10-K

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

☒ Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2013

☐ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934    Commission file number 001-08504

UNIFIRST CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Massachusetts	04-2103460
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

68 Jonspin Road

Wilmington, Massachusetts 01887

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (978) 658-8888

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Class	Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock,	New York Stock Exchange
$0.10 par value per share

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes ✔     No      

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
     

Yes           No ✔

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes ✔     No       

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).      

Yes ✔     No 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):

Large accelerated filer ✔      Accelerated filer               Smaller Reporting Company       Non-accelerated filer        

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
     

Yes           No ✔

The number of outstanding shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock and Class B Common Stock at October 18, 2013 were 15,130,524 and 4,873,277, respectively. The aggregate market value of the voting stock of the Registrant held by non-affiliates as of February 22, 2013 (the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter), computed by reference to the closing sale price of such shares on such date, was approximately $1,238,810,412.

Documents Incorporated By Reference

The Registrant intends to file a Definitive Proxy Statement pursuant to Regulation 14A promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for its 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013. Portions of such Proxy Statement are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

UniFirst Corporation

Annual Report on Form 10-K

For the Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2013

Table of Contents

PART I

Item 1. Business

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

Item 2. Properties

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Consolidated statements of income for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2013

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2013

Consolidated balance sheets as of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012

Consolidated statements of shareholders' equity for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2013

Consolidated statements of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2013

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Item 9B. Other Information

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Item 11. Executive Compensation

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

   Ex-21 List of Subsidiaries

   Ex-23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   Ex-31.1 Section 302 Certification of CEO

   Ex-31.2 Section 302 Certification of CFO

   Ex-32.1 Section 906 Certification of CEO

   Ex-32.2 Section 906 Certification of CFO

PART I

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our actual results could differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Certain factors that might cause such a difference are discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”; “Safe Harbor for Forward Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

GENERAL

UniFirst Corporation, a corporation organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1950, together with its subsidiaries, hereunder referred to as “we”, “our”, the “Company”, or “UniFirst”, is one of the largest providers of workplace uniforms and protective work wear clothing in the United States. We design, manufacture, personalize, rent, clean, deliver, and sell a wide range of uniforms and protective clothing, including shirts, pants, jackets, coveralls, lab coats, smocks, aprons and specialized protective wear, such as flame resistant and high visibility garments. We also rent industrial wiping products, floor mats, facility service products, restroom and cleaning supplies, and other non-garment items, and provide first aid cabinet services and other safety supplies, to a variety of manufacturers, retailers and service companies. We serve businesses of all sizes in numerous industry categories. At certain specialized facilities, we also decontaminate and clean work clothes and other items that may have been exposed to radioactive materials and service special cleanroom protective wear and facilities.

Our principal services include providing customers with uniforms and other non-garment items, picking up soiled uniforms or other items on a periodic basis (usually weekly), and delivering, at the same time, cleaned and processed items. We offer uniforms in a wide variety of styles, colors, sizes and fabrics and with personalized emblems selected by the customer. Our centralized services, specialized equipment and economies of scale generally allow us to be more cost effective in providing garment services than customers could be themselves, particularly those customers with high employee turnover rates. During fiscal 2013, we manufactured approximately 71% of the garments we placed in service. These were primarily work pants and shirts manufactured at our plants in Cardenas, Ebano and Valles, which are located in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, as well as at subcontract manufacturers that the we utilize to supplement our manufacturing capacity in periods of high demand. Because we design and manufacture a majority of our own uniforms and protective clothes, we can produce custom garment programs for our larger customers, offer a diverse range of such designs within our standard line of garments and better control the quality, price and speed at which we produce such garments. In addition, among our competitors, we believe we have the largest in-house digital image processing capability, allowing us to convert an image provided by a customer into customized, mass producible embroidered emblems, typically within two days.

We have six operating segments: US Rental and Cleaning, Canadian Rental and Cleaning, Manufacturing (“MFG”), Specialty Garments Rental and Cleaning (“Specialty Garments”), First Aid and Corporate. The US Rental and Cleaning and Canadian Rental and Cleaning operating segments have been combined to form the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment. The US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment purchases, rents, cleans, delivers and sells, uniforms and protective clothing and non-garment items in the United States and Canada. The Corporate operating segment consists of costs associated with our distribution center, sales and marketing, information systems, engineering, materials management, manufacturing planning, finance, budgeting, human resources, other general and administrative costs and interest expense. The revenues generated from the Corporate operating segment represent certain direct sales made directly from our distribution center. The products sold by this operating segment are the same products rented and sold by the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segments. The MFG operating segment designs and manufactures uniforms and non-garment items solely for the purpose of providing these goods to the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment. The Specialty Garments operating segment purchases, rents, cleans, delivers and sells, specialty garments and non-garment items primarily for nuclear and cleanroom applications and provides cleanroom cleaning services at limited customer locations. The First Aid operating segment sells first aid cabinet services and other safety supplies as well as maintains wholesale distribution and pill packaging operations. Refer to Note 15, “Segment Reporting”, of our Consolidated Financial Statements for our disclosure of segment information.

In fiscal 2013, we generated $1.356 billion in revenue, of which approximately 90% was derived from the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning and Corporate segments. Specialty Garments and First Aid accounted for approximately 7% and 3% of our 2013 revenues, respectively.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

We provide our customers with personalized workplace uniforms and protective work clothing in a broad range of styles, colors, sizes and fabrics. Our uniform products include shirts, pants, jackets, coveralls, lab coats, smocks, aprons and specialized protective wear, such as flame resistant and high visibility garments. At certain specialized facilities, we also decontaminate and clean clothes and other items which may have been exposed to radioactive materials and service special cleanroom protective wear. We also offer non-garment items and services, such as industrial wiping products, floor mats, dry and wet mops, restroom and cleaning supplies and other textile products.

We offer our customers a range of garment service options, including full-service rental programs in which garments are cleaned and serviced by us, lease programs in which garments are cleaned and maintained by individual employees and purchase programs to buy garments and related items directly. As part of our rental business, we pick up a customer’s soiled uniforms and/or other items on a periodic basis (usually weekly) and deliver back cleaned and processed replacement items. We believe our centralized services, specialized equipment and economies of scale generally allow us to be more cost effective in providing garment and related services than customers would be by themselves, particularly those customers with high employee turnover rates. Our uniform program is intended not only to help our customers foster greater company identity, but to enhance their corporate image and improve employee safety, productivity and morale. We primarily serve our customers pursuant to written service contracts that range in duration from three to five years.

CUSTOMERS

We serve businesses of all sizes in numerous industry categories. During each of the past five years, no single uniform rental customer accounted for more than 1% of our revenues. Our typical customers include automobile service centers and dealers, delivery services, food and general merchandise retailers, food processors and service operations, light manufacturers, maintenance facilities, restaurants, service companies, soft and durable goods wholesalers, transportation companies, and others who require employee clothing for image, identification, protection or utility purposes. Among our largest customers of our conventional uniform rental business are divisions, units, regional operations or franchised agencies of major, nationally recognized organizations. With respect to our Specialty Garment segment, typical customers include government agencies, research and development laboratories, high technology companies and utilities operating nuclear reactors. We currently service over 250,000 customer locations in the United States, Canada and Europe from 225 customer service, distribution and manufacturing facilities.

MARKETING, SALES, AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

We market our products and services to a diverse customer base and to prospects that range across virtually all industry segments. Marketing contact is made through print advertising, direct mail, publicity, trade shows, catalogs, telemarketing, multiple web sites and direct field sales representation. We have built and maintain an extensive, proprietary database of prescreened and qualified business prospects that have been sourced from our various promotional initiatives, including mailers, web site contacts, advertising responses, sales calls and lists purchased from third-party providers. These prospect records serve as a primary targeting resource for our professional sales organization and are constantly updated, expanded and maintained by an in-house team of specialist database qualifiers and managers. To aid in the effective marketing of products and services, we supply sales representatives with an extensive selection of sales aids, brochures, presentation materials and vertical market communications tools. We also provide representatives with detailed on-line profiles of high opportunity markets to educate them to the typical issues, needs and concerns of those markets. This helps establish credibility and aids their ability to deliver value-based solutions.

We employ a large team of trained professional sales representatives whose sole function is to market our services to potential customers and develop new accounts. While most of our sales representatives are capable of presenting a full range of service solutions, some are dedicated to developing business for a limited range of products and services or have a specific market focus.

For example, in select geographic markets we employ teams of dedicated facility services sales representatives who focus exclusively on developing business for our floor care, restroom and related service programs. We employ specialist executive-level salespeople in our National Account Organization—some who specialize in rental programs and some who specialize in direct sale programs—to target the very largest national companies with known uniform and/or facility services program needs. We believe that effective customer service is the most important element in developing and maintaining our market position. Our commitment to service excellence is reflected throughout our organization. Our route sales representatives are the first line of continuing customer contact, but they are supported by local customer service representatives, local service management staff and local operations management leaders, all of whom are focused on addressing the ongoing needs of customers, constantly delivering high-value service and pursuing total customer satisfaction. Our proprietary customer relationship management (“CRM”) information system enables us to respond to customer inquiries or issues within 24 hours and our service personnel are specially trained to handle the daily contact work necessary to effectively manage customer relations.

We measure the speed and accuracy of our customer service efforts on a weekly basis and, through our ““Customers for Life’’ program, we continuously survey, record and report satisfaction levels as a means of evaluating current performance and highlighting areas for improvement.

COMPETITION

The uniform rental and sales industry is highly competitive. The principal methods of competition in the industry are the quality of products, the quality of service and price. Our leading competitors include Cintas Corporation, Aramark Corporation and G&K Services, Inc. The remainder of the market, however, is divided among more than 400 smaller businesses, many of which serve one or a limited number of markets or geographic service areas. In addition to our traditional rental competitors, we may increasingly compete in the future with businesses that focus on selling uniforms and other related items. We also compete with industry competitors for acquisitions.

MANUFACTURING AND SOURCING

We manufactured approximately 71% of all garments which we placed in service during fiscal 2013. These were primarily work pants and shirts manufactured at our plants in Cardenas, Ebano and Valles, which are located in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, as well as at subcontract manufacturers that the we utilize to supplement our manufacturing capacity in periods of high demand. The balance of the garments used in our programs are purchased from a variety of industry suppliers. While we currently acquire the raw materials with which we produce our garments from a limited number of suppliers, we believe that such materials are readily available from other sources. To date, we have experienced no significant difficulty in obtaining any of our raw materials or supplies. Currently, we also manufacture approximately 73% of the mats we place in service at our plant in Cave City, Arkansas.

EMPLOYEES

At August 31, 2013, we employed approximately 11,500 persons. Approximately 2% of our United States employees are represented by a union pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement. We consider our employee relations to be good.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Our executive officers are as follows:

NAME	AGE	POSITION
Ronald D. Croatti	70	Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer
Steven S. Sintros	40	Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Cynthia Croatti	58	Executive Vice President and Treasurer
Bruce P. Boynton	65	Senior Vice President, Operations
David A. DiFillippo	56	Senior Vice President, Operations
David M. Katz	50	Vice President, Sales and Marketing

The principal occupation and positions for the past five years of our executive officers named above are as follows:

Ronald D. Croatti joined our Company in 1965. Mr. Croatti became Director of our Company in 1982, Vice Chairman of the Board in 1986 and has served as Chief Executive Officer since 1991. He has also served as President since 1995 and Chairman of the Board since 2002. Mr. Croatti has overall responsibility for the management of our Company.

Steven S. Sintros joined our Company in 2004. Mr. Sintros has served as our Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since January 2009 and has primary responsibility for overseeing the financial functions of our Company, as well as our information systems department. Mr. Sintros served as a Finance Manager in 2004 and Corporate Controller from 2005 until January 2009.

Cynthia Croatti joined our Company in 1980. Ms. Croatti has served as Director since 1995, Treasurer since 1982 and Executive Vice President since 2001. In addition, she has primary responsibility for overseeing the human resources and purchasing functions of our Company.

Bruce P. Boynton joined our Company in 1976. Mr. Boynton has served as Senior Vice President, Operations since 2001, is the chief operating officer for our Company’s Canadian operations and has primary responsibility for overseeing the operations of certain regions in the United States. From 1986 through 2000, Mr. Boynton served as Vice President, Operations.

David A. DiFillippo joined our Company in 1979. Mr. DiFillippo has served as Senior Vice President, Operations since 2002 and has primary responsibility for overseeing the operations of certain regions in the United States. From 2000 through 2002, Mr. DiFillippo served as Vice President, Central Rental Group and, prior to 2000, he served as a Regional General Manager.

David M. Katz joined our Company as Vice President, Sales and Marketing in January 2009. Mr. Katz has primary responsibility for overseeing the sales and marketing functions of our Company. Prior to joining our Company, Mr. Katz worked for DHL Express where he served as the Northeast Vice President of Field Sales, from 2003 to 2007, the Northeast Vice President of National Account Sales from 2007 to 2008 and the Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Northeast from 2008 until January 2009.

Ronald D. Croatti and Cynthia Croatti are siblings.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

We, like our competitors, are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations governing, among other things, air emissions, wastewater discharges, and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes and other substances. In particular, industrial laundries currently use and must dispose of detergent waste water and other residues, and, in the past, used perchloroethylene and other dry cleaning solvents. We are attentive to the environmental concerns surrounding the disposal of these materials and have through the years taken measures to avoid their improper disposal. Over the years, we have settled, or contributed to the settlement of, actions or claims brought against us relating to the disposal of hazardous materials and there can be no assurance that we will not have to expend material amounts to remediate the consequences of any such disposal in the future. Further, under environmental laws, an owner or lessee of real estate may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances located on or in or emanating from such property, as well as related costs of investigation and property damage. Such laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or lessee knew of or was responsible for the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. There can be no assurance that acquired or leased locations have been operated in compliance with environmental laws and regulations or that future uses or conditions will not result in the imposition of liability upon us under such laws or expose us to third-party actions such as tort suits. We continue to address environmental conditions under terms of consent orders negotiated with the applicable environmental authorities or otherwise with respect to sites located in, or related to, Woburn, Massachusetts, Somerville, Massachusetts, Springfield, Massachusetts, Uvalde, Texas, Stockton, California, three sites related to former operations in Williamstown, Vermont, as well as sites located in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Wilmington, North Carolina and Landover, Maryland. For additional discussion refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the risk factor set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Our nuclear garment decontamination facilities are licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or in certain cases, by the applicable state agency, and are subject to regulation by federal, state and local authorities. In the past, scrutiny and regulation of nuclear facilities and related services have resulted in the suspension of operations at certain nuclear facilities served by us or disruptions in our ability to service such facilities. There can be no assurance that such scrutiny and regulation will not lead to the shut-down of such facilities or otherwise cause material disruptions in our garment decontamination business.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

We make available free of charge our Proxy Statement, Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, including exhibits and any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. These reports are available on our website at www.unifirst.com. In addition, you may request a copy of our filings, excluding exhibits, by contacting our Investor Relations group at (978) 658-8888 or at UniFirst Corporation, 68 Jonspin Road, Wilmington, MA 01887. Information included on our website is not deemed to be incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or the documents incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The statements in this section, as well as statements described elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, or in other SEC filings, describe risks that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and the trading price of our securities. These risks are not the only risks that we face. Our business, financial condition and results of operations could also be materially affected by additional factors that are not presently known to us or that we currently consider to be immaterial to our operations.

SAFE HARBOR FOR FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K and any documents incorporated by reference may contain forward looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and any documents incorporated by reference are subject to the safe harbor created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward looking statements may be identified by words such as “estimates,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “believes,” “seeks,” “could,” “should,” “may,” “will,” or the negative versions thereof, and similar expressions and by the context in which they are used. Such forward looking statements are based upon our current expectations and speak only as of the date made. Such statements are highly dependent upon a variety of risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such forward looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, uncertainties caused by the continuing adverse worldwide economic conditions, uncertainties regarding our ability to consummate and successfully integrate acquired businesses, uncertainties regarding any existing or newly-discovered expenses and liabilities related to environmental compliance and remediation, our ability to compete successfully without any significant degradation in our margin rates, seasonal and quarterly fluctuations in business levels, our ability to preserve positive labor relationships and avoid becoming the target of corporate labor unionization campaigns that could disrupt our business, the effect of currency fluctuations on our results of operations and financial condition, our dependence on third parties to supply us with raw materials, any loss of key management or other personnel, increased costs as a result of any future changes in federal or state laws, rules and regulations or governmental interpretation of such laws, rules and regulations, uncertainties regarding the price levels of natural gas, electricity, fuel and labor, the impact of adverse economic conditions and the current tight credit markets on our customers and such customers’ workforce, the level and duration of workforce reductions by our customers, the continuing increase in domestic healthcare costs, demand and prices for our products and services, rampant criminal activity and instability in Mexico where our principal garment manufacturing plants are located, our ability to properly and efficiently design, construct, implement and operate our new CRM computer system, additional professional and internal costs necessary for compliance with recent and proposed future changes in Securities and Exchange Commission, New York Stock Exchange and accounting rules, strikes and unemployment levels, our efforts to evaluate and potentially reduce internal costs, economic and other developments associated with the war on terrorism and its impact on the economy and general economic conditions. We undertake no obligation to update any forward looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date on which they are made.

RISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

We face intense competition within our industry, which may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

The uniform rental and sales industry is highly competitive. The principal methods of competition in the industry are quality of products, quality of service and price. Our leading competitors include Aramark Corporation, Cintas Corporation and G&K Services, Inc. The remainder of the market, however, is divided among more than 400 smaller businesses, many of which serve one or a limited number of markets or geographic service areas. In addition to our traditional rental competitors, we may increasingly compete in the future with businesses that focus on selling uniforms and other related items, including single-use disposable garments for use in the nuclear industry. Increased competition may result in price reductions, reduced gross margins and loss of market share, any of which could have a material effect on our results of operations and financial condition. We also compete with industry competitors for acquisitions, which has the effect of increasing the price for acquisitions and reducing the number of acquisition candidates available to us. If we pay higher prices for businesses we acquire, our returns on investment and profitability may be reduced.

Adverse economic and business conditions continue to affect our customer base and may continue to negatively impact our sales and operating results.

We supply uniform services to many industries that have been subject to adverse economic and business conditions resulting in shifting employment levels, changes in worker productivity, uncertainty regarding the impacts of rehiring and shifts to offshore manufacturing. As a result, many of our customers have reduced worker headcounts. The economic hardships among our customer base have also caused, and may continue to cause, some of our customers to restrict expenditures or even cease to conduct business. All of these factors have, and are likely in the future to continue to have, the effect of reducing the number of employees utilizing our uniform services, which adversely affects our sales and results of operations. The current worldwide economic uncertainties and weakness may negatively impact our revenues and operating performance in fiscal 2014 and beyond due to the impact on spending plans and employment levels of our customers and sales prospects.

