Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	May 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 602,144	$ 1,571,664
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	353,884	379,407
Accounts receivable, net	191,665	215,567
Prepaid taxes	35,595	35,629
Deferred tax assets, current portion	58,084	124,137
Other current assets	42,732	44,382
Total current assets	1,284,104	2,370,786
Property and equipment, net	559,497	553,027
Marketable securities	5,946	5,946
Goodwill	148,218	133,297
Intangible assets, net	160,562	121,117
Deferred tax assets, less current portion	86,784	70,949
Other assets	24,833	14,584
Total assets	2,269,944	3,269,706
Current liabilities
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	35,827	419,318
Accounts payable	58,710	69,551
Student deposits	387,188	424,045
Deferred revenue	260,167	293,436
Accrued and other current liabilities	311,219	448,937
Total current liabilities	1,053,111	1,655,287
Long-term debt	90,167	179,691
Deferred tax liabilities	21,599	26,400
Other long-term liabilities	203,637	164,339
Total liabilities	1,368,514	2,025,717
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity
Preferred stock, no par value
Additional paid-in capital	103,528	68,724
Retained earnings	4,667,702	4,320,472
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(31,673)	(23,761)
Total Apollo shareholders equity	903,688	1,240,364
Noncontrolling (deficit) interests	(2,258)	3,625
Total equity	901,430	1,243,989
Total liabilities and shareholders equity	2,269,944	3,269,706
Apollo Group Class A nonvoting common stock [Member]
Shareholders' equity
Apollo Group common stock, no par value	103	103
Apollo Group Class A treasury stock, at cost	(3,835,973)	(3,125,175)
Apollo Group Class B voting common stock [Member]
Shareholders' equity
Apollo Group common stock, no par value	$ 1	$ 1