XML 60 R39.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.10.0.1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands |  | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Jul. 01, 2018 USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($) employee shares | May 31, 2017 USD ($) shares | Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) project Agency | Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Average days from the date of receipt in which funds remain as restricted cash and cash equivalents |  |  |  |  |  |  | 60 to 90 days |  |
Loss in investment interest and other |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 372 |  |
Capitalized interest rate on borrowings to finance improvements |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3.70% | 2.80% | 2.20%
Property and equipment, useful life |  |  |  |  |  |  | 15 years |  |
Royalty amortization period |  |  |  |  |  |  | 20 years |  |
Remaining prepaid royalty assets impaired | $ 3,037 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Reserve for uncertain tax positions including interest and penalties |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,960 | $ 2,008 |
Reduction in revenue due to scholarships offered to students |  |  |  |  |  | $ 101,176 |  | 196,334 | $ 179,230
Lease termination costs |  |  |  | $ 160 | $ 3,363 |  |  |  |
Cumulative effect from the adoption of accounting pronouncements, net of taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,174 |  |
Deferred revenue |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 46,895 |
Amortization of other current assets |  |  |  |  |  |  | next twelve month |  |
Period of LIBOR interest rate |  |  |  |  |  |  | 30 days |  |
Number of stages of software development projects | project |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3 |  |
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Estimated useful life |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3 years |  |
Grand Canyon University [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Remaining prepaid royalty assets impaired |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 3,037 |  |
Number of former employees hired |  | 100 | 100 |  |  |  |  |  |
Share-based compensation expense for restricted stock awards |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 7,880 |  |
Grand Canyon University [Member] | Restricted Stock Grants [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Shares issued under plan | shares |  | 82 | 82,027 |  |  |  |  |  |
Share-based compensation expense for restricted stock awards |  | $ 7,880 | $ 7,880 |  |  |  |  |  |
Grand Canyon University [Member] | Master Services Agreement [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of tuition and fee revenue used for closing of purchase agreement |  |  |  |  |  |  | 60.00% |  |
Initial maturity period of agreement |  |  |  |  |  |  | 15 years |  |
Early termination period of agreement |  |  |  |  |  |  | 7 years |  |
Refund or return rights under agreement |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 0 |  |
Interest Rate Corridor [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Notional amount of derivative instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 60,000 |  |
Description of interest rate risk hedge at several thresholds |  |  |  |  |  |  | the Company pays variable interest monthly based on the 30-day LIBOR rates until that index reaches 1.5%. If 30-day LIBOR is equal to 1.5% through 3.0%, the Company pays 1.5%. If 30-day LIBOR exceeds 3.0%, the Company pays actual 30-day LIBOR less 1.5%. |  |
Interest Rate Corridor [Member] | LIBOR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maximum percentage of variable interest rates based on LIBOR |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1.50% |  |
Percentage of amount paid by Company |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1.50% |  |
Percentage deducted from LIBOR for actual payment |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1.50% |  |
Other Assets [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair values of interest rate corridor instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 600 | $ 509 |
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property and equipment, useful life |  |  |  |  |  |  | 10 years |  |
Computer Equipment [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property and equipment, useful life |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4 years |  |
Vehicles [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property and equipment, useful life |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5 years |  |
Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of days from the date of receipt in which funds remain as restricted cash and cash equivalents |  |  |  |  |  |  | 60 days |  |
Number of major rating agencies reporting credit ratings | Agency |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1 |  |
Minimum | Interest Rate Corridor [Member] | LIBOR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of LIBOR |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1.50% |  |
Minimum | Land Improvements and Buildings [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property and equipment, useful life |  |  |  |  |  |  | 10 years |  |
Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of days from the date of receipt in which funds remain as restricted cash and cash equivalents |  |  |  |  |  |  | 90 days |  |
Maximum | Interest Rate Corridor [Member] | LIBOR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of LIBOR |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3.00% |  |
Maximum | Land Improvements and Buildings [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property and equipment, useful life |  |  |  |  |  |  | 40 years |  |
Revenue from Contracts with Customers [Member] | Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Direct and incremental capitalized costs |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 9,015 |  |
Deferred revenue |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 7,451 |  |

X
- Definition Aggregate notional amount specified by the derivative(s). Expressed as an absolute value. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Article 12 -Section 13 -Sentence Column B + Details
Name: | invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount
Namespace Prefix: | invest_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amortization of other current assets under reclassification. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lope_AmortizationOfOtherCurrentAssetsUnderReclassification
Namespace Prefix: | lope_
Data Type: | us-types:durationStringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Capitalized interest rate on borrowing to finance improvement. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lope_CapitalizedInterestRateOnBorrowingToFinanceImprovement
Namespace Prefix: | lope_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Cash and cash equivalent maturity period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lope_CashAndCashEquivalentMaturityPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | lope_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Early termination period of agreement. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lope_EarlyTerminationPeriodOfAgreement
Namespace Prefix: | lope_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Initial maturity period of agreement. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lope_InitialMaturityPeriodOfAgreement
Namespace Prefix: | lope_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Lease termination costs. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lope_LeaseTerminationCosts
Namespace Prefix: | lope_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Maximum percentage of variable interest rates based on base interest rate. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lope_MaximumPercentageOfVariableInterestRatesBasedOnBaseInterestRate
Namespace Prefix: | lope_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of former employees hired. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lope_NumberOfFormerEmployeesHired
