Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2013	May 31, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 1,485,375	$ 1,487,882
Goodwill acquired	32,140	2,629
Foreign currency translation	45	(5,136)
Balance at the end of the period	1,517,560	1,485,375
Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	944,449	943,177
Goodwill acquired	0	2,163
Foreign currency translation	(124)	(891)
Balance at the end of the period	944,325	944,449
Uniform Direct Sales [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	23,968	23,995
Goodwill acquired	0	0
Foreign currency translation	(26)	(27)
Balance at the end of the period	23,942	23,968
First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	192,465	192,944
Goodwill acquired	24,524	(479)
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	216,989	192,465
Document Management [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	324,493	327,766
Goodwill acquired	7,616	945
Foreign currency translation	195	(4,218)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 332,304	$ 324,493