Zovio (ZVOI) 10-Q 30 Oct 19 2019 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Oct. 25, 2019
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ZOVIO 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	Sep. 30, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Current Reporting Status	No
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Interactive Data Current	No
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		30,267,821

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 79,145	$ 166,307
Restricted cash	25,744	18,619
Investments	2,385	2,068
Accounts receivable, net	35,675	27,015
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	24,705	18,255
Total current assets	167,654	232,264
Property and equipment, net	32,995	16,860
Operating lease assets	21,903	0
Goodwill and intangibles, net	45,932	12,441
Other long-term assets	2,625	7,927
Total assets	271,109	269,492
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	68,343	62,792
Deferred revenue and student deposits	54,461	63,834
Total current liabilities	122,804	126,626
Rent liability	23,882	3,183
Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent	0	8,634
Other long-term liabilities	6,167	3,435
Total liabilities	152,853	141,878
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 15)
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value:
20,000 shares authorized; zero shares issued and outstanding at both September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value:
300,000 shares authorized; 65,636 and 65,289 issued, and 30,268 and 27,168 outstanding, at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively	659	653
Additional paid-in capital	188,717	205,157
Retained earnings	398,195	429,992
Treasury stock, 35,368 and 38,121 shares at cost at September 30, 2019, and at December 31, 2018, respectively	(469,315)	(508,188)
Total stockholders' equity	118,256	127,614
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 271,109	$ 269,492

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - Parenthetical - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
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	65,636,000	65,289,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	30,268,000	27,168,000
Treasury stock, shares at cost	35,368,000	38,121,000

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenues	$ 104,251	$ 112,846	$ 321,510	$ 348,660
Costs and expenses:
Instructional costs and services	51,406	55,109	158,432	166,120
Admissions advisory and marketing	40,838	41,902	134,720	129,971
General and administrative	17,389	13,731	55,841	39,028
Legal settlement expense	0	0	0	141
Restructuring and impairment expense (credit)	2,467	1,225	7,890	3,795
Total costs and expenses	112,100	111,967	356,883	339,055
Operating income (loss)	(7,849)	879	(35,373)	9,605
Other income, net	144	367	1,040	899
Income (loss) before income taxes	(7,705)	1,246	(34,333)	10,504
Income tax benefit	(147)	(415)	(2,536)	(7,547)
Net income (loss)	$ (7,558)	$ 1,661	$ (31,797)	$ 18,051
Income (loss) per share:
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.25)	$ 0.06	$ (1.09)	$ 0.67
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.25)	$ 0.06	$ (1.09)	$ 0.66
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	$ (7,558)	$ 1,661	$ (31,797)	$ 18,051
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in computing income (loss) per share:
Basic (in shares)	30,263	27,061	29,230	27,131
Diluted (in shares)	30,263	27,589	29,230	27,532

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (7,558)	$ 1,661	$ (31,797)	$ 18,051
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.25)	$ 0.06	$ (1.09)	$ 0.67
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrealized gains on investments	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (7,558)	$ 1,661	$ (31,797)	$ 18,051

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2017		64,887
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 122,996	$ 649	$ 201,755	$ 426,356	$ (505,764)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation	1,165		1,165
Stock issued under stock incentive plan, net of shares held for taxes, shares		186
Stock issued under stock incentive plan, net of shares held for taxes	(705)	$ 2	(707)
Net income (loss)	1,310			1,310
Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2018		65,073
Balance at Mar. 31, 2018	123,766	$ 651	202,213	426,666	(505,764)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2017		64,887
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	122,996	$ 649	201,755	426,356	(505,764)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	18,051
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2018		65,257
Balance at Sep. 30, 2018	139,785	$ 653	203,913	443,407	(508,188)
Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2018		65,073
Balance at Mar. 31, 2018	123,766	$ 651	202,213	426,666	(505,764)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation	1,160		1,160
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)		16
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	98	$ 0	98
Stock issued under stock incentive plan, net of shares held for taxes, shares		20
Stock issued under stock incentive plan, net of shares held for taxes	(48)	$ 0	(48)
Stock repurchase	(2,424)				(2,424)
Net income (loss)	15,080			15,080
Balance, shares at Jun. 30, 2018		65,109
Balance at Jun. 30, 2018	137,632	$ 651	203,423	441,746	(508,188)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation	1,265		1,265
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		122
Exercise of stock options	455	$ 2	453
Stock issued under stock incentive plan, net of shares held for taxes, shares		26
Stock issued under stock incentive plan, net of shares held for taxes	(131)	$ 0	(131)
Net income (loss)	1,661			1,661
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2018		65,257
Balance at Sep. 30, 2018	139,785	$ 653	203,913	443,407	(508,188)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net	(1,097)		(1,097)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2018		65,289
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	127,614	$ 653	205,157	429,992	(508,188)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation	1,706		1,706
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		6
Exercise of stock options	60	$ 1	59
Stock issued under stock incentive plan, net of shares held for taxes, shares		284
Stock issued under stock incentive plan, net of shares held for taxes	(755)	$ 2	(757)
Net income (loss)	(6,642)			(6,642)
Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2019		65,579
Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	121,983	$ 656	206,165	423,350	(508,188)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2018		65,289
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	127,614	$ 653	205,157	429,992	(508,188)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(31,797)
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2019		65,636
Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	118,256	$ 659	188,717	398,195	(469,315)
Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2019		65,579
Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	121,983	$ 656	206,165	423,350	(508,188)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation	3,596		3,596
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)		29
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	96	$ 0	96
Stock issued under stock incentive plan, net of shares held for taxes, shares		20
Stock issued under stock incentive plan, net of shares held for taxes	(51)	$ 0	(51)
Stock issued under acquisition	14,363	$ 3	(24,513)		38,873
Net income (loss)	(17,597)			(17,597)
Balance, shares at Jun. 30, 2019		65,628
Balance at Jun. 30, 2019	122,390	$ 659	185,293	405,753	(469,315)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation	3,428		3,428
Stock issued under stock incentive plan, net of shares held for taxes, shares		8
Stock issued under stock incentive plan, net of shares held for taxes	(4)	$ 0	(4)
Net income (loss)	(7,558)			(7,558)
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2019		65,636
Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	$ 118,256	$ 659	$ 188,717	$ 398,195	$ (469,315)

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (31,797)	$ 18,051
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:
Provision for bad debts	10,508	19,339
Depreciation and amortization	7,171	5,200
Deferred income taxes	67	54
Stock-based compensation	8,730	3,590
Noncash lease expense	14,287	0
Net gain on marketable securities	(216)	(63)
Reassessment of lease charges	558	1,864
Loss on disposal or impairment of fixed assets	0	334
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(13,517)	(25,418)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(306)	1,962
Other long-term assets	(336)	2,082
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(1,170)	(14,743)
Deferred revenue and student deposits	(11,923)	(12,034)
Operating lease liabilities	(17,377)
Other liabilities	(2,922)	(10,886)
Net cash used in operating activities	(38,243)	(10,668)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(26,956)	(1,696)
Purchases of investments	(102)	(1,050)
Capitalized costs for intangible assets	(454)	(700)
Cash paid in acquisition, net of cash acquired	(19,286)	0
Sale of investments	0	975
Net cash used in investing activities	(46,798)	(2,471)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	60	455
Proceeds from the issuance of stock under employee stock purchase plan	96	98
Repurchase of common stock	0	2,424
Net cash used in financing activities	(654)	(3,852)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(85,695)	(16,991)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	190,584	205,526
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	104,889	188,535
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions:
Purchase of equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,582	462
Issuance of common stock for vested restricted stock units	2,650	2,569
Consideration for acquisition in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	483	0
Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Value of Consideration Given	14,363	0
Fair Value of Assets Acquired	0	6,076
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	190,584	205,526
Options Held [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Tax withholdings on issuance of stock awards	0	(1,097)
Restricted Stock [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Tax withholdings on issuance of stock awards	$ (810)	$ (884)

Nature of Business

Nature of Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Business	Nature of Business Zovio Inc (the “Company”), formerly known as Bridgepoint Education, Inc., is a Delaware corporation, and is an education technology services company that partners with higher education institutions and employers to deliver innovative, personalized solutions to help learners and leaders achieve their aspirations. One of its wholly owned subsidiaries, Ashford University ® , is a regionally accredited academic institution, which delivers programs primarily online. Ashford University offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs. On April 1, 2019, the Company acquired Fullstack Academy, Inc (“Fullstack”) and on April 3, 2019, the Company acquired TutorMe.com, Inc. (“TutorMe”), which became wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company. The operating results of Fullstack and TutorMe subsequent to the acquisition dates have been included in the Company's condensed consolidated results of operations. For further information regarding the acquisitions, refer to Note 3, “Business Combinations” to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
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 the Company 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 U.S. (“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 annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 , which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 12, 2019 . In the opinion of management, the condensed consolidated 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 was derived from audited financial statements but does 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. Comprehensive Income (Loss) The Company has no components of other comprehensive income (loss), and therefore, comprehensive income (loss) equals net income (loss). Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets The Company tests goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or more frequently if events and circumstances warrant. To evaluate the impairment of goodwill, the Company first assesses qualitative factors, such as deterioration in general economic conditions or negative company financial performance, to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. To evaluate the impairment of the indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company assesses the fair value of the assets to determine whether they were greater or less than the carrying values. Determining the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible asset is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions are inherently uncertain and may include such items as growth rates used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions, and a determination of appropriate market comparables. The Company has reassessed its reporting units in 2019, noting that it has three distinct reporting units including i) Zovio which includes Ashford, ii) Fullstack and iii) TutorMe. During the third quarter of 2019, the Company's qualitative assessment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets under ASC 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other , indicated triggering events in its Zovio reporting unit. There were no impairment indicators in the Fullstack or TutorMe reporting units. The impairment indicator for Zovio included a sustained declining stock price, which indicated the fair value of the Zovio reporting unit was potentially less than the carrying amount. Consequently, the Company then performed Step 1 of the impairment test and assessed the fair value of that reporting unit and determined that it was less than its carrying value. Preliminary analysis indicated potential impairment of the goodwill within the Zovio reporting unit. However, due to the time and effort required to determine the implied fair value of goodwill (i.e. Step 2 of the impairment assessment), the analysis is not complete at this time. As of September 30, 2019, Zovio’s reporting unit carrying value of goodwill is $0.7 million and its carrying value of other indefinite-lived intangible assets is $1.4 million . The Company's valuation to determine the amount of impairment will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2019. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company assesses potential impairment to its long-lived assets when there is evidence that events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recorded if the carrying amount of the long-lived asset is not recoverable. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. Any required impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-lived asset exceeds fair value and is recorded as a reduction in the carrying value of the related asset and an expense to operating results. During the third quarter of 2019, the Company's qualitative assessment of long-lived assets under ASC 360, Property and Equipment , indicated impairment indicators. The Company then performed an undiscounted cash flow analysis, noting that the related assets were recoverable. As such, no impairment in the Company’s long-lived assets is deemed necessary as of September 30, 2019. Leases In accordance with Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases (ASC 842) (“ASC 842”), leases are evaluated and classified as either operating or finance leases. The Company does not have any finance leases. The Company’s operating leases are included in operating lease assets, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and noncurrent lease liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Operating lease assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its estimated incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the date of adoption in calculating the present value of its existing lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is determined using the U.S. Treasury rate adjusted to account for the Company’s credit rating and the collateralized nature of operating leases. The operating lease asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. The Company’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line method over the term of the lease. Leased property and equipment meeting certain criteria are capitalized as finance lease assets, and the present value of the related lease payments is recognized as a finance lease liability on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Amortization of capitalized leased assets is computed on the straight-line method over the term of the lease or the life of the related asset, whichever is shorter. Business Combinations The Company uses the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. This method requires the use of significant estimates, assumptions and judgments in the determination of the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in order to properly allocate the purchase price at the acquisition date. The estimates, assumptions and judgments are based in part on historical experience, industry data, information obtained from the management of the acquired companies and assistance from independent third-party appraisal firms. Examples of critical estimates include assigning values to the acquired identifiable intangible assets and valuing contingent consideration and earnout liabilities. For further information regarding the acquisitions, refer to Note 3, “Business Combinations” to the condensed consolidated financial statements. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update 2018-15 (“ASU 2018-15”), Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract , which amends ASC 350-40 to address a customer’s accounting for implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement (“CCA”) that is a service contract. The amendments in ASU 2018-15 align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. Specifically, ASU 2018-15 amends ASC 350 to include in its scope implementation costs of a CCA that is a service contract and clarifies that a customer should apply ASC 350-40 to determine which implementation costs should be capitalized in a CCA that is considered a service contract and which costs to expense. This guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim fiscal periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019; early adoption is permitted. Entities are permitted to apply a retrospective or a prospective transition approach to adopt the guidance. The Company early adopted ASU 2018-15 during the period ended March 31, 2019, on a prospective basis. The adoption of ASU 2018-15 did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases (ASC 842) , as of January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective approach. The Company elected the ‘comparatives under ASC 840 option’ as a transitional practical expedient, which allows the Company to initially apply the new lease requirements at the effective date and recognize a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. It also allows the Company to report comparative periods in the financial statements under previous GAAP under ASC 840, Leases (“ASC 840”). The Company also elected the ‘package of practical expedients’ permitted under the transition guidance, which allowed the Company to (i) carry forward the historical lease classification, (ii) forgo reassessment of whether any expired or existing contracts contain leases, and (iii) forgo reassessment of whether any previously unamortized initial direct costs continue to meet the definition of initial direct costs under ASC 842. The Company did not, however, elect the ‘hindsight’ practical expedient to reassess the lease term for existing leases. Additionally, the Company does not have land easements, therefore, practical expedients pertaining to land easements are not applicable to the Company. For the accounting policy practical expedients, the Company elected the short-term lease exemption, under which any lease less than 12 months is excluded from recognition on the balance sheet. The Company elected not to recognize right of use assets and lease liabilities for short term leases, which has a lease term of 12 months or less and does not include an option to purchase the underlying asset that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise. Additionally, the Company elected the non-separation of lease and non-lease components, and as a result, the Company does not need to account for lease components (e.g., fixed payments including rent) separately from the non-lease components (e.g., common-area maintenance costs). Upon adoption of ASC 842, the Company recorded right-of-use assets of approximately $25.2 million , with corresponding operating lease liabilities of approximately $31.8 million , respectively, with an offset to accounts payable and accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities of approximately $8.4 million to eliminate accrued rent and an offset to prepaid and other current assets of $1.7 million on the consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019. The Company also derecognized an existing construction-in-process of approximately $8.6 million , with a corresponding debt obligation of the same amount for an asset under construction in build-to-suit lease arrangements. However, when the Company completed the related build-to-suit construction in April 2019, the Company recognized a right-of-use asset and lease liability on its balance sheet for the associated lease. There was no adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings upon adoption of the new standard given the nature of the impacts and the other transition practical expedients elected by the Company. Adoption of the standard impacted the Company’s previously reported results on January 1, 2019, as follows (in thousands): Closing balance at December 31, 2018 Adjustments due to ASC 842 Opening balance at January 1, 2019 Assets Prepaid and other current assets $ 18,255 $ (1,745 ) $ 16,510 Property and equipment, net $ 16,860 $ (8,634 ) $ 8,226 Operating lease assets (1) (2) $ — $ 25,165 $ 25,165 Liabilities and stockholder’s equity Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 62,792 $ 13,177 $ 75,969 Noncurrent operating lease liabilities (3) $ 3,183 $ 10,243 $ 13,426 Lease financing obligation $ 8,634 $ (8,634 ) $ — (1) Represents the reclassification of prepaid rent to operating lease assets (2) Represents capitalization of operating lease assets (3) Represents recognition of operating lease liabilities; Previously disclosed as rent liability for the portion related to accrued rent. The standard did not materially impact the Company’s consolidated net earnings and had no material impact on the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. For further information regarding leases, refer to Note 10 , “Lease Obligations” to the condensed consolidated financial statements. In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The update is intended to improve financial reporting by requiring timelier recording of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments held by financial institutions and other organizations. The update requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Organizations will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, although the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. Organizations will continue to use judgment to determine which loss estimation method is appropriate for their circumstances. The update requires enhanced disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an organization’s portfolio. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative requirements that provide additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. The update is effective for SEC filers for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company will adopt this standard on January 1, 2020 and does not believe the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Business Combinations (Notes)

Business Combinations (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination	Business Combinations Acquisition of Fullstack Academy, Inc. On April 1, 2019, the Company acquired Fullstack, a coding academy headquartered in New York, by acquiring all of its outstanding shares, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the “Fullstack Merger Agreement”). As of March 31, 2019, Fullstack had a carrying value of approximately $7.1 million of assets, excluding goodwill. At the closing of the Fullstack acquisition, the equityholders of Fullstack received consideration consisting of $17.5 million in cash (less purchase price adjustments of approximately $2.0 million , plus third-party expenses of approximately $2.0 million ), and an aggregate of approximately 2,443,260 shares of the Company’s common stock, subject to escrow adjustments. Additionally, under the Fullstack Merger Agreement, the equityholders of Fullstack will be entitled to receive up to 2,250,000 contingent shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Fullstack Contingent Consideration”). The Fullstack Merger Agreement contains an employee incentive retention pool of up to $5.0 million in cash, payable at times over a two-year period. The assets and liabilities of Fullstack were recorded on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets at their preliminary estimated fair values as of April 1, 2019, the acquisition date. Fullstack’s results of operations are included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income (loss) from that date. Fullstack recognized revenue of $3.3 million , had an operating loss of $3.0 million , and net loss of $3.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 . For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 , the Company recorded acquisition-related expenses of $4.1 million , in general and administrative on the condensed consolidated statement of income (loss), associated with the Fullstack acquisition. The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price, as well as the preliminary allocation of the purchase price relating to the assets and liabilities purchased (in thousands): Estimated cash consideration for acquired assets $ 17,540 Estimated fair value of equity 12,336 Preliminary fair value of contingent consideration payable 3,250 Total estimated purchase price $ 33,126 Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation: Cash and cash equivalents $ 585 Accounts receivable 5,604 Prepaid and other assets 665 Property and equipment 167 Operating lease assets 1,297 Intangible assets 11,605 Other long-term assets 20 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (496 ) Deferred revenue (2,350 ) Long-term liabilities (1,297 ) Total identifiable net assets acquired $ 15,800 Deferred tax liability (2,165 ) Goodwill 19,491 Total estimated purchase consideration $ 33,126 The fair value of the consideration to be paid exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed, resulting in goodwill being recorded. Goodwill arising from the acquisition consists largely of future performance expected to be generated from new university and student relationships. None of the goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The above purchase price and purchase price allocation are preliminary and subject to future revision as the acquired assets and liabilities assumed are dependent upon the finalization of the related valuations. The fair values assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Fullstack are based upon managements best estimates and assumptions as of the reporting date and are considered preliminary pending finalization of the valuations pertaining to tax liabilities assumed, including the calculation of deferred tax assets and liabilities. The fair value of the common shares issued as part of the consideration paid was determined on the basis of the closing market price of the Company’s shares on the acquisition date, and also incorporated a discount for lack of marketability rates for various holding periods. The Fullstack Contingent Consideration will become issuable, subject to the terms and conditions of the Fullstack Merger Agreement. Of the total contingent 2,250,000 shares, (i) 1,250,000 are based upon final determination of the achievement of certain employee retention requirements and is being expensed over the retention period, (ii) 500,000 shares are based upon revenue performance in 2019 and 2020, earned on a sliding scale, in the event that the revenues for Fullstack are between $25.0 million and $35.0 million , and (iii) 500,000 shares are based upon contract performance milestones in 2019 and 2020, earned on a sliding scale, in the event that Fullstack obtains between 4 and 8 new university contracts. The fair value of the performance based Fullstack Contingent Consideration arrangements was estimated by applying a Monte Carlo simulation, based upon the result of forecast information. These measures are based upon significant inputs that are not observable by the market, and are therefore deemed to be Level 3 inputs. At each subsequent reporting date, the Company will remeasure the contingent consideration and recognize any changes in value, if necessary. If the probability of achieving the performance target significantly changes from what was initially anticipated, the change could have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements in the period recognized. No changes in the value of contingent consideration were necessary for the quarter ended September 30, 2019. Acquisition of TutorMe.com, Inc. On April 3, 2019, the Company acquired TutorMe, a provider of on-demand tutoring and online courses, headquartered in California, by acquiring all of its outstanding shares, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the “TutorMe Merger Agreement”). As of March 31, 2019, TutorMe had a carrying value of approximately $0.6 million of assets, excluding goodwill. At the closing of the TutorMe acquisition, in exchange for all outstanding shares of TutorMe capital stock and other rights to acquire or receive capital stock of TutorMe, the Company (i) paid a total of approximately $2.8 million in cash, subject to certain purchase price adjustments, (ii) issued a total of 309,852 shares of the Company’s common stock, and (iii) assumed all issued and outstanding options of TutorMe (the “Assumed Options”), of which a total of 231,406 shares of the Company’s common stock are underlying the Assumed Options that are subject to certain time-based vesting requirements and a total of 79,199 shares of the Company’s common stock are underlying the Assumed Options that are subject to certain performance-based vesting requirements. In addition, as part of the transactions contemplated by the TutorMe Merger Agreement, the Company (x) paid a total of approximately $1.2 million in cash to certain service providers of TutorMe as a transaction bonus and (y) issued a total of 293,621 Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”) to certain continuing service providers of TutorMe pursuant to the Company’s 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (as amended) and a restricted stock unit agreement. The assets and liabilities of TutorMe were recorded on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets at their preliminary estimated fair values as of April 3, 2019, the acquisition date. TutorMe’s results of operations are included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income (loss) from that date. TutorMe recognized revenue of $0.2 million , had an operating loss of $0.5 million , and net loss of $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 . For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 , the Company recorded acquisition-related expenses of $2.6 million , in general and administrative on the condensed consolidated statement of income (loss), associated with the TutorMe Acquisition. The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price, as well as the preliminary allocation of the purchase price relating to the assets and liabilities purchased (in thousands): Estimated cash consideration for acquired assets $ 3,028 Estimated fair value of equity 2,026 Total estimated purchase price $ 5,054 Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation: Cash and cash equivalents $ 214 Accounts receivable 46 Intangible assets 1,730 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (35 ) Deferred revenue (200 ) Long-term liabilities (3 ) Total identifiable net assets acquired $ 1,752 Deferred tax liability (260 ) Goodwill 3,562 Total estimated purchase consideration $ 5,054 The fair value of the consideration to be paid exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed, resulting in goodwill being recorded. Goodwill arising from the acquisition consists largely of future performance expected to be generated from new university and student relationships, as well as the developed technology. None of the goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The above purchase price and purchase price allocation are preliminary and subject to future revision as the acquired assets and liabilities assumed are dependent upon the finalization of the related valuations. The fair values assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed for TutorMe are based upon managements best estimates and assumptions as of the reporting date, and are considered preliminary pending finalization of the valuations pertaining to tax liabilities assumed, including the calculation of deferred tax assets and liabilities. The fair value of equity includes the common shares issued as part of the consideration paid was determined on the basis of the closing market price of the Company’s shares on the acquisition date, which also incorporated a discount for lack of marketability rates for various holding periods.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to the Company’s customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Determining whether a valid customer contract exists includes an assessment of whether amounts due under the contract are collectible. The Company performs this assessment at the beginning of every contract and subsequently thereafter if new information indicates there has been a significant change in facts and circumstances. The Company’s contracts with customers generally include multiple performance obligations, which it identifies by assessing whether each good and service promised in the contract is distinct. For each performance obligation, the Company allocates the transaction price, including fixed and variable consideration, on the basis of the relative standalone selling prices of each good and service in the contract, which is determined using observable prices. The following table presents the Company’s net revenue disaggregated based on the revenue source (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Tuition revenue, net $ 95,043 $ 102,352 $ 291,729 $ 317,353 Digital materials revenue, net 5,890 6,284 18,947 18,951 Technology fee revenue, net 2,856 3,777 9,381 10,861 Other revenue, net (1) 462 433 1,453 1,495 Total revenue, net $ 104,251 $ 112,846 $ 321,510 $ 348,660 (1) Primarily consists of revenues generated from services such as graduation fees, transcript fees, and other miscellaneous services. The following table presents the Company’s net revenue disaggregated based on the timing of revenue recognition (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Over time, over period of instruction $ 85,110 $ 96,735 $ 264,555 $ 301,905 Over time, full tuition grant (1) 13,599 9,986 38,908 27,825 Point in time (2) 5,542 6,125 18,047 18,930 Total revenue, net $ 104,251 $ 112,846 $ 321,510 $ 348,660 (1) Represents revenue generated from the FTG program. (2) Represents revenue generated from digital textbooks and other miscellaneous fees. The Company operates under one reportable segment. The Company generates the majority of its revenue from tuition, technology fees, and digital materials related to students whose primary funding source is governmental funding. Tuition represents amounts charged for course instruction, and technology fees represent amounts charged for the students’ use of the technology platform on which course instruction is delivered. Digital materials fees represent amounts charged for the digital textbooks that accompany the majority of courses taught at Ashford University. With the exception of students attending courses within the three-week conditional admission, the majority of tuition and technology fees are recognized as revenue as control of the services is transferred to the student, which occurs over the applicable period of instruction. Similarly, the majority of digital materials fees are recognized as revenue when control of the product has been transferred to the student, which occurs when the student is granted unrestricted access to the digital textbook, generally, on the first day of the course. Revenue generated from students within the conditional admission period is deferred and recognized when the student matriculates into Ashford University, which occurs in the fourth week of the course. Ashford University’s online students generally enroll in a program that encompasses a series of five to six-week courses that are taken consecutively over the length of the program. With the exception of those students under conditional admission and students enrolled under the FTG program, online students are billed on a payment period basis on the first day of a course. Students under conditional admission are billed for the payment period upon matriculation. If a student's attendance in a class precedes the receipt of cash from the student's source of funding, the Company establishes an account receivable and corresponding deferred revenue in the amount of the tuition due for that payment period. Cash received either directly from the student or from the student's source of funding reduces the balance of accounts receivable due from the student. Financial aid from sources such as the federal government's Title IV programs pertains to the online student's award year and is generally divided into two disbursement periods. As such, each disbursement period may contain funding for up to four courses. Financial aid disbursements are typically received during the online student's attendance in the first or second course. Since the majority of disbursements cover more courses than for which a student is currently enrolled, the amount received in excess effectively represents a prepayment from the online student for up to four courses. At the end of each accounting period, the deferred revenue and related account receivable balances are reduced to present amounts attributable to the current course. In certain cases, Ashford University provides scholarships to students who qualify under various programs. These scholarships are recognized as direct reductions of revenue consistent with the timing of recognition associated with the related performance obligations. Also, for some customers, we do not expect to collect 100% of the consideration to which we are contractually entitled and, as a result, those customers may receive discounts or price adjustments that, based on historical Company practice, represent implied price concessions and are accounted for as variable consideration. The majority of these price concessions relate to amounts charged to students for goods and services, which management has determined will not be covered by the student’s primary funding source (generally, government aid) and, as a result, the student will become directly financially responsible for them. The reduction in the transaction price that results from this estimate of variable consideration reflects the amount the Company does not expect to be entitled to in exchange for the goods and services it will transfer to the students, as determined using historical experience and current factors, and includes performing a constraint analysis. These estimates of variable consideration are recorded as direct reductions of revenue consistent with the timing of recognition associated with the related performance obligation. A portion of tuition revenue, technology fee revenue, and digital materials revenue is generated from contracts with students enrolled under the FTG program, which is a 12-month grant that, when combined with a corporate partner’s annual tuition assistance program, enables eligible students to earn their degree without incurring student loan debt. Students enrolled under this program are eligible to take up to ten undergraduate or eight graduate courses per 12-month grant period and must first utilize 100% of the funds awarded under their employer’s annual tuition assistance program before they can be awarded the FTG grant. The grants awarded by Ashford University under the FTG program are considered a material right, and, as such, the Company records a contract liability for a portion of the consideration received or due under these contracts. The contract liability is recorded in deferred revenue and student deposits on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, and further discussed in the deferred revenue section below. The standalone selling price of the material right is determined based on the observable standalone selling price of the courses. The transaction price in each FTG contract is allocated to this material right on a relative standalone selling price basis. The contract liability is recognized as revenue at the earlier of satisfaction of the future obligation or its expiration. Billing of products and services transferred under an FTG student contract generally occurs after the conclusion of a course. There are no material differences between the timing of the products and services transferred and the payment terms. Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue consists of cash payments that are received or due in advance of the Company’s performance as well as deferrals associated with certain contracts that include a material right. Below are the opening and closing balances of deferred revenue from the Company’s contracts with customers (in thousands): Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 Deferred revenue opening balance, January 1 $ 21,768 $ 22,001 Deferred revenue closing balance, September 30 22,549 23,833 Increase (Decrease) $ 781 $ 1,832 For further information on deferred revenue and student deposits, refer to Note 8, “Other Significant Balance Sheet Accounts - Deferred Revenue and Student Deposits” and for further information on receivables, refer to Note 7, “Accounts Receivable, Net” within the condensed consolidated financial statements. For the majority of the Company’s customers, payment for products and services is due at the beginning of each course. Under special circumstances, some customers may be offered non-interest bearing payment plan arrangements that can extend for up to a maximum of three years. These payment plan arrangements give rise to significant financing components. However, since the Company historically collects substantially all of the consideration to which it expects to be entitled under such payment plans within one year or less, the impact of these significant financing components is not material to any period presented. The difference between the opening and closing balances of deferred revenue primarily results from the timing difference between the Company’s performance and the customer’s payment. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 , the Company recognized $21.8 million of revenue that was included in the deferred revenue balance as of January 1, 2019. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the Company recognized $21.9 million of revenue that was included in the deferred revenue balance as of January 1, 2018. Amounts reported in the closing balance of deferred revenue are expected to be recognized as revenue within the next 12 months.

