Revenue Recognition - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 246,508	$ 116,469
Strayer University Segment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	128,058	115,271
Strayer University Segment | Tuition, net of discounts, grants and scholarships
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	123,515	110,960
Strayer University Segment | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	4,543	4,311
Capella University Segment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	114,698	0
Capella University Segment | Tuition, net of discounts, grants and scholarships
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	109,468	0
Capella University Segment | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	5,230	0
Non-Degree Programs Segment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 3,752	$ 1,198