Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Fiscal Year. In 2011, the Company changed its fiscal year from a 52 to 53-week fiscal year ending on the Sunday nearest December 31 to a quarterly month end, with the new fiscal year ending on December 31 of each year. The fiscal years 2012 and 2011, which ended on December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, included approximately 52 weeks. Fiscal year 2010, which ended on January 2, 2011, included 52 weeks. Subsidiaries of the Company report on a calendar-year basis, with the exception of most of the newspaper publishing operations, which report on a 52 to 53-week fiscal year ending on the Sunday nearest December 31. Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States and include the assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows of the Company and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Reclassifications. Certain amounts in previously issued financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the 2012 presentation, which includes the reclassification of the results of operations of certain businesses as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. Management bases its estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results reported in future periods may be affected by changes in those estimates. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates and assumptions. Business Combinations. The purchase price of an acquisition is allocated to the assets acquired, including intangible assets, and liabilities assumed, based on their respective fair values at the acquisition date. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. The excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the net of the amounts assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. The net assets and results of operations of an acquired entity are included in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements from the acquisition date. Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less and investments in money market funds with weighted average maturities of three months or less. Restricted Cash. Restricted cash represents amounts held for students that were received from U.S. Federal and state governments under various aid grant and loan programs, such as Title IV of the U.S. Federal Higher Education Act of 1965 (Higher Education Act), as amended, that the Company is required to maintain pursuant to U.S. Department of Education (DOE) and other regulations. Restricted cash also includes certain funds that the Company may be required to return if a student who receives Title IV program funds withdraws from a program. At December 31, 2012, restricted cash also includes funds required to be held by higher education institutions in Australia for prepaid tuition. Concentration of Credit Risk. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions domestically and internationally. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions with investment-grade credit ratings. The Company routinely assesses the financial strength of significant customers, and this assessment, combined with the large number and geographical diversity of its customers, limits the Company's concentration of risk with respect to trade accounts receivable. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. Accounts receivable have been reduced by an allowance for amounts that may be uncollectible in the future. This estimated allowance is based primarily on the aging category, historical trends and management's evaluation of the financial condition of the customer. Accounts receivable also have been reduced by an estimate of advertising rate adjustments and discounts, based on estimates of advertising volumes for contract customers who are eligible for advertising rate adjustments and discounts. Investments in Marketable Equity Securities. The Company's investments in marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale and, therefore, are recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Financial Statements, with the change in fair value during the period excluded from earnings and recorded net of income taxes as a separate component of other comprehensive income. If the fair value of a marketable equity security declines below its cost basis and the decline is considered other than temporary, the Company will record a write-down, which is included in earnings. The Company uses the average cost method to determine the basis of the securities sold or reclassified out of other comprehensive income. Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The carrying amounts reported in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, the current portion of deferred revenue and the current portion of debt approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The fair value of long-term debt is determined based on a number of observable inputs, including the current market activity of the Company's publicly traded notes, trends in investor demands and market values of comparable publicly traded debt. The fair value of the interest rate hedge is determined based on a number of observable inputs, including time to maturity and market interest rates. Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or current market value. Cost of newsprint is determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Property, Plant and Equipment. Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost and includes interest capitalized in connection with major long-term construction projects. Replacements and major improvements are capitalized; maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the property, plant and equipment: 3 to 20 years for machinery and equipment, and 20 to 50 years for buildings. The costs of leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of their useful lives or the terms of the respective leases. The cable television division capitalizes costs associated with the construction of cable transmission and distribution facilities and new cable service installations. Costs include all direct labor and materials, as well as certain indirect costs. The cost of subsequent disconnects and reconnects are expensed as they are incurred. Evaluation of Long-Lived Assets. The recoverability of long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets is assessed whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances indicate that recorded values may not be recoverable. A long-lived asset is considered to not be recoverable when the undiscounted estimated future cash flows are less than the asset's recorded value. An impairment charge is measured based on estimated fair market value, determined primarily using estimated future cash flows on a discounted basis. Losses on long-lived assets to be disposed of are determined in a similar manner, but the fair market value would be reduced for estimated costs to dispose. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Goodwill is the excess of purchase price over the fair value of identified net assets of businesses acquired. The Company's intangible assets with an indefinite life are principally from franchise agreements at its cable television division, as the Company expects its cable franchise agreements to provide the Company with substantial benefit for a period that extends beyond the foreseeable horizon, and the Company's cable television division historically has obtained renewals and extensions of such agreements for nominal costs and without any material modifications to the agreements. Amortized intangible assets are primarily student and customer relationships and trade names and trademarks, with amortization periods up to 10 years. The Company reviews goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually, as of November 30, for possible impairment. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for possible impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset below its carrying value. The Company tests its goodwill at the reporting unit level, which is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. In reviewing the carrying value of indefinite-lived intangible assets at the cable television division, the Company aggregates its cable systems on a regional basis. The Company initially assesses qualitative factors to determine if it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment review or indefinite-lived intangible asset quantitative impairment review. The Company reviews the goodwill for impairment using the two-step process and the indefinite-lived intangible assets using the quantitative process if, based on its assessment of the qualitative factors, it determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value, or if it decides to bypass the qualitative assessment. The Company reviews the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets utilizing a discounted cash flow model, and, where appropriate, a market value approach is also utilized to supplement the discounted cash flow model. The Company makes assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows, discount rates, long-term growth rates and market values to determine each reporting unit's and indefinite-lived intangible asset's estimated fair value. If these estimates or related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record impairment charges. Investments in Affiliates. The Company uses the equity method of accounting for its investments in and earnings or losses of affiliates that it does not control, but over which it exerts significant influence. The Company considers whether the fair values of any of its equity method investments have declined below their carrying value whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances indicate that recorded values may not be recoverable. If the Company considered any such decline to be other than temporary (based on various factors, including historical financial results, product development activities and the overall health of the affiliate's industry), a write-down would be recorded to estimated fair value. Cost Method Investments. The Company uses the cost method of accounting for its minority investments in nonpublic companies where it does not have significant influence over the operations and management of the investee. Investments are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value as estimated by management. Charges recorded to write down cost method investments to their estimated fair value and gross realized gains or losses upon the sale of cost method investments are included in other (expense) income, net, in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Fair value estimates are based on a review of the investees' product development activities, historical financial results and projected discounted cash flows. Revenue Recognition. Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the fees are fixed or determinable, the product or service has been delivered and collectability is reasonably assured. The Company considers the terms of each arrangement to determine the appropriate accounting treatment. Education revenues. Tuition revenue is recognized ratably over the period of instruction as services are delivered to students, net of any refunds, corporate discounts, scholarships and employee tuition discounts. At Kaplan's Test Preparation (KTP) and International divisions, estimates of average student course length are developed for each course, and these estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis and adjusted as necessary. Online access revenue is recognized ratably over the period of access. Course material revenue is recognized over the same period as the tuition or online access, if related, or when the products are delivered, if not related. Other revenues, such as student support services, are recognized when the services are provided. Kaplan Higher Education (KHE), through the Kaplan Commitment program, provides first-time students with a risk-free trial period. Under the program, KHE monitors academic progress and conducts assessments to help determine whether students are likely to be successful in their chosen course of study. Students who withdraw or are subject to dismissal during the risk-free trial period do not incur any significant financial obligation. The Company does not recognize revenues related to coursework until the students complete the risk-free period, meet the academic requirements and decide to continue with their studies, at which time the fees become fixed and determinable. Cable television revenues. Cable television revenues are primarily derived from subscriber fees for video, high-speed Internet and phone services, and from advertising. Cable subscriber revenue is recognized monthly as services are delivered. Advertising revenue is recognized when the commercials or programs are aired. Newspaper publishing and television broadcasting revenues. Media advertising revenues are recognized, net of agency commissions, when the underlying advertisement is published or broadcast. Revenues from newspaper subscriptions and retail sales are recognized upon the later of delivery or publication date, with adequate provision made for anticipated sales returns. Sales returns. Consistent with industry practice, certain of the Company's products, such as newspapers, are sold with the right of return. The Company records, as a reduction of revenue, the estimated impact of such returns. The Company bases its estimates for sales returns on historical experience and has not experienced significant fluctuations between estimated and actual return activity. Deferred revenue. Amounts received from customers in advance of revenue recognition are deferred as liabilities. Deferred revenue to be earned after one year is included in other noncurrent liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Leases. The Company leases substantially all of its educational facilities and enters into various other lease agreements in conducting its business. At the inception of each lease, the Company evaluates the lease agreement to determine whether the lease is an operating or capital lease. Additionally, many of the Company's lease agreements contain renewal options, tenant improvement allowances, rent holidays and/or rent escalation clauses. When such items are included in a lease agreement, the Company records a deferred rent asset or liability in the Consolidated Financial Statements and records these items in rent expense evenly over the terms of the lease. The Company is also required to make additional payments under operating lease terms for taxes, insurance and other operating expenses incurred during the operating lease period; such items are expensed as incurred. Rental deposits are included as other assets in the Consolidated Financial Statements for lease agreements that require payments in advance or deposits held for security that are refundable, less any damages, at the end of the respective lease. Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits. The Company maintains various pension and incentive savings plans and contributes to multiemployer plans on behalf of certain union-represented employee groups. Substantially all of the Company's employees are covered by these plans. The Company also provides health care and life insurance benefits to certain retired employees. These employees become eligible for benefits after meeting age and service requirements. The Company recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan (other than a multiemployer plan) as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and recognizes changes in that funded status in the fiscal year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. The Company measures changes in the funded status of its plans using the projected unit credit method and several actuarial assumptions, the most significant of which are the discount rate, the long-term rate of asset return and rate of compensation increase. The Company uses a measurement date of December 31 for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Self-Insurance. The Company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance for a number of risks, including claims related to employee health care and dental care, disability benefits, workers' compensation, general liability, property damage and business interruption. Liabilities associated with these plans are estimated based on, among other things, the Company's historical claims experience, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions. The expected loss accruals are based on estimates, and while the Company believes that the amounts accrued are adequate, the ultimate loss may differ from the amounts provided. Income Taxes. The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company records net deferred tax assets to the extent that it believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations; this evaluation is made on an ongoing basis. In the event the Company were to determine that it was able to realize net deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, the Company would record an adjustment to the valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes. The Company recognizes a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. The Company records a liability for the difference between the benefit recognized and measured for financial statement purposes and the tax position taken or expected to be taken on the Company's tax return. Changes in the estimate are recorded in the period in which such determination is made. Foreign Currency Translation. Income and expense accounts of the Company's non-United States operations where the local currency is the functional currency are translated into United States (U.S.) dollars using the current rate method, whereby operating results are converted at the average rate of exchange for the period, and assets and liabilities are converted at the closing rates on the period end date. Gains and losses on translation of these accounts are accumulated and reported as a separate component of equity and other comprehensive income. Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions, including foreign currency denominated intercompany loans on entities with a functional currency in U.S. dollars, are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Equity-Based Compensation. The Company measures compensation expense for awards settled in shares based on the grant date fair value of the award. The Company measures compensation expense for awards settled in cash, or that may be settled in cash, based on the fair value at each reporting date. The Company recognizes the expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the award. Earnings Per Share. Basic earnings per share is calculated under the two-class method. The Company treats restricted stock as a participating security due to its nonforfeitable right to dividends. Under the two-class method, the Company allocates to the participating securities their portion of dividends declared and undistributed earnings to the extent the participating securities may share in the earnings as if all earnings for the period had been distributed. Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated similarly except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period includes the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of options and restricted stock issuable under the Company's stock plans. The dilutive effect of potentially dilutive securities is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method. Comprehensive Income. Comprehensive income consists of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, the change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments in marketable equity securities, net changes in cash flow hedge and pension and other postretirement plan adjustments. Discontinued Operations. A business is classified as a discontinued operation when (i) the operations and cash flows of the business can be clearly distinguished and have been or will be eliminated from the Company's ongoing operations; (ii) the business has either been disposed of or is classified as held for sale; and (iii) the Company will not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the business after the disposal transaction. The results of discontinued operations (as well as the gain or loss on the disposal) are aggregated and separately presented in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations, net of income taxes. Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements. In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an amended standard to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. The amendment eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity and requires that all changes in stockholders' equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In addition, the amendment requires companies to present on the face of the financial statements reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement(s) where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. The amendment does not affect how earnings per share is calculated or presented. This amendment is effective for interim and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, and must be applied retrospectively. In December 2011, the FASB deferred the requirements related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments. The adoption of the amendment not deferred by the FASB in the first quarter of 2012 is reflected in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. In February 2013, the FASB issued final guidance on the presentation of reclassifications out of other comprehensive income. The amendments require an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the income statement or in a footnote, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income, only if the amount reclassified is required by GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under GAAP that provide detail about those amounts. This amendment is effective for interim and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2012. The amended standard will not impact the Company's financial position or results of operations. In July 2012, the FASB issued new guidance that amends the current indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment testing process. The new guidance permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of its indefinite-lived intangible assets is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. Previous guidance required an entity to test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, on at least an annual basis, by comparing the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset with its carrying amount. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted if an entity's financial statements for the most recent period have not yet been issued. The Company early adopted this guidance at the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2012.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Fiscal Year. In 2011, the Company changed its fiscal year from a 52 to 53-week fiscal year ending on the Sunday nearest December 31 to a quarterly month end, with the new fiscal year ending on December 31 of each year. The fiscal years 2012 and 2011, which ended on December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, included approximately 52 weeks. Fiscal year 2010, which ended on January 2, 2011, included 52 weeks. Subsidiaries of the Company report on a calendar-year basis, with the exception of most of the newspaper publishing operations, which report on a 52 to 53-week fiscal year ending on the Sunday nearest December 31.

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States and include the assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows of the Company and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Reclassifications. Certain amounts in previously issued financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the 2012 presentation, which includes the reclassification of the results of operations of certain businesses as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. Management bases its estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results reported in future periods may be affected by changes in those estimates. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates and assumptions.

Business Combinations. The purchase price of an acquisition is allocated to the assets acquired, including intangible assets, and liabilities assumed, based on their respective fair values at the acquisition date. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. The excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the net of the amounts assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. The net assets and results of operations of an acquired entity are included in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements from the acquisition date.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less and investments in money market funds with weighted average maturities of three months or less.

Restricted Cash. Restricted cash represents amounts held for students that were received from U.S. Federal and state governments under various aid grant and loan programs, such as Title IV of the U.S. Federal Higher Education Act of 1965 (Higher Education Act), as amended, that the Company is required to maintain pursuant to U.S. Department of Education (DOE) and other regulations. Restricted cash also includes certain funds that the Company may be required to return if a student who receives Title IV program funds withdraws from a program. At December 31, 2012, restricted cash also includes funds required to be held by higher education institutions in Australia for prepaid tuition.

Concentration of Credit Risk. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions domestically and internationally. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions with investment-grade credit ratings. The Company routinely assesses the financial strength of significant customers, and this assessment, combined with the large number and geographical diversity of its customers, limits the Company's concentration of risk with respect to trade accounts receivable.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. Accounts receivable have been reduced by an allowance for amounts that may be uncollectible in the future. This estimated allowance is based primarily on the aging category, historical trends and management's evaluation of the financial condition of the customer. Accounts receivable also have been reduced by an estimate of advertising rate adjustments and discounts, based on estimates of advertising volumes for contract customers who are eligible for advertising rate adjustments and discounts.

Investments in Marketable Equity Securities. The Company's investments in marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale and, therefore, are recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Financial Statements, with the change in fair value during the period excluded from earnings and recorded net of income taxes as a separate component of other comprehensive income. If the fair value of a marketable equity security declines below its cost basis and the decline is considered other than temporary, the Company will record a write-down, which is included in earnings. The Company uses the average cost method to determine the basis of the securities sold or reclassified out of other comprehensive income.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The carrying amounts reported in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, the current portion of deferred revenue and the current portion of debt approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The fair value of long-term debt is determined based on a number of observable inputs, including the current market activity of the Company's publicly traded notes, trends in investor demands and market values of comparable publicly traded debt. The fair value of the interest rate hedge is determined based on a number of observable inputs, including time to maturity and market interest rates.

Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or current market value. Cost of newsprint is determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.

Property, Plant and Equipment. Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost and includes interest capitalized in connection with major long-term construction projects. Replacements and major improvements are capitalized; maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the property, plant and equipment: 3 to 20 years for machinery and equipment, and 20 to 50 years for buildings. The costs of leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of their useful lives or the terms of the respective leases.

The cable television division capitalizes costs associated with the construction of cable transmission and distribution facilities and new cable service installations. Costs include all direct labor and materials, as well as certain indirect costs. The cost of subsequent disconnects and reconnects are expensed as they are incurred.

Evaluation of Long-Lived Assets. The recoverability of long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets is assessed whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances indicate that recorded values may not be recoverable. A long-lived asset is considered to not be recoverable when the undiscounted estimated future cash flows are less than the asset's recorded value. An impairment charge is measured based on estimated fair market value, determined primarily using estimated future cash flows on a discounted basis. Losses on long-lived assets to be disposed of are determined in a similar manner, but the fair market value would be reduced for estimated costs to dispose.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Goodwill is the excess of purchase price over the fair value of identified net assets of businesses acquired. The Company's intangible assets with an indefinite life are principally from franchise agreements at its cable television division, as the Company expects its cable franchise agreements to provide the Company with substantial benefit for a period that extends beyond the foreseeable horizon, and the Company's cable television division historically has obtained renewals and extensions of such agreements for nominal costs and without any material modifications to the agreements. Amortized intangible assets are primarily student and customer relationships and trade names and trademarks, with amortization periods up to 10 years.

The Company reviews goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually, as of November 30, for possible impairment. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for possible impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset below its carrying value. The Company tests its goodwill at the reporting unit level, which is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. In reviewing the carrying value of indefinite-lived intangible assets at the cable television division, the Company aggregates its cable systems on a regional basis. The Company initially assesses qualitative factors to determine if it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment review or indefinite-lived intangible asset quantitative impairment review. The Company reviews the goodwill for impairment using the two-step process and the indefinite-lived intangible assets using the quantitative process if, based on its assessment of the qualitative factors, it determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value, or if it decides to bypass the qualitative assessment. The Company reviews the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets utilizing a discounted cash flow model, and, where appropriate, a market value approach is also utilized to supplement the discounted cash flow model. The Company makes assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows, discount rates, long-term growth rates and market values to determine each reporting unit's and indefinite-lived intangible asset's estimated fair value. If these estimates or related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record impairment charges.

Investments in Affiliates. The Company uses the equity method of accounting for its investments in and earnings or losses of affiliates that it does not control, but over which it exerts significant influence. The Company considers whether the fair values of any of its equity method investments have declined below their carrying value whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances indicate that recorded values may not be recoverable. If the Company considered any such decline to be other than temporary (based on various factors, including historical financial results, product development activities and the overall health of the affiliate's industry), a write-down would be recorded to estimated fair value.

Cost Method Investments. The Company uses the cost method of accounting for its minority investments in nonpublic companies where it does not have significant influence over the operations and management of the investee. Investments are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value as estimated by management. Charges recorded to write down cost method investments to their estimated fair value and gross realized gains or losses upon the sale of cost method investments are included in other (expense) income, net, in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Fair value estimates are based on a review of the investees' product development activities, historical financial results and projected discounted cash flows.

Revenue Recognition. Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the fees are fixed or determinable, the product or service has been delivered and collectability is reasonably assured. The Company considers the terms of each arrangement to determine the appropriate accounting treatment.

Education revenues. Tuition revenue is recognized ratably over the period of instruction as services are delivered to students, net of any refunds, corporate discounts, scholarships and employee tuition discounts. At Kaplan's Test Preparation (KTP) and International divisions, estimates of average student course length are developed for each course, and these estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis and adjusted as necessary. Online access revenue is recognized ratably over the period of access. Course material revenue is recognized over the same period as the tuition or online access, if related, or when the products are delivered, if not related. Other revenues, such as student support services, are recognized when the services are provided.

Kaplan Higher Education (KHE), through the Kaplan Commitment program, provides first-time students with a risk-free trial period. Under the program, KHE monitors academic progress and conducts assessments to help determine whether students are likely to be successful in their chosen course of study. Students who withdraw or are subject to dismissal during the risk-free trial period do not incur any significant financial obligation. The Company does not recognize revenues related to coursework until the students complete the risk-free period, meet the academic requirements and decide to continue with their studies, at which time the fees become fixed and determinable.

Cable television revenues. Cable television revenues are primarily derived from subscriber fees for video, high-speed Internet and phone services, and from advertising. Cable subscriber revenue is recognized monthly as services are delivered. Advertising revenue is recognized when the commercials or programs are aired.

Newspaper publishing and television broadcasting revenues. Media advertising revenues are recognized, net of agency commissions, when the underlying advertisement is published or broadcast. Revenues from newspaper subscriptions and retail sales are recognized upon the later of delivery or publication date, with adequate provision made for anticipated sales returns.

Sales returns. Consistent with industry practice, certain of the Company's products, such as newspapers, are sold with the right of return. The Company records, as a reduction of revenue, the estimated impact of such returns. The Company bases its estimates for sales returns on historical experience and has not experienced significant fluctuations between estimated and actual return activity.

Deferred revenue. Amounts received from customers in advance of revenue recognition are deferred as liabilities. Deferred revenue to be earned after one year is included in other noncurrent liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

Leases. The Company leases substantially all of its educational facilities and enters into various other lease agreements in conducting its business. At the inception of each lease, the Company evaluates the lease agreement to determine whether the lease is an operating or capital lease. Additionally, many of the Company's lease agreements contain renewal options, tenant improvement allowances, rent holidays and/or rent escalation clauses. When such items are included in a lease agreement, the Company records a deferred rent asset or liability in the Consolidated Financial Statements and records these items in rent expense evenly over the terms of the lease.

The Company is also required to make additional payments under operating lease terms for taxes, insurance and other operating expenses incurred during the operating lease period; such items are expensed as incurred. Rental deposits are included as other assets in the Consolidated Financial Statements for lease agreements that require payments in advance or deposits held for security that are refundable, less any damages, at the end of the respective lease.

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits. The Company maintains various pension and incentive savings plans and contributes to multiemployer plans on behalf of certain union-represented employee groups. Substantially all of the Company's employees are covered by these plans. The Company also provides health care and life insurance benefits to certain retired employees. These employees become eligible for benefits after meeting age and service requirements.

The Company recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan (other than a multiemployer plan) as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and recognizes changes in that funded status in the fiscal year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. The Company measures changes in the funded status of its plans using the projected unit credit method and several actuarial assumptions, the most significant of which are the discount rate, the long-term rate of asset return and rate of compensation increase. The Company uses a measurement date of December 31 for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans.

Self-Insurance. The Company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance for a number of risks, including claims related to employee health care and dental care, disability benefits, workers' compensation, general liability, property damage and business interruption. Liabilities associated with these plans are estimated based on, among other things, the Company's historical claims experience, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions. The expected loss accruals are based on estimates, and while the Company believes that the amounts accrued are adequate, the ultimate loss may differ from the amounts provided.

Income Taxes. The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company records net deferred tax assets to the extent that it believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations; this evaluation is made on an ongoing basis. In the event the Company were to determine that it was able to realize net deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, the Company would record an adjustment to the valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

The Company recognizes a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. The Company records a liability for the difference between the benefit recognized and measured for financial statement purposes and the tax position taken or expected to be taken on the Company's tax return. Changes in the estimate are recorded in the period in which such determination is made.

Foreign Currency Translation. Income and expense accounts of the Company's non-United States operations where the local currency is the functional currency are translated into United States (U.S.) dollars using the current rate method, whereby operating results are converted at the average rate of exchange for the period, and assets and liabilities are converted at the closing rates on the period end date. Gains and losses on translation of these accounts are accumulated and reported as a separate component of equity and other comprehensive income. Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions, including foreign currency denominated intercompany loans on entities with a functional currency in U.S. dollars, are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Equity-Based Compensation. The Company measures compensation expense for awards settled in shares based on the grant date fair value of the award. The Company measures compensation expense for awards settled in cash, or that may be settled in cash, based on the fair value at each reporting date. The Company recognizes the expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the award.

Earnings Per Share. Basic earnings per share is calculated under the two-class method. The Company treats restricted stock as a participating security due to its nonforfeitable right to dividends. Under the two-class method, the Company allocates to the participating securities their portion of dividends declared and undistributed earnings to the extent the participating securities may share in the earnings as if all earnings for the period had been distributed. Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated similarly except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period includes the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of options and restricted stock issuable under the Company's stock plans. The dilutive effect of potentially dilutive securities is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method.

Comprehensive Income. Comprehensive income consists of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, the change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments in marketable equity securities, net changes in cash flow hedge and pension and other postretirement plan adjustments.

Discontinued Operations. A business is classified as a discontinued operation when (i) the operations and cash flows of the business can be clearly distinguished and have been or will be eliminated from the Company's ongoing operations; (ii) the business has either been disposed of or is classified as held for sale; and (iii) the Company will not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the business after the disposal transaction. The results of discontinued operations (as well as the gain or loss on the disposal) are aggregated and separately presented in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations, net of income taxes.

Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements. In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an amended standard to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. The amendment eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity and requires that all changes in stockholders' equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In addition, the amendment requires companies to present on the face of the financial statements reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement(s) where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. The amendment does not affect how earnings per share is calculated or presented. This amendment is effective for interim and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, and must be applied retrospectively. In December 2011, the FASB deferred the requirements related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments. The adoption of the amendment not deferred by the FASB in the first quarter of 2012 is reflected in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

In February 2013, the FASB issued final guidance on the presentation of reclassifications out of other comprehensive income. The amendments require an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the income statement or in a footnote, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income, only if the amount reclassified is required by GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under GAAP that provide detail about those amounts. This amendment is effective for interim and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2012. The amended standard will not impact the Company's financial position or results of operations.

In July 2012, the FASB issued new guidance that amends the current indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment testing process. The new guidance permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of its indefinite-lived intangible assets is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. Previous guidance required an entity to test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, on at least an annual basis, by comparing the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset with its carrying amount. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted if an entity's financial statements for the most recent period have not yet been issued. The Company early adopted this guidance at the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2012.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity.

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