 30, 2013	-89,756	-89,346
Retained earnings	52,247	57,026
Total shareholders' equity	135,684	138,770
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$285,212	$279,463

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	30,581,588	30,535,847
Common stock, shares outstanding	24,658,261	24,643,520
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	5,923,327	5,892,327

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_INCOME_

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenues	$94,702	$95,075	$191,731	$193,516
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Educational services and facilities	50,652	50,456	101,763	100,148
Selling, general and administrative	45,554	46,558	88,469	89,301
Total operating expenses	96,206	97,014	190,232	189,449
Income (loss) from operations	-1,504	-1,939	1,499	4,067
Total other income (expense)	'	'	'	'
Interest Income (Expense), Net	-491	72	-623	119
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate	127	0	208	0
Other income	104	245	379	364
Total other income	-260	317	-36	483
Income (loss) before income taxes	-1,764	-1,622	1,463	4,550
Income tax expense (benefit)	-259	-702	1,308	1,908
Net income (loss)	($1,505)	($920)	$155	$2,642
Earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) per share - basic	($0.06)	($0.04)	$0.01	$0.11
Net income (loss) per share - diluted	($0.06)	($0.04)	$0.01	$0.11
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	24,661	24,396	24,653	24,581
Diluted	24,661	24,396	24,888	24,651
Cash dividends declared per common share	$0.10	$0.10	$0.20	$0.20

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Paid-in Capital	Treasury Stock	Retained Earnings
In Thousands
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$138,770	$3	$171,087	($89,346)	$57,026
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013	'	30,536	'	5,892	'
Net income	155	'	'	'	155
Issuance of common stock under employee plans, shares	'	50	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock under employee plans	0	0	0	'	'
Shares withheld for payroll taxes, shares	'	-4	'	'	'
Shares withheld for payroll taxes	-58	0	-58	'	'
Tax benefit from employee stock plans	-945	'	-945	'	'
Stock-based compensation	3,106	'	3,106	'	'
Cash dividend declared	-4,934	'	'	'	-4,934
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	'	'	'	31	'
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	410	'	'	410	'
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	$135,684	$3	$173,190	($89,756)	$52,247
Ending Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2014	'	30,582	'	5,923	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$155	$2,642
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	9,861	11,349
Amortization of assets subject to financing obligations	620	0
Amortization of held-to-maturity investments	1,235	919
Bad debt expense	1,990	2,620
Stock-based compensation	3,106	3,005
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	-7	0
Deferred income taxes	-158	521
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate	-208	0
Net training equipment credits earned	-601	-881
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	150	62
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Receivables	174	940
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-1,318	1,511
Other assets	-189	-707
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-1,147	-8,112
Deferred revenue	3,592	-5,839
Income tax payable/receivable	-1,307	-1,291
Accrued tool sets and other current liabilities	242	805
Deferred rent liability	-725	-462
Other liabilities	397	534
Net cash provided by operating activities	15,862	7,616
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchase of property and equipment	-5,488	-4,160
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment	5	42
Purchase of investments	-33,132	-44,046
Proceeds received upon maturity of investments	26,057	33,362
Increase in restricted cash	944	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-11,614	-14,802
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Payment of cash dividend	-4,934	-4,912
Repayment of long-term lease financing obligations	-167	0
Payment of payroll taxes on stock-based compensation through shares withheld	-58	-62
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee plans	0	395
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	7	0
Purchase of treasury stock	-410	-5,364
Net cash used in financing activities	-5,562	-9,943
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	1,314	17,129
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	35,657	45,665
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	34,343	28,536
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'	'
Taxes paid	2,772	'
Training equipment obtained in exchange for services	1,937	'
Change in accrued capital expenditures during the period	112	'
Construction in progress financed by construction liability during the period	5,868	'
Construction liability recognized as financing obligation	33,500	'
Interest Paid	$757	'

Nature_of_the_Business

Nature of the Business	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Nature of the Business	'
	Nature of the Business
	We are the leading provider of postsecondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians as measured by total average undergraduate full-time student enrollment and graduates. We offer undergraduate degree and diploma programs at 11 campuses across the United States under the banner of several well-known brands, including Universal Technical Institute, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute and NASCAR Technical Institute. We also offer manufacturer specific training (MSAT) programs, including student paid electives, at our campuses and manufacturer or dealer sponsored training at certain campuses and 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), as well as from various veterans benefits programs. For further discussion, see Concentration of Risk and Note 16 “Governmental Regulation and Financial Aid” included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on December 4, 2013.

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, our condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all normal and recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods have been included. Operating results for the three months and six months ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending September 30, 2014. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 4, 2013.
	The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
	Historically, we have calculated income tax expense for interim periods based on estimated annual effective tax rates. These rates have been derived, in part, from expected income before taxes for the year. However, authoritative accounting guidance indicates that companies should not apply the estimated annual tax rate to interim financial results if the estimated annual tax rate is not reliably predictable. We are not able to reasonably estimate the annual effective tax rate for the year ending September 30, 2014 because small fluctuations in our earnings before taxes could result in a material change in the estimated annual effective tax rate based on our current projections. Therefore, for the three months and six months ended March 31, 2014, we calculated income taxes for each of the discrete periods using the actual year-to-date results.
	We have no items which affect comprehensive income other than net income.

Investments

Investments	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 intent 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 as of March 31, 2014 were as follows:
									Estimated
		Amortized		Gross Unrealized					Fair Market
		Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
	Due in less than 1 year:
	Municipal bonds	$	39,808	$	17	$	—		$	39,825
	Corporate bonds	13,624		4		(11		)	13,617
	Certificates of deposit	2,131		—		—			2,131
	Due in 1 - 2 years:
	Municipal bonds	6,578		6		(1		)	6,583
	Corporate bonds	3,186		—		(6		)	3,180
	Certificates of deposit	2,232		—		—			2,232
		$	67,559	$	27	$	(18	)	$	67,568
	Amortized cost and fair value for investments classified as held-to-maturity as of 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
	Investments are exposed to various risks, including interest rate, market and credit risk. 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 condensed consolidated balance sheets and condensed consolidated statements of income.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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.
	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following:
				Fair Value Measurements Using
		31-Mar-14		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
				in Active		Other		Unobservable
				Markets for		Observable		Inputs
				Identical Assets		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Money market funds	$	25,320	$	25,320	$	—	$	—
	Corporate bonds	16,797		16,797		—		—
	Municipal bonds	46,408		—		46,408		—
	Certificates of deposit	4,363		—		4,363		—
	Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	92,888	$	42,117	$	50,771	$	—
				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	$	—

Postemployment_Benefits

Postemployment Benefits	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Postemployment Benefits	'
	Postemployment Benefits
	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 condensed 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 six months ended March 31, 2014 was as follows:
			Liability Balance at		Postemployment		Cash Paid			Other			Liability Balance at
			September 30, 2013		Benefit Charges					Non-cash (1)			31-Mar-14
	Severance		$	1,714	$	712	$	(605	)	$	(12	)	$	1,809
	Other		2		43		(11		)	—			34
	Total		$	1,716	$	755	$	(616	)	$	(12	)	$	1,843
	-1	Primarily relates to the expiration of benefits not used within the time offered under the separation agreement and non-cash severance.

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings per Share	'
	Earnings per Share
	Basic net income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share reflects the assumed conversion of all dilutive securities, if any. For the six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, 576,837 shares and 1,437,686 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. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, diluted loss per share equals basic loss per share as the assumed activity related to outstanding stock-based grants would have an anti-dilutive effect.
	The calculation of the weighted average number of shares outstanding used in computing basic and diluted net income per share was as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,		Six Months Ended March 31,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Weighted average number of shares	(In thousands)
	Basic shares outstanding	24,661	24,396	24,653	24,581
	Dilutive effect related to employee stock plans	—	—	235	70
	Diluted shares outstanding	24,661	24,396	24,888	24,651

Property_and_Equipment_net

Property and Equipment, net	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Property and Equipment, net	'
	Property and Equipment, net
	Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:
		Depreciable		31-Mar-14				September 30, 2013
		Lives (in years)
	Land	—		$	1,456			$	1,456
	Buildings and building improvements	35		50,306				13,741
	Leasehold improvements	28-Jan		39,238				48,062
	Training equipment	10-Mar		84,071				82,270
	Office and computer equipment	10-Mar		37,471				37,206
	Curriculum development	5		18,716				18,716
	Software developed for internal use	5-Mar		10,645				10,895
	Vehicles	5		1,045				1,005
	Construction in progress	—		4,469				33,158
				247,417				246,509
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			(142,368		)		(143,439		)
				$	105,049			$	103,070
	The following amounts, which are included in the above table, represent assets financed by financing obligations:
		31-Mar-14
	Buildings and building improvements	$	33,500
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(620		)
	Assets financed by financing obligation, net	$	32,880
	As previously disclosed, 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 these agreements, we retained all construction risk and therefore, for accounting purposes, were considered the owner during the construction period. We recorded approximately $27.6 million in construction in progress and $27.6 million in the related construction liability on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2013.
	Construction was completed during November 2013 and the facility was placed into service effective December 1, 2013. The investment in the joint venture related to the lease of this facility represents continuing involvement after the construction period was completed. Therefore, we will continue to account for the arrangement as a financing obligation and have an imputed operating lease related to our use of the land. Accordingly, the asset and a corresponding lease financing obligation are included in our condensed consolidated balance sheet. The asset will be depreciated over the initial lease term of 18 years. The financing obligation is amortized through the effective interest method in which a portion of the lease payments is recognized as interest expense, a portion is allocated to the imputed land lease and the remaining portion will decrease the financing obligation. Future minimum lease payments under this lease as of March 31, 2014 are as follows:
	Years ending September 30,	Financing Obligations				Operating Leases
	2014 (Remaining)	$	1,397			$	146
	2015	2,845				291
	2016	2,907				291
	2017	2,971				291
	2018	3,037				291
	Thereafter	46,719				3,832
	Total future minimum lease obligation	$	59,876			$	5,142
	Less imputed interest on financing obligation	(26,178		)
	Less imputed accrued land lease obligation	(365		)
	Net present value of financing obligation	$	33,333
	Amended Leases
	In January 2014, we entered into amended lease agreements for certain buildings on our Orlando, Florida campus which extended the lease terms to August 31, 2022 and modified the scheduled rental payments. Additionally, one of the amendments included a provision which allows us to expand the square footage at one building by approximately 13,500 square feet with an associated tenant improvement allowance of approximately $1.7 million.
	Under the agreement, we have retained all construction risk and are responsible for all budget overruns. Therefore, for accounting purposes, we are considered the owner during the construction period. Additionally, during the construction period, the existing building and the addition are considered one unit of account. Accordingly, when construction begins, we will record the existing building and a corresponding financing obligation on our condensed consolidated balance sheet of approximately $5.6 million and discontinue recognizing rent expense.
	During construction of the addition, we will record construction costs as construction in progress with a corresponding construction liability on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. Although we are owners during the construction period, we do not own the underlying land. Therefore, we will have an imputed operating lease expense related to our use of the land that will be recognized from the time we begin construction through the end of the construction period. During the construction period, the rental payment on the existing building will be allocated to imputed land lease expense and interest expense, which will then be capitalized, and the remaining portion will decrease the financing obligation.
	Upon occupancy of the expanded building under this lease agreement, we believe that we will not have continuing involvement after the construction period is complete, and we anticipate that the lease will be accounted for as an operating lease. As such, we anticipate we will derecognize the existing building, addition, financing obligation and construction liability. Furthermore, we will record prepaid rent related to the rent paid during construction, which will be amortized over the initial lease term.

Investment_in_unconsolidated_a

Investment in unconsolidated affiliate (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of Investments in unconsolidated affiliate	'
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate	'
	Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate
	During the year ended September 30, 2012, we invested $4.0 million to acquire an equity interest of approximately 28% in a joint venture (JV) related to the lease of our Lisle, Illinois campus facility. 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 our condensed consolidated balance sheet. We recognize our proportionate share of the JV’s net income or loss during each accounting period as a change in our investment. For the three months and six months ended March 31, 2014, our equity in earnings was $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively. We did not recognize any equity in earnings during the three months or six months ended March 31, 2013.
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliate consists of the following:
		March 31, 2014				September 30, 2013
		Carrying Value (In thousands)		Ownership Percentage		Carrying Value (In thousands)		Ownership Percentage
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliate	$	4,208	27.972	%	$	4,000	27.972	%

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_E

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	'
	Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following:
		31-Mar-14		30-Sep-13
	Accounts payable	$	13,839	$	13,758
	Accrued compensation and benefits	16,920		16,858
	Other accrued expenses	7,373		8,613
		$	38,132	$	39,229

