Accounts Receivable, Net (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Receivables [Abstract]

Accounts receivable, net

Accounts receivable, net consist of the following as of August 31:

($ in thousands)	2014			2013
Student accounts receivable	$	255,134		$	243,660
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(50,145		)	(59,744		)
Net student accounts receivable	204,989			183,916
Other receivables	20,409			31,485
Total accounts receivable, net	$	225,398		$	215,401

Allowance for doubtful accounts

The following summarizes the activity in allowance for doubtful accounts for the respective periods:

	Year Ended August 31,
($ in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Beginning allowance for doubtful accounts	$	59,744		$	107,230		$	128,897
Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable	53,819			83,798			146,742
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(63,418		)	(131,284		)	(168,409		)
Ending allowance for doubtful accounts	$	50,145		$	59,744		$	107,230