Note 13 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Segment Reporting (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2014	May 25, 2013	May 31, 2014	May 25, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 352,238	$ 335,764	$ 1,042,909	$ 1,002,639
Income (loss) from operations	49,489	45,797	145,853	138,645
Interest (income) expense, net	(664)	(317)	(1,882)	(1,148)
Income (loss) before taxes	50,114	45,831	147,694	139,472
U.S. And Canadian Rental And Cleaning [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	309,409	294,341	927,193	883,424
Income (loss) from operations	50,124	48,030	155,277	147,712
Interest (income) expense, net	(753)	(716)	(2,348)	(2,237)
Income (loss) before taxes	50,872	48,744	157,599	149,950
MFG [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	46,401	41,859	132,735	122,631
Income (loss) from operations	16,509	15,364	46,382	43,469
Income (loss) before taxes	16,477	15,243	46,240	43,263
Net Interco MFG Elimination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	(46,401)	(41,859)	(132,735)	(122,631)
Income (loss) from operations	(1,332)	(2,663)	(2,234)	(5,669)
Income (loss) before taxes	(1,332)	(2,663)	(2,234)	(5,669)
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	3,896	3,388	11,299	10,494
Income (loss) from operations	(20,803)	(20,375)	(63,112)	(60,301)
Interest (income) expense, net	89	399	466	1,089
Income (loss) before taxes	(20,862)	(20,777)	(63,597)	(61,414)
Subtotal Core Laundry Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	313,305	297,729	938,492	893,918
Income (loss) from operations	44,498	40,356	136,313	125,211
Interest (income) expense, net	(664)	(317)	(1,882)	(1,148)
Income (loss) before taxes	45,155	40,547	138,008	126,130
Specialty Garments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	27,619	26,327	72,468	76,804
Income (loss) from operations	3,992	3,576	7,063	9,555
Income (loss) before taxes	3,960	3,418	7,209	9,462
First Aid [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	11,314	11,708	31,949	31,917
Income (loss) from operations	999	1,865	2,477	3,879
Income (loss) before taxes	$ 999	$ 1,866	$ 2,477	$ 3,880