Accounts Receivable, Net (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2014

Receivables [Abstract]

Accounts receivable, net

Accounts receivable, net consist of the following as of the respective periods:

($ in thousands)	February 28, 2014			August 31, 2013
Student accounts receivable	$	236,571		$	243,660
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(53,038		)	(59,744		)
Net student accounts receivable	183,533			183,916
Other receivables	15,569			31,485
Total accounts receivable, net	$	199,102		$	215,401

Allowance for doubtful accounts

The following summarizes the activity in allowance for doubtful accounts for the respective periods:

	Three Months Ended February 28,						Six Months Ended February 28,
($ in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
Beginning allowance for doubtful accounts	$	55,895		$	101,793		$	59,744		$	107,230
Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable	11,534			18,902			25,512			52,308
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(14,391		)	(35,922		)	(32,218		)	(74,765		)
Ending allowance for doubtful accounts	$	53,038		$	84,773		$	53,038		$	84,773