Significant Accounting Policies - Deferred Revenue and Student Deposits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Deferred revenue and student deposits	$ 20,639	$ 29,727
Sales Revenue, Services, Net
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Scholarship assistance	$ 18,021	$ 7,583	$ 2,589

Total of amount of deferred revenue and student deposits as of balance sheet date. Deferred revenue represents collections of cash or other assets related to a revenue producing activity for which revenue has not yet been recognized. Generally, an entity records deferred revenue when it receives consideration from a customer before achieving certain criteria that must be met for revenue to be recognized in conformity with GAAP. Student deposits represent refundable pre-payments received and payments received in excess of billings.

No definition available.

Name:	apei_DeferredRevenueAndStudentDeposits
Namespace Prefix:	apei_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant