Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 76,822
Service contracts acquired	336
Service contracts amortization	(6,033)
Foreign currency translation	1,172
Balance at the end of the period	72,297
Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products [Member]
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	29,156
Service contracts acquired	0
Service contracts amortization	(2,402)
Foreign currency translation	880
Balance at the end of the period	27,634
Uniform Direct Sales [Member]
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	0
Service contracts acquired	0
Service contracts amortization	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at the end of the period	0
First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection [Member]
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	29,334
Service contracts acquired	0
Service contracts amortization	(1,845)
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at the end of the period	27,489
Document Management [Member]
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	18,332
Service contracts acquired	336
Service contracts amortization	(1,786)
Foreign currency translation	292
Balance at the end of the period	$ 17,174