CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 285,612	$ 242,265	$ 370,091
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(116,745)	(2,183)	(23,522)
Changes in fair value of derivative instruments, net of tax	(29,107)	2,469	(182)
Reclassification of net losses realized and included in net income related to derivative instruments, net of tax	12,502	7,153	2,285
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities, net of tax	(14,404)	(1,513)
Actuarial gain (loss), net of tax	10,080	(446)	(4,475)
Prior service cost, net of tax	(142)	234	867
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(137,816)	5,714	(25,027)
Comprehensive income	147,796	247,979	345,064
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,593	952	(1,391)
Comprehensive income attributable to Jabil Circuit, Inc.	$ 146,203	$ 247,027	$ 346,455