Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2013 segment_business	May 31, 2012 segment_business
Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired		2
First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired	3	2
Document Management [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired	12	4