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Operating Leases
	Since 1991, certain of our properties have been leased from entities controlled by John C. White, a member of our Board of Directors. 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, since April 1994. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, City Park LLC sold the properties to an unrelated third party. Our existing lease remains in effect through December 31, 2022.
	Executive Employment Agreements
	Effective April 8, 2014, we entered into new employment agreements with two of our key executives and into an amended employment agreement with another key executive that provide for certain payments and benefits upon specified terminations of employment as defined within each agreement. Each agreement provides payments and benefits for termination for reasons other than cause and resignation for good reason, without or following a change in control. The new employment agreements also provide for payments for certain terminations following Company non-renewal of the agreement, for payments and benefits upon termination due to death or disability and require future stock unit awards, if any, to provide for continued vesting for 12 months after a qualifying retirement as defined within the agreements. There have been no grants of stock unit awards with retirement provisions. The range of the aggregate commitment upon termination of employment under these agreements and existing equity award agreements is approximately $2.7 million to $9.7 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.
	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 our business from September 2006 to the present.  We responded timely to the request, as well as to follow-up requests for additional information made in December 2012 and February 2013. 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 condensed consolidated financial statements.
	As previously disclosed, in October 2012 and January 2013, the ACCSC requested certain documentation related to a  preliminary investigation by the United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”) of certain previously disclosed claims under the False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. § 3729, et seq.) (the “FCA Claims”).  Pursuant to applicable law and the United States’ request, we were not able to provide the information requested at that time and notified ACCSC as such. In October 2013, we informed the ACCSC of the declination of intervention and closing of investigation by the DOJ into the FCA Claims, as well as the settlement of such claims with a former employee, and the final agency closing of a related Department of Labor suit.  In addition, at the ACCSC’s request, in November 2013, we provided the ACCSC with certain documentation relating to the resolution of these claims. On March 19, 2014, we received notification from the ACCSC that it voted to accept our response and closed their inquiry.
	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.
	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. Such funds are classified as restricted cash in our condensed consolidated balance sheet.
	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 and were approximately $0.4 million and $0.8 million for the three months and six months ended March 31, 2014, respectively, and $0.5 million and $1.1 million for the three months and six months ended March 31, 2013, respectively. Since loan collectability is not reasonably assured, the loans and related deferred tuition revenue are not recognized in our condensed 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 condensed consolidated income statements. 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.
		Three Months Ended March 31,						Six Months Ended March 31,						Inception
		2014			2013			2014			2013			to date
	Tuition and interest income excluded	$	7,252		$	6,095		$	14,253		$	12,832		$	84,112
	Amounts collected and recognized	(846		)	(568		)	(1,546		)	(1,018		)	(6,568		)
	Amounts written off	(2,468		)	(1,469		)	(4,263		)	(2,456		)	(25,258		)
	Net amount excluded during the period	$	3,938		$	4,058		$	8,444		$	9,358		$	52,286
	At March 31, 2014, we had committed to provide loans to our students for approximately $97.3 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 reflected in our condensed consolidated balance sheets:
		Six Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	59,767		$	42,880
	Loans extended	16,125			14,336
	Interest accrued	1,427			1,860
	Amounts collected and recognized	(1,546		)	(1,018		)
	Amounts written off	(4,263		)	(2,456		)
	Balance at end of period	$	71,510		$	55,602

Common_Shareholders_Equity

Common Shareholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Common Shareholders' 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 20, 2013 and March 31, 2014, we paid cash dividends of $0.10 per share to common stockholders of record as of December 10, 2013 and March 17, 2014, respectively, totaling approximately $4.9 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 three months and six months ended March 31, 2014, we purchased 31,000 shares at an average price per share of $13.17 and a total cost of approximately $0.4 million. As of March 31, 2014, we have purchased 736,000 shares at an average price per share of $10.40 and a total cost of approximately $7.7 million under this program.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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:
		Three Months Ended March 31,						Six Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenues
	Postsecondary education	$	91,891		$	93,243		$	188,236		$	189,163
	Other	2,811			1,832			3,495			4,353
	Consolidated	$	94,702		$	95,075		$	191,731		$	193,516
	Income (loss) from operations
	Postsecondary education	$	(921	)	$	(1,333	)	$	2,674		$	5,323
	Other	(583		)	(606		)	(1,175		)	(1,256		)
	Consolidated	$	(1,504	)	$	(1,939	)	$	1,499		$	4,067
	Depreciation and amortization
	Postsecondary education	$	4,528		$	5,541		$	9,673		$	11,162
	Other	87			86			188			187
	Consolidated	$	4,615		$	5,627		$	9,861		$	11,349
	Net income (loss)
	Postsecondary education	$	(1,250	)	$	(575	)	$	678		$	3,359
	Other	(255		)	(345		)	(523		)	(717		)
	Consolidated	$	(1,505	)	$	(920	)	$	155		$	2,642
								31-Mar-14			September 30, 2013
	Goodwill
	Postsecondary education							$	20,579		$	20,579
	Other							—			—
	Consolidated							$	20,579		$	20,579
	Total assets
	Postsecondary education							$	278,051		$	272,178
	Other							7,161			7,285
	Consolidated							$	285,212		$	279,463

Government_Regulation_and_Fina

Government Regulation and Financial Aid	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Government Regulation and Financial Aid	'
	Government Regulation and Financial Aid
	Gainful Employment
	In 2013, the Department of Education (ED) established a negotiated rulemaking committee (the committee) to prepare proposed regulations to establish standards for programs that prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation. The negotiation sessions occurred in September, November and December of 2013.  The committee did not reach consensus on proposed draft regulatory language by the December 13, 2013 deadline.  Without consensus, ED was authorized to write the final rule without the committee shaping its language. On March 25, 2014, ED issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which has a 60 day public comment period, to establish measures for determining whether certain postsecondary educational programs prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation. ED proposed a set of conditions under which these educational programs remain eligible to participate in Title IV programs. The effective date of these regulations cannot be determined at this time, but it is likely that the rules, if adopted, would be effective on or after July 1, 2015. We cannot predict the form of the final rules that may be adopted following the comment period.
	Program Integrity and Improvement
	In February, March and April of 2014, ED conducted negotiated rulemaking sessions covering a variety of topics, the following of which may be impactful to us: the definition of adverse credit as it applies to Federal Direct PLUS loans, clock-to-credit hour conversion regulations and Title IV cash management.
	Congressional Action and Financial Aid Funding
	In January 2014, Congress passed an omnibus spending bill to fund the federal government through September 30, 2014, which the President signed on January 17, 2014.  The bill includes several elements related to higher education and restores campus-based funding programs to pre-sequester levels. Additionally, it increases the maximum Pell grant for the 2014-15 award year from $5,645 to $5,730 per student.

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Market Value for Investments Classified as Held-to-Maturity	'
	Amortized cost and fair value for investments classified as held-to-maturity as of March 31, 2014 were as follows:
									Estimated
		Amortized		Gross Unrealized					Fair Market
		Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
	Due in less than 1 year:
	Municipal bonds	$	39,808	$	17	$	—		$	39,825
	Corporate bonds	13,624		4		(11		)	13,617
	Certificates of deposit	2,131		—		—			2,131
	Due in 1 - 2 years:
	Municipal bonds	6,578		6		(1		)	6,583
	Corporate bonds	3,186		—		(6		)	3,180
	Certificates of deposit	2,232		—		—			2,232
		$	67,559	$	27	$	(18	)	$	67,568
	Amortized cost and fair value for investments classified as held-to-maturity as of 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

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'
	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following:
				Fair Value Measurements Using
		31-Mar-14		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
				in Active		Other		Unobservable
				Markets for		Observable		Inputs
				Identical Assets		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Money market funds	$	25,320	$	25,320	$	—	$	—
	Corporate bonds	16,797		16,797		—		—
	Municipal bonds	46,408		—		46,408		—
	Certificates of deposit	4,363		—		4,363		—
	Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	92,888	$	42,117	$	50,771	$	—
				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	$	—

Postemployment_Benefits_Tables

Postemployment Benefits (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Postemployment Activity	'
	The postemployment activity for the six months ended March 31, 2014 was as follows:
			Liability Balance at		Postemployment		Cash Paid			Other			Liability Balance at
			September 30, 2013		Benefit Charges					Non-cash (1)			31-Mar-14
	Severance		$	1,714	$	712	$	(605	)	$	(12	)	$	1,809
	Other		2		43		(11		)	—			34
	Total		$	1,716	$	755	$	(616	)	$	(12	)	$	1,843
	-1	Primarily relates to the expiration of benefits not used within the time offered under the separation agreement and non-cash severance.

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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:
		Three Months Ended March 31,		Six Months Ended March 31,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Weighted average number of shares	(In thousands)
	Basic shares outstanding	24,661	24,396	24,653	24,581
	Dilutive effect related to employee stock plans	—	—	235	70
	Diluted shares outstanding	24,661	24,396	24,888	24,651

Property_and_Equipment_net_Tab

Property and Equipment, net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Property and Equipment Net	'
	Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:
		Depreciable		31-Mar-14				September 30, 2013
		Lives (in years)
	Land	—		$	1,456			$	1,456
	Buildings and building improvements	35		50,306				13,741
	Leasehold improvements	28-Jan		39,238				48,062
	Training equipment	10-Mar		84,071				82,270
	Office and computer equipment	10-Mar		37,471				37,206
	Curriculum development	5		18,716				18,716
	Software developed for internal use	5-Mar		10,645				10,895
	Vehicles	5		1,045				1,005
	Construction in progress	—		4,469				33,158
				247,417				246,509
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			(142,368		)		(143,439		)
				$	105,049			$	103,070
Schedule of Assets subject to financing obligations	'
	The following amounts, which are included in the above table, represent assets financed by financing obligations:
		31-Mar-14
	Buildings and building improvements	$	33,500
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(620		)
	Assets financed by financing obligation, net	$	32,880
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Financing Obligations	'
	Future minimum lease payments under this lease as of March 31, 2014 are as follows:
	Years ending September 30,	Financing Obligations				Operating Leases
	2014 (Remaining)	$	1,397			$	146
	2015	2,845				291
	2016	2,907				291
	2017	2,971				291
	2018	3,037				291
	Thereafter	46,719				3,832
	Total future minimum lease obligation	$	59,876			$	5,142
	Less imputed interest on financing obligation	(26,178		)
	Less imputed accrued land lease obligation	(365		)
	Net present value of financing obligation	$	33,333

