Summary of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Balances by Reporting Unit (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets balances	$ 284,131	$ 274,049
Devry University
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets balances	1,645
Becker Professional Review
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets balances	27,912
Ross University
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets balances	19,200
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets balances	1,200
Carrington Colleges Group Inc
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets balances	67,200
American University Of Caribbean
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets balances	117,100
DeVry Brasil
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets balances	$ 49,874