Chegg (CHGG) 10-Q 8 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	CHEGG, INC
Entity Central Index Key	1364954
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		86,049,734

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$50,028	$56,117	[1]
Short-term investments	28,867	33,346	[1]
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $326 and $559 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	10,674	14,396	[1]
Prepaid expenses	8,611	3,091	[1]
Other current assets	3,986	3,864	[1]
Total current assets	102,166	110,814	[1]
Long-term investments	0	1,451	[1]
Textbook library, net	84,571	80,762	[1]
Property and equipment, net	17,892	18,369	[1]
Goodwill	91,301	91,301	[1]
Intangible assets, net	12,066	13,626	[1]
Other assets	1,732	1,804	[1]
Total assets	309,728	318,127	[1]
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	4,846	10,945	[1]
Deferred revenue	44,969	24,591	[1]
Accrued liabilities	20,187	31,183	[1]
Total current liabilities	70,002	66,719	[1]
Long-term liabilities:
Other liabilities	4,285	4,365	[1]
Total long-term liabilities	4,285	4,365	[1]
Total liabilities	74,287	71,084	[1]
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)			[1]
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value – 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	0	0	[1]
Common stock, $0.001 par value 400,000,000 shares authorized at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively; 85,849,349 and 84,008,043 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	86	84	[1]
Additional paid-in capital	533,739	516,845	[1]
Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss)	31	-13	[1]
Accumulated deficit	-298,415	-269,873	[1]
Total stockholders' equity	235,441	247,043	[1]
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$309,728	$318,127	[1]
[1]	Derived from audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014.

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, current	$326	$559
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	85,849,349	84,008,043
Common stock, shares outstanding	85,849,349	84,008,043

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net revenues
Rental	$37,714	$46,856
Services	31,367	17,246
Sales	15,791	10,291
Net revenues	84,872	74,393
Cost of revenues
Rental	38,555	47,697
Services	11,837	7,656
Sales	15,101	10,132
Cost of revenues	65,493	65,485
Gross profit	19,379	8,908
Operating expenses:
Technology and development	16,144	11,320
Sales and marketing	21,392	15,027
General and administrative	11,777	9,840
Restructuring charges	2,514	0
Gain on liquidation of textbooks	-4,185	-1,678
Total operating expenses	47,642	34,509
Loss from operations	-28,263	-25,601
Interest expense and other income, net:
Interest expense, net	-61	-61
Other income, net	76	120
Total interest expense and other income, net	15	59
Loss before provision for income taxes	-28,248	-25,542
Provision for income taxes	294	217
Net loss	($28,542)	($25,759)
Net loss per share, attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.34)	($0.31)
Weighted average shares used to compute net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted (in shares)	84,794	82,181

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	($28,542)	($25,759)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale investments	22	-16
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments	22	23
Other comprehensive income	44	7
Total comprehensive loss	($28,498)	($25,752)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss	($28,542)		($25,759)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Textbook library depreciation expense	14,674		20,095
Amortization of warrants and deferred loan costs	35		29
Other depreciation and amortization expense	3,172		2,035
Share-based compensation expense	15,020		6,930
Provision for bad debts	-224		-41
Gain on liquidation of textbooks	-4,185		-1,678
Loss from write-offs of textbooks	2,544		4,402
Loss from disposal of property and equipment	202		0
Change in assets and liabilities net of effect of acquisition of business:
Accounts receivable	2,434		-2,227
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-5,598		-1,902
Other assets	47		-241
Accounts payable	-4,938		-786
Deferred revenue	20,378		29,312
Accrued liabilities	-8,270		-1,098
Other liabilities	-58		71
Net cash provided by operating activities	6,691		29,142
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of textbooks	-29,142		-42,963
Proceeds from liquidations of textbooks	11,979		11,276
Purchases of marketable securities	-6,243		-42,829
Maturities of marketable securities	12,140		13,100
Purchases of property and equipment	-1,486		-1,285
Acquisition of business	0		-500
Net cash used in investing activities	-12,752		-63,201
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from exercise of common stock under employee stock plans	6,626		89
Payment of taxes related to the net share settlement of RSUs	-4,391		-3,454
Repurchase of common stock	-2,263		0
Net cash used in financing activities	-28		-3,365
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-6,089		-37,424
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	56,117	[1]	76,864
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	50,028		39,440
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	25		31
Income taxes	423		360
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Accrued purchases of long-lived assets	2,759		2,661
Issuance of common stock related to prior acquisition	$825		$0
[1]	Derived from audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Background_and_Basis_of_Presen

Background and Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Background and Basis of Presentation	Background and Basis of Presentation
	Company and Background
	Chegg, Inc. (Chegg, the Company, we, us, or our), headquartered in Santa Clara, California, was incorporated as a Delaware corporation on July 29, 2005. Chegg is the leading student-first connected learning platform, empowering students to take control of their education to save time, save money and get smarter. We are driven by our passion to help students become active consumers in the educational process. Our integrated platform offers products and services that students need throughout the college lifecycle, from choosing a college through graduation and beyond. By helping students learn more in less time and at a lower cost, we help them improve the overall return on investment in education. In 2014, nearly 7.5 million students used our platform.
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015, the condensed consolidated statements of operations, the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related footnote disclosures are unaudited. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly our financial position as of March 31, 2015 and our results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
	We operate in a single segment. Our fiscal year ends on December 31 and in this report we refer to the year ended December 31, 2014 as 2014.
	The condensed consolidated financial statements and related financial information should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the Annual Report on Form 10-K) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
	Except for Restructuring charges, which is discussed below, there have been no material changes to our significant accounting policies as compared to the significant accounting policies described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
	We have presented revenue and cost of revenues separately for rental, service and sale beginning with our Annual Report on Form 10-K. Rental revenue includes the rental of print textbooks; service revenue includes Chegg Study, brand advertising, eTextbooks, tutoring, enrollment marketing, and commerce; sale revenue includes just-in-time sale of print textbooks and the sale of other required materials. We have reclassified amounts in the prior periods to conform to the current period presentation. None of the changes impacts previously reported condensed consolidated revenue, cost of revenue, operating income, or earnings per share.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities; the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements; and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates, assumptions and judgments are used for, but not limited to: revenue recognition, recoverability of accounts receivable, determination of the useful lives and salvage value related to our textbook library, restructuring charges, share-based compensation expense including estimated forfeitures, accounting for income taxes, useful lives assigned to long-lived assets for depreciation and amortization, impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets, and the valuation of acquired intangible assets. We base our estimates on historical experience, knowledge of current business conditions and various other factors we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates are based on management’s knowledge about current events and expectations about actions we may undertake in the future. Actual results could differ from these estimates, and such differences could be material to our financial position and results of operations.
	Restructuring Charges
	Restructuring charges are primarily comprised of severance costs, contract and program termination costs, asset impairments and costs of facility consolidation and closure. Restructuring charges are recorded upon approval of a formal management plan and are included in the operating results of the period in which such plan is approved and the expense becomes estimable. To estimate restructuring charges, management utilizes assumptions of the number of employees that would be involuntarily terminated and of future costs to operate and eventually vacate duplicate facilities. Severance and other employee separation costs are accrued when it is probable that benefits will be paid and the amount is reasonably estimable. The rates used in determining severance accruals are based on our policies and practices and negotiated settlements. Restructuring charges for employee workforce reductions are recorded upon employee notification for employees whose required continuing service period is 60 days or less and ratably over the employee’s continuing service period for employees whose required continuing service period is greater than 60 days.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	There have been no material changes to recent accounting pronouncements as compared to recent accounting pronouncements described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Net_Loss_Per_Share

