Universal Technical Institute (UTI) 10-Q 6 Feb 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 30, 2015
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1261654
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-21
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		24,829,540
Trading Symbol	UTI

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$33,044	$38,985
Restricted cash	6,617	6,544
Investments, current portion	48,908	45,906
Receivables, net	18,609	12,118
Deferred tax assets, net	5,765	7,470
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	17,663	16,509
Total current assets	130,606	127,532
Investments, less current portion	9,294	11,257
Property and equipment, net	103,656	106,927
Goodwill	20,579	20,579
Deferred tax assets, net	11,638	11,923
Other assets	10,428	9,851
Total assets	286,201	288,069
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	37,777	38,827
Deferred revenue	49,210	46,365
Accrued tool sets	3,844	3,806
Construction liability, current	3,345	1,252
Financing obligation, current	622	5,234
Income tax payable	159	4,336
Other current liabilities	2,710	2,515
Total current liabilities	97,667	102,335
Deferred rent liability	12,000	10,323
Financing obligation, noncurrent	32,315	32,478
Other liabilities	9,539	9,741
Total liabilities	151,521	154,877
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 30,842,119 shares issued and 24,829,540 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 30,838,460 shares issued and 24,825,881 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2014	3	3
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Paid-in capital	175,242	174,376
Treasury stock, at cost, 6,012,579 shares as of December 31 and September 30, 2014	-90,769	-90,769
Retained earnings	50,193	49,582
Accumulated other comprehensive income	11
Total shareholders' equity	134,680	133,192
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$286,201	$288,069

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
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	30,842,119	30,838,460
Common stock, shares outstanding	24,829,540	24,825,881
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	6,012,579	6,012,579

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Revenues	$95,680	$97,040
Operating expenses:
Income from operations	5,600	3,058
Educational services and facilities	47,830	51,074
Selling, general and administrative	42,250	42,908
Total operating expenses	90,080	93,982
Other income:
Interest expense, net	-499	-132
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate	118	81
Other income	112	274
Total other (expense) income, net	-269	223
Income before income taxes	5,331	3,281
Income tax expense	2,237	1,574
Net income	3,094	1,707
Equity interest in investee's unrealized gains on hedging derivatives, net of taxes	11	0
Comprehensive income	$3,105	$1,707
Earnings per share:
Net income per share - basic (usd per share)	$0.12	$0.07
Net income per share - diluted (usd per share)		$0.07
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic (shares)	24,827	24,645
Diluted (shares)	24,926	24,839
Cash dividends declared per common share (usd per share)	$0.10	$0.10

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, 2014	$133,192	$3	$174,376	($90,769)	$49,582
Beginning Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2014		30,838		6,013
Accumulated other comprehensive income	11
Net income	3,094				3,094
Issuance of common stock under employee plans, shares		4
Issuance of common stock under employee plans	0	0	0
Shares withheld for payroll taxes, shares		0
Shares withheld for payroll taxes	-7	0	-7
Stock-based compensation	873		873
Cash dividends declared	-2,483	-2,500			-2,483
Equity interest in investee's unrealized gains on hedging derivatives, net of taxes	11
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$134,680	$3	$175,242	($90,769)	$50,193
Ending Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014		30,842		6,013

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$3,094	$1,707
Depreciation and amortization	4,482	5,091
Amortization of assets subject to financing obligation	468	155
Amortization of held-to-maturity investments	488	627
Bad debt expense	934	1,333
Stock-based compensation	873	1,343
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	0	-3
Deferred income taxes	1,990	1,550
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate	-118	-81
Training equipment credits earned, net	-290	-244
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	2	48
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash: Title IV credit balances	34	211
Receivables	-7,425	165
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-835	-1,382
Other assets	-559	-317
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-922	-745
Deferred revenue	2,845	224
Income tax payable/receivable	-4,177	-283
Accrued tool sets and other current liabilities	365	165
Deferred rent liability	425	-477
Other liabilities	323	534
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,997	9,621
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment	-3,731	-2,927
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment	3	77
Purchase of investments	-7,954	-11,354
Proceeds received upon maturity of investments	6,427	8,735
Return of capital contribution from unconsolidated affiliate	110	0
Restricted cash: proprietary loan program	-104	-140
Net cash used in investing activities	-5,249	-5,609
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payment of cash dividend	-2,483	-2,465
Repayments of financing obligation	-199	-41
Payment of payroll taxes on stock-based compensation through shares withheld	-7	-21
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	0	3
Net cash used in financing activities	-2,689	-2,524
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-5,941	1,488
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	38,985	34,596
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	33,044	36,084
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Taxes paid	4,423	1,223
Interest Paid	563	190
Training equipment obtained in exchange for services	107	878
Change in accrued capital expenditures during the period	-365	70
Construction period construction liability - construction in progress	3,345	5,868
Construction liability recognized as financing obligation	0	33,500
Stock based compensation classified as liability instruments	$0	$3

Business_Description

Business Description	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business Description	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 Note 2 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Concentration of Risk" and Note 19 “Government Regulation and Financial Aid” included in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on December 3, 2014.

