Accrued and Other Liabilities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012
Accrued and other current liabilities [Abstract]
Salaries, wages and benefits	$ 77,695	$ 117,432
Accrued legal and other professional obligations	40,226	57,476
Accrued advertising	31,056	45,737
Deferred rent and other lease liabilities	18,734	19,868
Student refunds, grants and scholarships	13,987	11,181
Curriculum materials	12,900	13,004
Other	68,835	60,183
Total accrued and other current liabilities	263,433	324,881
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred rent and other lease liabilities	87,197	88,164
Uncertain tax positions	26,770	27,223
Deferred gains on sale-leasebacks	24,993	25,692
Restructuring lease obligations	18,028	19,122
Other	46,717	31,555
Total other long-term liabilities	$ 203,705	$ 191,756