DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION [Abstract]
Business Activities	Business Activities— Lincoln Educational Services Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”, “we”, “our” and “us”, as applicable) provide diversified career-oriented post-secondary education to recent high school graduates and working adults. The Company, which currently operates 22 schools in 14 states, offers programs in automotive technology, skilled trades (which include HVAC, welding and computerized numerical control and electronic systems technology, among other programs), healthcare services (which include nursing, dental assistant and medical administrative assistant, among other programs), hospitality services (which include culinary, therapeutic massage, cosmetology and aesthetics) and information technology. The schools operate under Lincoln Technical Institute, Lincoln College of Technology, Lincoln Culinary Institute, and Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts and Sciences and associated brand names. Most of the campuses serve major metropolitan markets and each typically offers courses in multiple areas of study. Five of the campuses are destination schools, which attract students from across the United States and, in some cases, from abroad. The Company’s other campuses primarily attract students from their local communities and surrounding areas. All of the campuses are nationally or regionally accredited and are eligible to participate in federal financial aid programs by the U.S. Department of Education (the “DOE” or the “Department”) and applicable state education agencies and accrediting commissions which allow students to apply for and access federal student loans as well as other forms of financial aid. The Company’s business is organized into two reportable business segments: (a) Transportation and Skilled Trades, and (b) Healthcare and Other Professions (“HOPS”).
Liquidity	Liquidity—As of March 31, 2021, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $26.7 million and a net cash balance of $10.0 million calculated as cash and cash equivalents, less both the short-term and long-term portions of the Company’s Credit Facility (defined below). As of March 31, 2021, the Company also can borrow an additional $21.0 million under its Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had a net cash balance of $20.8 million. The Company believes that its likely sources of cash should be sufficient to fund operations for the next twelve months and thereafter for the foreseeable future. However, the circumstances relating to COVID-19 and its evolution are unpredictable and, if circumstances surrounding COVID-19 should evolve in a significantly adverse manner, it is possible our liquidity could be materially and adversely affected.
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation – The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements have been omitted or condensed pursuant to such regulations. These financial statements, which should be read in conjunction with the December 31, 2020 audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and related disclosures of the Company included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for such periods. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2021. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates the estimates and assumptions, including those used to determine the incremental borrowing rate to calculate lease liabilities and right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, lease term to calculate lease cost, revenue recognition, bad debts, impairments, useful lives of fixed assets, income taxes, benefit plans and certain accruals. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements – In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” These amendments provide temporary optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The ASU provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. It is intended to help stakeholders during the global market-wide reference rate transition period. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope” which clarifies that certain optional expedients and exceptions in Topic 848 for contract modifications and hedge accounting apply to derivatives that are affected by the discounting transition. The guidance is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company is implementing a transition plan to identify and modify its loans and other financial instruments with attributes that are either directly or indirectly influenced by LIBOR. The Company is continuing to assess ASU 2020-04 and its impact on the Company’s transition away from LIBOR for its loan and other financial instruments. In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-10, “Codification Improvements”, which makes minor technical corrections and clarifications to the ASU. The amendments in Sections B and C of the ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020, for public business entities. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022. This update did not have an impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, “Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity”. This ASU simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts on an entity’s own equity. The ASU removes separation models for (1) convertible debt with a cash conversion feature and (2) convertible instruments with a beneficial conversion feature and hence most of the instruments will be accounted for as a single model (either debt or equity). The ASU also states that entities must apply the if-converted method to all convertible instruments for calculation of diluted EPS and the treasury stock method is no longer available. An entity can use either a full or modified retrospective approach to adopt the ASU’s guidance. ASU No. 2020-06 is effective for the Company as a smaller reporting company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For convertible instruments that include a down-round feature, entities may early adopt the amendments that apply to the down-round features if they have not yet adopted the amendments in ASU 2017-11. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this ASU will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-03, “Codification Improvements to Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2020-03”). ASU 2020-03 improves and clarifies various financial instruments topics. ASU 2020-03 includes seven different issues that describe the areas of improvement and the related amendments to GAAP. The Company adopted ASU 2020-03 upon issuance, which did not have a material effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes”, which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles of ASC 740, “Income Taxes”. ASU 2019-12 also clarifies and amends GAAP for other areas of Topic 740. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. Depending on the amendment, adoption may be applied on a retrospective, modified retrospective or prospective basis. This ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits – Defined Benefit Plans – General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans”. This ASU adds, modifies and clarifies several disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. This guidance is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2018-14 on January 1, 2020, which did not have a material effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” and subsequently issued additional guidance that modified ASU 2016-13. ASU 2016-13 and the subsequent modifications are identified as Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 326. The standard requires an entity to change its accounting approach in determining impairment of certain financial instruments, including trade receivables, from an “incurred loss” to a “current expected credit loss” model. Further, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-04, ASU No. 2019-05 and ASU 2019-11 to provide additional guidance on the credit losses standard. In November 2019, FASB issued ASU No. 2019-10, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842)”. This ASU defers the effective date of ASU 2016-13 for public companies that are considered smaller reporting companies as defined by the SEC to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Additionally, in February and March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-02, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 and Update to SEC Section on Effective Date Related to Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)” ASU 2020-02 adds a SEC paragraph pursuant to the issuance of SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 on loan losses to FASB Codification Topic 326 and also updates the SEC section of the Codification for the change in the effective date of Topic 842. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact that these ASUs will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes – The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes”. This statement requires an asset and a liability approach for measuring deferred taxes based on temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities existing at each balance sheet date using enacted tax rates for years in which taxes are expected to be paid or recovered. In accordance with ASC 740, the Company assesses our deferred tax asset to determine whether all or any portion of the asset is more likely than not unrealizable. A valuation allowance is required to be established or maintained when, based on currently available information, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In accordance with ASC 740, our assessment considers whether there has been sufficient income in recent years and whether sufficient income is expected in future years in order to utilize the deferred tax asset. In evaluating the realizability of deferred income tax assets, the Company considers, among other things, historical levels of income, expected future income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary reporting differences, and the expected impact of tax planning strategies that may be implemented to prevent the potential loss of future income tax benefits. Significant judgment is required in determining the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our consolidated financial statements and/or tax returns. Differences between anticipated and actual outcomes of these future tax consequences could have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. Changes in, among other things, income tax legislation, statutory income tax rates, or future income levels could materially impact the Company’s valuation of income tax assets and liabilities and could cause our income tax provision to vary significantly among financial reporting periods. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company did not recognize any interest and penalties expense associated with uncertain tax positions.
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments—The Company records the fair value of derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. The accounting for gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value is dependent on the use of the derivative and whether it is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting. All qualifying hedging activities are documented at the inception of the hedge and must meet the definition of highly effective in offsetting changes to future cash. The Company utilizes the change in variable cash flows method to evaluate hedge effectiveness quarterly. We record the fair value of the qualifying hedges in other long-term liabilities (for derivative liabilities) and other assets (for derivative assets). All unrealized gains and losses on derivatives that are designated and qualify for hedge accounting are reported in other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized when the underlying hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). The Company classifies the cash flows from a cash flow hedge within the same category as the cash flows from the items being hedged.

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION [Abstract]

Business Activities— Lincoln Educational Services Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”, “we”, “our” and “us”, as applicable) provide diversified career-oriented post-secondary education to recent high school graduates and working adults. The Company, which currently operates 22 schools in 14 states, offers programs in automotive technology, skilled trades (which include HVAC, welding and computerized numerical control and electronic systems technology, among other programs), healthcare services (which include nursing, dental assistant and medical administrative assistant, among other programs), hospitality services (which include culinary, therapeutic massage, cosmetology and aesthetics) and information technology. The schools operate under Lincoln Technical Institute, Lincoln College of Technology, Lincoln Culinary Institute, and Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts and Sciences and associated brand names. Most of the campuses serve major metropolitan markets and each typically offers courses in multiple areas of study. Five of the campuses are destination schools, which attract students from across the United States and, in some cases, from abroad. The Company’s other campuses primarily attract students from their local communities and surrounding areas. All of the campuses are nationally or regionally accredited and are eligible to participate in federal financial aid programs by the U.S. Department of Education (the “DOE” or the “Department”) and applicable state education agencies and accrediting commissions which allow students to apply for and access federal student loans as well as other forms of financial aid.

The Company’s business is organized into two reportable business segments: (a) Transportation and Skilled Trades, and (b) Healthcare and Other Professions (“HOPS”).

Liquidity

Liquidity—As of March 31, 2021, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $26.7 million and a net cash balance of $10.0 million calculated as cash and cash equivalents, less both the short-term and long-term portions of the Company’s Credit Facility (defined below). As of March 31, 2021, the Company also can borrow an additional $21.0 million under its Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had a net cash balance of $20.8 million. The Company believes that its likely sources of cash should be sufficient to fund operations for the next twelve months and thereafter for the foreseeable future. However, the circumstances relating to COVID-19 and its evolution are unpredictable and, if circumstances surrounding COVID-19 should evolve in a significantly adverse manner, it is possible our liquidity could be materially and adversely affected.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements have been omitted or condensed pursuant to such regulations. These financial statements, which should be read in conjunction with the December 31, 2020 audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and related disclosures of the Company included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for such periods. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2021.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates the estimates and assumptions, including those used to determine the incremental borrowing rate to calculate lease liabilities and right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, lease term to calculate lease cost, revenue recognition, bad debts, impairments, useful lives of fixed assets, income taxes, benefit plans and certain accruals. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements – In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” These amendments provide temporary optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The ASU provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. It is intended to help stakeholders during the global market-wide reference rate transition period. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope” which clarifies that certain optional expedients and exceptions in Topic 848 for contract modifications and hedge accounting apply to derivatives that are affected by the discounting transition. The guidance is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company is implementing a transition plan to identify and modify its loans and other financial instruments with attributes that are either directly or indirectly influenced by LIBOR. The Company is continuing to assess ASU 2020-04 and its impact on the Company’s transition away from LIBOR for its loan and other financial instruments.

In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-10, “Codification Improvements”, which makes minor technical corrections and clarifications to the ASU. The amendments in Sections B and C of the ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020, for public business entities. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022. This update did not have an impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, “Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity”. This ASU simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts on an entity’s own equity. The ASU removes separation models for (1) convertible debt with a cash conversion feature and (2) convertible instruments with a beneficial conversion feature and hence most of the instruments will be accounted for as a single model (either debt or equity). The ASU also states that entities must apply the if-converted method to all convertible instruments for calculation of diluted EPS and the treasury stock method is no longer available. An entity can use either a full or modified retrospective approach to adopt the ASU’s guidance. ASU No. 2020-06 is effective for the Company as a smaller reporting company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For convertible instruments that include a down-round feature, entities may early adopt the amendments that apply to the down-round features if they have not yet adopted the amendments in ASU 2017-11. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this ASU will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-03, “Codification Improvements to Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2020-03”). ASU 2020-03 improves and clarifies various financial instruments topics. ASU 2020-03 includes seven different issues that describe the areas of improvement and the related amendments to GAAP. The Company adopted ASU 2020-03 upon issuance, which did not have a material effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes”, which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles of ASC 740, “Income Taxes”. ASU 2019-12 also clarifies and amends GAAP for other areas of Topic 740. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. Depending on the amendment, adoption may be applied on a retrospective, modified retrospective or prospective basis. This ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits – Defined Benefit Plans – General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans”. This ASU adds, modifies and clarifies several disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. This guidance is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2018-14 on January 1, 2020, which did not have a material effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” and subsequently issued additional guidance that modified ASU 2016-13. ASU 2016-13 and the subsequent modifications are identified as Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 326. The standard requires an entity to change its accounting approach in determining impairment of certain financial instruments, including trade receivables, from an “incurred loss” to a “current expected credit loss” model. Further, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-04, ASU No. 2019-05 and ASU 2019-11 to provide additional guidance on the credit losses standard. In November 2019, FASB issued ASU No. 2019-10, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842)”. This ASU defers the effective date of ASU 2016-13 for public companies that are considered smaller reporting companies as defined by the SEC to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Additionally, in February and March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-02, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 and Update to SEC Section on Effective Date Related to Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)” ASU 2020-02 adds a SEC paragraph pursuant to the issuance of SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 on loan losses to FASB Codification Topic 326 and also updates the SEC section of the Codification for the change in the effective date of Topic 842. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact that these ASUs will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes – The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes”. This statement requires an asset and a liability approach for measuring deferred taxes based on temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities existing at each balance sheet date using enacted tax rates for years in which taxes are expected to be paid or recovered.

In accordance with ASC 740, the Company assesses our deferred tax asset to determine whether all or any portion of the asset is more likely than not unrealizable. A valuation allowance is required to be established or maintained when, based on currently available information, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In accordance with ASC 740, our assessment considers whether there has been sufficient income in recent years and whether sufficient income is expected in future years in order to utilize the deferred tax asset. In evaluating the realizability of deferred income tax assets, the Company considers, among other things, historical levels of income, expected future income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary reporting differences, and the expected impact of tax planning strategies that may be implemented to prevent the potential loss of future income tax benefits. Significant judgment is required in determining the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our consolidated financial statements and/or tax returns. Differences between anticipated and actual outcomes of these future tax consequences could have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. Changes in, among other things, income tax legislation, statutory income tax rates, or future income levels could materially impact the Company’s valuation of income tax assets and liabilities and could cause our income tax provision to vary significantly among financial reporting periods.

During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company did not recognize any interest and penalties expense associated with uncertain tax positions.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments—The Company records the fair value of derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. The accounting for gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value is dependent on the use of the derivative and whether it is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting.

All qualifying hedging activities are documented at the inception of the hedge and must meet the definition of highly effective in offsetting changes to future cash. The Company utilizes the change in variable cash flows method to evaluate hedge effectiveness quarterly. We record the fair value of the qualifying hedges in other long-term liabilities (for derivative liabilities) and other assets (for derivative assets). All unrealized gains and losses on derivatives that are designated and qualify for hedge accounting are reported in other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized when the underlying hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). The Company classifies the cash flows from a cash flow hedge within the same category as the cash flows from the items being hedged.