Accounts Receivable, Net (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2011	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2011
Accounts receivable, net [Abstract]
Student accounts receivable	$ 282,642		$ 282,642		$ 324,324
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(110,202)	(145,927)	(110,202)	(145,927)
Net student accounts receivable	172,440		172,440		195,427
Other receivables	19,225		19,225		20,140
Total accounts receivable, net	191,665		191,665		215,567
Allowance for doubtful accounts [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	118,946	159,882	128,897	192,857
Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable	35,430	39,217	108,009	141,666
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(44,174)	(53,172)	(126,704)	(188,596)
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 110,202	$ 145,927	$ 110,202	$ 145,927