Intangible Assets (Summary Of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Balances By Reporting Unit) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets balances	$ 251,666	$ 177,292
DeVry University [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets balances	1,645
Becker Professional Review [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets balances	27,912
Ross University [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets balances	19,200
Chamberlain College Of Nursing [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets balances	1,200
Advanced Academics [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets balances	1,300
Carrington Colleges Group, Inc. [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets balances	71,100
American University Of Caribbean [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets balances	117,100
DeVry Brasil [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets balances	$ 12,209