Investments	12 Months Ended
May 31, 2017
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	Investments Investments at May 31, 2017 of $164.8 million include the cash surrender value of insurance policies of $144.0 million, equity method investments of $15.8 million and cost method investments of $5.0 million. 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. 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 2017, 2016 and 2015, no losses due to impairment were recorded.

Investments

Investments at May 31, 2017 of $164.8 million include the cash surrender value of insurance policies of $144.0 million, equity method investments of $15.8 million and cost method investments of $5.0 million. 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.

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 2017, 2016 and 2015, no losses due to impairment were recorded.