Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Mar. 03, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0001286613
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Address, State or Province	NJ
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 78,301,591
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		26,988,965