Grand Canyon Education (LOPE) 10-K 20 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 13, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'GRAND CANYON EDUCATION, INC.	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001434588	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	46,049,380	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$1.50

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$55,824	$105,111
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	64,368	55,964
Investments	108,420	'
Accounts receivable, net	7,217	7,951
Note receivable secured by real estate	'	27,000
Income taxes receivable	3,599	'
Deferred income taxes	5,159	5,481
Other current assets	19,116	12,667
Total current assets	263,703	214,174
Property and equipment, net	339,596	269,162
Restricted cash	0	225
Prepaid royalties	4,641	5,299
Goodwill	2,941	2,941
Other assets	5,219	3,122
Total assets	616,100	494,923
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	24,231	14,174
Accrued compensation and benefits	20,093	18,812
Accrued liabilities	14,554	17,467
Income taxes payable	7	8,704
Student deposits	66,772	57,745
Deferred revenue	32,816	28,614
Due to related parties	454	523
Current portion of capital lease obligations	89	87
Current portion of notes payable	6,607	6,601
Total current liabilities	165,623	152,727
Capital lease obligations, less current portion	497	587
Other noncurrent liabilities	6,811	7,405
Deferred income taxes, non-current	11,832	7,045
Notes payable, less current portion	86,493	93,100
Total liabilities	271,256	260,864
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Stockholders' equity	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012	'	'
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorized; 48,890 and 47,136 shares issued and 46,045 and 44,716 shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	489	471
Treasury stock, at cost, 2,845 and 2,420 shares of common stock at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	-48,432	-39,136
Additional paid-in capital	132,904	102,133
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	358	-223
Retained earnings	259,525	170,814
Total stockholders' equity	344,844	234,059
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$616,100	$494,923

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000	10,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000	100,000
Common stock, shares issued	48,890	47,136
Common stock, shares outstanding	46,045	44,716
Treasury stock, shares	2,845	2,420

Consolidated_Income_Statements

Consolidated Income Statements (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net revenue	$598,335	$511,257	$426,741
Costs and expenses:	'	'	'
Instructional costs and services	254,419	220,403	194,801
Admissions advisory and related, including $3,412 in 2013; $2,313 in 2012; and $277 in 2011, respectively, to related parties	97,077	85,917	70,758
Advertising, including $0 in 2013; $15 in 2012; and $600 in 2011, respectively, to related parties	60,985	51,023	45,587
Marketing and promotional	5,644	4,360	3,610
General and administrative	36,934	35,502	29,043
Lease termination costs	'	'	782
Total costs and expenses	455,059	397,205	344,581
Operating income	143,276	114,052	82,160
Interest expense	-2,244	-699	-720
Interest and other income	3,863	71	88
Income before income taxes	144,895	113,424	81,528
Income tax expense	56,184	43,977	30,982
Net income	$88,711	$69,447	$50,546
Earnings per share:	'	'	'
Basic income per share	$1.98	$1.57	$1.13
Diluted income per share	$1.92	$1.53	$1.12
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	44,731	44,332	44,631
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	46,131	45,251	45,105

Consolidated_Income_Statements1

Consolidated Income Statements (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'
Admissions advisory and related expenses to related parties	$3,412	$2,313	$277
Advertising, due to related parties	$0	$15	$600

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net income	$88,711	$69,447	$50,546
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'
Unrealized gains (losses) on hedging derivatives, net of taxes of $382, $104, and $3 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively	565	137	-7
Reclassification of net loss on interest rate corridor, net of taxes of $70 for the year ended December 31, 2011	'	'	92
Unrealized gains on available for sale securities, net of taxes of $11 for the year ended December 31, 2013	16	'	'
Comprehensive income	$89,292	$69,584	$50,631

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Unrealized gains (losses) on hedging derivatives, taxes	$382	$104	$3
Reclassification of net loss on interest rate corridor, taxes	'	'	70
Unrealized losses on available for sale securities, taxes	$11	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
In Thousands
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$127,501	$458	($782)	$77,449	($445)	$50,821
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2010	'	45,811	50	'	'	'
Comprehensive income	50,631	'	'	'	85	50,546
Common stock purchased for treasury	-23,112	'	-23,112	'	'	'
Common stock purchased for treasury, Shares	'	'	1,607	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	6,452	'	'	6,452	'	'
Share-based compensation, Shares	'	4	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	1,681	2	'	1,679	'	'
Exercise of stock options, Shares	'	140	'	'	'	'
Excess tax benefits	140	'	'	140	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	163,293	460	-23,894	85,720	-360	101,367
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2011	'	45,955	1,657	'	'	'
Comprehensive income	69,584	'	'	'	137	69,447
Common stock purchased for treasury	-15,242	'	-15,242	'	'	'
Common stock purchased for treasury, Shares	'	'	753	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	7,811	6	'	7,805	'	'
Share-based compensation, Shares	'	570	'	'	'	'
Restricted shares forfeited	'	'	10	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	8,049	5	'	8,044	'	'
Exercise of stock options, Shares	'	611	'	'	'	'
Excess tax benefits	564	'	'	564	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	234,059	471	-39,136	102,133	-223	170,814
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2012	'	47,136	2,420	'	'	'
Comprehensive income	89,292	'	'	'	581	88,711
Common stock purchased for treasury	-8,323	'	-8,323	'	'	'
Common stock purchased for treasury, Shares	'	'	340	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	8,950	6	-973	9,917	'	'
Share-based compensation, Shares	'	594	40	'	'	'
Restricted shares forfeited	'	'	45	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	16,278	12	'	16,266	'	'
Exercise of stock options, Shares	'	1,160	'	'	'	'
Excess tax benefits	4,588	'	'	4,588	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$344,844	$489	($48,432)	$132,904	$358	$259,525
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013	'	48,890	2,845	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income	$88,711	$69,447	$50,546
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	9,936	7,811	6,452
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	-4,469	-1,427	'
Amortization of notes payable issuance costs	'	244	80
Provision for bad debts	19,897	18,012	34,364
Depreciation and amortization	25,437	21,923	17,034
Gain on note receivable	-3,646	'	'
Loss on asset disposal	'	1,106	'
Exit costs	'	'	-64
Lease termination fees	'	'	782
Deferred income taxes	5,472	-518	20,794
Other	'	'	92
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	-8,404	151	-9,137
Accounts receivable	-19,163	-14,148	-28,196
Prepaid expenses and other	-7,316	-1,920	-6,158
Due to/from related parties	-69	296	-9,244
Accounts payable	8,563	-630	3,155
Accrued liabilities	-1,756	15,719	-3,300
Accrued litigation loss	'	'	-5,200
Income taxes receivable/payable	-7,769	20,593	-3,599
Deferred rent	-204	503	4,143
Deferred revenue	4,202	6,891	6,689
Student deposits	9,027	143	8,729
Net cash provided by operating activities	118,449	144,196	87,962
Cash flows used in investing activities:	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	-78,948	-97,653	-80,545
Purchase of land and building related to off-site development	-14,542	-7,223	'
Investment in note receivable secured by real estate	'	-27,000	'
Proceeds received from note receivable	29,187	'	'
Restricted funds held for derivative collateral and legal matter	225	330	5,405
Purchases of investments	-168,953	'	'
Proceeds from sale or maturity of investments	60,533	'	'
Net cash used in investing activities	-172,498	-131,546	-75,140
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:	'	'	'
Principal payments on notes payable and capital lease obligations	-6,689	-21,744	-3,748
Proceeds from notes payable	'	99,210	'
Notes payable modification costs	'	-428	-91
Repurchase of common shares including share withheld in lieu of income taxes	-9,296	-15,242	-23,112
Net proceeds from exercise of stock options	16,278	8,049	1,681
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	4,469	1,427	'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	4,762	71,272	-25,270
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-49,287	83,922	-12,448
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	105,111	21,189	33,637
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	55,824	105,111	21,189
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information	'	'	'
Cash paid during the year for interest	2,176	606	535
Cash paid during the year for income taxes	59,892	32,810	13,463
Cash received for income tax refunds	728	7,938	5
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities	'	'	'
Purchase of equipment through notes payable and capital lease obligations	'	'	801
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable and deferred rent	1,494	3,291	325
Shortfall tax expense from share-based compensation	209	283	151
Tax benefit of Spirit warrant intangible	$267	$267	$291

Nature_of_Business

Nature of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Nature of Business	'
	1. Nature of Business
	Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the “University”) was formed in Delaware in November 2003 as a limited liability company, under the name Significant Education, LLC, for the purpose of acquiring the assets of Grand Canyon University from a non-profit foundation on February 2, 2004. On August 24, 2005, the University converted from a limited liability company to a corporation and changed its name to Significant Education, Inc. On May 9, 2008, the University changed its name to Grand Canyon Education, Inc.
	The University is a regionally accredited provider of postsecondary education services focused on offering graduate and undergraduate degree programs in its core disciplines of education, healthcare, business and liberal arts. The University offers courses online, on ground at its approximately 133 acre traditional ground campus in Phoenix, Arizona and onsite at facilities it leases and at facilities owned by third party employers. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The University’s wholly owned subsidiaries are primarily used to facilitate expansion of the University campus.

Financial_Statement_Presentati

Financial Statement Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Financial Statement Presentation	'
	2. Financial Statement Presentation
	Effective during the first quarter of 2013, the University made changes in its presentation of operating expenses and revised prior periods to conform to the current presentation. The University determined that these changes would provide more meaningful information and are consistent with changes recently made by a number of other regionally accredited for-profit universities. Additionally, this new presentation better classifies its costs consistently with the operational changes the University has made related to the roles and responsibilities of its admissions personnel. Specifically we separated admissions advisory and related expenses from advertising, marketing and promotional expenses as the admissions personnel role has evolved into one in which a substantial amount of time is spent educating students not only during the admissions process but also through matriculation and during their program of study.
	We have revised our operating expenses for prior periods to conform to the above disaggregation and revisions to our presentation. There were no changes to total operating expenses or operating income as a result of these changes. The following table presents our operating expenses as previously reported and as revised on our Consolidated Income Statement for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
		2012		2012		2011		2011
		As Reported		As Revised		As Reported		As Revised
	Costs and expenses:
	Instructional costs and services	$	220,403	$	220,403	$	194,801	$	194,801
	Admissions advisory and related		—		85,917		—		70,758
	Advertising		—		51,023		—		45,587
	Marketing and promotional		—		4,360		—		3,610
	Selling and promotional		141,300		—		119,955		—
	General and administrative		35,502		35,502		29,043		29,043
	Lease termination costs		—		—		782		782
	Total costs and expenses	$	397,205	$	397,205	$	344,581	$	344,581

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Grand Canyon Education, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The University invests a portion of its cash in excess of current operating requirements in short term certificates of deposit and money market instruments. The University considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents.
	Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
	A significant portion of the University’s revenue is received from students who participate in government financial aid and assistance programs. Restricted cash and cash equivalents primarily represent amounts received from the federal and state governments under various student aid grant and loan programs, such as Title IV. The University receives these funds subsequent to the completion of the authorization and disbursement process and holds them for the benefit of the student. The U.S. Department of Education (“Department of Education”) requires Title IV funds collected in advance of student billings to be segregated in a separate cash or cash equivalent account until the course begins. The University records all of these amounts as a current asset in restricted cash and cash equivalents until the cash is no longer restricted, at which time such amounts are reclassified as cash and cash equivalents. The majority of these funds remain as restricted cash and cash equivalents for an average of 60 to 90 days from the date of receipt.
	In addition, the counterparty to the University’s interest rate swap made a collateral call in 2010 and the pledged collateral is classified as noncurrent restricted cash. The pledged collateral was $225 as of December 31, 2012. No collateral is required by the counterparty at December 31, 2013. The University reports changes in restricted cash related to legal matters and derivative collateral as investing cash flows in its consolidated statement of cash flows.
	Investments
	The University considers its investments in municipal securities as available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, determined using Level 2 of the hierarchy of valuation inputs, with the use of inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a separate component of other comprehensive income. Unrealized losses considered to be other-than-temporary are recognized currently in earnings. Amortization of premiums, accretion of discounts, interest and dividend income and realized gains and losses are included in interest and other income.
	Note Receivable
	The University purchased a note receivable from a financial institution at fair market value in the fourth quarter of 2012 for $27,000. The note bore interest at 11%, which represented the 6% rate of the loan plus the 5% default rate. The principal and most of the interest due on the note was paid in March 2013, resulting in the full return on investment of the note receivable and an additional gain in interest income and other income of $2,187 on the loan. However, the borrower has disputed certain amounts remaining due under the note agreement, including default interest in the amount of $432, a late payment penalty in the amount of $1,392, and a statutory trustee’s fee in the amount of $139. The funds disputed by the borrower, plus interest thereon, were deposited into an escrow account with the clerk of the Maricopa County Superior Court pending resolution of the disputed issues. In the third quarter of 2013, the court ruled in favor of the University with respect to the late penalty and default interest accrued thereon. Accordingly, the University recorded interest and other income of $1,459 for the year ended December 31, 2013. The remaining default interest and statutory trustee’s fee components of the original disputed amount, plus interest accruing thereon at 11%, continue a resolution process through the court, have been treated as a gain contingency and will not be recorded as a receivable or income until resolution is reached.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. Normal repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Expenditures that materially extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. Construction in progress represents items not yet placed in service and are not depreciated. Internally developed software represents qualifying salary and consulting costs for time spent on developing internal use software and is included in construction in progress until its completion. The University capitalizes interest using its interest rates on the specific borrowings used to finance the improvements, which approximated 1.9% in 2013, 2.2% in 2012, and 2.3% in 2011. Interest cost capitalized and incurred in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Interest incurred	$	2,626	$	1,064	$	1,233
	Interest capitalized		382		365		513
	Interest expense	$	2,244	$	699	$	720
	Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Furniture and fixtures, computer equipment, and vehicles generally have estimated useful lives of ten, four, and five years, respectively. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their lease term or their useful life. Land improvements and buildings are depreciated over lives ranging from 10 to 40 years.
	Leases
	The University enters into various lease agreements in conducting its business. At the inception of each lease, the University evaluates the lease agreement to determine whether the lease is an operating or capital lease. In addition, many of the lease agreements contain renewal options and tenant improvement allowances. When such items are included in a lease agreement, the University records a deferred liability on the balance sheet and records the rent expense evenly over the term of the lease. Leasehold improvements are included as investing activities and are included as additions to property, plant and equipment. For leases with renewal options, the University records rent expense and amortizes the leasehold improvement on a straight-line basis over the initial non-cancelable lease term unless it intends to exercise the renewal option. Once it extends the renewal option, the University amortizes any tenant improvement allowances over the extended lease period as well as the leasehold improvement asset (unless the extended lease term is longer than the economic life of the asset). The University expenses any additional payments under its operating leases for taxes, insurance or other operating expenses as incurred.
	Lease Termination Fee
	In July 2011, the University notified a current landlord of its intent to vacate leased space by the fourth quarter of 2011. As a result, the University was required to pay a termination fee to its landlord of $1,093, resulting in expense in 2011 of $782, which was net of remaining deferred rent on the leased space plus the disposal of the remaining leasehold improvements. This termination fee was paid on the University’s behalf by the University’s new landlord. This payment was recorded as an expense in the third quarter of 2011 with the offset being to a deferred rent liability. The deferred rent liability is being amortized into income over the new lease term. In the fourth quarter of 2011, the University exited the prior leased space.
	Other Assets
	During 2010, the University entered into an agreement with an affiliated entity to develop a new learning management system for use by the University. Through this agreement, the University prepaid perpetual license fees, acquired source code rights for the software developed, and prepaid maintenance and service fees for the first seven years of use for an aggregate amount of $4,900, which was paid in full as of December 31, 2011. The University commenced utilization of this software in October 2011. Included in current other assets is the amount that will be amortized in the next twelve month cycle for maintenance and service fees and included in property and equipment is the amount that will be amortized over fifteen years for the perpetual licenses. All online nontraditional students migrated to the LoudCloud platform by August 2012 and remaining ground students and cohorts were fully transitioned to the LoudCloud platform in 2013.
	Long-Lived Assets
	The University evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived assets for impairment, other than goodwill, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.
	Prepaid Royalties
	In connection with the February 2004 acquisition of the assets of Grand Canyon University from a non-profit foundation, the University entered into a royalty fee arrangement with the former owner in which the University agreed to pay a stated percentage of cash revenue generated by its online programs. The University settled all future royalty obligations with the former owner in April 2008 when it finalized an agreement to pay $22,500 to the former owner. Of this payment $5,920 was considered as settlement of the future royalty payment obligation and is included in the accompanying balance sheet as a component of “Prepaid Royalty” and is being amortized over a period of 20 years.
	In addition, in June 2004, the University entered into a license agreement relating to the University’s use of the Ken Blanchard name for its College of Business. Under the terms of that agreement the University agreed to pay Blanchard a royalty generated on net tuition from certain programs in the University’s College of Business and to issue Blanchard shares of common stock with the actual number of shares issued to be contingent upon the University’s achievement of stated enrollment levels in its College of Business during the term of the agreement. The fair value of the shares issued to Blanchard as part of the license agreement of $3,394 was determined at the date it became probable that shares would then be earned and then adjusted until the date the shares were earned. This amount is also included in the balance sheet as a component of “Prepaid Royalty” and is being amortized over the remaining term of the license agreement.
	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of the cost over the fair market value of net assets acquired, including identified intangible assets. Goodwill is tested annually or more frequently if circumstances indicate potential impairment. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) has issued guidance that permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. The University performed its annual goodwill impairment test, by performing a qualitative assessment. Following this assessment, the University determined that it is more likely than not that its fair value exceeds its carrying amount.
	Share-Based Compensation
	The University measures and recognizes compensation expense for share-based payment awards made to employees, consultants and directors, including employee stock options and restricted stock awards. The University calculates the fair value of share-based awards on the date of grant. The University calculates the fair value of share-based awards to consultants on the date of vesting. The University amortizes the share-based compensation expense over the period that the awards are expected to vest, net of estimated forfeiture rates. If the actual forfeitures differ from management estimates, adjustments to compensation expense are recorded. The University reports cash flows resulting from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost realized for those options (excess tax benefits) as financing cash flows. The University reports cash flows resulting from tax deductions that are less than the compensation cost realized for those option (tax shortfalls) as a noncash transaction in the consolidated statement of cash flows.
	For stock options, the University uses the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to estimate fair value. The option pricing model requires the University to estimate certain key assumptions such as expected life, volatility, risk free interest rates, and dividend yield to determine the fair value of share-based awards, based on historical information and management judgment. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based awards represent the University’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. The fair value of the University’s restricted stock awards is based on the market price of its common stock on the date of grant.
	Derivatives and Hedging
	Derivative financial instruments are recorded on the balance sheet as assets or liabilities and re-measured at fair value at each reporting date. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.
	Derivative financial instruments enable the University to manage its exposure to interest rate risk. The University does not engage in any derivative instrument trading activity. Credit risk associated with the University’s derivatives is limited to the risk that a derivative counterparty will not perform in accordance with the terms of the contract. Exposure to counterparty credit risk is considered low because these agreements have been entered into with institutions with Aa or higher credit ratings, and they are expected to perform fully under the terms of the agreements.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, note receivable, accounts payable, accrued compensation and benefits and accrued liabilities approximate their fair value based on the liquidity or the short-term maturities of these instruments. The carrying value of notes payable approximate fair value based on its variable rate index. The carrying value of other notes payable and capital lease obligations approximate fair value based upon market interest rates available to the University for debt of similar risk and maturities. Derivative financial instruments are carried at fair value, determined using Level 2 of the hierarchy of valuation inputs as defined in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”), with the use of inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability. See Note 10, Derivative Instruments.
	The fair value of investments, primarily municipal securities, were determined using Level 2 of the hierarchy of valuation inputs, with the use of inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets. The unit of account used for valuation is the individual underlying security.
	The fair value of the prepaid royalty asset relating to the settlement of future royalty payment obligations to the former owner was determined using an income approach, based on management’s forecasts of revenue to be generated through its online education program using Level 3 of the hierarchy of valuation inputs. The rate utilized to discount net cash flows to their present values was 35%. This discount rate was determined after consideration of the University’s weighted average cost of capital giving effect to estimates of the University’s risk-free rate, beta coefficient, equity risk premium, small size risk premium, and company-specific risk premium.
	Income Taxes
	The University accounts for income taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax assets and liabilities for future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the University’s consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the temporary differences are expected to be realized.
	The University applies a more-likely-than-not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of an uncertain tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The University recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. The University did not record any reserves for uncertain tax positions including interest and penalties as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	The University has deferred tax assets, which are subject to periodic recoverability assessments. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that more likely than not will be realized. Realization of the deferred tax assets is principally dependent upon achievement of projected future taxable income.
	Commitments and Contingencies
	The University accrues for a contingent obligation when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount is reasonably estimable. When the University becomes aware of a claim or potential claim, the likelihood of any loss exposure is assessed. If it is probable that a loss will result and the amount of the loss is estimable, the University records a liability for the estimated loss. If the loss is not probable or the amount of the potential loss is not estimable, the University will disclose the claim if the likelihood of a potential loss is reasonably possible and the amount of the potential loss could be material. Estimates that are particularly sensitive to future changes include tax, legal, and other regulatory matters, which are subject to change as events evolve, and as additional information becomes available during the administrative and litigation process. The University expenses legal fees as incurred.
	Revenue Recognition
	Net revenues consist primarily of tuition and fees derived from courses taught by the University online, at its traditional campus in Phoenix, Arizona, and onsite at facilities it leases or those of employers, as well as from related educational resources that the University provides to its students, such as access to online materials. Tuition revenue and most fees from related educational resources are recognized pro-rata over the applicable period of instruction, net of scholarships provided by the University. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the University’s revenue was reduced by approximately $111,789, $94,283 and $73,612, respectively, as a result of scholarships that the University offered to students. The University maintains an institutional tuition refund policy, which provides for all or a portion of tuition to be refunded if a student withdraws during stated refund periods. Certain states in which students reside impose separate, mandatory refund policies, which override the University’s policy to the extent in conflict. If a student withdraws at a time when only a portion, or none of the tuition is refundable, then in accordance with its revenue recognition policy, the University continues to recognize the tuition that was not refunded pro-rata over the applicable period of instruction. Since the University recognizes revenue pro-rata over the term of the course and because, under its institutional refund policy, the amount subject to refund is never greater than the amount of the revenue that has been deferred, under the University’s accounting policies, revenue is not recognized with respect to amounts that could potentially be refunded. Sales tax collected from students is excluded from net revenues. Collected but unremitted sales tax is included as an accrued liability in our consolidated balance sheet. The University also charges online students an upfront learning management fee, which is deferred and recognized over the average expected term of a student. Costs that are direct and incremental to new online students are also deferred and recognized ratably over the average expected term of a student. Deferred revenue and student deposits in any period represent the excess of tuition, fees, and other student payments received as compared to amounts recognized as revenue on the income statement and are reflected as current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The University’s educational programs have starting and ending dates that differ from its fiscal quarters. Therefore, at the end of each fiscal quarter, a portion of revenue from these programs is not yet earned. Other revenues may be recognized as sales occur or services are performed.
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	All students are required to select both a primary and secondary payment option with respect to amounts due to the University for tuition, fees and other expenses. The most common payment option for the University’s students is financial aid. In instances where a student selects financial aid as the primary payment option, he or she often selects personal cash as the secondary option. If a student who has selected financial aid as his or her primary payment option withdraws prior to the end of a course but after the date that the University’s institutional refund period has expired, the student will have incurred the obligation to pay the full cost of the course. If the withdrawal occurs before the date at which the student has earned 100% of his or her financial aid, the University will have a return to Title IV requirement and the student will owe the University all amounts incurred that are in excess of the amount of financial aid that the student earned and that the University is entitled to retain. In this case, the University must collect the receivable using the student’s second payment option. In instances in which the students chose to receive living expense funds as part of his or her financial aid disbursement, the University is required to return the unearned portion of these funds as well and then collect these amounts from the student.
	The University records an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability, failure or refusal of its students to make required payments, which includes the recovery of financial aid funds advanced to a student for amounts in excess of the student’s cost of tuition and related fees. The University determines the adequacy of its allowance for doubtful accounts based on an analysis of its historical bad debt experience, current economic trends, and the aging of the accounts receivable and student status. The University applies reserves to its receivables based upon an estimate of the risk presented by the age of the receivables and student status. Historically, the University has written off accounts receivable balances at the earlier of the time the balances were deemed uncollectible, or one year after the revenue is generated. In the third quarter of 2011, the University accelerated the write off of inactive student accounts such that the accounts are written off by day 150, while maintaining its historical write off policy for active student accounts. The University continues to reflect accounts receivable with an offsetting allowance as long as management believes there is a reasonable possibility of collection. Bad debt expense is recorded as an instructional costs and services expense in the consolidated income statement.
	Instructional Costs and Services
	Instructional costs and services consist primarily of costs related to the administration and delivery of the University’s educational programs. This expense category includes salaries, benefits and share-based compensation for full-time and adjunct faculty and administrative personnel, information technology costs, bad debt expense, curriculum and new program development costs (which are expensed as incurred) and costs associated with other support groups that provide services directly to the students. This category also includes an allocation of depreciation, amortization, rent, and occupancy costs attributable to the provision of educational services, primarily at the University’s Phoenix, Arizona campus.
	Admissions Advisory and Related
	Admissions advisory and related expenses include salaries and benefits for admissions advisory personnel, and revenue share expense as well as an allocation of depreciation, amortization, rent and occupancy costs attributable to the admissions advisory personnel.
	Advertising
	Advertising expenses include brand advertising, marketing leads and other branding activities. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.
	Marketing and Promotional
Marketing and promotional expenses include salaries, benefits and share-based compensation for marketing personnel, and other promotional expenses. This category also includes an allocation of depreciation, amortization, rent, and occupancy costs attributable to marketing and promotional activities. Marketing and promotional costs are expensed as incurred.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses include salaries, and benefits and share-based compensation of employees engaged in corporate management, finance, human resources, compliance, and other corporate functions. General and administrative expenses also include an allocation of depreciation, amortization, rent, and occupancy costs attributable to the departments providing general and administrative functions.
Related party expenses
Through December 2010, the University was a party to a revenue sharing arrangement (the Collaboration Agreement) with Mind Streams, L.L.C. (Mind Streams), a related party. This contract was terminated in 2010 and the University entered into a new Collaboration Agreement with Mind Streams in the third quarter of 2011, under which the University, in accordance with applicable Department of Education guidance, pays a percentage of net revenue that it receives from applicants recruited by Mind Streams that matriculate at the University. The expenses incurred in conjunction with the Collaboration Agreement are included in admissions advisory and related expenses on our Consolidated Income Statement. In 2010, the University entered into an agreement with Lifetime Learning, a related party, under which the University purchases leads on prospective students. The expenses incurred in connection with Lifetime Learning are included in advertising expenses on our Consolidated Income Statement.
Insurance/Self-Insurance
The University uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance for a number of risks, including claims related to employee health care, workers’ compensation, general liability, and business interruption. Liabilities associated with these risks are estimated based on, among other things, historical claims experience, severity factors, and other actuarial assumptions. The University’s loss exposure related to self-insurance is limited by stop loss coverage on a per occurrence and aggregate basis. Expected loss accruals are based on estimates, and while the University believes the amounts accrued are adequate, the ultimate loss may differ from the amounts provided.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The University believes the credit risk related to cash equivalents and investments is limited due to its adherence to an investment policy that required investments to have a minimum AAA to A rating, depending on the type of security, by one major rating agency at the time of purchase. All of the University’s cash equivalents and investments as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 consist of investments rated A or higher by at least one rating agency. Additionally, the University utilizes more than one financial institution to conduct initial and ongoing credit analysis on its investment portfolio to monitor and lower the potential impact of market risk associated with its cash equivalents and investment portfolio.
A majority of the University’s revenues are derived from tuition financed under the Title IV programs of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (the “Higher Education Act”). The financial aid and assistance programs are subject to political and budgetary considerations and are subject to extensive and complex regulations. The University’s administration of these programs is periodically reviewed by various regulatory agencies. Any regulatory violation could be the basis for the initiation of potentially adverse actions including a suspension, limitation, or termination proceeding, which could have a material adverse effect on the University.
Students obtain access to federal student financial aid through a Department of Education prescribed application and eligibility certification process. Student financial aid funds are generally made available to students at prescribed intervals throughout their predetermined expected length of study. Students typically apply the funds received from the federal financial aid programs first to pay their tuition and fees. Any remaining funds are distributed directly to the student.
Segment Information
The University operates as a single educational delivery operation using a core infrastructure that serves the curriculum and educational delivery needs of both its ground and online students regardless of geography. The University’s Chief Executive Officer manages the University’s operations as a whole and no expense or operating income information is generated or evaluated on any component level.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The University has determined that recently issued accounting standards will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements, or do not apply to its operations.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	4. Investments
	The University had no investments as of December 31, 2012. The following is a summary of amounts included in investments as of December 31, 2013. The University considered all investments as available for sale.
		As of December 31, 2013
		Adjusted		Gross		Gross			Estimated
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
				Gains		(Losses)			Value
	Municipal securities	$	108,393	$	35	$	(8	)	$	108,420
	The cash flows of municipal securities are backed by the issuing municipality’s credit worthiness. All municipal securities are due in one year or less as of December 31, 2013. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities were $16, net of taxes.

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	'
	5. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
			Balance at		Charged to		Deductions(1)			Balance at
			Beginning of		Expense					End of
			Year							Year
	Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable:
	Year ended December 31, 2013		$	8,657		19,897		(18,876	)	$	9,678
	Year ended December 31, 2012		$	11,706		18,012		(21,061	)	$	8,657
	Year ended December 31, 2011		$	30,112		34,364		(52,770	)	$	11,706
	-1	Deductions represent accounts written off, net of recoveries.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment	'
	6. Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment consist of the following:
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
	Land	$	21,820		$	13,294
	Land improvements		5,176			3,439
	Buildings		222,402			180,945
	Equipment under capital leases		5,310			5,310
	Leasehold improvements		32,243			24,930
	Computer equipment		64,773			55,734
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment		32,583			22,124
	Internally developed software		15,606			11,039
	Other		1,099			1,099
	Construction in progress		23,467			12,487
			424,479			330,401
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(84,883	)		(61,239	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	339,596		$	269,162
	Depreciation and amortization expense associated with property and equipment, including assets under capital lease, totaled $24,546, $21,264, and $16,339 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

Notes_Payable_and_Other_Noncur

Notes Payable and Other Noncurrent Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'
Notes Payable and Other Noncurrent Liabilities	'
	7. Notes Payable and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
	In December 2012, the University entered into a new credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A. as Administrative Agent and other lenders (the “Agreement”). The Agreement provides the University a revolving line of credit in the amount of $50,000 through December 2017 to be utilized for working capital, capital expenditures, share repurchases and other general corporate purposes. The Agreement contains standard covenants, that, among other things, restrict the University’s ability to incur additional debt or make certain investments, require the University to maintain compliance with certain applicable regulatory standards, and require the University to achieve certain financial ratios and maintain a certain financial condition. Indebtedness under the Agreement is secured by the University’s assets and is guaranteed by certain of the University’s subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2013, the University is in compliance with its debt covenants. Under the loan covenant computation as of December 31, 2013, $50,000 is available to be borrowed on the revolving line of credit although none has been drawn as of December 31, 2013.
		As of December 31,
		2013		2012
	Notes Payable
	Note payable, monthly payment of $556; interest at 30 day LIBOR plus 1.75% (1.92% at December 31, 2013) through December 31, 2019	$	92,573	$	99,098
	Various Gift Annuities; quarterly payments of $34 extending through 2019; interest at 10%		527		602
	Notes payable for vehicles requiring monthly payments with interest rates ranging from 8.8% to 11.0% through March 2013		—		1
			93,100		99,701
	Less: Current portion		6,607		6,601
		$	86,493	$	93,100
	Payments due under the notes payable obligations are as follows as of December 31, 2013:
	2014	$	6,607
	2015		6,616
	2016		6,625
	2017		6,636
	2018		6,691
	Thereafter		59,925
		$	93,100
	Long-term deferred rent included in other noncurrent liabilities as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $6,811 and $7,015, respectively. The derivative liability for the forward interest rate swap included in other noncurrent liabilities as of December 31, 2012 was $390.

Capital_Lease_Obligations

Capital Lease Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Capital Lease Obligations	'
	8. Capital Lease Obligations
	Capital lease obligations consist of the following:
		As of
		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Capital Lease Obligations
	Capital lease for equipment, monthly payments totaling $8; interest rate at 2.2%, through 2016	$	586	$	674
	Less: Current portion of capital lease obligations		89		87
		$	497	$	587
	Payments due under future minimum lease payments under the capital lease obligations are as follows as of December 31, 2013:
	2014	$	101
	2015		101
	2016		410
			612
	Less: Portion representing interest		26
	Present value of minimum lease payments	$	586

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	9. Commitments and Contingencies
	Leases
	The University leases certain land, buildings and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases expiring at various dates through 2021. Future minimum lease payments under operating leases due each year are as follows at December 31, 2013:
	2014	$	6,859
	2015		6,474
	2016		5,790
	2017		4,694
	2018		4,117
	Thereafter		6,978
	Total minimum payments	$	34,912
	Total rent expense and related taxes and operating expenses under operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $7,074, $7,635, and $7,388, respectively.
	Legal Matters
	From time to time, the University is party to various lawsuits, claims, and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business, some of which are covered by insurance. When the University is aware of a claim or potential claim, it assesses the likelihood of any loss or exposure. If it is probable that a loss will result and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, the University records a liability for the loss. If the loss is not probable or the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, the University discloses the nature of the specific claim if the likelihood of a potential loss is reasonably possible and the amount involved is material. With respect to the majority of pending litigation matters, the University’s ultimate legal and financial responsibility, if any, cannot be estimated with certainty and, in most cases, any potential losses related to those matters are not considered probable.
	Upon resolution of any pending legal matters, the University may incur charges in excess of presently established reserves. Management does not believe that any such charges would, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the University’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	Tax Reserves, Non-Income Tax Related
	From time to time the University has exposure to various non-income tax related matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the University has reserved approximately $729 and $703 for tax matters where its ultimate exposure is considered probable and the potential loss can be reasonably estimated.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments	'
	10. Derivative Instruments
	On June 30, 2009 and February 27, 2013, respectively, the University entered into an interest rate swap and an interest rate corridor to manage its 30 Day LIBOR interest exposure related to its variable rate debt. Neither of these instruments contained financing elements. The contractual terms of the University’s derivative instruments have not been structured such that net payments made by one party in the earlier periods are to be subsequently returned by the counterparty in later periods of the derivative’s term. Neither of the University’s derivative instruments have been amended or modified since their inception. The fair value of the interest rate corridor instrument as of December 31, 2013 was $1,917, which is included in other assets. The fair value of the interest rate swap was a liability of $111 as of December 31, 2013, which is included in accrued liabilities, and $390 as of December 31, 2012, which is included in other noncurrent liabilities. The fair values of each derivative instrument were determined using a hypothetical derivative transaction and Level 2 of the hierarchy of valuation inputs. These derivative instruments were originally designated as cash flow hedges of variable rate debt obligations. The adjustments of $947, $241, and $10 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, for the effective portion of the gain/loss on the derivatives is included as a component of other comprehensive income, net of taxes.
	The interest rate corridor instrument reduces variable interest rate risk starting March 1, 2013 through December 20, 2019 with a notional amount of $84,418 as of December 31, 2013. The corridor instrument’s terms permit the University to hedge its interest rate risk at several thresholds; the University pays variable interest monthly based on the 30-day LIBOR rates until that index reaches 1.5%. If 30-day LIBOR is equal to 1.5% through 3.0%, the University pays 1.5%. If 30-day LIBOR exceeds 3.0%, the University pays actual 30-day LIBOR less 1.5%. Therefore, the University has hedged its exposure to future variable rate cash flows through December 20, 2019.
	The interest rate swap commenced on May 1, 2010 and continues each month thereafter until April 30, 2014 and has a notional amount of $8,915 as of December 31, 2013. Under the terms of the agreement, the University receives 30-day LIBOR and pays 3.245% fixed interest on the amortizing notional amount. Therefore, the University has hedged its exposure to future variable rate cash flows through April 30, 2014. The interest rate swap is not subject to a master netting arrangement and collateral has been called by the counterparty and reflected in a restricted cash account as of December 31, 2012 in the amount of $225. No collateral is required by the counterparty at December 31, 2013.
	As of December 31, 2013 no derivative ineffectiveness was identified. Any ineffectiveness in the University’s derivative instruments designated as hedges would be reported in interest expense in the income statement. As of December 31, 2013, $22 of credit default risk interest income was recorded in interest expense in the income statement. At December 31, 2013, the University does not expect to reclassify any gains or losses on derivative instruments from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings during the next 12 months.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	11. Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share reflects the assumed conversion of all potentially dilutive securities, consisting of stock options, for which the estimated fair value exceeds the exercise price, less shares which could have been purchased with the related proceeds, unless anti-dilutive. For employee equity awards, repurchased shares are also included for any unearned compensation adjusted for tax.
	The table below reflects the calculation of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, on an as if converted basis, used in computing basic and diluted earnings per common share.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Denominator:
	Basic common shares outstanding		44,731		44,332		44,631
	Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock		1,400		919		474
	Diluted common shares outstanding		46,131		45,251		45,105
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding exclude the incremental effect of shares that would be issued upon the assumed exercise of stock options. For each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, approximately 134, 1,599 and 2,158, respectively, of the University’s stock options outstanding were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. These options could be dilutive in the future.

Equity_Transactions

Equity Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Equity Transactions	'
	12. Equity Transactions
	Preferred Stock
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the University had 10,000 shares of authorized but unissued and undesignated preferred stock. The University’s charter provides that the board of directors has authority to issue preferred stock, with voting powers, designations, preferences, and special rights, qualifications, limitation, or restrictions as permitted by law as determined by the board of directors, without stockholder approval. The board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of the common stock.
	Treasury Stock
	On April 25, 2013, the Board of Directors authorized the University to repurchase up to an additional $25,000 ($75,000 total) of common stock, from time to time, depending on market conditions and other considerations. The Board of Directors also extended the expiration date on the repurchase authorization to September 30, 2014. Repurchases occur at the University’s discretion. Repurchases may be made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to the applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules. The amount and timing of future share repurchases, if any, will be made as market and business conditions warrant. Since its approval of the share repurchase plan, the University has purchased 2,750 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $47,459, which includes 340 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $8,323 during the year ended December 31, 2013, which are recorded at cost in the accompanying December 31, 2013 consolidated balance sheet and statement of stockholders’ equity. At December 31, 2013, there remained $27,541 available under its current share repurchase authorization.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	13. Income Taxes
	The University has deferred tax assets and liabilities that reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Deferred tax assets are subject to periodic recoverability assessments. Realization of the deferred tax assets, net of deferred tax liabilities is principally dependent upon achievement of projected future taxable income. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more-likely-than-not that the University will realize the benefits of these deductible differences. The University has no valuation allowance at December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	The components of income tax expense (benefit) are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Current:
	Federal	$	40,949		$	36,367		$	7,323
	State		5,540			7,462			2,715
			46,489			43,829			10,038
	Deferred:
	Federal		4,209			(448	)		18,125
	State		898			32			2,679
			5,107			(416	)		20,804
	Tax expense recorded as an increase of paid-in capital		4,588			564			140
		$	56,184		$	43,977		$	30,982
	A reconciliation of income tax computed at the U.S. statutory rate to the effective income tax rate is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit		5.5			5.9			5.5
	State tax credits, net of federal effect		(1.8	)		(1.6	)		(1.2	)
	Nondeductible expenses		0.3			0.2			0.2
	Other		(0.2	)		(0.7	)		(1.5	)
	Effective income tax rate		38.8	%		38.8	%		38	%
	Significant components of the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
	Current deferred tax asset (liability):
	Accounts receivable allowance for doubtful accounts	$	3,870		$	3,321
	State taxes		(234	)		(741	)
	Estimated litigation loss and regulatory reserves		16			1,588
	Other		1,507			1,313
	Current deferred tax asset		5,159			5,481
	Non-current deferred tax asset (liability):
	Depreciation and leases		(24,711	)		(21,774	)
	Share-based compensation		7,987			8,294
	Deferred rent		2,290			2,642
	Intangibles		2,504			3,384
	Other		98			409
	Non-current deferred tax liability		(11,832	)		(7,045	)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(6,673	)	$	(1,564	)
	The University recognizes the impact of a tax position in its financial statements if that position is more-likely-than-not to be sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. The University discloses all unrecognized tax benefits, which includes the reserves recorded for uncertain tax positions on filed tax returns and the unrecognized portion of affirmative claims. The University recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.
	The reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31 is as follows:
		2013			2012
	Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year	$	—		$	845
	Tax positions taken during the current year
	Increases		—			—
	Decreases		—			—
	Tax positions taken during a prior year
	Increases		—			214
	Decreases		—			(5	)
	Decreases for settlements during the period		—			(1,054	)
	Reductions for lapses of applicable statute of limitations		—			—
	Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year	$	—		$	—
	During the years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011, the University recognized approximately $87 and $123, respectively, in interest and penalties. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the University had no accrued interest or penalties. It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized tax benefits will change during the next 12 months, however management does not expect the potential change to have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position.
	The University is subject to taxation in the United States, in states with an income tax and in several local jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2013, the earliest tax year still subject to examination for federal and state purposes is 2010 and 2005, respectively.

