Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Related to Foreign Forward Exchange Contracts Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	May 31, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]
Forward foreign exchange contracts, Assets	$ 8,805
Forward foreign exchange contracts, Liabilities	(14,481)
Fair value of assets and liabilities, Total	(5,676)
Level 2
Derivative [Line Items]
Forward foreign exchange contracts, Assets	8,805
Forward foreign exchange contracts, Liabilities	(14,481)
Fair value of assets and liabilities, Total	$ (5,676)

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.

No definition available.

Name:	jbl_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDerivativeFinancialInstruments
Namespace Prefix:	jbl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant