Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 105,111	$ 21,189
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	55,964	56,115
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $8,657 and $11,706 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively	7,951	11,815
Note receivable secured by real estate	27,000
Income taxes receivable		11,861
Deferred income taxes	5,481	3,353
Other current assets	12,667	11,081
Total current assets	214,174	115,414
Property and equipment, net	269,162	189,947
Restricted cash	225	555
Prepaid royalties	5,299	5,958
Goodwill	2,941	2,941
Other assets	3,122	3,032
Total assets	494,923	317,847
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	14,174	18,523
Accrued compensation and benefits	18,812	12,229
Accrued liabilities	17,467	8,456
Income taxes payable	8,704	536
Student deposits	57,745	57,602
Deferred revenue	28,614	21,723
Due to related parties	523	227
Current portion of capital lease obligations	87	470
Current portion of notes payable	6,601	1,739
Total current liabilities	152,727	121,505
Capital lease obligations, less current portion	587	674
Other noncurrent liabilities	7,405	7,140
Deferred income taxes, non-current	7,045	5,334
Notes payable, less current portion	93,100	19,901
Total liabilities	260,864	154,554
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 2011
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorized; 47,136 and 45,955 shares issued and 44,716 and 44,298 shares outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively	471	460
Treasury stock, at cost, 2,420 and 1,657 shares of common stock at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively	(39,136)	(23,894)
Additional paid-in capital	102,133	85,720
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(223)	(360)
Accumulated earnings	170,814	101,367
Total stockholders' equity	234,059	163,293
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 494,923	$ 317,847