Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)			3 Months Ended
	Feb. 04, 2016 Plaintiff	Apr. 22, 2011 Student	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	May. 23, 2012 Member	Jan. 13, 2012 Finding	Jul. 14, 2008 Employee	Apr. 10, 2008 Claim	Mar. 05, 2008 Claim
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrual for legal fees and settlements | $			$ 1,900,000	$ 2,700,000
Number of OIG Findings						3
Number of documentation of attendance of students enrolled in CTU's						1
Number of calculation of returns of Title IV Program funds						1
Enea [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of plaintiffs | Plaintiff	7
Surrett [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of alleged claims for equitable relief | Claim									2
Number of claims added for money damages | Claim								2
Number of students in class | Student		2,600
Opt-out period expiration date			Jun. 20, 2011
Number of individuals WCI file motion to compel arbitration | Member					1,062
False Claims Act [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of former employees who filed complaint | Employee							4
OIG Audit [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Potential liability related to audit | $			$ 800,000