Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Allowance for receivables
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 6,648	$ 6,276	$ 8,077
Additions/ (Reductions)	4,178	4,571	4,671
Write-offs	(4,652)	(4,199)	(6,472)
Balance at end of period	6,174	6,648	6,276
American Public Education Segment
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	2,669	3,253	4,712
Additions/ (Reductions)	2,004	1,937	2,631
Write-offs	(2,433)	(2,521)	(4,090)
Balance at end of period	2,240	2,669	3,253
Hondros College of Nursing Segment
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	3,979	3,023	3,365
Additions/ (Reductions)	2,174	2,634	2,040
Write-offs	(2,219)	(1,678)	(2,382)
Balance at end of period	$ 3,934	$ 3,979	$ 3,023