Quarterly Financial Results (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Results Of Operations [Line Items]
Loss related to loan program guarantees	$ 82,335	$ 4,826	$ 0	$ 3,803	$ 88,970	$ 5,095	$ 3,906	$ 3,054	$ 90,964	$ 101,025	$ 23,500
Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Quarterly Results Of Operations [Line Items]
Immaterial error correction related to students withdrawal from program					5,471
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Quarterly Results Of Operations [Line Items]
Immaterial error correction related to students withdrawal from program					5,571
2009 RSA [Member]
Quarterly Results Of Operations [Line Items]
Loss related to loan program guarantees					10,200
Contingent loss related to loan program guarantees					$ 1,084