Intangible Assets And Goodwill (Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying amount	$ 105,681	$ 105,380
Definite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(71,504)	(67,726)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net carrying amount	34,177	37,654
Intangible assets, gross carrying amount	128,681	128,380
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(71,504)	(67,726)
Intangible assets, net carrying amount	57,177	60,654
Trade Names [Member]
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Covey trade name	23,000	23,000
License Rights [Member]
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying amount	27,000	27,000
Definite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(14,915)	(13,978)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net carrying amount	12,085	13,022
Acquired Curriculum [Member]
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying amount	58,555	58,427
Definite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(39,009)	(37,550)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net carrying amount	19,546	20,877
Customer Lists [Member]
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying amount	16,827	16,685
Definite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(15,953)	(15,426)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net carrying amount	874	1,259
Internally Developed Software [Member]
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying amount	2,049	2,049
Definite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(1,025)	(341)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net carrying amount	1,024	1,708
Trade Names [Member]
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying amount	1,250	1,219
Definite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(602)	(431)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net carrying amount	$ 648	$ 788