The expenses we incur to comply with environmental regulations, including costs associated with potential environmental remediation, may prove to be significant and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We, like our competitors, are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations governing, among other things, air emissions, wastewater discharges, and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes and other substances. In particular, industrial laundries currently use and must dispose of detergent waste water and other residues, and, in the past, used perchloroethylene and other dry cleaning solvents. We are attentive to the environmental concerns surrounding the disposal of these materials and have, through the years, taken measures to avoid their improper disposal. Over the years, we have settled, or contributed to the settlement of, actions or claims brought against us relating to the disposal of hazardous materials and there can be no assurance that we will not have to expend material amounts to remediate the consequences of any such disposal in the future. Further, under environmental laws, an owner or lessee of real estate may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances located on or in or emanating from such property, as well as related costs of investigation and property damage. Such laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or lessee knew of or was responsible for the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. There can be no assurance that acquired or leased locations have been operated in compliance with environmental laws and regulations or that future uses or conditions will not result in the imposition of liability upon us under such laws or expose us to third-party actions such as tort suits.

We continue to address environmental conditions under terms of consent orders negotiated with the applicable environmental authorities or otherwise with respect to sites located in or related to Woburn, Massachusetts, Somerville, Massachusetts, Springfield, Massachusetts, Uvalde, Texas, Stockton, California, three sites related to former operations in Williamstown, Vermont, as well as sites located in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Wilmington, North Carolina and Landover, Maryland.

We have accrued certain costs related to the sites described above as it has been determined that the costs are probable and can be reasonably estimated. We continue to implement mitigation measures and to monitor environmental conditions at the Somerville, Massachusetts site. We also have potential exposure related to an additional parcel of land (the “Central Area”) related to the Woburn, Massachusetts site discussed above. Currently, the consent decree for the Woburn site does not define or require any remediation work in the Central Area. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) has provided us and other signatories to the consent decree with comments on the design and implementation of groundwater and soil remedies at the Woburn site and investigation of environmental conditions in the Central Area. We, and other signatories, have implemented and proposed to do additional work at the Woburn site but many of EPA’s comments remain to be resolved. In addition, we have received notices of violations from Region 1 of the EPA under the Clean Air Act regarding our failure to obtain certain permits allegedly necessary with respect to the laundering of soiled towels at seven New England facilities, and we are addressing these matters.  We believe that it is probable that Region 1 of the EPA will seek to impose penalties against us in connection with these seven New England facilities, but we are unable to reasonably estimate the amount of the penalties that may be sought.  In the event that the EPA expands this enforcement initiative beyond Region 1, and seeks to impose penalties, this could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

On a quarterly basis, we assess each of our environmental sites to determine whether the costs of investigation and remediation of environmental conditions are probable and can be reasonably estimated as well as the adequacy of our accruals with respect to such costs. There can be no assurance that our accruals with respect to our environmental sites will be sufficient or that the costs of remediation and investigation will not substantially exceed our accruals as new facts, circumstances or estimates arise.

Our nuclear garment decontamination facilities are licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or in certain cases, by the applicable state agency, and are subject to regulation by federal, state and local authorities. In the past, scrutiny and regulation of nuclear facilities and related services have resulted in the suspension of operations at certain nuclear facilities served by us or disruptions in our ability to service such facilities. There can be no assurance that such scrutiny and regulation will not lead to the shut-down of such facilities or otherwise cause material disruptions in our garment decontamination business.

In addition to contingencies and claims relating to environmental compliance matters, we may from time to time be subject to legal proceedings and claims related to our business operations which may adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.  

In addition to contingencies and claims relating to environmental compliance matters, we are subject from time to time to legal proceedings and claims arising from the conduct of our business operations, including personal injury claims, customer contract matters and employment claims. Certain of these claims are typically not covered by our available insurance. In addition, claims occasionally result in significant investigation and litigation expenses and, if successful, may result in material losses to us. Certain claims may also result in significant adverse publicity against us. As a consequence, successful claims against us not covered by our available insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation.

In particular, on December 31, 2012, we received a letter from counsel for New England Compounding Center (“NECC”) demanding, among other things, that we indemnify NECC regarding claims made against NECC, including those related to NECC’s highly-publicized compounding and sale of tainted methylprednisolone acetate.  This demand relates to the limited, once-a-month cleaning services we provided to portions of NECC’s cleanroom facilities.  Based on our preliminary review of this matter, we believe that NECC’s claims are without merit.  We have notified our insurers of claims associated with this matter and preliminary discussions concerning coverage are ongoing.  In June 2013, we received a subpoena from the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (PSC) appointed in conjunction with the NECC multi-district litigation proceeding seeking information relating to the NECC matter. During August 2013, we responded to the PSC regarding the subpoena. On September 20, 2013, we entered into a tolling agreement with the PSC which, among other things, tolled defenses based on statutes of limitations with respect to certain claimants. To date, a significant number of lawsuits have been brought against NECC and other defendants from persons who were allegedly harmed as a result of NECC’s compounds. Through the date of this filing, these lawsuits have not named us as a defendant. Based partially on communication with the PSC, we believe that over the course of the next year we may face a number of lawsuits related to this matter. While we are unable to ascertain the ultimate outcome of this matter, based on the information currently available, we believe that a loss with respect to this matter is neither probable nor remote, and we are unable to reasonably assess an estimate or range of estimates of any potential losses. If we are found to be liable with respect to claims brought against us relating to NECC that are not covered by our insurance, we may incur liabilities that are material to our financial condition and operating results.

Recent economic trends could adversely affect our financial performance.

Economic downturns and declines in consumption in our markets may affect the levels of both our sales and profitability.  The domestic and global economies and financial and credit markets continue to experience declines or slow growth, general uncertainty and high unemployment. In addition, there continues to be diminished liquidity and credit availability.  We believe these conditions have not materially impacted our financial position or liquidity as of August 31, 2013.  However, we could be negatively impacted if these conditions continue for a sustained period of time, or if there is further deterioration in financial markets and major economies.  The current tight credit conditions in financial markets may continue to adversely affect the ability of our customers and suppliers to obtain financing, which could result in a decrease in, or cancellation of, our services.  In addition, weakening economic conditions and outlook may result in a further decline in the level of our customers’ spending that could adversely affect our results of operations and liquidity.  We are unable to predict the likely duration and severity of the current disruption, weakness and uncertainty in the domestic and global financial markets, including the current market disruptions in Europe, and the related adverse economic conditions.

Our failure to implement successfully our acquisition strategy and to grow our business could adversely affect our ability to increase our revenues and could negatively impact our profitability.

As part of our growth strategy, we intend to continue to actively pursue additional acquisition opportunities. However, as discussed above, we compete with others within our industry for suitable acquisition candidates. This competition may increase the price for acquisitions and reduce the number of acquisition candidates available to us. Moreover, the current economic weakness has resulted in, and may continue to result in, the sale of fewer target businesses at prices consistent with the current market weakness. As a result, acquisition candidates may not be available to us in the future on favorable terms. Even if we are able to acquire businesses on favorable terms, managing growth through acquisition is a difficult process that includes integration and training of personnel, combining plant and operating procedures and additional matters related to the integration of acquired businesses within our existing organization. Unanticipated issues related to integration may result in additional expense or in disruption to our operations, either of which could negatively impact our ability to achieve anticipated benefits. While we believe we will be able to fully integrate acquired businesses, we can give no assurance that we will be successful in this regard.

Growth of our business will likely require us to increase our work force, the scope of our operating and financial systems and the geographic area of our operations. We believe this growth will increase our operating complexity and the level of responsibility for both existing and new management personnel. Managing and sustaining our growth and expansion may require substantial enhancements to our operational and financial systems and controls, as well as additional administrative, operational and financial resources. There can be no assurance that we will be able to manage our expanding operations successfully or that we will be able to maintain or accelerate our growth, and any failure to do so could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

In order to finance such acquisitions, we may need to obtain additional funds either through public or private financings, including bank and other secured and unsecured borrowings and the issuance of debt or equity securities. There can be no assurance that such financings would be available to us on reasonable terms or that any future issuances of securities in connection with acquisitions will not be dilutive to our shareholders.

If we are unable to preserve positive labor relationships or become the target of corporate labor unionization campaigns, the resulting labor unrest could disrupt our business by impairing our ability to produce and deliver our products.

We employ approximately 11,500 persons. Approximately 2% of our United States employees are represented by a union pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement. Competitors within our industry have been the target of corporate unionization campaigns by multiple labor unions. While our management believes that our employee relations are good, we cannot assure you that we will not experience pressure from labor unions or become the target of campaigns similar to those faced by our competitors. The potential for unionization could increase if the United States Congress passes federal “card check” legislation. If we do encounter pressure from labor unions, any resulting labor unrest could disrupt our business by impairing our ability to produce and deliver our products. In addition, significant union representation would require us to negotiate wages, salaries, benefits and other terms with many of our employees collectively and could adversely affect our results of operations by increasing our labor costs or otherwise restricting our ability to maximize the efficiency of our operations.

Our business may be adversely affected by global, national, regional or industry specific economic slowdowns.

Global, national, regional or industry specific economic slowdowns, including the current economic malaise in Europe, as well as events or conditions in a particular area, such as adverse weather and other factors, may adversely affect our operating results. In addition, increases in interest rates that may lead to a decline in economic activity, while simultaneously resulting in higher interest expense to us under our credit facility, may adversely affect our operating results.

Our failure to retain our current customers and renew our existing customer contracts could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Our success depends on our ability to retain our current customers and renew our existing customer contracts. Our ability to do so generally depends on a variety of factors, including the quality, price and responsiveness of our services, as well as our ability to market these services effectively and to differentiate ourselves from our competitors. In addition, renewal rates are generally adversely affected by the difficult economic and business conditions. We cannot assure you that we will be able to renew existing customer contracts at the same or higher rates or that our current customers will not turn to competitors, cease operations, elect to self-operate or terminate contracts with us. The failure to renew a significant number of our existing contracts would have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Increases in fuel and energy costs could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

The price of fuel and energy needed to run our vehicles and equipment is unpredictable and fluctuates based on events outside our control, including geopolitical developments, supply and demand for oil and gas, actions by OPEC and other oil and gas producers, war and unrest in oil producing countries, regional production patterns, limits on refining capacities, natural disasters and environmental concerns. Any increase in fuel and energy costs could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Quarterly fluctuations in our nuclear specialty garment business could disproportionately impact our revenue and net income and create volatility in the price of our Common Stock.

Our nuclear decontamination business is affected by shut-downs, outages and clean-ups of the nuclear facilities we service. We are not able to control or predict with certainty when such shut-downs, outages and clean-ups will occur. Our nuclear decontamination business tends to generate more revenue in the first and third fiscal quarters, which is when nuclear power plants typically schedule their plant outages and refuelings and thereby increase nuclear garment utilization. Quarterly fluctuations in our nuclear decontamination business could have a disproportionate impact on revenue and net income and create volatility in the price of our Common Stock.

Our international business results are influenced by currency fluctuations and other risks that could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

A portion of our sales is derived from international markets. Revenue denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar represented approximately 8.8%, 8.9% and 9.3% of total consolidated revenues for each of fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The operating results of our international subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars and such results are affected by movements in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar. Our international operations are also subject to other risks, including the requirement to comply with changing and conflicting national and local regulatory requirements; potential difficulties in staffing and labor disputes; managing and obtaining support and distribution for local operations; credit risk or financial condition of local customers; potential imposition of restrictions on investments; potentially adverse tax consequences, including imposition or increase of withholding and other taxes on remittances and other payments by subsidiaries; foreign exchange controls; and local political and social conditions. There can be no assurance that the foregoing factors will not have an adverse effect on our international operations or on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. We own and operate manufacturing facilities in Mexico. Violence, crime and instability in Mexico has had, and may continue to have, an adverse affect on our operations, including the hijacking of our trucks and the implementation of security measures to protect our employees. We are not insured against such criminal attacks and there can be no assurance that losses that could result from an attack on our trucks or our personnel would not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Operations in developing nations present several additional risks, including greater fluctuation in currencies relative to the U.S. dollar, economic and governmental instability, civil disturbances, volatility in gross domestic production, Foreign Corrupt Practice Act compliance issues and nationalization and expropriation of private assets.

Continuation of current adverse global financial and economic conditions may result in impairment of our goodwill and intangibles.

Our market capitalization over the past couple of years has experienced significant volatility due in part to turbulent economic conditions and disruption in the global equity and credit markets. Under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”), we may be required to record an impairment charge if changes in circumstances or events indicate that the carrying values of our goodwill and intangible assets exceed their fair value and are not recoverable. Any significant and other-than-temporary decrease in our market capitalization could be an indicator, when considered together with other factors, that the carrying values of our goodwill and intangible assets exceed their fair value, which may result in our recording an impairment charge. In this time of economic uncertainty, we are unable to predict economic trends, but we continue to monitor the impact of changes in economic and financial conditions on our operations and on the carrying value of our goodwill and intangible assets. Should the value of our acquired goodwill or one or more of our acquired intangibles become impaired, our consolidated earnings and net worth may be materially adversely affected.

Our failure to properly and efficiently design, construct, implement and operate our new customer relationship management computer system could adversely affect our operations and financial performance.

We are in the process of modernizing our customer relationship management computer system. The new system will combine enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) solutions and custom-built applications to address, among other areas, account management, billing and customer service. The new system is intended to improve functionality and information flow and increase automation in servicing our customers. As with any major new computer system that includes custom applications, there are risks inherent in the design, construction, implementation and operation of our new CRM system. These risks include the potential failures to properly design the system, to efficiently construct and implement the system and to effectively operate the system. We are using well-regarded third-party consultants to assist us in this process. While we believe that our new CRM system will provide the anticipated information technology and customer service enhancements we expect, no assurances can be given in this regard. The failure to properly and efficiently complete and operate the new system could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our financial results.

If our information technology systems suffer interruptions or failures, including as a result of cyber-attacks, our business operations could be disrupted.

Our information technology systems serve an important role in the efficient operation of our business. The failure of these information technology systems to perform as we anticipate could disrupt our business and negatively impact our results of operations. In addition, our information technology systems could be damaged or cease to function properly due to any number of causes, such as catastrophic events, power outages, security breaches, computer viruses or cyber-based attacks. While we have contingency plans in place to prevent or mitigate the impact of these events, if such events were to occur and our disaster recovery plans do not effectively address the issues on a timely basis, we could suffer interruptions in our ability to manage our operations and service our customers, and we may be required to make a significant investment to fix or replace our information technology systems, each of which may have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. In addition, if customer or our proprietary information is compromised by a security breach or cyber-attack, it could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Failure to comply with the other state and federal regulations to which we are subject may result in penalties or costs that could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our business is subject to various other state and federal regulations, including employment laws and regulations, minimum wage requirements, overtime requirements, working condition requirements, citizenship requirements and other laws and regulations. Any appreciable increase in the statutory minimum wage rate, income or overtime pay, adoption of mandated health benefits, changes in OSHA requirements, changes in environmental compliance requirements, or changes to immigration laws and citizenship requirements would likely result in an increase in our labor costs and/or contribute to a shortage of available labor and such cost increase or labor shortage, or the penalties for failing to comply with such statutory minimums or regulations, could have an adverse effect on our business, liquidity and results of operations.

Our business may be subject to seasonal and quarterly fluctuations.

Historically, our revenues and operating results have varied from quarter to quarter and are expected to continue to fluctuate in the future. In addition, our operating results historically have been seasonally lower during the second and fourth fiscal quarters than during the other quarters of the fiscal year. We incur various costs in integrating or establishing newly acquired businesses or start-up operations, and the profitability of a new location is generally expected to be lower in the initial period of its operation than in subsequent periods. Start-up operations in particular lack the support of an existing customer base and require a significantly longer period to develop sales opportunities and meet targeted operating results.

These factors, among others, make it likely that in some future quarters our results of operations may be below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, which could have an adverse effect on the market price of our Common Stock.

Loss of our key management or other personnel could adversely impact our business.

Our success is largely dependent on the skills, experience and efforts of our senior management and certain other key personnel. If, for any reason, one or more senior executives or key personnel were not to remain active in our Company, our results of operations could be adversely affected. Our future success also depends upon our ability to attract and retain qualified managers and technical and marketing personnel, as well as sufficient numbers of hourly workers. There is competition in the market for the services of such qualified personnel and hourly workers and our failure to attract and retain such personnel or workers could adversely affect our results of operations.

We depend on third parties to supply us with raw materials and ship a large portion of our products, and our results of operations could be adversely affected if we are unable to obtain adequate raw materials and ship our products in a timely manner.

We manufactured approximately 71% of all garments which we placed in service during fiscal 2013. These were primarily work pants and shirts manufactured at our plants in Cardenas, Ebano and Valles, which are located in San Luis Potosi, Mexico as well as at subcontract manufacturers that the we utilize to supplement our manufacturing capacity in periods of high demand. The balance of the garments used in our programs are purchased from a variety of industry suppliers. While we currently acquire the raw materials with which we produce our garments from a limited number of suppliers, we believe that such materials are readily available from other sources. To date, we have experienced no significant difficulty in obtaining any of our raw materials or supplies. However, if we were to experience difficulty obtaining any of our raw materials from such suppliers and were unable to obtain new materials or supplies from other industry suppliers, it could adversely affect our results of operations.

We utilize United Parcel Service and other common carriers to ship a large portion of our products. Strikes or other service interruptions affecting such carriers could impair our ability to deliver products on a timely and cost-effective basis. In addition, because we typically bear the cost of shipment to our customers, any increase in shipping rates could adversely affect our operating results.

Unexpected events could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our operating results. 

Unexpected events, including, without limitation, fires at facilities, natural disasters, such as hurricanes and tornados, public health emergencies, war or terrorist activities, unplanned utility outages, supply disruptions, failure of equipment or information systems, temporary or long-term disruption of our computer systems, or changes in laws and/or regulations impacting our business, could adversely affect our operating results. These events could result in disruption of customer service, physical damage to one or more key operating facilities, the temporary closure of one or more key operating facilities or the temporary disruption of information systems. In addition, the destruction or temporary loss of our distribution facility in Owensboro, Kentucky would have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial results.

Changes in or new interpretations of the governmental regulatory framework may affect our contract terms and may reduce our sales or profits.

A portion of our total consolidated revenues is derived from business with U.S. federal, state and local governments and agencies. Changes or new interpretations in, or changes in the enforcement of, the statutory or regulatory framework applicable to services provided under governmental contracts or bidding procedures could result in fewer new contracts or contract renewals, modifications to the methods we apply to price government contracts or in contract terms of shorter duration than we have historically experienced, any of which could result in lower sales or profits than we have historically achieved, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

The price of our Common Stock may be highly volatile, which could result in significant price declines.

The price of our Common Stock may experience significant volatility. Such volatility may be caused by fluctuations in our operating results, changes in earnings estimated by investment analysts, the number of shares of our Common Stock traded each day, the degree of success we achieve in implementing our business and growth strategies, changes in business or regulatory conditions affecting us, our customers or our competitors and other factors. In addition, the New York Stock Exchange historically has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that often have been unrelated to, or disproportionate to, the operating performance of its listed companies. These fluctuations, as well as general economic, political and market conditions, may adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock.

We are controlled by our principal shareholders, and our other shareholders may be unable to affect the outcome of shareholder voting.

As of October 18, 2013, to the Company’s knowledge, the members of the Croatti family owned, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate approximately 371,104 shares of our Common Stock and approximately 4,873,277 shares of our Class B Common Stock, which represents approximately 26.2% of the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, but approximately 76.9% of the combined voting power of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. As a result, the members of the Croatti family, acting with other family members, could effectively control most matters requiring approval by our shareholders, including the election of a majority of the directors. While historically the members of the Croatti family have individually voted their respective shares of Class B Common Stock in the same manner, there is no contractual understanding requiring this and there is no assurance that the family members will continue to individually vote their shares of Class B Common Stock in the same manner. This voting control by the members of the Croatti family, together with certain provisions of our by-laws and articles of organization, could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of our Company that would otherwise be beneficial to our public shareholders.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

As of August 31, 2013, we owned or leased approximately 240 facilities containing an aggregate of approximately 6.4 million square feet located in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Nicaragua. We owned 117 of these facilities, containing approximately 5.1 million square feet. These facilities include our 320,000 square foot Owensboro, Kentucky distribution center and almost all of our industrial laundry processing plants. We believe our industrial laundry facilities are among the most modern in the industry.

We own substantially all of the machinery and equipment used in our operations. We believe that our facilities and our production, cleaning and decontamination equipment have been well maintained and are adequate for our present needs. We also own a fleet of approximately 3,000 delivery vans, trucks and other vehicles.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, we are subject to legal proceedings and claims arising from the current conduct of our business operations, including personal injury, customer contract, employment claims and environmental matters as described in our Consolidated Financial Statements. We maintain insurance coverage providing indemnification against many of such claims, and we do not expect that we will sustain any material loss as a result thereof.

In addition, we, like our competitors, are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations governing, among other things, air emissions, wastewater discharges, and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes and other substances. In particular, industrial laundries currently use and must dispose of detergent waste water and other residues, and, in the past, used perchloroethylene and other dry cleaning solvents. Over the years, we have settled, or contributed to the settlement of, actions or claims brought against us relating to the disposal of hazardous materials and there can be no assurance that we will not have to expend material amounts to remediate the consequences of any such disposal in the future. Further, under environmental laws, an owner or lessee of real estate may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances located on or in or emanating from such property, as well as related costs of investigation and property damage. Such laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or lessee knew of or was responsible for the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. There can be no assurance that acquired or leased locations have been operated in compliance with environmental laws and regulations or that future uses or conditions will not result in the imposition of liability upon us under such laws or expose us to third-party actions such as tort suits. Refer to Note 11, “Commitments and Contingencies”, of our Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

COMMON STOCK INFORMATION

Our Common Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “UNF”, while our Class B Common Stock is not publicly traded. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing prices of our Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange, and the dividends per share paid on our Common Stock and Class B Common Stock.

	Price Per Share				Dividends Per Share
	High		Low		Common Stock		Class B Common Stock
Year ended August 31, 2013
First Quarter	$	71.52	$	63.51	$	0.0375	$	0.0300
Second Quarter		85.20		70.27		0.0375		0.0300
Third Quarter		96.57		82.82		0.0375		0.0300
Fourth Quarter		102.83		90.22		0.0375		0.0300

	Price Per Share				Dividends Per Share
	High		Low		Common Stock		Class B Common Stock
Year ended August 25, 2012
First Quarter	$	55.40	$	43.82	$	0.0375	$	0.0300
Second Quarter		62.48		54.07		0.0375		0.0300
Third Quarter		61.92		57.04		0.0375		0.0300
Fourth Quarter		68.68		56.24		0.0375		0.0300

The approximate number of shareholders of record of our Common Stock and Class B Common Stock as of October 18, 2013 was 69 and 25, respectively. We believe that the number of beneficial owners of our Common Stock is substantially greater than the number of record holders because a large portion of our Common Stock is held of record in broker “street names.’’

We have paid regular quarterly dividends since 1983 and intend to continue such policy subject to, among other factors, our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and tax law changes. No dividends will be payable unless declared by our Board of Directors and then only to the extent funds are legally available for the payment of such dividends. In the event that our Board of Directors votes to pay a dividend, our Common Stock must receive a dividend equal to no less than 125% of any dividend paid on the Class B Common Stock. On July 2, 2013, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.0375 and $0.0300 per share on our Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, respectively, which was paid on October 1, 2013 to shareholders of record on September 10, 2013.

The following table sets forth information concerning our equity compensation plans as of August 31, 2013.

	Equity Compensation Plan Information
Plan category	Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options and stock appreciation rights		Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options and stock appreciation rights		Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plan (excluding securities referenced in column (a))
	(a)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders		584,540	$	48.47		360,210
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders		—	N/A			—
Total		584,540	$	48.47		360,210

Stock Performance Graph

Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return on our Common Stock, based on the market price of our Common Stock, with the cumulative total shareholder return of a peer group and of companies within the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index, in each case assuming reinvestment of dividends. The calculation of cumulative total shareholder return assumes a $100 investment in our Common Stock, the peer group and the S&P 500 Stock Index on August 31, 2008. The peer group is composed of Cintas Corporation and G & K Services, Inc.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8.

The selected consolidated balance sheet data set forth below as of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012 and the selected consolidated income statement data for the three years in the period ended August 31, 2013 are derived from our audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. All other selected consolidated financial data set forth below are derived from our audited financial statements not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Current accounting guidance requires the income per share for each class of common stock to be calculated assuming 100% of our earnings are distributed as dividends to each class of common stock based on their respective dividend rights. Our Common Stock has a 25% dividend preference to our Class B Common Stock. The Class B Common Stock, which has ten votes per share as opposed to one vote per share for the Common Stock, is not freely transferable but may be converted at any time on a one-for-one basis into Common Stock at the option of the holder of the Class B Common Stock.

Five Year Financial Summary

UniFirst Corporation and Subsidiaries

Fiscal Year Ended August (In thousands, except per share data)		2013			2012		2011		2010		2009
Selected Balance Sheet Data:
Total assets	$	1,373,425		$	1,240,534	$	1,141,520	$	1,092,295	$	1,002,099
Notes payable and long-term debt	$	111,408		$	106,986	$	120,296	$	181,464	$	182,015
Shareholders' equity	$	1,013,398		$	896,925	$	797,942	$	708,050	$	627,035
Selected Income Statement Data:
Revenues	$	1,355,515		$	1,256,289	$	1,134,126	$	1,025,939	$	1,013,416
Depreciation and amortization	$	69,607		$	66,439	$	64,733	$	61,477	$	57,789
Income from operations	$	186,203		$	151,108	$	123,973	$	130,272	$	134,036
Other (income) expense, net	$	(1,406	)	$	374	$	3,401	$	7,420	$	7,571
Provision for income taxes	$	70,924		$	55,745	$	44,086	$	46,444	$	50,613
Net income	$	116,685		$	94,989	$	76,486	$	76,408	$	75,852
Income per share:
Basic - Common stock	$	6.14		$	5.02	$	4.05	$	4.11	$	4.14
Basic - Class B Common Stock	$	4.91		$	4.01	$	3.24	$	3.29	$	3.31
Diluted - Common stock	$	5.81		$	4.76	$	3.85	$	3.90	$	3.92
Dividends per share:
Common stock	$	0.15		$	0.15	$	0.15	$	0.15	$	0.15
Class B Common Stock	$	0.12		$	0.12	$	0.12	$	0.12	$	0.12

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in August. For financial reporting purposes, fiscal 2013 consisted of 53 weeks, while all other fiscal years presented consisted of 52 weeks.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Business Overview

UniFirst Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, hereunder referred to as “we”, “our”, the “Company”, or “UniFirst”, is one of the largest providers of workplace uniforms and protective clothing in the United States. We design, manufacture, personalize, rent, clean, deliver, and sell a wide range of uniforms and protective clothing, including shirts, pants, jackets, coveralls, lab coats, smocks, aprons and specialized protective wear, such as flame resistant and high visibility garments. We also rent industrial wiping products, floor mats, facility service products and other non-garment items, and provide first aid cabinet services and other safety supplies, to a variety of manufacturers, retailers and service companies.

We serve businesses of all sizes in numerous industry categories. Typical customers include automobile service centers and dealers, delivery services, food and general merchandise retailers, food processors and service operations, light manufacturers, maintenance facilities, restaurants, service companies, soft and durable goods wholesalers, transportation companies, and others who require employee clothing for image, identification, protection or utility purposes. We also provide our customers with restroom and cleaning supplies, including air fresheners, paper products and hand soaps.

At certain specialized facilities, we decontaminate and clean work clothes and other items that may have been exposed to radioactive materials and service special cleanroom protective wear. Typical customers for these specialized services include government agencies, research and development laboratories, high technology companies and utilities operating nuclear reactors.

We continue to expand into additional geographic markets through acquisitions and organic growth. We currently service over 250,000 customer locations in the United States, Canada and Europe from 225 customer service, distribution and manufacturing facilities.

US GAAP establishes standards for reporting information regarding operating segments in annual financial statements and requires selected information of those segments to be presented in interim financial reports issued to shareholders. Operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise for which separate discrete financial information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision-maker, or decision-making group, in making decisions on how to allocate resources and assess performance. Our chief operating decision-maker is our chief executive officer. We have six operating segments based on the information reviewed by our chief executive officer: US Rental and Cleaning, Canadian Rental and Cleaning, Manufacturing (“MFG”), Specialty Garments Rental and Cleaning (“Specialty Garments”), First Aid and Corporate. The US Rental and Cleaning and Canadian Rental and Cleaning operating segments have been combined to form the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment. Refer to Note 15, “Segment Reporting”, of our Consolidated Financial Statements for our disclosure of segment information.

The US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment purchases, rents, cleans, delivers and sells, uniforms and protective clothing and non-garment items in the United States and Canada. The operations of the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment are referred to by us as our ‘industrial laundry operations’ and we refer to the locations related to this reporting segment as our ‘industrial laundries’.

The MFG operating segment designs and manufactures uniforms and non-garment items primarily for the purpose of providing these goods to the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment. The amounts reflected as revenues of MFG are generated when goods are shipped from our manufacturing facilities, or subcontract manufacturers, to our other locations. These revenues are recorded at a transfer price which is typically in excess of the actual manufacturing cost. Products are carried in inventory and subsequently placed in service and amortized at this transfer price. On a consolidated basis, intercompany MFG revenues and MFG income are eliminated and the carrying value of inventories and rental merchandise in service is reduced to the manufacturing cost. Income before income taxes from MFG, net of the intercompany MFG elimination, offsets the merchandise amortization costs incurred by the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment as the merchandise costs of this reporting segment are amortized and recognized based on inventories purchased from MFG at the transfer price which is above our manufacturing cost.

The Corporate operating segment consists of costs associated with our distribution center, sales and marketing, information systems, engineering, materials management, manufacturing planning, finance, budgeting, human resources, other general and administrative costs and interest expense. The revenues generated from the Corporate operating segment represent certain direct sales made directly from our distribution center. The products sold by this operating segment are the same products rented and sold by the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment. In the segment disclosures in Note 15, “Segment Reporting”, of our Consolidated Financial Statements, no assets or capital expenditures are presented for the Corporate operating segment as no assets are allocated to this operating segment in the information reviewed by our chief executive officer. However, depreciation and amortization expense related to certain assets are reflected in income from operations and income before income taxes for the Corporate operating segment. The assets that give rise to this depreciation and amortization are included in the total assets of the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment as this is how they are tracked and reviewed by us.

We refer to our US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning, MFG, and Corporate segments combined as our “Core Laundry Operations”.

The Specialty Garments operating segment purchases, rents, cleans, delivers and sells, specialty garments and non-garment items primarily for nuclear and cleanroom applications and provides cleanroom cleaning services at limited customer locations. The First Aid operating segment sells first aid cabinet services and other safety supplies as well as maintains wholesale distribution and pill packaging operations.

Approximately 90% of our revenues in fiscal 2013 were derived from US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning, and Corporate. A key driver of this business is the number of workers employed by our customers. Our revenues are directly impacted by fluctuations in these employment levels. Revenues from Specialty Garments, which accounted for 7% of our 2013 revenues, increase during outages and refueling by nuclear power plants, as garment usage increases at these times. First Aid represented 3% of our total revenue in fiscal 2013.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

We believe the following critical accounting policies reflect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Use of Estimates

We prepare our financial statements in conformity with US GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates are based on historical information, current trends, and information available from other sources. The actual results could differ from our estimates.

Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currency of our foreign operations is the local country’s currency. Transaction gains and losses, including gains and losses on our intercompany transactions, are included in other expense (income), in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Assets and liabilities of operations outside the United States are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during each month of the fiscal year. The effects of foreign currency translation adjustments are included in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Revenue Recognition and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We recognize revenue from rental operations in the period in which the services are provided. Direct sale revenue is recognized in the period in which the services are performed or when the product is shipped. Our judgment and estimates are used in determining the collectability of accounts receivable and evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. We consider specific accounts receivable and historical bad debt experience, customer credit worthiness, current economic trends and the age of outstanding balances as part of our evaluation. Changes in our estimates are reflected in the period they become known. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. Material changes in our estimates may result in significant differences in the amount and timing of bad debt expense recognition for any given period. Our revenues do not include taxes we collect from our customers and remit to governmental authorities.

Inventories and Rental Merchandise in Service

Our inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value, net of any reserve for excess and obsolete inventory. Judgments and estimates are used in determining the likelihood that new goods on hand can be sold to our customers or used in our rental operations. Historical inventory usage and current revenue trends are considered in estimating both excess and obsolete inventories. If actual product demand and market conditions are less favorable than the amount we projected, additional inventory write-downs may be required. We use the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method to value our inventories, which primarily consist of finished goods.

Rental merchandise in service is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated service lives of the merchandise, which range from 6 to 36 months. In establishing estimated lives for merchandise in service, our management considers historical experience and the intended use of the merchandise. Material differences may result in the amount and timing of operating profit for any period if we make significant changes to our estimates.

Goodwill, Intangibles and Other Long-Lived Assets

In accordance with US GAAP, we do not amortize goodwill. Instead, current accounting guidance requires that companies test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis. In addition, US GAAP requires that companies test goodwill if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit to which goodwill is assigned below its carrying amount. Our evaluation considers changes in the operating environment, competitive information, market trends, operating performance and cash flow modeling.

We complete our annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year and there have been no impairments of goodwill or other intangible assets in fiscal 2013, 2012 or 2011.

We cannot predict future economic conditions and their impact on the Company or the future market value of our stock. A decline in our market capitalization and/or deterioration in general economic conditions could negatively and materially impact our assumptions and assessment of the fair value of our business. If general economic conditions or our financial performance deteriorate, we may be required to record a goodwill impairment charge in the future which could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Property, plant and equipment, and definite-lived intangible assets are depreciated or amortized over their useful lives. Useful lives are based on our estimates of the period that the assets will generate economic benefits. Long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate an asset may be impaired. There were no material impairments of property, plant and equipment, or definite-lived intangible assets in fiscal 2013, 2012 or 2011.

Insurance

We self-insure for certain obligations related to health, workers’ compensation, vehicles and general liability programs. We also purchase stop-loss insurance policies to protect ourselves from catastrophic losses. Judgments and estimates are used in determining the potential value associated with reported claims and for events that have occurred, but have not been reported. Our estimates consider historical claim experience and other factors. Our liabilities are based on our estimates, and, while we believe that our accruals are adequate, the ultimate liability may be significantly different from the amounts recorded. Changes in our claim experience, our ability to settle claims or other estimates and judgments we use could have a material impact on the amount and timing of expense for any given period.

Environmental and Other Contingencies

We are subject to legal proceedings and claims arising from the conduct of our business operations, including environmental matters, personal injury, customer contract matters and employment claims. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States require that a liability for contingencies be recorded when it is probable that a liability has occurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment is required to determine the existence of a liability, as well as the amount to be recorded. We regularly consult with our attorneys and outside consultants, in our consideration of the relevant facts and circumstances, before recording a contingent liability. We record accruals for environmental and other contingencies based on enacted laws, regulatory orders or decrees, our estimates of costs, insurance proceeds, participation by other parties, the timing of payments, and the input of our attorneys and outside consultants.

The estimated liability for environmental contingencies has been discounted as of August 31, 2013 using risk-free interest rates ranging from 2.8% to 3.7% over periods ranging from ten to thirty years. The estimated current costs, net of legal settlements with insurance carriers, have been adjusted for the estimated impact of inflation at 3% per year. Changes in enacted laws, regulatory orders or decrees, our estimates of costs, risk-free interest rates, insurance proceeds, participation by other parties, the timing of payments and the input of our attorneys and outside consultants based on changing legal or factual circumstances could have a material impact on the amounts recorded for our environmental and other contingent liabilities. Refer to Note 11, “Commitments and Contingencies”, of our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion and analysis.

Asset Retirement Obligations

Under US GAAP, asset retirement obligations generally apply to legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development and/or the normal operation of a long-lived asset. Current accounting guidance requires that we recognize asset retirement obligations in the period in which they are incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset.

We have recognized as a liability the present value of the estimated future costs to decommission our nuclear laundry facilities in accordance with US GAAP. We depreciate, on a straight-line basis, the amount added to property, plant and equipment and recognize accretion expense in connection with the discounted liability over the various remaining lives which range from approximately eight to thirty-one years.

Our estimated liability has been based on historical experience in decommissioning nuclear laundry facilities, estimated useful lives of the underlying assets, external vendor estimates as to the cost to decommission these assets in the future, and federal and state regulatory requirements. The estimated current costs have been adjusted for the estimated impact of inflation at 3% per year. The liability has been discounted using credit-adjusted risk-free rates that range from approximately 7.0% to 7.5%. Revisions to the liability could occur due to changes in the estimated useful lives of the underlying assets, estimated dates of decommissioning, changes in decommissioning costs, changes in federal or state regulatory guidance on the decommissioning of such facilities, or other changes in estimates. Changes due to revisions in our estimates will be recognized by adjusting the carrying amount of the liability and the related long-lived asset if the assets are still in service, or charged to expense in the period if the assets are no longer in service.

Derivative Financial Instruments 

US GAAP requires that all our derivative instruments be recorded as other assets or other liabilities at fair value. All subsequent changes in a derivative’s fair value are recognized in income, unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Cash flows associated with derivatives are classified in the same category as the cash flows hedged in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting are classified as a hedge of the variability of cash flows to be paid related to a recognized liability or a forecasted transaction. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is highly effective and designated as a cash flow hedge are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until expense from the cash flows of the hedged items are recognized. We perform an assessment at the inception of the hedge and on a quarterly basis thereafter, to determine whether our derivatives are highly effective in offsetting changes in the value of the hedged items. Any changes in the fair value resulting from hedge ineffectiveness, is immediately recognized as income or expense.

Our hedging activities are transacted only with highly rated institutions, which reduces our exposure to credit risk in the event of nonperformance. As of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012, we had no outstanding derivative instruments.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan and other Pension Plans

We recognize pension expense on an accrual basis over our employees’ estimated service periods. Pension expense is generally independent of funding decisions or requirements.

The calculation of pension expense and the corresponding liability requires us to use of a number of critical assumptions, including the expected long-term rates of return on plan assets, the assumed discount rate, the assumed rate of compensation increases and life expectancy of participants. Changes in our assumptions can result in different expense and liability amounts, and future actual expense can differ from these assumptions. Pension expense increases as the expected rate of return on pension plan assets decreases. Future changes in plan asset returns, assumed discount rates and various other factors related to the participants in our pension plans will impact our future pension expense and liabilities. We cannot predict with certainty what these factors will be in the future.

Income Taxes

We compute income tax expense by jurisdiction based on our operations in each jurisdiction. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the amounts recognized for income tax and financial reporting purposes at currently enacted tax rates.

We are periodically reviewed by U.S. domestic and foreign tax authorities regarding the amount of taxes due. These reviews typically include inquiries regarding the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. In evaluating our exposure associated with various filing positions, we have recorded estimated reserves. Refer to Note 4, “Income Taxes”, of our Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding our accounting for income taxes and uncertain tax positions for financial accounting purposes.

We have undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries of approximately $101 million, $90 million and $78 million as of August 31, 2013, August 25, 2012 and August 27, 2011, respectively. We consider these undistributed earnings as indefinitely reinvested and therefore have not provided for U.S. income taxes or foreign withholding taxes. If these earnings were ultimately distributed to the U.S. in the form of dividends or otherwise, or if the shares of our international subsidiaries were sold or transferred, we would likely be subject to additional U.S. income taxes, net of the impact of any available foreign tax credits as well as foreign withholding taxes. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. taxes on these undistributed earnings.

Results of Operations

The following table presents, as a percent of total revenue, certain selected financial data for our three fiscal years ended August 31, 2013, August 25, 2012 and August 27, 2011.

														% Change
(In thousands, except for percentages)		FY 2013		% of Revenues			FY 2012	% of Revenues			FY 2011	% of Revenues		FY 2013 vs. FY 2012		FY 2012 vs. FY 2011
Revenues	$	1,355,515		100.0	%	$	1,256,289	100.0	%	$	1,134,126	100.0	%	7.9	%	10.8	%
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue (1)		836,174		61.7			797,944	63.5			712,309	62.8		4.8		12.0
Selling and administrative expenses (1)		263,531		19.4			240,798	19.2			233,111	20.6		9.4		3.3
Depreciation and amortization		69,607		5.1			66,439	5.3			64,733	5.7		4.8		2.6
		1,169,312		86.3			1,105,181	88.0			1,010,153	89.1		5.8		9.4
Income from operations		186,203		13.7			151,108	12.0			123,973	10.9		23.2		21.9
Other (income) expense		(1,406	)	-0.1			374	0.0			3,401	0.3		-475.9		-89.0
Income before income taxes		187,609		13.8			150,734	12.0			120,572	10.6		24.5		25.0
Provision for income taxes		70,924		5.2			55,745	4.4			44,086	3.9		27.2		26.4
Net income	$	116,685		8.6	%	$	94,989	7.6	%	$	76,486	6.7	%	22.8	%	24.2	%

(1) Exclusive of depreciation on our property, plant and equipment and amortization of our intangible assets.

Revenues and income (loss) from operations by reporting segment for the three fiscal years ended August 31, 2013, August 25, 2012, and August 27, 2011 are presented in the following table. Refer to Note 15, “Segment Reporting”, of our Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of our reporting segments.

	Fiscal year ended August
(In thousands)	2013			2012			2011
Segment Information
Revenues
US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning	$	1,200,286		$	1,099,421		$	986,028
MFG		170,867			160,421			160,042
Net intercompany MFG elimination		(170,867	)		(160,421	)		(160,042	)
Corporate		14,079			12,902			10,929
Subtotal: Core Laundry Operations		1,214,365			1,112,323			996,957
Specialty Garments		96,688			102,758			103,322
First Aid		44,462			41,208			33,847
Total consolidated revenues	$	1,355,515		$	1,256,289		$	1,134,126
Income (loss) from operations
US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning	$	200,852		$	164,793			144,431
MFG		61,896			50,036			48,839
Net intercompany MFG elimination		(9,729	)		(5,168	)		(8,807	)
Corporate		(82,357	)		(76,376	)		(78,738	)
Subtotal: Core Laundry Operations		170,662			133,285			105,725
Specialty Garments		10,539			13,460			15,292
First Aid		5,002			4,363			2,956
Total income from operations	$	186,203		$	151,108		$	123,973

General

We derive our revenues through the design, manufacture, personalization, rental, cleaning, delivering, and selling of a wide range of uniforms and protective clothing, including shirts, pants, jackets, coveralls, lab coats, smocks and aprons and specialized protective wear, such as flame resistant and high visibility garments. We also rent industrial wiping products, floor mats, facility service products, other non-garment items, and provide first aid cabinet services and other safety supplies, to a variety of manufacturers, retailers and service companies. We have five reporting segments, US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning, Manufacturing (“MFG”), Corporate, Specialty Garments Rental and Cleaning (“Specialty Garments”), and First Aid. We refer to the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning, MFG, and Corporate reporting segments combined as our “Core Laundry Operations.”

Cost of revenues include merchandise costs related to the amortization of rental merchandise in service and direct sales as well as labor and other production, service and delivery costs, and distribution costs associated with operating our Core Laundry Operations, Specialty Garments facilities, and First Aid locations. Selling and administrative costs include costs related to our sales and marketing functions as well as general and administrative costs associated with our corporate offices and operating locations including information systems, engineering, materials management, manufacturing planning, finance, budgeting, and human resources.

The price of fuel and energy needed to run our vehicles and equipment is unpredictable and fluctuates based on events outside our control, including geopolitical developments, supply and demand for oil and gas, actions by OPEC and other oil and gas producers, war and unrest in oil producing countries, regional production patterns, limits on refining capacities, natural disasters and environmental concerns. Increases in fuel costs could impact our financial results.

The current worldwide economic uncertainty may negatively impact our revenues and operating performance in fiscal 2014 and beyond due to the impact on spending plans and employment levels of our customers and sales prospects. Throughout fiscal 2013, U.S. and Canadian unemployment rates remained high, which had a negative effect on wearer levels and, as a result, on our business.

Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2013 Compared with Fiscal Year Ended August 25, 2012

Revenues

	August 31,		August 25,		Dollar			Percent
	2013		2012		Change			Change
	(In thousands, except percentages)
Core Laundry Operations	$	1,214,365	$	1,112,323	$	102,042			9.2	%
Specialty Garments		96,688		102,758		(6,070	)		-5.9
First Aid		44,462		41,208		3,254			7.9
Total consolidated revenues	$	1,355,515	$	1,256,289	$	99,226			7.9	%

In fiscal 2013, our consolidated revenues increased by $99.2 million from the comparable period in 2012, or 7.9%. Fiscal 2013 had 53 weeks of operations compared to 52 weeks in fiscal 2012. The extra week in fiscal 2013 accounted for revenue growth of 2.0% compared to fiscal 2012. Our year-over-year increase in consolidated revenues was primarily driven by a $102.0 million increase in our Core Laundry Operations. Core laundry revenues increased to $1.214 billion in fiscal 2013 from $1.112 billion in fiscal 2012, or 9.2%. This increase was primarily attributable to positive organic growth of 6.9%. Organic growth is comprised of new sales, additions to our existing customer base and price increases, offset by lost accounts and reductions to our existing customer base. Organic growth in fiscal 2013 benefited from new account sales as well as certain annual price adjustments. Our revenues in fiscal 2013 also benefitted from higher collections of merchandise recovery charges compared to fiscal 2012.  Strong growth in our flame resistant product line also contributed to our top line gains in fiscal 2013. Partially offsetting these positive factors, wearer levels at our existing accounts were lower in fiscal 2013 than in fiscal 2012, which reflects the impact of continued high unemployment. The positive organic growth in our Core Laundry Operations was accompanied by positive acquisition-related growth of 0.3% as well as the impact of the extra week of operations which accounted for approximately 2.0% of core laundry revenue growth.

Specialty Garments’ revenue decreased from $102.8 million in fiscal 2012 to $96.7 million in fiscal 2013, or 5.9%. The decrease was primarily the result of the completion of two large power reactor rebuild projects in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, partially offset by the impact of an extra week of operations. First Aid revenues increased 7.9%, from $41.2 million in fiscal 2012 to $44.5 million in fiscal 2013. This increase was the result of improved performance from each of the segment’s operations (i.e., wholesale distribution, pill packaging, and van-based operations) as well as the impact of the extra week of operations.

Cost of revenues

Cost of revenues decreased from 63.5% of revenues, or $797.9 million, in fiscal 2012 to 61.7% of revenues, or $836.2 million, in fiscal 2013. This decrease was primarily due to lower merchandise, energy and payroll costs as a percentage of revenues in our Core Laundry Operations, primarily due to the revenue growth this segment experienced. In addition, the Company benefited from lower bad debt expense in fiscal 2013 as compared to fiscal 2012. These lower costs as a percentage of revenues were partially offset by an increase in the cost of revenues for the Specialty Garments segment as a percentage of revenues due to the revenue contraction that segment experienced during fiscal 2013.

Selling and administrative expense

Our selling and administrative expenses increased to 19.4% of revenues, or $263.5 million, in fiscal 2013 from 19.2% of revenues, or $240.8 million, in fiscal 2012. This increase was primarily due to a settlement we entered into during fiscal 2012 related to environmental litigation. As a result of the settlement, we recognized a gain in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 of approximately $6.7 million. Excluding the effect of this settlement, selling and administrative costs would have decreased from 19.7% of revenues in fiscal 2012 to 19.4% of revenues in fiscal 2013. This decrease was primarily due to lower selling and administrative payroll costs as a percentage of revenues. In addition, the comparisons of fiscal 2013 to fiscal 2012 benefited from certain costs we incurred in fiscal 2012 associated with our company-wide initiative to update our customer relationship management system.

Depreciation and amortization

Our depreciation and amortization expense was $69.6 million, or 5.1% of revenues, in fiscal 2013 compared to $66.4 million, or 5.3% of revenues, in fiscal 2012. Depreciation and amortization expense increased due to capital expenditure and acquisition activity but decreased as a percentage of revenues due to the revenue growth we experienced in fiscal 2013.

Income from operations

For the year ended August 31, 2013, the changes in revenues in our Core Laundry Operations, Specialty Garments and First Aid segments, as well as the changes in our costs discussed above, resulted in the following changes in our income from operations:

	August 31,			August 25,			Dollar			Percent
	2013			2012			Change			Change
	(In thousands, except percentages)
Core Laundry Operations	$	170,662		$	133,285		$	37,377			28.0	%
Specialty Garments		10,539			13,460			(2,921	)		-21.7
First Aid		5,002			4,363			639			14.6
Total consolidated income from operations	$	186,203		$	151,108		$	35,095			23.2	%
Percentage of total revenues		13.7	%		12.0	%

Other (income) expense

Other (income) expense, which includes interest expense, interest income and foreign currency exchange loss (gain), was income of $1.4 million for fiscal 2013 as compared to an expense of $0.4 million for fiscal 2012. The change was primarily due to higher net interest income in fiscal 2013 of $1.6 million compared to net interest income of $0.6 million in fiscal 2012. This increase in income was the result of a decrease in the interest rates affecting our variable rate debt as well as higher cash balances earning interest income. In addition, we experienced a foreign currency exchange rate loss of $0.1 million in fiscal 2013 compared to a foreign currency exchange rate loss of $1.0 million in fiscal 2012.

Provision for income taxes

Our effective tax rate was 37.8% for fiscal 2013 compared to 37.0% for fiscal 2012. Our tax rate in fiscal 2013 was higher than fiscal 2012 primarily due to the reversal in fiscal 2012 of certain tax contingency reserves as well as $0.4 million of tax expense that we recognized in fiscal 2013 related to non-deductible compensation.

Fiscal Year Ended August 25, 2012 Compared with Fiscal Year Ended August 27, 2011

Revenues

	August 25,		August 27,		Dollar			Percent
	2012		2011		Change			Change
	(In thousands, except percentages)
Core Laundry Operations	$	1,112,323	$	996,957	$	115,366			11.6	%
Specialty Garments		102,758		103,322		(564	)		-0.5
First Aid		41,208		33,847		7,361			21.7
Total consolidated revenues	$	1,256,289	$	1,134,126	$	122,163			10.8	%

In fiscal 2012, our consolidated revenues increased by $122.2 million from the comparable period in 2011, or 10.8%. This increase was primarily driven by a $115.4 million increase in our Core Laundry Operations. Core laundry revenues increased to $1.112 billion in fiscal 2012 from $997.0 million in fiscal 2011, or 11.6%. This increase was primarily attributable to positive organic growth of 10.8%. Organic growth is comprised of new sales, additions to our existing customer base and price increases, offset by lost accounts and reductions to our existing customer base. Organic growth in fiscal 2012 was impacted by strong new accounts sales as well as an improved overall pricing environment. Strong growth in our flame resistant and high visibility product lines also contributed to our top line gains. Wearer levels at our existing accounts for the year were effectively flat, which reflects the impact of continued high unemployment. The positive organic growth in our Core Laundry Operations was accompanied by positive acquisition-related growth of 1.0% and was partially offset by the effect of an unfavorable fluctuation in the Canadian foreign exchange rate, which accounted for a 0.2% decrease in revenue during fiscal year 2012.

Specialty Garments’ revenue decreased from $103.3 million in fiscal 2011 to $102.8 million in fiscal 2012, or 0.5%. The decrease was primarily the result of the completion of two large power reactor rebuild projects. First Aid revenues increased 21.7%, from $33.8 million in fiscal 2011 to $41.2 million in fiscal 2012. This increase was the result of improved performance from each of the segment’s operations: the wholesale distribution, pill packaging, and van-based operations.

Cost of revenues

Cost of revenues increased from 62.8% of revenues, or $712.3 million, in fiscal 2011 to 63.5% of revenues, or $797.9 million, in fiscal 2012. This increase was primarily the result of higher merchandise costs. Partially offsetting these higher merchandise costs were lower energy costs. In addition, due to the strong revenue growth, the Company benefited from lower payroll, payroll-related and other production costs as a percentage of revenues.

Selling and administrative expense

Our selling and administrative expenses decreased to 19.2% of revenues, or $240.8 million, in fiscal 2012 from 20.6% of revenues, or $233.1 million, in fiscal 2011. This decrease was due principally to lower payroll and payroll-related costs as a percent of revenues, primarily due to the strong revenue growth we experienced in fiscal 2012. Fiscal 2012 results also benefited from a settlement we entered into during our third fiscal quarter of 2012 related to environmental litigation that resulted in us recognizing a pre-tax gain of approximately $6.7 million.

Depreciation and amortization

Our depreciation and amortization expense was $66.4 million, or 5.3% of revenues, in fiscal 2012 compared to $64.7 million, or 5.7% of revenues in fiscal 2011. Depreciation and amortization expense increased due to capital expenditure and acquisition activity but decreased as a percentage of revenues due to the strong revenue growth we experienced in fiscal 2012.

Income from operations

For the year ended August 25, 2012, the changes in revenues in our Core Laundry Operations, Specialty Garments and First Aid segments, as well as the changes in our costs discussed above, resulted in the following changes in our income from operations:

	August 25,			August 27,			Dollar			Percent
	2012			2011			Change			Change
	(In thousands, except percentages)
Core Laundry Operations	$	133,285		$	105,725		$	27,560			26.1	%
Specialty Garments		13,460			15,292			(1,832	)		-12.0
First Aid		4,363			2,956			1,407			47.6
Total consolidated income from operations	$	151,108		$	123,973		$	27,135			21.9	%
Percentage of total revenues		12.0	%		10.9	%

Other expense (income)

Other expense (income), which includes interest expense, interest income and foreign currency exchange loss (gain), decreased by $3.0 million to $0.4 million in fiscal 2012 compared to $3.4 million in fiscal 2011. In fiscal 2012, we had net interest income of $0.6 million compared to net interest expense of $4.2 million in fiscal 2011 primarily due to our repayment of $75.0 million in fixed-rate notes in June 2011 as well as the effect of an interest rate swap that matured in March 2011. This benefit was offset by foreign exchange losses of $1.0 million in fiscal 2012 compared to foreign exchange gains of $0.8 million in fiscal 2011.

Provision for income taxes

Our effective tax rate was 37.0% for fiscal 2012 compared to 36.6% for fiscal 2011. This increase was primarily due to the fact that the 2011 rate benefited from the reversal of tax contingency reserves related to the resolution of certain state tax audits.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

General  

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013, we had a net increase in cash and cash equivalents of $77.4 million. As of August 31, 2013, we had cash and cash equivalents of $197.5 million and working capital of $302.5 million. We believe that current cash and cash equivalent balances, cash generated from operations and amounts available under our Credit Agreement (defined below) will be sufficient to meet our currently anticipated working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months. For fiscal 2014, we anticipate that that our capital expenditure investment will be between $90 million and $100 million which will be impacted by our continued investment in our project to update our customer relationship management system.

Sources and uses of cash  

During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013, we generated cash from operating activities of $211.6 million resulting primarily from net income of $116.7 million, net of non-cash amounts for depreciation, amortization and accretion of $71.1 million and share based compensation of $6.3 million. We also generated cash as a result of a decrease in inventories of $1.1 million, a decrease in rental merchandise in service of $7.1 million and an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $11.6 million in fiscal 2013 as compared to fiscal 2012. In addition, the Company’s cash position also benefited from a change in tax regulations impacting the timing of deductions allowable for certain merchandise in service. These inflows were partially offset by an increase in receivables of $6.7 million, an increase in prepaid expenses of $0.9 million and a decrease in accrued income taxes of $15.4 million in fiscal 2013 as compared to fiscal 2012. We used cash during fiscal 2013 to invest $103.5 million in capital expenditures, of which $20.8 million related to our ongoing project to update our customer relationship management system, as well as fund the acquisition of businesses in the amount of approximately $30.7 million. In addition, we remitted $3.3 million in taxes in fiscal 2013 which were withheld in the form of Common Stock and related to the vesting of equity awards.

As of August 31, 2013, we have accumulated $61.4 million in cash outside the United States that is expected to be invested indefinitely outside the United States. If these funds were distributed to the U.S. in the form of dividends, the Company would be subject to additional U.S. income taxes.

Long-term debt and borrowing capacity 

On May 5, 2011, we entered into a $250.0 million unsecured revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of banks, which matures on May 4, 2016. Under the Credit Agreement, we are able to borrow funds at variable interest rates based on, at our election, the Eurodollar rate or a base rate, plus in each case a spread based on our consolidated funded debt ratio. Availability of credit requires compliance with certain financial and other covenants, including a maximum consolidated funded debt ratio and minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio as defined in the Credit Agreement. We test our compliance with these financial covenants on a fiscal quarterly basis. At August 31, 2013, the interest rates applicable to our borrowings under the Credit Agreement would be calculated as LIBOR plus 100 basis points at the time of the respective borrowing. As of August 31, 2013, we had no outstanding borrowings, letters of credit amounting to $47.1 million and $202.9 million available for borrowing under the Credit Agreement.

Prior to May 5, 2011, we had a $225.0 million unsecured revolving credit agreement (the “Prior Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of banks, which was scheduled to mature on September 13, 2011. In connection with our entry into the Credit Agreement, we terminated the Prior Credit Agreement.

On June 14, 2004, we issued $75.0 million of fixed rate notes (“Fixed Rate Notes”) pursuant to a Note Purchase Agreement with a seven year term and bearing interest at 5.27%. The Fixed Rate Notes matured on June 14, 2011 and were repaid with approximately $45.0 million from our cash reserves and $30.0 million of borrowing under our Credit Agreement.

On September 14, 2006, we issued $100.0 million of floating rates notes (“Floating Rate Notes”) pursuant to a Note Purchase Agreement (“2006 Note Agreement”), which bore interest at LIBOR plus 50 basis points. On September 14, 2013, the Floating Rate Notes matured and were repaid with $100.0 million from our cash reserves.

As of August 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement and the 2006 Note Agreement.

In January 2008, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to manage our exposure to interest rate movements and the related effect on our variable rate debt. The swap agreement, with a notional amount of $100.0 million, matured on March 14, 2011. We paid a fixed rate of 3.51% and received a variable rate tied to the three month LIBOR rate. We accounted for this instrument as a cash flow hedge in accordance with US GAAP and, as a result, recorded all changes in the fair value of the swap agreement in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of shareholders’ equity.

Environmental and Legal Contingencies

We are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations governing, among other things, air emissions, wastewater discharges, and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes and other substances. In particular, industrial laundries currently use and must dispose of detergent waste water and other residues, and, in the past, used perchloroethylene and other dry cleaning solvents. We are attentive to the environmental concerns surrounding the disposal of these materials and have, through the years, taken measures to avoid their improper disposal. Over the years, we have settled, or contributed to the settlement of, actions or claims brought against us relating to the disposal of hazardous materials and there can be no assurance that we will not have to expend material amounts to remediate the consequences of any such disposal in the future.

US GAAP requires that a liability for contingencies be recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment is required to determine the existence of a liability, as well as the amount to be recorded. We regularly consult with attorneys and outside consultants in our consideration of the relevant facts and circumstances before recording a contingent liability. Changes in enacted laws, regulatory orders or decrees, management’s estimates of costs, insurance proceeds, participation by other parties, the timing of payments and the input of outside consultants and attorneys based on changing legal or factual circumstances could have a material impact on the amounts recorded for environmental and other contingent liabilities.

Under environmental laws, an owner or lessee of real estate may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances located on, or in, or emanating from such property, as well as related costs of investigation and property damage. Such laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or lessee knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. There can be no assurances that acquired or leased locations have been operated in compliance with environmental laws and regulations or that future uses or conditions will not result in the imposition of liability upon our Company under such laws or expose our Company to third party actions such as tort suits. We continue to address environmental conditions under terms of consent orders negotiated with the applicable environmental authorities or otherwise with respect to sites located in or related to Woburn, Massachusetts, Somerville, Massachusetts, Springfield, Massachusetts, Uvalde, Texas, Stockton, California, three sites related to former operations in Williamstown, Vermont, as well as sites located in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Wilmington, North Carolina and Landover, Maryland.

We have accrued certain costs related to the sites described above as it has been determined that the costs are probable and can be reasonably estimated. We continue to implement mitigation measures and to monitor environmental conditions at the Somerville, Massachusetts site. We also have potential exposure related to an additional parcel of land (the “Central Area”) related to the Woburn, Massachusetts site discussed above. Currently, the consent decree for the Woburn site does not define or require any remediation work in the Central Area. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) has provided us and other signatories to the consent decree with comments on the design and implementation of groundwater and soil remedies at the Woburn site and investigation of environmental conditions in the Central Area. We, and other signatories, have implemented and proposed to do additional work at the Woburn site but many of the EPA’s comments remain to be resolved. We have accrued costs to perform certain work responsive to EPA's comments. In addition, we have received notices of violations from Region 1 of the EPA under the Clean Air Act regarding our failure to obtain certain permits allegedly necessary with respect to the laundering of soiled towels at seven New England facilities, and we are addressing these matters.  We believe that it is probable that Region 1 of the EPA may seek to impose penalties against us in connection with these seven New England facilities, but we are unable to reasonably estimate the amount of the penalties that may be sought. 

We routinely review and evaluate sites that may require remediation and monitoring and determine our estimated costs based on various estimates and assumptions. These estimates are developed using our internal sources or by third-party environmental engineers or other service providers. Internally developed estimates are based on:

• Management’s judgment and experience in remediating and monitoring our sites;

• Information available from regulatory agencies as to costs of remediation and monitoring;

• The number, financial resources and relative degree of responsibility of other potentially responsible parties (PRPs) who may be liable for remediation and monitoring of a specific site; and

• The typical allocation of costs among PRPs.

There is usually a range of reasonable estimates of the costs associated with each site. Our accruals represent the amount within the range that constitutes our best estimate. When we believe that both the amount of a particular liability and the timing of the payments are reliably determinable, we adjust the cost in current dollars using a rate of 3% for inflation until the time of expected payment and discount the cost to present value using current risk-free interest rates. As of August 31, 2013, the risk-free interest rates we utilized ranged from 2.8% to 3.7%.

For environmental liabilities that have been discounted, we include interest accretion, based on the effective interest method, in selling and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The changes to the amounts of our environmental liabilities for the years ended August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

Year ended	August 31, 2013			August 25, 2012
Beginning balance	$	20,020		$	18,368
Costs incurred for which reserves have been provided		(1,862	)		(1,277	)
Insurance proceeds received		282			209
Interest accretion		542			631
Changes in discount rates		(1,585	)		1,346
Revisions in estimates		2,283			743
Ending balance	$	19,680		$	20,020

Anticipated payments and insurance proceeds of currently identified environmental remediation liabilities as of August 31, 2013 for the next five fiscal years and thereafter, as measured in current dollars, are reflected below (in thousands).

Fiscal year ended August	2014			2015			2016			2017			2018			Thereafter			Total
Estimated costs – current dollars	$	5,317		$	2,620		$	1,887		$	865		$	797		$	12,421		$	23,907
Estimated insurance proceeds		(159	)		(173	)		(159	)		(173	)		(159	)		(1,593	)		(2,416	)
Net anticipated costs	$	5,158		$	2,447		$	1,728		$	692		$	638		$	10,828		$	21,491
Effect of inflation																				7,055
Effect of discounting																				(8,866	)
Balance as of August 31, 2013																			$	19,680

Estimated insurance proceeds are primarily received from an annuity received as part of our legal settlement with an insurance company. Annual proceeds of approximately $0.3 million are deposited into an escrow account which funds remediation and monitoring costs for three sites related to our former operations in Williamstown, Vermont. Annual proceeds received but not expended in the current year accumulate in this account and may be used in future years for costs related to this site through the year 2027. As of August 31, 2013, the balance in this escrow account, which is held in a trust and is not recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet, was approximately $3.3 million. Also included in estimated insurance proceeds are amounts we are entitled to receive pursuant to legal settlements as reimbursements from three insurance companies for estimated costs at the site in Uvalde, Texas.

Our nuclear garment decontamination facilities are licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”), or, in certain cases, by the applicable state agency, and are subject to regulation by federal, state and local authorities. There can be no assurance that such regulation will not lead to material disruptions in our garment decontamination business.

From time to time, we are also subject to legal proceedings and claims arising from the conduct of our business operations, including litigation related to charges for certain ancillary services on invoices, personal injury claims, customer contract matters, employment claims and environmental matters as described above.

While it is impossible for us to ascertain the ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to contingent liabilities, including lawsuits and environmental contingencies, we believe that the aggregate amount of such liabilities, if any, in excess of amounts covered by insurance have been properly accrued in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. It is possible, however, that the future financial position and/or results of operations for any particular future period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or strategies related to these contingencies or changes out of our control.

In addition, on December 31, 2012, we received a letter from counsel for New England Compounding Center (“NECC”) demanding, among other things, that we indemnify NECC regarding claims made against NECC, including those related to NECC’s highly-publicized compounding and sale of tainted methylprednisolone acetate.  This demand relates to the limited, once-a-month cleaning services we provided to portions of NECC’s cleanroom facilities.  Based on our preliminary review of this matter, we believe that NECC’s claims are without merit.  We have notified our insurers of claims associated with this matter and preliminary discussions concerning coverage are ongoing.  In June 2013, we received a subpoena from the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (PSC) appointed in conjunction with the NECC multi-district litigation proceeding seeking information relating to the NECC matter. During August 2013, we responded to the PSC regarding the subpoena. On September 20, 2013, we entered into a tolling agreement with the PSC which, among other things, tolled defenses based on statutes of limitations with respect to certain claimants. To date, a significant number of lawsuits have been brought against NECC and other defendants from persons who were allegedly harmed as a result of NECC’s compounds. Through the date of this filing, these lawsuits have not named us as a defendant. Based partially on communication with the PSC, we believe that over the course of the next year we may face a number of lawsuits related to this matter. While we are unable to ascertain the ultimate outcome of this matter, based on the information currently available, we believe that a loss with respect to this matter is neither probable nor remote, and we are unable to reasonably assess an estimate or range of estimates of any potential losses. If we are found to be liable with respect to claims brought against us relating to NECC that are not covered by our insurance, we may incur liabilities that are material to our financial condition and operating results.

Acquisitions

As part of our business, we regularly evaluate opportunities to acquire other garment service companies. In recent years, we have typically paid for acquisitions with cash and may continue to do so in the future. To pay for an acquisition, we may use cash on hand, cash generated from operations or borrowings under our Credit Agreement, or we may pursue other forms of debt financing. Our ability to secure short-term and long-term debt financing in the future will depend on several factors, including our future profitability, our levels of debt and equity, and the overall credit and equity market environments.

Contractual Obligations and Other Commercial Commitments

The following information is presented as of August 31, 2013 (in thousands).

Payments Due by Fiscal Period
Contractual Obligations	Total		Less than 1 year		1 - 3 years		3 - 5 years		More than 5 years
Floating Rate Notes (1)	$	100,000	$	100,000	$	—	$	—	$	—
Other debt		11,408		11,253		—		—		155
Total debt		111,408		111,253		—		—		155
Retirement plan benefit payments		26,064		1,407		2,473		2,715		19,469
Operating leases		26,227		6,613		11,184		5,698		2,732
Total contractual cash obligations	$	163,699	$	119,273	$	13,657	$	8,413	$	22,356

(1) In September 2013, we repaid all of the outstanding Floating Rate Notes utilizing cash on hand.

We have uncertain tax positions that are reserved totaling $0.9 million as of August 31, 2013 that are excluded from the above table as we cannot make a reasonably reliable estimate of the period of cash settlement with the respective taxing authority.

As discussed above under “Long-Term Debt and Borrowing Capacity”, as of August 31, 2013, we had borrowing capacity of $250.0 million under our Credit Agreement, of which approximately $202.9 million was available for borrowing. Also, as of such date, we had no outstanding borrowings and letters of credit outstanding of $47.1 million. All letters of credit expire in less than one year.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements 

At August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012, we did not have any off balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-K.

Seasonality

Historically, our revenues and operating results have varied from quarter to quarter and are expected to continue to fluctuate in the future. These fluctuations have been due to a number of factors, including: general economic conditions in our markets; the timing of acquisitions and of commencing start-up operations and related costs; our effectiveness in integrating acquired businesses and start-up operations; the timing of nuclear plant outages; capital expenditures; seasonal rental and purchasing patterns of our customers; and price changes in response to competitive factors. In addition, our operating results historically have been lower during the second and fourth fiscal quarters than during the other quarters of the fiscal year. The operating results for any historical quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for an entire fiscal year or any other interim periods.

Effects of Inflation

In general, we believe that our results of operations are not dependent on moderate changes in the inflation rate. Historically, we have been able to manage the impacts of more significant changes in inflation rates through our customer relationships, customer agreements that generally provide for price increases consistent with the rate of inflation, and continued focus on improvements of operational productivity.

Energy Costs

Significant increases in energy costs, specifically with respect to natural gas and gasoline, can materially affect our results of operations and financial condition. During fiscal 2013, our energy costs, which include fuel, natural gas, and electricity, represented approximately 5.0% of our total revenue.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance to amend existing requirements for fair value measurements and disclosures. The guidance expands the disclosure requirements around fair value measurements categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy and requires disclosure of the level in the fair value hierarchy of items that are not measured at fair value but whose fair value must be disclosed. It also clarifies and expands upon existing requirements for fair value measurements of financial assets and liabilities as well as instruments classified in shareholders’ equity. The guidance was effective for interim and annual financial periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We adopted this revised guidance on August 26, 2012 and the adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance that improves the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and increases the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income by eliminating the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity. The amendments to the existing standard require that all nonowner changes in shareholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments to the existing standard do not change the current option for presenting components of other comprehensive income (“OCI”) gross or net of the effect of income taxes, provided that such tax effects are presented in the statement in which OCI is presented or disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. Additionally, the standard does not affect the calculation or reporting of earnings per share. This guidance was effective for annual reporting periods, and any interim periods within those annual periods, that begin after December 15, 2011 and is to be applied retrospectively, with early adoption permitted. We adopted this revised guidance on August 26, 2012 and the adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued updated guidance intended to simplify how entities, both public and nonpublic, test for goodwill impairment. This guidance permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. Also, the guidance improves the examples of events and circumstances that an entity having a reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount should consider in determining whether to measure an impairment loss, if any, under the second step of the goodwill impairment test. This guidance was effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. We adopted this revised guidance on August 26, 2012 and the adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance that improves the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendments in this updated guidance require an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under US GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under US GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under US GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. This guidance was effective for annual reporting periods, and any interim periods within those annual periods, that begin after December 15, 2012 and is to be applied prospectively, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect this guidance to have a material impact on our financial statements.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

We have determined that all of our foreign subsidiaries operate primarily in local currencies that represent the functional currencies of such subsidiaries. All assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. The effect of exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of assets and liabilities are recorded as a component of shareholders’ equity. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during each month of the fiscal year. As such, our financial condition and operating results are affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar as compared to currencies in foreign countries. Revenues denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar represented approximately 8.8%, 8.9% and 9.3% of total consolidated revenues for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2013, August 25, 2012 and August 27, 2011, respectively. Total assets denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar represented approximately 12.0%, 11.1% and 11.0% of total consolidated assets at August 31, 2013, August 25, 2012 and August 27, 2011, respectively. If exchange rates had increased or decreased by 10% from the actual rates in effect during the year ended August 31, 2013, our revenues and assets for the year ended and as of August 31, 2013 would have increased or decreased by approximately $11.9 million and $16.6 million, respectively.

We do not operate a hedging program to mitigate the effect of a significant change in the value of our foreign subsidiaries functional currencies, which include the Canadian Dollar, Euro, British Pound, Mexican Peso and Nicaraguan Cordova, as compared to the U.S. dollar. Any gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions, including exchange rate fluctuations on intercompany accounts are reported as transaction (gains) losses in our other (income) expense. The intercompany payables and receivables are denominated in Canadian Dollars, Euros, British Pounds, Mexican Pesos and Nicaraguan Cordova. During the year ended August 31, 2013, transaction losses included in other (income) expense was approximately $0.1 million. If the exchange rates had changed by 10% during the year ended August 31, 2013, we would have recognized exchange gains or losses of approximately $1.0 million.

Interest Rate Sensitivity

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates which may adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In seeking to minimize the risks from interest rate fluctuations, we manage these exposures through our regular operating and financing activities. As of August 31, 2013, we were exposed to interest rate risk primarily through our borrowings under our Credit Agreement with a syndicate of banks and our Floating Rate Notes which were purchased by a group of insurance companies pursuant to the 2006 Note Agreement. We repaid all of the outstanding Floating Rate Notes in September 2013. Under both agreements, we borrow funds at variable interest rates based on the Eurodollar rate or LIBOR rates. If the LIBOR and Eurodollar rates fluctuated by 10% from the actual rates in effect during the year ended August 31, 2013, our interest expense would have fluctuated by approximately $0.1 million from the interest expense recognized for the year ended August 31, 2013.

In January 2008, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to manage our exposure to interest rate movements and the related effect on our variable rate debt. The swap agreement, with a notional amount of $100.0 million, matured on March 14, 2011. We paid a fixed rate of 3.51% and received a variable rate tied to the three month LIBOR rate. We accounted for this instrument as a cash flow hedge in accordance with US GAAP and, as a result, recorded all changes in the fair value of the swap agreement in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of shareholders’ equity.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Consolidated Statements of Income

UniFirst Corporation and Subsidiaries

Year ended (In thousands, except per share data)	August 31, 2013			August 25, 2012			August 27, 2011
Revenues	$	1,355,515		$	1,256,289		$	1,134,126
Operating expenses:
Cost of revenues (1)		836,174			797,944			712,309
Selling and administrative expenses (1)		263,531			240,798			233,111
Depreciation and amortization		69,607			66,439			64,733
Total operating expenses		1,169,312			1,105,181			1,010,153
Income from operations		186,203			151,108			123,973
Other (income) expense:
Interest expense		1,651			2,132			6,738
Interest income		(3,201	)		(2,738	)		(2,552	)
Foreign exchange loss (gain)		144			980			(785	)
Total other (income) expense		(1,406	)		374			3,401
Income before income taxes		187,609			150,734			120,572
Provision for income taxes		70,924			55,745			44,086
Net income	$	116,685		$	94,989		$	76,486
Income per share – Basic:
Common Stock	$	6.14		$	5.02		$	4.05
Class B Common Stock	$	4.91		$	4.01		$	3.24
Income per share – Diluted:
Common Stock	$	5.81		$	4.76		$	3.85
Income allocated to – Basic:
Common Stock	$	91,916		$	74,643		$	59,944
Class B Common Stock	$	22,913		$	18,630		$	15,104
Income allocated to – Diluted:
Common Stock	$	114,927		$	93,358		$	75,118
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – Basic:
Common Stock		14,975			14,882			14,791
Class B Common Stock		4,666			4,643			4,658
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – Diluted:
Common Stock		19,789			19,616			19,532
Dividends per share:
Common Stock	$	0.15		$	0.15		$	0.15
Class B Common Stock	$	0.12		$	0.12		$	0.12

(1) Exclusive of depreciation on the Company’s property, plant and equipment and amortization of its intangible assets.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these

Consolidated Financial Statements.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

UniFirst Corporation and Subsidiaries

Year ended (In thousands)	August 31, 2013			August 25, 2012			August 27, 2011
Net Income	$	116,685		$	94,989		$	76,486
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(6,081	)		(2,204	)		6,562
Pension benefit liabilities, net (1)		255			(362	)		420
Change in interest rate swap, net (1)		—			—			992
Other comprehensive (loss) income		(5,826	)		(2,566	)		7,974
Comprehensive income		110,859			92,423			84,460

(1) These amounts are shown net of the effect of income taxes.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

UniFirst Corporation and Subsidiaries

(In thousands, except share and par value data)	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	197,479	$	120,123
Receivables, less reserves of $4,894 and $5,152 respectively		142,217		135,327
Inventories		74,351		75,420
Rental merchandise in service		132,630		138,284
Prepaid and deferred income taxes		7,079		12,785
Prepaid expenses		7,618		5,741
Total current assets		561,374		487,680
Property, plant and equipment:
Land, buildings and leasehold improvements		376,222		355,568
Machinery and equipment		474,402		425,274
Motor vehicles		153,219		141,370
Total property, plant and equipment		1,003,843		922,212
Less -- accumulated depreciation		546,157		510,008
Total property, plant and equipment, net		457,686		412,204
Goodwill		302,363		288,137
Customer contracts, net		47,397		48,580
Other intangible assets, net		1,947		1,951
Other assets		2,658		1,982
Total assets	$	1,373,425	$	1,240,534
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Loans payable and current maturities of long-term debt	$	111,253	$	6,831
Accounts payable		54,221		52,340
Accrued liabilities		86,994		78,174
Accrued and deferred income taxes		6,421		8,180
Total current liabilities		258,889		145,525
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net of current maturities		155		100,155
Accrued liabilities		45,037		43,420
Accrued and deferred income taxes		55,946		54,509
Total long-term liabilities		101,138		198,084
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11)
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding		—		—
Common Stock, $0.10 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 15,129,524 and 15,064,069 issued and outstanding in 2013 and 2012, respectively		1,513		1,506
Class B Common Stock, $0.10 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 4,873,277 and 4,885,277 issued and outstanding in 2013 and 2012, respectively		487		488
Capital surplus		51,445		42,984
Retained earnings		958,508		844,676
Accumulated other comprehensive income		1,445		7,271
Total shareholders' equity		1,013,398		896,925
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	1,373,425	$	1,240,534

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these

Consolidated Financial Statements.

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

UniFirst Corporation and Subsidiaries

(In thousands)	Common Shares			Class B Common Shares			Common Stock			Class B Common Stock			Capital Surplus		Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Total Equity
Balance, August 28, 2010		14,913			4,913		$	1,491		$	491		$	25,329	$	678,876		$	1,863		$	708,050
Net income		—			—			—			—			—		76,486			—			76,486
Pension benefit liabilities, net (1)		—			—			—			—			—		—			420			420
Foreign currency translation		—			—			—			—			—		—			6,562			6,562
Change in interest rate swap, net (1)		—			—			—			—			—		—			992			992
Dividends declared		—			—			—			—			—		(2,832	)		—			(2,832	)
Shares converted		26			(26	)		3			(3	)		—		—			—			—
Share-based compensation		6			—			1			—			6,731		—			—			6,732
Share-based awards exercised, net (1)(3)		42			—			4			—			1,528		—			—			1,532
Balance, August 27, 2011		14,987			4,887		$	1,499		$	488		$	33,588	$	752,530		$	9,837		$	797,942
Net income		—			—			—			—			—		94,989			—			94,989
Pension benefit liabilities, net (1)		—			—			—			—			—		—			(362	)		(362	)
Foreign currency translation		—			—			—			—			—		—			(2,204	)		(2,204	)
Dividends declared		—			—			—			—			—		(2,843	)		—			(2,843	)
Shares converted		3			(3	)		—			—			—		—			—			—
Share-based compensation, net (2)		1			—			—			—			6,578		—			—			6,578
Share-based awards exercised, net (1)(3)		73			—			7			—			2,818		—			—			2,825
Balance, August 25, 2012		15,064			4,884		$	1,506		$	488		$	42,984	$	844,676		$	7,271		$	896,925
Net income		—			—			—			—			—		116,685			—			116,685
Pension benefit liabilities, net (1)		—			—			—			—			—		—			255			255
Foreign currency translation		—			—			—			—			—		—			(6,081	)		(6,081	)
Dividends declared		—			—			—			—			—		(2,853	)		—			(2,853	)
Shares converted		12			(12	)		1			(1	)		—		—			—			—
Share-based compensation, net (2)		(36	)		—			(3	)		—			2,982		—			—			2,979
Share-based awards exercised, net (1)(3)		90			—			9			—			5,479		—			—			5,488
Balance, August 31, 2013		15,130			4,872		$	1,513		$	487		$	51,445	$	958,508		$	1,445		$	1,013,398

(1) These amounts are shown net of the effect of income taxes

(2) These amounts are shown net of any shares withheld by the Company to satisfy certain tax withholdings obligations in connection with the vesting of certain shares of restricted stock.

(3) These amounts include excess tax benefits that the Company realized as part of the exercise of share-based awards.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these

Consolidated Financial Statements.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

UniFirst Corporation and Subsidiaries

Year ended (In thousands)	August 31, 2013			August 25, 2012			August 27, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	116,685		$	94,989		$	76,486
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation		59,810			55,877			54,188
Amortization of intangible assets		9,797			10,562			10,545
Amortization of deferred financing costs		238			238			261
Share-based compensation		6,315			6,714			6,732
Accretion on environmental contingencies		542			631			681
Accretion on asset retirement obligations		676			632			589
Deferred income taxes		20,666			(330	)		13,318
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Receivables		(6,666	)		(7,595	)		(20,881	)
Inventories		1,146			590			(28,413	)
Rental merchandise in service		7,079			(12,017	)		(36,369	)
Prepaid expenses		(939	)		(1,763	)		(247	)
Accounts payable		2,130			(3,688	)		9,796
Accrued liabilities		9,452			3,217			2,654
Prepaid and accrued income taxes		(15,360	)		11,360			(3,147	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		211,571			159,417			86,193
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired		(30,714	)		—			(32,556	)
Capital expenditures		(103,526	)		(74,549	)		(63,847	)
Other		54			(508	)		(397	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(134,186	)		(75,057	)		(96,800	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from loans payable and long-term debt		4,533			42,711			30,000
Payments on loans payable and long-term debt		(24	)		(55,851	)		(91,464	)
Payments of deferred financing costs		—			—			(975	)
Proceeds from exercise of Common Stock options, including excess tax benefits		5,488			2,410			1,360
Taxes withheld and paid related to net share settlement of equity awards		(3,332	)		—			—
Payment of cash dividends		(2,851	)		(2,840	)		(2,830	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		3,814			(13,570	)		(63,909	)
Effect of exchange rate changes		(3,843	)		521			2,070
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		77,356			71,311			(72,446	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		120,123			48,812			121,258
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	197,479		$	120,123		$	48,812
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid	$	1,524		$	1,890		$	7,866
Income taxes paid, net of refunds received	$	63,069		$	44,732		$	33,819

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these

Consolidated Financial Statements.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

UniFirst Corporation and Subsidiaries

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Business Description

UniFirst Corporation (the “Company”) is one of the largest providers of workplace uniforms and protective clothing in the United States. The Company designs, manufactures, personalizes, rents, cleans, delivers, and sells a wide range of uniforms and protective clothing, including shirts, pants, jackets, coveralls, lab coats, smocks, aprons and specialized protective wear, such as flame resistant and high visibility garments. The Company also rents industrial wiping products, floor mats, facility service products and other non-garment items, and provides first aid cabinet services and other safety supplies, to a variety of manufacturers, retailers and service companies.

The Company serves businesses of all sizes in numerous industry categories. Typical customers include automobile service centers and dealers, delivery services, food and general merchandise retailers, food processors and service operations, light manufacturers, maintenance facilities, restaurants, service companies, soft and durable goods wholesalers, transportation companies, and others who require employee clothing for image, identification, protection or utility purposes. The Company also provides its customers with restroom and cleaning supplies, including air fresheners, paper products and hand soaps.

At certain specialized facilities, the Company decontaminates and cleans work clothes and other items that may have been exposed to radioactive materials and services special cleanroom protective wear. Typical customers for these specialized services include government agencies, research and development laboratories, high technology companies and utilities operating nuclear reactors.

As discussed and described in Note 15, “Segment Reporting”, to these Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has five reporting segments: US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning, Manufacturing (“MFG”), Specialty Garments Rental and Cleaning (“Specialty Garments”), First Aid and Corporate. The operations of the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment are referred to by the Company as its “industrial laundry operations” and the locations related to this reporting segment are referred to as “industrial laundries”. The Company refers to its US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning, MFG, and Corporate segments combined as its “Core Laundry Operations”.

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements is in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”) which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates are based on historical information, current trends, and information available from other sources. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Fiscal Year

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in August. For financial reporting purposes, fiscal 2013 consisted of 53 weeks, and fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 both consisted of 52 weeks. The additional week was included in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in banks and bank short-term investments with maturities of less than ninety days.

Financial Instruments

The Company’s financial instruments, which may expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk, include cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable, loans payable and long-term debt. Each of these financial instruments is recorded at cost, which approximates its fair value given the short maturity of each financial instrument.

Revenue Recognition and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company recognizes revenue from rental operations in the period in which the services are provided. Direct sales revenue is recognized in the period in which the services are performed or when the product is shipped. Management judgments and estimates are used in determining the collectability of accounts receivable and evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company considers specific accounts receivable and historical bad debt experience, customer credit worthiness, current economic trends and the age of outstanding balances as part of its evaluation. Changes in estimates are reflected in the period they become known. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. Material changes in its estimates may result in significant differences in the amount and timing of bad debt expense recognition for any given period. Revenues do not include taxes we collect from our customers and remit to governmental authorities.

Inventories and Rental Merchandise in Service

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value, net of any reserve for excess and obsolete inventory. Judgments and estimates are used in determining the likelihood that new goods on hand can be sold to customers or used in rental operations. Historical inventory usage and current revenue trends are considered in estimating both excess and obsolete inventories. If actual product demand and market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required. The Company uses the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method to value its inventories. As of August 31, 2013, our inventories consisted of $16.7 million of raw materials, $2.4 million of work in process and $55.3 million of finished goods. As of August 25, 2012, our inventories consisted of $18.2 million of raw materials, $1.0 million of work in process and $56.2 million of finished goods.

Rental merchandise in service is amortized, primarily on a straight-line basis, over the estimated service lives of the merchandise, which range from 6 to 36 months. In establishing estimated lives for merchandise in service, management considers historical experience and the intended use of the merchandise. Material differences may result in the amount and timing of operating profit for any period if management makes significant changes to these estimates.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred, while expenditures for renewals and betterments are capitalized. The Company provides for depreciation on the straight-line method based on the following estimated useful lives:

Buildings (in years)	30	-	40
Building components (in years)	10	-	20
Leasehold improvements	Shorter of useful life or term of lease
Machinery and equipment (in years)	3	-	10
Motor vehicles (in years)	3	-	5

Long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate an asset may be impaired. There have been no material impairments of long-lived assets in fiscal 2013, 2012 or 2011.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

In accordance with US GAAP, the Company does not amortize goodwill. Instead, current accounting guidance requires that companies test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis. Management completes its annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. In addition, US GAAP requires that companies test goodwill if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit to which goodwill is assigned below its carrying amount. The Company’s evaluation considers changes in the operating environment, competitive information, market trends, operating performance and cash flow modeling.

The Company cannot predict future economic conditions and their impact on the Company or the future market value of the Company's stock. A decline in the Company’s market capitalization and/or deterioration in general economic conditions could negatively and materially impact the Company's assumptions and assessment of the fair value of the Company's business. If general economic conditions or the Company's financial performance deteriorate, the Company may be required to record a goodwill impairment charge in the future which could have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives, which are based on management’s estimates of the period that the assets will generate economic benefits. Definite-lived intangible assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable in accordance with US GAAP. There were no impairments of goodwill or indicators of impairment for definite-lived intangible assets in fiscal 2013, 2012, or 2011.

As of August 31, 2013, definite-lived intangible assets have a weighted average useful life of approximately 14.6 years. Customer contracts have a weighted average useful life of approximately 14.9 years and other intangible assets, net, which consist of primarily, restrictive covenants, deferred financing costs and trademarks, have a weighted average useful life of approximately 5.1 years.

Environmental and Other Contingencies

The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims arising from the conduct of its business operations, including environmental matters, personal injury, customer contract matters and employment claims. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States require that a liability for contingencies be recorded when it is probable that a liability has occurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment is required to determine the existence of a liability, as well as the amount to be recorded. The Company regularly consults with attorneys and outside consultants, in its consideration of the relevant facts and circumstances, before recording a contingent liability. The Company records accruals for environmental and other contingencies based on enacted laws, regulatory orders or decrees, the Company’s estimates of costs, insurance proceeds, participation by other parties, the timing of payments, and the input of outside consultants and attorneys.

The estimated liability for environmental contingencies has been discounted as of August 31, 2013 using risk-free interest rates ranging from 2.8% to 3.7% over periods ranging from ten to thirty years. The estimated current costs, net of legal settlements with insurance carriers, have been adjusted for the estimated impact of inflation at 3% per year. Changes in enacted laws, regulatory orders or decrees, management’s estimates of costs, risk-free interest rates, insurance proceeds, participation by other parties, the timing of payments and the input of outside consultants and attorneys based on changing legal or factual circumstances could have a material impact on the amounts recorded for environmental and other contingent liabilities. Refer to Note 11, “Commitments and Contingencies”, of these Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion and analysis.

Asset Retirement Obligations

Under US GAAP, asset retirement obligations generally apply to legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development and/or the normal operation of a long-lived asset. The Company recognizes asset retirement obligations in the period in which they are incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset.

The Company has recognized as a liability the present value of the estimated future costs to decommission its nuclear laundry facilities. The Company depreciates, on a straight-line basis, the amount added to Property, plant and equipment and recognizes accretion expense in connection with the discounted liability over the various remaining lives which range from approximately eight to thirty-one years.

The estimated liability has been based on historical experience in decommissioning nuclear laundry facilities, estimated useful lives of the underlying assets, external vendor estimates as to the cost to decommission these assets in the future, and federal and state regulatory requirements. The estimated current costs have been adjusted for the estimated impact of inflation at 3% per year. The liability has been discounted using credit-adjusted risk-free rates that range from approximately 7.0% to 7.5%. Revisions to the liability could occur due to changes in the Company’s estimated useful lives of the underlying assets, estimated dates of decommissioning, changes in decommissioning costs, changes in federal or state regulatory guidance on the decommissioning of such facilities, or other changes in estimates. Changes due to revised estimates will be recognized by adjusting the carrying amount of the liability and the related long-lived asset if the assets are still in service, or charged to expense in the period if the assets are no longer in service.

Derivative Financial Instruments 

US GAAP requires that all derivative instruments be recorded as other assets or other liabilities at fair value. All subsequent changes in a derivative’s fair value are recognized in income, unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Cash flows associated with derivatives are classified in the same category as the cash flows hedged in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting are classified as a hedge of the variability of cash flows to be paid related to a recognized liability or a forecasted transaction. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is highly effective and designated as a cash flow hedge are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets until expenses from the cash flows of the hedged items are recognized. The Company performs an assessment at the inception of a hedge and on a quarterly basis thereafter, to determine whether its derivatives are highly effective in offsetting changes in the value of the hedged items. Any change in the fair value resulting from hedge ineffectiveness is immediately recognized as income or expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company’s hedging activities are transacted only with highly rated institutions, which reduce the exposure to credit risk in the event of nonperformance. Refer to Note 6, “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, of these Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion and analysis.

Insurance

The Company is self-insured for certain obligations related to health, workers’ compensation, vehicles and general liability programs. The Company also purchases stop-loss insurance policies to protect itself from catastrophic losses. Judgments and estimates are used in determining the potential value associated with reported claims and for events that have occurred, but have not been reported. The Company’s estimates consider historical claims experience and other factors. The Company’s liabilities are based on estimates, and, while the Company believes that its accruals are adequate, the ultimate liability may be significantly different from the amounts recorded. Changes in claims experience, the Company’s ability to settle claims or other estimates and judgments used by management could have a material impact on the amount and timing of expense for any period.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan and other Pension Plans

Pension expense is recognized on an accrual basis over employees’ estimated service periods. Pension expense is generally independent of funding decisions or requirements.

The Company (1) recognizes in its statement of financial position the over-funded or under-funded status of its defined benefit postretirement plan measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation, (2) recognizes as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the actuarial gains and losses and the prior service costs and credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, (3) measures defined benefit plan assets and defined benefit plan obligations as of the date of its statement of financial position, and (4) discloses additional information in the notes to financial statements about certain effects on net periodic benefit cost in the upcoming fiscal year that arise from delayed recognition of the actuarial gains and losses and the prior service costs and credits. Refer to Note 7, “Employee Benefit Plans”, of these Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s pension plans.

The calculation of pension expense and the corresponding liability requires the use of a number of critical assumptions, including the expected long-term rates of return on plan assets, the assumed discount rates, assumed rate of compensation increases and life expectancy of participants. Changes in these assumptions can result in different expense and liability amounts, and future actual experience can differ from these assumptions. Pension expense increases as the expected rate of return on pension plan assets decreases. Future changes in plan asset returns, assumed discount rates and various other factors related to the participants in the Company’s pension plans will impact the Company’s future pension expense and liabilities. The Company cannot predict with certainty what these factors will be in the future.

Income Taxes

The Company computes income tax expense by jurisdiction based on its operations in each jurisdiction. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the amounts recognized for income tax and financial reporting purposes at currently enacted tax rates.

The Company is periodically reviewed by U.S. domestic and foreign tax authorities regarding the amount of taxes due. These reviews typically include inquiries regarding the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. In evaluating the exposure associated with various filing positions, the Company records estimated reserves. Refer to Note 4, “Income Taxes”, of these Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s accounting for income taxes and its uncertain tax positions for financial accounting purposes.

The Company has undistributed earnings from its foreign subsidiaries of approximately $101 million, $90 million and $78 million as of August 31, 2013, August 25, 2012 and August 27, 2011, respectively. The Company considers these undistributed earnings as indefinitely reinvested and therefore has not provided for U.S. income taxes or foreign withholding taxes. If these earnings were ultimately distributed to the U.S. in the form of dividends or otherwise, or if the shares of its international subsidiaries were sold or transferred, the Company would likely be subject to additional U.S. income taxes, net of the impact of any available foreign tax credits as well as foreign withholding taxes. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. taxes on these undistributed earnings.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are classified as selling and administrative expenses. The Company incurred advertising costs of $1.2 million, $1.5 million and $1.7 million for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2013, August 25, 2012 and August 27, 2011, respectively.

Share-Based Compensation  

The Company adopted a stock incentive plan (the “1996 Plan”) in November 1996 and reserved 1,500,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the 1996 Plan. This plan provided for the issuance of stock options and stock appreciation rights (collectively referred to as “Share-Based Awards”). The Company ceased granting new awards under the 1996 Plan as of January 21, 2011, and the 1996 Plan expired in accordance with its terms on January 8, 2012. The Company adopted a stock incentive plan (the “2010 Plan”) in October 2010 and reserved 600,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the 2010 Plan. The 2010 Plan replaced the Company’s 1996 Plan. The 2010 Plan permits the award of incentive and non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, unrestricted stock, performance shares, dividend equivalent rights and cash-based awards.  No awards may be made under the 2010 Plan after January 11, 2021. Share-based compensation, which includes expense related to Share-Based Awards and restricted stock grants, has been recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income in selling and administrative expenses.

All Share-Based Awards issued to management were recommended to the Board of Directors by the Compensation Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. All Share-Based Awards issued to the Company’s non-employee members of the Board of Directors under the 2010 Plan were recommended to the Board of Directors by the Compensation Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. Share-Based Awards granted to non-employee directors are granted on the third business day following the annual shareholders' meeting.

All Share-Based Awards issued to employees were granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of grant and are subject to a five-year cliff-vesting schedule under which the awards become fully vested or exercisable after five years from the date of grant and expire ten years after the grant date. Share-Based Awards granted to the Company’s non-employee members of the Board of Directors (the “Directors”) are fully vested as of the date of grant. Prior to fiscal 2009, non-employee Director Share-Based Award grants expired ten years from the grant date. Beginning in fiscal 2009, non-employee director Share-Based Award grants expire eight years after the grant date.

US GAAP requires that share-based compensation cost be measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and be recognized as expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. Determining the fair value of Share-Based Awards at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating expected dividends, share price volatility and the amount of share-based awards that are expected to be forfeited. The fair value of each Share-Based Award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

Compensation expense for all Share-Based Awards is recognized ratably over the related vesting period. Certain Share-Based Awards were granted during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 to non-employee Directors of the Company, which were fully vested upon grant and expire eight years after the grant date. Accordingly, compensation expense related to these Share-Based Awards in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 were recognized on the date of grant.

