Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Face amount of surety bonds	$ 33,000
Approximate claims and contingencies related to litigation, business transactions, guarantee arrangements and employee-related matters and others	41,600
Recorded liability claims and contingencies included in Other current liabilities	6,000
Recorded liability claims and contingencies included in Other liabilities	35,600
Range of possible losses less than amount accrued	15,000
Range of possible losses greater than portion accrued	15,000
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
PEAKS senior debt maturity date	2020-01
Maximum future payments for PEAKS senior debt	284,000
Education Loan Under 2009 Loan Program
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Principal amount for private education loans	141,000
Obligation repayment term (in Years)	10 years
Education Loan Under 2007 Loan Program
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Principal amount for private education loans	$ 180,000
Obligation repayment term (in Years)	10 years