Zovio (ZVOI) 10-Q 5 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 30, 2014
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001305323	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	45,371,982

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$188,779	$212,526
Restricted cash	24,773	36,946
Investments	51,074	65,901
Accounts receivable, net	31,375	22,953
Student loans receivable, net	984	1,043
Deferred income taxes	16,698	16,683
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	18,365	21,563
Total current assets	332,048	377,615
Property and equipment, net	88,098	91,425
Investments	92,777	41,062
Student loans receivable, net	9,977	11,785
Goodwill and intangibles, net	25,586	26,878
Deferred income taxes	17,441	18,507
Other long-term assets	2,372	2,740
Total assets	568,299	570,012
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	10,460	5,195
Accrued liabilities	48,854	54,290
Deferred revenue and student deposits	109,105	132,791
Total current liabilities	168,419	192,276
Rent liability	21,356	23,927
Other long-term liabilities	9,978	9,271
Total liabilities	199,753	225,474
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 12)	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value:	'	'
20,000 shares authorized; zero shares issued and outstanding at both September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value:	'	'
300,000 shares authorized; 62,928 issued and 45,371 outstanding at September 30, 2014; 62,331 issued and 44,774 outstanding at December 31, 2013	629	623
Additional paid-in capital	178,110	168,829
Retained earnings	527,023	512,107
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-147	48
Treasury stock, 17,557 shares at cost at both September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013	-337,069	-337,069
Total stockholders' equity	368,546	344,538
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$568,299	$570,012

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	62,928,000	62,331,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	45,371,000	44,774,000
Treasury stock, shares at cost	17,557,000	17,557,000

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenue	$162,654	$182,768	$491,446	$589,224
Costs and expenses:	'	'	'	'
Instructional costs and services	79,707	83,562	239,641	280,193
Admissions advisory and marketing	56,783	64,507	178,079	179,632
General and administrative	15,583	15,175	48,589	51,066
Total costs and expenses	152,073	163,244	466,309	510,891
Operating income	10,581	19,524	25,137	78,333
Other income, net	1,080	786	2,159	2,371
Income before income taxes	11,661	20,310	27,296	80,704
Income tax expense	5,370	6,099	12,380	29,712
Net income	$6,291	$14,211	$14,916	$50,992
Earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in usd per share)	$0.14	$0.26	$0.33	$0.94
Diluted (in usd per share)	$0.14	$0.25	$0.32	$0.91
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in computing earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	45,301	54,336	45,145	54,201
Diluted (in shares)	46,474	56,431	46,495	55,795

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net income	$6,291	$14,211	$14,916	$50,992
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments	-123	10	-195	-194
Comprehensive income	$6,168	$14,221	$14,721	$50,798

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$344,538	$623	$168,829	$512,107	$48	($337,069)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013	'	62,331	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	7,891	'	7,891	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	'	360	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	3,076	4	3,072	'	'	'
Excess tax benefit of option exercises and restricted stock, net of tax shortfall	413	'	413	'	'	'
Stock issued under restricted stock plan, net of shares held for taxes, shares	'	237	'	'	'	'
Stock issued under restricted stock plan, net of shares held for taxes	-2,093	2	-2,095	'	'	'
Net income	14,916	'	'	14,916	'	'
Unrealized losses on investments, net of tax	-195	'	'	'	-195	'
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$368,546	$629	$178,110	$527,023	($147)	($337,069)
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2014	'	62,928	'	'	'	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net income	$14,916	$50,992
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Provision for bad debts	21,961	31,670
Depreciation and amortization	17,914	15,861
Amortization of premium/discount	85	2,662
Deferred income taxes	1,124	0
Stock-based compensation	7,891	10,704
Excess tax benefit of option exercises	-1,171	-863
Loss on impairment of student loans receivable	1,466	790
Net gain on marketable securities	-22	-62
Loss on disposal of fixed assets	80	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Restricted cash	12,202	7,531
Accounts receivable	-30,314	-18,826
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,317	-155
Student loans receivable	763	218
Other long-term assets	368	379
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-532	8,960
Deferred revenue and student deposits	-23,600	-48,160
Other liabilities	-1,864	107
Net cash provided by operating activities	24,584	61,808
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'
Capital expenditures	-9,644	-11,737
Purchases of investments	-87,855	-26,724
Restricted cash	-29	0
Capitalized costs for intangible assets	-2,957	-3,518
Sales and maturities of investments	50,000	161,854
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-50,485	119,875
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	3,076	1,250
Excess tax benefit of option exercises	1,171	863
Proceeds from the issuance of stock under employee stock purchase plan	0	604
Proceeds from the exercise of warrants	0	8
Tax withholdings on issuance of restricted stock	-2,093	-1,080
Net cash provided by financing activities	2,154	1,645
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-23,747	183,328
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	212,526	208,971
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	188,779	392,299
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions:	'	'
Purchase of equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$910	$955

Nature_of_Business

Nature of Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Nature of Business	'
	Nature of Business
	Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”), was incorporated in 1999 and is a provider of postsecondary education services. Its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Ashford University® and University of the RockiesSM, are academic institutions that offer associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs online, as well as at their traditional campuses located in Iowa and Colorado, respectively.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Principles of Consolidation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bridgepoint Education, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Unaudited Interim Financial Information
	The condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2013, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on August 1, 2014. In the opinion of management, these financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary to present a fair statement of the Company's condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of and for the periods presented.
	Operating results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data were derived from audited financial statements, but do not include all disclosures required by GAAP for complete annual financial statements.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, which raises the threshold for determining which disposals are required to be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. The standard is applied prospectively and is effective in 2015, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-08 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605, Revenue Recognition. This literature is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The accounting guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The standard will be effective for the first interim period within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, using one of two retrospective application methods. The Company is evaluating the impacts, if any, the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on its financial position or results of operations.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. ASU 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, as it relates to such awards. ASU 2014-12 is effective for us in our first quarter of fiscal 2017, with early adoption permitted using either of two methods: (i) prospective to all awards granted or modified after the effective date; or (ii) retrospective to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter, with the cumulative effect of applying ASU 2014-12 as an adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements. The Company is evaluating the impacts, if any, the adoption of ASU 2014-12 will have on its financial position or results of operations.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. ASU 2014-15 is intended to define management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an organization’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The amendments are effective for periods ending after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted for annual or interim reporting periods for which the financial statements have not previously been issued. The adoption of ASU 2014-15 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	Investments
	The following tables summarize the fair value information of short and long-term investments as of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively (in thousands):
		As of September 30, 2014
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Mutual funds	$	982	$	—	$	—	$	982
	Corporate notes and bonds	—		67,941		—		67,941
	U.S. government and agency securities	—		34,928		—		34,928
	Certificates of deposit	—		40,000		—		40,000
	Total	$	982	$	142,869	$	—	$	143,851
		As of December 31, 2013
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Demand notes	$	—	$	719	$	—	$	719
	Corporate notes and bonds	—		16,244		—		16,244
	Certificates of deposit	—		90,000		—		90,000
	Total	$	—	$	106,963	$	—	$	106,963
	There was one transfer from Level 2 into Level 1 as of September 30, 2014, as a result of the Company reevaluating the related funds as having readily observable market prices.
	The tables above include amounts related to investments classified as other investments, such as certificates of deposit, which are carried at amortized cost. The amortized cost of such investments approximated fair value at each balance sheet date. The assumptions used in these fair value estimates are considered as other observable inputs and are therefore categorized as Level 2 measurements under the accounting guidance.
	The Company records the changes in unrealized gains and losses on its investments arising during the period in other comprehensive income. For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded a net unrealized loss of $123,000 and a net unrealized gain of $10,000, respectively, in other comprehensive income, which were net of tax benefit of $26,000 and tax expense of $9,000, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded net unrealized losses of $195,000, and $194,000, respectively, in other comprehensive income which were net of tax benefit of $73,000 and $115,000, respectively.

Accounts_Receivable

Accounts Receivable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Accounts Receivable	'
	Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable, net, consist of the following (in thousands):
		As of			As of
		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
	Accounts receivable	$	59,056		$	49,854
	Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(27,681		)	(26,901		)
	Accounts receivable, net	$	31,375		$	22,953
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there was an immaterial amount included within net accounts receivable with a payment due date of greater than one year.
	The following table presents the changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the periods indicated (in thousands):
		Beginning			Charged to			Deductions(1)			Ending
		Balance			Expense						Balance
	Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable:
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014	$	(26,901	)	$	21,957		$	(21,177	)	$	(27,681	)
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013	(31,466		)	31,606			(31,923		)	(31,149		)
	-1	Deductions represent accounts written off, net of recoveries.

Student_Loan_Receivables

Student Loan Receivables	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Student Loan Receivables	'
	Student Loan Receivables
	Student loan receivables, net, consist of the following (in thousands):
	Short-term:	As of			As of
		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
	Student loans receivable (non-tuition related)	$	573		$	587
	Student loans receivable (tuition related)	506			621
	Current student loans receivable	1,079			1,208
	Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(95		)	(165		)
	Student loans receivable, net	$	984		$	1,043
	Long-term:	As of			As of
		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
	Student loans receivable (non-tuition related)	$	5,779		$	7,347
	Student loans receivable (tuition related)	5,270			6,417
	Non-current student loans receivable	11,049			13,764
	Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(1,072		)	(1,979		)
	Student loans receivable, net	$	9,977		$	11,785
	Student loans receivable is presented net of any related discount, and the balances approximated fair value at each balance sheet date. The Company estimated the fair value of the student loans receivable by discounting the future cash flows using current rates for similar arrangements. The assumptions used in this estimate are considered unobservable inputs and are therefore categorized as Level 3 measurements under accounting guidance.
	Revenue recognized related to student loans was immaterial during each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, respectively. The following table presents the changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the periods indicated (in thousands):
		Beginning			Charged to			Deductions(1)		Ending
		Balance			Expense					Balance
	Allowance for student loans receivable (tuition related):
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014	$	(2,144	)	$	4		$	981	$	(1,167	)
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013	(1,895		)	64			—		(1,959		)
	-1	Deductions represent accounts written off, net of recoveries.
	For the non-tuition related student loans receivable, the Company monitors the credit quality using credit scores, aging history and delinquency trending. The loan reserve methodology is reviewed on a quarterly basis. Delinquency is the main factor of determining if a loan is impaired. If a loan were determined to be impaired, interest would no longer accrue. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, there was $0.3 million and $1.5 million, respectively, of loans that were impaired, and as of September 30, 2014, $3.5 million of loans had been placed on non-accrual status.
	As of September 30, 2014, the delinquency status of gross student loans receivable was as follows (in thousands):
	Less than 120 days	$	14,955
	From 120 - 269 days	1,566
	Greater than 270 days	1,951
	Total gross student loans receivable	18,472
	Less: Amounts reserved or impaired	(4,631		)
	Less: Discount on student loans receivable	(2,880		)
	Total student loans receivable, net	$	10,961

Other_Significant_Balance_Shee

Other Significant Balance Sheet Accounts	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Significant Balance Sheet Accounts [Abstract]	'
Other Significant Balance Sheet Accounts	'
	Other Significant Balance Sheet Accounts
	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following (in thousands):
		As of			As of
		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
	Prepaid expenses	$	9,714		$	10,814
	Prepaid licenses	2,782			5,833
	Prepaid income taxes	906			195
	Prepaid insurance	1,988			1,131
	Interest receivable	602			86
	Insurance recoverable	1,654			2,814
	Other current assets	719			690
	Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	18,365		$	21,563
	Property and Equipment, Net
	Property and equipment, net, consist of the following (in thousands):
		As of			As of
		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
	Land	$	7,091		$	7,091
	Buildings and building improvements	29,425			28,916
	Furniture and office equipment	90,231			84,852
	Software	14,272			10,075
	Leasehold improvements	24,526			24,360
	Vehicles	147			147
	Total property and equipment	165,692			155,441
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(77,594		)	(64,016		)
	Total property and equipment, net	$	88,098		$	91,425
	Goodwill and Intangibles, Net
	Goodwill and intangibles, net, consist of the following (in thousands):
		30-Sep-14
	Definite-lived intangible assets:	Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
	Capitalized curriculum costs	$	17,496		$	(8,347	)	$	9,149
	Purchased intangible assets	15,850			(1,980		)	13,870
	Total definite-lived intangible assets	$	33,346		$	(10,327	)	$	23,019
	Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles							2,567
	Total goodwill and intangibles, net							$	25,586
		31-Dec-13
	Definite-lived intangible assets:	Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
	Capitalized curriculum costs	$	14,540		$	(5,035	)	$	9,505
	Purchased intangible assets	15,857			(1,051		)	14,806
	Total definite-lived intangible assets	$	30,397		$	(6,086	)	$	24,311
	Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles							2,567
	Total goodwill and intangibles, net							$	26,878
	For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, amortization expense was $1.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, amortization expense was $4.2 million and $2.3 million, respectively.
	The following table summarizes the estimated remaining amortization expense as of each fiscal year ended below (in thousands):
	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		$	1,474
	2015		4,966
	2016		3,217
	2017		1,634
	2018		1,232
	Thereafter		10,496
	Total future amortization expense		$	23,019
	Accrued Liabilities
	Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
		As of			As of
		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
	Accrued salaries and wages	$	12,290		$	12,790
	Accrued bonus	2,247			2,277
	Accrued vacation	10,409			9,696
	Accrued litigation and fees	750			8,000
	Accrued expenses	16,764			15,079
	Rent liability	3,175			2,446
	Worker's compensation liability	3,219			4,002
Total accrued liabilities	$	48,854		$	54,290
Deferred Revenue and Student Deposits
Deferred revenue and student deposits consist of the following (in thousands):
	As of			As of
	30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
Deferred revenue	$	40,418		$	29,279
Student deposits	68,687			103,512
Total deferred revenue and student deposits	$	109,105		$	132,791

Credit_Facilities

Credit Facilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Credit Facilities	'
	Credit Facilities
	On April 13, 2012, the Company entered into a $50 million revolving line of credit (“Facility”) pursuant to an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement (“Revolving Credit Agreement”) with the lenders signatory thereto and Comerica, as administrative agent for the lenders. The Revolving Credit Agreement amended, restated and superseded any prior loan documents. At the Company's option, the Company may increase the size of the Facility up to $100 million, in certain minimum increments, subject to the terms and conditions of the Revolving Credit Agreement. Additionally, the Company may request swing-line advances under the Facility up to $3 million in the aggregate.
	Under the Revolving Credit Agreement and the documents executed in connection therewith (collectively, the “Facility Loan Documents”), the lenders have agreed to make loans to the Company and issue letters of credit on the Company's behalf, subject to specific terms and conditions. The Facility has a term of three years and matures on April 13, 2015. Interest and fees accruing under the Facility are payable quarterly in arrears and principal is payable at maturity. The Company may terminate the Facility upon five days notice, without premium or penalty, other than customary breakage fees.
	For any advance under the Facility, interest will accrue at either the “Base Rate” or the “Eurodollar-based Rate,” at the Company's option. The Base Rate means, for any day, 0.5% plus the greatest of: (1) the prime rate for such day, (2) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day, plus 1.0%, and (3) the daily adjusting LIBOR rate, plus 1.0%. The Eurodollar-based Rate means, for any day, 1.5% plus the quotient of (1) the LIBOR Rate, divided by (2) a percentage equal to 100% minus the maximum rate on such date at which Comerica is required to maintain reserves on “Eurocurrency Liabilities” as defined in Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. For any advance under the swing line, interest will accrue at either the Base Rate or, if made available to the Company by the swing line lender, at the lender's option, a different rate quoted by such lender. For any letter of credit issued on the Company's behalf under the Facility, the Company is required to pay a fee of 1.50% of the undrawn amount of such letter of credit plus a letter of credit facing fee. The Company is also required to pay a facility fee of 0.25% of the aggregate commitment then in effect under the Facility, whether used or unused.
	The Facility Loan Documents contain other customary affirmative, negative and financial maintenance covenants, representations and warranties, events of default, and remedies upon an event of default, including the acceleration of debt and the right to foreclose on the collateral securing the Facility.
	As security for the performance of the Company's obligations under the Facility Loan Documents, the Company granted the lenders a first priority security interest in substantially all of the Company's assets, including its real property which had a book value of $7.1 million as of September 30, 2014.
	The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants in the Facility Loan Documents as of September 30, 2014. As of September 30, 2014, and up to the date of filing, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the Facility. As of September 30, 2014, the Company used the availability under the line of credit to issue letters of credit aggregating $5.8 million.
	Surety Bond Facility
	As part of its normal business operations, the Company is required to provide surety bonds in certain states in which the Company does business. In May 2009, the Company entered into a surety bond facility with an insurance company to provide such bonds when applicable. As of September 30, 2014, the total available surety bond facility was $12.0 million and the Company had issued surety bonds totaling $5.6 million.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the sum of (i) the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period and (ii) potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the period, if the effect is dilutive. Potentially dilutive common shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, consisted of incremental shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options and warrants and upon the settlement of restricted stock units.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share data):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	6,291		$	14,211		$	14,916	$	50,992
	Denominator:
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	45,301			54,336			45,145		54,201
	Effect of dilutive options and restricted stock units	1,173			1,996			1,350		1,497
	Effect of dilutive warrants	—			99			—		97
	Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding	46,474			56,431			46,495		55,795
	Earnings per share:
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.14		$	0.26		$	0.33	$	0.94
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.14		$	0.25		$	0.32	$	0.91
	For the periods indicated below, the computation of dilutive common shares outstanding excludes certain options and restricted stock units to purchase shares of common stock because their effect was anti-dilutive.
		Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013			2014		2013
	Options	2,765		2,564			2,661		3,493
	Restricted stock units	—		—			—		1

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company recorded $2.8 million and $3.3 million of stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $7.9 million and $10.7 million of stock-based compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The related income tax benefit was $1.1 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $3.0 million and $4.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	There were approximately 47,000 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) granted during the three months ended September 30, 2014 at a grant date fair value of $12.57. During the three months ended September 30, 2014, 0.2 million RSUs vested.
	There were approximately 28,000 options to purchase shares of common stock granted during the three months ended September 30, 2014. During the three months ended September 30, 2014, options to purchase 13 thousand shares of common stock were exercised.
	As of September 30, 2014, there was unrecognized compensation cost of $14.9 million related to the combined unvested options and RSUs.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The Company's current estimated annual effective income tax rate that has been applied to normal, recurring operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, was 43.7%. The Company's actual effective income tax rate was 45.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The actual effective rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 differed from the Company's estimated annual effective tax rate due to the impact of discrete items on the Company's income before the provision for income taxes, primarily the increase to reserves for uncertain tax positions and related accrued interest.
	At September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, the Company had $8.3 million and $7.4 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, respectively, of which $5.4 million and $4.8 million, respectively, would impact the effective income tax rate if recognized.
	The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax and multiple state tax jurisdictions. The 2002 through 2013 tax years remain open to examination by major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject.
	The Company's continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. Accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as of September 30, 2014 and as of December 31, 2013, was $1.9 million and $1.7 million, respectively.
	The California Franchise Tax Board commenced an audit of the Company's 2008 and 2009 California income tax returns in October 2011, and will commence an audit of the Company's 2010 through 2012 California income tax returns in November 2014. The Company does not expect any significant adjustments to amounts already reserved.
	It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized tax benefit will change during the next 12 months, however the Company does not expect the potential change to have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position in the next year.

