Calculations of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Jabil Circuit, Inc.	$ 371,482	$ 394,687	$ 381,063
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	203,096	206,160	212,386
Share-based payment awards classified as participating securities			2,116
Denominator for basic earnings per share	203,096	206,160	214,502
Dilutive common shares issuable under the employee stock purchase plan and upon exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights	33	315	872
Dilutive unvested restricted stock awards	4,686	4,706	5,345
Denominator for diluted earnings per share	207,815	211,181	220,719
Basic	$ 1.83	$ 1.91	$ 1.78
Diluted	$ 1.79	$ 1.87	$ 1.73