Basis_of_Presentation_Notes

Basis of Presentation (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	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 ended December 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending September 30, 2015. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 3, 2014.
	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, 2015 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 ended December 31, 2014, we calculated income taxes using actual income before income taxes.
	Revision of Previously Issued Financial Statements
	During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we identified approximately $0.5 million (pre-tax) of retake revenue and $0.2 million (pre-tax) of bad debt expense reduction related to fees for student retakes for the periods from October 1, 2008 through June 30, 2014 which were not recorded. Additionally, we identified approximately $0.2 million (pre-tax) of contract services expense related to the outsourcing of certain financial aid processes that should have been recognized during the quarterly periods from October 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.
	We evaluated the impact of the items on prior periods under the materiality guidance and determined that the amounts were not material. We also evaluated the impact of correcting these items through a cumulative adjustment to our fiscal 2014 financial statements and concluded that it was appropriate to revise our previously issued financial statements to reflect the cumulative impact of this correction.
	Additionally, we recorded an immaterial balance sheet correction between cash and restricted cash related to funds held for students from Title IV financial program funds that result in credit balances on student accounts as of September 30, 2013 and 2012.
	The following tables present the impact of this revision on our condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the three months ended December 31, 2013 and our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the three months ended December 31, 2013:
		31-Dec-13
		As Reported			Adjustment			As Revised
	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Data:
	Revenues	$	97,029		$	11		$	97,040
	Educational services and facilities	$	51,111		$	(37	)	$	51,074
	Selling, general and administrative	$	42,915		$	(7	)	$	42,908
	Total operating expenses	$	94,026		$	(44	)	$	93,982
	Income from operations	$	3,003		$	55		$	3,058
	Other income	$	275		$	(1	)	$	274
	Total other income	$	224		$	(1	)	$	223
	Income before income taxes	$	3,227		$	54		$	3,281
	Income tax expense	$	1,567		$	7		$	1,574
	Net income	$	1,660		$	47		$	1,707
		31-Dec-13
		As Reported			Adjustment			As Revised
	Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Data:
	Net income	$	1,660		$	47		$	1,707
	Bad debt expense	$	1,341		$	(8	)	$	1,333
	Deferred income taxes	$	1,549		$	1		$	1,550
	Restricted cash: Title IV credit balances	$	—		$	211		$	211
	Receivables	$	(13	)	$	178		$	165
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	(1,344	)	$	(38	)	$	(1,382	)
	Other assets	$	(316	)	$	(1	)	$	(317	)
	Deferred revenue	$	201		$	23		$	224
	Income tax payable/receivable	$	(79	)	$	(204	)	$	(283	)
	Accrued tool sets and other current liabilities	$	163		$	2		$	165
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	9,410		$	211		$	9,621
	Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	$	1,277		$	211		$	1,488
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	$	35,657		$	(1,061	)	$	34,596
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	36,934		$	(850	)	$	36,084

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block]	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance which outlines a single comprehensive revenue model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The guidance supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance, and requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified approach to adopt the guidance. This guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016; early adoption is not permitted. Accordingly, the standard will be effective for us starting with our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the adoption methods and the impact that the update will have on our results of operations, financial condition and financial statement disclosures.

Postemployment_Benefits

Postemployment Benefits	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Postemployment Benefits	Postemployment Benefits
	In October 2014, we completed a restructuring and provided postemployment benefits totaling approximately $1.2 million to approximately 50 additional 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 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 benefit accrual activity for the three months ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:
			Liability Balance at		Postemployment		Cash Paid			Other			Liability Balance at
			September 30, 2014		Benefit Charges					Non-cash (1)			31-Dec-14
	Severance		$	2,150	$	1,081	$	(1,348	)	$	(17	)	$	1,866
	Other		16		197		(126		)	(4		)	83
	Total		$	2,166	$	1,278	$	(1,474	)	$	(21	)	$	1,949
	-1	Primarily relates to the expiration of benefits not used within the time offered under the separation agreement and non-cash severance.

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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 December 31, 2014 were as follows:
									Estimated
		Amortized		Gross Unrealized					Fair Market
		Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
	Due in less than 1 year:
	Municipal bonds	$	25,291	$	15	$	—		$	25,306
	Corporate bonds	19,488		—		(24		)	19,464
	Certificates of deposit	4,129		—		—			4,129
	Due in 1 - 2 years:
	Municipal bonds	5,389		10		—			5,399
	Corporate bonds	2,818		—		(6		)	$	2,812
	Certificates of deposit	1,087		—		—			1,087
		$	58,202	$	25	$	(30	)	$	58,197
	Amortized cost and fair value for investments classified as held-to-maturity at September 30, 2014 were as follows:
									Estimated
		Amortized		Gross Unrealized					Fair Market
		Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
	Due in less than 1 year:
	Municipal bonds	$	26,894	$	20	$	—		$	26,914
	Corporate bonds	16,836		1		(24		)	16,813
	Certificates of deposit	2,176		—		—			2,176
	Due in 1 - 2 years:
	Municipal bonds	4,230		7		—			4,237
	Corporate bonds	4,054		—		(13		)	$	4,041
	Certificates of deposit	2,973		—		—			2,973
		$	57,163	$	28	$	(37	)	$	57,154
	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 condensed consolidated balance sheets and condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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 or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following:
				Fair Value Measurements Using
		31-Dec-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	$	16,356	$	16,356	$	—	$	—
	Corporate bonds	22,276		22,276		—		—
	Municipal bonds	30,705		—		30,705		—
	Commercial paper	6,751		—		6,751		—
	Certificates of deposit	5,216		—		5,216		—
	Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	81,304	$	38,632	$	42,672	$	—
				Fair Value Measurements Using
		30-Sep-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	$	29,995	$	29,995	$	—	$	—
	Corporate bonds	20,854		20,854		—		—
	Municipal bonds	31,151		—		31,151		—
	Certificates of deposit	5,149		—		5,149		—
	Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	87,149	$	50,849	$	36,300	$	—
	Our Level 2 investments are valued using readily available pricing sources which utilize market observable inputs, including the current interest rate for similar types of instruments.

Property_and_Equipment_net

Property and Equipment, net	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, net	Property and Equipment, net
	Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:
		Depreciable		December 31,				September 30,
		Lives (in years)		2014				2014
	Land	—		$	1,456			$	1,456
	Building and building improvements	35		50,360				50,306
	Leasehold improvements	28-Jan		43,664				38,906
	Training equipment	10-Mar		86,258				85,673
	Office and computer equipment	10-Mar		37,740				37,271
	Software developed for internal use	5-Mar		11,874				11,888
	Curriculum development	5		18,716				18,716
	Vehicles	5		1,217				1,207
	Construction in progress	—		6,543				10,746
				257,828				256,169
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			(154,172		)		(149,242		)
				$	103,656			$	106,927
	At December 31, 2014, construction in progress included $3.3 million related primarily to the design and construction of our Long Beach, California campus.
	The following amounts, which are included in the above table, represent assets financed by financing obligations:
		December 31,				September 30,
		2014				2014
	Buildings and building improvements	$	33,500			$	33,500
	Construction in progress	—				4,638
	Assets financed by financing obligations, gross	33,500				38,138
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(2,016		)		(1,551		)
	Assets financed by financing obligations, net	$	31,484			$	36,587
	As previously disclosed, in 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 allowed us to expand the square footage at one building by approximately 13,500 square feet. Construction occurred during June through October 2014. For accounting purposes, we were considered the owner during the construction period, and during that period, the existing building and the addition were considered one unit of account.
	Accordingly, as of September 30, 2014, we recorded the existing building and a corresponding short-term financing obligation of approximately $4.6 million on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. The facility was placed into service effective November 1, 2014. We determined that we do not have continuing involvement after the construction period was complete, and that the lease will be accounted for as an operating lease. Accordingly, the asset and the corresponding short-term financing obligation were derecognized from our December 31, 2014 condensed consolidated balance sheet.

BuildtoSuit_Lease

Build-to-Suit Lease	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Build-to-Suit Lease	Build-to-Suit Lease
	On October 3, 2014, we entered into a 15-year lease agreement for a build-to-suit facility related to the design and construction of a new campus in Long Beach, California. Under the agreement, we have retained substantially all of the construction risk. Therefore, for accounting purposes, we are considered the owner during the construction period and 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.
	Although we are the owner 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 will be recognized from the time we entered into the agreement through the initial lease term.

Investment_in_Unconsolidated_A

Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments Disclosure [Text Block]	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.
	Currently, the JV uses an interest rate cap to manage interest rate risk associated with its floating rate debt.  This derivative instrument is designated as a cash flow hedge based on the nature of the risk being hedged.
	As such, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is initially reported as a component of the JV’s accumulated other comprehensive income or loss (AOCI), net of tax, and is subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings.  Any ineffective portion of the gain or loss is recognized in the JV’s current earnings.  Due to our equity method investment in the JV, when the JV reports a current year component of other comprehensive income (OCI), we, as an investor, likewise adjust our investment account for the change in investee equity.  In addition, we adjust our OCI for our share of the JV’s currently reported OCI item.  For the three months ended December 31, 2014, our share of the JV’s OCI was less than $0.1 million.
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliate consists of the following:
		December 31, 2014					September 30, 2014
		Carrying Value			Ownership Percentage		Carrying Value		Ownership Percentage
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliate	$	3,922		27.972	%	$	3,903	27.972	%
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliate included the following activity during the period:
		Three Months Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	3,903		$	4,000
	Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate	118			81
	Return of capital contribution from unconsolidated affiliate	(110		)	—
	Equity interest in investee's unrealized gains on hedging derivatives, net of taxes	11			—
	Balance at end of period	$	3,922		$	4,081

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_E

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following:
		31-Dec-14		30-Sep-14
	Accounts payable	$	10,148	$	12,990
	Accrued compensation and benefits	19,073		17,963
	Other accrued expenses	8,556		7,874
		$	37,777	$	38,827

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	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 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, it is not currently possible to provide such an estimate. The ultimate outcome of 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. The Attorney General made a follow-up request for documents, and we complied with this request in 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.
	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 within educational services and facilities expense and were approximately $0.4 million for each of the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. 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 statements of comprehensive 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. Amounts written off represent amounts which have been turned over to third party collectors; such amounts are not included within bad debt expense in our condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
		Three Months Ended December 31,						Inception
		2014			2013			to date
	Tuition and interest income excluded	$	6,400		$	7,001		$	102,301
	Amounts collected and recognized	(1,057		)	(700		)	(9,536		)
	Amounts written off	(3,167		)	(1,795		)	(34,722		)
	Net amount excluded during the period	$	2,176		$	4,506		$	58,043
	As of December 31, 2014, we had committed to provide loans to our students for approximately $108.2 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 condensed consolidated balance sheets:
		Three Months Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	70,759		$	59,767
	Loans extended	7,242			10,209
	Interest accrued	695			726
	Amounts collected and recognized	(1,057		)	(700		)
	Amounts written off	(3,167		)	(1,795		)
	Balance at end of period	$	74,472		$	68,207

Common_Shareholders_Equity

Common Shareholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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 19, 2014, we paid cash dividends of $0.10 per share to common stockholders of record as of December 8, 2014, totaling approximately $2.5 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. We did not repurchase shares during the three months ended December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, we have purchased 825,252 shares at an average price per share of $10.50 and a total cost of approximately $8.7 million under this program.

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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 three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, 733,940 shares and 749,233 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:
		Three Months Ended December 31,
		2014	2013
	Weighted average number of shares	(In thousands)
	Basic shares outstanding	24,827	24,645
	Dilutive effect related to employee stock plans	99	194
	Diluted shares outstanding	24,926	24,839

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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. Depreciation and amortization includes amortization of assets subject to financing obligation.
	Summary information by reportable segment is as follows:
		Three Months Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Revenues
	Postsecondary education	$	92,902		$	94,303
	Other	2,778			2,737
	Consolidated	$	95,680		$	97,040
	Income (loss) from operations
	Postsecondary education	$	6,450		$	3,641
	Other	(850		)	(583		)
	Consolidated	$	5,600		$	3,058
	Depreciation and amortization
	Postsecondary education	$	4,906		$	5,185
	Other	44			61
	Consolidated	$	4,950		$	5,246
	Net income (loss)
	Postsecondary education	$	3,501		$	1,965
	Other	(407		)	(258		)
	Consolidated	$	3,094		$	1,707
		December 31, 2014			September 30, 2014
	Goodwill
	Postsecondary education	$	20,579		$	20,579
	Other	—			—
	Consolidated	$	20,579		$	20,579
	Total assets
	Postsecondary education	$	280,715		$	282,501
	Other	5,486			5,568
	Consolidated	$	286,201		$	288,069

Basis_of_Presentation_Schedule

Basis of Presentation Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments [Table Text Block]
		31-Dec-13
		As Reported		Adjustment			As Revised
	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Data:
	Revenues	$	97,029	$	11		$	97,040
	Educational services and facilities	$	51,111	$	(37	)	$	51,074
	Selling, general and administrative	$	42,915	$	(7	)	$	42,908
	Total operating expenses	$	94,026	$	(44	)	$	93,982
	Income from operations	$	3,003	$	55		$	3,058
	Other income	$	275	$	(1	)	$	274
	Total other income	$	224	$	(1	)	$	223
	Income before income taxes	$	3,227	$	54		$	3,281
	Income tax expense	$	1,567	$	7		$	1,574
	Net income	$	1,660	$	47		$	1,707

Postemployment_Benefits_Tables

Postemployment Benefits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Postemployment Activity	The postemployment benefit accrual activity for the three months ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:
			Liability Balance at		Postemployment		Cash Paid			Other			Liability Balance at
			September 30, 2014		Benefit Charges					Non-cash (1)			31-Dec-14
	Severance		$	2,150	$	1,081	$	(1,348	)	$	(17	)	$	1,866
	Other		16		197		(126		)	(4		)	83
	Total		$	2,166	$	1,278	$	(1,474	)	$	(21	)	$	1,949
	-1	Primarily relates to the expiration of benefits not used within the time offered under the separation agreement and non-cash severance.

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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 December 31, 2014 were as follows:
									Estimated
		Amortized		Gross Unrealized					Fair Market
		Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
	Due in less than 1 year:
	Municipal bonds	$	25,291	$	15	$	—		$	25,306
	Corporate bonds	19,488		—		(24		)	19,464
	Certificates of deposit	4,129		—		—			4,129
	Due in 1 - 2 years:
	Municipal bonds	5,389		10		—			5,399
	Corporate bonds	2,818		—		(6		)	$	2,812
	Certificates of deposit	1,087		—		—			1,087
		$	58,202	$	25	$	(30	)	$	58,197
	Amortized cost and fair value for investments classified as held-to-maturity at September 30, 2014 were as follows:
									Estimated
		Amortized		Gross Unrealized					Fair Market
		Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
	Due in less than 1 year:
	Municipal bonds	$	26,894	$	20	$	—		$	26,914
	Corporate bonds	16,836		1		(24		)	16,813
	Certificates of deposit	2,176		—		—			2,176
	Due in 1 - 2 years:
	Municipal bonds	4,230		7		—			4,237
	Corporate bonds	4,054		—		(13		)	$	4,041
	Certificates of deposit	2,973		—		—			2,973
		$	57,163	$	28	$	(37	)	$	57,154

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary of Fair Value of Our Money Market Mutual Funds, Municipal Bonds and Certificates of Deposit	Assets measured or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following:
				Fair Value Measurements Using
		31-Dec-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	$	16,356	$	16,356	$	—	$	—
	Corporate bonds	22,276		22,276		—		—
	Municipal bonds	30,705		—		30,705		—
	Commercial paper	6,751		—		6,751		—
	Certificates of deposit	5,216		—		5,216		—
	Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	81,304	$	38,632	$	42,672	$	—
				Fair Value Measurements Using
		30-Sep-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	$	29,995	$	29,995	$	—	$	—
	Corporate bonds	20,854		20,854		—		—
	Municipal bonds	31,151		—		31,151		—
	Certificates of deposit	5,149		—		5,149		—
	Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	87,149	$	50,849	$	36,300	$	—
	Our Level 2 investments are valued using readily available pricing sources which utilize market observable inputs, including the current interest rate for similar types of instruments.

Property_and_Equipment_net_Tab

Property and Equipment, net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and equipment, net	Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:
		Depreciable		December 31,				September 30,
		Lives (in years)		2014				2014
	Land	—		$	1,456			$	1,456
	Building and building improvements	35		50,360				50,306
	Leasehold improvements	28-Jan		43,664				38,906
	Training equipment	10-Mar		86,258				85,673
	Office and computer equipment	10-Mar		37,740				37,271
	Software developed for internal use	5-Mar		11,874				11,888
	Curriculum development	5		18,716				18,716
	Vehicles	5		1,217				1,207
	Construction in progress	—		6,543				10,746
				257,828				256,169
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			(154,172		)		(149,242		)
				$	103,656			$	106,927
Assets financed by financing obligations	The following amounts, which are included in the above table, represent assets financed by financing obligations:
		December 31,				September 30,
		2014				2014
	Buildings and building improvements	$	33,500			$	33,500
	Construction in progress	—				4,638
	Assets financed by financing obligations, gross	33,500				38,138
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(2,016		)		(1,551		)
	Assets financed by financing obligations, net	$	31,484			$	36,587

