CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 219,023	$ 176,213
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	115,566	112,126
Amortization of deferred charges	29,520	32,166
Stock-based compensation	15,023	9,813
Deferred income taxes	(995)	22,524
Change in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:
Accounts receivable, net	(11,760)	(32,844)
Inventories, net	(26,958)	(61,620)
Uniforms and other rental items in service	(40,435)	(38,433)
Prepaid expenses and other	(5,977)	(2,418)
Accounts payable	6,372	26,974
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	3,251	241
Accrued liabilities	9,327	(40,663)
Income taxes payable	(4,243)	3,876
Net cash provided by operating activities	307,714	207,955
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(117,716)	(142,298)
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities	519,955	137,879
Purchase of marketable securities and investments	(576,404)	(23,174)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(20,882)	(158,517)
Other, net	1,853	(2,845)
Net cash used in investing activities	(193,194)	(188,955)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt		304,781
Repayment of debt	(1,216)	(282,755)
Exercise of stock-based compensation awards	356
Dividends paid	(70,820)	(71,812)
Repurchase of common stock	(262,682)	(203,214)
Other, net	1,390	930
Net cash used in financing activities	(332,972)	(252,070)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(1,671)	6,520
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(220,123)	(226,550)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	438,106	411,281
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 217,983	$ 184,731