Jacobs Engineering (J) 10-Q 1 Aug 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014	Jul. 29, 2014
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	27-Jun-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'jec	'
Entity Registrant Name	'JACOBS ENGINEERING GROUP INC /DE/	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000052988	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--09-26	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	133,056,998

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Jun. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$772,613	$1,256,405
Receivables	2,736,010	2,548,990
Deferred income taxes	147,956	131,086
Prepaid expenses and other	96,537	103,077
Total current assets	3,753,116	4,039,558
Property, Equipment and Improvements, Net	455,626	379,296
Other Noncurrent Assets:	'	'
Goodwill	2,938,686	2,022,831
Intangibles	478,122	217,904
Miscellaneous	707,029	614,555
Total other non-current assets	4,123,837	2,855,290
Assets	8,332,579	7,274,144
Current Liabilities:	'	'
Notes payable	41,351	22,783
Accounts payable	421,132	457,893
Accrued liabilities	1,319,652	1,029,816
Billings in excess of costs	366,980	345,097
Income taxes payable	20,823	32,030
Total current liabilities	2,169,938	1,887,619
Long-term Debt	789,416	415,086
Other Deferred Liabilities	840,567	723,104
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'
Capital stock:	'	'
Preferred stock, $1 par value, authorized - 1,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding - none	0	0
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized - 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding—133,009,553 shares and 131,639,196 shares, respectively	133,010	131,639
Additional paid-in capital	1,167,221	1,084,624
Retained earnings	3,504,788	3,300,961
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-303,992	-304,127
Total Jacobs stockholders’ equity	4,501,027	4,213,097
Noncontrolling interests	31,631	35,238
Total Group stockholders’ equity	4,532,658	4,248,335
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity, Total	$8,332,579	$7,274,144

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	240,000,000	240,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	133,009,553	131,639,196
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	133,009,553	131,639,196

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ear

Consolidated Statements of Earnings (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Revenues	$3,231,791	$3,080,995	$9,476,715	$8,675,720
Costs and Expenses:	'	'	'	'
Direct cost of contracts	-2,670,052	-2,613,991	-7,944,731	-7,308,092
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-437,802	-298,645	-1,140,565	-873,797
Operating Profit	123,937	168,359	391,419	493,831
Other Income (Expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest income	2,624	1,332	7,425	3,521
Interest expense	-5,565	-2,786	-10,490	-9,515
Gain on sale of intellectual property, net	0	0	12,147	0
Miscellaneous income (expense), net	-2,950	1,518	-3,139	-1,195
Total other income (expense), net	-5,891	64	5,943	-7,189
Earnings Before Taxes	118,046	168,423	397,362	486,642
Income Tax Expense	-46,737	-56,334	-136,304	-162,941
Net Earnings of the Group	71,309	112,089	261,058	323,701
Net Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	-6,467	-3,218	-19,024	-11,419
Net Earnings Attributable to Jacobs	$64,842	$108,871	$242,034	$312,282
Net Earnings Per Share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.50	$0.84	$1.86	$2.42
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.49	$0.83	$1.83	$2.39

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Net Earnings of the Group	$71,309	$112,089	$261,058	$323,701
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	29,147	-14,828	17,267	-38,964
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges	1,815	584	1,912	-54
Change in pension liabilities	-20,160	2,198	-29,308	28,123
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes	10,802	-12,046	-10,129	-10,895
Income Tax Benefit (Expense):	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	0	3,250	0
Cash flow hedges	-525	-211	-646	-13
Change in pension liabilities	5,245	-758	7,660	-7,910
Income Tax Benefit (Expense)	4,720	-969	10,264	-7,923
Net Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	15,522	-13,015	135	-18,818
Net Comprehensive Income of the Group	86,831	99,074	261,193	304,883
Net Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	-6,467	-3,218	-19,024	-11,419
Net Comprehensive Income Attributable to Jacobs	$80,364	$95,856	$242,169	$293,464

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:	'	'
Net earnings attributable to the Group	$261,058	$323,701
Depreciation and amortization:	'	'
Property, equipment and improvements	70,701	49,828
Intangible assets	35,329	22,327
Gain on sale of certain intellectual property	-12,147	0
Stock based compensation	32,546	28,493
Tax deficiency from stock based compensation	140	3,292
Equity in earnings of operating ventures, net	-7,065	-11,759
Change in pension plan obligations	-10,245	-3,956
Change in deferred compensation plans	-5,957	-6,658
Losses on sales of assets, net	1,595	465
Changes in certain assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of businesses acquired:	'	'
Receivables	171,861	-32,551
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	20,065	6,910
Accounts payable	-87,753	-27,674
Accrued liabilities	66,456	46,445
Billings in excess of costs	-28,029	37,306
Income taxes payable	-5,225	-12,036
Deferred income taxes	-12,493	2,925
Other deferred liabilities	7,058	-2,259
Change in long-term receivables	2,828	12,913
Long-term insurance prepayment	-17,602	0
Other, net	2,092	-514
Net cash provided by operating activities	485,213	437,198
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:	'	'
Additions to property and equipment	-92,033	-91,520
Disposals of property and equipment	966	3,561
Change in cash related to consolidation of joint ventures	0	4,331
Purchases of investments	-25,539	-7
Sales of investments	0	11
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	-1,226,352	-22,313
Net cash used for investing activities	-1,342,958	-105,937
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:	'	'
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	669,681	0
Repayments of long-term borrowings	-302,386	-87,851
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	174,374	28,312
Repayments of short-term borrowings	-189,490	-15,602
Proceeds from issuances of common stock	34,175	35,227
Tax deficiency from stock based compensation	-140	-3,292
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-6,043	-7,974
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	380,171	-51,180
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes	-6,218	-17,021
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	-483,792	263,060
Cash and Cash Equivalents at the Beginning of the Period	1,256,405	1,032,457
Cash and Cash Equivalents at the End of the Period	$772,613	$1,295,517

