Variable Interest Entities - Schedule of Revenue and Expenses of PEAKS Trust (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Student services and administrative expenses	$ 97,547	$ 98,335	$ 196,785	$ 200,056
Provision for PEAKS Trust student loan losses	9,071	4,319	9,071	4,319
Interest expense	6,263	7,369	13,164	10,943
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	574	26,707	6,715	3,781
PEAKS Trust [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Revenue	3,239	4,104	6,372	5,464
Student services and administrative expenses	1,221	1,559	2,637	2,078
Provision for PEAKS Trust student loan losses	9,071	4,319	9,071	4,319
Interest expense	5,508	6,256	11,614	8,678
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	$ (12,561)	$ (8,030)	$ (16,950)	$ (9,611)