Share-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2015	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2015
Share-based compensation expense [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 8,732	$ 7,854	$ 27,318	$ 29,768
Instructional and student advisory [Member]
Share-based compensation expense [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	2,432	2,812	7,856	8,699
Marketing [Member]
Share-based compensation expense [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	413	705	1,771	2,324
Admissions advisory [Member]
Share-based compensation expense [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	15	262	341	779
General and administrative [Member]
Share-based compensation expense [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	5,569	3,456	16,830	15,960
Restructuring and impairment charges [Member]
Share-based compensation expense [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 303	$ 619	$ 520	$ 2,006