Note 13 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Segment Reporting (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 24, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 346,704	$ 332,569
Income (loss) from operations	55,640	49,959
Interest (income) expense, net	(557)	(307)
Income (loss) before taxes	56,356	50,426
U.S. And Canadian Rental And Cleaning [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	308,442	291,283
Income (loss) from operations	58,359	51,271
Interest (income) expense, net	(730)	(694)
Income (loss) before taxes	59,087	51,965
MFG [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	44,233	42,595
Income (loss) from operations	15,574	15,322
Income (loss) before taxes	15,493	15,247
Net Interco MFG Elimination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	(44,233)	(42,595)
Income (loss) from operations	(1,264)	(2,966)
Income (loss) before taxes	(1,264)	(2,966)
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	3,564	3,277
Income (loss) from operations	(20,297)	(19,099)
Interest (income) expense, net	173	387
Income (loss) before taxes	(20,469)	(19,498)
Subtotal Core Laundry Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	312,006	294,560
Income (loss) from operations	52,372	44,528
Interest (income) expense, net	(557)	(307)
Income (loss) before taxes	52,847	44,748
Specialty Garments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	24,443	27,884
Income (loss) from operations	2,759	4,704
Income (loss) before taxes	3,000	4,951
First Aid [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	10,255	10,125
Income (loss) from operations	509	727
Income (loss) before taxes	$ 509	$ 727