Restructuring and Impairment Ex

Restructuring and Impairment Expense	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Impairment Expense (Credit)	Restructuring and Impairment Expense During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 , the Company recognized $2.5 million and $7.9 million , respectively, of restructuring and impairment expense. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the Company recognized $1.2 million and $3.8 million , respectively, of restructuring and impairment expense. These restructuring and impairment charges were comprised of the components described below. The Company had previously vacated or consolidated properties in San Diego and Denver, and subsequently reassessed its obligations on non-cancelable leases. In addition, the Company relocated its headquarters from San Diego, California to Chandler, Arizona. As a result of these lease reassessments and relocation, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 the Company recognized expense of approximately $1.3 million and $1.8 million , respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the Company recognized expense of approximately $0.6 million and $1.9 million , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 , the Company recognized $1.2 million and $6.2 million , respectively, as restructuring and impairment expense relating to severance costs for wages and benefits. There is an additional $0.1 million of related costs that will be recognized in the remainder of 2019, relating to employees that are required to render service. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the Company recognized $0.9 million and $1.9 million , respectively, as restructuring and impairment expense relating to severance costs for wages and benefits, due to the Company’s execution of a strategic reorganization resulting in reductions in force. The reorganization was part of the Company’s overall reassessment of resources based upon benchmarking activities with competitors in the Company’s industry. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 , the Company recognized a credit of approximately $32,000 , and $0.2 million respectively, as a reversal to restructuring and impairment, relating to the closure of a component of the Company's business, which was originally recorded in the fourth quarter of 2018. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the Company recognized a credit of $0.3 million , respectively, as a reversal to restructuring and impairment, relating to student transfer agreements. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , as a result of the Company vacating certain leased space, the Company retired $0.3 million of assets. There were no such charges during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 . The following table summarizes the amounts recorded in the restructuring and impairment charges line item on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income (loss) for each of the periods presented (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Asset impairment $ — $ — $ — $ 325 Student transfer agreement costs (credit) (32 ) (268 ) (171 ) (268 ) Severance costs 1,220 855 6,231 1,874 Lease exit and other costs 1,279 638 1,830 1,864 Total restructuring and impairment expense $ 2,467 $ 1,225 $ 7,890 $ 3,795 The following table summarizes the changes in the Company's restructuring and impairment liability by type during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Student Transfer Agreement Costs Severance Costs Lease Exit and Other Costs Total Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 1,503 $ 267 $ 2,864 $ 4,634 Restructuring and impairment expense (credit) (171 ) 6,231 1,830 7,890 Payments and adjustments (22 ) (5,606 ) (3,377 ) (9,005 ) Balance at September 30, 2019 $ 1,310 $ 892 $ 1,317 $ 3,519 The restructuring liability amounts are recorded within either the (i) accounts payable and accrued liabilities account, (ii) lease liability account or (iii) other long-term liabilities account on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Investments	Fair Value Measurements The following tables summarize the fair value information as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , respectively (in thousands): As of September 30, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Mutual funds $ 2,385 $ — $ — $ 2,385 Contingent consideration $ — $ — $ 3,250 $ 3,250 As of December 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Mutual funds $ 2,068 $ — $ — $ 2,068 The mutual funds in the tables above, represent the deferred compensation asset balances, which are considered to be trading securities. There were no transfers between level categories for investments during the periods presented. The Company’s deferred compensation asset balances are recorded in the investments line item on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, and are classified as Level 1 securities. There were no differences between amortized cost and fair value of investments as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , respectively. There were no reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income during either the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 . The contingent consideration represents the shares to be issued as part of the acquisition of Fullstack. The contingent consideration is recorded in the other long-term liabilities line item on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, and are classified as Level 3 securities. For further information regarding acquisitions, refer to Note 3, “Business Combinations” to the condensed consolidated financial statements. The fair value of accrued contingent consideration is remeasured each reporting period. Increases or decreases in projected revenue and the related probabilities of achieving the forecast results, may result in a higher or lower fair value measurement. Changes in fair value resulting from changes in the likelihood of contingent payments are included in the condensed consolidated statements of income (loss).

Accounts Receivable, Net

Accounts Receivable, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable, Net	Accounts Receivable, Net Accounts receivable, net, consists of the following (in thousands): As of As of Accounts receivable $ 45,835 $ 39,195 Less allowance for doubtful accounts 10,160 12,180 Accounts receivable, net $ 35,675 $ 27,015 There is an immaterial amount of accounts receivable, net, at each balance sheet date with a payment due date of greater than one year. The following table presents the changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for accounts receivable for the periods indicated (in thousands): Beginning Balance Charged to Expense Deductions (1) Ending Balance Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable: For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 $ 12,180 $ 10,508 $ (12,528 ) $ 10,160 For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 $ 15,189 $ 19,339 $ (20,194 ) $ 14,334 (1) Deductions represent accounts written off, net of recoveries.

Other Significant Balance Sheet

Other Significant Balance Sheet Accounts	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Other Significant Balance Sheet Accounts	Other Significant Balance Sheet Accounts Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets consists of the following (in thousands): As of As of Prepaid expenses $ 5,461 $ 5,445 Prepaid licenses 4,973 5,840 Prepaid income taxes 200 — Income tax receivable 4,121 5,044 Prepaid insurance 1,138 1,077 Insurance recoverable 994 723 Other current assets 7,818 126 Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 24,705 $ 18,255 Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net, consists of the following (in thousands): As of As of Buildings, build-to-suit $ — $ 10,434 Furniture and office equipment 42,815 31,227 Software 7,346 7,517 Leasehold improvements 18,560 3,430 Vehicles 22 22 Total property and equipment 68,743 52,630 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (35,748 ) (35,770 ) Total property and equipment, net $ 32,995 $ 16,860 For the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment was $1.6 million and $1.0 million , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , depreciation and amortization expense was $3.9 million and $3.2 million , respectively. Goodwill and Intangibles, Net Goodwill and intangibles, net, consists of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2019 Definite-lived intangible assets: Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Capitalized curriculum costs $ 20,974 $ (19,452 ) $ 1,522 Purchased intangible assets 29,185 (9,810 ) 19,375 Total definite-lived intangible assets $ 50,159 $ (29,262 ) $ 20,897 Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles 25,035 Total goodwill and intangibles, net $ 45,932 December 31, 2018 Definite-lived intangible assets: Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Capitalized curriculum costs $ 21,076 $ (19,338 ) $ 1,738 Purchased intangible assets 15,850 (7,219 ) 8,631 Total definite-lived intangible assets $ 36,926 $ (26,557 ) $ 10,369 Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles 2,072 Total goodwill and intangibles, net $ 12,441 The increase in goodwill relates to the Company’s acquisitions of Fullstack and TutorMe in the second quarter of 2019. For further information regarding the acquisitions, refer to Note 3, “Business Combinations” to the condensed consolidated financial statements. The amount of goodwill recognized is subject to change, pending the final determination of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the acquisitions. During the third quarter of 2019, the Company's qualitative assessment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets indicated triggering events in one of its reporting units, including a declining stock price, which indicated the fair value of the reporting unit was potentially less than its carrying amount. This analysis is being finalized. For further information on receivables, refer to Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” within the condensed consolidated financial statements. For the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , amortization expense was $1.3 million and $0.6 million , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , amortization expense was $3.3 million and $2.0 million , respectively. The following table summarizes the estimated remaining amortization expense as of each fiscal year ended below (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, Remainder of 2019 $ 1,332 2020 5,252 2021 4,069 2022 3,430 2023 3,307 Thereafter 3,507 Total future amortization expense $ 20,897 Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consists of the following (in thousands): As of As of Accounts payable $ 7,747 $ 5,313 Accrued salaries and wages 5,449 7,807 Accrued bonus 5,701 8,147 Accrued vacation 4,974 7,929 Accrued litigation and fees 8,041 8,041 Accrued expenses 24,280 17,692 Current leases payable 9,803 5,768 Accrued insurance liability 2,348 2,095 Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 68,343 $ 62,792 Deferred Revenue and Student Deposits Deferred revenue and student deposits consists of the following (in thousands): As of As of Deferred revenue $ 22,549 $ 21,768 Student deposits 31,912 42,066 Total deferred revenue and student deposits $ 54,461 $ 63,834 Other Long-Term Liabilities Other long-term liabilities consists of the following (in thousands): As of As of Uncertain tax positions $ 679 $ 865 Contingent consideration 3,250 — Other long-term liabilities 2,238 2,570 Total other long-term liabilities $ 6,167 $ 3,435