Investment_in_unconsolidated_a1

Investment in unconsolidated affiliate (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of Investments in unconsolidated affiliate	'
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate	'
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliate consists of the following:
		March 31, 2014				September 30, 2013
		Carrying Value (In thousands)		Ownership Percentage		Carrying Value (In thousands)		Ownership Percentage
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliate	$	4,208	27.972	%	$	4,000	27.972	%

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_E1

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	'
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following:
		31-Mar-14		30-Sep-13
	Accounts payable	$	13,839	$	13,758
	Accrued compensation and benefits	16,920		16,858
	Other accrued expenses	7,373		8,613
		$	38,132	$	39,229

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Impact of the Proprietary Loan Program on Our Tuition Revenue and Interest Income During Period as well as on Cumulative Basis	'
		Three Months Ended March 31,						Six Months Ended March 31,						Inception
		2014			2013			2014			2013			to date
	Tuition and interest income excluded	$	7,252		$	6,095		$	14,253		$	12,832		$	84,112
	Amounts collected and recognized	(846		)	(568		)	(1,546		)	(1,018		)	(6,568		)
	Amounts written off	(2,468		)	(1,469		)	(4,263		)	(2,456		)	(25,258		)
	Net amount excluded during the period	$	3,938		$	4,058		$	8,444		$	9,358		$	52,286
Activity Related to 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 reflected in our condensed consolidated balance sheets:
		Six Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	59,767		$	42,880
	Loans extended	16,125			14,336
	Interest accrued	1,427			1,860
	Amounts collected and recognized	(1,546		)	(1,018		)
	Amounts written off	(4,263		)	(2,456		)
	Balance at end of period	$	71,510		$	55,602

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Summary of Information by Reportable Segment	'
	Summary information by reportable segment is as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,						Six Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenues
	Postsecondary education	$	91,891		$	93,243		$	188,236		$	189,163
	Other	2,811			1,832			3,495			4,353
	Consolidated	$	94,702		$	95,075		$	191,731		$	193,516
	Income (loss) from operations
	Postsecondary education	$	(921	)	$	(1,333	)	$	2,674		$	5,323
	Other	(583		)	(606		)	(1,175		)	(1,256		)
	Consolidated	$	(1,504	)	$	(1,939	)	$	1,499		$	4,067
	Depreciation and amortization
	Postsecondary education	$	4,528		$	5,541		$	9,673		$	11,162
	Other	87			86			188			187
	Consolidated	$	4,615		$	5,627		$	9,861		$	11,349
	Net income (loss)
	Postsecondary education	$	(1,250	)	$	(575	)	$	678		$	3,359
	Other	(255		)	(345		)	(523		)	(717		)
	Consolidated	$	(1,505	)	$	(920	)	$	155		$	2,642
								31-Mar-14			September 30, 2013
	Goodwill
	Postsecondary education							$	20,579		$	20,579
	Other							—			—
	Consolidated							$	20,579		$	20,579
	Total assets
	Postsecondary education							$	278,051		$	272,178
	Other							7,161			7,285
	Consolidated							$	285,212		$	279,463

Nature_of_Business_Additional_

Nature of Business - Additional Information (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2014
	Campus
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]	'
Number of campuses through which undergraduate degree and diploma programs are offered	11

Amortized_Cost_and_Fair_Value_

Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Held to Maturity Investments (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	$67,559	$61,719
Gross Unrealized Gains	27	28
Gross Unrealized Losses	-18	-7
Estimated Fair Market Value	67,568	61,740
Municipal bonds, due in less than 1 year	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	39,808	40,942
Gross Unrealized Gains	17	22
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Market Value	39,825	40,964
Corporate bonds, due in less than 1 year	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	13,624	11,684
Gross Unrealized Gains	4	2
Gross Unrealized Losses	-11	-7
Estimated Fair Market Value	13,617	11,679
Certificates of deposit, due in less than 1 year	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	2,131	4,905
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Market Value	2,131	4,905
Municipal bonds, due in 1 - 2 years	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	6,578	3,943
Gross Unrealized Gains	6	4
Gross Unrealized Losses	-1	0
Estimated Fair Market Value	6,583	3,947
Corporate bonds, due in 1-2 years	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	3,186	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	-6	'
Estimated Fair Market Value	3,180	'
Certificates of deposit, due in 1- 2 years	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	2,232	245
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Market Value	$2,232	$245

