Business Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2012	Jul. 01, 2011	Jun. 29, 2012	Jul. 01, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$ 115,289	$ 109,794	$ 415,879	$ 395,904
Sales	3,336,094	3,285,713	10,104,266	9,790,479
Interest and Other Financing Costs, net	(87,807)	(113,262)	(315,154)	(315,173)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	27,482	(3,468)	100,725	80,731
Food and Support Services - North America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	74,110	69,153	301,429	285,989
Sales	2,319,566	2,253,908	7,053,423	6,734,251
Food and Support Services - International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	22,979	22,841	65,822	55,296
Sales	673,907	697,966	2,030,425	2,047,682
Uniform and Career Apparel
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	30,386	30,437	86,971	90,123
Sales	342,621	333,839	1,020,418	1,008,546
Total Segment Operating Income Excluding Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	127,475	122,431	454,222	431,408
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$ (12,186)	$ (12,637)	$ (38,343)	$ (35,504)