CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) [Abstract]
REVENUE	$ 104,871	$ 145,358
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Educational services and facilities	51,809	59,016
Selling, general and administrative	57,187	67,888
Gain on sale of assets	(30)	(21)
Total costs & expenses	108,966	126,883
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME	(4,095)	18,475
OTHER:
Interest income	2	3
Interest expense	(1,314)	(1,092)
Other income	8	6
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	(5,399)	17,392
(BENEFIT) PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	(2,344)	7,036
NET (LOSS) INCOME	$ (3,055)	$ 10,356
Basic
Net (loss) income per share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.14)	$ 0.47
Diluted
Net (loss) income per share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.14)	$ 0.46
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	22,137	21,943
Diluted (in shares)	22,137	22,418