The Company recognizes compensation expense for restricted stock grants over the related vesting period. For unrestricted stock grants compensation expense is recognized on the date of grant. The fair value for each restricted and unrestricted stock grant is determined by using the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of the grant. Refer to Note 12, “Share-Based Compensation”, of these Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s share-based compensation plans.

The fair value of each Share-Based Award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used:

Fiscal year ended August	2013			2012			2011
Risk-free interest rate		1.24	%		1.54	%		1.98	%
Expected dividend yield		0.41	%		0.56	%		0.60	%
Expected life in years		7.42			7.39			7.32
Expected volatility		33.4	%		33.8	%		34.8	%

The weighted average fair values of Share-Based Awards granted during fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $25.09, $18.28 and $17.59, respectively.

Net Income Per Share

The Company calculates net income per share in accordance with US GAAP, which requires the Company to allocate income to its unvested participating securities as part of its earnings per share (“EPS”) calculations.

The Class B Common Stock may be converted at any time on a one-for-one basis into Common Stock at the option of the holder of the Class B Common Stock. Diluted earnings per share for the Company’s Common Stock assumes the conversion of all of the Company’s Class B Common Stock into Common Stock, full vesting of outstanding restricted stock, and the exercise of Share-Based Awards under the Company’s stock-based employee compensation plans.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic earnings per share using the two-class method for amounts attributable to the Company’s shares of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock (in thousands, except per share data):

Year ended	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012		August 27, 2011
Net income available to shareholders	$	116,685	$	94,989	$	76,486
Allocation of net income for Basic:
Common Stock	$	91,916	$	74,643	$	59,944
Class B Common Stock		22,913		18,630		15,104
Unvested participating shares		1,856		1,716		1,438
	$	116,685	$	94,989	$	76,486
Weighted average number of shares for Basic:
Common Stock		14,975		14,882		14,791
Class B Common Stock		4,666		4,643		4,658
Unvested participating shares		345		391		405
		19,986		19,916		19,854
Earnings per share for Basic:
Common Stock	$	6.14	$	5.02	$	4.05
Class B Common Stock	$	4.91	$	4.01	$	3.24

The Company calculates diluted EPS for Common Stock using the more dilutive of the following two methods:

• The treasury stock method; or

• The two-class method assuming a participating security is not exercised or converted.

For the years ended August 31, 2013, August 25, 2012 and August 27, 2011, the Company’s diluted EPS assumes the conversion of all vested Class B Common Stock into Common Stock and uses the two-class method for its unvested participating shares as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

	Year Ended August 31, 2013							Year Ended August 25, 2012							Year Ended August 27, 2011
	Earnings to Common shareholders			Common Shares		EPS		Earnings to Common shareholders			Common Shares		EPS		Earnings to Common shareholders			Common Shares		EPS
As reported - Basic	$	91,916			14,975	$	6.14	$	74,643			14,882	$	5.02	$	59,944			14,791	$	4.05
Add: effect of dilutive potential common shares
Share-Based Awards		—			148				—			91				—			83
Class B Common Stock		22,913			4,666				18,630			4,643				15,104			4,658
Add: Undistributed earnings allocated to unvested  participating shares		1,810			—				1,664			—				1,385			—
Less: Undistributed earnings reallocated to unvested participating shares		(1,712	)		—				(1,579	)		—				(1,315	)		—
Diluted EPS – Common Stock	$	114,927			19,789	$	5.81	$	93,358			19,616	$	4.76	$	75,118			19,532	$	3.85

Share-Based Awards that would result in the issuance of 152 shares of Common Stock were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the year ended August 31, 2013 because they were anti-dilutive. There were no shares of common stock that were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the year ended August 25, 2012. Share-Based Awards that would result in the issuance of 116,487 shares of Common Stock were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the year ended August 27, 2011 because they were anti-dilutive.

Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currency of our foreign operations is the local country’s currency. Transaction gains and losses, including gains and losses on our intercompany transactions, are included in other expense (income) in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Assets and liabilities of operations outside the United States are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during each month of the fiscal year. The effects of foreign currency translation adjustments are included in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance to amend existing requirements for fair value measurements and disclosures. The guidance expands the disclosure requirements around fair value measurements categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy and requires disclosure of the level in the fair value hierarchy of items that are not measured at fair value but whose fair value must be disclosed. It also clarifies and expands upon existing requirements for fair value measurements of financial assets and liabilities as well as instruments classified in shareholders’ equity. The guidance was effective for interim and annual financial periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted this revised guidance on August 26, 2012 and the adoption did not have a material impact on its financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance that improves the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and increases the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income by eliminating the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity. The amendments to the existing standard require that all nonowner changes in shareholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments to the existing standard do not change the current option for presenting components of OCI gross or net of the effect of income taxes, provided that such tax effects are presented in the statement in which OCI is presented or disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. Additionally, the standard does not affect the calculation or reporting of earnings per share. This guidance was effective for annual reporting periods, and any interim periods within those annual periods, that began after December 15, 2011 and is to be applied retrospectively, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this revised guidance on August 26, 2012 and the adoption did not have a material impact on its financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued updated guidance intended to simplify how entities, both public and nonpublic, test for goodwill impairment. This guidance permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. Also, the guidance improves the examples of events and circumstances that an entity having a reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount should consider in determining whether to measure an impairment loss, if any, under the second step of the goodwill impairment test. This guidance was effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this revised guidance on August 26, 2012 and the adoption did not have a material impact on its financial statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance that improves the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendments in this updated guidance require an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under US GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under US GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under US GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. This guidance was effective for annual reporting periods, and any interim periods within those annual periods, that begin after December 15, 2012 and is to be applied prospectively, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its financial statements.

2. Acquisitions

During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013, the Company completed seven acquisitions with an aggregate purchase price of approximately $30.7 million. The results of operations of these acquisitions have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial results since their respective acquisition dates. None of these acquisitions were significant in relation to the Company’s consolidated financial results and, therefore, pro forma financial information has not been presented.

Aggregate information relating to the acquisition of businesses which were accounted for as purchases is as follows (in thousands, except number of businesses acquired):

Year ended	August 31, 2013			August 25, 2012		August 27, 2011
Number of businesses acquired		7			—		9
Tangible assets acquired	$	7,494		$	—	$	6,189
Intangible assets and goodwill acquired		23,326			—		26,367
Liabilities assumed		(106	)		—		—
Acquisition of businesses	$	30,714		$	—	$	32,556

Tangible assets acquired primarily relate to accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expenses and property, plant and equipment. Liabilities assumed primarily relate to accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

The amount assigned to intangible assets acquired was based on their respective fair values determined as of the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the tangible and intangible assets was recorded as goodwill. In fiscal 2013 and 2011, all of the goodwill was allocated to the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning segment and was deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill is not being amortized and is tested for impairment as required, at least annually.

3. Fair Value Measurements

US GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value and establishes disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. We considered non-performance risk when determining fair value of our derivative financial instruments.

The fair value hierarchy prescribed under US GAAP contains three levels as follows:

  Level 1 –   Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

  Level 2 –   Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

  Level 3 –   Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.

All financial assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually) have been segregated into the most appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to determine the fair value at the measurement date.  The assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized in the tables below (in thousands):

	As of August 31, 2013
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	33,325	$	—	$	—	$	33,325
Total	$	33,325	$	—	$	—	$	33,325

	As of August 25, 2012
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	34,978	$	—	$	—	$	34,978
Total	$	34,978	$	—	$	—	$	34,978

The Company’s cash equivalents listed above represent money market securities and are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices. The Company does not adjust the quoted market price for such financial instruments.

4. Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):

Year ended	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012			August 27, 2011
Current:
Federal	$	39,455	$	43,470		$	22,372
Foreign		3,999		3,604			3,664
State		6,722		8,066			5,089
Total current	$	50,176	$	55,140		$	31,125
Deferred:
Federal	$	17,514	$	540		$	11,424
Foreign		151		90			(94	)
State		3,083		(25	)		1,631
Total deferred	$	20,748	$	605		$	12,961
Total	$	70,924	$	55,745		$	44,086

The following table reconciles the provision for income taxes using the statutory federal income tax rate to the actual provision for income taxes (in thousands):

	August 31, 2013			August 25, 2012			August 27, 2011
Income taxes at the statutory federal income tax rate		35.0	%		35.0	%		35.0	%
State income taxes		3.5			3.5			3.7
Adjustments to tax reserves		-0.1			-0.6			-1.1
Foreign tax rate differential		-0.8			-1.0			-1.0
Permanent and other		0.2			0.1			0.0
Total		37.8	%		37.0	%		36.6	%

The tax effect of items giving rise to the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities is as follows (in thousands):

	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012
Deferred Tax Assets
Payroll and benefit related	$	16,524	$	15,577
Insurance related		13,073		12,928
Environmental		7,133		7,886
Other		11,421		12,588
	$	48,151	$	48,979
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Tax in excess of book depreciation	$	42,512	$	42,282
Purchased intangible assets		28,632		26,666
Rental merchandise in service		38,722		20,992
		109,866		89,940
Net deferred tax liability	$	61,715	$	40,961

The Company has evaluated its deferred tax assets and believes that they will be fully recovered. As a result, the Company has not established a valuation allowance. The Company’s deferred liability related to rental merchandise in service increased from $21.0 million as of August 25, 2012 to $38.7 million as of August 31, 2013 as a result of a change in tax regulations impacting the timing of certain allowable deductions.

As of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012, there was $0.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively, in total unrecognized tax benefits, which if recognized, would favorably impact the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense which is consistent with the recognition of these items in prior reporting periods. As of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012, the Company had accrued a total of $0.1 million in interest and penalties, in its long-term accrued liabilities. For the year ended August 31, 2013 the Company recognized a nominal benefit in its Consolidated Statement of Income related to interest and penalties. For the year ended August 25, 2012, the Company recognized a benefit in its Consolidated Statement of Income related to interest and penalties totaling $0.5 million.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

Balance at August 27, 2011	$	2,320
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		137
Statute expirations		(1,406	)
Balance at August 25, 2012	$	1,051
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		350
Statute expirations		(475	)
Balance at August 31, 2013	$	926

The Company has a significant portion of its operations in the United States and Canada.  It is required to file federal income tax returns as well as state income tax returns in a majority of the U.S. states and also in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Quebec.  At times, the Company is subject to audits in these jurisdictions, which typically are complex and can require several years to resolve. The final resolution of any such tax audits could result in either a reduction in the Company’s accruals or an increase in its income tax provision, both of which could have a material impact on the consolidated results of operations in any given period.

U.S. and Canadian federal income tax statutes have lapsed for filings up to and including fiscal years 2009 and 2005, respectively, and the Company recently concluded an audit of U.S. federal income taxes for 2010 and 2011. With a few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to state and local income tax examinations for periods prior to fiscal 2008. The Company is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change significantly in the next 12 months.

5. Loans Payable and Long-term Debt

Loans payable and long-term debt outstanding on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):

	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012
Series D, floating rate notes due September 2013 bearing interest at LIBOR plus 50 basis points, which was 0.77% and 0.97% as of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012, respectively.	$	100,000	$	100,000
Other		11,408		6,986
Long-term debt		111,408		106,986
Less – loans payable and current maturities of long-term debt		111,253		6,831
	$	155	$	100,155

Aggregate maturities of loan payable and long-term debt for the five fiscal years subsequent to August 31, 2013 and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):

2014	$	111,253
2015		—
2016		—
2017		—
2018		—
Thereafter		155
Total	$	111,408

On May 5, 2011, the Company entered into a $250.0 million unsecured revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of banks, which matures on May 4, 2016. Under the Credit Agreement, the Company is able to borrow funds at variable interest rates based on, at the Company’s election, the Eurodollar rate or a base rate, plus in each case a spread based on the Company’s consolidated funded debt ratio. Availability of credit requires compliance with certain financial and other covenants, including a maximum consolidated funded debt ratio and minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio as defined in the Credit Agreement. The Company tests its compliance with these financial covenants on a fiscal quarterly basis. At August 31, 2013, the interest rates applicable to the Company’s borrowings under the Credit Agreement would be calculated as LIBOR plus 100 basis points at the time of the respective borrowing. As of August 31, 2013, the Company had no outstanding borrowings, letters of credit outstanding amounting to $47.1 million and $202.9 million available for borrowing under the Credit Agreement.

Prior to May 5, 2011, the Company had a $225.0 million unsecured revolving credit agreement (the “Prior Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of banks, which was scheduled to mature on September 13, 2011. In connection with the Company's entry into the Credit Agreement, the Company terminated the Prior Credit Agreement.

On June 14, 2004, the Company issued $75.0 million of fixed rate notes (“Fixed Rate Notes”) pursuant to a Note Purchase Agreement with a seven year term and bearing interest at 5.27%. The Fixed Rate Notes matured on June 14, 2011 and were repaid with approximately $45.0 million from the Company’s cash reserves and $30.0 million of borrowing under the Company’s Credit Agreement.

On September 14, 2006, the Company issued $100.0 million of floating rates notes (“Floating Rate Notes”) pursuant to a Note Purchase Agreement (“2006 Note Agreement”), which bore interest at LIBOR plus 50 basis points. On September 14, 2013, the Floating Rate Notes matured and were repaid with $100.0 million from the Company’s cash reserves.

As of August 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement and the 2006 Note Agreement.

6. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

In January 2008, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to manage its exposure to interest rate movements and the related effect on its variable rate debt. The Company concluded that the interest rate swap met the criteria to qualify as a cash flow hedge under US GAAP. Accordingly, the Company reflected all changes in the fair value of the swap agreement in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of shareholders’ equity. The swap agreement, with a notional amount of $100.0 million, matured on March 14, 2011. The Company paid a fixed rate of 3.51% and received a variable rate tied to the three month LIBOR rate.

The Company has recorded any realized gains or losses from its interest rate swap as an adjustment to interest expense in its Consolidated Statements of Income. For the fiscal year ended August 27, 2011, the Company reclassified a loss from accumulated other comprehensive income into interest expense totaling $1.8 million.

As of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012, there were no fair value amounts recorded by the Company related to this agreement as it matured on March 14, 2011. As of August 31, 2013, the Company had no outstanding derivative instruments.

7. Employee Benefit Plans

Defined Contribution Retirement Savings Plan

The Company has a defined contribution retirement savings plan with a 401(k) feature for all eligible employees not under collective bargaining agreements. The Company matches a portion of the employee’s contribution and can make an additional contribution at its discretion. Contributions charged to expense under the plan for the years ended August 31, 2013, August 25, 2012 and August 27, 2011 were $17.0 million, $11.5 million and $10.6 million, respectively.

Pension Plans and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans

The Company accounts for its pension plans and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan on an accrual basis over employees’ estimated service periods.

The Company (1) recognizes in its statement of financial position the over-funded or under-funded status of its defined benefit postretirement plans measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation, (2) recognizes as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the actuarial gains and losses and the prior service costs and credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, (3) measures defined benefit plan assets and defined benefit plan obligations as of the date of its statement of financial position, and (4) discloses additional information in the notes to financial statements about certain effects on net periodic benefit cost in the upcoming fiscal year that arise from delayed recognition of the actuarial gains and losses and the prior service costs and credits.

The Company maintains an unfunded Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) for certain eligible employees of the Company. The benefits are based on the employee’s compensation upon retirement. The amount charged to expense related to this plan amounted to approximately $1.9 million, $1.8 million and $1.7 million for the fiscal years ended 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The Company maintains a defined benefit pension plan (“UniFirst Plan”) covering union employees at one of its locations. The benefits are based on years of service. The plan assets primarily consist of fixed income and equity securities. The amount charged to expense related to this plan amounted to approximately $0.4 million, $0.3 million and $0.3 million for fiscal years ended 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

In connection with one of the Company’s acquisitions, the Company assumed liabilities related to a frozen pension plan covering many of the acquired Company’s former employees (“Textilease Plan”). The pension benefits are based on years of service and the employee’s compensation. The plan assets primarily consist of fixed income and equity securities. The amounts charged to expense related to this plan amounted to approximately $0.1 million for each of the fiscal years ended 2013, 2012 and 2011.

The Company refers to its UniFirst Plan and Textilease Plan collectively as its “Pension Plans”.  

The components of net periodic benefit cost related to the Company’s Pension Plans and SERP for the years ended August 31, 2013, August 25, 2012 and August 27, 2011 were as follows (in thousands):

	Pension Plans									SERP
	2013			2012			2011			2013		2012		2011
Service cost	$	178		$	152		$	149		$	547	$	512	$	486
Interest cost		268			322			328			912		858		764
Expected return on assets		(198	)		(199	)		(202	)		—		—		—
Amortization of prior service cost		62			62			62			368		368		368
Amortization of unrecognized loss		138			65			78			104		107		131
Other events		44			43			65			—		—		—
Net periodic benefit cost	$	492		$	445		$	480		$	1,931	$	1,845	$	1,749

The calculation of pension expense and the corresponding liability requires the use of a number of critical assumptions, including the expected long-term rates of return on plan assets, the assumed discount rate, the assumed rate of compensation increases and life expectancy of participants. Changes in these assumptions can result in different expense and liability amounts, and future actual experience can differ from these assumptions. Pension expense increases as the expected rate of return on pension plan assets decreases. Future changes in plan asset returns, assumed discount rates and various other factors related to the participants in the Company’s pension plans will impact its future pension expense and liabilities. The Company cannot predict with certainty what these factors will be in the future.

The Company’s obligations and funded status related to its Pension Plans and SERP as of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):

	Pension Plans						SERP
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Change in benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	$	8,301		$	7,372		$	16,399		$	14,944
Service cost		178			152			547			512
Interest cost		268			322			912			858
Actuarial (gain) loss		(379	)		937			827			622
Benefits paid		(259	)		(299	)		(575	)		(537	)
Settlements		(155	)		(183	)		—			—
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	$	7,954		$	8,301		$	18,110		$	16,399
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	$	5,114		$	5,145		$	—		$	—
Actual return on plan assets		33			202			—			—
Employer contributions		206			249			—			—
Benefits paid		(259	)		(299	)		—			—
Settlements		(155	)		(183	)		—			—
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$	4,939		$	5,114		$	—		$	—
Funded status (net amount recognized):	$	(3,015	)	$	(3,187	)	$	(18,110	)	$	(16,399	)

As of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012, the accumulated benefit obligations for the Company’s Pension Plans were $8.0 million and $8.3 million, respectively. As of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012, the accumulated benefit obligations for the Company’s SERP were $14.4 million and $12.9 million, respectively.