Credit Facilities

Credit Facilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Credit Facilities	Credit Facilities The Company has issued letters of credit that are collateralized with cash (held in restricted cash) in the aggregate amount of $16.6 million as of September 30, 2019 . As part of its normal business operations, the Company is required to provide surety bonds in certain states in which the Company does business. The Company has entered into a surety bond facility with an insurance company to provide such bonds when required. As of September 30, 2019 , the Company’s total available surety bond facility was $8.5 million , and the surety had issued bonds totaling $8.1 million on the Company’s behalf under such facility.

Lease Obligations

Lease Obligations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Lease Obligations	Lease Obligations Operating Leases The Company leases various office facilities which expire at various dates through 2023. These facilities are used for academic operations, corporate functions, enrollment services and student support services. The Company does not have any leases other than its office facilities. All of the leases were classified as operating leases for the period ended September 30, 2019 , and the Company does not have any finance leases. All of the leases, other than those that may qualify for the short-term scope exception of 12 months or less, are recorded on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. During 2018, the Company entered into a lease agreement, which commenced in April 2019, consisting of approximately 131,000 square feet of office space located in Chandler, Arizona, which extends through 2030. The Company is involved in the construction and the build-out of the space, and as such, serves as the construction agent on behalf of the landlord. Under such arrangement, the Company has obligations to fund cost over-runs in its capacity as the construction agent. The Company has determined that under the new lease accounting standard ASC 842 , it does not have control during construction, and as such has derecognized the asset and financing obligation as of January 1, 2019. As of September 30, 2019 , the lease amounts on the condensed consolidated balance sheets do not include any options to extend, nor any options for early termination. The Company’s lease agreements do not include rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants. The Company is not a party to any related party arrangements with respect to its lease transactions. Some of the more significant assumptions and judgments in determining the amounts to capitalize include the determination of the discount rate, which is discussed below. Rental expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $5.3 million and $14.9 million , respectively, calculated in accordance with ASC 842, and rental expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $3.7 million and $11.3 million , respectively, calculated in accordance with ASC 840. The Company has agreements to sublease certain portions of its office facilities, with three active subleases as of September 30, 2019 . The Company’s subleases do not include any options to extend, nor any options for early termination. The Company’s subleases do not contain any residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants. All of the subleases were classified as operating leases for the period ended September 30, 2019 . The Company is subleasing approximately 28,400 square feet of office space in San Diego, California with a remaining commitment to lease of 7 months and net lease payments of $0.4 million . The Company is subleasing approximately 72,200 square feet of office space in Denver, Colorado with a remaining commitment to lease of 23 months and net lease payments of $1.9 million . The Company is subleasing additional office space of approximately 21,000 square feet in Denver, Colorado with a remaining commitment to lease of 41 months and net lease payments of $2.0 million . Sublease income for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was $2.2 million (in accordance with ASC 842) and $2.1 million (in accordance with ASC 840), respectively. The following tables represent the classification and amounts recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Operating lease assets: Arizona $ 8,470 California 4,876 Colorado 7,922 Iowa 128 New York 237 Other 270 Total $ 21,903 Operating lease liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 9,804 Rent liability 23,882 Total $ 33,686 The following table represents the classification and amounts recorded on the condensed consolidated statements of income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Operating lease costs $ 14,287 Short-term lease cost 202 Variable lease costs (1) 455 Less: Sub-lease income (2,167 ) Total net lease costs $ 12,777 (1) Variable components of the lease payments such as utilities, taxes and insurance, parking and maintenance costs. The following table represents the maturities of lease liabilities as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Remainder of 2019 $ 3,900 2020 9,988 2021 6,489 2022 3,915 2023 2,744 2024 2,400 Thereafter 15,265 Total minimum payments $ 44,701 Less: Interest (1) (11,015 ) Total net lease liabilities $ 33,686 (1) Calculated using an appropriate interest rate for each individual lease. See the weighted-average discount rate noted below. The following table summarizes the future minimum rental payments under non-cancelable operating lease arrangements in effect at December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2019 $ 20,382 2020 9,936 2021 6,460 2022 3,826 2023 2,726 Thereafter 17,710 Total minimum payments $ 61,040 The following table represents the lease term and discount rate used in the calculations as of September 30, 2019 : Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years): Operating leases 6.4 years Weighted-average discount rate: Operating leases 7.5 % The following table represents the cash flow information of operating leases for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 17,377

Income Per Share

Income Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income Per Share	Income (Loss) Per Share Basic income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders for the period by the sum of (i) the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period, plus (ii) potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the period, if the effect is dilutive. Potentially dilutive securities for the periods presented include stock options, unvested restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and unvested performance stock units (“PSUs”). The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted income (loss) per share for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Numerator: Net income (loss) $ (7,558 ) $ 1,661 $ (31,797 ) $ 18,051 Denominator: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 30,263 27,061 29,230 27,131 Effect of dilutive options and stock units — 528 — 401 Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding 30,263 27,589 29,230 27,532 Income (loss) per share: Basic $ (0.25 ) $ 0.06 $ (1.09 ) $ 0.67 Diluted $ (0.25 ) $ 0.06 $ (1.09 ) $ 0.66 The following table sets forth the number of stock options, RSUs and PSUs, excluded from the computation of diluted income (loss) per share for the periods indicated below because their effect was anti-dilutive (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Stock options 2,141 1,560 1,983 2,709 RSUs and PSUs 3,228 2 1,461 2

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company recorded $3.4 million and $1.3 million of stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively, and $8.7 million and $3.6 million of stock-based compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. The related income tax benefit was $0.8 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively, and $2.1 million and $0.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 , the Company granted 1.3 million RSUs at a weighted average grant date fair value of $5.68 and 0.4 million RSUs vested. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the Company granted 0.8 million RSUs at a grant date fair value of $6.84 and 0.4 million RSUs vested. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 , 0.8 million market-based PSUs were granted at a weighted average grant date fair value of $6.97 and no performance-based or market-based PSUs vested. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , no performance-based or market-based PSUs were granted, and no performance-based or market-based PSUs vested. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 , the Company granted 0.2 million stock options at a grant date fair value of $4.28 and 6,274 stock options were exercised. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the Company granted 35,088 stock options at a grant date fair value of $2.97 and 0.8 million stock options were exercised. As of September 30, 2019 , there was unrecognized compensation cost of $11.5 million related to unvested stock options, RSUs and PSUs.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company uses the asset-liability method to account for taxes. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities result from temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the condensed consolidated financial statements that will result in income and deductions in future years. The Company recognizes deferred tax assets if realization of such assets is more-likely-than-not. In order to make this determination, the Company evaluates a number of factors including the ability to generate future taxable income from reversing taxable temporary differences, forecasts of financial and taxable income or loss, and the ability to carryback certain operating losses to refund taxes paid in prior years. The cumulative loss incurred over the three-year period ended September 30, 2019 constituted significant negative objective evidence against the Company’s ability to realize a benefit from its federal deferred tax assets. Such objective evidence limited the ability of the Company to consider in its evaluation certain subjective evidence such as the Company’s projections for future growth. On the basis of its evaluation, the Company determined that its deferred tax assets were not more-likely-than-not to be realized and that a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets should continue to be maintained as of September 30, 2019 . The Company determines the interim income tax provision by applying the estimated effective income tax rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year to income before income taxes for the period. In determining the full year estimate, the Company does not include the estimated impact of unusual and/or infrequent items, which may cause significant variations in the customary relationship between income tax expense and income before income taxes. The Company’s current effective income tax rate that has been applied to normal, recurring operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was (0.4)% . The Company’s actual effective income tax rate after discrete items was 7.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 . The Company released approximately $2.3 million in valuation allowance as a result of tax benefits recorded in connection with its acquisitions during the second quarter of 2019 for which a deferred tax liability was established in purchase accounting. As of September 30, 2019 , and December 31, 2018 , the Company had $0.7 million and $0.9 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which $0.6 million and $0.7 million would impact the effective income tax rate if recognized, respectively. Although the Company cannot predict the timing of resolution with taxing authorities, if any, the Company believes it is reasonably possible that the total of the unrecognized tax benefits could change in the next twelve months due to settlement with tax authorities or expiration of the applicable statute of limitations. Although the Company believes the tax accruals provided are reasonable, the final determination of tax returns under review or returns that may be reviewed in the future and any related litigation could result in tax liabilities that materially differ from the Company’s historical income tax provisions and accruals. The Company has analyzed filing positions in all of the federal and state jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns, as well as all open tax years in these jurisdictions. The tax years 2001 through 2017 are open to examination by major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject. The Company is currently under Internal Revenue Service audit examinations of the Company’s income and payroll tax returns for the years 2013 through 2016. The Company’s income tax returns for the tax years ended December 31, 2013 through 2015 are under examination by the California Franchise Tax Board. The audit examination is currently on hold until the Internal Revenue Service audit examination has been completed.

