Accounts Receivable, Net (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2012
Accounts receivable, net [Abstract]
Student accounts receivable	$ 283,424		$ 287,619
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(101,793)	(122,590)
Net student accounts receivable	181,631		180,389
Other receivables	19,825		17,890
Total accounts receivable, net	201,456		198,279
Allowance for doubtful accounts [Abstract]
Beginning allowance for doubtful accounts	(107,230)	(128,897)
Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable	33,406	41,583
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(38,843)	(47,890)
Ending allowance for doubtful accounts	$ (101,793)	$ (122,590)