Investment_in_Unconsolidated_A1

Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]	Investment in unconsolidated affiliate consists of the following:
		December 31, 2014					September 30, 2014
		Carrying Value			Ownership Percentage		Carrying Value		Ownership Percentage
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliate	$	3,922		27.972	%	$	3,903	27.972	%
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliate included the following activity during the period:
		Three Months Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	3,903		$	4,000
	Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate	118			81
	Return of capital contribution from unconsolidated affiliate	(110		)	—
	Equity interest in investee's unrealized gains on hedging derivatives, net of taxes	11			—
	Balance at end of period	$	3,922		$	4,081

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_E1

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following:
		31-Dec-14		30-Sep-14
	Accounts payable	$	10,148	$	12,990
	Accrued compensation and benefits	19,073		17,963
	Other accrued expenses	8,556		7,874
		$	37,777	$	38,827

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Impact Of Proprietary Loan Program On Our Tuition Revenue And Interest Income Table [Text Block]	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 condensed consolidated balance sheets:
		Three Months Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	70,759		$	59,767
	Loans extended	7,242			10,209
	Interest accrued	695			726
	Amounts collected and recognized	(1,057		)	(700		)
	Amounts written off	(3,167		)	(1,795		)
	Balance at end of period	$	74,472		$	68,207
Activity Related To Balances Outstanding Under Our Proprietary Loan Program Table [Text Block]	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 statements of comprehensive 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. Amounts written off represent amounts which have been turned over to third party collectors; such amounts are not included within bad debt expense in our condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
		Three Months Ended December 31,						Inception
		2014			2013			to date
	Tuition and interest income excluded	$	6,400		$	7,001		$	102,301
	Amounts collected and recognized	(1,057		)	(700		)	(9,536		)
	Amounts written off	(3,167		)	(1,795		)	(34,722		)
	Net amount excluded during the period	$	2,176		$	4,506		$	58,043

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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:
		Three Months Ended December 31,
		2014	2013
	Weighted average number of shares	(In thousands)
	Basic shares outstanding	24,827	24,645
	Dilutive effect related to employee stock plans	99	194
	Diluted shares outstanding	24,926	24,839

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of Information by Reportable Segment	Summary information by reportable segment is as follows:
		Three Months Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Revenues
	Postsecondary education	$	92,902		$	94,303
	Other	2,778			2,737
	Consolidated	$	95,680		$	97,040
	Income (loss) from operations
	Postsecondary education	$	6,450		$	3,641
	Other	(850		)	(583		)
	Consolidated	$	5,600		$	3,058
	Depreciation and amortization
	Postsecondary education	$	4,906		$	5,185
	Other	44			61
	Consolidated	$	4,950		$	5,246
	Net income (loss)
	Postsecondary education	$	3,501		$	1,965
	Other	(407		)	(258		)
	Consolidated	$	3,094		$	1,707
		December 31, 2014			September 30, 2014
	Goodwill
	Postsecondary education	$	20,579		$	20,579
	Other	—			—
	Consolidated	$	20,579		$	20,579
	Total assets
	Postsecondary education	$	280,715		$	282,501
	Other	5,486			5,568
	Consolidated	$	286,201		$	288,069

Business_Description_Narrative

Business Description (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014
	Campus
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of campuses through which undergraduate degree, diploma and certificate programs are offered	11

Basis_of_Presentation_Narrativ

Basis of Presentation Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Retake Revenue Correction [Member]
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	$0.50
Bad Debt Expense Correction [Member]
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	0.2
Contract Services Expense Correction [Member]
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	$0.20

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues	$95,680	$97,040
Educational services And facilities	47,830	51,074
Selling, general and administrative	42,250	42,908
Total operating expenses	90,080	93,982
Income from operations	5,600	3,058
Other income	112	274
Total other income	-269	223
Income before income taxes	5,331	3,281
Income tax expense	2,237	1,574
Net income	3,094	1,707
Bad debt expense	934	1,333
Deferred income taxes	1,990	1,550
Restricted cash: Title IV credit balances		211
Receivables	-7,425	165
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-835	-1,382
Other assets	-559	-317
Deferred revenue	2,845	224
Income tax payable/receivable	-4,177	-283
Accrued tool sets and other current liabilities	365	165
Deferred rent liability	425	-477
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,997	9,621
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		1,488
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	38,985	34,596	33,044	36,084
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Revenues		97,029
Educational services And facilities		51,111
Selling, general and administrative		42,915
Total operating expenses		94,026
Income from operations		3,003
Other income		275
Total other income		224
Income before income taxes		3,227
Income tax expense		1,567
Net income		1,660
Bad debt expense		1,341
Deferred income taxes		1,549
Restricted cash: Title IV credit balances		0
Receivables		-13
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		-1,344
Other assets		-316
Deferred revenue		201
Income tax payable/receivable		-79
Accrued tool sets and other current liabilities		163
Net cash provided by operating activities		9,410
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		1,277
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		35,657		36,934
Restatement Adjustment [Member]
Revenues		11
Educational services And facilities		-37
Selling, general and administrative		-7
Total operating expenses		-44
Income from operations		55
Other income		-1
Total other income		-1
Income before income taxes		54
Income tax expense		7
Net income		47
Bad debt expense		-8
Deferred income taxes		1
Restricted cash: Title IV credit balances		211
Receivables		178
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		-38
Other assets		-1
Deferred revenue		23
Income tax payable/receivable		-204
Accrued tool sets and other current liabilities		2
Net cash provided by operating activities		211
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		211
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		($1,061)		($850)

Postemployment_Benefits_Narrat

Postemployment Benefits (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	Employee
Schedule of Postemployment Benefits [Line Items]
Number of impacted employees due to reduction in workforce	50
Expiration Period Of Postemployment Benefits Agreements		2015-12
Postemployment benefit expense	$1,200	$1,278
Minimum [Member]
Schedule of Postemployment Benefits [Line Items]
Period for payment of post employment benefit		1 month
Maximum [Member]
Schedule of Postemployment Benefits [Line Items]
Period for payment of post employment benefit		24 months
Employee Severance [Member]
Schedule of Postemployment Benefits [Line Items]
Postemployment benefit expense		$1,081

Postemployment_Benefits_Postem

Postemployment Benefits (Postemployment Activity) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Postemployment Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Liability Beginning Balance	$2,166	$2,166
Postemployment Benefit Charges	1,200	1,278
Cash Paid		-1,474
Other Non-cash		-21
Liability Ending Balance		1,949
Severance
Postemployment Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Liability Beginning Balance	2,150	2,150
Postemployment Benefit Charges		1,081
Cash Paid		-1,348
Other Non-cash		-17
Liability Ending Balance		1,866
Other
Postemployment Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Liability Beginning Balance	16	16
Postemployment Benefit Charges		197
Cash Paid		-126
Other Non-cash		-4
Liability Ending Balance		$83

Investments_Amortized_Cost_and

Investments (Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Held to Maturity Investments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$58,202	$57,163
Gross Unrealized Gains	25	28
Gross Unrealized Losses	-30	-37
Estimated Fair Market Value	58,197	57,154
Municipal bonds, due in less than 1 year
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	25,291	26,894
Gross Unrealized Gains	15	20
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Market Value	25,306	26,914
Corporate bonds, due in less than 1 year
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	19,488	16,836
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	1
Gross Unrealized Losses	-24	-24
Estimated Fair Market Value	19,464	16,813
Certificates of deposit, due in less than 1 year
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	4,129	2,176
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Market Value	4,129	2,176
Municipal bonds, due in 1 - 2 years
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	5,389	4,230
Gross Unrealized Gains	10	7
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Market Value	5,399	4,237
Corporate bonds due In 1 - 2 years
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	2,818	4,054
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	-6	-13
Estimated Fair Market Value	2,812	4,041
Certificates of deposit, due in 1- 2 years
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,087	2,973
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Market Value	$1,087	$2,973

Fair_Value_Measurements_Assets

Fair Value Measurements (Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
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	$81,304	$87,149
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	16,356	29,995
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	22,276	20,854
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	30,705	31,151
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	6,751
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	5,216	5,149
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	38,632	50,849
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	16,356	29,995
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	22,276	20,854
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) | Commercial Paper [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	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	42,672	36,300
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	30,705	31,151
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Commercial Paper [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	6,751
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	5,216	5,149
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) | Commercial Paper [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	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

Property_and_Equipment_net_Nar

Property and Equipment, net (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Financing obligation, current	622,000	$5,234,000
Buildings and building improvements	33,500,000	38,138,000
Long Beach, California campus [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Construction in Progress, Gross		3,300,000
Orlando Florida Campus
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Lease Expiration Date	31-Aug-22
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Buildings and building improvements	33,500,000	33,500,000
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Orlando Florida Campus
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Financing obligation, current		4,600,000
Buildings and building improvements		$4,600,000

Property_and_Equipment_net_Det

Property and Equipment, net (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$257,828	$256,169
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-154,172	-149,242
Property and equipment, net	103,656	106,927
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	1,456	1,456
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	35 years
Property and equipment, gross	50,360	50,306
Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	43,664	38,906
Leasehold improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	1 year
Leasehold improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	28 years
Training equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	86,258	85,673
Training equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	3 years
Training equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	10 years
Office and computer equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	37,740	37,271
Office and computer equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	3 years
Office and computer equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	10 years
Software developed for internal use [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	11,874	11,888
Software developed for internal use [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	3 years
Software developed for internal use [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	5 years
Curriculum development [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	5 years
Property and equipment, gross	18,716	18,716
Vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	5 years
Property and equipment, gross	1,217	1,207
Construction in progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$6,543	$10,746

