Share-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Share-based compensation expense [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 3,401	$ 9,520
Instructional and student advisory [Member]
Share-based compensation expense [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	1,007	2,784
Marketing [Member]
Share-based compensation expense [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	214	764
Admissions advisory [Member]
Share-based compensation expense [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	34	165
General and administrative [Member]
Share-based compensation expense [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	2,146	5,754
Restructuring and impairment charges [Member]
Share-based compensation expense [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 0	$ 53