Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2014	May 31, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 1,517,560	$ 1,485,375
Goodwill acquired	13,716	32,140
Shredding transaction	(265,487)
Foreign currency translation	1,622	45
Balance at the end of the period	1,267,411	1,517,560
Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	944,325	944,449
Goodwill acquired	0	0
Shredding transaction	0
Foreign currency translation	(809)	(124)
Balance at the end of the period	943,516	944,325
Uniform Direct Sales [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	23,942	23,968
Goodwill acquired	0	0
Shredding transaction	0
Foreign currency translation	(37)	(26)
Balance at the end of the period	23,905	23,942
First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	216,989	192,465
Goodwill acquired	4,922	24,524
Shredding transaction	0
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	221,911	216,989
Document Management [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	332,304	324,493
Goodwill acquired	8,794	7,616
Shredding transaction	(265,487)
Foreign currency translation	2,468	195
Balance at the end of the period	$ 78,079	$ 332,304