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	Unless the context otherwise requires:
	•	References herein to "Jacobs" are to Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. and its predecessors;
	•	References herein to the "Company", "we", "us" or "our" are to Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries; and
	•	References herein to the "Group" are to the combined economic interests and activities of the Company and the persons and entities holding noncontrolling interests in our consolidated subsidiaries.
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements and financial information included herein have been prepared pursuant to the interim period reporting requirements of Form 10-Q. Consequently, certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") have been condensed or omitted. Readers of this report should also read our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2013 ("2013 Form 10-K") as well as Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, which is also included in our 2013 Form 10-K.
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of our consolidated financial statements at June 27, 2014, and for the three and nine month periods ended June 27, 2014 and June 28, 2013.
	Our interim results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.
	Please refer to Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2013 Form 10-K for the definitions of certain terms used herein.
	Use of Estimates and Assumptions
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to employ estimates and make assumptions that affect the reported amounts of certain assets and liabilities; the revenues and expenses reported for the periods covered by the accompanying consolidated financial statements; and certain amounts disclosed in these Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Although such estimates and assumptions are based on management's most recent assessment of the underlying facts and circumstances utilizing the most current information available and past experience, actual results could differ significantly from those estimates and assumptions. Our estimates, judgments, and assumptions are evaluated periodically and adjusted accordingly. Please refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2013 Form 10-K for a discussion of the significant estimates and assumptions affecting our consolidated financial statements.
	Fair Value and Fair Value Measurements
	Certain amounts included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented at "fair value". Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the date fair value is determined (the "measurement date"). When determining fair value, we consider the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact, and we consider only those assumptions we believe a typical market participant would consider when pricing an asset or liability. In measuring fair value, we use the following inputs in the order of priority indicated:
	Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, such as (i) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; (ii) quoted prices in markets that have insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (i.e., less active markets); and (iii) model-driven valuations in which all significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated with, observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
	Level 3 - Unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the fair value measurement.
	Please refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2013 Form 10-K for a more complete discussion of the various amounts within the consolidated financial statements measured at fair value and the methods used to determine fair value.

New_Accounting_Standards

New Accounting Standards	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]	'
	New Accounting Standards
	From time to time, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issues accounting standards updates (each being an "ASU") to its Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"), which constitutes the primary source of U.S. GAAP. The Company regularly monitors ASUs as they are issued and considers their applicability to its business. All ASUs applicable to the Company are adopted by the due date and in the manner prescribed by the FASB.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU requires entities to recognize the amount of revenue to which they expect to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is not permitted. We are evaluating the effect that this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We have not yet selected a transition method.

Business_Combinations

Business Combinations	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Combinations	'
	Business Combinations
	On December 13, 2013, the Company acquired all of the outstanding interests in Sinclair Knight Merz Management Pty Limited and Sinclair Knight Merz Holdings Limited (collectively, "SKM"), a provider of engineering, design, procurement, construction and project management services, from the SKM shareholders. The Company purchased SKM for approximately $1.2 billion in cash. The acquisition agreement includes customary representations, warranties, and indemnities supported by an escrow account. SKM's results of operations have been included in the Company's consolidated results of operations since the date of acquisition.
	The Company has, in total, incurred approximately $16.6 million of expenses directly related to the SKM acquisition. Included in selling, general and administrative expense for the three and nine month periods ended June 27, 2014 are $0.2 million and $9.2 million, respectively, of transaction-related expenses.
	The following table presents the preliminary allocation of the purchase price (in thousands) paid for SKM:
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	152,051
	Receivables and other current assets	340,906
	Property and equipment, and other	89,524
	Intangible assets	246,696
	Total assets	829,177
	Liabilities:
	Current liabilities	330,435
	Deferred tax liability	86,344
	Long-term liabilities	21,616
	Total liabilities	438,395
	Net identifiable assets acquired	$	390,782
	Goodwill	828,892
	Net assets acquired	$	1,219,674
	The Company expects to collect substantially all of the acquired receivables of $304.6 million, net of acquired allowances.
	The purchase price allocation of the SKM transaction continues to be subject to post-closing adjustment as the Company finalizes the values assigned to project-related assets and liabilities, claims, other contingencies, acquired intangible assets, and leased properties, among other items. The Company intends to complete the purchase price allocation by the end of the measurement period provided by U.S. GAAP. The preliminary useful lives of the intangible assets acquired from SKM range from 3 to 12 years.
	Some of the factors contributing to the recognition of goodwill include: (i) access to a large, highly-trained and stable workforce; (ii) the opportunity to expand our client base in Australia, Asia, South America and the U.K.; (iii) the opportunity to expand our presence in multiple industries, including: mining, infrastructure, buildings, water and energy; and (iv) the opportunity to achieve operating synergies.
	We expect that the goodwill recognized in this transaction will ultimately be deductible in the U.S. for federal income tax purposes.
	The following table presents the unaudited, pro forma consolidated results of operations (in millions, except per share amounts) for the nine month periods ended June 27, 2014 and June 28, 2013 as if the acquisition of SKM operations had occurred as of September 29, 2012. The period end dates of SKM are different from those of the Company and, accordingly, certain adjustments were made to conform SKM's period end dates to those of the Company. Management believes these adjustments make the comparative data more representative of what the combined results of operations would have been over the pro forma period. The pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of (i) the results of operations that would have occurred had we actually acquired SKM on September 29, 2012; or (ii) future results of operations:
		For the Nine Months Ended
		June 27, 2014		June 28, 2013
	Revenues	$	9,727	$	9,765
	Net earnings attributable to Jacobs	249		369
	Basic earnings per share	1.91		2.86
	Diluted earnings per share	1.88		2.83
	The pro forma earnings for the nine months ended June 27, 2014 were adjusted to exclude $21.4 million of transaction-related costs incurred by both parties and, for the nine months ended June 28, 2013, include $22.8 million of transaction-related costs (the difference being due to the effects of exchange rate changes) in the pro forma earnings. For the nine months ended June 27, 2014 and June 28, 2013, the pro forma earnings were adjusted to reduce interest expense by $0.8 million (for a total of $2.7 million) and to include incremental interest expense by $3.2 million (for a total of $4.3 million), respectively. For the nine months ended June 27, 2014 and June 28, 2013, the pro forma earnings were adjusted to include net incremental intangible amortization of $3.5 million (for a total of $17.8 million) and $15.5 million (for a total of $19.5 million), respectively. The difference in the total intangible amortization between the periods is due to the effects of exchange rate changes.
	The pro forma earnings for the nine months ended June 27, 2014 include an expense from SKM of $24.0 million related to a settlement with certain SKM shareholders regarding provisions of their shareholding plan that was settled and paid prior to the close of the business combination and recorded during the three month period ended December 27, 2013.
	During the nine months ended June 27, 2014, the Company also acquired Eagleton Engineering, LLC, FMHC Corporation, Stobbarts (Nuclear) Limited, Trompeter Enterprises, and MARMAC Field Services, Inc. The operations of these acquisitions were not material to the Company's consolidated results for the three and nine months ended June 27, 2014. During the three months ended June 27, 2014, we acquired an additional 15% interest in Zamel and Turbag Consulting Engineers Company ("ZATE"), a refining, chemicals, infrastructure and civil engineering company headquartered in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. This transaction brought the Company's ownership in ZATE to 75%. The Company also made an investment in Guimar Engenharia Ltda, a Brazilian-based engineering-based services and project management/construction management firm.

Receivables

Receivables	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Allowance, and Net [Abstract]	'
Receivables	'
	Receivables
	The following table presents the components of "Receivables" appearing in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 27, 2014 and September 27, 2013 as well as certain other related information (in thousands):
		June 27,		September 27,
		2014		2013
	Components of receivables:
	Amounts billed	$	1,350,511	$	1,389,278
	Unbilled receivables and other	1,317,215		1,109,931
	Retentions receivable	68,284		49,781
	Total receivables, net	$	2,736,010	$	2,548,990
	Other information about receivables:
	Amounts due from the United States federal government,	$	255,267	$	292,698
	included above, net of advanced billings
	Claims receivable	$	72,249	$	25,237
	Billed receivables consist of amounts invoiced to clients in accordance with the terms of our client contracts and are shown net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. We anticipate that substantially all of such billed amounts will be collected over the next twelve months.
	Unbilled receivables and retentions receivable represent reimbursable costs and amounts earned and reimbursable under contracts in progress as of the respective balance sheet dates. Such amounts become billable according to the contract terms, which usually consider the passage of time, achievement of certain milestones, or completion of the project. We anticipate that substantially all of such unbilled amounts will be billed and collected over the next twelve months.
	Claims receivable are included in "Receivables" in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and represent certain costs incurred on contracts to the extent it is probable that such claims will result in additional contract revenue and the amount of such additional revenue can be reliably estimated.

Property_Equipment_and_Improve

Property, Equipment and Improvements, Net	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Equipment and Improvements, Net	'
	Property, Equipment and Improvements, Net
	Property, Equipment and Improvements, Net in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 27, 2014 and September 27, 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		June 27,			September 27,
		2014			2013
	Land	$	21,872		$	22,027
	Buildings	132,902			131,690
	Equipment	667,052			537,835
	Leasehold improvements	298,840			204,940
	Construction in progress	12,770			22,678
		1,133,436			919,170
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(677,810		)	(539,874		)
		$	455,626		$	379,296

Longterm_Debt

Long-term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-term Debt	'
	Long-term Debt
	On February 7, 2014, Jacobs and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a $1.6 billion long-term unsecured, revolving credit facility (the "2014 Facility") with a syndicate of large, U.S. and international banks and financial institutions. The 2014 Facility replaced and refinanced the Company's previous $1.21 billion unsecured revolving credit facility originally entered into by the Company on March 29, 2012 (the "2012 Facility"). All commitments under the 2012 Facility were terminated effective as of the closing date and all amounts due thereunder were refinanced under the 2014 Facility. The 2014 Facility also provides an accordion feature that allows the Company and the lenders to increase the facility amount to $2.1 billion. The 2014 Facility did not change interest rates for borrowings outstanding under the 2012 Facility, but did reduce the fees on the unused portion of the facility.
	The total amount outstanding under the 2014 Facility in the form of direct borrowings at June 27, 2014 was $0.8 billion. The Company has issued $10.5 million in letters of credit leaving $0.8 billion of available borrowing capacity under the 2014 Facility at June 27, 2014. In addition, the Company had $342.4 million issued under separate, committed and uncommitted letter-of-credit facilities for total issued letters of credit of $352.9 million at June 27, 2014.
	The 2014 Facility expires in February 2019 and permits the Company to borrow under two separate tranches in U.S. dollars, certain specified foreign currencies, and any other currency that may be approved in accordance with the terms of the 2014 Facility. Depending on the Company's Consolidated Leverage Ratio, borrowings under the 2014 Facility will bear interest at either a eurocurrency rate plus a margin of between 1.000% and 1.500% or a base rate plus a margin of between 0% and 0.5%. The 2014 Facility also provides for a financial letter of credit subfacility of $300.0 million, permits performance letters of credit, and provides for a $50.0 million subfacility for swingline loans. Letters of credit are subject to fees based on the Company's Consolidated Leverage Ratio at the time any such letter of credit is issued. The Company pays a facility fee of between 0.100% and 0.250% per annum depending on the Company's Consolidated Leverage Ratio. Amounts outstanding under the 2014 Facility may be prepaid at the option of the Company without premium or penalty, subject to customary breakage fees in connection with the prepayment of eurocurrency loans. The 2014 Facility contains affirmative, negative, and financial covenants customary for financings of this type including, among other things, limitations on certain other indebtedness, loans and investments, liens, mergers, asset sales and transactions with affiliates. In addition, the 2014 Facility contains customary events of default. We were in compliance with our debt covenants at June 27, 2014.

Revenue_Accounting_for_Contrac

Revenue Accounting for Contracts / Accounting for Joint Ventures	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Revenue Accounting for Contracts / Accounting for Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Revenue Accounting for Contracts / Accounting for Joint Ventures	'
	Revenue Accounting for Contracts / Accounting for Joint Ventures
	In general, we recognize revenue at the time we provide services. Depending on the commercial terms of the contract, we recognize revenues either when costs are incurred, or using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting by relating contract costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion. Contract losses are provided for in their entirety in the period they become known, without regard to the percentage-of-completion. For multiple contracts with a single customer we account for each contract separately. We also recognize as revenues, costs associated with claims and unapproved change orders to the extent it is probable that such claims and change orders will result in additional contract revenue, and the amount of such additional revenue can be reliably estimated. A significant portion of the Company's revenue is earned on cost reimbursable contracts. The percentage of revenues realized by the Company by type of contract during fiscal 2013 can be found in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2013 Form 10-K.
	Certain cost-reimbursable contracts include incentive-fee arrangements. The incentive fees in such contracts can be based on a variety of factors but the most common are the achievement of target completion dates, target costs, and/or other performance criteria. Failure to meet these targets can result in unrealized incentive fees. We recognize incentive fees based on expected results using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting. As the contract progresses and more information becomes available, the estimate of the anticipated incentive fee that will be earned is revised as necessary. We bill incentive fees based on the terms and conditions of the individual contracts. In certain situations, we are allowed to bill a portion of the incentive fees over the performance period of the contract. In other situations, we are allowed to bill incentive fees only after the target criterion has been achieved. Incentive fees which have been recognized but not billed are included in Receivables in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Certain cost-reimbursable contracts with government customers as well as certain commercial clients provide that contract costs are subject to audit and adjustment. In this situation, revenues are recorded at the time services are performed based upon the amounts we expect to realize upon completion of the contracts. Revenues are not recognized for non-recoverable costs. In those situations where an audit indicates that we may have billed a client for costs not allowable under the terms of the contract, we estimate the amount of such nonbillable costs and adjust our revenues accordingly.
	When we are directly responsible for subcontractor labor or third-party materials and equipment, we reflect the costs of such items in both revenues and costs. On those projects where the client elects to pay for such items directly and we have no associated responsibility for such items, these amounts are not reflected in either revenues or costs.
	The following table sets forth pass-through costs included in revenues for each of the three and nine months ended June 27, 2014 and June 28, 2013 (in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended				For the Nine Months Ended
		June 27,		June 28,		June 27,		June 28,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Pass-through costs included in revenues	$	700,294	$	674,715	$	2,152,875	$	1,794,748
	As is common to the industry, we execute certain contracts jointly with third parties through various forms of joint ventures and consortiums. Although the joint ventures own and hold the contracts with the clients, the services required by the contracts are typically performed by us and our joint venture partners, or by other subcontractors under subcontracting agreements with the joint ventures. The assets of our joint ventures, therefore, consist almost entirely of cash and receivables (representing amounts due from clients), and the liabilities of our joint ventures consist almost entirely of amounts due to the joint venture partners (for services provided by the partners to the joint ventures under their individual subcontracts) and other subcontractors. In general, at any given time, the equity of our joint ventures represents the undistributed profits earned on contracts the joint ventures hold with clients. Very few of our joint ventures have employees. None of our joint ventures have third-party debt or credit facilities. Our joint ventures, therefore, are simply mechanisms used to deliver engineering and construction services to clients. Rarely do they, in and of themselves, present any risk of loss to us or to our partners separate from those that we would carry if we were performing the contract on our own. Under U.S. GAAP, our share of losses associated with the contracts held by the joint ventures, if and when they occur, has always been reflected in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Certain of our joint ventures meet the definition of a "variable interest entity" ("VIE"). As defined in U.S. GAAP, a VIE is a legal entity in which equity investors do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or, as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack any one of the following three characteristics: (i) the power, through voting rights or similar rights, to direct the activities of a legal entity that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance; (ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the legal entity; or (iii) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the legal entity. Accordingly, entities issuing consolidated financial statements (i.e., a "reporting entity") shall consolidate a VIE if the reporting entity has a "controlling financial interest" in the VIE, as demonstrated by the reporting entity having both (i) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance; and (ii) the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
	In evaluating our VIEs for possible consolidation, we perform a qualitative analysis to determine whether or not we have a "controlling financial interest" in the VIE as defined by U.S. GAAP. We consolidate only those VIEs over which we have a controlling financial interest. For the Company’s unconsolidated joint ventures, we use the equity method of accounting. The Company does not currently participate in any significant VIEs in which it has a controlling financial interest.

Disclosures_About_Defined_Pens

Disclosures About Defined Pension Benefit Obligations	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Disclosures About Defined Pension Benefit Obligations	'
	Disclosures About Defined Pension Benefit Obligations
	The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit cost recognized in earnings during each of the three and nine months ended June 27, 2014 and June 28, 2013 (in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended						For the Nine Months Ended
	Component:	June 27,			June 28,			June 27,			June 28,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	10,529		$	10,876		$	31,401		$	32,895
	Interest cost	20,270			17,242			60,221			52,331
	Expected return on plan assets	(22,712		)	(19,917		)	(67,552		)	(60,374		)
	Amortization of previously unrecognized items	4,941			5,223			14,617			15,849
	Settlement Loss	142			197			422			598
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	13,170		$	13,621		$	39,109		$	41,299
	Included in the above table are amounts relating to a U.S. pension plan, the participating employees of which are assigned to, and work exclusively on, a specific operating contract with the U.S. federal government. It is the expectation of the parties to this contract that the cost of this pension plan will be fully reimbursed by the U.S. federal government pursuant to applicable cost accounting standards. The underfunded amount for this pension plan is included in "Other Noncurrent Assets" in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 27, 2014. Net periodic pension costs for this pension plan for the three and nine months ended June 27, 2014 were $1.9 million and $5.8 million, respectively, and for the three and nine months ended June 28, 2013 were $3.5 million and $10.5 million, respectively. Amounts related to the amortization of previously unrecognized items for this pension plan for the three and nine months ended June 27, 2014 were approximately zero and $0.1 million, respectively, and for the three and nine months ended June 28, 2013 were $0.9 million and $2.7 million, respectively.
	The following table presents certain information regarding Company cash contributions to our pension plans for fiscal 2014 (in thousands):
	Cash contributions made during the first nine months of fiscal 2014	$	49,354
	Cash contributions we expect to make during the remainder of fiscal 2014	9,728
	Total	$	59,082

