Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Nov. 02, 2013
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 13,175		$ 11,106		$ 4,996
Additions/(reductions)	18,824	[1]	15,734	[1]	13,610	[1]
Write-offs	(21,300)		(13,665)		(7,500)
Balance at end of period	10,699		13,175		11,106
Hondros College of Nursing Segment
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period							1,461
Balance at end of period							1,461
Hondros College of Nursing Segment | Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	1,723
Additions/(reductions)	1,344	[1]	1,723	[1]
Write-offs	(829)
Balance at end of period	2,238		1,723
American Public Education Segment | Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	11,452		11,106		4,996
Additions/(reductions)	17,480	[1]	14,011	[1]	13,610	[1]
Write-offs	(20,471)		(13,665)		(7,500)
Balance at end of period	$ 8,461		$ 11,452		$ 11,106

[1] Hondros College of Nursing additions include $1.461 million beginning balance as of November 1, 2013.