CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 254,896	$ 285,612	$ 242,265
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	9,672	(116,745)	(2,183)
Changes in fair value of derivative instruments, net of tax	(18,994)	(29,107)	2,469
Reclassification of net losses realized and included in net income related to derivative instruments, net of tax	38,811	12,502	7,153
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities	(5,436)	(14,404)	(1,513)
Actuarial (loss) gain, net of tax	(12,963)	10,080	(446)
Prior service cost, net of tax	(113)	(142)	234
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	10,977	(137,816)	5,714
Comprehensive income	265,873	147,796	247,979
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	801	1,593	952
Comprehensive income attributable to Jabil Circuit, Inc.	$ 265,072	$ 146,203	$ 247,027