Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 162,616	$ 154,760
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	85,180	81,321
Amortization of intangible assets	11,741	11,973
Stock-based compensation	14,624	11,084
Deferred income taxes	9,299	23,351
Change in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:
Accounts receivable, net	(23,755)	(24,528)
Inventories, net	(9,232)	15,460
Uniforms and other rental items in service	(12,694)	(28,105)
Prepaid expenses	(1,776)	(202)
Accounts payable	(19,215)	23,019
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	(19,381)	(36,899)
Accrued liabilities	11,387	(4,570)
Income taxes payable	13,486	599
Net cash provided by operating activities	222,280	227,263
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(76,785)	(99,062)
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities	45,114	41,453
Purchase of marketable securities and investments	(55,413)	(80,054)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(32,514)	(53,243)
Other, net	(929)	(673)
Net cash used in investing activities	(120,527)	(191,579)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	0	250,000
Repayment of debt	(7,837)	(225,312)
Proceeds from exercise of stock-based compensation awards	21,311	2,357
Repurchase of common stock	(164,200)	(159,175)
Other, net	6,323	(2,476)
Net cash used in financing activities	(144,403)	(134,606)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(289)	1,584
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(42,939)	(97,338)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	352,273	339,825
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 309,334	$ 242,487