Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)				3 Months Ended
	Feb. 15, 2017 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2017 Student	Jul. 28, 2009 Relator	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Jan. 13, 2012 Finding	Mar. 05, 2008 Claim
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrual for legal fees and settlements				$ 3,100,000	$ 34,500,000
Number of OIG Findings | Finding						3
Number of documentation of attendance of students enrolled in CTU's | Finding						1
Number of calculation of returns of Title IV Program funds | Finding						1
Surrett [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of alleged claims for equitable relief | Claim							2
Surrett [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of individuals in certified class | Student		1,275
False Claims Act [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrual for legal fees and settlements					$ 32,000,000
Number of relators | Relator			4
Settlement agreement date				February 15, 2017
Case dismissal date				Feb. 16, 2017
False Claims Act [Member] | Settled Litigation [Member] | Relators Claims for Attorney’s Fees and Costs [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Litigation settlement amount paid	$ 22,000,000
False Claims Act [Member] | Settled Litigation [Member] | United States [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Litigation settlement amount paid	$ 10,000,000
OIG Audit [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Potential liability related to audit				$ 1,000,000