Regulatory

Regulatory	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
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 (“Higher Education Act”), and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Department of Education (“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 aid programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (“Title IV programs”). Ashford University is regionally accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (“WSCUC”). Department of Education Open Program Review of Ashford University On July 7, 2016, Ashford University was notified by the Department that an off-site program review had been scheduled to assess Ashford University’s administration of the Title IV programs in which it participates. The off-site program review commenced on July 25, 2016 and covered students identified in the 2009-2012 calendar year data previously provided by Ashford University to the Department in response to a request for information received from the Multi-Regional and Foreign School Participation Division of the Department’s Office of Federal Student Aid (“FSA”) on December 10, 2015. On December 9, 2016, the Department informed Ashford University that it intended to continue the program review on-site at Ashford University. The on-site program review commenced on January 23, 2017 and initially covered the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 award years, but may be expanded if the Department deems such expansion appropriate. Department of Education Program Participation Agreement for Ashford University On April 23, 2018, Ashford University received an updated Program Participation Agreement from the Department. Based on the updated Program Participation Agreement, Ashford University is provisionally certified to participate in Federal Student Financial Aid Programs until March 31, 2021. Ashford University is required to submit its reapplication for continued certification by December 31, 2020. Department of Education Close Out Audit of University of the Rockies The Company previously recorded an expense of $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, in relation to the close out audit of University of the Rockies resulting from its merger with Ashford University in October 2018. The expense was recorded in relation to borrower defense to repayment regulations. On September 26, 2019, the Department of Education sent Ashford University a Final Audit Determination letter for the University of the Rockies. This letter confirmed that with the exception of the borrower defense to repayment regulations, none of the other audit findings resulted in financial liability. The Department also stated that additional liabilities could accrue in the future. The Company continues to assess the borrower defense to repayment regulation audit finding and may submit a request for review to the Department. WSCUC Accreditation of Ashford University In July 2013, WSCUC granted Initial Accreditation to Ashford University for five years, until July 15, 2018. Ashford University was notified on June 8, 2018 that the Ashford University Accreditation Visit originally scheduled for fall 2018 had been rescheduled to April 3-5, 2019. The visit took place as scheduled and the WSCUC evaluation team provided a report of the visit. Ashford University then prepared a response to the report. The team report and Ashford University’s response were considered at the June 2019 WSCUC Commission meeting. On July 12, 2019, WSCUC notified Ashford University that it had reaffirmed its accreditation for six years. WSCUC also visited Ashford University on May 1, 2019 to conduct its federally mandated, six-month post-implementation review, due to the merger of University of the Rockies and into Ashford University which was finalized on October 31, 2018. WSCUC has verified that Ashford University has met all post-implementation requirements related to the merger of the two entities. In a separate action, Ashford University submitted a change of control and legal status application (the “Change of Control Application”) to convert to a nonprofit California public benefit corporation, and separate from the Company (the “Conversion Transaction”). On July 12, 2019, WSCUC notified Ashford University that it had approved the Change of Control Application for the Conversion Transaction. The approval is subject to certain conditions which must be met prior to the close of the Conversion Transaction, including divestiture of financial and ownership interest in the Company by all Ashford University officers and related parties and submission of a revised services agreement with respect to the Conversion Transaction, including the incorporation of key performance indicators into that agreement. WSCUC is also requiring a post-implementation site visit of Ashford University within six months of the close of the Conversion Transaction. U.S. Department of Education Abbreviated Preacquisition Review Letter On October 7, 2019, the Company announced that in connection with the Conversion Transaction, the Department has provided a response (the “Abbreviated Preacquisition Review Letter”) to the request for review made on July 15, 2019. The request for an abbreviated preacquisition review was made in accordance with Department procedures pursuant to which the Department provides information about conditions it intends to impose in connection with the continued participation in federal Title IV student financial aid programs by the applicant following a change in ownership. In the Abbreviated Preacquisition Review Letter, along with other conditions, the Department indicated that it would require the posting of an irrevocable letter of credit with the Department within ten days of the Conversion Transaction for approximately $103 million , representing the Department’s determination of 25% of the Title IV funding in fiscal year 2018 (the “25% LOC”). This letter of credit would require coverage until March 31, 2021 unless extended or replaced as determined by the Department. GI Bill Benefits On May 20, 2016, the Company received a letter from the Iowa Department of Education (“Iowa DOE”) indicating that, as a result of the planned closure of the Clinton Campus, the Iowa State Approving Agency (“ISAA”) would no longer continue to approve Ashford University’s programs for benefits under the GI Bill after June 30, 2016, and recommending Ashford University seek approval through the State Approving Agency of jurisdiction for any location that meets the definition of a “main campus” or “branch campus.” Ashford University began the process of applying for approval through the State Approving Agency in California (“CSAAVE”), and the Company subsequently disclosed that on June 20, 2016 it received a second letter from the Iowa DOE indicating that the Iowa DOE had issued a stay of the ISAA’s withdrawal of approval of Ashford University’s programs for GI Bill benefits effective immediately until the earlier of (i) 90 days from June 20, 2016 or (ii) the date on which CSAAVE completed its review and issued a decision regarding the approval of Ashford University in California. Ashford University received communication from CSAAVE indicating that additional information and documentation would be required before Ashford University’s application could be considered for CSAAVE approval. Ashford University subsequently withdrew the CSAAVE application and continued working with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”), the Iowa DOE and the ISAA to obtain continued approval of Ashford University’s programs for GI Bill benefits and to prevent any disruption of educational benefits to Ashford University’s veteran students. On September 15, 2016, in response to a Petition for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief (“Petition”) filed by Ashford University, the Iowa District Court for Polk County entered a written order (“Order”) staying the Iowa DOE’s announced intention to withdraw the approval of Ashford University as a GI Bill eligible institution until the entry of a final and appealable order and judgment in the action. On June 23, 2017, the Iowa District Court held a hearing on Ashford University’s Petition and on July 17, 2017, the Court ruled in favor of the Iowa DOE and denied the petition. Ashford University filed a motion for reconsideration of this ruling, which was denied on August 17, 2017. On August 23, 2017, Ashford University filed a Petition to Vacate or Modify the Iowa District Court’s July 17, 2017 ruling, based on material evidence, newly discovered, which could not with reasonable diligence have been previously discovered by Ashford University (“First Petition to Vacate”). On September 18, 2017, Ashford University appealed, inter alia , the July 17, 2017 ruling to the Iowa Supreme Court and posted an appeal bond, which stayed this matter pending resolution of Ashford University’s appeal. As a result, Ashford University’s approval was not withdrawn, and Ashford University’s programs remain approved for GI Bill purposes. The Assistant Attorney General handling this matter on behalf of the Iowa DOE also advised Ashford University that the Iowa DOE would take no action pending the post-ruling motions and appeal. On October 12, 2017, Judge Eliza Ovrom, the Iowa District Court Judge who issued the July 17, 2017 ruling, filed a Disclosure Statement revealing family ties to the Iowa Attorney General’s Office. Following motions by Ashford University for her recusal, Judge Ovrom recused herself from all further proceedings. On October 24, 2017, Ashford University filed with the Iowa Supreme Court a Petition to Vacate or, in the Alternative, for Limited Remand (“Second Petition to Vacate”), in which Ashford University argued that the July 17, 2017 ruling and all other material orders entered by Judge Ovrom should be vacated due to her previously undisclosed conflict of interest. On January 8, 2018, the Iowa Supreme Court remanded the Second Petition to Vacate to the District Court, where all proceedings in this matter were consolidated before Judge Michael Huppert. On April 26, 2018, Judge Huppert granted the Second Petition to Vacate and vacated all material rulings by Judge Ovrom, including the July 17, 2017 ruling, thus on June 21, 2018, the Iowa Supreme Court issued a Procedendo stating that the appeal was concluded. Judge Huppert’s decision mooted the First Petition to Vacate and Ashford’s appeal of, inter alia , the July 17, 2017 ruling. The case is now proceeding on the merits de novo before a new judge and Ashford filed its opening brief in support of the Petition on July 25, 2019. On July 6, 2017, Ashford University received approval from the Arizona State Approving Agency (“ASAA”) to provide GI Bill benefits to its students. On September 13, 2017, the VA accepted the ASAA’s approval, subject to Ashford University's compliance with the approval requirements, and the University subsequently received a facility code from the VA. On November 9, 2017, the VA informed Ashford University that the ASAA had not provided sufficient evidence to establish that it has jurisdictional authority over Ashford University’s online programs. The VA stated that it intends to suspend payment of educational assistance and approval of new student enrollments and student re-enrollments for Ashford University’s online programs in 60 days unless corrective action was taken. On November 17, 2017, Ashford University filed a petition for review in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit challenging the VA’s actions. In response to that petition, the VA agreed to stay the actions with respect to the suspension and reenrollment it had announced on November 9, 2017 through the entry of judgment in the Federal Circuit case, on the condition that Ashford University request and submit an application for approval to CSAAVE on or before January 8, 2018. Ashford University submitted an application to CSAAVE for approval on January 5, 2018. On February 21, 2018, CSAAVE provided notice of its intention not to act on Ashford University’s initial application for approval for the training of veterans and other eligible persons. The notice directed Ashford University to request approval of its application by the VA. Ashford University continues to work in good faith with the VA while its petition for review remains pending with the Federal Circuit. In keeping with this commitment, Ashford University agreed, at the VA’s request, to submit another application to CSAAVE. Ashford University filed that additional application on November 19, 2018. On December 14, 2018, however, CSAAVE again informed Ashford University that it did not intend to act on Ashford University’s application, and again indicated that Ashford University could request approval of its application directly from the VA. The parties completed all briefing for the petition for review on May 3, 2019 and the Court held oral argument on October 2, 2019. The Court has not yet issued a ruling.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Litigation 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 GAAP, 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, the best estimate within that range should be accrued. If no estimate is better than another, the Company records the minimum estimated liability in the range. 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 could be 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. 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 requested documents and detailed information for the time period March 1, 2009 to the date of the Investigative Subpoena. On July 24, 2013, the CA Attorney General filed a petition to enforce certain categories of the Investigative Subpoena related to recorded calls and electronic marketing data. On September 25, 2013, the Company 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 each such date. Representatives from the Company met with representatives from the CA Attorney General’s office on several occasions 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 parties also discussed a potential resolution involving injunctive relief, other non-monetary remedies and a payment to the CA Attorney General and in the third quarter of 2016, the Company recorded an expense of $8.0 million related to the cost of resolving this matter. The parties did not reach a resolution and on November 29, 2017, the CA Attorney General filed suit against Ashford University and the Company. The Company intends to vigorously defend this case and emphatically denies the allegations made by the CA Attorney General that it ever deliberately misled its students, falsely advertised its programs, or in any way was not fully accurate in its statements to investors. However, 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 any updated range of loss for this action based on currently available information and as such, the prior accrual of $8.0 million remains. 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 (“MA CID”) 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 MA CID, 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. The Company has not accrued any liability associated with this action. Department of Justice Civil Investigative Demand On July 7, 2016, the Company received from the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) a Civil Investigative Demand (“DOJ CID”) related to the DOJ's investigation concerning allegations that the Company may have misstated Title IV refund revenue or overstated revenue associated with private secondary loan programs and thereby misrepresented its compliance with the 90/10 rule of the Higher Education Act. Pursuant to the DOJ CID, the DOJ has requested from the Company documents and information for fiscal years 2011 to 2015. The Company is cooperating with the DOJ and cannot predict the eventual scope, duration or outcome of the investigation at this time. 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 captioned 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 lawsuit 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 captioned 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 captioned 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 underlying securities class action, but permitted the plaintiff to receive copies of any discovery responses served in the underlying securities class action. The stay was lifted following the settlement of the underlying securities class action and all defendants filed demurrers on October 3, 2016, which were granted with leave to amend on October 6, 2017. On October 17, 2017, the plaintiff submitted a litigation demand to the Company's Board of Directors, which appointed a working group to evaluate the demand. The Board refused the demand and the Plaintiff filed a Second Amended Complaint on October 3, 2018. All defendants filed demurrers on December 21, 2018, which were granted by the Court on June 14, 2019. As a result, the Court entered a final order dismissing the case on July 8, 2019. The plaintiff subsequently filed a notice of appeal. Based on information available to the Company at present, it cannot reasonably estimate a range of loss and accordingly has not accrued any liability associated with this action. Stein Securities Class Action On March 8, 2019, a securities class action complaint (the “Stein Complaint”) was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California by Shiva Stein naming the Company, Andrew Clark, Kevin Royal, and Joseph D’Amico as defendants (the “Defendants”). The Stein Complaint alleges that Defendants made false and materially misleading statements and failed to disclose material adverse facts regarding the Company's business, operations and prospects, specifically that the Company had applied an improper revenue recognition methodology to students enrolled in the FTG program. The Stein Complaint asserts a putative class period stemming from March 8, 2016 to March 7, 2019. The Stein Complaint alleges violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. Plaintiff Stein was appointed lead plaintiff by the Court and filed a substantially similar amended complaint on October 1, 2019. The Company is evaluating the amended complaint and intends to vigorously defend against it. However, because of the many questions of fact and law that may arise, the outcome of the legal proceeding is uncertain at this point. Based on information available to the Company at present, the Company cannot reasonably estimate a range of loss and accordingly has not accrued any liability associated with this action. SEC Informal Inquiry On March 27, 2019, the Company received notice that the SEC Division of Enforcement began an informal inquiry regarding the Company, requesting various documents relating to the Company’s accounting practices, including FTG revenue recognition, receivables and other matters relating to the Company’s previously disclosed intention to restate its condensed financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018. Based on these requests, the eventual scope, duration and outcome of the inquiry cannot be predicted at this time. We are cooperating fully with the SEC in connection with the inquiry.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events On October 7, 2019, the Company announced that in connection with the potential change of ownership and conversion of Ashford University to a nonprofit California public benefit corporation, the Department has provided a response to the request for review made on July 15, 2019. For further information, refer to Note 14, “Regulatory - U.S. Department of Education Abbreviated Preacquisition Review Letter” to the condensed consolidated financial statements. In October 2019, the Company approved and executed upon a plan of restructuring, which includes the elimination of approximately 300 current positions as well as other cost-saving measures. The Company expects to record a restructuring charge of approximately $11.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, consisting of one-time termination benefits for employee severance, benefits and related costs. This charge is expected to result in equivalent cash expenditures paid out over the next 12 months. The Company evaluated events occurring between the end of its most recent fiscal year and the date of filing, noting no additional subsequent events.

