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 | ||