Accrued and Other Liabilities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Salaries, wages and benefits	$ 69,102	$ 135,553
Restructuring obligations	57,900	55,191
Accrued legal and other professional obligations	31,839	31,310
Accrued advertising	26,941	45,850
Student refunds, grants and scholarships	24,525	7,180
Deferred rent and other lease liabilities	13,227	14,001
Curriculum materials	11,962	10,764
Other	47,553	46,857
Total accrued and other current liabilities	283,049	346,706
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred rent and other lease liabilities	65,484	67,641
Restructuring lease obligations	60,561	64,610
Uncertain tax positions	35,727	33,637
Deferred gains on sale-leasebacks	22,223	22,894
Other	60,928	44,660
Total other long-term liabilities	$ 244,923	$ 233,442