Regulatory

Regulatory	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Regulatory [Abstract]	'
Regulatory	'
	Regulatory
	The Company is subject to extensive regulation by federal and state governmental agencies and accrediting bodies. In particular, the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (the “Higher Education Act”), and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Department of Education (the “Department”) subject the Company to significant regulatory scrutiny on the basis of numerous standards that institutions of higher education must satisfy in order to participate in the various federal student financial assistance programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act.
	Ashford University is regionally accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (“WSCUC”), formerly referred to as WASC. University of the Rockies is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (“HLC”).
	Department of Education Program Review of Ashford University
	On July 31, 2014, the Company and Ashford University received notification from the Department that it intended to conduct an ordinary course program review of Ashford University’s administration of federal student financial aid (Title IV) programs in which the university participates. The review commenced on August 25, 2014, and covers federal financial aid years 2012-2013 and 2013-2014, as well as compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and related regulations.
	WSCUC Grant of Initial Accreditation of Ashford University
	On July 10, 2013, WSCUC granted Initial Accreditation to Ashford University for five years, until July 15, 2018. In December 2013, Ashford University effected its transition to WSCUC accreditation and designated its San Diego, California facilities as its main campus and its Clinton, Iowa campus as an additional location. As part of a continuing WSCUC monitoring process, Ashford University will host a visiting team from WSCUC in a special visit in spring 2015. WSCUC also performs Mid-Cycle Reviews of its accredited institutions near the midpoint of their periods of accreditation, as required by the Department. The purpose of the Mid-Cycle Review is to identify problems with an institution’s or program’s continued compliance with agency standards while taking into account institutional or program strengths and stability. The Mid-Cycle Review report will focus particularly on student achievement, including indicators of educational effectiveness, retention and graduation data.
	Licensure by California BPPE
	To be eligible to participate in Title IV programs, an institution must be legally authorized to offer its educational programs by the states in which it is physically located. Effective July 1, 2011, the Department established new requirements to determine if an institution is considered to be legally authorized by a state. In connection with its transition to WSCUC accreditation, Ashford University designated its San Diego, California facilities as its main campus for Title IV purposes and submitted an Application for Approval to Operate an Accredited Institution to the State of California, Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (“BPPE”) on September 10, 2013.
	In April 2014, the application was granted, and the university was approved by BPPE to operate in California until July 15, 2018. As a result, Ashford University is no longer exempt from certain laws and regulations applicable to private, post-secondary educational institutions. These laws and regulations entail certain California reporting requirements, including but not limited to, graduation, employment and licensing data, certain changes of ownership and control, faculty and programs, and student refund policies, as well as the triggering of other state and federal student employment data reporting and disclosure requirements.
	On October 22, 2014, BPPE notified Ashford University that it had been identified for a compliance inspection. The inspection will cover statutory and regulatory requirements and include document review and an onsite visit. Documents must be submitted by November 5, 2014 and there is no date set for the onsite visit.
	HLC Visit to University of the Rockies
	In September and October of 2014, HLC conducted a previously scheduled comprehensive evaluation visit at University of the Rockies in order for the University to seek reaffirmation of its accreditation by HLC.
	Negotiated Rulemaking
	The Department held Program Integrity and Improvement negotiated rulemaking sessions in February, March, April and May, 2014, that focused on topics including, but not limited to, cash management of Title IV program funds, state authorization for programs offering distance or correspondence education, credit and clock hour conversions, the retaking of coursework, and the definition of “adverse credit” for PLUS borrowers. No consensus resulted from the rulemaking sessions. As a result, the Department had discretion to propose Program Integrity regulations, anticipated by November 1, 2014.
	On August 8, 2014, the Department published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing new regulations that will update eligibility standards and improve access for students and parent borrowers under the federal Direct PLUS loan program. Among other things, the proposed regulations would amend the definition of “adverse credit history” and require PLUS loan counseling for a parent or a students with an adverse credit history who is approved for a PLUS loan as a result of the Secretary’s determination that extenuating circumstances exist.
	The Department held negotiated rulemaking committee sessions to prepare proposed rulemaking regulations that would establish standards for programs that prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation in four sessions between September and December 2013. The committee did not reach consensus on the content of the proposed regulations, and, as a result, the Department published proposed regulations on March 14, 2014 for comment by the public for a sixty-day period, which ended May 13, 2014. The Department published final regulations in the Federal Register on Friday, October 31, 2014 , effective July 1, 2015. The Department made one key change in the final regulations compared to the proposed regulations published in March by removing the program default rate as an accountability metric.
	The gainful employment regulations consist of three components: accountability, metrics and disclosures. Institutions must certify that each of their gainful employment programs meet state and federal licensure, certification and accreditation requirements. To maintain Title IV eligibility, gainful employment programs will be required to meet minimum standards for the “debt vs earnings” of their graduates. Institutions will be required to make public disclosures regarding the performance and outcomes of their gainful employment programs that include information such as costs, earnings, debt and completion rates.
	On October 30, 2014, the Obama administration announced that the Department will lead an effort to formalize an interagency task force to conduct oversight of for-profit institutions of higher education, especially regarding alleged unfair, deceptive, and abusive policies and practices. The task force will include the Departments of Justice, Treasury and Veterans Affairs, as well as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Trade Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and state attorneys general.
	Three negotiated rulemaking sessions between January and March of 2014 resulted in draft regulations to enact changes to the Clery Act Act required by the enactment of the Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”). The Department published final regulations in the Federal Register on Monday, October 20, 2014, effective July 1, 2015. The Department issued a Dear Colleague Letter on July 14, 2014 and confirmed that it expects institutions to make a good faith effort to comply with the statutory requirements in the interim. Among other things, VAWA requires institutions to compile statistics for additional incidents to those currently required by Clery and include certain policies, procedures and programs pertaining to these incidents in annual security reports.
	The Company’s compliance with these regulations, any additional regulations, or with modifications to existing regulations, including but not limited to those concerning state authorization, distance education, and gainful employment, could result in direct and indirect costs related to compliance, increased scrutiny, fines, liabilities, sanctions or lawsuits, which could have a material adverse effect on enrollments, revenues, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
	Cohort Default Rate
	For each federal fiscal year, the Department calculates a rate of student defaults over a three-year measuring period for each educational institution, which is known as a “cohort default rate.” An institution may lose its eligibility to participate in the Direct Loan and Pell programs if, for each of the three most recent federal fiscal years, 30% or more of its students who became subject to a repayment obligation in that federal fiscal year defaulted on such obligation by the end of the following federal fiscal year.
	The three-year cohort default rates for Ashford University for the 2011, 2010 and 2009 federal fiscal years, were 15.3%, 16.3% and 19.8%, respectively. The three-year cohort default rates for University of the Rockies for the 2011, 2010 and 2009 federal fiscal years, were 6.7%, 8.0% and 3.3%, respectively.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	From time to time, the Company is a party to various lawsuits, claims and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. When the Company becomes aware of a claim or potential claim, it assesses the likelihood of any loss or exposure. In accordance with authoritative guidance, the Company records loss contingencies in its financial statements only for matters in which losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Where a range of loss can be reasonably estimated with no best estimate in the range, the Company records the minimum estimated liability. If the loss is not probable or the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, the Company discloses the nature of the specific claim if the likelihood of a potential loss is reasonably possible and the amount involved is material. The Company continuously assesses the potential liability related to the Company’s pending litigation and revises its estimates when additional information becomes available. Below is a list of material legal proceedings to which the Company or its subsidiaries is a party.
	Compliance Audit by the Department's Office of the Inspector General (“OIG”)
	In January 2011, Ashford University received a final audit report from the OIG regarding the compliance audit commenced in May 2008 and covering the period July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007. The audit covered Ashford University's administration of Title IV program funds, including compliance with regulations governing institutional and student eligibility, awards and disbursements of Title IV program funds, verification of awards and returns of unearned funds during that period, and its compensation of financial aid and recruiting personnel during the period May 10, 2005 through June 30, 2009.
	The final audit report contained audit findings, in each case for the period July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007, which are applicable to award year 2006-2007. Each finding was accompanied by one or more recommendations to the Department's Office of Federal Student Aid (the “FSA”). Ashford University provided the FSA a detailed response to OIG’s final audit report in February 2011. In June 2011, in connection with two of the six findings, the FSA requested that Ashford University conduct a file review of the return to Title IV fund calculations for all Title IV recipients who withdrew from distance education programs during the 2006-2007 award year. The institution cooperated with the request and supplied the information within the time frame required. If the FSA were to determine to assess a monetary liability or commence other administrative action, Ashford University would have an opportunity to contest the assessment or proposed action through administrative proceedings, with the right to seek review of any final administrative action in the federal courts.
	The outcome of this audit is uncertain at this point because of the many questions of fact and law that may arise. At present, the Company cannot reasonably estimate a range of loss for this action based on the information available to the Company. Accordingly, the Company has not accrued any liability associated with this matter.
	Iowa Attorney General Civil Investigation of Ashford University
	In February 2011, Ashford University received from the Attorney General of the State of Iowa (“Iowa Attorney General”) a Civil Investigative Demand and Notice of Intent to Proceed (“CID”) relating to the Iowa Attorney General’s investigation of whether certain of the university's business practices comply with Iowa consumer laws. Pursuant to the CID, the Iowa Attorney General requested documents and detailed information for the time period January 1, 2008 to present. On numerous occasions, representatives from the Company and Ashford University met with the Iowa Attorney General to discuss the status of the investigation and the Iowa Attorney General’s allegations against the Company which had been communicated to the Company in June 2013. As a result of these meetings, on May 15, 2014, the Iowa Attorney General, the Company and Ashford University entered into an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (“AVC”) in full resolution of the CID and the Iowa Attorney General’s allegations. The AVC, in which the Company and Ashford University do not admit any liability, contains several components including injunctive relief, nonmonetary remedies and a payment of $7.25 million to the Iowa Attorney General to be used for restitution to Iowa consumers, costs and fees, which was paid during the quarter ended June 30, 2014. The AVC also provides for the appointment of a settlement administrator for a period of three years to review the Company’s and Ashford University’s compliance with the terms of the AVC. In December 2013, the Company had accrued $9.0 million related to this matter, which continues to represent its best estimate of the total restitution, cost of non-monetary remedies and future legal costs related to the AVC. The remaining accrual as of September 30, 2014 is split between both current and long-term liabilities.
	New York Attorney General Investigation of Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
	In May 2011, the Company received from the Attorney General of the State of New York (“NY Attorney General”) a Subpoena relating to the NY Attorney General's investigation of whether the Company and its academic institutions have complied with certain New York state consumer protection, securities and finance laws. Pursuant to the Subpoena, the NY Attorney General has requested from the Company and its academic institutions documents and detailed information for the time period March 17, 2005 to present. The Company is cooperating with the investigation and cannot predict the eventual scope, duration or outcome of the investigation at this time.
	North Carolina Attorney General Investigation of Ashford University
	In September 2011, Ashford University received from the Attorney General of the State of North Carolina (“NC Attorney General”) an Investigative Demand relating to the NC Attorney General's investigation of whether the university's business practices complied with North Carolina consumer protection laws. Pursuant to the Investigative Demand, the NC Attorney General has requested from Ashford University documents and detailed information for the time period January 1, 2008 to present. Ashford University is cooperating with the investigation and cannot predict the eventual scope, duration or outcome of the investigation at this time.
	California Attorney General Investigation of For-Profit Educational Institutions
	In January 2013, the Company received from the Attorney General of the State of California (“CA Attorney General”) an Investigative Subpoena relating to the CA Attorney General’s investigation of for-profit educational institutions. Pursuant to the Investigative Subpoena, the CA Attorney General has requested documents and detailed information for the time period March 1, 2009 to present. On July 24, 2013, the CA Attorney General filed a petition to enforce certain categories of the Subpoena related to recorded calls and electronic marketing data. On September 25, 2013, we reached an agreement with the CA Attorney General to produce certain categories of the documents requested in the petition and stipulated to continue the hearing on the petition to enforce from October 3, 2013 to January 9, 2014. On January 13, 2014 and June 19, 2014, the Company received additional Investigative Subpoenas from the CA Attorney General each requesting additional documents and information for the time period March 1, 2009 through the current date. On October 24, 2014, representatives from the Company met with the CA Attorney General’s office to discuss the status of the investigation, additional information requests, and specific concerns related to possible unfair business practices in connection with the Company’s recruitment of students and debt collection practices. The Company cannot predict the eventual scope, duration or outcome of the investigation at this time. As a result, the Company cannot reasonably estimate a range of loss for this action and accordingly has not accrued any liability associated with this action.
	Massachusetts Attorney General Investigation of Bridgepoint Education, Inc. and Ashford University
	On July 21, 2014, the Company and Ashford University received from the Attorney General of the State of Massachusetts (“MA Attorney General”) a Civil Investigative Demand relating to the MA Attorney General's investigation of for-profit educational institutions and whether the university's business practices complied with Massachusetts consumer protection laws. Pursuant to the Investigative Demand, the MA Attorney General has requested from the Company and Ashford University documents and information for the time period January 1, 2006, to present. The Company is cooperating with the investigation and cannot predict the eventual scope, duration or outcome of the investigation at this time.
	Securities & Exchange Commission Subpoena of Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
	On July 22, 2014, the Company received from the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (“SEC”) a subpoena relating to certain of the Company’s accounting practices, including revenue recognition, receivables and other matters relating to the Company’s previously disclosed intention to restate its financial statements for fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 and revise its financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012, and the prior revision of the Company’s financial statements for fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. Pursuant to the subpoena, the SEC has requested from the Company documents and detailed information for the time period January 1, 2009, to present. The Company is cooperating with the investigation and cannot predict the eventual scope, duration or outcome of the investigation at this time. As a result, the Company cannot reasonably estimate a range of loss for this action and accordingly has not accrued any liability associated with this action.
	Securities Class Action
	On July 13, 2012, a securities class action complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California by Donald K. Franke naming the Company, Andrew Clark, Daniel Devine and Jane McAuliffe as defendants for allegedly making false and materially misleading statements regarding the Company’s business and financial results, specifically the concealment of accreditation problems at Ashford University. The complaint asserts a putative class period stemming from May 3, 2011 to July 6, 2012. A substantially similar complaint was also filed in the same court by Luke Sacharczyk on July 17, 2012 making similar allegations against the Company, Andrew Clark and Daniel Devine. The Sacharczyk complaint asserts a putative class period stemming from May 3, 2011 to July 12, 2012. Finally, on July 26, 2012, another purported securities class action complaint was filed in the same court by David Stein against the same defendants based upon the same general set of allegations and class period. The complaints allege violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder and seek unspecified monetary relief, interest, and attorneys’ fees.
	On October 22, 2012, the Sacharczyk and Stein actions were consolidated with the Franke action and the Court appointed the City of Atlanta General Employees Pension Fund and the Teamsters Local 677 Health Services & Insurance Plan as lead plaintiffs. A consolidated complaint was filed on December 21, 2012 and the Company filed a motion to dismiss on February 19, 2013. On September 13, 2013, the Court granted the motion to dismiss with leave to amend for alleged misrepresentations relating to Ashford University’s quality of education, the WSCUC accreditation process, and the Company’s financial forecasts. The Court denied the motion to dismiss for alleged misrepresentations concerning Ashford University’s persistence rates. The plaintiff did not file an amended complaint by the October 31, 2013 deadline and therefore the case is now proceeding to discovery. On August 6, 2014, the plaintiff filed a motion for class certification which is currently pending with the Court.
	The outcome of this legal proceeding is uncertain at this point because of the many questions of fact and law that may arise. At present, the Company cannot reasonably estimate a range of loss for this action based on the information available to the Company. Accordingly, the Company has not accrued any liability associated with this action.
	Shareholder Derivative Actions
	In re Bridgepoint, Inc. Shareholder Derivative Action
	On July 24, 2012, a shareholder derivative complaint was filed in California Superior Court by Alonzo Martinez. In the complaint, the plaintiff asserts a derivative claim on the Company's behalf against certain of its current and former officers and directors. The complaint is entitled Martinez v. Clark, et al., and generally alleges that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties of candor, good faith and loyalty, wasted corporate assets and were unjustly enriched. The complaint seeks unspecified monetary relief and disgorgement on behalf of the Company, as well as other equitable relief and attorneys' fees. On September 28, 2012, a substantially similar shareholder derivative complaint was filed in California Superior Court by David Adolph-Laroche. In the complaint, the plaintiff asserts a derivative claim on the Company's behalf against certain of its current and former officers and directors. The complaint is entitled Adolph-Laroche v. Clark, et al., and generally alleges that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties of candor, good faith and loyalty, wasted corporate assets and were unjustly enriched.
	On October 11, 2012, the Adolph-Laroche action was consolidated with the Martinez action and the case is now entitled In re Bridgepoint, Inc. Shareholder Derivative Action. A consolidated complaint was filed on December 18, 2012 and the defendants filed a motion to stay the case while the underlying securities class action is pending. The motion was granted by the Court on April 11, 2013. A status conference was held on October 10, 2013, during which the Court ordered the stay continued for the duration of discovery in the securities class action, but permitted the plaintiff to receive copies of any discovery responses served in the underlying securities class action.
	Cannon v. Clark, et al.
	On November 1, 2013, a shareholder derivative complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California by James Cannon. In the complaint, the plaintiff asserts a derivative claim on the Company's behalf against certain of its current officers and directors. The complaint is entitled Cannon v. Clark, et al. and is substantially similar to the previously filed California State Court derivative action now entitled In re Bridgepoint, Inc. Shareholder Derivative Action. In the complaint, plaintiff generally alleges that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties of candor, good faith and loyalty, wasted corporate assets and were unjustly enriched. The complaint seeks unspecified monetary relief and disgorgement on behalf of the Company, as well as other equitable relief and attorneys' fees. Pursuant to a stipulation among the parties, on January 6, 2014, the Court ordered the case stayed during discovery in the underlying securities class action, but permitted the plaintiff to receive copies of any discovery responses served in the underlying securities class action.
	Di Giovanni v. Clark, et al., and Craig-Johnston v. Clark, et al.
	On December 9, 2013, two nearly identical shareholder derivative complaints were filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. The complaints assert derivative claims on our behalf against the members of our board of directors as well as against Warburg Pincus & Co., Warburg Pincus LLC, Warburg Pincus Partners LLC, and Warburg Pincus Private Equity VIII, L.P. The two lawsuits are captioned Di Giovanni v. Clark, et al., and Craig-Johnston v. Clark, et al. The complaints allege that all of the defendants breached their fiduciary duties and were unjustly enriched and that the individual defendants wasted corporate assets in connection with the tender offer commenced by the Company on November 13, 2013. The lawsuits seek unspecified monetary relief and disgorgement, as well as other equitable relief and attorneys’ fees. On February 28, 2014, the defendants filed motions to dismiss, which were granted by the Court with leave to amend on October 17, 2014. Plaintiffs’ deadline to file an amended complaint is November 6, 2014.
	Klein v. Clark, et al.
	On January 9, 2014, a shareholder derivative complaint was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California in San Diego. The complaint asserts derivative claims on our behalf against the members of our board of directors as well as against Warburg Pincus & Co., Warburg Pincus LLC, Warburg Pincus Partners LLC, and Warburg Pincus Private Equity VIII, L.P. The lawsuit is captioned Klein v. Clark, et al. The complaint alleges that all of the defendants breached their fiduciary duties and were unjustly enriched and that the individual defendants wasted corporate assets in connection with the tender offer commenced by the Company on November 13, 2013. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary relief and disgorgement, as well as other equitable relief and attorneys’ fees. On March 21, 2014, the Court granted the parties' stipulation to stay the case until the motions to dismiss in the related Federal derivative action are decided.
	Guzman v. Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
	In January 2011, Betty Guzman filed a class action lawsuit against the Company, Ashford University and University of the Rockies in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. The complaint is entitled Guzman v. Bridgepoint Education, Inc., et al., and alleges that the defendants engaged in misrepresentation and other unlawful behavior in their efforts to recruit and retain students. The complaint asserts a putative class period of March 1, 2005 through the present. In March 2011, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss the complaint, which was granted by the Court with leave to amend in October 2011.
	In January 2012, the plaintiff filed a first amended complaint asserting similar claims and the same class period, and the defendants filed another motion to dismiss. In May 2012, the Court granted University of the Rockies’ motion to dismiss and granted in part and denied in part the motion to dismiss filed by the Company and Ashford University. The Court also granted the plaintiff leave to file a second amended complaint. In August 2012, the plaintiff filed a second amended complaint asserting similar claims and the same class period. The second amended complaint seeks unspecified monetary relief, disgorgement of all profits, various other equitable relief, and attorneys’ fees. The defendants filed a motion to strike portions of the second amended complaint, which was granted in part and denied in part. On March 14, 2013, the Company filed a motion to deny class certification for students enrolled on or after May 2007 when Ashford University adopted a binding arbitration policy. On August 23, 2013, the Court denied the motion finding that although “some” absent class members in this case may have signed an enforceable arbitration agreement, this does not demonstrate an overbroad or unascertainable class that forecloses certification at this stage of the proceedings. On September 23, 2013, the Court entered an order bifurcating discovery and permitting only class certification discovery to take place until the plaintiff’s motion for class certification, which was filed on April 30, 2014, is decided.
	The outcome of this legal proceeding is uncertain at this point because of the many questions of fact and law that may arise. At present, the Company cannot reasonably estimate a range of loss for this action based on the information available to the Company. Accordingly, the Company has not accrued any liability associated with this action.
	Qui Tam Complaints
	In December 2012, the Company received notice that the U.S. Department of Justice had declined to intervene in a qui tam complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California by Ryan Ferguson and Mark T. Pacheco under the Federal False Claims Act on March 10, 2011 and unsealed on December 26, 2012. The case is entitled United States of America, ex rel., Ryan Ferguson and Mark T. Pacheco v. Bridgepoint Education, Inc., Ashford University and University of the Rockies. The qui tam complaint alleges, among other things, that since March 10, 2005, the Company caused its institutions, Ashford University and University of the Rockies, to violate the Federal False Claims Act by falsely certifying to the U.S. Department of Education that the institutions were in compliance with various regulations governing the Title IV programs, including those that require compliance with federal rules regarding the payment of incentive compensation to enrollment personnel, student disclosures, and misrepresentation in connection with the institutions' participation in the Title IV programs. The complaint seeks significant damages, penalties and other relief. On April 30, 2013, the relators petitioned the Court for voluntary dismissal of the complaint without prejudice. The U.S. Department of Justice filed a notice stipulating to the dismissal and the Court granted the dismissal on June 12, 2013.
	In January 2013, the Company received notice that the U.S. Department of Justice had declined to intervene in a qui tam complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California by James Carter and Roger Lengyel under the Federal False Claims Act on July 2, 2010 and unsealed on January 2, 2013. The case is entitled United States of America, ex rel., James Carter and Roger Lengyel v. Bridgepoint Education, Inc., Ashford University. The qui tam complaint alleges, among other things, that since March 2005, the Company and Ashford University have violated the Federal False Claims Act by falsely certifying to the U.S. Department of Education that Ashford University was in compliance with federal rules regarding the payment of incentive compensation to enrollment personnel in connection with the institution's participation in Title IV programs. Pursuant to a stipulation between the parties, the relators filed an amended complaint on May 10, 2013. The amended complaint is substantially similar to the original complaint and seeks significant damages, penalties and other relief. On January 8, 2014, the Court denied the Company's motion to dismiss and the case is currently in discovery.
	The outcome of this legal proceeding is uncertain at this point because of the many questions of fact and law that may arise. At present, the Company cannot reasonably estimate a range of loss for this action based on the information available to the Company. Accordingly, the Company has not accrued any liability associated with this action.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bridgepoint Education, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Unaudited Interim Financial Information	'
	Unaudited Interim Financial Information
	The condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2013, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on August 1, 2014. In the opinion of management, these financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary to present a fair statement of the Company's condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of and for the periods presented.
	Operating results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data were derived from audited financial statements, but do not include all disclosures required by GAAP for complete annual financial statements.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, which raises the threshold for determining which disposals are required to be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. The standard is applied prospectively and is effective in 2015, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-08 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605, Revenue Recognition. This literature is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The accounting guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The standard will be effective for the first interim period within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, using one of two retrospective application methods. The Company is evaluating the impacts, if any, the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on its financial position or results of operations.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. ASU 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, as it relates to such awards. ASU 2014-12 is effective for us in our first quarter of fiscal 2017, with early adoption permitted using either of two methods: (i) prospective to all awards granted or modified after the effective date; or (ii) retrospective to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter, with the cumulative effect of applying ASU 2014-12 as an adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements. The Company is evaluating the impacts, if any, the adoption of ASU 2014-12 will have on its financial position or results of operations.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. ASU 2014-15 is intended to define management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an organization’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The amendments are effective for periods ending after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted for annual or interim reporting periods for which the financial statements have not previously been issued. The adoption of ASU 2014-15 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Information of Short and Long-term Investments	'
	The following tables summarize the fair value information of short and long-term investments as of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively (in thousands):
		As of September 30, 2014
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Mutual funds	$	982	$	—	$	—	$	982
	Corporate notes and bonds	—		67,941		—		67,941
	U.S. government and agency securities	—		34,928		—		34,928
	Certificates of deposit	—		40,000		—		40,000
	Total	$	982	$	142,869	$	—	$	143,851
		As of December 31, 2013
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Demand notes	$	—	$	719	$	—	$	719
	Corporate notes and bonds	—		16,244		—		16,244
	Certificates of deposit	—		90,000		—		90,000
	Total	$	—	$	106,963	$	—	$	106,963

Accounts_Receivable_Tables

Accounts Receivable (Tables) (Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Current)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Current	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Accounts Receivable, Net	'
	Accounts receivable, net, consist of the following (in thousands):
		As of			As of
		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
	Accounts receivable	$	59,056		$	49,854
	Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(27,681		)	(26,901		)
	Accounts receivable, net	$	31,375		$	22,953
Changes in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Accounts Receivable	'
	The following table presents the changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the periods indicated (in thousands):
		Beginning			Charged to			Deductions(1)			Ending
		Balance			Expense						Balance
	Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable:
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014	$	(26,901	)	$	21,957		$	(21,177	)	$	(27,681	)
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013	(31,466		)	31,606			(31,923		)	(31,149		)
	-1	Deductions represent accounts written off, net of recoveries.

Student_Loan_Receivables_Table

Student Loan Receivables (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'
Delinquency Status of Gross Student Loans Receivable	'
	As of September 30, 2014, the delinquency status of gross student loans receivable was as follows (in thousands):
	Less than 120 days	$	14,955
	From 120 - 269 days	1,566
	Greater than 270 days	1,951
	Total gross student loans receivable	18,472
	Less: Amounts reserved or impaired	(4,631		)
	Less: Discount on student loans receivable	(2,880		)
	Total student loans receivable, net	$	10,961
Allowance for Notes Receivable	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Student Loans Receivable, Net	'
	Student loan receivables, net, consist of the following (in thousands):
	Short-term:	As of			As of
		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
	Student loans receivable (non-tuition related)	$	573		$	587
	Student loans receivable (tuition related)	506			621
	Current student loans receivable	1,079			1,208
	Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(95		)	(165		)
	Student loans receivable, net	$	984		$	1,043
	Long-term:	As of			As of
		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
	Student loans receivable (non-tuition related)	$	5,779		$	7,347
	Student loans receivable (tuition related)	5,270			6,417
	Non-current student loans receivable	11,049			13,764
	Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(1,072		)	(1,979		)
	Student loans receivable, net	$	9,977		$	11,785
Changes in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Student Loans Receivable	'
	The following table presents the changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the periods indicated (in thousands):
		Beginning			Charged to			Deductions(1)		Ending
		Balance			Expense					Balance
	Allowance for student loans receivable (tuition related):
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014	$	(2,144	)	$	4		$	981	$	(1,167	)
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013	(1,895		)	64			—		(1,959		)
	-1	Deductions represent accounts written off, net of recoveries.

Other_Significant_Balance_Shee1

Other Significant Balance Sheet Accounts (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Significant Balance Sheet Accounts [Abstract]	'
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	'
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following (in thousands):
		As of			As of
		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
	Prepaid expenses	$	9,714		$	10,814
	Prepaid licenses	2,782			5,833
	Prepaid income taxes	906			195
	Prepaid insurance	1,988			1,131
	Interest receivable	602			86
	Insurance recoverable	1,654			2,814
	Other current assets	719			690
	Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	18,365		$	21,563
Property and Equipment, Net	'
	Property and equipment, net, consist of the following (in thousands):
		As of			As of
		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
	Land	$	7,091		$	7,091
	Buildings and building improvements	29,425			28,916
	Furniture and office equipment	90,231			84,852
	Software	14,272			10,075
	Leasehold improvements	24,526			24,360
	Vehicles	147			147
	Total property and equipment	165,692			155,441
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(77,594		)	(64,016		)
	Total property and equipment, net	$	88,098		$	91,425
Goodwill and Intangibles, Net	'
	Goodwill and intangibles, net, consist of the following (in thousands):
		30-Sep-14
	Definite-lived intangible assets:	Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
	Capitalized curriculum costs	$	17,496		$	(8,347	)	$	9,149
	Purchased intangible assets	15,850			(1,980		)	13,870
	Total definite-lived intangible assets	$	33,346		$	(10,327	)	$	23,019
	Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles							2,567
	Total goodwill and intangibles, net							$	25,586
		31-Dec-13
	Definite-lived intangible assets:	Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
	Capitalized curriculum costs	$	14,540		$	(5,035	)	$	9,505
	Purchased intangible assets	15,857			(1,051		)	14,806
	Total definite-lived intangible assets	$	30,397		$	(6,086	)	$	24,311
	Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles							2,567
	Total goodwill and intangibles, net							$	26,878
Intangibles, Estimated Remaining Amortization Expense	'
	The following table summarizes the estimated remaining amortization expense as of each fiscal year ended below (in thousands):
	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		$	1,474
	2015		4,966
	2016		3,217
	2017		1,634
	2018		1,232
	Thereafter		10,496
	Total future amortization expense		$	23,019
Accrued Liabilities	'
	Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
		As of			As of
		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
	Accrued salaries and wages	$	12,290		$	12,790
	Accrued bonus	2,247			2,277
	Accrued vacation	10,409			9,696
	Accrued litigation and fees	750			8,000
	Accrued expenses	16,764			15,079
	Rent liability	3,175			2,446
	Worker's compensation liability	3,219			4,002
	Total accrued liabilities	$	48,854		$	54,290
Deferred Revenue and Student Deposits	'
	Deferred revenue and student deposits consist of the following (in thousands):
		As of			As of
		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
	Deferred revenue	$	40,418		$	29,279
	Student deposits	68,687			103,512
	Total deferred revenue and student deposits	$	109,105		$	132,791

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share data):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	6,291		$	14,211		$	14,916	$	50,992
	Denominator:
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	45,301			54,336			45,145		54,201
	Effect of dilutive options and restricted stock units	1,173			1,996			1,350		1,497
	Effect of dilutive warrants	—			99			—		97
	Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding	46,474			56,431			46,495		55,795
	Earnings per share:
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.14		$	0.26		$	0.33	$	0.94
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.14		$	0.25		$	0.32	$	0.91
Antidilutive Securities	'
	For the periods indicated below, the computation of dilutive common shares outstanding excludes certain options and restricted stock units to purchase shares of common stock because their effect was anti-dilutive.
		Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013			2014		2013
	Options	2,765		2,564			2,661		3,493
	Restricted stock units	—		—			—		1

Investments_Details

Investments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	$143,851	'	$143,851	'	$106,963
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments	-123	10	-195	-194	'
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments, tax effect	26	-9	73	115	'
Level 1	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	982	'	982	'	0
Level 2	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	142,869	'	142,869	'	106,963
Level 3	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	0	'	0	'	0
Mutual funds	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	982	'	982	'	719
Mutual funds | Level 1	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	982	'	982	'	0
Mutual funds | Level 2	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	0	'	0	'	719
Mutual funds | Level 3	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	0	'	0	'	0
Corporate notes and bonds	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	67,941	'	67,941	'	16,244
Corporate notes and bonds | Level 1	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	0	'	0	'	0
Corporate notes and bonds | Level 2	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	67,941	'	67,941	'	16,244
Corporate notes and bonds | Level 3	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	0	'	0	'	0
U.S. government and agency securities	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	34,928	'	34,928	'	'
U.S. government and agency securities | Level 1	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	0	'	0	'	'
U.S. government and agency securities | Level 2	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	34,928	'	34,928	'	'
U.S. government and agency securities | Level 3	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	0	'	0	'	'
Certificates of deposit	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	40,000	'	40,000	'	90,000
Certificates of deposit | Level 1	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	0	'	0	'	0
Certificates of deposit | Level 2	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	40,000	'	40,000	'	90,000
Certificates of deposit | Level 3	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	$0	'	$0	'	$0

Accounts_Receivable_Details

Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Receivables [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable	$59,056	$49,854
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	-27,681	-26,901
Accounts receivable, net	$31,375	$22,953

Accounts_Receivable_Change_in_

Accounts Receivable (Change in Allowance) (Details) (Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Current, USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Current	'	'
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning Balance	($26,901)	($31,466)
Charged to Expense	21,957	31,606
Deductions(1)	-21,177	-31,923
Ending Balance	($27,681)	($31,149)

Student_Loan_Receivables_Detai

Student Loan Receivables (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Student loans receivable, short-term	$1,079	$1,208
Less allowance for doubtful accounts, short-term	-95	-165
Student loans receivable, net, short-term	984	1,043
Student loans receivable, long-term	11,049	13,764
Less allowance for doubtful accounts, long-term	-1,072	-1,979
Student loans receivable, net, long-term	9,977	11,785
Student Loans Receivable (Non-tuition Related)	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Student loans receivable, short-term	573	587
Student loans receivable, long-term	5,779	7,347
Student Loans Receivable (Tuition Related)	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Student loans receivable, short-term	506	621
Student loans receivable, long-term	$5,270	$6,417

Student_Loan_Receivables_Chang

Student Loan Receivables (Change in Allowance) (Details) (Allowance for Notes Receivable, USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Allowance for Notes Receivable	'	'
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning Balance	($2,144)	($1,895)
Charged to Expense	4	64
Deductions(1)	981	0
Ending Balance	($1,167)	($1,959)

Student_Loan_Receivables_Delin

Student Loan Receivables (Delinquency Status) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Amounts recorded for loan loss reserves	$300,000	$1,500,000
Loans placed on non-accrual status	3,500,000	3,500,000
Allowance for Notes Receivable	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 120 days	14,955,000	14,955,000
From 120 - 269 days	1,566,000	1,566,000
Greater than 270 days	1,951,000	1,951,000
Total gross student loans receivable	18,472,000	18,472,000
Less: Amounts reserved or impaired	-4,631,000	-4,631,000
Less: Discount on student loans receivable	-2,880,000	-2,880,000
Total student loans receivable, net	$10,961,000	$10,961,000

Other_Significant_Balance_Shee2

Other Significant Balance Sheet Accounts (Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]	'	'
Prepaid expenses	$9,714	$10,814
Prepaid licenses	2,782	5,833
Prepaid income taxes	906	195
Prepaid insurance	1,988	1,131
Interest receivable	602	86
Insurance recoverable	1,654	2,814
Other current assets	719	690
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	$18,365	$21,563

Other_Significant_Balance_Shee3

Other Significant Balance Sheet Accounts (Property and Equipment, Net) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$165,692	$155,441
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-77,594	-64,016
Total property and equipment, net	88,098	91,425
Land	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	7,091	7,091
Buildings and building improvements	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	29,425	28,916
Furniture and office equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	90,231	84,852
Software	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	14,272	10,075
Leasehold improvements	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	24,526	24,360
Vehicles	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$147	$147

Other_Significant_Balance_Shee4

Other Significant Balance Sheet Accounts (Goodwill and Intangibles, Net) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangibles [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization expense	$1,500,000	$900,000	$4,200,000	$2,300,000	'
Goodwill and Intangibles, Net	'	'	'	'	'
Definite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying amount	33,346,000	'	33,346,000	'	30,397,000
Definite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	-10,327,000	'	-10,327,000	'	-6,086,000
Definite-lived intangible assets, net carrying amount	23,019,000	'	23,019,000	'	24,311,000
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles	2,567,000	'	2,567,000	'	2,567,000
Total goodwill and intangibles, net	25,586,000	'	25,586,000	'	26,878,000
Future Amortization Expense	'	'	'	'	'
2014	1,474,000	'	1,474,000	'	'
2015	4,966,000	'	4,966,000	'	'
2016	3,217,000	'	3,217,000	'	'
2017	1,634,000	'	1,634,000	'	'
2018	1,232,000	'	1,232,000	'	'
Thereafter	10,496,000	'	10,496,000	'	'
Total future amortization expense	23,019,000	'	23,019,000	'	'
Capitalized Curriculum Costs	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill and Intangibles, Net	'	'	'	'	'
Definite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying amount	17,496,000	'	17,496,000	'	14,540,000
Definite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	-8,347,000	'	-8,347,000	'	-5,035,000
Definite-lived intangible assets, net carrying amount	9,149,000	'	9,149,000	'	9,505,000
Purchased Intangible Assets	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill and Intangibles, Net	'	'	'	'	'
Definite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying amount	15,850,000	'	15,850,000	'	15,857,000
Definite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	-1,980,000	'	-1,980,000	'	-1,051,000
Definite-lived intangible assets, net carrying amount	$13,870,000	'	$13,870,000	'	$14,806,000

Other_Significant_Balance_Shee5

Other Significant Balance Sheet Accounts (Accrued Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Significant Balance Sheet Accounts [Abstract]	'	'
Accrued salaries and wages	$12,290	$12,790
Accrued bonus	2,247	2,277
Accrued vacation	10,409	9,696
Accrued litigation and fees	750	8,000
Accrued expenses	16,764	15,079
Rent liability	3,175	2,446
Worker's compensation liability	3,219	4,002
Total accrued liabilities	$48,854	$54,290

Other_Significant_Balance_Shee6

Other Significant Balance Sheet Accounts (Deferred Revenue) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Revenue [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred revenue	$40,418	$29,279
Student deposits	68,687	103,512
Total deferred revenue and student deposits	$109,105	$132,791

Credit_Facilities_Details

Credit Facilities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 13, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Apr. 13, 2012	Apr. 13, 2012	Apr. 13, 2012	Apr. 13, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
			April 2012 Credit Facility	April 2012 Credit Facility	Base Rate	Eurodollar-based Rate	Federal Funds Effective Rate	Daily Adjusting LIBOR	Land	Land
					April 2012 Credit Facility	April 2012 Credit Facility	Base Rate	Base Rate
							April 2012 Credit Facility	April 2012 Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revolving line of credit, current borrowing capacity	'	'	$50,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revolving line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	'	'	100,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revolving line of credit, maximum swing-line advances	'	'	3,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revolving line of credit, term	'	'	'3 years	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revolving line of credit, notice required for termination	'	'	'	'5 days	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revolving line of credit, fixed portion of interest rate	'	'	'	'	0.50%	1.50%	'	'	'	'
Revolving line of credit, variable portion of interest rate, addition to reference rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.00%	1.00%	'	'
Commitment fee, percentage on undrawn amount of letter of credit	'	'	1.50%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revolving line of credit, facility fee, percentage	'	'	0.25%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	165,692,000	155,441,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,091,000	7,091,000
Revolving line of credit, amount outstanding	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revolving line of credit, letters of credit outstanding	'	'	'	5,800,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Surety Bond Facility [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Surety bond facility, available amount	12,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Surety bond facility, issued amount	$5,600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Basic_and_D

Earnings Per Share (Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Net income	$6,291	$14,211	$14,916	$50,992
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in shares)	45,301	54,336	45,145	54,201
Effect of dilutive options and restricted stock units (in shares)	1,173	1,996	1,350	1,497
Effect of dilutive warrants (in shares)	0	99	0	97
Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in shares)	46,474	56,431	46,495	55,795
Earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in usd per share)	$0.14	$0.26	$0.33	$0.94
Diluted (in usd per share)	$0.14	$0.25	$0.32	$0.91

Earnings_Per_Share_Antidilutiv

Earnings Per Share (Anti-dilutive Securities) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Options	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of dilutive common shares outstanding	2,765	2,564	2,661	3,493
Restricted stock units	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of dilutive common shares outstanding	0	0	0	1

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$2.80	$3.30	$7.90	$10.70
Income tax benefit of stock-based compensation expense	1.1	1.2	3	4
Restricted Stock Units	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
RSU's granted during the period	47,000	'	'	'
Grant date fair value	$12.57	'	'	'
RSUs vested and released during period	'	'	200,000	'
Options	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of shares available for grant	28,000	'	28,000	'
Stock options exercised	13,000	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options and RSUs	$14.90	'	$14.90	'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Estimated annual effective tax rate	43.70%	'
Effective income tax rate	45.40%	'
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	$8.30	$7.40
Gross unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate if recognized	5.4	4.8
Accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions	$1.90	$1.70

Regulatory_Regulatory_Details

Regulatory Regulatory (Details)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
		Ashford University [Member]	Ashford University [Member]	Ashford University [Member]	University of the Rockies [Member]	University of the Rockies [Member]	University of the Rockies [Member]
Product Information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cohort default term	'3 years	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum allowable cohort default rate over each of prior three years	30.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cohort default rate	'	15.30%	16.30%	19.80%	6.70%	8.00%	3.30%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified		Payment for Restitution, Costs and Fees
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Payments to settle civil investigation	'	$7.25
Estimated litigation liability	$9	'