Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (EPS) (Details 3) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Numerator:
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$ 254,896,000	$ 294,185,000	$ (1,588,000)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	801,000	1,593,000	952,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Jabil Circuit, Inc., net of tax	254,095,000	292,592,000	(2,540,000)
Discontinued operations attributable to Jabil Circuit, Inc., net of tax		(8,573,000)	243,853,000
Net income attributable to Jabil Circuit, Inc.	$ 254,095,000	$ 284,019,000	$ 241,313,000
Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
Denominator for basic earnings per share	190,413	193,689	202,497
Dilutive common shares issuable under the employee stock purchase plan and upon exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights	160	159	0
Dilutive unvested restricted stock awards	2,177	2,157	0
Denominator for diluted earnings per share	192,750	196,005	202,497
Basic:
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$ 1.33	$ 1.51	$ (0.01)
Discontinued operations, net of tax	0	(0.04)	1.2
Net income	1.33	1.47	1.19
Diluted:
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	1.32	1.49	(0.01)
Discontinued operations, net of tax	0	(0.04)	1.2
Net income	$ 1.32	$ 1.45	$ 1.19