Revenue Recognition - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 245,110	$ 114,668	$ 491,618	$ 231,137
Strayer University Segment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	128,911	113,903	256,969	229,174
Strayer University Segment | Tuition, net of discounts, grants and scholarships
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	124,402	109,744	247,917	220,704
Strayer University Segment | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	4,509	4,159	9,052	8,470
Capella University Segment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	112,171	0	226,869	0
Capella University Segment | Tuition, net of discounts, grants and scholarships
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	107,066	0	216,533	0
Capella University Segment | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	5,105	0	10,336	0
Non-Degree Programs Segment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 4,028	$ 765	$ 7,780	$ 1,963