Net Loss Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Loss Per Share	Net Loss Per Share
	Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period, less the weighted-average unvested common stock subject to repurchase or forfeiture. Diluted net loss per share is computed by giving effect to all potential shares of common stock, including stock options, warrants and RSUs, to the extent dilutive. Basic and diluted net loss per share was the same for each period presented as the inclusion of all potential common shares outstanding would have been anti-dilutive.
	The following table sets forth the computation of historical basic and diluted net loss per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Numerator:
	Net loss	$	(28,542	)		$	(25,759	)
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding	84,794				82,259
	Less: Weighted-average unvested common shares subject to repurchase or forfeiture	—				(78		)
	Weighted-average common shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share	84,794				82,181
	Net loss per share, basic and diluted.	$	(0.34	)		$	(0.31	)
	The following potential shares of common stock outstanding were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders because including them would have been anti-dilutive (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Options to purchase common stock	12,398			17,598
	Restricted stock units	54			3,991
	Employee stock purchase plan	26			23
	Common stock subject to repurchase or forfeiture	—			70
	Warrants to purchase common stock	634			1,118
	Total common stock equivalents	13,112			22,800

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_Inve

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Investments and Restricted Cash	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Investments and Restricted Cash	Cash and Cash Equivalents, Investments and Restricted Cash
	The following table shows our cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments’ adjusted cost, unrealized gain (loss) and fair value (in thousands) as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
		March 31, 2015						December 31, 2014
		Cost		Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)		Fair Value		Cost		Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)			Fair Value
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash	$	37,780	$	—	$	37,780	$	49,836	$	—		$	49,836
	Money market funds	7,299		—		7,299		5,828		—			5,828
	Commercial paper	4,949		—		4,949		453		—			453
	Total cash and cash equivalents	$	50,028	$	—	$	50,028	$	56,117	$	—		$	56,117
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial paper	$	10,744	$	—	$	10,744	$	13,435	$	—		$	13,435
	Corporate securities	18,117		6		18,123		18,426		(15		)	18,411
	Certificate of deposit	—		—		—		1,499		1			1,500
	Total short-term investments	$	28,861	$	6	$	28,867	$	33,360	$	(14	)	$	33,346
	Long-term corporate securities	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	1,453	$	(2	)	$	1,451
	Short-term restricted cash	$	300	$	—	$	300	$	300	$	—		$	300
	Long-term restricted cash	1,480		—		1,480		1,480		—			1,480
	Total restricted cash	$	1,780	$	—	$	1,780	$	1,780	$	—		$	1,780
	The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale investments as of March 31, 2015 by contractual maturity were as follows (in thousands):
		Cost		Fair Value
	Due in 1 year or less	$	33,810	$	33,816
	Investments not due at a single maturity date	7,299		7,299
	Total	$	41,109	$	41,115
	Investments not due at a single maturity date in the preceding table consist of money market fund deposits.
	As of March 31, 2015, we considered the declines in market value of our investment portfolio to be temporary in nature and did not consider any of our investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired. We typically invest in highly-rated securities with a minimum credit rating of A- and a weighted average maturity of four months, and our investment policy generally limits the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer. The policy requires investments generally to be investment grade, with the primary objective of preserving capital and maintaining liquidity. Fair values were determined for each individual security in the investment portfolio. When evaluating an investment for other-than-temporary impairment, we review factors such as the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below its cost basis, the financial condition of the issuer and any changes thereto, changes in market interest rates and our intent to sell, or whether it is more likely than not it will be required to sell, the investment before recovery of the investment’s cost basis. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we did not recognize any impairment charges.

Fair_Value_Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement	Fair Value Measurement
	We have established a fair value hierarchy used to determine the fair value of our financial instruments as follows:
	Level 1—Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2—Inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instruments.
	Level 3—Inputs are unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value; the inputs require significant management judgment or estimation.
	A financial instrument’s classification within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
	Financial instruments measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are classified based on the valuation technique level in the tables below (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015
		Total		Quoted Prices		Significant Other
				in Active		Observable Inputs (Level 2)
				Markets for Identical
				Assets
				(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds	$	7,299	$	7,299	$	—
	Commercial paper	4,949		—		4,949
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial paper	10,744		—		10,744
	Corporate securities	18,123		—		18,123
	Total assets measured and recorded at fair value	$	41,115	$	7,299	$	33,816
		December 31, 2014
		Total		Quoted Prices		Significant Other		Significant
				in Active		Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Unobservable
				Markets for Identical				Inputs
				Assets				(Level 3)
				(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds	$	5,828	$	5,828	$	—	$	—
	Commercial paper	453		—		453		—
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial paper	13,435		—		13,435		—
	Corporate securities	18,411		—		18,411
	Certificate of deposit	1,500		—		1,500		—
	Long-term investments, corporate securities	1,451		—		1,451
	Total assets measured and recorded at fair value	$	41,078	$	5,828	$	35,250	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Put option liability	$	1,079	$	—	$	—	$	1,079
	We value our marketable securities based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1 inputs) or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2 inputs) in determining fair value. We classify all of our fixed income available-for-sale securities as having Level 2 inputs. The valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of our financial instruments having Level 2 inputs were derived from non-binding market consensus prices that are corroborated by observable market data, quoted market prices for similar instruments, or pricing models such as discounted cash flow techniques.
	As of March 31, 2015, the put option liability (Level 3) which relates to a previous acquisition and provides certain employees of the acquired company the right to require us to acquire vested common shares at a stated contractual price were fully exercised and shares were repurchased from employees, with cash payment being made in the first quarter of 2015. We no longer hold any Level 3 assets or liabilities as of March 31, 2015.
	The methods described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while we believe our valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015
		Weighted-Average Amortization		Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Period		Carrying		Amortization			Carrying
		(in months)		Amount					Amount
	Developed technologies	52		$	9,418	$	(5,369	)	$	4,049
	Customer lists	20		2,820		(1,638		)	1,182
	Trade names	48		2,343		(481		)	1,862
	Non-compete agreements	28		1,220		(420		)	800
	Master service agreements	21		1,030		(457		)	573
	Indefinite-lived trade name	—		3,600		—			3,600
	Total intangible assets			$	20,431	$	(8,365	)	$	12,066
		December 31, 2014
		Weighted-Average Amortization		Gross		Accumulated			Impairment			Net
		Period		Carrying		Amortization						Carrying
		(in months)		Amount								Amount
	Developed technologies	50		$	9,792	$	(5,000	)	$	(194	)	$	4,598
	Customer lists	15		4,363		(1,816		)	(829		)	1,718
	Trade names	44		3,132		(1,085		)	(39		)	2,008
	Non-compete agreements	21		1,637		(421		)	(278		)	938
	Master service agreements	21		1,030		(266		)	—			764
	Corporate partnerships	0		243		(31		)	(212		)	—
	Indefinite-lived trade name	—		3,600		—			—			3,600
	Total intangible assets			$	23,797	$	(8,619	)	$	(1,552	)	$	13,626
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, amortization expense related to our acquired intangible assets totaled approximately $1.6 million and $0.6 million, respectively.
	As of March 31, 2015, the estimated future amortization expense related to our finite-lived intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):
	Remaining nine months of 2015	$	3,202
	2016	2,238
	2017	1,701
	2018	1,018
	2019	307
	Total	$	8,466

Debt_Obligations

Debt Obligations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Obligations	Debt Obligations
	In August 2013, we entered into a revolving credit facility with an aggregate principal amount of $50.0 million (the Revolving Credit Facility).  In June 2014 we amended the Revolving Credit Facility to reduce the aggregate principal amount to $40.0 million with an accordion feature subject to certain financial criteria that would allow us to draw down to $75.0 million in total. The Revolving Credit Facility carries, at our election, a base interest rate of the greater of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5% or one-month LIBOR plus 1% or a LIBOR based interest rate plus additional interest of up to 4.5% depending on our leverage ratio. The Revolving Credit Facility will expire in August 2016. The Revolving Credit Facility requires us to repay the outstanding balance at expiration, or to prepay the outstanding balance, if certain reporting and financial covenants are not maintained. These financial covenants are as follows: (1) maintain specified quarterly levels of consolidated EBITDA, which is defined as net income (loss) before tax plus interest expense, provision for (benefit from) income taxes, depreciation and amortization expense, non-cash share-based compensation expense and costs and expenses not to exceed $2.0 million in closing fees related to the revolving credit facility; and (2) maintain a leverage ratio greater than 1.5 to 1.0 as of the end of each quarter, based on the ratio of the consolidated outstanding debt balance to consolidated EBITDA for the period of the four fiscal quarters most recently ended. As of March 31, 2015, we were in compliance with these financial covenants.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	We lease our office and warehouse facilities under operating leases, which expire at various dates through 2021. Our primary operating lease commitments at March 31, 2015, related to our headquarters in Santa Clara, California and our warehouse in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. We recognize rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease period. Where leases contain escalation clauses, rent abatements, or concessions, such as rent holidays and landlord or tenant incentives or allowances, we apply them in the determination of straight-line rent expense over the lease term. Rental expense, net of sublease income, was approximately $0.9 million and $0.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	On April 10, 2015, we signed an agreement to sublease effectively one half of our warehouse in Kentucky. We expect this sublease agreement to generate $0.1 million of sublease income per month through the end of November 2016.
	From time to time, third parties may assert patent infringement claims against us in the form of letters, litigation, or other forms of communication. In addition, from time to time, we may be subject to other legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business, including claims of alleged infringement of trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property rights; employment claims; and general contract or other claims. We may, from time to time, also be subject to various legal or government claims, disputes, or investigations. Such matters may include, but not be limited to, claims, disputes, or investigations related to warranty, refund, breach of contract, employment, intellectual property, government regulation, or compliance or other matters.
	In July 2010, the Kentucky Tax Authority issued a property tax assessment of approximately $1.0 million related to our textbook library located in our Kentucky warehouse for the 2009 and 2010 tax years under audit. In March 2011, we filed a protest with the Kentucky Board of Tax Appeals that was rejected in March 2012. In September 2012, we filed a complaint seeking declaratory rights against the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the Bullitt Circuit Court of Kentucky, and that case was subsequently dismissed in favor of administration remedies with the Kentucky Tax Authority. We received a final Notice of Tax due in October 2012 from the Kentucky Tax Authority and we appealed this notice in November 2012 with the Kentucky Board of Tax Appeals. In May 2013, we presented an Offer in Judgment to the Tax Authority of approximately $150,000, excluding tax and penalties, an amount that we have accrued for the two years under audit. We accrued this amount as of December 31, 2012. We appealed to the Kentucky Board of Tax Appeals in July 2013 and the Board issued a ruling in favor of the Department of Revenue in January 2014 maintaining the property tax assessment. In February 2014, we filed an appeal to the Franklin Circuit Court in Kentucky and in June 2014 the Circuit Court held in abeyance our motion to appeal. In October 2014 the Franklin Circuit Court in Kentucky issued its opinion and order reversing the Board of Tax Appeal's decision, setting aside the Kentucky Department of Revenue's tax assessments against Chegg and further vacating all penalties and interest. The Kentucky Department of Revenue has appealed the Circuit Court ruling. Due to the preliminary status of the appeal by the Kentucky Department of Revenue and the uncertainties related to the appeal, we are unable to evaluate the likelihood of either a favorable or unfavorable outcome. We believe that it is reasonably possible that we will incur a loss; however, we cannot currently estimate a range of any possible losses we may experience in connection with this case. Accordingly, we are unable at this time to estimate the effects of this matter on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
	We are not aware of any other pending legal matters or claims, individually or in the aggregate, that are expected to have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. However, our determination of whether a claim will proceed to litigation cannot be made with certainty, nor can the results of litigation be predicted with certainty. Nevertheless, defending any of these actions, regardless of the outcome, may be costly, time consuming, distract management personnel, and have a negative effect on our business. An adverse outcome in any of these actions, including a judgment or settlement, may cause a material adverse effect on our future business, operating results, and/or financial condition.

Guarantees_and_Indemnification

Guarantees and Indemnifications	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Guarantees And Indemnifications [Abstract]
Guarantees and Indemnifications	Guarantees and Indemnifications
	We have agreed to indemnify our directors and officers for certain events or occurrences, subject to certain limits, while such persons are or were serving at our request in such capacity. We may terminate the indemnification agreements with these persons upon termination of employment, but termination will not affect claims for indemnification related to events occurring prior to the effective date of termination. We have a directors’ and officers’ insurance policy that limits our potential exposure up to the limits of our insurance coverage. In addition, we also have other indemnification agreements with various vendors against certain claims, liabilities, losses, and damages. The maximum amount of potential future indemnification is unlimited.
	We believe the fair value of these indemnification agreements is minimal. We have not recorded any liabilities for these agreements as of March 31, 2015.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders' Equity
	Share-Based Compensation
	Total share-based compensation expense recorded for employees and non-employees, is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Cost of revenues	$	134			$	178
	Technology and development	4,707				2,382
	Sales and marketing	5,054				1,332
	General and administrative	5,125				3,038
	Total share-based compensation expense	$	15,020			$	6,930
	Fair Value of Stock Options
	We estimate the fair value of each stock option award using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model, which utilizes the estimated fair value of our common stock and requires input on the following subjective assumptions:
	Expected Term — The expected term for options granted to employees, officers, and directors is calculated as the midpoint between the vesting date and the end of the contractual term of the options. The expected term for options granted to consultants is determined using the remaining contractual life.
	Expected Volatility — The expected volatility is based on the average volatility of similar public entities within our peer group as our common stock has not been publicly trading for a long enough period to rely on our own expected volatility.
	Expected Dividends — The dividend assumption is based on our historical experience. To date we have not paid any dividends on our common stock.
	Risk-Free Interest Rate — The risk-free interest rate used in the valuation method is the implied yield currently available on the United States treasury zero-coupon issues, with a remaining term equal to the expected life term of our options.
	The following table summarizes the key assumptions used to determine the fair value of our stock options granted to employees, officers and directors:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014
	Expected term (years)	6.07
	Expected volatility	56.83		%
	Dividend yield	—		%
	Risk-free interest rate	2.02		%
	Weighted-average grant-date fair value per share	$	4.23
	No option awards were granted to employees during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	Fair Value of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units (PSUs)
	RSUs and PSUs are converted into shares of Chegg common stock upon vesting on a one-for-one basis. Vesting of RSUs is subject to the employee’s continuing service to us, while vesting of PSUs is subject to our achievement of specified corporate financial performance objectives and also the employee's continuing service to us. The compensation expense related to RSUs and PSUs is determined using the fair value of our common stock on the date of grant and the expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. RSUs are typically fully vested at the end of four years while PSUs vest subject to the achievement of corporate financial performance objectives and if achieved, typically vest over two to three years.
	Fair Value of Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	Under the 2013 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the 2013 ESPP), rights to purchase shares are generally granted during the second and fourth quarter of each year. The fair value of rights granted under the 2013 ESPP was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model.
	Stock Option Activity
	Option activity under our equity incentive plans was as follows:
		Options Outstanding
		Number of			Weighted-			Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years	Aggregate
		Options			Average				Intrinsic
		Outstanding			Exercise				Value
					Price per
					Share
	Balance at December 31, 2014	14,962,099			$	8.53		7.11	$	6,646,629
	Exercised	(959,997	)		$	6.9
	Canceled	(344,420	)		$	8.72
	Balance at March 31, 2015	13,657,682			$	8.64		6.77	$	10,356,198
	As of March 31, 2015, our total unrecognized compensation expense for stock options granted to employees, officers, directors and consultants was approximately $19.9 million, which will be recognized over a weighted-average vesting period of approximately 1.6 years.
	We recognize only the portion of the option award granted to employees that is ultimately expected to vest as compensation expense. Estimated forfeitures are determined based on historical data and management’s expectation of exercise behaviors. Forfeiture rates and the resulting compensation expense are revised in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from the estimate.
	No option awards were granted to consultants during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. Total share-based compensation expense for consultants was not significant for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	There was no capitalized share-based compensation expense as of March 31, 2015 or 2014.
	RSU and PSU Activity
		RSUs and PSUs Outstanding
		Number of RSUs and PSUs			Weighted Average
		Outstanding			Grant Date Fair Value
	Balance at December 31, 2014	9,125,190			$	6.25
	Granted	6,225,055			6.64
	Released	(1,404,733	)		7.73
	Canceled	(294,760	)		6.34
	Balance at March 31, 2015	13,650,752			$	6.28
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, 1,256,209 RSUs granted prior to our IPO vested and were settled for shares of our common stock.  Of those shares, we withheld 516,919 shares valued at approximately $3.5 million in satisfaction of tax withholding obligations for employees who elected to net settle, i.e., surrender shares of common stock to satisfy their tax obligations. Payment of taxes related to this net share settlement of RSUs is reflected as a financing activity in our consolidated statements of cash flows. The shares withheld by us as a result of the net settlement are no longer considered issued and outstanding, thereby reducing our shares outstanding used to calculate earnings per share. These shares are returned to the reserves and are available for future issuance under the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2013 Plan).
	In February 2015, we granted PSUs under the 2013 Plan to certain of our key employees. The PSUs entitle the employees to receive a certain number of shares of our common stock based on our satisfaction of certain financial and strategic performance targets during 2015 (the Performance Period). Based on the achievement of the performance conditions during the Performance Period for the February grants, the final settlement will range between zero and 100% of the target shares underlying the PSU awards based on a specified objective formula approved by the Compensation Committee.  If earned, these PSUs will vest annually over a two or three year period depending on the employee, with the initial vesting in February 2016.
	The target number of shares underlying the PSUs that were granted to certain key employees during the three months ended March 31, 2015 totaled 2,300,824 shares and had a weighted average grant date fair value of $6.59 per share. As of March 31, 2015, 100% of the PSUs are expected to vest.
	As of March 31, 2015, we had a total of approximately $59.0 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to RSUs and PSUs that is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted average period of 2.0 years.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	We recorded an income tax provision of approximately $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The income tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2015, was primarily due to state and foreign income taxes offset by the release of valuation allowance resulting from our acquisition of InstaEDU. The income tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was primarily due to state and foreign income tax expense.

Restructuring_Charges

Restructuring Charges	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges	Restructuring Charges
	2015 Restructuring Plan
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015, we recorded restructuring charges of $2.5 million related to the closure of our print coupon business and our Kentucky warehouse. The charges include one-time employee termination benefits of $0.8 million for approximately 71 employees and lease termination and other costs of $1.7 million. As a result of the expanded partnership with Ingram, we expect to exit our warehouse facilities by the end of 2015 and to incur additional charges in 2015 under the restructuring plan related to these exit activities and related severance costs of approximately $6.0 million. Costs incurred to date related to employee termination benefits are expected to be paid within the next twelve months. Costs incurred to date related to the lease termination and other costs are expected to be fully paid by 2021.
	The following table summarizes the activity related to the accrual for restructuring charges detailed by event (in thousands):
		Workforce Reduction Costs			Lease Termination and Other Costs			Total
	Balances at January 1, 2015	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Restructuring charges	834			1,680			2,514
	Cash payments	(439		)	—			(439		)
	Write-offs	—			(350		)	(350		)
	Balances at March 31, 2015	$	395		$	1,330		$	1,725
	As of March 31, 2015, the $1.7 million liability was comprised of a short term accrual of $0.8 million included within Accrued liabilities and a long term accrual of $0.9 million included within Other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

RelatedParty_Transactions

Related-Party Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related-Party Transactions	Related-Party Transactions
	Our Chief Executive Officer is a member of the Board of Directors of Adobe Systems (Adobe). During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 we purchased products totaling $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively from Adobe. We had $0.8 million in revenues in the three months ended March 31, 2014 from Adobe. We had $22,000 and $0.1 million in payables as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, to Adobe.
	One of our board members is also a member of the Board of Directors of Cengage Learning (Cengage).  During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we had purchases of $4.3 million and $5.9 million, respectively, of products from Cengage.  We had $0.2 million and $0.1 million in payables as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, to Cengage. We had $0.1 million in outstanding accounts receivables to Cengage as of December 31, 2014.
	One of our board members is the Chief Executive Officer of Shutterfly Inc. (Shutterfly). During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we had purchases of $1.1 million of products from Shutterfly. There were no outstanding accounts receivables or payables to Shutterfly as of March 31, 2015.
	The terms of our contracts with the above related parties are consistent with our contracts with other independent parties.

Background_and_Basis_of_Presen1

Background and Basis of Presentation Background and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015, the condensed consolidated statements of operations, the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related footnote disclosures are unaudited. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly our financial position as of March 31, 2015 and our results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
	We operate in a single segment. Our fiscal year ends on December 31 and in this report we refer to the year ended December 31, 2014 as 2014.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities; the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements; and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates, assumptions and judgments are used for, but not limited to: revenue recognition, recoverability of accounts receivable, determination of the useful lives and salvage value related to our textbook library, restructuring charges, share-based compensation expense including estimated forfeitures, accounting for income taxes, useful lives assigned to long-lived assets for depreciation and amortization, impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets, and the valuation of acquired intangible assets. We base our estimates on historical experience, knowledge of current business conditions and various other factors we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates are based on management’s knowledge about current events and expectations about actions we may undertake in the future. Actual results could differ from these estimates, and such differences could be material to our financial position and results of operations.
Restructuring Charges	Restructuring Charges
	Restructuring charges are primarily comprised of severance costs, contract and program termination costs, asset impairments and costs of facility consolidation and closure. Restructuring charges are recorded upon approval of a formal management plan and are included in the operating results of the period in which such plan is approved and the expense becomes estimable. To estimate restructuring charges, management utilizes assumptions of the number of employees that would be involuntarily terminated and of future costs to operate and eventually vacate duplicate facilities. Severance and other employee separation costs are accrued when it is probable that benefits will be paid and the amount is reasonably estimable. The rates used in determining severance accruals are based on our policies and practices and negotiated settlements. Restructuring charges for employee workforce reductions are recorded upon employee notification for employees whose required continuing service period is 60 days or less and ratably over the employee’s continuing service period for employees whose required continuing service period is greater than 60 days.

Net_Loss_Per_Share_Tables

Net Loss Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share	The following table sets forth the computation of historical basic and diluted net loss per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Numerator:
	Net loss	$	(28,542	)		$	(25,759	)
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding	84,794				82,259
	Less: Weighted-average unvested common shares subject to repurchase or forfeiture	—				(78		)
	Weighted-average common shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share	84,794				82,181
	Net loss per share, basic and diluted.	$	(0.34	)		$	(0.31	)
Common Shares Outstanding Excluded from Computation of Diluted Net Loss Per Share	The following potential shares of common stock outstanding were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders because including them would have been anti-dilutive (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Options to purchase common stock	12,398			17,598
	Restricted stock units	54			3,991
	Employee stock purchase plan	26			23
	Common stock subject to repurchase or forfeiture	—			70
	Warrants to purchase common stock	634			1,118
	Total common stock equivalents	13,112			22,800

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_Inve1

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Investments and Restricted Cash (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Investments	The following table shows our cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments’ adjusted cost, unrealized gain (loss) and fair value (in thousands) as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
		March 31, 2015						December 31, 2014
		Cost		Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)		Fair Value		Cost		Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)			Fair Value
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash	$	37,780	$	—	$	37,780	$	49,836	$	—		$	49,836
	Money market funds	7,299		—		7,299		5,828		—			5,828
	Commercial paper	4,949		—		4,949		453		—			453
	Total cash and cash equivalents	$	50,028	$	—	$	50,028	$	56,117	$	—		$	56,117
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial paper	$	10,744	$	—	$	10,744	$	13,435	$	—		$	13,435
	Corporate securities	18,117		6		18,123		18,426		(15		)	18,411
	Certificate of deposit	—		—		—		1,499		1			1,500
	Total short-term investments	$	28,861	$	6	$	28,867	$	33,360	$	(14	)	$	33,346
	Long-term corporate securities	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	1,453	$	(2	)	$	1,451
	Short-term restricted cash	$	300	$	—	$	300	$	300	$	—		$	300
	Long-term restricted cash	1,480		—		1,480		1,480		—			1,480
	Total restricted cash	$	1,780	$	—	$	1,780	$	1,780	$	—		$	1,780
Contractual Maturity of Available-for-Sale Investments	The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale investments as of March 31, 2015 by contractual maturity were as follows (in thousands):
		Cost		Fair Value
	Due in 1 year or less	$	33,810	$	33,816
	Investments not due at a single maturity date	7,299		7,299
	Total	$	41,109	$	41,115

Fair_Value_Measurement_Tables

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Instruments Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	Financial instruments measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are classified based on the valuation technique level in the tables below (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015
		Total		Quoted Prices		Significant Other
				in Active		Observable Inputs (Level 2)
				Markets for Identical
				Assets
				(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds	$	7,299	$	7,299	$	—
	Commercial paper	4,949		—		4,949
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial paper	10,744		—		10,744
	Corporate securities	18,123		—		18,123
	Total assets measured and recorded at fair value	$	41,115	$	7,299	$	33,816
		December 31, 2014
		Total		Quoted Prices		Significant Other		Significant
				in Active		Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Unobservable
				Markets for Identical				Inputs
				Assets				(Level 3)
				(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds	$	5,828	$	5,828	$	—	$	—
	Commercial paper	453		—		453		—
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial paper	13,435		—		13,435		—
	Corporate securities	18,411		—		18,411
	Certificate of deposit	1,500		—		1,500		—
	Long-term investments, corporate securities	1,451		—		1,451
	Total assets measured and recorded at fair value	$	41,078	$	5,828	$	35,250	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Put option liability	$	1,079	$	—	$	—	$	1,079

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Intangible assets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015
		Weighted-Average Amortization		Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Period		Carrying		Amortization			Carrying
		(in months)		Amount					Amount
	Developed technologies	52		$	9,418	$	(5,369	)	$	4,049
	Customer lists	20		2,820		(1,638		)	1,182
	Trade names	48		2,343		(481		)	1,862
	Non-compete agreements	28		1,220		(420		)	800
	Master service agreements	21		1,030		(457		)	573
	Indefinite-lived trade name	—		3,600		—			3,600
	Total intangible assets			$	20,431	$	(8,365	)	$	12,066
		December 31, 2014
		Weighted-Average Amortization		Gross		Accumulated			Impairment			Net
		Period		Carrying		Amortization						Carrying
		(in months)		Amount								Amount
	Developed technologies	50		$	9,792	$	(5,000	)	$	(194	)	$	4,598
	Customer lists	15		4,363		(1,816		)	(829		)	1,718
	Trade names	44		3,132		(1,085		)	(39		)	2,008
	Non-compete agreements	21		1,637		(421		)	(278		)	938
	Master service agreements	21		1,030		(266		)	—			764
	Corporate partnerships	0		243		(31		)	(212		)	—
	Indefinite-lived trade name	—		3,600		—			—			3,600
	Total intangible assets			$	23,797	$	(8,619	)	$	(1,552	)	$	13,626
Estimated Future Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets	As of March 31, 2015, the estimated future amortization expense related to our finite-lived intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):
	Remaining nine months of 2015	$	3,202
	2016	2,238
	2017	1,701
	2018	1,018
	2019	307
	Total	$	8,466

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation Expense for Employees and Non-Employees	Total share-based compensation expense recorded for employees and non-employees, is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Cost of revenues	$	134			$	178
	Technology and development	4,707				2,382
	Sales and marketing	5,054				1,332
	General and administrative	5,125				3,038
	Total share-based compensation expense	$	15,020			$	6,930
Summary of Assumptions Used to Determine Fair Value of Stock Options Granted	The following table summarizes the key assumptions used to determine the fair value of our stock options granted to employees, officers and directors:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014
	Expected term (years)	6.07
	Expected volatility	56.83		%
	Dividend yield	—		%
	Risk-free interest rate	2.02		%
	Weighted-average grant-date fair value per share	$	4.23
Summary of Stock Option Activity	Option activity under our equity incentive plans was as follows:
		Options Outstanding
		Number of			Weighted-			Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years	Aggregate
		Options			Average				Intrinsic
		Outstanding			Exercise				Value
					Price per
					Share
	Balance at December 31, 2014	14,962,099			$	8.53		7.11	$	6,646,629
	Exercised	(959,997	)		$	6.9
	Canceled	(344,420	)		$	8.72
	Balance at March 31, 2015	13,657,682			$	8.64		6.77	$	10,356,198
Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity	RSU and PSU Activity
		RSUs and PSUs Outstanding
		Number of RSUs and PSUs			Weighted Average
		Outstanding			Grant Date Fair Value
	Balance at December 31, 2014	9,125,190			$	6.25
	Granted	6,225,055			6.64
	Released	(1,404,733	)		7.73
	Canceled	(294,760	)		6.34
	Balance at March 31, 2015	13,650,752			$	6.28

Restructuring_Charges_Tables

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	The following table summarizes the activity related to the accrual for restructuring charges detailed by event (in thousands):
		Workforce Reduction Costs			Lease Termination and Other Costs			Total
	Balances at January 1, 2015	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Restructuring charges	834			1,680			2,514
	Cash payments	(439		)	—			(439		)
	Write-offs	—			(350		)	(350		)
	Balances at March 31, 2015	$	395		$	1,330		$	1,725

Background_and_Basis_of_Presen2

Background and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	student
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of students who have used our learning platform	7,500,000

Net_Loss_Per_Share_Computation

Net Loss Per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Numerator:
Net loss	($28,542)	($25,759)
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	84,794	82,259
Less: Weighted-average unvested common shares subject to repurchase or forfeiture	0	-78
Weighted-average common shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share	84,794	82,181
Net loss per share, basic and diluted.	($0.34)	($0.31)

Net_Loss_Per_Share_Common_Shar

Net Loss Per Share - Common Shares Outstanding Excluded From Computation Of Diluted Net Loss Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total common stock equivalents	13,112	22,800
Options to purchase common stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total common stock equivalents	12,398	17,598
Restricted stock units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total common stock equivalents	54	3,991
Employee stock purchase plan
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total common stock equivalents	26	23
Common stock subject to repurchase or forfeiture
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total common stock equivalents	0	70
Warrants | Common Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total common stock equivalents	634	1,118

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_Inve2

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Investments and Restricted Cash - Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Investments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	$50,028	$56,117
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	0	0
Fair Value	50,028	56,117
Short-term Investments
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	28,861	33,360
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	6	-14
Fair Value	28,867	33,346
Short-term Investments | Corporate Securities
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	18,117	18,426
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	6	-15
Fair Value	18,123	18,411
Long-term Investments | Corporate Securities
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	0	1,453
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	0	-2
Fair Value	0	1,451
Cash | Cash and Cash Equivalents
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	37,780	49,836
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	0	0
Fair Value	37,780	49,836
Money Market Funds | Cash and Cash Equivalents
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	7,299	5,828
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	0	0
Fair Value	7,299	5,828
Commercial Paper | Cash and Cash Equivalents
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	4,949	453
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	0	0
Fair Value	4,949	453
Commercial Paper | Short-term Investments
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	10,744	13,435
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	0	0
Fair Value	10,744	13,435
Certificate of Deposit | Short-term Investments
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	0	1,499
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	0	1
Fair Value	0	1,500
Short-term Restricted Cash
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	300	300
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	0	0
Fair Value	300	300
Long-term Restricted Cash
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	1,480	1,480
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	0	0
Fair Value	1,480	1,480
Restricted Cash
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	1,780	1,780
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	0	0
Fair Value	$1,780	$1,780

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_Inve3

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Investments and Restricted Cash - Contractual Maturity of Available-for-Sale Investments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Amortized Cost
Due in 1 year or less	$33,810
Investments not due at a single maturity date	7,299
Total	41,109
Fair Value
Due in 1 year or less	33,816
Investments not due at a single maturity date	7,299
Total	$41,115
Weighted average maturity of investment securities	4 months

Fair_Value_Measurement_Financi

Fair Value Measurement - Financial Instruments Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Short-term investments	$28,867	$33,346	[1]
Fair Value on Recurring Basis
Assets:
Long-term investments		1,451
Total assets measured and recorded at fair value	41,115	41,078
Liabilities:
Put option liability		1,079
Fair Value on Recurring Basis | Corporate Securities
Assets:
Short-term investments	18,123	18,411
Fair Value on Recurring Basis | Money Market Funds
Assets:
Cash equivalents	7,299	5,828
Fair Value on Recurring Basis | Commercial Paper
Assets:
Cash equivalents	4,949	1,500
Short-term investments	10,744	13,435
Fair Value on Recurring Basis | Certificate of Deposit
Assets:
Short-term investments		453
Fair Value on Recurring Basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Assets:
Total assets measured and recorded at fair value	7,299	5,828
Fair Value on Recurring Basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Money Market Funds
Assets:
Cash equivalents	7,299	5,828
Fair Value on Recurring Basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Assets:
Long-term investments		1,451
Total assets measured and recorded at fair value	33,816	35,250
Fair Value on Recurring Basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Corporate Securities
Assets:
Short-term investments	18,123	18,411
Fair Value on Recurring Basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Commercial Paper
Assets:
Cash equivalents	4,949	1,500
Short-term investments	10,744	13,435
Fair Value on Recurring Basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Certificate of Deposit
Assets:
Short-term investments		453
Fair Value on Recurring Basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Liabilities:
Put option liability		$1,079
[1]	Derived from audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Intangible_Assets_Details

Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Accumulated Amortization	($8,365)	($8,619)
Impairment		-1,552
Net Carrying Amount	8,466
Indefinite-lived trade name	3,600	3,600
Total intangible assets, gross carrying amount	20,431	23,797
Intangible assets, net	12,066	13,626	[1]
Developed technologies
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Amortization Period (in months)	52 months	50 months
Gross Carrying Amount	9,418	9,792
Accumulated Amortization	-5,369	-5,000
Impairment		-194
Net Carrying Amount	4,049	4,598
Customer lists
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Amortization Period (in months)	20 months	15 months
Gross Carrying Amount	2,820	4,363
Accumulated Amortization	-1,638	-1,816
Impairment		-829
Net Carrying Amount	1,182	1,718
Trade names
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Amortization Period (in months)	48 months	44 months
Gross Carrying Amount	2,343	3,132
Accumulated Amortization	-481	-1,085
Impairment		-39
Net Carrying Amount	1,862	2,008
Non-compete agreements
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Amortization Period (in months)	28 months	21 months
Gross Carrying Amount	1,220	1,637
Accumulated Amortization	-420	-421
Impairment		-278
Net Carrying Amount	800	938
Master service agreements
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Amortization Period (in months)	21 months	21 months
Gross Carrying Amount	1,030	1,030
Accumulated Amortization	-457	-266
Impairment		0
Net Carrying Amount	573	764
Corporate partnerships
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Amortization Period (in months)		0 years
Gross Carrying Amount		243
Accumulated Amortization		-31
Impairment		-212
Net Carrying Amount		$0
[1]	Derived from audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Intangible_Assets_Additional_I

Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details) (Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense of acquisition related to acquired intangible assets	$1.60	$0.60

Intangible_Assets_Estimated_Fu

Intangible Assets - Estimated Future Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Remaining nine months of 2015	$3,202
2016	2,238
2017	1,701
2018	1,018
2019	307
Net Carrying Amount	$8,466

Debt_Obligations_Additional_In

Debt Obligations - Additional Information (Details) (Revolving Credit Facility, USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity		$40,000,000	$50,000,000
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	75,000,000
Consolidated EBITDA	$2,000,000
Ratio of total debt outstanding to EBITDA	1.50%
Base Interest Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Marginal interest rate	0.50%
One-Month LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Marginal interest rate	1.00%
LIBOR Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Marginal interest rate	4.50%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2010	Apr. 10, 2015
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Rental expense	$900,000	$800,000
Property tax assessment				1,000,000
Offer to the tax authority excluding tax and penalties			150,000
Subsequent Event
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Future sublease income per month (through November 2016)					$100,000

Stockholders_Equity_Additional

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense for stock options granted to employees, officers, directors, and consultants	$19,900,000
Share-based compensation expense	15,020,000	6,930,000
Cash remitted to tax authorities related to RSU settlement	4,391,000	3,454,000
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Settlement of performance based restricted stock unit awards percentage	100.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of stock awards	4 years
Pre-IPO shares settled		1,256,209
Shares withheld		516,919
Cash remitted to tax authorities related to RSU settlement		3,500,000
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average vesting period for recognition of compensation expense	1 year 7 months 6 days
Performance-based restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance based restricted stock unit award granted to executive officers	2,300,824
Performance based restricted stock unit award granted weighted average grant date fair value	$6.59
Performance-based restricted stock units | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of stock awards	2 years
Settlement of performance based restricted stock unit awards percentage			0.00%
Performance-based restricted stock units | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of stock awards	3 years
Settlement of performance based restricted stock unit awards percentage			100.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Performance Share Units (PSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average vesting period for recognition of compensation expense	2 years
Performance based restricted stock unit award granted to executive officers	6,225,055
Performance based restricted stock unit award granted weighted average grant date fair value	$6.64
Awards forfeited	294,760
Unrecognized compensation costs related to restricted stock units	$59,000,000

Stockholders_Equity_Sharebased

Stockholders' Equity - Share-based Compensation Expense (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$15,020	$6,930
Cost of revenues
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	134	178
Technology and development
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	4,707	2,382
Sales and marketing
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	5,054	1,332
General and administrative
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$5,125	$3,038

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Assumptions (Details) (Stock Options, USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term (years)	6 years 0 months 26 days
Expected volatility	56.83%
Dividend yield	0.00%
Risk-free interest rate	2.02%
Weighted-average grant-date fair value per share (in dollars per share)	$4.23

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of1

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Number of Options Outstanding
Number of Options Outstanding, Beginning	14,962,099
Number of Options, Exercised	-959,997
Number of Options, Canceled	-344,420
Number of Options Outstanding, Ending	13,657,682	14,962,099
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share, Outstanding, Beginning	$8.53
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share, Exercised	$6.90
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share, Canceled	$8.72
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share, Outstanding, Ending	$8.64	$8.53
Options outstanding, weighted-average remaining contractual term in years	6 years 9 months 7 days	7 years 1 month 10 days
Options outstanding, aggregate intrinsic value	$10,356,198	$6,646,629

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of2

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity (Details) (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Performance Share Units (PSUs), USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Performance Share Units (PSUs)
Restricted Stock Units Outstanding
Number of Restricted Stock Units Outstanding, Beginning	9,125,190
Number of RSUs granted	6,225,055
Number of Restricted Stock Units, Released	-1,404,733
Number of Restricted Stock Units, Canceled	-294,760
Number of Restricted Stock Units Outstanding, Ending	13,650,752
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning balance	$6.25
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$6.64
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Released	$7.73
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Canceled	$6.34
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending balance	$6.28

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision for income taxes	$294	$217

Restructuring_Charges_Details

Restructuring Charges (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charges	$2,514	$0
2015 Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balances at January 1, 2015	0
Restructuring charges	2,514
Cash payments	-439
Write-offs	-350
Balances at March 31, 2015	1,725
2015 Restructuring Plan | Workforce Reduction Costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balances at January 1, 2015	0
Restructuring charges	834
Cash payments	-439
Write-offs	0
Balances at March 31, 2015	395
2015 Restructuring Plan | Lease Termination and Other Costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balances at January 1, 2015	0
Restructuring charges	1,680
Cash payments	0
Write-offs	-350
Balances at March 31, 2015	$1,330

Restructuring_Charges_Narrativ

Restructuring Charges - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$2,514,000	$0
2015 Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	2,514,000
Restructuring reserve	1,725,000		0
Restructuring reserve, current	800,000
Restructuring reserve, noncurrent	900,000
Workforce Reduction Costs | 2015 Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	834,000
Number of positions eliminated	71
Restructuring reserve	395,000		0
Minimum | Employee Severance | 2015 Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected cost remaining	$6,000,000

RelatedParty_Transactions_Addi

Related-Party Transactions - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Adobe Systems
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchases from related party	$100,000	$200,000
Revenue from related parties		800,000
Due to related parties	22,000		100,000
Board of Directors of Cengage Learning, or Cengage
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchases from related party	4,300,000	5,900,000
Due from related parties			100,000
Due to related parties	200,000		100,000
Number of board members appointed to Board of Directors of related party	1
Shutterfly Inc (Shutterfly)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchases from related party	1,100,000
Due from related parties	$0
Number of board members appointed to chief executive officer of related party	1