Accrued and Other Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Salaries, wages and benefits	$ 89,394,000	$ 135,553,000
Restructuring obligations	56,687,000	55,191,000
Accrued legal and other professional obligations	35,600,000	31,310,000
Accrued advertising	27,275,000	45,850,000
Student refunds, grants and scholarships	15,780,000	7,180,000
Deferred rent and other lease liabilities	12,728,000	14,001,000
Curriculum materials	10,073,000	10,764,000
Other	50,777,000	46,857,000
Total accrued and other current liabilities	328,240,000	346,706,000
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred rent and other lease liabilities	62,903,000	67,641,000
Restructuring obligations	58,615,000	64,610,000
Deferred gains on sale-leasebacks	22,379,000	22,894,000
Uncertain tax positions	17,929,000	33,637,000
Other	60,238,000	44,660,000
Total other long-term liabilities	222,064,000	233,442,000
Open Colleges [Member]
Contingent consideration, current portion	$ 29,926,000	$ 0