Calculations of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2011	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Jabil Circuit, Inc.	$ 101,320	$ 104,695	$ 311,890	$ 266,775
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	206,298	213,862	206,326	212,876
Share-based payment awards classified as participating securities		1,843		2,216
Denominator for basic earnings per share	206,298	215,705	206,326	215,092
Dilutive common shares issuable under the employee stock purchase plan and upon exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights	363	806	347	869
Dilutive unvested restricted stock awards	4,880	5,826	5,076	4,812
Denominator for diluted earnings per share	211,541	222,337	211,749	220,773
Basic	$ 0.49	$ 0.49	$ 1.51	$ 1.24
Diluted	$ 0.48	$ 0.47	$ 1.47	$ 1.21