XML 59 R44.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.6
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Jun. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2012
Segment
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]            
Number of reporting segments       7    
Percentage of cash receipts from Title IV Program funding       80.00% 83.00% 82.00%
Accumulative unrealized losses       $ (152,000) $ (40,000) $ 88,000
Loans disbursed under Credit Agreement secured by cash, percentage       110.00%    
Number of days past due to write off student receivables       Greater than 90 days    
Goodwill and asset impairment 85,600,000 188,800,000 2,700,000 96,500,000    
Goodwill   212,626,000 [1]   133,025,000 212,626,000 [1] 374,587,000 [1]
Asset impairment charges       30,500,000    
Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss) included a comprehensive loss related to foreign currency translations   4,800,000   4,300,000 4,800,000  
Costs of other goods and services included in educational services and facilities expense       56,500,000 82,100,000 88,300,000
Advertising costs       310,900,000 287,200,000 298,500,000
Maximum [Member]
            
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]            
Maturity period of Cash equivalents including short-term investments       90 days    
Municipal Bonds [Member]
            
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]            
Accumulative unrealized losses       500,000    
Teach Out Schools [Member]
            
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]            
Asset impairment charges       29,500,000    
University Schools [Member]
            
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]            
Asset impairment charges       $ 1,000,000    
Student Loans [Member] | Minimum [Member]
            
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]            
Student receivables period       1 year    
Student Loans [Member] | Maximum [Member]
            
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]            
Student receivables period       1 year    
Non Current Assets [Member] | Student Loans [Member] | Minimum [Member]
            
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]            
Student receivables period       1 year    
Non Current Assets [Member] | Student Loans [Member] | Maximum [Member]
            
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]            
Student receivables period       10 years    
[1] Goodwill balances were reclassified upon the reorganization of our reporting segments during the fourth quarter of 2012.