Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities      
Net income $ 9,668 $ 45,883 $ 121,146
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Provision for bad debts 28,184 47,119 52,767
Depreciation and amortization 23,317 21,666 17,424
Amortization of premium/discount 206 2,624 8,992
Deferred income taxes (7,096) (6,962) (11,373)
Stock-based compensation 10,558 13,934 13,729
Excess tax benefit of option exercises (1,271) (2,590) (10,058)
Loss on impairment of student loans receivable 2,435 1,998 0
Net gain on marketable securities (34) (63) 0
Loss on termination of leased space 6,470 328 0
Loss on disposal of fixed assets 7,028 751 1,153
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Restricted cash 11,042 10,048 6,721
Accounts receivable (27,323) (15,973) (62,333)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 659 (2,607) (2,387)
Student loans receivable 809 291 (5,742)
Other long-term assets 266 (412) 2,131
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (12,102) 13,220 12,100
Deferred revenue and student deposits (24,411) (41,607) (3,921)
Other liabilities (3,754) (184) 8,772
Uncertain tax position 568 (1,878) 784
Net cash provided by operating activities 25,219 85,586 149,905
Cash flows from investing activities      
Capital expenditures (11,429) (14,825) (25,296)
Purchases of investments (87,933) (26,759) (179,387)
Restricted cash (30) 0 25
Capitalized costs for intangible assets (3,634) (19,563) (5,262)
Sales and maturities of investments 70,000 176,343 186,911
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (33,026) 115,196 (23,009)
Cash flows from financing activities      
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 3,108 10,464 2,257
Tax withholdings related to net exercise of stock options 0 (9,170) (10,418)
Excess tax benefit of option exercises 1,271 2,590 10,058
Proceeds from the issuance of stock under employee stock purchase plan 0 1,234 1,340
Proceeds from the exercise of warrants 0 231 490
Tax withholdings related to net exercise of warrants 0 0 (944)
Issuance of restricted stock (2,095) (1,080) (313)
Repurchase of common stock 0 (201,496) (602)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 2,284 (197,227) 1,868
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (5,523) 3,555 128,764
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 212,526 208,971 80,207
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 207,003 212,526 208,971
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information      
Cash paid for interest 128 146 130
Cash paid for income taxes 15,534 38,642 65,075
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions:      
Purchase of equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 109 $ 136 $ 509