CAMPUS CLOSINGS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012 Seven Campuses [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Seven Campuses [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Seven Campuses [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 Seven Campuses [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of campuses at which operations will be ceased			7
Results of operations [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 104,144	$ 123,482	$ 309,380	$ 397,064	$ 9,134	$ 20,803	$ 34,733	$ 25,790
Operating expenses					(26,304)	(26,063)	(27,075)	(17,497)
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME	(2,461)	(5,043)	(34,651)	22,770	(17,170)	(5,260)	7,658	8,293
Impairments of goodwill and long-lived assets	$ 0	$ 10,377	$ 23,683	$ 10,377	$ 9,400	$ 2,100	$ 1,400