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, 2013	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2013	May 31, 2012
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Jabil Circuit, Inc.	$ 50,083	$ 101,320	$ 244,463	$ 311,890
Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
Denominator for basic earnings per share	202,648	206,298	203,142	206,326
Dilutive common shares issuable under the employee stock purchase plan and upon exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights	6	363	28	347
Dilutive unvested restricted stock awards	4,915	4,880	4,370	5,076
Denominator for diluted earnings per share	207,569	211,541	207,540	211,749
Income attributable to the stockholders of Jabil Circuit, Inc.:
Basic	$ 0.25	$ 0.49	$ 1.20	$ 1.51
Diluted	$ 0.24	$ 0.48	$ 1.18	$ 1.47