Other_Comprehensive_Income

Other Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Other Comprehensive Income	'
	Other Comprehensive Income
	The following table presents amounts reclassified from change in pension liabilities in other comprehensive income to direct cost of contracts and selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three and nine months ended June 27, 2014 and June 28, 2013 related to the Company's defined benefit pension plans (in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended						For the Nine Months Ended
		June 27,			June 28,			June 27,			June 28,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Amortization of Defined Benefit Items:
	Actuarial losses	$	(4,939	)	$	(4,321	)	($14,613)			($13,147)
	Prior service cost	(28		)	10			(81		)	34
	Total Before Income Tax	(4,967		)	(4,311		)	(14,694		)	(13,113		)
	Income Tax Benefit	1,403			1,237			4,152			3,761
	Total Reclassifications, After-tax	$	(3,564	)	$	(3,074	)	$	(10,542	)	$	(9,352	)

Earnings_Per_Share_and_Certain

Earnings Per Share and Certain Related Information	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share and Certain Related Information	'
	Earnings Per Share and Certain Related Information
	The following table (i) reconciles the denominator used to compute basic earnings per share ("EPS") to the denominator used to compute diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended June 27, 2014 and June 28, 2013; (ii) provides information regarding the number of non-qualified stock options and shares of restricted stock that were antidilutive and therefore disregarded in calculating the weighted average number of shares outstanding used in computing diluted EPS; and (iii) provides the number of shares of common stock issued from the exercise of stock options and the release of restricted stock (in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended		For the Nine Months Ended
		June 27,	June 28,	June 27,	June 28,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Shares used to calculate EPS:
	Weighted average shares outstanding (denominator used to compute basic EPS)	130,738	129,536	130,417	129,094
	Effect of stock options and restricted stock	1,873	1,759	2,043	1,496
	Denominator used to compute diluted EPS	132,611	131,295	132,460	130,590
	Antidilutive stock options and restricted stock	2,101	2,528	2,088	3,943
	Shares of common stock issued from the exercise of stock options and the release of restricted stock	724	534	1,590	2,415

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	In the normal course of business, we are subject to certain contractual guarantees, claims and litigation. The guarantees to which we are a party generally relate to project schedules and plant performance. Most of the claims and litigation in which we are involved has us as a defendant in workers' compensation; personal injury; environmental; employment/labor; professional liability; and other similar matters.
	We maintain insurance coverage for various aspects of our business and operations. Our insurance programs have varying coverage limits and maximums, and insurance companies may and increasingly do seek to not pay any claims we might make. We have also elected to retain a portion of losses that occur through the use of various deductibles, limits, and retentions under our insurance programs. As a result, we may be subject to future liability for which we are only partially insured or completely uninsured. We intend to mitigate any such future liability by continuing to exercise prudent business judgment in negotiating the terms and conditions of our contracts. Our insurers are also subject to business risk and, as a result, one or more of them may be unable to fulfill their insurance obligations due to insolvency or otherwise.
	Additionally, as a contractor providing services to the U.S. federal government and several of its agencies, we are subject to many levels of audits, investigations, and claims by, or on behalf of, the U.S. federal government with respect to our contract performance, pricing, costs, cost allocations, and procurement practices. Furthermore, our income, franchise, and similar tax returns and filings are also subject to audit and investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, most states within the U.S. as well as by various government agencies representing jurisdictions outside the U.S.
	We record in our Consolidated Balance Sheets amounts representing our estimated liability relating to such claims, guarantees, litigation, and audits and investigations. We perform an analysis to determine the level of reserves to establish for claims that may be insured that are known and have been asserted against us, and for claims that may be insured that are believed to have been incurred based on actuarial analysis, but have not yet been reported to our claims administrators as of the respective balance sheet dates. We include any adjustments to such insurance reserves in our consolidated results of operations.
	Management believes, after consultation with counsel, that such guarantees, litigation, U.S. government contract-related audits, investigations and claims, and income tax audits and investigations should not have any material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.
	On January 20, 2010, Clark County Nevada ("Clark County") filed suit against Jacobs and two of its subsidiaries asserting claims arising out of certain construction projects to which Clark County Nevada was the owner and for which Jacobs' subsidiaries served as the project management consultant. Clark County's lawsuit against Jacobs followed years of litigation and arbitration between Clark County and its construction contractor on the applicable projects which had ended unsuccessfully for Clark County and resulted in Clark County paying more than $60 million in settlement and awards. Jacobs denied liability and vigorously defended against the County's claims. Although Jacobs paid a cash settlement to Clark County in March 2014 to resolve the litigation, it pursued reimbursement of that payment from its insurers, and subsequently resolved coverage disputes with those insurers, subject to the execution of final agreements. As a result, the Company does not expect the settlement of this matter to have any material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements.
	The Company is a defendant in numerous matters pending in North Carolina's Superior Courts arising out of a June 9, 2009 natural gas explosion at a ConAgra Foods Inc. plant in Garner, Wake County, North Carolina. The claims that have been brought against the Company include wrongful death claims, personal injury claims and a claim for property losses to the plant property itself. The Company has settled all but one of the personal injury claims and is vigorously defending the remaining claim and believes it has meritorious defenses. In addition, the Company believes it has adequate insurance coverage as well as a right to indemnification from ConAgra, from whom the company is pursuing recovery. Accordingly, the Company does not expect the remaining matter to have any material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements.

Basis_of_Presentation_Use_of_E

Basis of Presentation Use of Estimates and Assumptions (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]	'
Use of Estimates and Assumptions	'
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to employ estimates and make assumptions that affect the reported amounts of certain assets and liabilities; the revenues and expenses reported for the periods covered by the accompanying consolidated financial statements; and certain amounts disclosed in these Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Although such estimates and assumptions are based on management's most recent assessment of the underlying facts and circumstances utilizing the most current information available and past experience, actual results could differ significantly from those estimates and assumptions. Our estimates, judgments, and assumptions are evaluated periodically and adjusted accordingly. Please refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2013 Form 10-K for a discussion of the significant estimates and assumptions affecting our consolidated financial statements.

Basis_of_Presentation_New_Acco

Basis of Presentation New Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Standards	'
	From time to time, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issues accounting standards updates (each being an "ASU") to its Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"), which constitutes the primary source of U.S. GAAP. The Company regularly monitors ASUs as they are issued and considers their applicability to its business. All ASUs applicable to the Company are adopted by the due date and in the manner prescribed by the FASB.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU requires entities to recognize the amount of revenue to which they expect to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is not permitted. We are evaluating the effect that this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We have not yet selected a transition method.

Basis_of_Presentation_Revenue_

Basis of Presentation Revenue Recognition Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Revenue Accounting for Contracts	'
	In general, we recognize revenue at the time we provide services. Depending on the commercial terms of the contract, we recognize revenues either when costs are incurred, or using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting by relating contract costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion. Contract losses are provided for in their entirety in the period they become known, without regard to the percentage-of-completion. For multiple contracts with a single customer we account for each contract separately. We also recognize as revenues, costs associated with claims and unapproved change orders to the extent it is probable that such claims and change orders will result in additional contract revenue, and the amount of such additional revenue can be reliably estimated. A significant portion of the Company's revenue is earned on cost reimbursable contracts. The percentage of revenues realized by the Company by type of contract during fiscal 2013 can be found in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2013 Form 10-K.
	Certain cost-reimbursable contracts include incentive-fee arrangements. The incentive fees in such contracts can be based on a variety of factors but the most common are the achievement of target completion dates, target costs, and/or other performance criteria. Failure to meet these targets can result in unrealized incentive fees. We recognize incentive fees based on expected results using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting. As the contract progresses and more information becomes available, the estimate of the anticipated incentive fee that will be earned is revised as necessary. We bill incentive fees based on the terms and conditions of the individual contracts. In certain situations, we are allowed to bill a portion of the incentive fees over the performance period of the contract. In other situations, we are allowed to bill incentive fees only after the target criterion has been achieved. Incentive fees which have been recognized but not billed are included in Receivables in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Certain cost-reimbursable contracts with government customers as well as certain commercial clients provide that contract costs are subject to audit and adjustment. In this situation, revenues are recorded at the time services are performed based upon the amounts we expect to realize upon completion of the contracts. Revenues are not recognized for non-recoverable costs. In those situations where an audit indicates that we may have billed a client for costs not allowable under the terms of the contract, we estimate the amount of such nonbillable costs and adjust our revenues accordingly.
	When we are directly responsible for subcontractor labor or third-party materials and equipment, we reflect the costs of such items in both revenues and costs. On those projects where the client elects to pay for such items directly and we have no associated responsibility for such items, these amounts are not reflected in either revenues or costs.

Basis_of_Presentation_Variable

Basis of Presentation Variable Interest Entity (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Accounting for Joint Ventures	'
	As is common to the industry, we execute certain contracts jointly with third parties through various forms of joint ventures and consortiums. Although the joint ventures own and hold the contracts with the clients, the services required by the contracts are typically performed by us and our joint venture partners, or by other subcontractors under subcontracting agreements with the joint ventures. The assets of our joint ventures, therefore, consist almost entirely of cash and receivables (representing amounts due from clients), and the liabilities of our joint ventures consist almost entirely of amounts due to the joint venture partners (for services provided by the partners to the joint ventures under their individual subcontracts) and other subcontractors. In general, at any given time, the equity of our joint ventures represents the undistributed profits earned on contracts the joint ventures hold with clients. Very few of our joint ventures have employees. None of our joint ventures have third-party debt or credit facilities. Our joint ventures, therefore, are simply mechanisms used to deliver engineering and construction services to clients. Rarely do they, in and of themselves, present any risk of loss to us or to our partners separate from those that we would carry if we were performing the contract on our own. Under U.S. GAAP, our share of losses associated with the contracts held by the joint ventures, if and when they occur, has always been reflected in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Certain of our joint ventures meet the definition of a "variable interest entity" ("VIE"). As defined in U.S. GAAP, a VIE is a legal entity in which equity investors do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or, as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack any one of the following three characteristics: (i) the power, through voting rights or similar rights, to direct the activities of a legal entity that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance; (ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the legal entity; or (iii) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the legal entity. Accordingly, entities issuing consolidated financial statements (i.e., a "reporting entity") shall consolidate a VIE if the reporting entity has a "controlling financial interest" in the VIE, as demonstrated by the reporting entity having both (i) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance; and (ii) the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
	In evaluating our VIEs for possible consolidation, we perform a qualitative analysis to determine whether or not we have a "controlling financial interest" in the VIE as defined by U.S. GAAP. We consolidate only those VIEs over which we have a controlling financial interest. For the Company’s unconsolidated joint ventures, we use the equity method of accounting. The Company does not currently participate in any significant VIEs in which it has a controlling financial interest.

Business_Combinations_Tables

Business Combinations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	'
	The following table presents the preliminary allocation of the purchase price (in thousands) paid for SKM:
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	152,051
	Receivables and other current assets	340,906
	Property and equipment, and other	89,524
	Intangible assets	246,696
	Total assets	829,177
	Liabilities:
	Current liabilities	330,435
	Deferred tax liability	86,344
	Long-term liabilities	21,616
	Total liabilities	438,395
	Net identifiable assets acquired	$	390,782
	Goodwill	828,892
	Net assets acquired	$	1,219,674
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	'
	The pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of (i) the results of operations that would have occurred had we actually acquired SKM on September 29, 2012; or (ii) future results of operations:
		For the Nine Months Ended
		June 27, 2014		June 28, 2013
	Revenues	$	9,727	$	9,765
	Net earnings attributable to Jacobs	249		369
	Basic earnings per share	1.91		2.86
	Diluted earnings per share	1.88		2.83

Receivables_Tables

Receivables (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Allowance, and Net [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable	'
	The following table presents the components of "Receivables" appearing in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 27, 2014 and September 27, 2013 as well as certain other related information (in thousands):
		June 27,		September 27,
		2014		2013
	Components of receivables:
	Amounts billed	$	1,350,511	$	1,389,278
	Unbilled receivables and other	1,317,215		1,109,931
	Retentions receivable	68,284		49,781
	Total receivables, net	$	2,736,010	$	2,548,990
	Other information about receivables:
	Amounts due from the United States federal government,	$	255,267	$	292,698
	included above, net of advanced billings
	Claims receivable	$	72,249	$	25,237

