Accrued and Other Liabilities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	May 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Salaries, wages and benefits	$ 105,802	$ 117,432
Accrued advertising	37,645	45,737
Restructuring lease obligations	37,000	11,300
Accrued legal and other professional obligations	29,632	57,476
Deferred rent and other lease liabilities	19,079	19,868
Curriculum materials	11,054	13,004
Student refunds, grants and scholarships	8,955	11,181
Other	39,677	53,281
Total accrued and other current liabilities	283,159	324,881
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred rent and other lease liabilities	67,712	88,164
Restructuring lease obligations	56,847	19,122
Uncertain tax positions	35,759	27,223
Deferred gains on sale-leasebacks	23,594	25,692
Other	40,072	31,555
Total other long-term liabilities	223,984	191,756
Lease and related costs, net [Member]
Restructuring lease obligations	$ 31,315	$ 6,902