Assets_Measured_at_Fair_Value_

Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$92,888	$84,875
Money market funds	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	25,320	23,135
Corporate bonds	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	16,797	11,679
Municipal bonds	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	46,408	44,911
Certificates of deposit	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	4,363	5,150
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	42,117	34,814
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	25,320	23,135
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	16,797	11,679
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
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	50,771	50,061
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	46,408	44,911
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	$4,363	$5,150

Postemployment_Benefits_Additi

Postemployment Benefits - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
		Minimum	Maximum
Schedule of Postemployment Benefits [Line Items]	'	'	'
Period for payment of post employment benefit	'	'0 years 1 month	'0 years 24 months
Payment of post employment benefit expiry Date	'2015-12	'	'

Postemployment_Activity_Detail

Postemployment Activity (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Postemployment Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Liability Beginning Balance	$1,716
Postemployment Benefit Charges	755
Cash Paid	-616
Other Non-cash	12
Liability Ending Balance	1,843
Severance	'
Postemployment Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Liability Beginning Balance	1,714
Postemployment Benefit Charges	712
Cash Paid	-605
Other Non-cash	12
Liability Ending Balance	1,809
Other	'
Postemployment Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Liability Beginning Balance	2
Postemployment Benefit Charges	43
Cash Paid	-11
Other Non-cash	0
Liability Ending Balance	$34

Earnings_per_Share_Additional_

Earnings per Share - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Shares not included in the determination of our diluted shares outstanding as they were anti-dilutive	576,837	1,437,686

Weighted_Average_Number_of_Sha

Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Used in Computing Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (Detail)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Weighted average number of shares	'	'	'	'
Basic shares outstanding	24,661	24,396	24,653	24,581
Dilutive effect related to employee stock plans	0	0	235	70
Diluted shares outstanding	24,661	24,396	24,888	24,651

Property_and_Equipment_Net_Det

Property and Equipment Net (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$247,417	$246,509
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-142,368	-143,439
Property and equipment, net	105,049	103,070
Land	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	1,456	1,456
Building and building improvements	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Depreciable Lives (in years)	'35 years	'
Property and equipment, gross	50,306	13,741
Leasehold improvements	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	39,238	48,062
Leasehold improvements | Minimum	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Depreciable Lives (in years)	'1 year	'
Leasehold improvements | Maximum	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Depreciable Lives (in years)	'28 years	'
Training equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	84,071	82,270
Training equipment | Minimum	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Depreciable Lives (in years)	'3 years	'
Training equipment | Maximum	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Depreciable Lives (in years)	'10 years	'
Office and computer equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	37,471	37,206
Office and computer equipment | Minimum	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Depreciable Lives (in years)	'3 years	'
Office and computer equipment | Maximum	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Depreciable Lives (in years)	'10 years	'
Software developed for internal use	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	10,645	10,895
Software developed for internal use | Minimum	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Depreciable Lives (in years)	'3 years	'
Software developed for internal use | Maximum	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Depreciable Lives (in years)	'5 years	'
Curriculum development	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Depreciable Lives (in years)	'5 years	'
Property and equipment, gross	18,716	18,716
Vehicles	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Depreciable Lives (in years)	'5 years	'
Property and equipment, gross	1,045	1,005
Construction in Progress	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$4,469	$33,158

Property_and_Equipment_Net_Add

Property and Equipment Net - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
			Lisle Illinois Campus	Orlando, Florida campus [Member]	Orlando, Florida campus [Member]	Build to Suit Lease [Member]	Assets financed by financing obligation [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
								Building and building improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Lease Expiration Date	'	'	'	31-Aug-22	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	$33,500,000	'
2014 (Remaining)	'	'	'	'	'	1,397,000	'	'
2014 (Remaining)	'	'	'	'	'	146,000	'	'
2015	'	'	'	'	'	2,845,000	'	'
Construction in progress	'	'	27,600,000	'	'	'	'	'
Construction liability	0	27,632,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
2015	'	'	'	'	'	291,000	'	'
2016	'	'	'	'	'	2,907,000	'	'
2016	'	'	'	'	'	291,000	'	'
2017	'	'	'	'	'	2,971,000	'	'
2017	'	'	'	'	'	291,000	'	'
2018	'	'	'	'	'	3,037,000	'	'
2018	'	'	'	'	'	291,000	'	'
Thereafter	'	'	'	'	'	46,719,000	'	'
Thereafter	'	'	'	'	'	3,832,000	'	'
Total future minimum lease obligation	'	'	'	'	'	59,876,000	'	'
Total future minimum lease obligation	'	'	'	'	'	5,142,000	'	'
Less imputed interest on financing obligation	'	'	'	'	'	-26,178,000	'	'
Less imputed accrued land lease obligation	'	'	'	'	'	-365,000	'	'
Net present value of financing obligation	'	'	'	'	'	33,333,000	'	'
Tenant improvement allowance	'	'	'	'	1,700,000	'	'	'
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-142,368,000	-143,439,000	'	'	'	'	-620,000	'
Property and equipment, net	105,049,000	103,070,000	'	'	'	'	32,880,000	'
Lease financing obligation, current	$546,000	$0	'	'	'	'	'	$5,600,000

Investment_in_unconsolidated_a2

Investment in unconsolidated affiliate (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Schedule of Investments in unconsolidated affiliate	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate	$4,208	'	$4,208	'	$4,000	$4,000
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate, Ownership Percentage	27.97%	'	27.97%	'	27.97%	28.00%
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate	$127	$0	$208	$0	'	'

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_E2

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	'	'
Accounts payable	$13,839	$13,758
Accrued compensation and benefits	16,920	16,858
Other accrued expenses	7,373	8,613
Accounts payable and accrued expenses, total	$38,132	$39,229

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Apr. 08, 2014	Apr. 08, 2014
					Subsequent Event Type	Subsequent Event Type
					Minimum	Maximum
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'	'	'	'	'
Supplemental Retirement Benefits Amount Committed	$0	'	$0	'	'	'
Supplemental Unemployment Benefits Continuation of Salary and Health Care	'	'	'	'	2,700,000	9,700,000
Expenses Incurred with bank and other services	400,000	500,000	800,000	1,100,000	'	'
Total amount of loans committed to provide	$97,300,000	'	$97,300,000	'	'	'

Amount_Collected_and_Recognize

Amount Collected and Recognized (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		70 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'	'	'	'
Tuition and interest income excluded	$7,252	$6,095	$14,253	$12,832	$84,112
Amounts collected and recognized	-846	-568	-1,546	-1,018	-6,568
Amounts written-off	-2,468	-1,469	-4,263	-2,456	-25,258
Net amount excluded during the period	$3,938	$4,058	$8,444	$9,358	$52,286

Activity_Related_to_Balances_O

Activity Related to Balances Outstanding Under Proprietary Loan Program (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		70 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
Loans [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	'	'	$59,767	$42,880	'
Loans extended	'	'	16,125	14,336	'
Interest accrued	'	'	1,427	1,860	'
Amounts collected and recognized	-846	-568	-1,546	-1,018	-6,568
Amounts written-off	-2,468	-1,469	-4,263	-2,456	-25,258
Balance at end of period	$71,510	$55,602	$71,510	$55,602	$71,510

Common_Shareholders_Equity_Add

Common Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended			6 Months Ended		27 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 20, 2013	Dec. 20, 2011	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
					vote
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of voting right per share	'	'	'	'	1	'
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$0.10	$0.10	'	'	'	'
Cash dividend	'	'	'	$4,934,000	'	'
Repurchase of common stock authorized by Board of Directors	'	'	25,000,000	'	'	'
Purchased shares	'	'	'	31,000	'	736,000
Average price per share	'	'	'	$13.17	'	$10.40
Aggregate cost of treasury stock repurchased during the period	'	'	'	$400,000	'	$7,700,000

Summary_of_Information_by_Repo

Summary of Information by Reportable Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$94,702	$95,075	$191,731	$193,516	'
Income (loss) from operations	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from operations	-1,504	-1,939	1,499	4,067	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	5,627	9,861	11,349	'
Depreciation and amortization	4,615	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-1,505	-920	155	2,642	'
Goodwill	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	20,579	'	20,579	'	20,579
Total assets	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	285,212	'	285,212	'	279,463
Postsecondary education	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	91,891	93,243	188,236	189,163	'
Income (loss) from operations	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from operations	-921	-1,333	2,674	5,323	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	5,541	9,673	11,162	'
Depreciation and amortization	4,528	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-1,250	-575	678	3,359	'
Goodwill	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	20,579	'	20,579	'	20,579
Total assets	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	278,051	'	278,051	'	272,178
Other	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	2,811	1,832	3,495	4,353	'
Income (loss) from operations	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from operations	-583	-606	-1,175	-1,256	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	86	188	187	'
Depreciation and amortization	87	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-255	-345	-523	-717	'
Goodwill	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	0	'	0	'	0
Total assets	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	$7,161	'	$7,161	'	$7,285