Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis [Line Items]
Contingent consideration	$ 0
Change in fair value included in net income	(1,121)	466
Payment for contingent consideration		0
Balance	0
Payment for contingent consideration	21,371	0
Open Colleges [Member]
Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis [Line Items]
Initial contingent consideration at fair value	21,371
Payment for contingent consideration	(34,480)
Recurring Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis [Line Items]
Contingent consideration			41,893
Balance			41,893
Balance			41,893
Recurring Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Noncontrolling Interest in Apollo Global [Member]
Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis [Line Items]
Contingent consideration	6,292
Balance	6,292
Level 1 [Member] | Recurring Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis [Line Items]
Contingent consideration	0		0
Balance			0
Balance	0		0
Level 2 [Member] | Recurring Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis [Line Items]
Contingent consideration	0		0
Balance			0
Balance	0		0
Level 3 [Member] | Recurring Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis [Line Items]
Contingent consideration		5,743	41,893	5,277
Balance			41,893	5,277
Balance		5,743	41,893	5,277
Level 3 [Member] | Recurring Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Noncontrolling Interest in Apollo Global [Member]
Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis [Line Items]
Contingent consideration	6,292
Balance	$ 6,292