Goodwill and Intangibles (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill beginning balance	$ 103,620
Open Colleges acquisition	127,656
Currency translation adjustment	1,761
Goodwill ending balance	233,037
Future intangible amortization [Abstract]
Remainder of fiscal year 2014	12,969
2015	22,054
2016	18,968
2017	10,538
2018	7,411
2019	3,207
Thereafter	7,871
Total estimated amortization expense	83,018
University Of Phoenix [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill beginning balance	71,812
Open Colleges acquisition	0
Currency translation adjustment	0
Goodwill ending balance	71,812
Apollo Global [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill beginning balance	14,917
Open Colleges acquisition	127,656
Currency translation adjustment	1,761
Goodwill ending balance	144,334
Other [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill beginning balance	16,891
Open Colleges acquisition	0
Currency translation adjustment	0
Goodwill ending balance	$ 16,891