Stock and Savings Plans (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands	12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010	Aug. 31, 2009
Share-based compensation expense [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	$ 70,040	$ 64,305	$ 68,038
Tax effect of share-based compensation	(26,715)	(25,290)	(26,603)
Share-based compensation expense, net of tax	43,325	39,015	41,435
Instructional and student advisory [Member]
Share-based compensation expense [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	27,012	23,603	22,102
Marketing [Member]
Share-based compensation expense [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	5,306	5,116	2,062
Admissions advisory [Member]
Share-based compensation expense [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	2,109	1,528	2,113
General and administrative [Member]
Share-based compensation expense [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	$ 35,613	$ 34,058	$ 41,761

The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock or unit options, amortization of restricted stock or units, and adjustment for officers' compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 28

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration