Regulatory Matters (Details) (University Of Phoenix [Member])	12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2012
Percentage of consolidated net revenue	91.00%
Title IV percentage	84.00%
Minimum [Member]
Percentage of consolidated operating income	100.00%

Percentage of cash basis revenue for eligible tuition and fees from receipt of Title IV financial aid program funds, as calculated under the 90/10 Rule.

No definition available.

Name:	apol_TitleIVPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	apol_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant