Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2021	May 31, 2020
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 2,870,020	$ 2,842,441
Goodwill acquired	7,274	32,382
Foreign currency translation	35,775	(4,803)
Balance at the end of the period	2,913,069	2,870,020
Uniform Rental and Facility Services
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	2,513,041	2,496,402
Goodwill acquired	1,568	21,081
Foreign currency translation	32,901	(4,442)
Balance at the end of the period	2,547,510	2,513,041
First Aid and Safety Services
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	243,266	243,459
Goodwill acquired	2,545	164
Foreign currency translation	2,760	(357)
Balance at the end of the period	248,571	243,266
All Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	113,713	102,580
Goodwill acquired	3,161	11,137
Foreign currency translation	114	(4)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 116,988	$ 113,713