Note 15 - Segment Reporting - Segment Reporting (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 25, 2017	Feb. 27, 2016	Feb. 25, 2017	Feb. 27, 2016
Revenues	$ 391,427	$ 363,097	$ 777,535	$ 736,481
Income (loss) from operations	36,146	38,193	81,903	96,487
Interest (income) expense, net	(1,120)	(674)	(1,921)	(1,217)
Income (loss) before taxes	37,374	38,999	83,438	97,357
US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning [Member]
Revenues	350,059	326,101	694,540	655,881
Income (loss) from operations	42,731	43,117	95,558	99,843
Interest (income) expense, net	(925)	(818)	(1,759)	(1,562)
Income (loss) before taxes	43,691	43,948	97,399	101,441
MFG [Member]
Revenues	46,224	42,436	95,086	88,251
Income (loss) from operations	16,652	14,051	34,859	30,595
Interest (income) expense, net
Income (loss) before taxes	16,630	14,098	34,852	30,634
Net Interco MFG Elimination [Member]
Revenues	(46,118)	(42,436)	(94,922)	(88,251)
Income (loss) from operations	1,007	1,752	68	1,701
Interest (income) expense, net
Income (loss) before taxes	1,007	1,752	68	1,701
Corporate Segment [Member]
Revenues	8,221	5,264	15,525	10,521
Income (loss) from operations	(27,331)	(22,791)	(53,753)	(43,038)
Interest (income) expense, net	(195)	144	(162)	345
Income (loss) before taxes	(27,093)	(23,040)	(53,673)	(43,618)
Subtotal Core Laundry Operations [Member]
Revenues	358,386	331,365	710,229	666,402
Income (loss) from operations	33,059	36,129	76,732	89,101
Interest (income) expense, net	(1,120)	(674)	(1,921)	(1,217)
Income (loss) before taxes	34,235	36,758	78,646	90,158
Specialty Garments [Member]
Revenues	21,787	20,451	44,143	47,221
Income (loss) from operations	2,095	1,146	3,246	5,432
Interest (income) expense, net
Income (loss) before taxes	2,147	1,323	2,867	5,245
First Aid [Member]
Revenues	11,254	11,281	23,163	22,858
Income (loss) from operations	992	918	1,925	1,954
Interest (income) expense, net
Income (loss) before taxes	$ 992	$ 918	$ 1,925	$ 1,954