Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 76,733	$ 68,638
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	40,342	38,277
Amortization of intangible assets	6,100	10,233
Stock-based compensation	5,448	4,522
Deferred income taxes	9,716	(7,808)
Change in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:
Accounts receivable, net	(7,128)	(10,142)
Inventories, net	9,889	(30,770)
Uniforms and other rental items in service	(8,672)	(11,124)
Prepaid expenses and other	(5,392)	(5,983)
Accounts payable	16,278	(9,329)
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	(50,793)	(27,611)
Accrued liabilities	(27,400)	(10,201)
Income taxes payable	29,744	47,860
Net cash provided by operating activities	94,865	56,562
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(47,438)	(44,421)
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities	24,720	63,561
Purchase of marketable securities and investments	(36,970)	(107,145)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(2,130)	(870)
Other, net	577	6,539
Net cash used in investing activities	(61,241)	(82,336)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	250,000	0
Repayment of debt	(225,154)	(444)
Proceeds from exercise of stock-based compensation awards	1,119	0
Repurchase of common stock	(77,953)	(262,639)
Other, net	(3,491)	926
Net cash used in financing activities	(55,479)	(262,157)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	1,247	137
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(20,608)	(287,794)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	339,825	438,106
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 319,217	$ 150,312