Accounts Receivable, Net (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2011	Nov. 30, 2010	Aug. 31, 2011
Accounts receivable, net [Abstract]
Student accounts receivable	$ 351,388		$ 324,324
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(122,590)	(176,336)
Net student accounts receivable	228,798		195,427
Other receivables	22,097		20,140
Total accounts receivable, net	250,895		215,567
Allowance for doubtful accounts [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	128,897	192,857
Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable	41,583	56,909
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(47,890)	(73,430)
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 122,590	$ 176,336