Accounts Receivable, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 29, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Accounts receivable, net [Abstract]
Student accounts receivable					$ 278,804	$ 234,204
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	$ (48,038)	$ (52,682)	$ (42,259)	$ (50,145)	(48,125)	(42,259)
Net student accounts receivable					230,679	191,945
Other receivables					7,947	6,514
Total accounts receivable, net					$ 238,626	$ 198,459
Allowance for doubtful accounts [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	48,038	52,682	42,259	50,145
Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable	12,783	11,969	28,096	29,367
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(12,247)	(13,664)	(21,738)	(28,070)
Currency translation adjustment	(449)	(1,096)	(492)	(1,551)
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 48,125	$ 49,891	$ 48,125	$ 49,891