Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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+ Details

- Definition

The aggregate amount of goodwill acquired in the period and allocated to the reportable segment. The value is stated at fair value based on the purchase price allocation.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Loss recognized during the period that results from the write-down of goodwill after comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment.

+ References

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+ Details

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended				9 Months Ended				3 Months Ended
	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2011	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2011	May 31, 2012 University Of Phoenix [Member]	May 31, 2012 University Of Phoenix [Member] Minimum [Member]	May 31, 2012 Bpp Apollo Global [Member]	May 31, 2011 Bpp Apollo Global [Member]	May 31, 2012 Apollo Global Other [Member]	May 31, 2012 Other Schools [Member]	Nov. 30, 2011 Uniacc Apollo Global [Member]	May 31, 2012 Ula Apollo Global [Member]	May 31, 2012 Western International University [Member] Minimum [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill beginning balance			$ 133,297		$ 37,018		$ 50,694		$ 30,275	$ 15,310
Goodwill acquired			34,794		34,794		0		0	0
Impairment			(11,912)		0		0		(11,912)	0	(11,912)
Currency translation adjustment			(7,961)		0		(5,085)		(2,876)	0
Goodwill ending balance	148,218		148,218		71,812		45,609		15,487	15,310
Excess of fair value over carrying value						50.00%						25.00%	50.00%
Goodwill and other intangibles impairment	$ 0	$ 0	$ 16,788	$ 219,927				$ 219,927	$ 16,788		$ 16,788