Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Share-based compensation expense [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 11,973	$ 16,889
Instructional and student advisory [Member]
Share-based compensation expense [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	3,533	7,588
Marketing [Member]
Share-based compensation expense [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	1,108	2,043
Admissions advisory [Member]
Share-based compensation expense [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	102	170
General and administrative [Member]
Share-based compensation expense [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	5,368	6,023
Restructuring and other charges [Member]
Share-based compensation expense [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 1,862	$ 1,065