Segment Reporting - Non-cash items (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Non cash items included in segment income (loss) from operations by reportable segment
Depreciation and amortization	$ 104,861	$ 54,543	$ 18,733
Amortization of intangible assets	61,667	25,694	0
Stock-based compensation	12,160	15,532	11,627
Segments | Strayer University
Non cash items included in segment income (loss) from operations by reportable segment
Depreciation and amortization	23,790	19,997	18,268
Stock-based compensation	5,611	11,602	11,627
Segments | Capella University
Non cash items included in segment income (loss) from operations by reportable segment
Depreciation and amortization	18,006	7,382	0
Stock-based compensation	5,799	1,495	0
Segments | Non-Degree Programs
Non cash items included in segment income (loss) from operations by reportable segment
Depreciation and amortization	997	741	465
Stock-based compensation	383	193	0
Segment Reconciling Items
Non cash items included in segment income (loss) from operations by reportable segment
Amortization of intangible assets	61,667	25,694	0
Merger costs	401	729	0
Merger costs	$ 367	$ 2,242	$ 0