Property_and_Equipment_net_Ass

Property and Equipment, net Assets Financed by Financing Obligations (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets financed by financing obligations [Line Items]
Assets financed by financing obligations, gross	$33,500	$38,138
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-2,016	-1,551
Assets financed by financing obligation, net	31,484	36,587
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Assets financed by financing obligations [Line Items]
Assets financed by financing obligations, gross	33,500	33,500
Construction in progress [Member]
Assets financed by financing obligations [Line Items]
Assets financed by financing obligations, gross	$0	$4,638

BuildtoSuit_Lease_Narrative_De

Build-to-Suit Lease (Narrative) (Details) (Long Beach, California campus [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Long Beach, California campus [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Capital Leases, Term of Contract	15 years

Investment_in_Unconsolidated_A2

Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate [Abstract]
Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate	$3,922	$3,903	$4,081	$4,000	$4,000

Investment_in_Unconsolidated_A3

Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2012
Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate [Abstract]
Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate	$3,922	$4,081		$4,000
Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate, Ownership Percentage	27.97%		27.97%	28.00%
Balance at beginning of period	3,903	4,000		4,000
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate	118	81
Return of capital contribution from unconsolidated affiliate	-110	0
Equity interest in investee's unrealized gains on hedging derivatives, net of taxes	11	0
Balance at end of period	$3,922	$4,081		$4,000

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_E2

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts payable	$10,148	$12,990
Accrued compensation and benefits	19,073	17,963
Other accrued expenses	8,556	7,874
Accounts payable and accrued expenses, total	$37,777	$38,827

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Loan Processing Fee	$400,000	$400,000
Amount Of Loans Committed To Provide	$108.20

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies Schedule Of Impact Of Proprietary Loan Program On Our Tuition Revenue And Interest Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		79 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Impact of Proprietary Loan Program on our Tuition Revenue and Interest Income [Abstract]
Tuition and interest income excluded	$6,400	$7,001	$102,301
Amounts collected and recognized	-1,057	-700	-9,536
Amounts written off	-3,167	-1,795	-34,722
Net amount excluded during the period	$2,176	$4,506	$58,043

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies Balances Outstanding under Proprietary Loan Program (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		79 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Activity Related to Balances Outstanding under our Proprietary Loan Program [Abstract]
Amounts Outstanding Under Our Proprietary Loan Program	$74,472	$68,207	$74,472	$70,759	$59,767
Loans extended	7,242	10,209
Interest accrued	695	726
Amounts collected and recognized	-1,057	-700	-9,536
Amounts written off	($3,167)	($1,795)	($34,722)

Common_Shareholders_Equity_Com

Common Shareholders' Equity Common Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	36 Months Ended
	Dec. 20, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 20, 2011
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Number of voting rights per share, common stock		$1
Common stock dividends declared, per share	$0.10
Cash dividend		$2,483,000
Repurchase of common stock authorized by Board of Directors				25,000,000
Purchased shares			825,252
Average price per share			$10.50
Aggregate cost of treasury stock repurchased during the period			$8,700,000

Earnings_per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings per Share (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Shares not included in the determination of our diluted shares outstanding as they were anti-dilutive	0.7	0.7

Earnings_per_Share_Calculation

Earnings per Share (Calculation of the Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding) (Details)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Weighted average number of shares
Basic shares outstanding	24,827	24,645
Dilutive effect related to employee stock plans	99	194
Diluted shares outstanding	24,926	24,839

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
Revenues
Revenues	$95,680	$97,040
Income (loss) from operations
Income (loss) from operations	5,600	3,058
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization	4,482	5,091
Total Depreciation and Amortization	4,950	5,246
Net income (loss)
Net income (loss)	3,094	1,707
Goodwill
Goodwill	20,579		20,579
Assets
Total assets	286,201		288,069
Postsecondary education
Revenues
Revenues	92,902	94,303
Income (loss) from operations
Income (loss) from operations	6,450	3,641
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization	4,906	5,185
Net income (loss)
Net income (loss)	3,501	1,965
Goodwill
Goodwill	20,579		20,579
Assets
Total assets	280,715		282,501
Other
Revenues
Revenues	2,778	2,737
Income (loss) from operations
Income (loss) from operations	-850	-583
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization	44	61
Net income (loss)
Net income (loss)	-407	-258
Goodwill
Goodwill	0		0
Assets
Total assets	$5,486		$5,568