Impairment of Notes Receivable and Related Charges - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
May 31, 2013	May 31, 2013
Notes Receivable Net [Abstract]
Loss on notes receivable and related charges	$ 25,597	$ 25,597

Loss related to a notes receivable and related charges following the determination that it was probable that the company would be unable to collect the amounts due from a former customer.

No definition available.

Name:	jbl_ImpairmentOfNotesReceivableAndRelatedCharges
Namespace Prefix:	jbl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration