Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Roll-Forward of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Roll-Forward of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Line Items]
Provision	$ 6,391	$ 3,261
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts, Student Notes Receivable [Member]
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Roll-Forward of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	3,999
Provision	2,543
Write-offs	(2,875)
Balance at end of period	3,667
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts, Student Accounts Receivable [Member]
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Roll-Forward of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	317
Provision	1,416
Write-offs	(116)
Balance at end of period	$ 1,617