Accounts Receivable, Net (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Accounts receivable, net [Abstract]
Student accounts receivable	$ 274,295		$ 274,295		$ 255,134
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(49,891)	(53,038)	(49,891)	(53,038)
Net student accounts receivable	224,404		224,404		204,989
Other receivables	11,049		11,049		20,409
Total accounts receivable, net	235,453		235,453		225,398
Allowance for doubtful accounts [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	52,682	55,895	50,145	59,744
Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable	11,969	11,534	29,367	25,512
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(14,760)	(14,391)	(29,621)	(32,218)
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 49,891	$ 53,038	$ 49,891	$ 53,038