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Supplemental Guarantor Information - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended
Feb. 28, 2015
Feb. 28, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net income $ 325,403us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss $ 247,218us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities    
Depreciation 104,950us-gaap_Depreciation 127,761us-gaap_Depreciation
Amortization of intangible assets 11,090us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization 17,524us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
Stock-based compensation 36,016us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation 22,248us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
Gain on sale of Storage business (35,036)us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax 0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding business (6,619)us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount 0us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount
Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment (21,739)us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentRealizedGainLossOnDisposal 0us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentRealizedGainLossOnDisposal
Loss on investment in Shred-it 11,189us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments 0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
Deferred income taxes 15,428us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes 8,733us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes
Change in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:    
Accounts receivable, net (3,168)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable (34,024)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
Inventories, net 15,370us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories (16,130)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
Uniforms and other rental items in service (22,203)ctas_IncreaseDecreaseInUniformsAndOtherRentalItemsInService (4,142)ctas_IncreaseDecreaseInUniformsAndOtherRentalItemsInService
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (1,609)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets (1,892)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets
Accounts payable (33,615)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable (7,037)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
Accrued compensation and related liabilities (7,086)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities 2,219us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities
Accrued liabilities 1,841us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities 5,025us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities
Income taxes, current (12,566)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesPayableNetOfIncomeTaxesReceivable 18,270us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesPayableNetOfIncomeTaxesReceivable
Net cash provided by operating activities 377,646us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations 385,773us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Capital expenditures (163,040)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment (113,615)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities 18,711us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities 49,635us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities
Purchase of marketable securities and investments (79,947)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments (63,335)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments
Proceeds from Storage transactions, net of cash contributed 154,891us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesNetOfCashDivested 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesNetOfCashDivested
Proceeds from Shredding transaction 3,344us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses
Proceeds from sale of stock of an equity method investment 29,933us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquityMethodInvestments 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquityMethodInvestments
Dividends received on equity method investment 5,247us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired (13,798)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired (32,965)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
Other, net 1,583us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities (868)us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
Net cash used in investing activities (43,076)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations (161,148)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Proceeds from issuance of debt 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
Repayment of debt (456)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt (8,010)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
Exercise of stock-based compensation awards 31,956us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions 29,286us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions
Dividends paid (201,941)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock (93,314)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
Repurchase of common stock (314,648)us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock (164,462)us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock
Other, net 3,139us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities 10,339us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
Net cash used in financing activities (481,950)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations (226,161)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (7,588)us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsContinuingOperations (1,878)us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsContinuingOperations
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (154,968)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations (3,414)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 513,288us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue 352,273us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 358,320us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue 348,859us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
Cintas Corporation    
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net income 325,403us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
247,218us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities    
Depreciation 0us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Amortization of intangible assets 0us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Stock-based compensation 36,016us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
22,248us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Gain on sale of Storage business 0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
 
Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding business 0us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
 
Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment 0us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentRealizedGainLossOnDisposal
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
 
Loss on investment in Shred-it 0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
 
Deferred income taxes    0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Change in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:    
Accounts receivable, net 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Inventories, net 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Uniforms and other rental items in service 0ctas_IncreaseDecreaseInUniformsAndOtherRentalItemsInService
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0ctas_IncreaseDecreaseInUniformsAndOtherRentalItemsInService
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Accounts payable 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Accrued compensation and related liabilities 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Accrued liabilities 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Income taxes, current 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesPayableNetOfIncomeTaxesReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesPayableNetOfIncomeTaxesReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Net cash provided by operating activities 361,419us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
269,466us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Capital expenditures 0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Purchase of marketable securities and investments 0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Proceeds from Storage transactions, net of cash contributed 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesNetOfCashDivested
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
 
Proceeds from Shredding transaction 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
 
Proceeds from sale of stock of an equity method investment 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquityMethodInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
 
Dividends received on equity method investment 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
 
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired 0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Other, net 123,154us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
(45,138)us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Net cash used in investing activities 123,154us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
(45,138)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Proceeds from issuance of debt 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Repayment of debt 0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Exercise of stock-based compensation awards 31,956us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
29,286us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Dividends paid (201,881)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
(93,287)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Repurchase of common stock (314,648)us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
(164,462)us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Other, net 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
4,135us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Net cash used in financing activities (484,573)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
(224,328)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 0us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
 
Corp. 2    
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net income 102,933us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
74,305us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities    
Depreciation 58,898us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
77,225us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Amortization of intangible assets 10,620us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
15,913us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Stock-based compensation 0us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Gain on sale of Storage business (31,113)us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
 
Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding business (6,619)us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
 
Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment 0us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentRealizedGainLossOnDisposal
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
 
Loss on investment in Shred-it 10,349us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
 
Deferred income taxes 69us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(1)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Change in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:    
Accounts receivable, net 2,345us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(29,274)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Inventories, net 10,048us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(23,320)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Uniforms and other rental items in service (15,228)ctas_IncreaseDecreaseInUniformsAndOtherRentalItemsInService
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(3,796)ctas_IncreaseDecreaseInUniformsAndOtherRentalItemsInService
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 34us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
475us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Accounts payable (174,010)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(43,563)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Accrued compensation and related liabilities (3,903)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
3,338us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Accrued liabilities (28,349)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(19,708)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Income taxes, current 15,041us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesPayableNetOfIncomeTaxesReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
18,413us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesPayableNetOfIncomeTaxesReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Net cash provided by operating activities (48,885)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
70,007us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Capital expenditures (72,623)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(77,219)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Purchase of marketable securities and investments (2,436)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(1,051)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Proceeds from Storage transactions, net of cash contributed 93,387us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesNetOfCashDivested
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
 
Proceeds from Shredding transaction 3,344us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
 
Proceeds from sale of stock of an equity method investment 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquityMethodInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
 
Dividends received on equity method investment 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
 
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired (13,798)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(12,783)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Other, net 45,096us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
45,472us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Net cash used in investing activities 52,970us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(45,581)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Proceeds from issuance of debt 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Repayment of debt (726)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(8,259)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Exercise of stock-based compensation awards 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Dividends paid 0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Repurchase of common stock 0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Other, net 1,464us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
1,464us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Net cash used in financing activities 738us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(6,795)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 0us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 4,823us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
17,631us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 73,540us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
54,511us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 78,363us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
 
Subsidiary Guarantors    
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net income 210,203us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
165,617us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities    
Depreciation 38,081us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
39,574us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Amortization of intangible assets 45us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
122us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Stock-based compensation 0us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Gain on sale of Storage business 86us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding business 0us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment (21,739)us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentRealizedGainLossOnDisposal
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Loss on investment in Shred-it (206)us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Deferred income taxes 14,639us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
8,806us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Change in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:    
Accounts receivable, net (8,184)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(5,078)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Inventories, net 4,361us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
6,385us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Uniforms and other rental items in service (4,420)ctas_IncreaseDecreaseInUniformsAndOtherRentalItemsInService
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
1,246ctas_IncreaseDecreaseInUniformsAndOtherRentalItemsInService
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (1,460)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(3,964)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Accounts payable 137,440us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
33,239us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Accrued compensation and related liabilities (1,216)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(576)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Accrued liabilities 25,082us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
26,620us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Income taxes, current (26,508)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesPayableNetOfIncomeTaxesReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(2,629)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesPayableNetOfIncomeTaxesReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Net cash provided by operating activities 366,204us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
269,362us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Capital expenditures (81,881)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(26,646)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
5,659us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Purchase of marketable securities and investments 47,169us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(57,460)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Proceeds from Storage transactions, net of cash contributed (89)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesNetOfCashDivested
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Proceeds from Shredding transaction 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Proceeds from sale of stock of an equity method investment 29,933us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquityMethodInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Dividends received on equity method investment 5,247us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired 0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Other, net (545,939)us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(204,788)us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Net cash used in investing activities (545,560)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(283,235)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Proceeds from issuance of debt (2,225)us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
4,416us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Repayment of debt 3,421us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
1,016us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Exercise of stock-based compensation awards 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Dividends paid 0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Repurchase of common stock 0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Other, net 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Net cash used in financing activities 1,196us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
5,432us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 0us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (178,160)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(8,441)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 399,525us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
247,070us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 221,365us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Non- Guarantors    
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net income 14,079us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
21,975us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities    
Depreciation 7,971us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
10,962us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Amortization of intangible assets 425us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
1,489us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Stock-based compensation 0us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Gain on sale of Storage business (4,009)us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding business 0us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment 0us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentRealizedGainLossOnDisposal
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Loss on investment in Shred-it 1,046us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Deferred income taxes 720us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(72)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Change in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:    
Accounts receivable, net 2,671us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
328us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Inventories, net (1,237)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
534us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Uniforms and other rental items in service (2,161)ctas_IncreaseDecreaseInUniformsAndOtherRentalItemsInService
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(732)ctas_IncreaseDecreaseInUniformsAndOtherRentalItemsInService
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (183)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
1,597us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Accounts payable 2,949us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
3,288us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Accrued compensation and related liabilities (1,967)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(543)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Accrued liabilities 4,362us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(2,654)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Income taxes, current (1,099)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesPayableNetOfIncomeTaxesReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
2,486us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesPayableNetOfIncomeTaxesReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Net cash provided by operating activities 23,567us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
38,658us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Capital expenditures (8,536)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(9,750)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities 18,711us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
43,976us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Purchase of marketable securities and investments (68,136)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(49,051)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Proceeds from Storage transactions, net of cash contributed 61,593us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesNetOfCashDivested
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Proceeds from Shredding transaction 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Proceeds from sale of stock of an equity method investment 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquityMethodInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Dividends received on equity method investment 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired 0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(20,182)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Other, net (2,677)us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(14,674)us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Net cash used in investing activities 955us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(49,681)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Proceeds from issuance of debt 2,225us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(4,416)us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Repayment of debt (2,405)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Exercise of stock-based compensation awards 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Dividends paid (60)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(27)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Repurchase of common stock 0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Other, net 1,675us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
4,740us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Net cash used in financing activities 1,435us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
297us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (7,588)us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(1,878)us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 18,369us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(12,604)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 40,223us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
50,692us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 58,592us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Eliminations    
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net income (327,215)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
(261,897)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities    
Depreciation 0us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Amortization of intangible assets 0us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Stock-based compensation 0us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Gain on sale of Storage business 0us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
 
Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding business 0us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
 
Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment 0us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentRealizedGainLossOnDisposal
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
 
Loss on investment in Shred-it 0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
 
Deferred income taxes 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Change in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:    
Accounts receivable, net 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Inventories, net 2,198us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
271us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Uniforms and other rental items in service (394)ctas_IncreaseDecreaseInUniformsAndOtherRentalItemsInService
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
(860)ctas_IncreaseDecreaseInUniformsAndOtherRentalItemsInService
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Accounts payable 6us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
(1)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Accrued compensation and related liabilities 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Accrued liabilities 746us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
767us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Income taxes, current 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesPayableNetOfIncomeTaxesReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesPayableNetOfIncomeTaxesReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Net cash provided by operating activities (324,659)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
(261,720)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Capital expenditures 0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Purchase of marketable securities and investments (56,544)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
44,227us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Proceeds from Storage transactions, net of cash contributed 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesNetOfCashDivested
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
 
Proceeds from Shredding transaction 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
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Proceeds from sale of stock of an equity method investment 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquityMethodInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
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Dividends received on equity method investment 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
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Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired 0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Other, net 381,949us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
218,260us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Net cash used in investing activities 325,405us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
262,487us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Proceeds from issuance of debt 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
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Repayment of debt (746)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
(767)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
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Exercise of stock-based compensation awards 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Dividends paid 0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Repurchase of common stock 0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Other, net 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Net cash used in financing activities (746)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
(767)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 0us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
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Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
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Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
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Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember