Calculations of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Numerator:
(Loss) income from continuing operations, net of tax	$ (1,588)	$ 319,483	$ 333,683
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	952	(1,391)	1,402
(Loss) income from continuing operations attributable to Jabil Circuit, Inc., net of tax	(2,540)	320,874	332,281
Discontinued operations attributable to Jabil Circuit, Inc., net of tax	243,853	50,608	62,406
Net income attributable to Jabil Circuit, Inc.	$ 241,313	$ 371,482	$ 394,687
Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
Denominator for basic earnings per share	202,497	203,096	206,160
Dilutive common shares issuable under the employee stock purchase plan and upon exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights		33	315
Dilutive unvested restricted stock awards		4,686	4,706
Denominator for diluted earnings per share	202,497	207,815	211,181
Basic:
(Loss) income from continuing operations, net of tax	$ (0.01)	$ 1.58	$ 1.61
Discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 1.20	$ 0.25	$ 0.30
Net income	$ 1.19	$ 1.83	$ 1.91
Diluted:
(Loss) income from continuing operations, net of tax	$ (0.01)	$ 1.54	$ 1.57
Discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 1.20	$ 0.24	$ 0.30
Net income	$ 1.19	$ 1.79	$ 1.87