Investments	12 Months Ended
May 31, 2016
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	Investments Investments at May 31, 2016 of $125.0 million include the cash surrender value of insurance policies of $108.1 million, equity method investments of $14.5 million and cost method investments of $2.4 million. Investments at May 31, 2015 of $329.7 million include the cash surrender value of insurance policies of $101.8 million, equity method investments of $225.7 million and cost method investments of $2.2 million. Shred-it is classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented as a result of selling the investment during fiscal 2016. As allowed under applicable accounting guidance, the May 31, 2015 consolidated balance sheet amounts for these assets and liabilities remain in their natural classifications. See Note 16 entitled Discontinued Operations for additional information. During fiscal 2015, Cintas sold stock in an equity method investment. In conjunction with the sale of the equity method investment, Cintas also received a cash dividend of $5.2 million. Total cash received from the transaction was $35.2 million. The sale resulted in the recording of a gain, net of tax, of approximately $13.6 million in the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015. As a result, the Company no longer has the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee. Therefore, effective July 1, 2014, the remaining investment retained by Cintas is accounted for under the cost method. Investments are evaluated for impairment on an annual basis or when indicators of impairment exist. For fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, no losses due to impairment were recorded.

Investments

Investments at May 31, 2016 of $125.0 million include the cash surrender value of insurance policies of $108.1 million, equity method investments of $14.5 million and cost method investments of $2.4 million. Investments at May 31, 2015 of $329.7 million include the cash surrender value of insurance policies of $101.8 million, equity method investments of $225.7 million and cost method investments of $2.2 million.

Shred-it is classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented as a result of selling the investment during fiscal 2016. As allowed under applicable accounting guidance, the May 31, 2015 consolidated balance sheet amounts for these assets and liabilities remain in their natural classifications. See Note 16 entitled Discontinued Operations for additional information.

During fiscal 2015, Cintas sold stock in an equity method investment. In conjunction with the sale of the equity method investment, Cintas also received a cash dividend of $5.2 million. Total cash received from the transaction was $35.2 million. The sale resulted in the recording of a gain, net of tax, of approximately $13.6 million in the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015. As a result, the Company no longer has the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee. Therefore, effective July 1, 2014, the remaining investment retained by Cintas is accounted for under the cost method.

Investments are evaluated for impairment on an annual basis or when indicators of impairment exist. For fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, no losses due to impairment were recorded.