Accounts Receivable, Net (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013
Accounts receivable, net [Abstract]
Student accounts receivable	$ 251,860		$ 243,660
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(55,895)	(101,793)
Net student accounts receivable	195,965		183,916
Other receivables	18,260		31,485
Total accounts receivable, net	214,225		215,401
Allowance for doubtful accounts [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	59,744	107,230
Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable	13,978	33,406
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(17,827)	(38,843)
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 55,895	$ 101,793