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company 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 U.S. (“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 annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 , which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 12, 2019 . In the opinion of management, the condensed consolidated 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 was derived from audited financial statements but does 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.
Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Comprehensive Income (Loss) The Company has no components of other comprehensive income (loss), and therefore, comprehensive income (loss) equals net income (loss).
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets The Company tests goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or more frequently if events and circumstances warrant. To evaluate the impairment of goodwill, the Company first assesses qualitative factors, such as deterioration in general economic conditions or negative company financial performance, to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. To evaluate the impairment of the indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company assesses the fair value of the assets to determine whether they were greater or less than the carrying values. Determining the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible asset is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions are inherently uncertain and may include such items as growth rates used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions, and a determination of appropriate market comparables. The Company has reassessed its reporting units in 2019, noting that it has three distinct reporting units including i) Zovio which includes Ashford, ii) Fullstack and iii) TutorMe. During the third quarter of 2019, the Company's qualitative assessment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets under ASC 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other , indicated triggering events in its Zovio reporting unit. There were no impairment indicators in the Fullstack or TutorMe reporting units. The impairment indicator for Zovio included a sustained declining stock price, which indicated the fair value of the Zovio reporting unit was potentially less than the carrying amount. Consequently, the Company then performed Step 1 of the impairment test and assessed the fair value of that reporting unit and determined that it was less than its carrying value. Preliminary analysis indicated potential impairment of the goodwill within the Zovio reporting unit. However, due to the time and effort required to determine the implied fair value of goodwill (i.e. Step 2 of the impairment assessment), the analysis is not complete at this time. As of September 30, 2019, Zovio’s reporting unit carrying value of goodwill is $0.7 million and its carrying value of other indefinite-lived intangible assets is $1.4 million . The Company's valuation to determine the amount of impairment will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2019. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company assesses potential impairment to its long-lived assets when there is evidence that events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recorded if the carrying amount of the long-lived asset is not recoverable. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. Any required impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-lived asset exceeds fair value and is recorded as a reduction in the carrying value of the related asset and an expense to operating results. During the third quarter of 2019, the Company's qualitative assessment of long-lived assets under ASC 360, Property and Equipment , indicated impairment indicators. The Company then performed an undiscounted cash flow analysis, noting that the related assets were recoverable. As such, no impairment in the Company’s long-lived assets is deemed necessary as of September 30, 2019.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company assesses potential impairment to its long-lived assets when there is evidence that events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recorded if the carrying amount of the long-lived asset is not recoverable. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. Any required impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-lived asset exceeds fair value and is recorded as a reduction in the carrying value of the related asset and an expense to operating results. During the third quarter of 2019, the Company's qualitative assessment of long-lived assets under ASC 360, Property and Equipment , indicated impairment indicators. The Company then performed an undiscounted cash flow analysis, noting that the related assets were recoverable. As such, no impairment in the Company’s long-lived assets is deemed necessary as of September 30, 2019.
Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block]	Leases In accordance with Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases (ASC 842) (“ASC 842”), leases are evaluated and classified as either operating or finance leases. The Company does not have any finance leases. The Company’s operating leases are included in operating lease assets, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and noncurrent lease liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Operating lease assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its estimated incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the date of adoption in calculating the present value of its existing lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is determined using the U.S. Treasury rate adjusted to account for the Company’s credit rating and the collateralized nature of operating leases. The operating lease asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. The Company’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line method over the term of the lease. Leased property and equipment meeting certain criteria are capitalized as finance lease assets, and the present value of the related lease payments is recognized as a finance lease liability on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Amortization of capitalized leased assets is computed on the straight-line method over the term of the lease or the life of the related asset, whichever is shorter.
Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Business Combinations The Company uses the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. This method requires the use of significant estimates, assumptions and judgments in the determination of the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in order to properly allocate the purchase price at the acquisition date. The estimates, assumptions and judgments are based in part on historical experience, industry data, information obtained from the management of the acquired companies and assistance from independent third-party appraisal firms. Examples of critical estimates include assigning values to the acquired identifiable intangible assets and valuing contingent consideration and earnout liabilities. For further information regarding the acquisitions, refer to Note 3, “Business Combinations” to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update 2018-15 (“ASU 2018-15”), Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract , which amends ASC 350-40 to address a customer’s accounting for implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement (“CCA”) that is a service contract. The amendments in ASU 2018-15 align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. Specifically, ASU 2018-15 amends ASC 350 to include in its scope implementation costs of a CCA that is a service contract and clarifies that a customer should apply ASC 350-40 to determine which implementation costs should be capitalized in a CCA that is considered a service contract and which costs to expense. This guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim fiscal periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019; early adoption is permitted. Entities are permitted to apply a retrospective or a prospective transition approach to adopt the guidance. The Company early adopted ASU 2018-15 during the period ended March 31, 2019, on a prospective basis. The adoption of ASU 2018-15 did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases (ASC 842) , as of January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective approach. The Company elected the ‘comparatives under ASC 840 option’ as a transitional practical expedient, which allows the Company to initially apply the new lease requirements at the effective date and recognize a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. It also allows the Company to report comparative periods in the financial statements under previous GAAP under ASC 840, Leases (“ASC 840”). The Company also elected the ‘package of practical expedients’ permitted under the transition guidance, which allowed the Company to (i) carry forward the historical lease classification, (ii) forgo reassessment of whether any expired or existing contracts contain leases, and (iii) forgo reassessment of whether any previously unamortized initial direct costs continue to meet the definition of initial direct costs under ASC 842. The Company did not, however, elect the ‘hindsight’ practical expedient to reassess the lease term for existing leases. Additionally, the Company does not have land easements, therefore, practical expedients pertaining to land easements are not applicable to the Company. For the accounting policy practical expedients, the Company elected the short-term lease exemption, under which any lease less than 12 months is excluded from recognition on the balance sheet. The Company elected not to recognize right of use assets and lease liabilities for short term leases, which has a lease term of 12 months or less and does not include an option to purchase the underlying asset that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise. Additionally, the Company elected the non-separation of lease and non-lease components, and as a result, the Company does not need to account for lease components (e.g., fixed payments including rent) separately from the non-lease components (e.g., common-area maintenance costs). Upon adoption of ASC 842, the Company recorded right-of-use assets of approximately $25.2 million , with corresponding operating lease liabilities of approximately $31.8 million , respectively, with an offset to accounts payable and accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities of approximately $8.4 million to eliminate accrued rent and an offset to prepaid and other current assets of $1.7 million on the consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019. The Company also derecognized an existing construction-in-process of approximately $8.6 million , with a corresponding debt obligation of the same amount for an asset under construction in build-to-suit lease arrangements. However, when the Company completed the related build-to-suit construction in April 2019, the Company recognized a right-of-use asset and lease liability on its balance sheet for the associated lease. There was no adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings upon adoption of the new standard given the nature of the impacts and the other transition practical expedients elected by the Company. Adoption of the standard impacted the Company’s previously reported results on January 1, 2019, as follows (in thousands): Closing balance at December 31, 2018 Adjustments due to ASC 842 Opening balance at January 1, 2019 Assets Prepaid and other current assets $ 18,255 $ (1,745 ) $ 16,510 Property and equipment, net $ 16,860 $ (8,634 ) $ 8,226 Operating lease assets (1) (2) $ — $ 25,165 $ 25,165 Liabilities and stockholder’s equity Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 62,792 $ 13,177 $ 75,969 Noncurrent operating lease liabilities (3) $ 3,183 $ 10,243 $ 13,426 Lease financing obligation $ 8,634 $ (8,634 ) $ — (1) Represents the reclassification of prepaid rent to operating lease assets (2) Represents capitalization of operating lease assets (3) Represents recognition of operating lease liabilities; Previously disclosed as rent liability for the portion related to accrued rent. The standard did not materially impact the Company’s consolidated net earnings and had no material impact on the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. For further information regarding leases, refer to Note 10 , “Lease Obligations” to the condensed consolidated financial statements. In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The update is intended to improve financial reporting by requiring timelier recording of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments held by financial institutions and other organizations. The update requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Organizations will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, although the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. Organizations will continue to use judgment to determine which loss estimation method is appropriate for their circumstances. The update requires enhanced disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an organization’s portfolio. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative requirements that provide additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. The update is effective for SEC filers for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company will adopt this standard on January 1, 2020 and does not believe the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements	Adoption of the standard impacted the Company’s previously reported results on January 1, 2019, as follows (in thousands): Closing balance at December 31, 2018 Adjustments due to ASC 842 Opening balance at January 1, 2019 Assets Prepaid and other current assets $ 18,255 $ (1,745 ) $ 16,510 Property and equipment, net $ 16,860 $ (8,634 ) $ 8,226 Operating lease assets (1) (2) $ — $ 25,165 $ 25,165 Liabilities and stockholder’s equity Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 62,792 $ 13,177 $ 75,969 Noncurrent operating lease liabilities (3) $ 3,183 $ 10,243 $ 13,426 Lease financing obligation $ 8,634 $ (8,634 ) $ — (1) Represents the reclassification of prepaid rent to operating lease assets (2) Represents capitalization of operating lease assets (3) Represents recognition of operating lease liabilities; Previously disclosed as rent liability for the portion related to accrued rent.

Business Combinations (Tables)

Business Combinations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price, as well as the preliminary allocation of the purchase price relating to the assets and liabilities purchased (in thousands): Estimated cash consideration for acquired assets $ 17,540 Estimated fair value of equity 12,336 Preliminary fair value of contingent consideration payable 3,250 Total estimated purchase price $ 33,126 Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation: Cash and cash equivalents $ 585 Accounts receivable 5,604 Prepaid and other assets 665 Property and equipment 167 Operating lease assets 1,297 Intangible assets 11,605 Other long-term assets 20 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (496 ) Deferred revenue (2,350 ) Long-term liabilities (1,297 ) Total identifiable net assets acquired $ 15,800 Deferred tax liability (2,165 ) Goodwill 19,491 Total estimated purchase consideration $ 33,126 The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price, as well as the preliminary allocation of the purchase price relating to the assets and liabilities purchased (in thousands): Estimated cash consideration for acquired assets $ 3,028 Estimated fair value of equity 2,026 Total estimated purchase price $ 5,054 Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation: Cash and cash equivalents $ 214 Accounts receivable 46 Intangible assets 1,730 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (35 ) Deferred revenue (200 ) Long-term liabilities (3 ) Total identifiable net assets acquired $ 1,752 Deferred tax liability (260 ) Goodwill 3,562 Total estimated purchase consideration $ 5,054

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Disaggregation of revenue	The following table presents the Company’s net revenue disaggregated based on the revenue source (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Tuition revenue, net $ 95,043 $ 102,352 $ 291,729 $ 317,353 Digital materials revenue, net 5,890 6,284 18,947 18,951 Technology fee revenue, net 2,856 3,777 9,381 10,861 Other revenue, net (1) 462 433 1,453 1,495 Total revenue, net $ 104,251 $ 112,846 $ 321,510 $ 348,660 (1) Primarily consists of revenues generated from services such as graduation fees, transcript fees, and other miscellaneous services. The following table presents the Company’s net revenue disaggregated based on the timing of revenue recognition (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Over time, over period of instruction $ 85,110 $ 96,735 $ 264,555 $ 301,905 Over time, full tuition grant (1) 13,599 9,986 38,908 27,825 Point in time (2) 5,542 6,125 18,047 18,930 Total revenue, net $ 104,251 $ 112,846 $ 321,510 $ 348,660 (1) Represents revenue generated from the FTG program. (2) Represents revenue generated from digital textbooks and other miscellaneous fees.
Deferred revenue of Company's contracts with customers	Below are the opening and closing balances of deferred revenue from the Company’s contracts with customers (in thousands): Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 Deferred revenue opening balance, January 1 $ 21,768 $ 22,001 Deferred revenue closing balance, September 30 22,549 23,833 Increase (Decrease) $ 781 $ 1,832

Restructuring and Impairment _2

Restructuring and Impairment Expense Restructuring and Impairment Expense (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and impairment charges	The following table summarizes the amounts recorded in the restructuring and impairment charges line item on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income (loss) for each of the periods presented (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Asset impairment $ — $ — $ — $ 325 Student transfer agreement costs (credit) (32 ) (268 ) (171 ) (268 ) Severance costs 1,220 855 6,231 1,874 Lease exit and other costs 1,279 638 1,830 1,864 Total restructuring and impairment expense $ 2,467 $ 1,225 $ 7,890 $ 3,795
Schedule of restructuring reserve by type of cost	The following table summarizes the changes in the Company's restructuring and impairment liability by type during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Student Transfer Agreement Costs Severance Costs Lease Exit and Other Costs Total Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 1,503 $ 267 $ 2,864 $ 4,634 Restructuring and impairment expense (credit) (171 ) 6,231 1,830 7,890 Payments and adjustments (22 ) (5,606 ) (3,377 ) (9,005 ) Balance at September 30, 2019 $ 1,310 $ 892 $ 1,317 $ 3,519

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Information of Short and Long-term Investments	The following tables summarize the fair value information as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , respectively (in thousands): As of September 30, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Mutual funds $ 2,385 $ — $ — $ 2,385 Contingent consideration $ — $ — $ 3,250 $ 3,250 As of December 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Mutual funds $ 2,068 $ — $ — $ 2,068

Accounts Receivable, Net (Table

Accounts Receivable, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Receivable, Net	Accounts receivable, net, consists of the following (in thousands): As of As of Accounts receivable $ 45,835 $ 39,195 Less allowance for doubtful accounts 10,160 12,180 Accounts receivable, net $ 35,675 $ 27,015
Changes in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Accounts Receivable	The following table presents the changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for accounts receivable for the periods indicated (in thousands): Beginning Balance Charged to Expense Deductions (1) Ending Balance Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable: For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 $ 12,180 $ 10,508 $ (12,528 ) $ 10,160 For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 $ 15,189 $ 19,339 $ (20,194 ) $ 14,334 (1) Deductions represent accounts written off, net of recoveries.

