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Commitments and Contingencies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract] |
Commitments and Contingencies | 8. Commitments and Contingencies Leases The University leases certain land, buildings and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases expiring at various dates through 2023. Future minimum lease payments under operating leases due each year are as follows at December 31, 2011:
|  |  | September 30, |
2012 |  | $ | 6,419 |
2013 |  |  | 7,090 |
2014 |  |  | 6,651 |
2015 |  |  | 6,775 |
2016 |  |  | 6,080 |
Thereafter |  |  | 22,085 |
Total minimum payments |  | $ | 55,100 |
Total rent expense and related taxes and operating expenses under operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $7,388, $5,287, and $4,541, respectively. Legal Matters From time to time, the University is party to various lawsuits, claims, and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business, some of which are covered by insurance. When the University is aware of a claim or potential claim, it assesses the likelihood of any loss or exposure. If it is probable that a loss will result and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, the University records a liability for the loss. If the loss is not probable or the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, the University discloses the nature of the specific claim if the likelihood of a potential loss is reasonably possible and the amount involved is material. With respect to the majority of pending litigation matters, the University’s ultimate legal and financial responsibility, if any, cannot be estimated with certainty and, in most cases, any potential losses related to those matters are not considered probable. Upon resolution of any pending legal matters, the University may incur charges in excess of presently established reserves. Management does not believe that any such charges would, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the University’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Tax Reserves, Non-Income Tax Related From time to time the University has exposure to various non-income tax related matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the University has reserved approximately $49 and $92 for tax matters where its ultimate exposure is considered probable and the potential loss can be reasonably estimated. During 2009, a non-income tax related matter related to the University’s classification of its online faculty as independent contractors was resolved with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and, effective July 1, 2009, all faculty for the University have been treated as employees.

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