Namespace Prefix: | lope_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of major rating agencies reporting credit ratings. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lope_NumberOfMajorRatingAgenciesReportingCreditRatings
Namespace Prefix: | lope_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Number of stages of software development projects. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lope_NumberOfStagesOfSoftwareDevelopmentProjects
Namespace Prefix: | lope_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Percentage deducted from base interest rate for actual payment. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lope_PercentageDeductedFromBaseInterestRateForActualPayment
Namespace Prefix: | lope_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Percentage of amount paid by university. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lope_PercentageOfAmountPaidByUniversity
Namespace Prefix: | lope_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Percentage of tuition and fee revenue used for closing of purchase agreement. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lope_PercentageOfTuitionAndFeeRevenueUsedForClosingOfPurchaseAgreement
Namespace Prefix: | lope_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Period of base interest rate. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lope_PeriodOfBaseInterestRate
Namespace Prefix: | lope_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Reduction in revenue due to scholarships offered to students. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lope_ReductionInRevenueDueToScholarshipsOfferedToStudents
Namespace Prefix: | lope_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Royalty amortization period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lope_RoyaltyAmortizationPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | lope_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Summary of significant accounting policies. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | lope_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of write-down of assets recognized in the income statement. Includes, but is not limited to, losses from tangible assets, intangible assets and goodwill. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109226348&loc=d3e2420-110228 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount, after accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment loss, of asset recognized from cost incurred to obtain or fulfill contract with customer. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 340 -SubTopic 40 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68051541&loc=SL49131252-203054 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CapitalizedContractCostNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of liability for consideration received or receivable from customer which is not included in transaction price, when consideration is expected to be refunded to customer. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 27 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=108792157&loc=SL49130611-203046-203046 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerRefundLiability
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value of credit risk derivative asset. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4K -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=SL5708775-113959 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CreditRiskDerivativeAssetsAtFairValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount after tax of increase (decrease) to equity or (increase) decrease to net assets, resulting from the cumulative effect adjustment of a new accounting principle applied in the period of adoption. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of unrealized loss recognized in earnings from transfer of investment in debt security measured at fair value with change in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income (available-for-sale) to investment in debt security measured at fair value with change in fair value recognized in net income (trading). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 320 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82897076&loc=d3e27357-111563 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTransferToTradingLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The compensation expense recognized during the period pertaining to the deferred compensation arrangement. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109197908&loc=d3e5047-113901 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 710 -SubTopic 10 -Section 30 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6409875&loc=d3e20015-108363 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The carrying amount of consideration received or receivable as of the balance sheet date on potential earnings that were not recognized as revenue in conformity with GAAP, and which are expected to be recognized as such within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, including sales, license fees, and royalties, but excluding interest income. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/otherTransitionRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 8 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82887183&loc=d3e6935-107765 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Variable interest rate in effect as of the balance sheet date related to the interest rate derivative. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeVariableInterestRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition General discussion of the entity's interest rate cash flow hedge activities. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=d3e41620-113959 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=SL5579240-113959 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=SL5579245-113959 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=d3e41641-113959 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1B -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=SL5580258-113959 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DescriptionOfInterestRateCashFlowHedgeActivities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Useful life of finite-lived intangible assets, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount recognized for uncertainty in income taxes classified as current. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.20) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LiabilityForUncertainTaxPositionsCurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Useful life of long lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Examples include, but not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Describe the agreement containing restrictions with respect to withdrawal or usage on a specific cash or cash equivalent item. Restrictions may include contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentItemAgreement
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of shares (or other type of equity) issued during the period as a result of any equity-based compensation plan other than an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), net of any shares forfeited. Shares issued could result from the issuance of restricted stock, the exercise of stock options, stock issued under employee stock purchase plans, and/or other employee benefit plans. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21463-112644 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(28)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(29)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=us-gaap_ComputerSoftwareIntangibleAssetMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis=lope_GrandCanyonUniversityMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis=us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis=lope_MasterServicesAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=lope_InterestRateCorridorMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_VehiclesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_LandBuildingsAndImprovementsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis=us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionAxis=us-gaap_DifferenceBetweenRevenueGuidanceInEffectBeforeAndAfterTopic606Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |