Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,201,037	$ 1,571,664	$ 1,284,769
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	377,092	379,407
Accounts receivable, net	250,895	215,567
Deferred tax assets, current portion	116,499	124,137
Prepaid taxes	0	35,629
Other current assets	41,208	44,382
Total current assets	1,986,731	2,370,786
Property and equipment, net	549,364	553,027
Marketable securities	5,946	5,946
Goodwill	149,639	133,297
Intangible assets, net	169,568	121,117
Deferred tax assets, less current portion	68,100	70,949
Other assets	24,303	14,584
Total assets	2,953,651	3,269,706
Current liabilities
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	27,598	419,318
Accounts payable	65,963	69,551
Accrued liabilities	379,771	398,806
Income taxes payable	79,888	0
Student deposits	399,803	424,045
Deferred revenue	314,919	293,436
Other current liabilities	50,420	50,131
Total current liabilities	1,318,362	1,655,287
Long-term debt	86,739	179,691
Deferred tax liabilities	25,055	26,400
Other long-term liabilities	199,178	164,339
Total liabilities	1,629,334	2,025,717
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
Shareholders' equity
Preferred stock, no par value
Additional paid-in capital	79,356	68,724
Apollo Group Class A treasury stock, at cost	(3,194,406)	(3,125,175)
Retained earnings	4,469,786	4,320,472
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(31,124)	(23,761)
Total Apollo shareholders equity	1,323,716	1,240,364
Noncontrolling interests	601	3,625
Total equity	1,324,317	1,243,989	1,388,740
Total liabilities and shareholders equity	2,953,651	3,269,706
Apollo Group Class A nonvoting common stock [Member]
Shareholders' equity
Apollo Group common stock	103	103
Apollo Group Class B voting common stock [Member]
Shareholders' equity
Apollo Group common stock	$ 1	$ 1