Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2011	Nov. 30, 2010
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill beginning balance	$ 133,297
Goodwill acquired	34,794
Impairment	(11,912)
Currency translation adjustment	(6,540)
Goodwill ending balance	149,639
Goodwill and other intangibles impairment	16,788	0
University Of Phoenix [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill beginning balance	37,018
Goodwill acquired	34,794
Impairment	0
Currency translation adjustment	0
Goodwill ending balance	71,812
Bpp Apollo Global [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill beginning balance	50,694
Goodwill acquired	0
Impairment	0
Currency translation adjustment	(3,529)
Goodwill ending balance	47,165
Apollo Global Other [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill beginning balance	30,275
Goodwill acquired	0
Impairment	(11,912)
Currency translation adjustment	(3,011)
Goodwill ending balance	15,352
Goodwill and other intangibles impairment	16,788
Other Schools [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill beginning balance	15,310
Goodwill acquired	0
Impairment	0
Currency translation adjustment	0
Goodwill ending balance	15,310
Uniacc Apollo Global [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment	(11,912)
Goodwill and other intangibles impairment	$ 16,788