Calculations of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Jabil Circuit, Inc.	$ 105,847	$ 112,872
Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
Denominator for basic earnings per share	204,318	205,388
Dilutive common shares issuable under the employee stock purchase plan and upon exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights	88	395
Dilutive unvested restricted stock awards	3,410	4,154
Denominator for diluted earnings per share	207,816	209,937
Income attributable to the stockholders of Jabil Circuit, Inc.:
Basic	$ 0.52	$ 0.55
Diluted	$ 0.51	$ 0.54