Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Face amount of surety bonds	$ 33,000
Approximate claims and contingencies related to litigation, business transactions, guarantee arrangements and employee-related matters and others	37,500
Range of possible losses less than amount accrued	20,000
Range of possible losses greater than portion accrued	20,000
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
PEAKS Senior Debt maturity date	January 2020
Maximum future payments for PEAKS Senior Debt	290,000
Education Loan Under 2009 Loan Program [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Principal amount for private education loans	141,000
Education Loan Under 2007 Loan Program [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Principal amount for private education loans	$ 180,000