Property_Equipment_and_Improve1

Property, Equipment and Improvements, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, Equipment and Improvements, Net in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 27, 2014 and September 27, 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		June 27,			September 27,
		2014			2013
	Land	$	21,872		$	22,027
	Buildings	132,902			131,690
	Equipment	667,052			537,835
	Leasehold improvements	298,840			204,940
	Construction in progress	12,770			22,678
		1,133,436			919,170
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(677,810		)	(539,874		)
		$	455,626		$	379,296

Revenue_Accounting_for_Contrac1

Revenue Accounting for Contracts / Accounting for Joint Ventures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Revenue Accounting for Contracts / Accounting for Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities	'
	The following table sets forth pass-through costs included in revenues for each of the three and nine months ended June 27, 2014 and June 28, 2013 (in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended				For the Nine Months Ended
		June 27,		June 28,		June 27,		June 28,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Pass-through costs included in revenues	$	700,294	$	674,715	$	2,152,875	$	1,794,748

Disclosures_About_Defined_Pens1

Disclosures About Defined Pension Benefit Obligations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Pension Plans' Net Benefit Obligation	'
	The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit cost recognized in earnings during each of the three and nine months ended June 27, 2014 and June 28, 2013 (in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended						For the Nine Months Ended
	Component:	June 27,			June 28,			June 27,			June 28,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	10,529		$	10,876		$	31,401		$	32,895
	Interest cost	20,270			17,242			60,221			52,331
	Expected return on plan assets	(22,712		)	(19,917		)	(67,552		)	(60,374		)
	Amortization of previously unrecognized items	4,941			5,223			14,617			15,849
	Settlement Loss	142			197			422			598
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	13,170		$	13,621		$	39,109		$	41,299
Defined Contribution Plans	'
	The following table presents certain information regarding Company cash contributions to our pension plans for fiscal 2014 (in thousands):
	Cash contributions made during the first nine months of fiscal 2014	$	49,354
	Cash contributions we expect to make during the remainder of fiscal 2014	9,728
	Total	$	59,082

Other_Comprehensive_Income_Tab

Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	The following table presents amounts reclassified from change in pension liabilities in other comprehensive income to direct cost of contracts and selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three and nine months ended June 27, 2014 and June 28, 2013 related to the Company's defined benefit pension plans (in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended						For the Nine Months Ended
		June 27,			June 28,			June 27,			June 28,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Amortization of Defined Benefit Items:
	Actuarial losses	$	(4,939	)	$	(4,321	)	($14,613)			($13,147)
	Prior service cost	(28		)	10			(81		)	34
	Total Before Income Tax	(4,967		)	(4,311		)	(14,694		)	(13,113		)
	Income Tax Benefit	1,403			1,237			4,152			3,761
	Total Reclassifications, After-tax	$	(3,564	)	$	(3,074	)	$	(10,542	)	$	(9,352	)

Earnings_Per_Share_and_Certain1

Earnings Per Share and Certain Related Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	The following table (i) reconciles the denominator used to compute basic earnings per share ("EPS") to the denominator used to compute diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended June 27, 2014 and June 28, 2013; (ii) provides information regarding the number of non-qualified stock options and shares of restricted stock that were antidilutive and therefore disregarded in calculating the weighted average number of shares outstanding used in computing diluted EPS; and (iii) provides the number of shares of common stock issued from the exercise of stock options and the release of restricted stock (in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended		For the Nine Months Ended
		June 27,	June 28,	June 27,	June 28,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Shares used to calculate EPS:
	Weighted average shares outstanding (denominator used to compute basic EPS)	130,738	129,536	130,417	129,094
	Effect of stock options and restricted stock	1,873	1,759	2,043	1,496
	Denominator used to compute diluted EPS	132,611	131,295	132,460	130,590
	Antidilutive stock options and restricted stock	2,101	2,528	2,088	3,943
	Shares of common stock issued from the exercise of stock options and the release of restricted stock	724	534	1,590	2,415

Business_Combinations_Details

Business Combinations (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Dec. 13, 2013

Jun. 27, 2014

Jun. 28, 2013

Jun. 27, 2014

Jun. 27, 2014

Jun. 27, 2014

Jun. 27, 2014

Jun. 27, 2014

Jun. 27, 2014

Jun. 28, 2013

Jun. 27, 2014

Jun. 28, 2013

Jun. 27, 2014

Jun. 28, 2013

Sinclair Knight Merz [Member]

Sinclair Knight Merz [Member]

Sinclair Knight Merz [Member]

Zamel and Turbag Consulting Engineers Company (ZATE) [Member]

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Acquisition-related Costs [Member]

Acquisition-related Costs [Member]

Interest Expense [Member]

Interest Expense [Member]

Intangible Asset Amortization [Member]

Intangible Asset Amortization [Member]

Sinclair Knight Merz [Member]

Sinclair Knight Merz [Member]

Sinclair Knight Merz [Member]

Sinclair Knight Merz [Member]

Sinclair Knight Merz [Member]

Sinclair Knight Merz [Member]

Sinclair Knight Merz [Member]

Sinclair Knight Merz [Member]

Sinclair Knight Merz [Member]

Sinclair Knight Merz [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments to acquire business

$1,200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition-related costs

'

16,600,000

'

'

200,000

9,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquired receivables

304,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Useful life of intangibles

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'12 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

Adjustment to pro forma earnings

'

249,000,000

369,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

21,400,000

-22,800,000

-800,000

-3,200,000

-3,500,000

-15,500,000

Pro forma intangible asset amortization

'

17,800,000

19,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pro forma interest expense

'

2,700,000

4,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss from settlement related to shareholding plan provisions

'

$24,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional percentage of ZATE equity acquired

'

'

'

15.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total percentage ownership of ZATE

'

'

'

75.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business_Combinations_Allocati

Business Combinations (Allocation of Purchase Price) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Dec. 13, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Sinclair Knight Merz [Member]
Assets:	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	$152,051
Receivables and other current assets	'	'	340,906
Property and equipment, and other	'	'	89,524
Intangible assets	'	'	246,696
Total assets	'	'	829,177
Liabilities:	'	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	330,435
Deferred tax liability	'	'	86,344
Long-term liabilities	'	'	21,616
Total liabilities	'	'	438,395
Net assets acquired	'	'	390,782
Goodwill	2,938,686	2,022,831	828,892
Net assets acquired	'	'	$1,219,674

Business_Combinations_Proforma

Business Combinations (Pro-forma Results) (Details) (Sinclair Knight Merz [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Pro Forma Results [Abstract]	'	'
Revenues	$9,727	$9,765
Net earnings attributable to Jacobs	249	369
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$1.91	$2.86
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$1.88	$2.83
Acquisition-related Costs [Member]	'	'
Pro Forma Results [Abstract]	'	'
Net earnings attributable to Jacobs	$21.40	($22.80)

Receivables_Details

Receivables (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Components of receivables:	'	'
Amounts billed	$1,350,511	$1,389,278
Unbilled receivables and other	1,317,215	1,109,931
Retentions receivable	68,284	49,781
Total receivables, net	2,736,010	2,548,990
Other information about receivables:	'	'
Amounts due from the United States federal government, included above, net of advanced billings	255,267	292,698
Claims receivable	$72,249	$25,237
Unbilled amounts billed and collected	'12 months	'

Property_Equipment_and_Improve2

Property, Equipment and Improvements, Net (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, equipment and improvements, gross	$1,133,436	$919,170
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-677,810	-539,874
Property, equipment and improvements, net	455,626	379,296
Land [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, equipment and improvements, gross	21,872	22,027
Buildings [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, equipment and improvements, gross	132,902	131,690
Equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, equipment and improvements, gross	667,052	537,835
Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, equipment and improvements, gross	298,840	204,940
Construction in Progress [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, equipment and improvements, gross	$12,770	$22,678

Longterm_Debt_Revolving_Credit

Long-term Debt (Revolving Credit Facility) (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Jun. 27, 2014

Jun. 27, 2014

Jun. 27, 2014

Jun. 27, 2014

Jun. 27, 2014

Jun. 27, 2014

Jun. 27, 2014

Jun. 27, 2014

Jun. 27, 2014

Jun. 27, 2014

Jun. 27, 2014

Feb. 07, 2014

Jun. 27, 2014

Feb. 07, 2014

Jun. 27, 2014

tranche

Letter of Credit [Member]

Subfacility of Swingline Loans [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

2014 Facility [Member]

2014 Facility [Member]

2014 Facility [Member]

2014 Facility [Member]

2012 Facility [Member]

Committed and Uncommitted Letter of Credit Facility [Member]

Eurocurrency Interest Rate [Member]

Base Interest Rate [Member]

Eurocurrency Interest Rate [Member]

Base Interest Rate [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity

'

$300,000,000

$50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,600,000,000

'

$1,205,000,000

'

Credit facility potential borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,100,000,000

'

'

'

Direct borrowings on credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

800,000,000

'

10,500,000

'

342,400,000

Available borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

800,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Total issued letters of credit

$352,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of tranches in revolving credit facility (in tranches)

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Margin added to variable rate interest rate

'

'

'

'

1.00%

0.00%

'

1.50%

0.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Facility fee percentage

'

'

'

0.10%

'

'

0.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue_Accounting_for_Contrac2

Revenue Accounting for Contracts / Accounting for Joint Ventures (Subcontractor Costs) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Revenue Accounting for Contracts / Accounting for Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Pass-through costs included in revenues	$700,294	$674,715	$2,152,875	$1,794,748

Disclosures_About_Defined_Pens2

Disclosures About Defined Pension Benefit Obligations (Schedule of Pension Plans' Net Benefit Obligation) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Component:	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$10,529	$10,876	$31,401	$32,895
Interest cost	20,270	17,242	60,221	52,331
Expected return on plan assets	-22,712	-19,917	-67,552	-60,374
Amortization of previously unrecognized items	4,941	5,223	14,617	15,849
Settlement Loss	142	197	422	598
Net periodic benefit cost	$13,170	$13,621	$39,109	$41,299

Disclosures_About_Defined_Pens3

Disclosures About Defined Pension Benefit Obligations (Defined Contribution Plans) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Cash contributions made during the first nine months of fiscal 2014	$49,354
Cash contributions we expect to make during the remainder of fiscal 2014	9,728
Total	$59,082

Disclosures_About_Defined_Pens4

Disclosures About Defined Pension Benefit Obligations (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net periodic pension costs	$13,170,000	$13,621,000	$39,109,000	$41,299,000
U.S. Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net periodic pension costs	1,900,000	3,500,000	5,800,000	10,500,000
Amortization of previously unrecognized items	$0	$900,000	$100,000	$2,700,000

Other_Comprehensive_Income_Det

Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Amortization of Defined Benefit Items:	'	'	'	'
Earnings Before Taxes	$118,046	$168,423	$397,362	$486,642
Income Tax Benefit	-46,737	-56,334	-136,304	-162,941
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Amortization of Defined Benefit Items:	'	'	'	'
Actuarial losses	-4,939	-4,321	-14,613	-13,147
Prior service cost	-28	10	-81	34
Earnings Before Taxes	-4,967	-4,311	-14,694	-13,113
Income Tax Benefit	1,403	1,237	4,152	3,761
Total Reclassifications, After-tax	($3,564)	($3,074)	($10,542)	($9,352)

Earnings_Per_Share_and_Certain2

Earnings Per Share and Certain Related Information (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Shares used to calculate EPS:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares outstanding (denominator used to compute basic EPS)	130,738	129,536	130,417	129,094
Effect of stock options and restricted stock	1,873	1,759	2,043	1,496
Denominator used to compute diluted EPS	132,611	131,295	132,460	130,590
Antidilutive stock options and restricted stock	2,101	2,528	2,088	3,943
Shares of common stock issued from the exercise of stock options and the release of restricted stock	724	534	1,590	2,415

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 27, 2014	Jan. 20, 2010	Jan. 20, 2010
	Natural Gas Explosion at ConAgra Foods Plant [Member]	In Arbitration Litigation [Member]	In Arbitration Litigation [Member]
	claim	Clark County Nevada Against Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. [Member]	Clark County Nevada Against Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. [Member]
			subsidiary
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of subsidiaries	'	'	2
Third party payment of litigation settlement and awards (more than $60 million)	'	$60,000,000	'
Number of unsettled personal injury claims remaining	1	'	'