CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 370,091	$ 396,089	$ 382,958
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(23,522)	(79,323)	60,026
Changes in fair value of derivative instruments, net of tax	(182)	2,637	4,260
Reclassification of net losses realized and included in net income related to derivative instruments, net of tax	2,285	1,382	654
Actuarial (loss) gains, net of tax	(4,475)	(13,094)	7,709
Prior service cost, net of tax	867	(33)	(5)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(25,027)	(88,431)	72,644
Comprehensive income	345,064	307,658	455,602
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,391)	1,402	1,895
Comprehensive income attributable to Jabil Circuit, Inc.	$ 346,455	$ 306,256	$ 453,707