Accounts Receivable, Net (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
Accounts receivable, net [Abstract]
Student accounts receivable	$ 236,571		$ 236,571		$ 243,660
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(53,038)	(84,773)	(53,038)	(84,773)
Net student accounts receivable	183,533		183,533		183,916
Other receivables	15,569		15,569		31,485
Total accounts receivable, net	199,102		199,102		215,401
Allowance for doubtful accounts [Abstract]
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)
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 53,038	$ 84,773	$ 53,038	$ 84,773