Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment reporting information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements [Abstract] Regulatory Matters Regulatory Matters [Text Block] The entire disclosure related to regulatory matters. Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Long Term Debt By Components [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line Of Credit Facility [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line Of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Bank Facility [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Credit Facility Bpp [Member] Credit Facility Bpp [Member] Credit facility at BPP subsidiary. Other Debt [Member] Other Debt Obligations [Member] Technology Purchase Obligation [Member] Technology Purchase Obligation [Member] Technology Purchase Obligation [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Debt [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Total debt Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Less short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt Debt, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Debt term Debt Term The length of the term of a debt instrument or period of time that payments will be made associated with debt. Letters of credit outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Debt repaid Line of Credit Facility, Decrease, Repayments Fees Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Variable debt rate basis Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Fees for borrowings Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Weighted average interest rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, by Report Line [Axis] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, by Report Line [Axis] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Report Line [Domain] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Report Line [Domain] Instructional and student advisory [Member] Instructional and student advisory [Member] Instructional and student advisory member Marketing [Member] Marketing Expense [Member] Admissions advisory [Member] Admissions advisory expense [Member] The substantial majority of costs consist of compensation for admissions personnel. The category also includes other costs directly related to admissions. General and administrative [Member] General and administrative member Restructuring and other charges [Member] Restructuring Charges [Member] Share-based compensation expense [Line Items] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] Share-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Weighted average exercise price of options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Stock options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Weighted average grant date fair value of options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Equity [Abstract] Shareholders' Equity Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Change From Net Income Attributable To Apollo And Transfer To Noncontrolling Interest Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Table Text Block] Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Accrued and other current liabilities Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, and Other Liabilities Disclosure, Current [Text Block] Other long-term liabilities Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, and Other Liabilities Disclosure, Noncurrent [Text Block] Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Apollo Group Class A nonvoting common stock [Member] Common Class A [Member] Apollo Group Class B voting common stock [Member] Common Class B [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] ASSETS: Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Restricted cash and cash equivalents Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Prepaid taxes Prepaid Taxes Deferred tax assets, current portion Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Deferred tax assets, less current portion Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY: Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current Student deposits Customer Deposits, Current Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Accrued and other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Shareholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Preferred stock, no par value Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Apollo Group common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Apollo Group Class A treasury stock, at cost Treasury Stock, Value Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total Apollo shareholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests (deficit) Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income (loss) (net of tax): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Currency translation gain (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to Apollo Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Fair value assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair value assets and liabilities measured on non-recurring basis Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Receivables [Abstract] Accounts receivable, net [Abstract] Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract] Student accounts receivable Student Accounts Receivable Gross Gross accounts receivable due from students. Less allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Net student accounts receivable Student Accounts Receivable Net Accounts receivable due from students reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts. Other receivables Other Receivables Total accounts receivable, net Allowance for doubtful accounts [Abstract] Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Abstract] Beginning allowance for doubtful accounts Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable Provision for Doubtful Accounts Write-offs, net of recoveries Write Offs Net Of Recoveries Reflects the amount of allowance for doubtful accounts that have been written off, net of any recoveries. Ending allowance for doubtful accounts Earnings per share Schedule of Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Regulatory Matters (Details) [Abstract] Regulatory Matters (Details) [Abstract] Business Segments [Axis] Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] University Of Phoenix [Member] University of Phoenix is a wholly owned subsidiary of Apollo Group. Percentage of consolidated net revenue Percentage Of Consolidated Net Revenue Percentage of total Apollo consolidated net revenue generated by segment. Percentage of consolidated operating income Percentage Of Consolidated Operating Income1 Percentage of consolidated operating income Title IV percentage Title I V Percentage Percentage of cash basis revenue for eligible tuition and fees from receipt of Title IV financial aid program funds, as calculated under the 90/10 Rule. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Recurring Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Lease Abandonment Obligation [Member] Lease Abandonment [Member] Lease abandonment obligation Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring and nonrecurring basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Money market funds (cash and cash equivalents) Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Auction-rate securities (other assets) Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring Contingent payment (other long-term liabilities) Obligations, Fair Value Disclosure Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis Liability Fair Value Disclosure Recurring Total amount of liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Initial restructuring obligation Restructuring Reserve At Fair Value Restructuring obligations initially measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Losses for period Restructuring Charges Total liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring Total liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, losses Liability Fair Value Nonrecurring Losses Losses during the period from liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring and other charges Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Statement [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies By Legal Or Regulatory Matter [Axis] Loss Contingencies By Legal Or Regulatory Matter [Axis] Loss Contingencies By Legal Or Regulatory Matter [Domain] Loss Contingencies By Legal Or Regulatory Matter [Domain] Loss Contingencies By Legal Or Regulatory Matter domain Securities Class Action (Apollo Institutional Investors Group) [Member] Securities Class Action (Apollo Institutional Investors Group) [Member] Securities Class Action (Apollo Institutional Investors Group) [Member] Securities Class Action (Policeman's Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago) [Member] Securities Class Action (Policeman's Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago) [Member] Securities Class Action (Policeman's Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago) [Member] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Insurance Claims [Member] Insurance Claims [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Number of plaintiffs Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Number of defendants Loss Contingency, Number of Defendants Agreement in principle settlement amount Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Consideration Settlement payment Loss Contingency Accrual, Carrying Value, Payments Accounting Policies [Abstract] Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Accounts Receivable, Net Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring and Other Charges Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock Outstanding (in shares) Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Accrued and other current liabilities [Abstract] Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Salaries, wages and benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued legal and other professional obligations Accrued Legal and Other Professional Obligations, Current Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable for professional fees, such as for legal and accounting services received, and other legal obligations. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Accrued advertising Accrued Advertising, Current Deferred rent and other lease liabilities Deferred Rent and Other Lease Liabilities, Current Principally includes the current portion of (1) the difference between the cash rental payments and the straight-line recognition of expense over the term of the leases, and (2) deferred credits for incentives or inducements received by a lessee from a lessor. Student refunds, grants and scholarships Student Refunds Grants Scholarships Current Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date related to tuition refunds, federal and state grants payable, scholarships, and other related items (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Curriculum materials Curriculum Materials Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable for curriculum materials. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total accrued and other current liabilities Other Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract] Other Long Term Liabilities [Abstract] Other Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract] Deferred rent and other lease liabilities Deferred Rent and Other Lease Liabilities, Noncurrent Principally includes the noncurrent portion of (1) the difference between the cash rental payments and the straight-line recognition of expense over the term of the leases, and (2) deferred credits for incentives or inducements received by a lessee from a lessor. Uncertain tax positions Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions, Noncurrent Deferred gains on sale-leasebacks Sale Leaseback Transaction Deferred Gain Net Noncurrent The noncurrent portion of the gain that will be recorded as income or a reduction in rent expense in future periods less amounts recognized in the current period. Restructuring lease obligations Restructuring Reserve, Noncurrent Other Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other The carrying amount of other noncurrent liabilities as of the balance sheet date. Total other long-term liabilities Share-based compensation expense Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Discontinued Operations (Tables) [Abstract] Discontinued operations tables Discontinued operations Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block] Net income attributable to Apollo (basic and diluted) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Anti-dilutive securities [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Anti-dilutive securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Anti-dilutive securities [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Stock options [Member] Stock Options [Member] Restricted stock units and performance share awards [Member] Restricted stock units and performance share awards [Member] Restricted stock units and performance share awards [Member] Anti-dilutive securities [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Dilutive effect of share-based awards (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Basic income per share attributable to Apollo (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted income per share attributable to Apollo (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Anti-dilutive securities excluded from earnings per share computation Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Restructuring and other charges [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring and other charges [Axis] Restructuring and other charges [Domain] Lease and related costs, net [Member] Facility Closing [Member] Employee severance and other benefits [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Other restructuring related costs [Member] Other Restructuring [Member] University Of Phoenix [Member] Apollo Global [Member] Apollo Global [Member] Other [Member] Corporate and Other [Member] Restructuring [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring and other charges Cumulative costs for restructuring activities Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date Balance Restructuring Reserve Non-cash adjustments Restructuring Reserve Accrual Adjustment1 Amount of any adjustment included in the presentation of a restructuring reserve rollforward. Payments Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash Balance Interest accretion Accretion Expense Accelerated depreciation Restructuring Reserve, Accelerated Depreciation Share-based compensation Expected number of facilities abandoned Restructuring and Related Costs Expected Number of Facilities Abandoned Expected number of facilities to be abandoned as part of restructuring activities. Number of positions eliminated Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated Restructuring liability, current Restructuring Reserve, Current Share Repurchases [Table] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Share Repurchases [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchases [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchases [Member] Share Repurchases [Member] Repurchases Related To Restricted Stock Units [Member] Repurchases Related To Restricted Stock Units [Member] Share Repurchases [Line Items] Share Repurchases [Line Items] Treasury stock reissued, shares Stock Issued During Period Shares Treasury Stock Reissued Including Share Based Awards Number of treasury shares (units) reissued during the period, including reissuance of shares (units) held in treasury used to satisfy equity-based compensation obligations exercised by the holders of such rights. Upon reissuance of shares (units) from treasury, either the common or preferred stock (unit) reissued is outstanding. Treasury stock purchases (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Amount remaining on repurchase authorization Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Treasury stock purchases, cost Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Treasury stock purchases, average price per share Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Commitments and Contingencies Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Nature of Operations Nature of Operations [Text Block] Accrued and other liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Restricted stock units [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Performance share awards [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Unrecognized shared-based compensation cost Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Awards granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Weighted average fair value of granted awards Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average period unrecognized share-based compensation expected to be recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Income Statement [Abstract] Net revenue Revenue, Net Costs and expenses: Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Instructional and student advisory Instructional and student advisory expense Consist primarily of costs related to the delivery and administration of our educational programs and include costs related to faculty, student advisory and administrative compensation, classroom and administration lease expenses (including facilities that are shared and support both instructional and admissions functions), financial aid processing costs, costs related to the development of our educational programs and other related costs. Tuition costs for all employees and their eligible family members are recorded as an expense within instructional and student advisory. Marketing Selling and Marketing Expense Admissions advisory Admissions Advisory Expense The substantial majority of costs consist of compensation for admissions personnel. The category also includes other costs directly related to admissions. General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Litigation credit Loss Contingency, Loss in Period Goodwill and other intangibles impairment Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment Total costs and expenses Operating Expenses Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Interest income Investment Income, Interest and Dividend Interest expense Interest Expense Other, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income from discontinued operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to Apollo Earnings per share – Basic: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Continuing operations attributable to Apollo (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Discontinued operations attributable to Apollo (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Basic income per share attributable to Apollo (in dollars per share) Earnings per share – Diluted: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Continuing operations attributable to Apollo (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Discontinued operations attributable to Apollo (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Diluted income per share attributable to Apollo (in dollars per share) Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) Statement [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Additional paid-in capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Apollo Group Class A treasury stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Retained earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Total Apollo shareholders equity [Member] Parent [Member] Noncontrolling interests (deficit) [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Balance Treasury stock purchases Treasury stock issued under stock purchase plans Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Treasury stock issued under stock incentive plans Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Net tax effect for stock incentive plans Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net Share-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Currency translation adjustment, net of tax Purchase of noncontrolling interest Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Purchase of Interest by Parent Net income (loss) Balance Net income attributable to Apollo Change from net income attributable to Apollo and transfer to noncontrolling interest Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Change Due to Net Income Attributable to Parent and Effects of Changes, Net Carlyle ownership in Apollo Global Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Purchase of noncontrolling interest Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries Contingent payment Discontinued Operations (Details) [Abstract] Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Mander Portman Woodward [Member] Mander Portman Woodward [Member] Mander Portman Woodward [Member] Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Proceeds from disposition Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Net revenue Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Costs and expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense Income from discontinued operations before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Provision for income taxes Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Income from discontinued operations, net of tax Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to Apollo Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Stock and Savings Plans Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments Segment reporting [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Securities Class Action (Policeman's Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago) [Member] Segment reporting [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Goodwill and other intangibles impairment Total assets Accounts receivable, net Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Allowance for doubtful accounts Schedule Of Allowance For Doubtful Accounts [Text Block] Tabular disclosure of allowance for doubtful accounts activity. Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Policy Text Block [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Policy Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Policy Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit (Tax Deficiency) from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Depreciation and amortization Depreciation Depletion and Amortization Including Discontinued Operations The aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets. Includes such expense from discontinued operations prior to held for sale classification. Accelerated depreciation included in restructuring Amortization of lease incentives Reduction To Rent Expense From Amortization Of Lease Incentives The amount of deferred credit for an incentive or inducement received by a lessee from a lessor, recognized as a reduction of rental expense during the period. As a noncash item, it is deducted from net income when calculating cash provided by (used in) operating activities using the indirect method. Amortization of deferred gains on sale-leasebacks Sale Leaseback Transaction, Current Period Gain Recognized Non-cash foreign currency gain, net Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense Benefit Including Discontinued Operations The component of income tax expense for the period representing the net change in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities pertaining to continuing and discontinued operations. Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the impact of acquisition: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Restricted cash and cash equivalents Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash for Operating Activities Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Student deposits Increase (Decrease) in Customer Deposits Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Accrued and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Additions to property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Acquisition, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Other investing activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Payments on borrowings Repayments of Other Debt Proceeds from borrowings Proceeds from Other Debt Purchase of noncontrolling interest Apollo Group Class A common stock purchased for treasury Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Issuance of Apollo Group Class A common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit (Tax Deficiency) from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Exchange rate effect on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Supplemental disclosure of cash flow and non-cash information Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds Income Taxes Paid, Net Cash paid for interest Interest Paid Restricted stock units vested and released Stock Issued Capital lease additions Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Credits received for tenant improvements Fair Value of Assets Acquired Debt incurred for acquired technology Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Intangible Assets Acquired