Business Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2012	Jun. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ 3,490,030	$ 3,336,094	$ 10,429,682	$ 10,104,266
Operating income	123,624	115,289	379,929	415,879
Interest and Other Financing Costs, net	(80,917)	(87,807)	(290,364)	(315,154)
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	42,707	27,482	89,565	100,725
Food and Support Services - North America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	2,405,860	2,319,566	7,217,759	7,053,423
Operating income	73,146	74,110	298,935	301,429
Food and Support Services - International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	727,516	673,907	2,154,567	2,030,425
Operating income	28,694	22,979	37,877	65,822
Uniform and Career Apparel
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	356,654	342,621	1,057,356	1,020,418
Operating income	35,388	30,386	89,761	86,971
Total Segment Operating Income Excluding Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	137,228	127,475	426,573	454,222
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$ (13,604)	$ (12,186)	$ (46,644)	$ (38,343)