Revenue Recognition - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 997,137	$ 634,185	$ 454,851
Strayer University
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	527,032	471,104	449,547
Strayer University | Tuition, net of discounts, grants and scholarships
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	508,734	451,646	433,938
Strayer University | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	18,298	19,458	15,609
Capella University
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	455,320	154,918	0
Capella University | Tuition, net of discounts, grants and scholarships
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	435,185	147,138	0
Capella University | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	20,135	7,780	0
Non-Degree Programs
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 14,785	$ 8,163	$ 5,304