Accounts And Other Receivables Net Current Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $666 at November 30, 2012 and $3,237 at August 31, 2012 Accounts Notes Loans And Financing Receivable By Receivable Secondary [Axis] Accounts Notes Loans And Financing Receivable By Receivable Secondary [Axis] Accounts Notes Loans And Financing Receivable By Receivable Secondary [Axis] Accounts Notes Loans And Financing Receivable By Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Accounts Payable Current Accounts payable Accrued Income Taxes Current Income taxes payable Accrued Liabilities Current Accrued expenses Accumulated Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Property Plant And Equipment Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Cumulative Changes In Net Gain Loss From Cash Flow Hedges Effect Net Of Tax Accumulated comprehensive loss, ending balance Accumulated comprehensive loss, beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Value of potential additional income tax payments due to field examinations with taxing authorities. Additional Income Tax Payment Due Additional income tax payment potential Additional Paid In Capital Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Sharebased Compensation Requisite Service Period Recognition Value Recognition of stock-based compensation Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustment To Additional Paid In Capital Income Tax Effect From Share Based Compensation Net Excess tax benefit of stock awards Allocated Share Based Compensation Expense Recognition of stock-based compensation expense Stock-based compensation expense and related charges Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable Current Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Amortization Of Intangible Assets Amortization of intangibles Amortization of the fair value of the terminated interest rate swaps recorded to interest expense during the period. Amortization Of Interest Rate Swaps Amortization of interest rate swaps Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount Common shares excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Asset Backed Securitizations Asset Backed Securitizations [Member] Asset-Backed Securitization Programs Assets Total assets Total assets Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Assets Current Total current assets Assets Current [Abstract] Current assets: Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Assets: Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Before Amendment [Member] Before Amendment [Member] Before amendment Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash Flows Between Transferee And Transferor Proceeds From New Transfers Cash proceeds for sale of trade accounts receivable Classification Of Variable Interest Entity [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Commitments And Contingencies Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Common Stock Dividends Per Share Declared Cash dividends declared per common share Common Stock [Member] Common Stock Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common Stock Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock Shares Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock Shares Outstanding Ending Balance (in shares) Beginning Balance (in shares) Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock Value Common stock, $0.001 par value, authorized 500,000,000 shares; 236,688,913 and 232,069,203 shares issued and 202,140,682 and 206,028,577 shares outstanding at November 30, 2012 and August 31, 2012, respectively Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Comprehensive income attributable to Jabil Circuit, Inc. Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income Comprehensive income Cost Of Goods And Services Sold Cost of revenue Cost Of Sales [Member] Cost of revenue Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Debt And Capital Lease Obligations Total notes payable and long-term debt Debt Current Current installments of notes payable and long-term debt Less current installments of notes payable and long-term debt Debt Disclosure [Line Items] Debt Disclosure [Line Items] Debt Disclosure [Line Items] Debt Disclosure [Table] Debt Disclosure [Table] Debt Disclosure [Table] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument Face Amount Senior unsecured notes Debt Instrument Fair Value Estimated fair value of senior notes Debt Instrument Interest Rate Stated Percentage Senior Notes, stated interest rate Senior unsecured notes, interest rate Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument Maturity Date Expiry date Year of maturity for senior notes issued. Debt Instrument Maturity Year Senior Notes, maturity year Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Deferred Gain Loss On Discontinuation Of Fair Value Hedge Hedge accounting adjustment related to terminated interest rate swaps Fair value adjustment related to terminated interest rate swaps on the 7.750% Senior Notes Portion of the purchase price for the securitized receivables which is not paid in cash upon the sale taking place. Deferred Purchase Price Receivable Deferred purchases price receivable Deferred Tax Assets Net Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets Net Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Defined Benefit Plan Amortization Of Gains Losses Recognized actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan Amortization Of Prior Service Cost Credit Amortization of prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan Contributions By Employer Contributions to defined benefit pension plans Defined Benefit Plan Estimated Future Employer Contributions In Next Fiscal Year Expected cash contributions to funded pension plans during 2013 Defined Benefit Plan Expected Return On Plan Assets Expected long-term return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan Interest Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan Net Periodic Benefit Cost Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan Service Cost Service cost Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Depreciation and amortization Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset Forward foreign exchange contracts, Asset Derivatives Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability Forward foreign exchange contracts, Liability Derivatives Payment to settle interest rate cash flow hedge. Derivative Instrument Payment Of Interest Rate Swaps Designated As Cash Flow Hedges Payment to settle interest rate swaps Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments Gain Loss By Hedging Relationship By Income Statement Location By Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments Gain Loss Reclassified From Accumulated O C I Into Income Effective Portion Net Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments Gain Loss Recognized In Income Ineffective Portion And Amount Excluded From Effectiveness Testing Net Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) Derivative Instruments Gain Loss Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income Effective Portion Net Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments Not Designated As Hedging Instruments Gain Loss Net Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative Notional Amount Aggregate notional amount outstanding of forward contracts to hedge transactional exposure Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Description Of New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted New Accounting Guidance Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated as Hedging Instruments Disclosure - Calculations of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Disclosure Calculations Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Calculations of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Cash Dividends Declared to Common Stockholders [Abstract] Disclosure Cash Dividends Declared To Common Stockholders [Abstract] Disclosure - Cash Dividends Declared to Common Stockholders [Abstract] Disclosure - Changes Related to Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net of Tax [Abstract] Disclosure Changes Related To Cash Flow Hedges Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Abstract] Disclosure - Changes Related to Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net of Tax [Abstract] Disclosure Commitments And Contingencies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Commitments And Contingencies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Commitments And Contingencies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Concentration of Risk and Segment Data - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Concentration Of Risk And Segment Data Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Concentration of Risk and Segment Data - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Derivative Financial Instruments And Hedging Activities Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Earnings Per Share and Dividends - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Earnings Per Share And Dividends Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Earnings Per Share and Dividends - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Related to Foreign Forward Exchange Contracts Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities Related To Foreign Forward Exchange Contracts Measured On Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure - Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Related to Foreign Forward Exchange Contracts Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure - Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Located on Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Utilized for Foreign Currency Risk Management Purposes [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Of Derivative Instruments Located On Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Utilized For Foreign Currency Risk Management Purposes [Abstract] Disclosure - Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Located on Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Utilized for Foreign Currency Risk Management Purposes [Abstract] Disclosure - Impact of Derivative for Interest Rate Risk and Designated as Hedging Instrument on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Earnings [Abstract] Disclosure Impact Of Derivative For Interest Rate Risk And Designated As Hedging Instrument On Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss And Earnings [Abstract] Disclosure - Impact of Derivative for Interest Rate Risk and Designated as Hedging Instrument on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Earnings [Abstract] Disclosure - Impact of Derivatives for Foreign Currency Risk and Designated as Hedging Instruments on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Earnings [Abstract] Disclosure Impact Of Derivatives For Foreign Currency Risk And Designated As Hedging Instruments On Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss And Earnings [Abstract] Disclosure - Impact of Derivatives for Foreign Currency Risk and Designated as Hedging Instruments on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Earnings [Abstract] Disclosure - Impact of Derivatives for Foreign Currency Risk and Not Designated as Hedging Instruments on Earnings [Abstract] Disclosure Impact Of Derivatives For Foreign Currency Risk And Not Designated As Hedging Instruments On Earnings [Abstract] Disclosure - Impact of Derivatives for Foreign Currency Risk and Not Designated as Hedging Instruments on Earnings [Abstract] Disclosure Inventories [Abstract] Disclosure Inventories [Abstract] Disclosure Inventories [Abstract] Disclosure - Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Pension Plans [Abstract] Disclosure Net Periodic Benefit Cost For Pension Plans [Abstract] Disclosure - Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Pension Plans [Abstract] Disclosure Notes Payable And Long Term Debt Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Notes Payable And Long Term Debt Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Notes Payable And Long Term Debt Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt Outstanding [Abstract] Disclosure Notes Payable And Long Term Debt Outstanding [Abstract] Disclosure - Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt Outstanding [Abstract] Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments [Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure - Operating Segment Information [Abstract] Disclosure Operating Segment Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Operating Segment Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Stock Based Compensation Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Stock Based Compensation Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Stock Based Compensation Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Summary of Restricted Stock Activity [Abstract] Disclosure Summary Of Restricted Stock Activity [Abstract] Disclosure - Summary of Restricted Stock Activity [Abstract] Disclosure - Summary of Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Right Activity [Abstract] Disclosure Summary Of Stock Option And Stock Appreciation Right Activity [Abstract] Disclosure - Summary of Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Right Activity [Abstract] Disclosure - Trade Accounts Receivable Securitization and Sale Programs - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Trade Accounts Receivable Securitization And Sale Programs Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Trade Accounts Receivable Securitization and Sale Programs - Additional Information [Abstract] Dividend Payable Date To Be Paid Day Month And Year Dividend Cash Payment Date Dividends Common Stock Cash Declared dividends Dividends [Line Items] Dividends [Line Items] Dividends [Line Items] Dividends Payable Amount Per Share Dividend per Share Dividends Payable Current And Noncurrent Total Cash Dividends Declared Dividends Payable Date Declared Day Month And Year Dividend Declaration Date Dividends Payable Date Of Record Day Month And Year Date of Record for Dividend Payment Dividends [Table] Dividends [Table] Dividends [Table] Dms Dms [Member] DMS Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Document Type E And I E And I [Member] E&I Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings per share attributable to the stockholders of Jabil Circuit, Inc.: Earnings per share: The entire disclosure for earnings per share and dividends. Earnings Per Share And Dividends [Text Block] Earnings Per Share and Dividends Earnings Per Share Basic Basic Earnings Per Share Diluted Diluted Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Earnings Per Share [Table] Earnings Per Share [Table] Earnings Per Share [Table] Effect Of Exchange Rate On Cash And Cash Equivalents Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Eight Point Two Five Zero Percent Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Eighteen Eight Point Two Five Zero Percent Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Eighteen [Member] 8.250% Senior Notes Due 2018 Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Unrecognized compensation related to share-based compensation costs Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Period For Recognition 1 Unrecognized compensation related to share-based compensation costs, weighted average period of recognition Employee Service Share Based Compensation Tax Benefit From Compensation Expense Stock-based compensation expense, tax effect Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Excess Tax Benefit From Share Based Compensation Financing Activities Excess tax benefit related to stock awards The fair value, including accrued interest, of the Company's fair value interest rate swaps on the date that such swaps were terminated. Fair Value Adjustment Related To Interest Rate Swap Including Accrued Interest On Interest Rate Swaps Fair value adjustment related to interest rate swap including accrued interest on interest rate swaps Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents contracts related to the exchange of different currencies, including foreign currency options, forward (delivery or nondelivery) contracts, and swaps entered into and existing as of the balance sheet date. Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Derivative Financial Instruments Fair value of assets and liabilities, Total Fair Value By Fair Value Hierarchy Level [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Inputs Level 2 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Values Derivatives Balance Sheet Location By Derivative Contract Type By Hedging Designation [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Finite Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization Intangible assets, accumulated amortization Five Point Six Two Five Percent Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Five Point Six Two Five Percent Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty [Member] 5.625% Senior Notes Due 2020 Foreign Asset-Backed Securitization Program Foreign Asset Backed Securitization Program [Member] Foreign Asset-Backed Securitization Program Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Gain Loss To Be Reclassified During Next 12 Months Estimated gain to reclassify into earnings during the next 12 months related to foreign currency risk management hedging arrangements Foreign Currency Contract Asset Fair Value Disclosure Forward foreign exchange contracts, Assets Foreign Currency Contracts Liability Fair Value Disclosure Forward foreign exchange contracts, Liabilities Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Forward foreign exchange contracts Forty million Dollar Trade Accounts Receivable Sale Program [Member] Forty Million Dollar Trade Accounts Receivable Sale Program [Member] 40.0 Million Dollar Trade Accounts Receivable Sale Program Four Point Seven Zero Percent Senior Notes Due 2022 Four Point Seven Zero Percent Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Two [Member] 4.700% Senior Notes due 2022 Maximum amount of funding to be received from third party creditors by a VIE in order to purchase machinery and equipment. Funds To Be Received From Third Party Creditors By Variable Interest Entity VIE credit capacity Goodwill Goodwill Gross Profit Gross profit Guarantees And Loans [Domain] Guarantees And Loans [Domain] Guarantees And Loans [Domain] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hvs Hvs [Member] HVS Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Minority Interest And Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Income before income tax Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Taxes Receivable Income taxes receivable Income Tax Expense Benefit Income tax expense Increase Decrease In Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase Decrease In Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable Increase Decrease In Accrued Income Taxes Payable Income taxes payable Increase Decrease In Inventories Inventories Increase Decrease In Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase Decrease In Other Operating Assets Other assets Increase Decrease In Prepaid Deferred Expense And Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Nonvested Shares With Forfeitable Dividends Dilutive unvested restricted stock awards Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Share Based Payment Arrangements Dilutive common shares issuable under the employee stock purchase plan and upon exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $145,057 at November 30, 2012 and $141,572 at August 31, 2012 Interest accrued on interest rate derivatives. Interest Accrued On Interest Rate Derivatives Accrued interest on interest rate swaps Interest Expense Interest expense Interest Expense [Member] Interest expense Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain Loss To Be Reclassified During Next 12 Months Net Amount estimated to reclassify into earnings during the next 12 months related to interest rate risk management hedging arrangements Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest rate swap Inventory Disclosure [Line Items] Inventory Disclosure [Line Items] Inventory Disclosure [Line Items] Inventory Disclosure [Table] Inventory Disclosure [Table] Inventory Disclosure [Table] Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventories Inventory Finished Goods Net Of Reserves Finished goods Inventory Net Inventories Inventories Inventory Raw Materials Net Of Reserves Raw materials Inventory Work In Process Net Of Reserves Work in process Investment Income Interest Interest income Maximum lease term on master lease agreement held with variable interest entity. Lease Agreement Term Lease agreement period Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Liabilities Total liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities And Stockholders Equity Total liabilities and equity Liabilities And Stockholders Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities Current Total current liabilities Liabilities Current [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Liabilities: Liability For Uncertain Tax Positions Noncurrent Income tax liabilities Line Of Credit Borrowings under credit facilities Long Term Debt And Capital Lease Obligations Notes payable and long-term debt, less current installments Maximum [Member] Maximum Maximum value of net cash proceeds that are available at any one time under the asset-backed securitization and sales programs. Maximum Net Cash Proceeds Available At Any One Time Under Asset Backed Securitization Program And Sales Program Maximum net cash proceeds available at any one time under asset-backed securitization program and sales program Minimum [Member] Minimum Minimum number of days required to cancel certain trade account sale programs. Minimum Number Of Days Notice To Cancel Receivable Sale Agreements Minimum number of days notice required to cancel receivable sale agreements Minority Interest Noncontrolling interests Minority Interest Increase From Stock Issuance Capital contribution of noncontrolling interest Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Income Loss Net income attributable to Jabil Circuit, Inc. Net income attributable to Jabil Circuit, Inc. Net Income Loss [Abstract] Numerator: Net Income Loss Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of income tax expense Net Income Loss Per Share Available To Common Stockholders [Abstract] Net Income Loss Per Share Available To Common Stockholders [Abstract] Income attributable to the stockholders of Jabil Circuit, Inc.: Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interests Nondesignated [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument North American Asset Backed Securitization Program North American Asset Backed Securitization Program [Member] North American Asset-Backed Securitization Program Notes Receivable Net Notes receivable Notional Amount Of Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives Aggregate notional amount outstanding of foreign currency denominated revenues and expenses designated as cash flow hedges Notional Amount Of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives Notional amount of interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges Notional Amount Of Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Derivatives Notional amount of interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges Number Of Countries In Which Entity Operates Number of operating countries Number of customers that accounted for 90% of the Company's revenues. Number Of Customers Accounted For Ninety Percentage Of Revenue Number of customers accounted for 90% of its net revenue Disclosure attributable to revenues generated by the Company's top 5 customers. Number Of Largest Customers Accounted For Portion Of Revenue Top customers that comprise revenue Number Of Operating Segments Number of operating segments One Hundred Fifty Million Dollar Trade Accounts Receivable Sale Program [Member] One Hundred Fifty Million Dollar Trade Accounts Receivable Sale Program [Member] 150.0 Million Dollar Trade Accounts Receivable Sale Program Operating Expenses [Abstract] Operating expenses: Operating Income Loss Operating income Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Other Accrued Expenses [Member] Other Accrued Expenses [Member] Other accrued expense Other Assets Noncurrent Other assets Other Borrowings Borrowings under loans Debt obligation utilized Other Comprehensive Income Loss Derivatives Qualifying As Hedges Net Of Tax Change in fair value of derivative instruments Change in fair value of derivative instruments, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Total other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment On Derivatives Included In Net Income Net Of Tax Reclassification of net losses realized and included in net income related to derivative instruments Reclassification of net losses realized and included in net income related to derivative instruments, net of tax Other Liabilities Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Non Allocated Assets. Other Non Allocated Assets [Member] Other non-allocated assets Other Nonoperating Income Expense Other expense Other Operating Activities Cash Flow Statement Other, net Payments For Repurchase Of Common Stock Payments to acquire treasury stock Payments Of Dividends Dividends paid to stockholders Payments To Acquire Property Plant And Equipment Acquisition of property, plant and equipment Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items] Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Table] Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Table] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Table] Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits Percentage of the company's revenue generated by foreign countries outside the U. S. Percentage Of Entity Wide Disclosure On Geographic Areas Revenue From External Customers Attributed To Foreign Countries Total foreign net revenue percentage Disclosure attributable to customers that generated 90% of the Company's revenues. Percentage Of Revenue Accounted By Customers Percentage of revenue accounted for by customers Percentage of the company's revenue generated by the top 5 customers. Percentage Of Revenue Accounted By Major Customers Percentage of revenue accounted by major customers Percentage of trade account receivables sold to conduits administered by unaffiliated financial institutions or an unaffiliated financial institution. Percentage Of Trade Account Receivables Sold To Conduits By Wholly Owned Subsidiary Percentage of trade account receivables sold to conduits by wholly-owned subsidiary Performance Shares [Member] Performance-based restricted stock units Possibility One [Member] Possibility One [Member] Possibility One Possibility Two [Member] Possibility Two [Member] Possibility Two Preferred Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock Shares Outstanding Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock Value Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding Prepaid Expense And Other Assets Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets. Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets [Member] Prepaid expenses and other current assets Proceeds From Issuance Of Shares Under Incentive And Share Based Compensation Plans Including Stock Options Net proceeds from exercise of stock options and issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan Proceeds From Minority Shareholders Capital contribution to noncontrolling interest Proceeds From Other Debt Borrowings under debt agreements Proceeds From Sale And Collection Of Receivables Cost of receivables acquired, net of cash collections Proceeds From Sale Of Property Plant And Equipment Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment Profit Loss Net income Net income Property Plant And Equipment Net Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,649,967 at November 30, 2012 and $1,578,266 at August 31, 2012 Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Receivable Type [Domain] Receivable Type [Domain] Repayments Of Other Debt Payments toward debt agreements Research And Development Expense Research and development Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock Retained Earnings Accumulated Deficit Retained earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings Sales [Member] Revenue Sales Revenue Net Net revenue Scenario Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Schedule Of Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule Of Cash Flow Hedges Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Table [Text Block] Changes Related to Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net of Tax Schedule Of Debt Table [Text Block] Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt Outstanding Schedule Of Derivative Instruments Gain Loss In Statement Of Financial Performance [Text Block] Impact of Derivatives for Foreign Currency Risk (Interest Rate Risk) and Designated as Hedging Instruments on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Earnings Schedule Of Derivative Instruments In Statement Of Financial Position Fair Value [Text Block] Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Located on Consolidated Balance Sheets Tabular disclosure of dividends declared, paid and yet to be paid. Schedule Of Dividends Declared Paid And Yet To Be Paid Table [Text Block] Cash Dividends Declared to Common Stockholders Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Table [Text Block] Calculations of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Schedule Of Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Table [Text Block] Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Related to Foreign Forward Exchange Contracts Measured on Recurring Basis Schedule Of Inventory Current Table [Text Block] Inventories Schedule Of Net Benefit Costs Table [Text Block] Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Pension Plans Schedule Of Other Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments Statements Of Financial Performance And Financial Position Location Table [Text Block] Impact of Derivatives for Foreign Currency Risk and Not Designated as Hedging Instruments on Earnings Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Text Block] Operating Segment Information Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule Of Sharebased Compensation Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units Activity Table [Text Block] Summary of Restricted Stock Activity Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Stock Options And Stock Appreciation Rights Award Activity Table [Text Block] Summary of Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Right Activity Securitization Financial Asset For Which Transfer Is Accounted As Sale Gain Loss On Sale Pretax losses on sale of trade accounts receivable Securitization Financial Asset For Which Transfer Is Accounted As Sale Program Type [Axis] Securitization Financial Asset For Which Transfer Is Accounted As Sale Program Type [Axis] Securitization Financial Asset For Which Transfer Is Accounted As Sale Program Type [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] Total income before tax that has been allocated to the Company's operating segments. Segment Income Total Total segment income Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Concentration of Risk and Segment Data Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Selling General And Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative Selling General And Administrative Expenses [Member] Selling, general and administrative Senior Notes Senior Notes Seven Point Seven Five Zero Percent Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Sixteen Seven Point Seven Five Zero Percent Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Sixteen [Member] 7.750% Senior Notes Due 2016 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Vesting Period 1 Award vesting period Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Forfeited In Period Shares forfeited Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Forfeitures Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Shares forfeited Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Grants In Period Shares granted Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Grants In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Shares granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Change in Number of Shares Abstract Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Change In Number Of Shares [Abstract] Changes during the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Change in Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Abstract Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Change In Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Changes during the period Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Number Shares, non-vested ending balance Shares, non-vested beginning balance Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested [Roll Forward] Number of non-vested shares Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, ending balance Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, beginning balance Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward] Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vested In Period Shares vested Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vested In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Shares vested Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Number Of Shares Available For Grant Shares Available for Grant, Ending Balance Shares Available for Grant, Beginning Balance Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Options Exercisable Intrinsic Value 1 Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable ending balance Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercisable Number Options Outstanding, exercisable ending balance Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Exercise Price, exercisable ending balance Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Options Exercisable Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term 1 Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life, Exercisable ending balance Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Forfeitures In Period Shares Available for Grant, Options cancelled Options Outstanding, options cancelled Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Intrinsic Value Aggregate Intrinsic Value, ending balance Aggregate Intrinsic Value, beginning balance Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Number Options Outstanding, ending balance Options Outstanding, beginning balance Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term 2 Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life The value of restricted stock granted less the value of restricted stock forfeited during the period. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Restricted Stock Awards Shares Of Restricted Stock Available For Grant Shares Available for Grant, Restricted stock awards granted Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Shares Issued In Period Restricted stock units awarded Level of vesting possibilities on performance-based restricted awards, based on specified performance conditions and the level of achievement obtained. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Vesting Percentage Award vesting percentage Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercises In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Exercise Price, options exercised Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options Forfeitures In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Exercise Price, options cancelled Sharebased Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range Outstanding Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Beginning Balance 1 Weighted-Average Exercise Price, ending balance Weighted-Average Exercise Price, beginning balance Statement Business Segments [Axis] Business Segments [Axis] Statement Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Stock Appreciation Rights S A R S [Member] Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) Stockholders Equity Total Jabil Circuit, Inc. stockholders' equity Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Jabil Circuit, Inc. stockholders' equity: Stockholders Equity Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Ending Balance Beginning Balance Total equity Stockholders Equity Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Equity: The number of common shares issued during the period due to the exercise of stock options. Stock Issued During Period Shares Shares issued upon exercise of stock options (in shares) Stock Issued During Period Shares Restricted Stock Award Net Of Forfeitures Vesting of restricted stock awards (in shares) Stock Issued During Period Shares Stock Options Exercised Options Outstanding, options exercised The value of common shares issued during the period due to the exercise of stock options. Stock Issued During Period Value Shares issued upon exercise of stock options Stock Options [Member] Options to Purchase Common Shares Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events Text Block [Abstract] Text Block [Abstract] Time Based Restricted Stock Units [Member] Time Based Restricted Stock Units [Member] Time-based restricted stock units Value of trade accounts receivable sold during the period under the asset-backed securitization and sales programs. Trade Account Receivable Have Been Sold Trade accounts receivable sold Trade accounts receivable factoring agreements. Trade Accounts Receivable Factoring Agreements [Member] Trade Accounts Receivable Factoring Agreement The expiration date of the specified trade accounts receivable sale program. Trade Accounts Receivable Sale Agreement Expiration Date Trade accounts receivable sale agreement expiration date Trade accounts receivable sale programs. Trade Accounts Receivable Sale Programs [Member] Trade Accounts Receivable Sale Programs Trade Accounts Receivable Securitization and Sale Program [Line Items] Trade Accounts Receivable Securitization And Sale Program [Line Items] Trade Accounts Receivable Securitization and Sale Program [Line Items] Trade Accounts Receivable Securitization and Sale Program [Table] Trade Accounts Receivable Securitization And Sale Program [Table] Trade Accounts Receivable Securitization and Sale Program [Table] Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Transfers And Servicing Of Financial Assets [Text Block] Trade Accounts Receivable Securitization and Sale Programs Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock Value of common shares withheld from employee exercises or vesting of share-based payment arrangements to satisfy the minimum amount of income tax withholding requirements. Treasury Stock Minimum Tax Withholding Related To Vesting Of Restricted Stock Treasury stock minimum tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock Treasury Stock Shares Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock Shares Acquired Treasury shares purchased (in shares) The number of common shares withheld from employee exercises or the vesting of share-based payment arrangements to satisfy the minimum amount of income tax withholding requirements. Treasury Stock Shares Acquired Employee Stock Plan Purchases of treasury stock under employee stock plans (in shares) Treasury Stock Value Treasury stock at cost, 34,548,231 and 26,040,626 shares at November 30, 2012 and August 31, 2012 Treasury Stock Value Acquired Cost Method Treasury shares purchased The value of the common shares withheld from employee exercises or the vesting of share-based payment arrangements to satisfy the minimum amount of income tax withholding requirements. Treasury Stock Value Acquired Employee Stock Plan Purchases of treasury stock under employee stock plans Two Hundred Million Dollar Trade Accounts Receivable Sale Program Two Hundred Million Dollar Trade Accounts Receivable Sale Program [Member] 200.0 Million Dollar Trade Accounts Receivable Sale Program Type Of Securitization And Sale Programs [Domain] Type Of Securitization And Sale Programs [Domain] Type Of Securitization And Sale Programs [Domain] Variable Interest Entities By Classification Of Entity [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entity Weighted Average Number Of Diluted Shares Outstanding Diluted Denominator for diluted earnings per share Weighted average number of shares outstanding. Weighted Average Number Of Share Outstanding [Abstract] Weighted average shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding [Abstract] Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share: Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding Basic Basic Denominator for basic earnings per share