Accounts Receivable, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2015	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2015	May 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Accounts receivable, net [Abstract]
Student accounts receivable					$ 225,379	$ 234,204
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	$ (48,125)	$ (49,891)	$ (42,259)	$ (50,145)	(44,871)	(42,259)
Net student accounts receivable					180,508	191,945
Other receivables					12,969	6,514
Total accounts receivable, net					$ 193,477	$ 198,459
Allowance for doubtful accounts [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	48,125	49,891	42,259	50,145
Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable	15,716	13,005	43,812	42,372
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(19,638)	(15,791)	(41,376)	(43,861)
Currency translation adjustment	668	(214)	176	(1,765)
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 44,871	$ 46,891	$ 44,871	$ 46,891