Restructuring and Related Charges (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cost Reduction Initiatives and Related Charges [Line Items]
Instruction and educational support	$ 310,446	$ 300,098	$ 292,003
Marketing	75,426	71,864	74,293
Admissions advisory	20,390	26,374	26,531
General & administration	64,637	50,056	55,464
Total charges	470,899	448,392	448,291
Restructuring and Related Charges [Member]
Cost Reduction Initiatives and Related Charges [Line Items]
Instruction and educational support	36,160
Marketing	120
Admissions advisory	248
General & administration	18,162
Total charges	54,690
Lease and Related Costs [Member] \| Restructuring and Related Charges [Member]
Cost Reduction Initiatives and Related Charges [Line Items]
Instruction and educational support	30,612
Marketing
Admissions advisory
General & administration	17,180
Total charges	47,792
Severance and Other Employee Separation Costs [Member] \| Restructuring and Related Charges [Member]
Cost Reduction Initiatives and Related Charges [Line Items]
Instruction and educational support	5,548
Marketing	120
Admissions advisory	248
General & administration	982
Total charges	$ 6,898

Includes salaries, benefits, and related costs of personnel engaged in admissions.

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Total costs related to services rendered by an entity during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 2

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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Section S99

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+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03)

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The aggregate total of expenses of managing and administering the affairs of an entity, including affiliates of the reporting entity, which are not directly or indirectly associated with the manufacture, sale or creation of a product or product line.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

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-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.4)

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+ References

No definition available.

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