Revenue Recognition - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 241,747	$ 160,945	$ 733,365	$ 392,082
Strayer University Segment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	127,837	114,471	384,806	343,644
Strayer University Segment | Tuition, net of discounts, grants and scholarships
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	123,259	107,773	371,176	328,476
Strayer University Segment | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	4,578	6,698	13,630	15,168
Capella University Segment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	110,549	43,792	337,418	43,792
Capella University Segment | Tuition, net of discounts, grants and scholarships
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	105,623	40,749	322,157	40,749
Capella University Segment | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	4,926	3,043	15,261	3,043
Non-Degree Programs Segment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 3,361	$ 2,682	$ 11,141	$ 4,646