Regulatory

Regulatory	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Regulatory	'
	14. Regulatory
	The University is subject to extensive regulation by federal and state governmental agencies and accrediting bodies. In particular, the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (the “Higher Education Act”), and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the Department of Education, subject the University to significant regulatory scrutiny on the basis of numerous standards that schools must satisfy in order to participate in the various federal student financial assistance programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act.
	To participate in the Title IV programs, an institution must be authorized to offer its programs of instruction by the relevant agency of the state in which it is located, accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Department of Education and certified as eligible by the Department of Education. The Department of Education will certify an institution to participate in the Title IV programs only after the institution has demonstrated compliance with the Higher Education Act and the Department of Education’s extensive regulations regarding institutional eligibility. An institution must also demonstrate its compliance to the Department of Education on an ongoing basis. As of December 31, 2013, management believes the University is in compliance with the applicable regulations in all material respects.
	Because the University operates in a highly regulated industry, it, like other industry participants, may be subject from time to time to investigations, claims of non-compliance, or lawsuits by governmental agencies or third parties, which allege statutory violations, regulatory infractions, or common law causes of action. While there can be no assurance that regulatory agencies or third parties will not undertake investigations or make claims against the University, or that such claims, if made, will not have a material adverse effect on the University’s business, results of operations or financial condition, management believes the University is in compliance with applicable regulations in all material respects.
	In connection with its administration of the Title IV federal student financial aid programs, the Department of Education periodically conducts program reviews at selected schools that receive Title IV funds. In July 2010, the Department of Education initiated a program review of the University covering the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 award years. On August 24, 2011, the University received from the Department of Education a written preliminary program review report that included five findings, two of which involved individual student-specific errors concerning the monitoring of satisfactory academic progress for two students and the certification of one student’s Federal Family Educational Loan as an unsubsidized Stafford loan rather than a subsidized Stafford loan. The other three findings related to allegedly: improper payment of incentive compensation to enrollment counselors, offering an ineligible program, and improper procedures related to conducting financial aid returns for students with non-passing grades.
	On September 27, 2013, the University and the Department of Education entered into an agreement that fully resolved the findings in the preliminary program review report and closed the program review. In connection with this closure, the University paid a total of $7,387, the majority of which consisted of returns of Title IV funds to the lenders of our students, related to the inadequate procedures related to non-passing grade finding. Although when the University makes a return to Title IV the applicable student is obligated to repay the University for the amounts returned, the University agreed that it would not seek reimbursement from these students.
	Since 2004 we had been certified on a provisional basis to participate in the Title IV programs. In July 2013 we submitted our complete application for full certification and on October 28, 2013, the University received a new program participation agreement with full certification from the Department of Education, which gives the University the ability to participate in the Title IV programs through September 30, 2017.
	90/10 Disclosure
	The University derives a substantial portion of its revenues from student financial aid received by its students under the Title IV programs administered by the Department of Education pursuant to the Higher Education Act. To continue to participate in the student financial aid programs the University must comply with the regulations promulgated under the Higher Education Act. The regulations restrict the proportion of cash receipts for tuition and fees from eligible programs to not more than 90 percent from Title IV programs (the “90/10 revenue test”). If an institution fails to satisfy the test for one year, its participation status becomes provisional for two consecutive fiscal years. If the test is not satisfied for two consecutive years, eligibility to participate in Title IV programs is lost for at least two fiscal years. Using the Department of Education’s cash-basis, regulatory formula under the 90/10 Rule as currently in effect, for its 2013, 2012, and 2011 fiscal years, the University derived 78.5%, 80.3%, and 80.2%, respectively, for its 90/10 revenue from Title IV program funds.

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans

Share-Based Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation Plans	'
	15. Share-Based Compensation Plans
	Adoption of Equity Plans
	On September 27, 2008 the University’s shareholders approved the adoption of the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (“Incentive Plan”) and the 2008 Employee Stock Purchase (“ESPP”). A total of 4,200 shares of the University’s common stock was originally authorized for issuance under the Incentive Plan. On January 1 of each subsequent year in accordance with the terms of the Incentive Plan, the number of shares authorized for issuance under the Incentive Plan automatically increased by 2.5% of the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding on December 31, raising the total number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the Incentive Plan to 10,999 shares effective January 1, 2014. Although the ESPP has not yet been implemented, a total of 1,050 shares of the University’s common stock have been authorized for sale under the ESPP.
	Incentive Plan
	Restricted Stock
	During fiscal year 2013 and 2012, the University granted 575 and 552 shares of common stock, respectively, with a service vesting condition to certain of its executives, officers, faculty and employees. The restricted shares have voting rights and vest evenly at 20% over each of the next five years. Upon vesting, shares will be held in lieu of taxes equivalent to the minimum statutory tax withholding required to be paid when the restricted stock vests. In 2013, 2012, and 2011 the University granted 11, 11, and 6 shares of common stock, respectively, to certain of the non-employee members of the University’s board of directors. The restricted shares have voting rights and vest within one year of the date of grant. In addition, in 2013 the University granted 8 shares of common stock to a consultant. The restricted shares have voting rights and vest evenly at a rate of 20% per year over each of the next five years.
	A summary of the activity related to restricted stock granted under the University’s Incentive Plan is as follows:
			Total			Weighted
			Shares			Average
						Grant Date
						Fair Value
						per Share
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2010			4		$	25.16
	Granted			6		$	13.88
	Vested			(4	)	$	25.16
	Forfeited, canceled or expired			—
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2011			6		$	13.88
	Granted			563		$	17.04
	Vested			(6	)	$	13.88
	Forfeited, canceled or expired			(10	)	$	17.03
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2012			553		$	17.04
	Granted			594		$	24.44
	Vested			(119	)	$	17.13
	Forfeited, canceled or expired			(45	)	$	20.57
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013			983		$	21.34
	As of December 31, 2013, there was approximately $16,315 of total unrecognized share-based compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to unvested restricted stock awards. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.4 years.
	Stock Options
	During 2013, the University granted time vested options to purchase shares of common stock with an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the date of grant to an employee. The time vested options vest ratably over a period of four years and expire ten years from the date of grant. No options were granted in 2012. During 2011, the University granted time vested options to purchase shares of common stock with an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the date of grant to employees. These time vested options vest ratably over a period of five years and expire ten years from the date of grant. A summary of the activity related to stock options granted under the University’s Incentive Plan is as follows:
			Summary of Stock Options Outstanding
			Total			Weighted			Weighted			Aggregate
			Shares			Average			Average			Intrinsic
						Exercise			Remaining			Value ($)(1)
						Price			Contractual
						per			Term (Years)
						Share
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2010			4,026		$	14.24
	Granted			1,250		$	15.34
	Exercised			(140	)	$	12
	Forfeited, canceled or expired			(172	)	$	17.29
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2011			4,964		$	14.47
	Granted			—		$	—
	Exercised			(611	)	$	13.16
	Forfeited, canceled or expired			(124	)	$	17.63
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2012			4,229		$	14.57
	Granted			25		$	24.97
	Exercised			(1,160	)	$	14.03
	Forfeited, canceled or expired			(71	)	$	17.22
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013			3,023		$	14.8			5.84		$	87,073
	Exercisable as of December 31, 2013			2,049		$	13.61			5.33		$	61,442
	Available for issuance as of December 31, 2013			2,308
	-1	Aggregate intrinsic value represents the value of the University’s closing stock price on December 31, 2013 ($43.60) in excess of the exercise price multiplied by the number of options outstanding or exercisable.
	As of December 31, 2013, there was approximately $5,314 of total unrecognized share-based compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to unvested stock options. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.4 years.
	The following table summarizes information related to stock options exercised for years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
			2013			2012			2011
	Amounts related to options exercised:
	Intrinsic value realized by optionee		$	20,364		$	4,683		$	403
	Actual tax benefit realized by the University for tax deductions		$	8,145		$	1,873		$	161
	Cash received from stock option exercises during fiscal year 2013, 2012 and 2011 totaled approximately $16,278, $8,049 and $1,681, respectively.
	Share-based Compensation
	Share-based Compensation Expense Assumptions – Restricted Stock Awards
	The University measures and recognizes compensation expense for share-based payment awards made to employees, consultants and directors. The University calculates the fair value of share-based awards on the date of grant for employees and directors. The University calculates the fair value of share-based awards to consultants on the date of vesting. Stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock grants is expensed over the vesting period using the straight-line method for University employees, the University’s board of directors and the consultant , net of estimated forfeitures. The restricted shares have voting rights.
	Share-based Compensation Expense Assumptions – Stock Options
	The University granted stock options in 2013 and 2011. No stock options were granted in 2012.
Fair Value. The University uses the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to estimate the fair value of the University’s options as of the grant dates using the following weighted average assumptions:
Year Ended December 31,		2013			2011
Weighted average fair value		$	8.2		$	6.98
Expected volatility			39.86	%		41.85	%
Expected life (years)			4.25			6.5
Risk-free interest rate			0.65	%		2.58	%
Dividend yield			0	%		0	%
Expected Volatility. The University believes that the use of Grand Canyon Education, Inc.’s historical stock price provides an accurate estimate of expected volatility. Therefore, the expected volatility assumption for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2011 is based upon the University’s historical stock price.
Expected Life (years). In 2013, the University determined it now has enough historical option exercise information to be able to accurately estimate an expected term, and as such, its computation of expected term was calculated using its own historical data. Prior to 2013, the University continued to use the simplified method to estimate the expected term of stock options under certain circumstances. The simplified method for estimating expected term is to use the mid-point between the vesting term and the contractual term of the share option. The University previously analyzed the circumstances in which the use of the simplified method was allowed. The University elected to use the simplified method for options granted prior to 2013 because the University did not have historical exercise data to estimate expected term due to the limited time period its shares had been publicly traded.
Risk-Free Interest Rate. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based upon the U.S. constant maturity treasury rates as the risk-free rate interpolated between the years commensurate with the expected life of the options.
Dividend Yield. The dividend yield assumption is zero since the University does not expect to declare or pay dividends in the foreseeable future.
Forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant based on historical retention of employees. If necessary, management estimates are adjusted at the end of each reporting period if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
Expected Vesting Period. The University amortizes the share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures, over the expected vesting period using the straight-line method.
The table below outlines share-based compensation expense for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 related to restricted stock and stock options granted:
		2013			2012			2011
Instructional costs and services		$	5,246		$	3,809		$	2,935
Admissions advisory and related			134			224			157
Marketing and promotional			229			169			140
General and administrative			4,327			3,609			3,220
Share-based compensation expense included in operating expenses			9,936			7,811			6,452
Tax effect of share-based compensation			(3,974	)		(3,124	)		(2,581	)
Share-based compensation expense, net of tax		$	5,962		$	4,687		$	3,871
401(k) Plan
The University has established a 401(k) Defined Contribution Benefit Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan provides eligible employees, upon date of hire, with an opportunity to make tax-deferred contributions into a long-term investment and savings program. All employees over the age of 21 are eligible to participate in the plan. The Plan allows eligible employees to contribute to the Plan subject to Internal Revenue Code restrictions and the Plan allows the University to make discretionary matching contributions. The University plans to make a matching contribution to the Plan of approximately $1,400 for the year ended December 31, 2013. The University made discretionary matching contributions to the Plan of $1,080 and $933 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	16. Related Party Transactions
	Related party transactions include transactions between the University and certain of its affiliates. The following transactions were in the normal course of operations and were measured at the exchange amount, which is the amount of consideration established and agreed to by the parties.
	As of and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, related party transactions consisted of the following:
	Affiliates
	Mind Streams, LLC (“Mind Streams”), 21st Century, LLC (“21st Century”) and Lifetime Learning — Mind Streams, 21st Century and Lifetime Learning are owned and operated, in part, by the father of the University’s Executive Chairman. See further discussion in Note 3, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Related party expenses.
	Grand Canyon University Foundation (“GCUF”) — GCUF was formed in 2010 to support public charities. The University’s President, CEO and Director serves as the president of GCUF. All of the board seats are taken by University executives and employees. The University is not the primary beneficiary of GCUF, and accordingly, the University does not consolidate GCUF’s statement of activities with its financial results. The University contributed $200, and $5 for the years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011, respectively, of which no amounts were owed at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Quarterly_Results_of_Operation

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)	'
	17. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
	The following table summarizes the unaudited quarterly results of operations for 2013 and 2012 and should be read in conjunction with other information included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
			2013
			First Quarter			Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
	Net revenue		$	142,030		$	141,463		$	152,399		$	162,443
	Costs and expenses:
	Instructional costs and services			59,997			61,747			64,704			67,971
	Admissions advisory and related			22,993			23,346			24,578			26,160
	Advertising			15,929			14,520			15,498			15,038
	Marketing and promotional			1,435			1,383			1,299			1,527
	General and administrative			8,051			8,978			9,035			10,870
	Total costs and expenses			108,405			109,974			115,114			121,566
	Operating income			33,625			31,489			37,285			40,877
	Interest expense			(668	)		(439	)		(528	)		(609	)
	Interest income and other			2,195			62			1,502			104
	Income before income taxes			35,152			31,112			38,259			40,372
	Income tax expense			14,207			12,048			15,714			14,215
	Net income		$	20,945		$	19,064		$	22,545		$	26,157
	Earnings per share:
	Basic income per share(1)		$	0.47		$	0.43		$	0.5		$	0.58
	Diluted income per share(1)		$	0.46		$	0.42		$	0.49		$	0.56
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding			44,242			44,681			44,963			45,026
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding			45,449			45,929			46,424			46,712
	-1	The sum of quarterly income per share may not equal annual income per share due to rounding.
			2012
			First Quarter			Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
	Net revenue		$	117,131		$	119,260		$	133,568		$	141,298
	Costs and expenses:
	Instructional costs and services			50,824			53,406			57,354			58,819
	Admissions advisory and related			19,991			20,369			22,342			23,215
	Advertising			13,639			11,467			12,909			13,008
	Marketing and promotional			929			919			1,199			1,313
	General and administrative			7,544			7,701			8,561			11,696
	Total costs and expenses			92,927			93,862			102,365			108,051
	Operating income			24,204			25,398			31,203			33,247
	Interest expense			(207	)		(78	)		(154	)		(260	)
	Interest and other income			10			26			16			19
	Income before income taxes			24,007			25,346			31,065			33,006
	Income tax expense			9,538			9,748			12,594			12,097
	Net income		$	14,469		$	15,598		$	18,471		$	20,909
	Earnings per share:
	Basic income per share(1)		$	0.33		$	0.35		$	0.42		$	0.47
	Diluted income per share(1)		$	0.32		$	0.35		$	0.41		$	0.46
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding			44,371			44,447			44,365			44,167
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding			45,151			45,169			45,339			45,364
	-1	The sum of quarterly income per share may not equal annual income per share due to rounding.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Grand Canyon Education, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The University invests a portion of its cash in excess of current operating requirements in short term certificates of deposit and money market instruments. The University considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents.
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
	A significant portion of the University’s revenue is received from students who participate in government financial aid and assistance programs. Restricted cash and cash equivalents primarily represent amounts received from the federal and state governments under various student aid grant and loan programs, such as Title IV. The University receives these funds subsequent to the completion of the authorization and disbursement process and holds them for the benefit of the student. The U.S. Department of Education (“Department of Education”) requires Title IV funds collected in advance of student billings to be segregated in a separate cash or cash equivalent account until the course begins. The University records all of these amounts as a current asset in restricted cash and cash equivalents until the cash is no longer restricted, at which time such amounts are reclassified as cash and cash equivalents. The majority of these funds remain as restricted cash and cash equivalents for an average of 60 to 90 days from the date of receipt.
	In addition, the counterparty to the University’s interest rate swap made a collateral call in 2010 and the pledged collateral is classified as noncurrent restricted cash. The pledged collateral was $225 as of December 31, 2012. No collateral is required by the counterparty at December 31, 2013. The University reports changes in restricted cash related to legal matters and derivative collateral as investing cash flows in its consolidated statement of cash flows.
Investments	'
	Investments
	The University considers its investments in municipal securities as available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, determined using Level 2 of the hierarchy of valuation inputs, with the use of inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a separate component of other comprehensive income. Unrealized losses considered to be other-than-temporary are recognized currently in earnings. Amortization of premiums, accretion of discounts, interest and dividend income and realized gains and losses are included in interest and other income.
Note Receivable	'
	Note Receivable
	The University purchased a note receivable from a financial institution at fair market value in the fourth quarter of 2012 for $27,000. The note bore interest at 11%, which represented the 6% rate of the loan plus the 5% default rate. The principal and most of the interest due on the note was paid in March 2013, resulting in the full return on investment of the note receivable and an additional gain in interest income and other income of $2,187 on the loan. However, the borrower has disputed certain amounts remaining due under the note agreement, including default interest in the amount of $432, a late payment penalty in the amount of $1,392, and a statutory trustee’s fee in the amount of $139. The funds disputed by the borrower, plus interest thereon, were deposited into an escrow account with the clerk of the Maricopa County Superior Court pending resolution of the disputed issues. In the third quarter of 2013, the court ruled in favor of the University with respect to the late penalty and default interest accrued thereon. Accordingly, the University recorded interest and other income of $1,459 for the year ended December 31, 2013. The remaining default interest and statutory trustee’s fee components of the original disputed amount, plus interest accruing thereon at 11%, continue a resolution process through the court, have been treated as a gain contingency and will not be recorded as a receivable or income until resolution is reached.
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. Normal repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Expenditures that materially extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. Construction in progress represents items not yet placed in service and are not depreciated. Internally developed software represents qualifying salary and consulting costs for time spent on developing internal use software and is included in construction in progress until its completion. The University capitalizes interest using its interest rates on the specific borrowings used to finance the improvements, which approximated 1.9% in 2013, 2.2% in 2012, and 2.3% in 2011. Interest cost capitalized and incurred in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Interest incurred	$	2,626	$	1,064	$	1,233
	Interest capitalized		382		365		513
	Interest expense	$	2,244	$	699	$	720
	Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Furniture and fixtures, computer equipment, and vehicles generally have estimated useful lives of ten, four, and five years, respectively. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their lease term or their useful life. Land improvements and buildings are depreciated over lives ranging from 10 to 40 years.
Leases	'
	Leases
	The University enters into various lease agreements in conducting its business. At the inception of each lease, the University evaluates the lease agreement to determine whether the lease is an operating or capital lease. In addition, many of the lease agreements contain renewal options and tenant improvement allowances. When such items are included in a lease agreement, the University records a deferred liability on the balance sheet and records the rent expense evenly over the term of the lease. Leasehold improvements are included as investing activities and are included as additions to property, plant and equipment. For leases with renewal options, the University records rent expense and amortizes the leasehold improvement on a straight-line basis over the initial non-cancelable lease term unless it intends to exercise the renewal option. Once it extends the renewal option, the University amortizes any tenant improvement allowances over the extended lease period as well as the leasehold improvement asset (unless the extended lease term is longer than the economic life of the asset). The University expenses any additional payments under its operating leases for taxes, insurance or other operating expenses as incurred.
Lease Termination Fee	'
	Lease Termination Fee
	In July 2011, the University notified a current landlord of its intent to vacate leased space by the fourth quarter of 2011. As a result, the University was required to pay a termination fee to its landlord of $1,093, resulting in expense in 2011 of $782, which was net of remaining deferred rent on the leased space plus the disposal of the remaining leasehold improvements. This termination fee was paid on the University’s behalf by the University’s new landlord. This payment was recorded as an expense in the third quarter of 2011 with the offset being to a deferred rent liability. The deferred rent liability is being amortized into income over the new lease term. In the fourth quarter of 2011, the University exited the prior leased space.
Other Assets	'
	Other Assets
	During 2010, the University entered into an agreement with an affiliated entity to develop a new learning management system for use by the University. Through this agreement, the University prepaid perpetual license fees, acquired source code rights for the software developed, and prepaid maintenance and service fees for the first seven years of use for an aggregate amount of $4,900, which was paid in full as of December 31, 2011. The University commenced utilization of this software in October 2011. Included in current other assets is the amount that will be amortized in the next twelve month cycle for maintenance and service fees and included in property and equipment is the amount that will be amortized over fifteen years for the perpetual licenses. All online nontraditional students migrated to the LoudCloud platform by August 2012 and remaining ground students and cohorts were fully transitioned to the LoudCloud platform in 2013.
Long-Lived Assets	'
	Long-Lived Assets
	The University evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived assets for impairment, other than goodwill, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.
Prepaid Royalties	'
	Prepaid Royalties
	In connection with the February 2004 acquisition of the assets of Grand Canyon University from a non-profit foundation, the University entered into a royalty fee arrangement with the former owner in which the University agreed to pay a stated percentage of cash revenue generated by its online programs. The University settled all future royalty obligations with the former owner in April 2008 when it finalized an agreement to pay $22,500 to the former owner. Of this payment $5,920 was considered as settlement of the future royalty payment obligation and is included in the accompanying balance sheet as a component of “Prepaid Royalty” and is being amortized over a period of 20 years.
	In addition, in June 2004, the University entered into a license agreement relating to the University’s use of the Ken Blanchard name for its College of Business. Under the terms of that agreement the University agreed to pay Blanchard a royalty generated on net tuition from certain programs in the University’s College of Business and to issue Blanchard shares of common stock with the actual number of shares issued to be contingent upon the University’s achievement of stated enrollment levels in its College of Business during the term of the agreement. The fair value of the shares issued to Blanchard as part of the license agreement of $3,394 was determined at the date it became probable that shares would then be earned and then adjusted until the date the shares were earned. This amount is also included in the balance sheet as a component of “Prepaid Royalty” and is being amortized over the remaining term of the license agreement.
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of the cost over the fair market value of net assets acquired, including identified intangible assets. Goodwill is tested annually or more frequently if circumstances indicate potential impairment. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) has issued guidance that permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. The University performed its annual goodwill impairment test, by performing a qualitative assessment. Following this assessment, the University determined that it is more likely than not that its fair value exceeds its carrying amount.
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation
	The University measures and recognizes compensation expense for share-based payment awards made to employees, consultants and directors, including employee stock options and restricted stock awards. The University calculates the fair value of share-based awards on the date of grant. The University calculates the fair value of share-based awards to consultants on the date of vesting. The University amortizes the share-based compensation expense over the period that the awards are expected to vest, net of estimated forfeiture rates. If the actual forfeitures differ from management estimates, adjustments to compensation expense are recorded. The University reports cash flows resulting from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost realized for those options (excess tax benefits) as financing cash flows. The University reports cash flows resulting from tax deductions that are less than the compensation cost realized for those option (tax shortfalls) as a noncash transaction in the consolidated statement of cash flows.
	For stock options, the University uses the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to estimate fair value. The option pricing model requires the University to estimate certain key assumptions such as expected life, volatility, risk free interest rates, and dividend yield to determine the fair value of share-based awards, based on historical information and management judgment. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based awards represent the University’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. The fair value of the University’s restricted stock awards is based on the market price of its common stock on the date of grant.
Derivatives and Hedging	'
	Derivatives and Hedging
	Derivative financial instruments are recorded on the balance sheet as assets or liabilities and re-measured at fair value at each reporting date. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.
	Derivative financial instruments enable the University to manage its exposure to interest rate risk. The University does not engage in any derivative instrument trading activity. Credit risk associated with the University’s derivatives is limited to the risk that a derivative counterparty will not perform in accordance with the terms of the contract. Exposure to counterparty credit risk is considered low because these agreements have been entered into with institutions with Aa or higher credit ratings, and they are expected to perform fully under the terms of the agreements.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, note receivable, accounts payable, accrued compensation and benefits and accrued liabilities approximate their fair value based on the liquidity or the short-term maturities of these instruments. The carrying value of notes payable approximate fair value based on its variable rate index. The carrying value of other notes payable and capital lease obligations approximate fair value based upon market interest rates available to the University for debt of similar risk and maturities. Derivative financial instruments are carried at fair value, determined using Level 2 of the hierarchy of valuation inputs as defined in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”), with the use of inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability. See Note 10, Derivative Instruments.
	The fair value of investments, primarily municipal securities, were determined using Level 2 of the hierarchy of valuation inputs, with the use of inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets. The unit of account used for valuation is the individual underlying security.
	The fair value of the prepaid royalty asset relating to the settlement of future royalty payment obligations to the former owner was determined using an income approach, based on management’s forecasts of revenue to be generated through its online education program using Level 3 of the hierarchy of valuation inputs. The rate utilized to discount net cash flows to their present values was 35%. This discount rate was determined after consideration of the University’s weighted average cost of capital giving effect to estimates of the University’s risk-free rate, beta coefficient, equity risk premium, small size risk premium, and company-specific risk premium.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The University accounts for income taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax assets and liabilities for future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the University’s consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the temporary differences are expected to be realized.
	The University applies a more-likely-than-not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of an uncertain tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The University recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. The University did not record any reserves for uncertain tax positions including interest and penalties as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	The University has deferred tax assets, which are subject to periodic recoverability assessments. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that more likely than not will be realized. Realization of the deferred tax assets is principally dependent upon achievement of projected future taxable income.
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	The University accrues for a contingent obligation when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount is reasonably estimable. When the University becomes aware of a claim or potential claim, the likelihood of any loss exposure is assessed. If it is probable that a loss will result and the amount of the loss is estimable, the University records a liability for the estimated loss. If the loss is not probable or the amount of the potential loss is not estimable, the University will disclose the claim if the likelihood of a potential loss is reasonably possible and the amount of the potential loss could be material. Estimates that are particularly sensitive to future changes include tax, legal, and other regulatory matters, which are subject to change as events evolve, and as additional information becomes available during the administrative and litigation process. The University expenses legal fees as incurred.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	Net revenues consist primarily of tuition and fees derived from courses taught by the University online, at its traditional campus in Phoenix, Arizona, and onsite at facilities it leases or those of employers, as well as from related educational resources that the University provides to its students, such as access to online materials. Tuition revenue and most fees from related educational resources are recognized pro-rata over the applicable period of instruction, net of scholarships provided by the University. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the University’s revenue was reduced by approximately $111,789, $94,283 and $73,612, respectively, as a result of scholarships that the University offered to students. The University maintains an institutional tuition refund policy, which provides for all or a portion of tuition to be refunded if a student withdraws during stated refund periods. Certain states in which students reside impose separate, mandatory refund policies, which override the University’s policy to the extent in conflict. If a student withdraws at a time when only a portion, or none of the tuition is refundable, then in accordance with its revenue recognition policy, the University continues to recognize the tuition that was not refunded pro-rata over the applicable period of instruction. Since the University recognizes revenue pro-rata over the term of the course and because, under its institutional refund policy, the amount subject to refund is never greater than the amount of the revenue that has been deferred, under the University’s accounting policies, revenue is not recognized with respect to amounts that could potentially be refunded. Sales tax collected from students is excluded from net revenues. Collected but unremitted sales tax is included as an accrued liability in our consolidated balance sheet. The University also charges online students an upfront learning management fee, which is deferred and recognized over the average expected term of a student. Costs that are direct and incremental to new online students are also deferred and recognized ratably over the average expected term of a student. Deferred revenue and student deposits in any period represent the excess of tuition, fees, and other student payments received as compared to amounts recognized as revenue on the income statement and are reflected as current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The University’s educational programs have starting and ending dates that differ from its fiscal quarters. Therefore, at the end of each fiscal quarter, a portion of revenue from these programs is not yet earned. Other revenues may be recognized as sales occur or services are performed.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	All students are required to select both a primary and secondary payment option with respect to amounts due to the University for tuition, fees and other expenses. The most common payment option for the University’s students is financial aid. In instances where a student selects financial aid as the primary payment option, he or she often selects personal cash as the secondary option. If a student who has selected financial aid as his or her primary payment option withdraws prior to the end of a course but after the date that the University’s institutional refund period has expired, the student will have incurred the obligation to pay the full cost of the course. If the withdrawal occurs before the date at which the student has earned 100% of his or her financial aid, the University will have a return to Title IV requirement and the student will owe the University all amounts incurred that are in excess of the amount of financial aid that the student earned and that the University is entitled to retain. In this case, the University must collect the receivable using the student’s second payment option. In instances in which the students chose to receive living expense funds as part of his or her financial aid disbursement, the University is required to return the unearned portion of these funds as well and then collect these amounts from the student.
	The University records an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability, failure or refusal of its students to make required payments, which includes the recovery of financial aid funds advanced to a student for amounts in excess of the student’s cost of tuition and related fees. The University determines the adequacy of its allowance for doubtful accounts based on an analysis of its historical bad debt experience, current economic trends, and the aging of the accounts receivable and student status. The University applies reserves to its receivables based upon an estimate of the risk presented by the age of the receivables and student status. Historically, the University has written off accounts receivable balances at the earlier of the time the balances were deemed uncollectible, or one year after the revenue is generated. In the third quarter of 2011, the University accelerated the write off of inactive student accounts such that the accounts are written off by day 150, while maintaining its historical write off policy for active student accounts. The University continues to reflect accounts receivable with an offsetting allowance as long as management believes there is a reasonable possibility of collection. Bad debt expense is recorded as an instructional costs and services expense in the consolidated income statement.
Instructional Costs and Services	'
	Instructional Costs and Services
	Instructional costs and services consist primarily of costs related to the administration and delivery of the University’s educational programs. This expense category includes salaries, benefits and share-based compensation for full-time and adjunct faculty and administrative personnel, information technology costs, bad debt expense, curriculum and new program development costs (which are expensed as incurred) and costs associated with other support groups that provide services directly to the students. This category also includes an allocation of depreciation, amortization, rent, and occupancy costs attributable to the provision of educational services, primarily at the University’s Phoenix, Arizona campus.
Admissions Advisory and Related	'
	Admissions Advisory and Related
	Admissions advisory and related expenses include salaries and benefits for admissions advisory personnel, and revenue share expense as well as an allocation of depreciation, amortization, rent and occupancy costs attributable to the admissions advisory personnel.
Advertising	'
	Advertising
	Advertising expenses include brand advertising, marketing leads and other branding activities. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.
Marketing and Promotional	'
	Marketing and Promotional
	Marketing and promotional expenses include salaries, benefits and share-based compensation for marketing personnel, and other promotional expenses. This category also includes an allocation of depreciation, amortization, rent, and occupancy costs attributable to marketing and promotional activities. Marketing and promotional costs are expensed as incurred.
General and Administrative	'
	General and Administrative
	General and administrative expenses include salaries, and benefits and share-based compensation of employees engaged in corporate management, finance, human resources, compliance, and other corporate functions. General and administrative expenses also include an allocation of depreciation, amortization, rent, and occupancy costs attributable to the departments providing general and administrative functions.
Related Party Expenses	'
	Related party expenses
	Through December 2010, the University was a party to a revenue sharing arrangement (the Collaboration Agreement) with Mind Streams, L.L.C. (Mind Streams), a related party. This contract was terminated in 2010 and the University entered into a new Collaboration Agreement with Mind Streams in the third quarter of 2011, under which the University, in accordance with applicable Department of Education guidance, pays a percentage of net revenue that it receives from applicants recruited by Mind Streams that matriculate at the University. The expenses incurred in conjunction with the Collaboration Agreement are included in admissions advisory and related expenses on our Consolidated Income Statement. In 2010, the University entered into an agreement with Lifetime Learning, a related party, under which the University purchases leads on prospective students. The expenses incurred in connection with Lifetime Learning are included in advertising expenses on our Consolidated Income Statement.
Insurance/Self-Insurance	'
	Insurance/Self-Insurance
	The University uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance for a number of risks, including claims related to employee health care, workers’ compensation, general liability, and business interruption. Liabilities associated with these risks are estimated based on, among other things, historical claims experience, severity factors, and other actuarial assumptions. The University’s loss exposure related to self-insurance is limited by stop loss coverage on a per occurrence and aggregate basis. Expected loss accruals are based on estimates, and while the University believes the amounts accrued are adequate, the ultimate loss may differ from the amounts provided.
Concentration of Credit Risk	'
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	The University believes the credit risk related to cash equivalents and investments is limited due to its adherence to an investment policy that required investments to have a minimum AAA to A rating, depending on the type of security, by one major rating agency at the time of purchase. All of the University’s cash equivalents and investments as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 consist of investments rated A or higher by at least one rating agency. Additionally, the University utilizes more than one financial institution to conduct initial and ongoing credit analysis on its investment portfolio to monitor and lower the potential impact of market risk associated with its cash equivalents and investment portfolio.
	A majority of the University’s revenues are derived from tuition financed under the Title IV programs of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (the “Higher Education Act”). The financial aid and assistance programs are subject to political and budgetary considerations and are subject to extensive and complex regulations. The University’s administration of these programs is periodically reviewed by various regulatory agencies. Any regulatory violation could be the basis for the initiation of potentially adverse actions including a suspension, limitation, or termination proceeding, which could have a material adverse effect on the University.
	Students obtain access to federal student financial aid through a Department of Education prescribed application and eligibility certification process. Student financial aid funds are generally made available to students at prescribed intervals throughout their predetermined expected length of study. Students typically apply the funds received from the federal financial aid programs first to pay their tuition and fees. Any remaining funds are distributed directly to the student
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	The University operates as a single educational delivery operation using a core infrastructure that serves the curriculum and educational delivery needs of both its ground and online students regardless of geography. The University’s Chief Executive Officer manages the University’s operations as a whole and no expense or operating income information is generated or evaluated on any component level.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	The University has determined that recently issued accounting standards will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements, or do not apply to its operations.

Financial_Statement_Presentati1

Financial Statement Presentation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Operating Expenses as Previously Reported and as Reclassified	'
	The following table presents our operating expenses as previously reported and as revised on our Consolidated Income Statement for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
		2012		2012		2011		2011
		As Reported		As Revised		As Reported		As Revised
	Costs and expenses:
	Instructional costs and services	$	220,403	$	220,403	$	194,801	$	194,801
	Admissions advisory and related		—		85,917		—		70,758
	Advertising		—		51,023		—		45,587
	Marketing and promotional		—		4,360		—		3,610
	Selling and promotional		141,300		—		119,955		—
	General and administrative		35,502		35,502		29,043		29,043
	Lease termination costs		—		—		782		782
	Total costs and expenses	$	397,205	$	397,205	$	344,581	$	344,581

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Interest Cost Capitalized and Incurred	'
	Interest cost capitalized and incurred in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Interest incurred	$	2,626	$	1,064	$	1,233
	Interest capitalized		382		365		513
	Interest expense	$	2,244	$	699	$	720

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Summary of Amounts Included in Investments	'
	The following is a summary of amounts included in investments as of December 31, 2013. The University considered all investments as available for sale.
		As of December 31, 2013
		Adjusted		Gross		Gross			Estimated
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
				Gains		(Losses)			Value
	Municipal securities	$	108,393	$	35	$	(8	)	$	108,420

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou1

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	'
			Balance at		Charged to		Deductions(1)			Balance at
			Beginning of		Expense					End of
			Year							Year
	Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable:
	Year ended December 31, 2013		$	8,657		19,897		(18,876	)	$	9,678
	Year ended December 31, 2012		$	11,706		18,012		(21,061	)	$	8,657
	Year ended December 31, 2011		$	30,112		34,364		(52,770	)	$	11,706
	-1	Deductions represent accounts written off, net of recoveries.

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Summary of Property and Equipment	'
	Property and equipment consist of the following:
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
	Land	$	21,820		$	13,294
	Land improvements		5,176			3,439
	Buildings		222,402			180,945
	Equipment under capital leases		5,310			5,310
	Leasehold improvements		32,243			24,930
	Computer equipment		64,773			55,734
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment		32,583			22,124
	Internally developed software		15,606			11,039
	Other		1,099			1,099
	Construction in progress		23,467			12,487
			424,479			330,401
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(84,883	)		(61,239	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	339,596		$	269,162

Notes_Payable_and_Other_Noncur1

Notes Payable and Other Noncurrent Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'
Notes Payable	'
	As of December 31, 2013, the University is in compliance with its debt covenants. Under the loan covenant computation as of December 31, 2013, $50,000 is available to be borrowed on the revolving line of credit although none has been drawn as of December 31, 2013.
		As of December 31,
		2013		2012
	Notes Payable
	Note payable, monthly payment of $556; interest at 30 day LIBOR plus 1.75% (1.92% at December 31, 2013) through December 31, 2019	$	92,573	$	99,098
	Various Gift Annuities; quarterly payments of $34 extending through 2019; interest at 10%		527		602
	Notes payable for vehicles requiring monthly payments with interest rates ranging from 8.8% to 11.0% through March 2013		—		1
			93,100		99,701
	Less: Current portion		6,607		6,601
		$	86,493	$	93,100
Payments Due under Notes Payable	'
	Payments due under the notes payable obligations are as follows as of December 31, 2013:
	2014	$	6,607
	2015		6,616
	2016		6,625
	2017		6,636
	2018		6,691
	Thereafter		59,925
		$	93,100

Capital_Lease_Obligations_Tabl

Capital Lease Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Components of Capital Lease Obligations	'
	Capital lease obligations consist of the following:
		As of
		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Capital Lease Obligations
	Capital lease for equipment, monthly payments totaling $8; interest rate at 2.2%, through 2016	$	586	$	674
	Less: Current portion of capital lease obligations		89		87
		$	497	$	587
Payments Due under Future Minimum Lease Payments under Capital Lease Obligations	'
	Payments due under future minimum lease payments under the capital lease obligations are as follows as of December 31, 2013:
	2014	$	101
	2015		101
	2016		410
			612
	Less: Portion representing interest		26
	Present value of minimum lease payments	$	586

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Future Minimum Lease Payments under Operating Leases	'
	Future minimum lease payments under operating leases due each year are as follows at December 31, 2013:
	2014	$	6,859
	2015		6,474
	2016		5,790
	2017		4,694
	2018		4,117
	Thereafter		6,978
	Total minimum payments	$	34,912

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Summary of Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding	'
	The table below reflects the calculation of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, on an as if converted basis, used in computing basic and diluted earnings per common share.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Denominator:
	Basic common shares outstanding		44,731		44,332		44,631
	Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock		1,400		919		474
	Diluted common shares outstanding		46,131		45,251		45,105

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'
	The components of income tax expense (benefit) are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Current:
	Federal	$	40,949		$	36,367		$	7,323
	State		5,540			7,462			2,715
			46,489			43,829			10,038
	Deferred:
	Federal		4,209			(448	)		18,125
	State		898			32			2,679
			5,107			(416	)		20,804
	Tax expense recorded as an increase of paid-in capital		4,588			564			140
		$	56,184		$	43,977		$	30,982
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	'
	A reconciliation of income tax computed at the U.S. statutory rate to the effective income tax rate is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit		5.5			5.9			5.5
	State tax credits, net of federal effect		(1.8	)		(1.6	)		(1.2	)
	Nondeductible expenses		0.3			0.2			0.2
	Other		(0.2	)		(0.7	)		(1.5	)
	Effective income tax rate		38.8	%		38.8	%		38	%
Significant Components of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	Significant components of the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
	Current deferred tax asset (liability):
	Accounts receivable allowance for doubtful accounts	$	3,870		$	3,321
	State taxes		(234	)		(741	)
	Estimated litigation loss and regulatory reserves		16			1,588
	Other		1,507			1,313
	Current deferred tax asset		5,159			5,481
	Non-current deferred tax asset (liability):
	Depreciation and leases		(24,711	)		(21,774	)
	Share-based compensation		7,987			8,294
	Deferred rent		2,290			2,642
	Intangibles		2,504			3,384
	Other		98			409
	Non-current deferred tax liability		(11,832	)		(7,045	)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(6,673	)	$	(1,564	)
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	'
	The reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31 is as follows:
		2013			2012
	Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year	$	—		$	845
	Tax positions taken during the current year
	Increases		—			—
	Decreases		—			—
	Tax positions taken during a prior year
	Increases		—			214
	Decreases		—			(5	)
	Decreases for settlements during the period		—			(1,054	)
	Reductions for lapses of applicable statute of limitations		—			—
	Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year	$	—		$	—

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Summary of Activity Related to Restricted Stock Granted under Incentive Plan	'
	A summary of the activity related to restricted stock granted under the University’s Incentive Plan is as follows:
			Total			Weighted
			Shares			Average
						Grant Date
						Fair Value
						per Share
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2010			4		$	25.16
	Granted			6		$	13.88
	Vested			(4	)	$	25.16
	Forfeited, canceled or expired			—
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2011			6		$	13.88
	Granted			563		$	17.04
	Vested			(6	)	$	13.88
	Forfeited, canceled or expired			(10	)	$	17.03
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2012			553		$	17.04
	Granted			594		$	24.44
	Vested			(119	)	$	17.13
	Forfeited, canceled or expired			(45	)	$	20.57
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013			983		$	21.34
Summary of Activity Related to Stock Options Granted under Company's Incentive Plan	'
	A summary of the activity related to stock options granted under the University’s Incentive Plan is as follows:
			Summary of Stock Options Outstanding
			Total			Weighted			Weighted			Aggregate
			Shares			Average			Average			Intrinsic
						Exercise			Remaining			Value ($)(1)
						Price			Contractual
						per			Term (Years)
						Share
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2010			4,026		$	14.24
	Granted			1,250		$	15.34
	Exercised			(140	)	$	12
	Forfeited, canceled or expired			(172	)	$	17.29
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2011			4,964		$	14.47
	Granted			—		$	—
	Exercised			(611	)	$	13.16
	Forfeited, canceled or expired			(124	)	$	17.63
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2012			4,229		$	14.57
	Granted			25		$	24.97
	Exercised			(1,160	)	$	14.03
	Forfeited, canceled or expired			(71	)	$	17.22
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013			3,023		$	14.8			5.84		$	87,073
	Exercisable as of December 31, 2013			2,049		$	13.61			5.33		$	61,442
	Available for issuance as of December 31, 2013			2,308
	-1	Aggregate intrinsic value represents the value of the University’s closing stock price on December 31, 2013 ($43.60) in excess of the exercise price multiplied by the number of options outstanding or exercisable.
Amounts Related to Options Exercised	'
	The following table summarizes information related to stock options exercised for years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
			2013			2012			2011
	Amounts related to options exercised:
	Intrinsic value realized by optionee		$	20,364		$	4,683		$	403
	Actual tax benefit realized by the University for tax deductions		$	8,145		$	1,873		$	161
Fair Value of Options as of Grant Dates Using Weighted Average Assumptions	'
	The University uses the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to estimate the fair value of the University’s options as of the grant dates using the following weighted average assumptions:
	Year Ended December 31,		2013			2011
	Weighted average fair value		$	8.2		$	6.98
	Expected volatility			39.86	%		41.85	%
	Expected life (years)			4.25			6.5
	Risk-free interest rate			0.65	%		2.58	%
	Dividend yield			0	%		0	%
Share-Based Compensation Expense	'
	The table below outlines share-based compensation expense for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 related to restricted stock and stock options granted:
			2013			2012			2011
	Instructional costs and services		$	5,246		$	3,809		$	2,935
	Admissions advisory and related			134			224			157
	Marketing and promotional			229			169			140
	General and administrative			4,327			3,609			3,220
	Share-based compensation expense included in operating expenses			9,936			7,811			6,452
	Tax effect of share-based compensation			(3,974	)		(3,124	)		(2,581	)
	Share-based compensation expense, net of tax		$	5,962		$	4,687		$	3,871

Quarterly_Results_of_Operation1

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summarizes the Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations	'
	The following table summarizes the unaudited quarterly results of operations for 2013 and 2012 and should be read in conjunction with other information included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
			2013
			First Quarter			Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
	Net revenue		$	142,030		$	141,463		$	152,399		$	162,443
	Costs and expenses:
	Instructional costs and services			59,997			61,747			64,704			67,971
	Admissions advisory and related			22,993			23,346			24,578			26,160
	Advertising			15,929			14,520			15,498			15,038
	Marketing and promotional			1,435			1,383			1,299			1,527
	General and administrative			8,051			8,978			9,035			10,870
	Total costs and expenses			108,405			109,974			115,114			121,566
	Operating income			33,625			31,489			37,285			40,877
	Interest expense			(668	)		(439	)		(528	)		(609	)
	Interest income and other			2,195			62			1,502			104
	Income before income taxes			35,152			31,112			38,259			40,372
	Income tax expense			14,207			12,048			15,714			14,215
	Net income		$	20,945		$	19,064		$	22,545		$	26,157
	Earnings per share:
	Basic income per share(1)		$	0.47		$	0.43		$	0.5		$	0.58
	Diluted income per share(1)		$	0.46		$	0.42		$	0.49		$	0.56
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding			44,242			44,681			44,963			45,026
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding			45,449			45,929			46,424			46,712
	-1	The sum of quarterly income per share may not equal annual income per share due to rounding.
			2012
			First Quarter			Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
	Net revenue		$	117,131		$	119,260		$	133,568		$	141,298
	Costs and expenses:
	Instructional costs and services			50,824			53,406			57,354			58,819
	Admissions advisory and related			19,991			20,369			22,342			23,215
	Advertising			13,639			11,467			12,909			13,008
	Marketing and promotional			929			919			1,199			1,313
	General and administrative			7,544			7,701			8,561			11,696
	Total costs and expenses			92,927			93,862			102,365			108,051
	Operating income			24,204			25,398			31,203			33,247
	Interest expense			(207	)		(78	)		(154	)		(260	)
	Interest and other income			10			26			16			19
	Income before income taxes			24,007			25,346			31,065			33,006
	Income tax expense			9,538			9,748			12,594			12,097
	Net income		$	14,469		$	15,598		$	18,471		$	20,909
	Earnings per share:
	Basic income per share(1)		$	0.33		$	0.35		$	0.42		$	0.47
	Diluted income per share(1)		$	0.32		$	0.35		$	0.41		$	0.46
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding			44,371			44,447			44,365			44,167
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding			45,151			45,169			45,339			45,364
	-1	The sum of quarterly income per share may not equal annual income per share due to rounding.

Nature_of_Business_Additional_

Nature of Business - Additional Information (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2013
	acre
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Area of the company's campus in Phoenix, Arizona	133

Financial_Statement_Presentati2

Financial Statement Presentation - Schedule of Operating Expenses as Previously Reported and as Reclassified (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Costs and expenses:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Instructional costs and services	$67,971	$64,704	$61,747	$59,997	$58,819	$57,354	$53,406	$50,824	$254,419	$220,403	$194,801
Admissions advisory and related	26,160	24,578	23,346	22,993	23,215	22,342	20,369	19,991	97,077	85,917	70,758
Advertising	15,038	15,498	14,520	15,929	13,008	12,909	11,467	13,639	60,985	51,023	45,587
Marketing and promotional	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,644	4,360	3,610
Selling and promotional	1,527	1,299	1,383	1,435	1,313	1,199	919	929	'	'	'
General and administrative	10,870	9,035	8,978	8,051	11,696	8,561	7,701	7,544	36,934	35,502	29,043
Lease termination costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	782
Total costs and expenses	121,566	115,114	109,974	108,405	108,051	102,365	93,862	92,927	455,059	397,205	344,581
As Reported [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Costs and expenses:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Instructional costs and services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	220,403	194,801
Admissions advisory and related	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Advertising	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Marketing and promotional	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Selling and promotional	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	141,300	119,955
General and administrative	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	35,502	29,043
Lease termination costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	782
Total costs and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$397,205	$344,581

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2008	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Average days from the date of receipt in which funds remain as restricted cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'	'60 to 90 days	'	'
Reduced pledge collateral	'	'	'	$0	$225	'
Note receivable from a financial institution at fair market value	'	'	'	'	27,000	'
Interest rate on notes	'	'	'	'	11.00%	'
Interest rate on loan	'	'	'	'	6.00%	'
Default rate	'	'	'	'	5.00%	'
Interest income and other income on the loan	'	2,187	'	1,459	'	'
Default interest amount	'	'	'	432	'	'
Late payment penalty amount	'	'	'	1,392	'	'
Statutory trustee's fee amount	'	'	'	139	'	'
Default interest and statutory trustee's fee	'	'	'	11.00%	'	'
Capitalized interest rate on borrowings to finance improvements	'	'	'	1.90%	2.20%	2.30%
Property and equipment, useful life	'	'	'	'15 years	'	'
Lease termination fee payable to old landlord	'	'	1,093	'	'	'
Lease termination costs	'	'	'	'	'	782
Prepaid maintenance and service fees	'	'	4,900	'	'	4,900
Agreement period of acquired source code rights for the software developed, prepaid maintenance and service fee	'	'	'	'	'	'7 years
Amortization of other current assets	'	'	'	'Next twelve month cycle	'	'
Agreement to pay former owner royalty amount	22,500	'	'	'	'	'
Settlement of future royalty payment obligation	5,920	'	'	'	'	'
Royalty amortization period	'20 years	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value of the shares issued of the license agreement	'	'	'	3,394	'	'
Discount net cash flows	'	'	'	35.00%	'	'
Reserve for uncertain tax positions including interest and penalties	'	'	'	0	0	'
Reduction in revenue due to scholarships offered to students	'	'	'	$111,789	$94,283	$73,612
Percent of financial aid earn by student	'	'	'	100.00%	'	'
Period for write off of inactive student accounts	'	'	'	'150 days	'	'
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Property and equipment, useful life	'	'	'	'10 years	'	'
Computer Equipment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Property and equipment, useful life	'	'	'	'4 years	'	'
Vehicles [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Property and equipment, useful life	'	'	'	'5 years	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of days from the date of receipt in which funds remain as restricted cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'	'60 days	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Land Improvements and Buildings [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Property and equipment, useful life	'	'	'	'10 years	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of days from the date of receipt in which funds remain as restricted cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'	'90 days	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Land Improvements and Buildings [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Property and equipment, useful life	'	'	'	'40 years	'	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Interest Cost Capitalized and Incurred (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'	'
Interest incurred	$2,626	$1,064	$1,233
Interest capitalized	382	365	513
Interest expense	$2,244	$699	$720

Investments_Additional_Informa

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Investment [Line Items]	'
Amount of investments, available for sale	$0
Unrealized net gains on available-for-sale securities	16
Municipal Securities [Member]	'
Investment [Line Items]	'
Amount of investments, available for sale	$108,420
Maturity period of investments	'One year or less

Investments_Summary_of_Amounts

Investments - Summary of Amounts Included in Investments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Estimated Fair Value	$0
Municipal Securities [Member]	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Adjusted Cost	108,393
Gross Unrealized Gains	35
Gross Unrealized (Losses)	-8
Estimated Fair Value	$108,420

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou2

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts - Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Year	$8,657	$11,706	$30,112
Charged to Expense	19,897	18,012	34,364
Deductions	-18,876	-21,061	-52,770
Balance at End of Year	$9,678	$8,657	$11,706

Property_and_Equipment_Summary

Property and Equipment - Summary of Property and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment	$424,479	$330,401
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-84,883	-61,239
Property and equipment, net	339,596	269,162
Land [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment	21,820	13,294
Land Improvements [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment	5,176	3,439
Buildings [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment	222,402	180,945
Equipment under Capital Leases [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment	5,310	5,310
Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment	32,243	24,930
Computer Equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment	64,773	55,734
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment	32,583	22,124
Internally Developed Software [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment	15,606	11,039
Other [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment	1,099	1,099
Construction in Progress [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment	$23,467	$12,487

Property_and_Equipment_Additio

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization expense including assets under capital lease	$24,546	$21,264	$16,339

Notes_Payable_and_Other_Noncur2

Notes Payable and Other Noncurrent Liabilities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Amount of revolving line of credit	$50,000	'
Revolving line of credit facility, expiration date	31-Dec-17	'
Amount available to be borrowed on the line of credit	'	50,000
Long-term deferred rent	7,015	6,811
Derivative liability for forward interest rate swap	$390	'

Notes_Payable_and_Other_Noncur3

Notes Payable and Other Noncurrent Liabilities - Notes Payable (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	$93,100	$99,701
Less: Current portion	6,607	6,601
Notes Payable, Non-current	86,493	93,100
Notes Payable through December 2019 [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	92,573	99,098
Gift Annuities Extending through 2019 [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	527	602
Notes Payable through March 2013 [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	'	$1

Notes_Payable_and_Other_Noncur4

Notes Payable and Other Noncurrent Liabilities - Notes Payable (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Notes Payable through December 2019 [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Monthly payment of notes payable	$556
Interest rate of notes payable	1.75%
Number of days of bank operating rate to calculate interest on notes payable	'30 days
Interest rate of notes payable, Minimum	1.92%
Gift Annuities Extending through 2019 [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Quarterly payment of notes payable	$34
Interest rate of notes payable, Minimum	10.00%
Notes Payable through March 2013 [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Interest rate of notes payable, Minimum	8.80%
Interest rate of notes payable, Maximum	11.00%

Notes_Payable_and_Other_Noncur5

Notes Payable and Other Noncurrent Liabilities - Payments Due under Notes Payable (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2014	$6,607
2015	6,616
2016	6,625
2017	6,636
2018	6,691
Thereafter	59,925
Notes Payable, Total	$93,100

Capital_Lease_Obligations_Comp

Capital Lease Obligations - Components of Capital Lease Obligations (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases [Abstract]	'	'
Capital lease for equipment	$586	$674
Less: Current portion of capital lease obligations	89	87
Capital lease obligations, less current portion	$497	$587

Capital_Lease_Obligations_Comp1

Capital Lease Obligations - Components of Capital Lease Obligations (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Monthly payments on capital leases	$8
Implicit interest rate on capital leases, maximum	2.20%

Capital_Lease_Obligations_Paym

Capital Lease Obligations - Payments Due under Future Minimum Lease Payments under Capital Lease Obligations (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases [Abstract]	'
2014	$101
2015	101
2016	410
Total	612
Less: Portion representing interest	26
Present value of minimum lease payments	$586

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Lease Payments under Operating Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2014	$6,859
2015	6,474
2016	5,790
2017	4,694
2018	4,117
Thereafter	6,978
Total minimum payments	$34,912

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total rent expense and related taxes and operating expenses, under operating leases	$7,074	$7,635	$7,388
Tax reserves, non-income tax related	$729	$703	'

Derivative_Instruments_Additio

Derivative Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Period of LIBOR interest rate	'30 days	'	'
Fair value of interest rate corridor instrument	$1,917	'	'
Effective portion of gain/loss on derivatives included as a component of other comprehensive income, net of taxes	'	'	-92
Maximum percentage of variable interest rates based on LIBOR	1.50%	'	'
Percentage of amount paid by University	1.50%	'	'
Minimum percentage of LIBOR	1.50%	'	'
Maximum percentage of LIBOR	3.00%	'	'
Percentage deducted from LIBOR for actual payment	1.50%	'	'
Interest expense on derivatives related to credit risk	22	'	'
Interest Rate Corridor [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Notional amount of interest rate swap	84,418	'	'
Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Notional amount of interest rate swap	8,915	'	'
Interest rate swap inception date	1-May-10	'	'
Interest rate swap maturity date	30-Apr-14	'	'
Percentage of fixed interest on the amortizing notional amount of interest rate swap	3.25%	'	'
Interest rate swap reflected in a restricted cash account	0	225	'
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Accrued Liabilities [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of the interest rate swap liability	111	'	'
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of the interest rate swap liability	'	390	'
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Effective portion of gain/loss on derivatives included as a component of other comprehensive income, net of taxes	$947	$241	$10

Earnings_Per_Share_Summary_of_

Earnings Per Share - Summary of Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding (Detail)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Denominator:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic common shares outstanding	45,026	44,963	44,681	44,242	44,167	44,365	44,447	44,371	44,731	44,332	44,631
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,400	919	474
Diluted common shares outstanding	46,712	46,424	45,929	45,449	45,364	45,339	45,169	45,151	46,131	45,251	45,105

Earnings_Per_Share_Additional_

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'
University's stock options outstanding were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings	134	1,599	2,158

Equity_Transactions_Additional

Equity Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 25, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Preferred stock authorized but unissued and undesignated	'	10,000	10,000
Additional amount authorized by Board of Directors	$25,000	'	'
Authorization amount for repurchase of common stock	75,000	'	'
Expiration date on repurchase authorizations	'	30-Sep-14	'
Common stock acquired, shares	'	2,750	'
Aggregate cost shares of common stock	'	47,459	'
Since Approval of Share Repurchase Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Common stock acquired, shares	'	340	'
Aggregate cost shares of common stock	'	8,323	'
Remaining authorized repurchase amount	'	$27,541	'

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Valuation allowance	$0	'	$0
Interest and penalties	87	123	'
Accrued interest	0	'	0
Accrued penalties	$0	'	$0

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Inc

Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Federal	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$40,949	$36,367	$7,323
State	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,540	7,462	2,715
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	46,489	43,829	10,038
Deferred:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Federal	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,209	-448	18,125
State	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	898	32	2,679
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,107	-416	20,804
Tax expense recorded as an increase of paid-in capital	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,588	564	140
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	$14,215	$15,714	$12,048	$14,207	$12,097	$12,594	$9,748	$9,538	$56,184	$43,977	$30,982

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Effec

Income Taxes - Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	5.50%	5.90%	5.50%
State tax credits, net of federal effect	-1.80%	-1.60%	-1.20%
Non deductible expenses	0.30%	0.20%	0.20%
Other	-0.20%	-0.70%	-1.50%
Effective income tax rate	38.80%	38.80%	38.00%

Income_Taxes_Significant_Compo

Income Taxes - Significant Components of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current deferred tax asset (liability):	'	'
Accounts receivable allowance for doubtful accounts	$3,870	$3,321
State taxes	-234	-741
Estimated litigation loss and regulatory reserves	16	1,588
Other	1,507	1,313
Current deferred tax asset	5,159	5,481
Non-current deferred tax asset (liability):	'	'
Depreciation and leases	-24,711	-21,774
Share-based compensation	7,987	8,294
Deferred rent	2,290	2,642
Intangibles	2,504	3,384
Other	98	409
Non-current deferred tax liability	-11,832	-7,045
Net deferred tax liability	($6,673)	($1,564)

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year	'	$845
Tax positions taken during the current year	'	'
Increases	'	'
Decreases	'	'
Tax positions taken during a prior year	'	'
Increases	'	214
Decreases	'	-5
Decreases for settlements during the period	'	-1,054
Reductions for lapses of applicable statute of limitations	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year	'	'

Regulatory_Additional_Informat

Regulatory - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Regulated Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
University paid	$7,387	'	'	'
Revenue from Title IV program funds	'	78.50%	80.30%	80.20%

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_1

Share-Based Compensation Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 27, 2008

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Age

Incentive Plan [Member]

Incentive Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Restricted Stock Grants [Member]

Restricted Stock Grants [Member]

Restricted Stock Grants [Member]

Restricted Stock Grants [Member]

Restricted Stock Grants [Member]

Restricted Stock Grants [Member]

Restricted Stock Grants [Member]

Restricted Stock Grants [Member]

Restricted Stock Grants [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Executive Officers [Member]

Executive Officers [Member]

Non-Employee Members of Board of Directors [Member]

Non-Employee Members of Board of Directors [Member]

Non-Employee Members of Board of Directors [Member]

Consultant [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock authorized

'

'

'

10,999

4,200

1,050

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under the Incentive Plan

'

'

'

2.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

594

563

6

575

552

11

11

6

8

'

'

'

Percentage of shares to vest each year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vesting period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'4 years

'

'5 years

Unrecognized share-based compensation cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

$16,315

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$5,314

'

'

Costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years 4 months 24 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year 4 months 24 days

'

'

Expiration period of options

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'10 years

Options granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25

0

1,250

Cash received from stock option exercises

16,278

8,049

1,681

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividend yield assumption

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum eligible age to participate in the plan

21

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

University made discretionary matching contributions

$1,400

$1,080

$933

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_2

Share-Based Compensation Plans - Summary of Activity Related to Restricted Stock Granted under Incentive Plan (Detail) (Restricted Stock Grants [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restricted Stock Grants [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance	553	6	4
Total Shares, Granted	594	563	6
Total Shares, Vested	-119	-6	-4
Total Shares, Forfeited, canceled or expired	-45	-10	'
Total Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance	983	553	6
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance	$17.04	$13.88	$25.16
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$24.44	$17.04	$13.88
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	$17.13	$13.88	$25.16
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited, cancelled or expired	$20.57	$17.03	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance	$21.34	$17.04	$13.88

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_3

Share-Based Compensation Plans - Summary of Activity Related to Stock Options Granted under Company's Incentive Plan (Detail) (Employee Stock Option [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Shares outstanding, Beginning balance	4,229	4,964	4,026
Total Shares, Granted	25	0	1,250
Total Shares, Exercised	-1,160	-611	-140
Total Shares, Forfeited, canceled or expired	-71	-124	-172
Total Shares outstanding, Ending balance	3,023	4,229	4,964
Total Shares, Exercisable	2,049	'	'
Total Shares, Available for issuance	2,308	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share Outstanding, Beginning balance	$14.57	$14.47	$14.24
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share, Granted	$24.97	'	$15.34
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share, Exercised	$14.03	$13.16	$12
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share, Forfeited, canceled or expired	$17.22	$17.63	$17.29
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share Outstanding, Ending balance	$14.80	$14.57	$14.47
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share, Exercisable	$13.61	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years), Outstanding	'5 years 10 months 2 days	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years), Exercisable	'5 years 3 months 29 days	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding	$87,073	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	$61,442	'	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_4

Share-Based Compensation Plans - Summary of Activity Related to Stock Options Granted under Company's Incentive Plan (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Value of closing stock price	($43.60)

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_5

Share-Based Compensation Plans - Amounts Related to Options Exercised (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Amounts related to options exercised:	'	'	'
Intrinsic value realized by optionee	$20,364	$4,683	$403
Actual tax benefit realized by the University for tax deductions	$8,145	$1,873	$161

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_6

Share-Based Compensation Plans - Fair Value of Options as of Grant Dates Using Weighted Average Assumptions (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Weighted average fair value	$8.20	'	$6.98
Expected volatility	39.86%	'	41.85%
Expected life (years)	'4 years 3 months	'	'6 years 6 months
Risk-free interest rate	0.65%	'	2.58%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_7

Share-Based Compensation Plans - Share-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	$9,936	$7,811	$6,452
Tax effect of share-based compensation	-3,974	-3,124	-2,581
Share-based compensation expense, net of tax	5,962	4,687	3,871
Instructional Costs and Services [Member]	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	5,246	3,809	2,935
Admissions Advisory and Related [Member]	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	134	224	157
Marketing and Promotional [Member]	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	229	169	140
General and Administrative [Member]	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	$4,327	$3,609	$3,220

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amounts owed to related party	$523	'	$454
GCUF [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contribution by University to GCUF	200	5	'
Amounts owed to related party	$0	'	$0

Quarterly_Results_of_Operation2

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) - Summarizes the Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net revenue	$162,443	$152,399	$141,463	$142,030	$141,298	$133,568	$119,260	$117,131	'	'	'
Costs and expenses:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Instructional costs and services	67,971	64,704	61,747	59,997	58,819	57,354	53,406	50,824	254,419	220,403	194,801
Admissions advisory and related	26,160	24,578	23,346	22,993	23,215	22,342	20,369	19,991	97,077	85,917	70,758
Advertising	15,038	15,498	14,520	15,929	13,008	12,909	11,467	13,639	60,985	51,023	45,587
Marketing and promotional	1,527	1,299	1,383	1,435	1,313	1,199	919	929	'	'	'
General and administrative	10,870	9,035	8,978	8,051	11,696	8,561	7,701	7,544	36,934	35,502	29,043
Total costs and expenses	121,566	115,114	109,974	108,405	108,051	102,365	93,862	92,927	455,059	397,205	344,581
Operating income	40,877	37,285	31,489	33,625	33,247	31,203	25,398	24,204	143,276	114,052	82,160
Interest expense	-609	-528	-439	-668	-260	-154	-78	-207	'	'	'
Interest and other income	104	1,502	62	2,195	19	16	26	10	'	'	'
Income before income taxes	40,372	38,259	31,112	35,152	33,006	31,065	25,346	24,007	144,895	113,424	81,528
Income tax expense	14,215	15,714	12,048	14,207	12,097	12,594	9,748	9,538	56,184	43,977	30,982
Net income	$26,157	$22,545	$19,064	$20,945	$20,909	$18,471	$15,598	$14,469	$88,711	$69,447	$50,546
Earnings per share:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic income per share	$0.58	$0.50	$0.43	$0.47	$0.47	$0.42	$0.35	$0.33	$1.98	$1.57	$1.13
Diluted income per share	$0.56	$0.49	$0.42	$0.46	$0.46	$0.41	$0.35	$0.32	$1.92	$1.53	$1.12
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	45,026	44,963	44,681	44,242	44,167	44,365	44,447	44,371	44,731	44,332	44,631
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	46,712	46,424	45,929	45,449	45,364	45,339	45,169	45,151	46,131	45,251	45,105