Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2013	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 315,442	$ 297,637	$ 246,989
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	165,664	155,831	150,886
Amortization of intangible assets	23,713	38,334	42,581
Stock-based compensation	23,310	20,312	15,203
Deferred income taxes	48,023	56,727	47,908
Change in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:
Accounts receivable, net	(42,704)	(24,261)	(48,986)
Inventories, net	10,997	(2,330)	(78,824)
Uniforms and other rental items in service	(44,179)	(60,279)	(58,180)
Prepaid expenses	(3,281)	(1,496)	360
Accounts payable	25,023	(12,557)	29,215
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	(13,161)	11,625	12,493
Accrued liabilities and other	31,873	(20,371)	(2,167)
Income taxes, current	12,028	10,690	(16,592)
Net cash provided by operating activities	552,748	469,862	340,886
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(196,486)	(160,802)	(182,592)
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities	161,478	665,016	139,056
Purchase of marketable securities and investments	(178,464)	(585,655)	(78,307)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(69,370)	(24,864)	(171,552)
Other	(1,339)	2,011	(5,198)
Net cash used in investing activities	(284,181)	(104,294)	(298,593)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	250,000	0	1,002,281
Repayment of debt	(225,636)	(1,323)	(502,208)
Proceeds from exercise of stock-based compensation awards	14,807	3,341	0
Dividends paid	(79,744)	(70,820)	(71,812)
Repurchase of common stock	(215,681)	(392,328)	(443,690)
Other	196	555	(4,609)
Net cash used in financing activities	(256,058)	(460,575)	(20,038)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(61)	(3,274)	4,570
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	12,448	(98,281)	26,825
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	339,825	438,106	411,281
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 352,273	$ 339,825	$ 438,106