Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)		9 Months Ended
	Apr. 22, 2011 Student	Sep. 30, 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 | $		$ 2,600,000	$ 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
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] | Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Potential liability related to audit | $		$ 1,000,000