Other Significant Balance She_2

Other Significant Balance Sheet Accounts (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consists of the following (in thousands): As of As of Prepaid expenses $ 5,461 $ 5,445 Prepaid licenses 4,973 5,840 Prepaid income taxes 200 — Income tax receivable 4,121 5,044 Prepaid insurance 1,138 1,077 Insurance recoverable 994 723 Other current assets 7,818 126 Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 24,705 $ 18,255
Property and Equipment, Net	Property and equipment, net, consists of the following (in thousands): As of As of Buildings, build-to-suit $ — $ 10,434 Furniture and office equipment 42,815 31,227 Software 7,346 7,517 Leasehold improvements 18,560 3,430 Vehicles 22 22 Total property and equipment 68,743 52,630 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (35,748 ) (35,770 ) Total property and equipment, net $ 32,995 $ 16,860
Goodwill and Intangibles, Net	Goodwill and intangibles, net, consists of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2019 Definite-lived intangible assets: Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Capitalized curriculum costs $ 20,974 $ (19,452 ) $ 1,522 Purchased intangible assets 29,185 (9,810 ) 19,375 Total definite-lived intangible assets $ 50,159 $ (29,262 ) $ 20,897 Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles 25,035 Total goodwill and intangibles, net $ 45,932 December 31, 2018 Definite-lived intangible assets: Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Capitalized curriculum costs $ 21,076 $ (19,338 ) $ 1,738 Purchased intangible assets 15,850 (7,219 ) 8,631 Total definite-lived intangible assets $ 36,926 $ (26,557 ) $ 10,369 Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles 2,072 Total goodwill and intangibles, net $ 12,441
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, Remainder of 2019 $ 1,332 2020 5,252 2021 4,069 2022 3,430 2023 3,307 Thereafter 3,507 Total future amortization expense $ 20,897
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consists of the following (in thousands): As of As of Accounts payable $ 7,747 $ 5,313 Accrued salaries and wages 5,449 7,807 Accrued bonus 5,701 8,147 Accrued vacation 4,974 7,929 Accrued litigation and fees 8,041 8,041 Accrued expenses 24,280 17,692 Current leases payable 9,803 5,768 Accrued insurance liability 2,348 2,095 Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 68,343 $ 62,792
Deferred Revenue and Student Deposits	Deferred revenue and student deposits consists of the following (in thousands): As of As of Deferred revenue $ 22,549 $ 21,768 Student deposits 31,912 42,066 Total deferred revenue and student deposits $ 54,461 $ 63,834
Other Long-Term Liabilities	Other long-term liabilities consists of the following (in thousands): As of As of Uncertain tax positions $ 679 $ 865 Contingent consideration 3,250 — Other long-term liabilities 2,238 2,570 Total other long-term liabilities $ 6,167 $ 3,435

Lease Obligations (Tables)

Lease Obligations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Classification and Amounts Recorded on Balance Sheet	The following tables represent the classification and amounts recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Operating lease assets: Arizona $ 8,470 California 4,876 Colorado 7,922 Iowa 128 New York 237 Other 270 Total $ 21,903 Operating lease liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 9,804 Rent liability 23,882 Total $ 33,686
Schedule of Lease Costs and Other Information	The following table represents the lease term and discount rate used in the calculations as of September 30, 2019 : Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years): Operating leases 6.4 years Weighted-average discount rate: Operating leases 7.5 % The following table represents the cash flow information of operating leases for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 17,377 The following table represents the classification and amounts recorded on the condensed consolidated statements of income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Operating lease costs $ 14,287 Short-term lease cost 202 Variable lease costs (1) 455 Less: Sub-lease income (2,167 ) Total net lease costs $ 12,777 (1) Variable components of the lease payments such as utilities, taxes and insurance, parking and maintenance costs.
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	The following table represents the maturities of lease liabilities as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Remainder of 2019 $ 3,900 2020 9,988 2021 6,489 2022 3,915 2023 2,744 2024 2,400 Thereafter 15,265 Total minimum payments $ 44,701 Less: Interest (1) (11,015 ) Total net lease liabilities $ 33,686 (1) Calculated using an appropriate interest rate for each individual lease.
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the future minimum rental payments under non-cancelable operating lease arrangements in effect at December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2019 $ 20,382 2020 9,936 2021 6,460 2022 3,826 2023 2,726 Thereafter 17,710 Total minimum payments $ 61,040

Income Per Share (Tables)

Income Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted income (loss) per share for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Numerator: Net income (loss) $ (7,558 ) $ 1,661 $ (31,797 ) $ 18,051 Denominator: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 30,263 27,061 29,230 27,131 Effect of dilutive options and stock units — 528 — 401 Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding 30,263 27,589 29,230 27,532 Income (loss) per share: Basic $ (0.25 ) $ 0.06 $ (1.09 ) $ 0.67 Diluted $ (0.25 ) $ 0.06 $ (1.09 ) $ 0.66
Antidilutive Securities	The following table sets forth the number of stock options, RSUs and PSUs, excluded from the computation of diluted income (loss) per share for the periods indicated below because their effect was anti-dilutive (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Stock options 2,141 1,560 1,983 2,709 RSUs and PSUs 3,228 2 1,461 2

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$ (24,705)						$ (24,705)		$ (16,510)	$ (18,255)
Retained earnings	398,195						398,195			429,992
Revenues	104,251			$ 112,846			321,510	$ 348,660
Instructional costs and services	51,406			55,109			158,432	166,120
Net income (loss)	(7,558)	$ (17,597)	$ (6,642)	$ 1,661	$ 15,080	$ 1,310	(31,797)	$ 18,051
Property and equipment, net	(32,995)						(32,995)		(8,226)	(16,860)
Operating lease assets	21,903						21,903		25,165	0
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities									75,969	62,792
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities	23,882						23,882		13,426	3,183
Lease financing obligation									0	$ 8,634
Operating lease liabilities	$ 33,686						$ 33,686		31,800
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Prepaid expenses and other current assets									1,745
Property and equipment, net									8,634
Operating lease assets									25,165
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities									13,177
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities									10,243
Lease financing obligation									(8,634)
Finance Lease, Liability									$ 8,400

Summary of Significant Accoun_5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Restatement of Previously Issued Financial Statements (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 104,251			$ 112,846			$ 321,510	$ 348,660
Instructional costs and services	51,406			55,109			158,432	166,120
Total costs and expenses	112,100			111,967			356,883	339,055
Operating income	(7,849)			879			(35,373)	9,605
Income before income taxes	(7,705)			1,246			(34,333)	10,504
Income tax benefit	(147)			(415)			(2,536)	(7,547)
Net income (loss)	$ (7,558)	$ (17,597)	$ (6,642)	$ 1,661	$ 15,080	$ 1,310	$ (31,797)	$ 18,051
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.25)			$ 0.06			$ (1.09)	$ 0.67
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.25)			$ 0.06			$ (1.09)	$ 0.66
Provision for bad debts							$ 10,508	$ 19,339
Accounts receivable							(13,517)	(25,418)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets							(306)	1,962
Deferred revenue and student deposits							(11,923)	(12,034)
Cash flows used in operating activities							(38,243)	(10,668)
Retained earnings	$ 398,195						398,195		$ 429,992
Total stockholders’ equity	118,256	122,390	121,983	$ 139,785	137,632	123,766	118,256	139,785	127,614	$ 122,996
Retained Earnings
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	(7,558)	(17,597)	(6,642)	1,661	15,080	1,310
Total stockholders’ equity	$ 398,195	$ 405,753	$ 423,350	$ 443,407	$ 441,746	$ 426,666	$ 398,195	$ 443,407	$ 429,992	$ 426,356

Summary of Significant Accoun_6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Goodwill and Intangibles (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Apr. 03, 2019
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 3,562
Zovio/Ashford Reporting Unit [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 1,400
Goodwill	$ 700

Business Combinations (Details)

Business Combinations (Details)	Apr. 03, 2019USD ($)shares	Apr. 01, 2019USD ($)university_contractshares	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Carrying value of assets			$ 271,109,000						$ 271,109,000		$ 269,492,000
Business Combination, Contingent consideration, liability, period		2 years
Revenues			104,251,000			$ 112,846,000			321,510,000	$ 348,660,000
Operating income			(7,849,000)			879,000			(35,373,000)	9,605,000
Net income (loss)			(7,558,000)	$ (17,597,000)	$ (6,642,000)	$ 1,661,000	$ 15,080,000	$ 1,310,000	(31,797,000)	18,051,000
Estimated cash consideration for acquired assets	$ 3,028,000
Estimated fair value of equity	2,026,000
Preliminary fair value of contingent consideration payable									483,000	$ 0
Total estimated purchase price	5,054,000
Cash and cash equivalents	214,000
Accounts receivable	46,000
Intangible assets	1,730,000
Accounts payable	(35,000)
Deferred revenue	(200,000)
Long-term liabilities	(3,000)
Total identifiable net assets acquired	1,752,000
Deferred tax liability	(260,000)
Goodwill	3,562,000
Fullstack Academy [Domain]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Carrying value of assets					7,100,000
Consideration received		$ 17,500,000
Purchase price adjustments		2,000,000
Third-party adjustments		$ 2,000,000
Shares of the Company's stock | shares		2,443,260
Contingently issuable shares | shares		2,250,000
Incentive retention pool		$ 5,000,000
Revenues			3,300,000
Operating income			3,000,000
Net income (loss)			3,000,000
Acquisition related costs									4,100,000
Estimated cash consideration for acquired assets		17,540,000
Estimated fair value of equity		12,336,000
Preliminary fair value of contingent consideration payable		3,250,000
Total estimated purchase price		33,126,000
Cash and cash equivalents		585,000
Accounts receivable		5,604,000
Prepaid and other assets		665,000
Property and equipment		167,000
Operating lease assets		1,297,000
Intangible assets		11,605,000
Other long-term assets		20,000
Accounts payable		(496,000)
Deferred revenue		(2,350,000)
Long-term liabilities		(1,297,000)
Total identifiable net assets acquired		15,800,000
Deferred tax liability		(2,165,000)
Goodwill		$ 19,491,000
TutorMe [Domain] [Domain]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Carrying value of assets					$ 600,000
Consideration received	2,800,000
Third-party adjustments	$ 1,200,000
Shares of the Company's stock | shares	309,852
Revenues			200,000
Operating income			500,000
Net income (loss)			$ 500,000
Acquisition related costs									$ 2,600,000
TutorMe [Domain] [Domain] | Performance Shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of equity	$ 293,621
Options assumed | shares	79,199
TutorMe [Domain] [Domain] | Service Requirement Awards [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Options assumed | shares	231,406
Customer Contracts [Member] | Fullstack Academy [Domain]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Contingently issuable shares | shares		500,000
Revenue Benchmark [Member] | Fullstack Academy [Domain]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Contingently issuable shares | shares		500,000
Service Requirement Awards [Member] | Fullstack Academy [Domain]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Contingently issuable shares | shares		1,250,000
Minimum | Revenue Benchmark [Member] | Fullstack Academy [Domain]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue sliding scale		$ 25,000,000
New university contract threshold | university_contract		4
Maximum | Revenue Benchmark [Member] | Fullstack Academy [Domain]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue sliding scale		$ 35,000,000
New university contract threshold | university_contract		8

Revenue Recognition (Details)

Revenue Recognition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2019	Jan. 01, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 104,251	$ 112,846	$ 321,510	$ 348,660
Deferred revenue, opening balance	22,549	23,833	22,549	23,833	$ 21,768	$ 22,001
Deferred revenue, ending balance	22,549	23,833	22,549	23,833	$ 21,768	$ 22,001
Deferred revenue, increase (decrease)	781	1,832
Deferred revenue, revenue recognized			21,800	21,900
Over time, over period of instruction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	85,110	96,735	264,555	301,905
Over time, full tuition grant
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	13,599	9,986	38,908	27,825
Point in time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	5,542	6,125	18,047	18,930
Tuition revenue, net
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	95,043	102,352	291,729	317,353
Digital materials revenue, net
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	5,890	6,284	18,947	18,951
Technology fee revenue, net
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	2,856	3,777	9,381	10,861
Other revenue, net
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 462	$ 433	$ 1,453	$ 1,495

Restructuring and Impairment _3

Restructuring and Impairment Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve at beginning of period				$ 4,634
Restructuring and impairment expense (credit)	$ 2,467		$ 1,225	7,890	$ 3,795
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	100			100
Payments and adjustments				(9,005)
Restructuring reserve at end of period	3,519	$ 4,634		3,519
Asset Impairment for Regulatory Action [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and impairment expense (credit)	0		0	0	325
Service Agreements [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve at beginning of period				1,503
Restructuring and impairment expense (credit)	(32)	1,500	(268)	(171)	(268)
Payments and adjustments				(22)
Restructuring reserve at end of period	1,310	1,503		1,310
Severance Costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve at beginning of period				267
Restructuring and impairment expense (credit)	1,220		855	6,231	1,874
Payments and adjustments				(5,606)
Restructuring reserve at end of period	892	267		892
Lease Exit and Other Costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve at beginning of period				2,864
Restructuring and impairment expense (credit)	1,279		$ 638	1,830	$ 1,864
Payments and adjustments				(3,377)
Restructuring reserve at end of period	$ 1,317	$ 2,864		$ 1,317

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	$ 0	$ 0
Contingent consideration	3,250,000		$ 0
Mutual funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	2,385,000		2,068,000
Contingent consideration	3,250,000
Mutual funds | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	2,385,000		2,068,000
Contingent consideration	0
Mutual funds | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Contingent consideration	0
Mutual funds | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	0		$ 0
Contingent consideration	$ 3,250,000

Accounts Receivable, Net (Detai

Accounts Receivable, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts receivable	$ 45,835	$ 39,195
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	10,160	12,180
Accounts receivable, net	$ 35,675	$ 27,015

Accounts Receivable, Net (Chang

Accounts Receivable, Net (Change in Allowance) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Receivables [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$ 12,180	$ 15,189
Provision for bad debts	10,508	19,339
Deductions	(12,528)	(20,194)
Ending Balance	$ 10,160	$ 14,334

Other Significant Balance She_3

Other Significant Balance Sheet Accounts (Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses	$ 5,461		$ 5,445
Prepaid licenses	4,973		5,840
Prepaid Taxes	200		0
Income tax receivable	4,121		5,044
Prepaid insurance	1,138		1,077
Insurance recoverable	994		723
Other current assets	7,818		126
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	$ 24,705	$ 16,510	$ 18,255

Other Significant Balance She_4

Other Significant Balance Sheet Accounts (Property and Equipment, Net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 1,300	$ 600	$ 3,300	$ 2,000
Property and equipment, gross	68,743		68,743			$ 52,630
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(35,748)		(35,748)			(35,770)
Total property and equipment, net	32,995		32,995		$ 8,226	16,860
Depreciation	1,600	$ 1,000	3,900	$ 3,200
Buildings, build-to-suit
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	0		0			10,434
Furniture and office equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	42,815		42,815			31,227
Software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	7,346		7,346			7,517
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	18,560		18,560			3,430
Vehicles
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 22		$ 22			$ 22

Other Significant Balance She_5

Other Significant Balance Sheet Accounts (Goodwill and Intangibles, Net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangibles, Net
Definite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying amount	$ 50,159		$ 50,159		$ 36,926
Definite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(29,262)		(29,262)		(26,557)
Definite-lived intangible assets, net carrying amount	20,897		20,897		10,369
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles	25,035		25,035		2,072
Total goodwill and intangibles, net	45,932		45,932		12,441
Amortization of intangible Assets	1,300	$ 600	3,300	$ 2,000
Capitalized Curriculum Costs
Goodwill and Intangibles, Net
Definite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying amount	20,974		20,974		21,076
Definite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(19,452)		(19,452)		(19,338)
Definite-lived intangible assets, net carrying amount	1,522		1,522		1,738
Purchased Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangibles, Net
Definite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying amount	29,185		29,185		15,850
Definite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(9,810)		(9,810)		(7,219)
Definite-lived intangible assets, net carrying amount	$ 19,375		$ 19,375		$ 8,631

Other Significant Balance She_6

Other Significant Balance Sheet Accounts (Remaining Amortization Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of 2019	$ 1,332
2019	5,252
2020	4,069
2021	3,430
2022	3,307
Thereafter	3,507
Definite-lived intangible assets, net carrying amount	$ 20,897	$ 10,369

Other Significant Balance She_7

Other Significant Balance Sheet Accounts (Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Accounts payable	$ 7,747	$ 5,313
Accrued salaries and wages	5,449	7,807
Accrued bonus	5,701	8,147
Accrued vacation	4,974	7,929
Accrued litigation and fees	8,041	8,041
Accrued expenses	24,280	17,692
Current leases payable	9,803	5,768
Accrued insurance liability	2,348	2,095
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 68,343	$ 62,792

Other Significant Balance She_8

Other Significant Balance Sheet Accounts (Deferred Revenue) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred Revenue [Abstract]
Deferred revenue	$ 22,549	$ 21,768
Student deposits	31,912	42,066
Total deferred revenue and student deposits	$ 54,461	$ 63,834

Other Significant Balance She_9

Other Significant Balance Sheet Accounts (Other Long-term Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Contingent consideration	$ 3,250	$ 0
Uncertain tax positions	679	865
Other long-term liabilities	2,238	2,570
Total other long-term liabilities	6,167	3,435
Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent	$ 0	$ 8,634

Credit Facilities (Details)

Credit Facilities (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving line of credit, letters of credit outstanding	$ 16.6
Surety Bond Facility [Abstract]
Surety bond facility, available amount	8.5
Surety bond facility, issued amount	$ 8.1

Lease Obligations (Details)

Lease Obligations (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)ft²	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)ft²	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Expense	$ 5.3	$ 3.7	$ 14.9	$ 11.3
Net sublease value	$ 2.2	$ 2.1
Build To Suit Leases
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Net Rentable Area | ft²	131,000		131,000
CALIFORNIA
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property | ft²	28,400		28,400
Commitment to lease			7 months
Net sublease value			$ 0.4
COLORADO
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property | ft²	72,200		72,200
Commitment to lease			23 months
Net sublease value			$ 1.9
COLORADO, Commencing on April 1, 2019 [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property | ft²	21,000		21,000
Commitment to lease			41 months
Net sublease value			$ 2

Lease Obligations - Schedule of

Lease Obligations - Schedule of Classification and Amounts Recorded on Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease assets	$ 21,903	$ 25,165	$ 0
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	9,804
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities	23,882	13,426	$ 3,183
Total lease liabilties	33,686	$ 31,800
ARIZONA
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease assets	8,470
CALIFORNIA
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease assets	4,876
COLORADO
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease assets	7,922
IOWA
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease assets	128
NEW YORK
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease assets	237
Other Property [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease assets	$ 270

Lease Obligations - Schedule _2

Lease Obligations - Schedule of Lease Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Lease, Expense	$ 5,300	$ 3,700	$ 14,900	$ 11,300
Operating lease costs	14,287
Short-term lease cost	202
Variable lease costs (1)	455
Less: Sub-lease income	2,167
Total net lease costs	$ 12,777

Lease Obligations - Schedule _3

Lease Obligations - Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
Remainder of 2019	$ 3,900
2020	9,988
2021	6,489
2022	3,915
2023	2,744
2024	2,400
After 2024	15,265
Total minimum payments	44,701
Less: Interest (1)	(11,015)
Operating lease liabilities	$ 33,686	$ 31,800
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months			$ 20,382
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years			9,936
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years			6,460
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years			3,826
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years			2,726
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter			17,710
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due			$ 61,040

Lease Obligations - Schedule _4

Lease Obligations - Schedule of Other Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):	6 years 5 months
Weighted-average discount rate:	7.50%
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ 17,377

Income Per Share (Basic and Dil

Income Per Share (Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Numerator:
Net income (loss)	$ (7,558)	$ (17,597)	$ (6,642)	$ 1,661	$ 15,080	$ 1,310	$ (31,797)	$ 18,051
Denominator:
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in shares)	30,263			27,061			29,230	27,131
Effect of dilutive options and stock units (in shares)	0			528			0	401
Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in shares)	30,263			27,589			29,230	27,532
Income (loss) per share:
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.25)			$ 0.06			$ (1.09)	$ 0.67
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.25)			$ 0.06			$ (1.09)	$ 0.66
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	$ (7,558)			$ 1,661			$ (31,797)	$ 18,051

Income Per Share (Anti-dilutive

Income Per Share (Anti-dilutive Securities) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of dilutive common shares outstanding	2,141	1,560	1,983	2,709
RSUs and PSUs
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of dilutive common shares outstanding	3,228	2	1,461	2

Stock Repurchase Program Stock

Stock Repurchase Program Stock Repurchase Program (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Stock Repurchase Programs [Abstract]
Repurchase of common stock	$ 0	$ 2,424

Stock-Based Compensation (Detai

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 3.4	$ 1.3	$ 8.7	$ 3.6
Income tax benefit of stock-based compensation expense	0.8	$ 0.3	2.1	$ 0.9
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options and RSUs	$ 11.5		$ 11.5
Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-option equity instruments granted during the period (in units)			1,300,000	800,000
Grant date fair value (in dollars per share)			$ 5.68	$ 6.84
Equity instruments other than options vested during period (in units)			400,000	400,000
Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant date fair value (in dollars per share)			$ 6.97
Equity instruments other than options vested during period (in units)			0	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period			845,180	0
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant date fair value (in dollars per share)			$ 4.28	$ 2.97
Stock options granted (in shares)			231,406	35,088
Stock options exercised (in shares)			0	800,000

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Effective tax rate		7.40%
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount	$ 2.3
Unrecognized tax benefits	0.7	$ 0.7	$ 0.9
Gross unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate if recognized	$ 0.6	$ 0.6	$ 0.7
Settlement with taxing authority
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Effective tax rate		(0.40%)

Regulatory US Department of Edu

Regulatory US Department of Education (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 07, 2019
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and impairment expense (credit)	$ 2,467		$ 1,225	$ 7,890	$ 3,795
Service Agreements [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Regulatory Liabilities	900			900
Restructuring and impairment expense (credit)	$ (32)	$ 1,500	$ (268)	$ (171)	$ (268)
Subsequent Event
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations						$ 103,000
Capital Required for Capital Adequacy to Risk Weighted Assets						25.00%

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
CALIFORNIA
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated litigation liability	$ 8

Subsequent Events Subsequent Ev

Subsequent Events Subsequent Events (Details) - Subsequent Event $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated, Inception to Date	300
Severance Costs
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 11

Uncategorized Items - zvo-20190

Label	Element	Value
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ (1,000,000)
Restricted Cash, Noncurrent	us-gaap_RestrictedCashNoncurrent	5,658,000
Restricted Cash, Noncurrent	us-gaap_RestrictedCashNoncurrent	0
Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ (1,000,000)