The amounts recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet for the Company’s Pension Plans and SERP as of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):

	Pension Plans						SERP
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Deferred tax assets	$	913		$	1,089		$	1,665		$	1,648
Accrued liabilities	$	3,015		$	3,187		$	18,110		$	16,399
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(1,458	)	$	(1,740	)	$	(2,660	)	$	(2,633	)

As of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012, the amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income for the Company’s Pension Plans and SERP (in thousands):

	Pension Plans						SERP
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Net actuarial loss	$	(1,201	)	$	(1,445	)	$	(1,947	)	$	(1,694	)
Unrecognized prior service cost		(257	)		(295	)		(713	)		(939	)
	$	(1,458	)	$	(1,740	)	$	(2,660	)	$	(2,633	)

The weighted average assumptions used in calculating the Company’s projected benefit obligation as of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012, were as follows:

	Pension Plans						SERP
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Discount rate		4.3	%		3.3	%		4.6	%		3.6	%
Rate of compensation increase	N/A			N/A				5.0	%		5.0	%

The weighted average assumptions used in calculating the Company’s net periodic service cost for the years ended August 31, 2013, August 25, 2012 and August 27, 2011, were as follows:

	Pension Plans									SERP
	2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
Discount rate		3.3	%		4.6	%		4.7	%		3.6	%		4.9	%		4.8	%
Expected return on plan assets		3.9	%		4.0	%		4.0	%	N/A			N/A			N/A
Rate of compensation increase	N/A			N/A			N/A				5.0	%		5.0	%		5.0	%

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, that are expected to be paid for the five fiscal years subsequent to August 31, 2013 and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):

	Pension Plans		SERP
2014	$	752	$	655
2015		504		734
2016		337		898
2017		469		906
2018		412		929
Thereafter		5,480		13,988
	$	7,954	$	18,110

8. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

As discussed in Note 2, Acquisitions, when the Company acquires a business the amount assigned to the tangible assets and liabilities and intangible assets acquired is based on their respective fair values determined as of the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the tangible assets and liabilities and intangible assets is recorded as goodwill. The following details the changes in the Company’s intangible assets and goodwill related to the Company’s acquisitions as well as its asset purchases for the years ended August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012 as well as the respective periods over which the assets will be amortized (in thousands, except weighted average life in years). These amounts include additional payments associated with prior year acquisitions as well as changes to acquisition purchase allocations that had not been finalized as of the end of the prior fiscal year:

Year ended	August 31, 2013		Weighted Average Life in Years		August 25, 2012		Weighted Average Life in Years
Goodwill	$	14,448	N/A		$	29	N/A
Customer contracts		8,146		15.0		402		11.6
Other intangible assets		732		5.0		25		13.8
Total intangible assets and goodwill acquired	$	23,326			$	456

The Company does not amortize goodwill, but it is reviewed annually or more frequently if certain indicators arise, for impairment. There were no impairment losses related to goodwill or intangible assets during the years ended August 31, 2013, August 25, 2012 or August 27, 2011.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows (in thousands):

Balance as of August 27, 2011	$	288,249
Goodwill recorded during the period		29
Other		(141	)
Balance as of August 25, 2012	$	288,137
Goodwill recorded during the period		14,448
Other		(222	)
Balance as of August 31, 2013	$	302,363

As of August 31, 2013, the Company has allocated $297.7 million, $4.1 million and $0.6 million of goodwill to its US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning, Specialty Garments and First Aid segments, respectively.

Intangible assets, net in the Company’s accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):

	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
August 31, 2013
Customer contracts	$	152,672	$	105,275	$	47,397
Other intangible assets		28,517		26,570		1,947
	$	181,189	$	131,845	$	49,344
August 25, 2012
Customer contracts	$	144,842	$	96,262	$	48,580
Other intangible assets		27,910		25,959		1,951
	$	172,752	$	122,221	$	50,531

Estimated amortization expense for the five fiscal years subsequent to August 31, 2013 and thereafter, based on intangible assets, net as of August 31, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):

2014	$	8,733
2015		8,040
2016		7,423
2017		6,764
2018		6,262
Thereafter		12,122
	$	49,344

9. Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet consists of the following (in thousands):

	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012
Current liabilities:
Payroll and benefit related	$	39,119	$	31,825
Insurance related		36,095		35,374
Environmental related		5,158		5,100
Other		6,622		5,875
	$	86,994	$	78,174
Long-term liabilities:
Benefit related	$	19,719	$	18,380
Environmental related		14,522		14,920
Asset retirement obligations		10,796		10,120
	$	45,037	$	43,420
Total accrued liabilities	$	132,031	$	121,594

10. Asset Retirement Obligations

Asset retirement obligations generally applies to legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development and/or the normal operation of a long-lived asset. Accordingly, the Company recognizes asset retirement obligations in the period in which they are incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. The Company depreciates, on a straight-line basis, the amount added to property, plant and equipment and recognizes accretion expense in connection with the discounted liability over the various remaining lives which range from approximately eight to thirty-one years.

The Company recognized as a liability the present value of the estimated future costs to decommission its nuclear laundry facilities. The estimated liability is based on historical experience in decommissioning nuclear laundry facilities, estimated useful lives of the underlying assets, external vendor estimates as to the cost to decommission these assets in the future, and federal and state regulatory requirements. The estimated current costs have been adjusted for the estimated impact of inflation at 3% per year. The liability has been discounted using credit-adjusted risk-free rates that range from approximately 7.0% to 7.5% over eight to thirty-one years. Revisions to the liability could occur due to changes in the Company’s estimated useful lives of the underlying assets, estimated dates of decommissioning, changes in decommissioning costs, changes in federal or state regulatory guidance on the decommissioning of such facilities, or other changes in estimates. Changes due to revised estimates will be recognized by adjusting the carrying amount of the liability and the related long-lived asset if the assets are still in service, or charged to expense in the period if the assets are no longer in service.

A reconciliation of the Company’s asset retirement liabilities is as follows (in thousands):

	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012
Beginning balance	$	10,120	$	9,488
Accretion expense		676		632
Ending balance	$	10,796	$	10,120

Asset retirement obligations are included in long-term accrued liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

11. Commitments and Contingencies

Lease Commitments

The Company leases certain buildings and equipment from independent parties. Total rent expense on all leases was $8.7 million, $7.7 million and $7.0 million for the fiscal years ended 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Annual minimum lease commitments for the five years subsequent to August 31, 2013 and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):

2014	$	6,613
2015		6,063
2016		5,121
2017		3,684
2018		2,014
Thereafter		2,732
	$	26,227

Environmental and Legal Contingencies

The Company and its operations are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations governing, among other things, air emissions, wastewater discharges, and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of hazardous waste and other substances. In particular, industrial laundries use and must dispose of detergent waste water and other residues, and, in the past used perchloroethylene and other dry cleaning solvents. The Company is attentive to the environmental concerns surrounding the disposal of these materials and has, through the years, taken measures to avoid their improper disposal. In the past, the Company has settled, or contributed to the settlement of, actions or claims brought against the Company relating to the disposal of hazardous materials and there can be no assurance that the Company will not have to expend material amounts to remediate the consequences of any such disposal in the future.

US GAAP requires that a liability for contingencies be recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment is required to determine the existence of a liability, as well as the amount to be recorded. The Company regularly consults with attorneys and outside consultants in its consideration of the relevant facts and circumstances before recording a contingent liability. Changes in enacted laws, regulatory orders or decrees, management’s estimates of costs, insurance proceeds, participation by other parties, the timing of payments and the input of outside consultants and attorneys based on changing legal or factual circumstances could have a material impact on the amounts recorded for environmental and other contingent liabilities.

Under environmental laws, an owner or lessee of real estate may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances located on, or in, or emanating from, such property, as well as related costs of investigation and property damage. Such laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or lessee knew of, or was responsible for the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. There can be no assurances that acquired or leased locations have been operated in compliance with environmental laws and regulations or that future uses or conditions will not result in the imposition of liability upon the Company under such laws or expose the Company to third-party actions such as tort suits. The Company continues to address environmental conditions under terms of consent orders negotiated with the applicable environmental authorities or otherwise with respect to sites located in or related to Woburn, Massachusetts, Somerville, Massachusetts, Springfield, Massachusetts, Uvalde, Texas, Stockton, California, three sites related to former operations in Williamstown, Vermont, as well as sites located in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Wilmington, North Carolina and Landover, Maryland.

The Company has accrued certain costs related to the sites described above as it has been determined that the costs are probable and can be reasonably estimated. The Company continues to implement mitigation measures and to monitor environmental conditions at the Somerville, Massachusetts site. The Company also has potential exposure related to an additional parcel of land (the "Central Area") related to the Woburn, Massachusetts site discussed above. Currently, the consent decree for the Woburn site does not define or require any remediation work in the Central Area. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA") has provided the Company and other signatories to the consent decree with comments on the design and implementation of groundwater and soil remedies at the Woburn site and investigation of environmental conditions in the Central Area. The Company, and other signatories, have implemented and proposed to do additional work at the Woburn site but many of the EPA’s comments remain to be resolved. The Company has accrued costs to perform certain work responsive to EPA's comments. In addition, the Company has received notices of violations from Region 1 of the EPA under the Clean Air Act regarding our failure to obtain certain permits allegedly necessary with respect to the laundering of soiled towels at seven New England facilities, and it is addressing these matters.  The Company believes that it is probable that Region 1 of the EPA may seek to impose penalties against it in connection with these seven New England facilities, but it is unable to reasonably estimate the amount of the penalties that may be sought. In the event that the EPA expands this enforcement initiative beyond Region 1, this could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

The Company routinely reviews and evaluates sites that may require remediation and monitoring and determines its estimated costs based on various estimates and assumptions. These estimates are developed using its internal sources or by third party environmental engineers or other service providers. Internally developed estimates are based on:

• Management’s judgment and experience in remediating and monitoring the Company’s sites;

• Information available from regulatory agencies as to costs of remediation and monitoring;

• The number, financial resources and relative degree of responsibility of other potentially responsible parties (PRPs) who may be liable for remediation and monitoring of a specific site; and

• The typical allocation of costs among PRPs.

There is usually a range of reasonable estimates of the costs associated with each site. The Company’s accruals reflect the amount within the range that constitutes its best estimate. Where it believes that both the amount of a particular liability and the timing of the payments are reliably determinable, the Company adjusts the cost in current dollars using a rate of 3% for inflation until the time of expected payment and discounts the cost to present value using current risk-free interest rates. As of August 31, 2013, the risk-free interest rates utilized by the Company ranged from 2.8% to 3.7%.

For environmental liabilities that have been discounted, the Company includes interest accretion, based on the effective interest method, in selling and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The changes to the Company’s environmental liabilities for the years ended August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

Year ended	August 31, 2013			August 25, 2012
Beginning balance	$	20,020		$	18,368
Costs incurred for which reserves have been provided		(1,862	)		(1,277	)
Insurance proceeds received		282			209
Interest accretion		542			631
Changes in discount rates		(1,585	)		1,346
Revisions in estimates		2,283			743
Ending balance	$	19,680		$	20,020

Anticipated payments and insurance proceeds of currently identified environmental remediation liabilities as of August 31, 2013, for the next five fiscal years and thereafter, as measured in current dollars, are reflected below.

(In thousands)	2014			2015			2016			2017			2018			Thereafter			Total
Estimated costs – current dollars	$	5,317		$	2,620		$	1,887		$	865		$	797		$	12,421		$	23,907
Estimated insurance proceeds		(159	)		(173	)		(159	)		(173	)		(159	)		(1,593	)		(2,416	)
Net anticipated costs	$	5,158		$	2,447		$	1,728		$	692		$	638		$	10,828		$	21,491
Effect of inflation																				7,055
Effect of discounting																				(8,866	)
Balance as of August 31, 2013																			$	19,680

Estimated insurance proceeds are primarily received from an annuity received as part of a legal settlement with an insurance company. Annual proceeds of approximately $0.3 million are deposited into an escrow account which funds remediation and monitoring costs for three sites related to former operations in Williamstown, Vermont. Annual proceeds received but not expended in the current year accumulate in this account and may be used in future years for costs related to this site through the year 2027. As of August 31, 2013, the balance in this escrow account, which is held in a trust and is not recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet, was approximately $3.3 million. Also included in estimated insurance proceeds are amounts the Company is entitled to receive pursuant to legal settlements as reimbursements from three insurance companies for estimated costs at the site in Uvalde, Texas.

The Company’s nuclear garment decontamination facilities are licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”), or, in certain cases, by the applicable state agency, and are subject to regulation by federal, state and local authorities. There can be no assurance that such regulation will not lead to material disruptions in the Company’s garment decontamination business.

From time to time, the Company is also subject to legal proceedings and claims arising from the conduct of its business operations, including litigation related to charges for certain ancillary services on invoices, personal injury claims, customer contract matters, employment claims and environmental matters as described above.

While it is impossible to ascertain the ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to contingent liabilities, including lawsuits and environmental contingencies, the Company believes that the aggregate amount of such liabilities, if any, in excess of amounts covered by insurance have been properly accrued in accordance with US GAAP. It is possible, however, that the future financial position or results of operations for any particular period could be materially affected by changes in the Company’s assumptions or strategies related to these contingencies or changes out of the Company’s control.

In addition, on December 31, 2012, the Company received a letter from counsel for New England Compounding Center (“NECC”) demanding, among other things, that the Company indemnify NECC regarding claims made against NECC, including those related to NECC’s highly-publicized compounding and sale of tainted methylprednisolone acetate.  This demand relates to the limited, once-a-month cleaning services the Company provided to portions of NECC’s cleanroom facilities.  Based on its preliminary review of this matter, the Company believes that NECC’s claims are without merit.  The Company has notified its insurers of claims associated with this matter and preliminary discussions concerning coverage are ongoing.  In June 2013, the Company received a subpoena from the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (PSC) appointed in conjunction with the NECC multi-district litigation proceeding seeking information relating to the NECC matter. During August 2013, the Company responded to the PSC regarding the subpoena. On September 20, 2013, the Company entered into a tolling agreement with the PSC which, among other things, tolled defenses based on statutes of limitations with respect to certain claimants. To date, a significant number of lawsuits have been brought against NECC and other defendants from persons who were allegedly harmed as a result of NECC’s compounds. Through the date of this filing, these lawsuits have not named the Company as a defendant. Based partially on communication with the PSC, the Company believes that over the course of the next year it may face a number of lawsuits related to this matter. While the Company is unable to ascertain the ultimate outcome of this matter, based on the information currently available, the Company believes that a loss with respect to this matter is neither probable nor remote, and the Company is unable to reasonably assess an estimate or range of estimates of any potential losses. If the Company is found to be liable with respect to claims brought against it relating to NECC that are not covered by its insurance, it may incur liabilities that are material to its financial condition and operating results.

Other Contingent Liabilities

As security for certain agreements with the NRC and various state agencies related to the nuclear operations (see above) and certain insurance programs, the Company had standby irrevocable bank commercial letters of credit of $47.1 million and $43.7 million outstanding as of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012, respectively.

12. Share-based Compensation

In fiscal 2013 and 2012, a total of 1,590 and 3,153 shares of unrestricted stock, respectively, were granted to some of the Company’s non-employee directors. In fiscal 2011, a total of 6,000 shares of restricted stock were granted to the Company’s non-employee Directors subject to vesting in full one year from the date of grant. Accordingly, compensation expense related to the 2013 and 2012 unrestricted stock was recognized on the date of grant while the compensation expense related to the 2011 restricted stock was recognized ratably over the vesting period.

In fiscal 2013 and 2012, the Company granted a total of 6,570 and 8,620 stock appreciation rights, respectively, under the 2010 Plan to the Company’s non-employee directors. Such stock appreciation rights were fully vested upon grant, expire on the earlier of the eighth anniversary of the grant date or the second anniversary of the date that the director ceases to be a member of the Board of Directors and must be settled in stock at the time of exercise. Accordingly, compensation expense related to the stock appreciation rights were recognized on the date of grant.

On April 5, 2010, the Company entered into a Restricted Stock Award Agreement (the “Performance Criteria Restricted Stock Award Agreement”) with its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) pursuant to which the Company granted 350,000 shares (the “Performance Restricted Shares”) of restricted common stock to the CEO. The Performance Restricted Shares were earned when the Company achieved certain consolidated revenues and adjusted operating margins as set forth in the Performance Criteria Restricted Stock Award Agreement during certain performance periods in fiscal 2010, fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2012 as set forth in such agreement (collectively, the “Performance Criteria”). As of August 31, 2013, the performance criteria for fiscal 2010, fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2012 have been achieved and the related restricted shares have been earned. The Performance Restricted Shares earned upon achievement of the Performance Criteria will vest in four equal amounts on the third, fourth, fifth and sixth anniversaries of the grant date provided that the CEO continues to be employed by the Company on each such date. As the Company believed that it was probable that the Performance Criteria would be met, compensation expense began being recognized as of the grant date of these shares. As required by accounting rules, the Company is recognizing compensation expense for each vesting tranche of the Performance Restricted Shares ratably from the service inception date to the vesting date for each tranche. In the event Mr. Croatti’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company without cause or by reason of his death or disability, the Performance Restricted Shares will automatically vest in full.

Also on April 5, 2010, the Company entered into a Restricted Stock Award Agreement (the “Restricted Stock Award Agreement”) with the CEO pursuant to which the Company granted 50,000 shares (the “Restricted Shares”) of restricted common stock to the CEO. The Restricted Shares will vest in equal amounts on each of the first six anniversaries of the grant date provided that the CEO continues to be employed by the Company on each such date. Compensation expense related to the Restricted Shares is being recognized ratably over the vesting period. In the event Mr. Croatti’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company without cause or by reason of his death or disability, the Restricted Shares will automatically vest in full.

For the Performance Criteria Restricted Stock Award Agreement and the Restricted Stock Award Agreement, the fair value of the restricted shares was the closing price on April 5, 2010, which was $51.39.

Compensation expense for all share-based compensation, which includes Share-Based Awards and restricted stock grants, for the five fiscal years subsequent to August 31, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):

	Share-Based Awards		Restricted Stock		Total
2014	$	1,360	$	2,725	$	4,085
2015		1,048		1,697		2,745
2016		754		680		1,434
2017		482		—		482
2018		75		—		75
Total	$	3,719	$	5,102	$	8,821

As of August 31, 2013, the total compensation cost not yet recognized related to non-vested share-based compensation grants was approximately $8.8 million. The weighted average periods over which compensation cost for Share-Based Awards and restricted stock will be recognized are 2.4 years and 1.6 years, respectively.

The following table summarizes the Share-Based Award activity for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013:

	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, August 25, 2012		560,270		$	41.74
Granted		127,870			70.08
Exercised		(97,600	)		38.39
Forfeited		(6,000	)		44.80
Outstanding, August 31, 2013		584,540		$	48.47
Exercisable, August 31, 2013		100,340		$	44.78

13. Shareholders’ Equity

The Company has two classes of common stock: Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote, is freely transferable, and is entitled to a cash dividend equal to 125% of any cash dividend paid on each share of Class B Common Stock. Each share of Class B Common Stock is entitled to ten votes and can be converted to Common Stock on a share-for-share basis. However, until converted to Common Stock, shares of Class B Common Stock are not freely transferable. For the year ended August 31, 2013, a total of 12,000 shares of Class B Common Stock were converted to Common Stock.

14. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, are as follows (in thousands):

	Foreign Currency Translation			Pension- related			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance, August 27, 2011	$	13,848		$	(4,011	)	$	9,837
Change during the year		(2,204	)		(362	)		(2,566	)
Balance, August 25, 2012		11,644			(4,373	)		7,271
Change during the year		(6,081	)		255			(5,826	)
Balance, August 31, 2013	$	5,563		$	(4,118	)	$	1,445

15. Segment Reporting

Operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise for which separate discrete financial information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision-maker, or decision-making group, in making decisions on how to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is the Company’s chief executive officer. The Company has six operating segments based on the information reviewed by its chief executive officer; US Rental and Cleaning, Canadian Rental and Cleaning, Manufacturing (“MFG”), Corporate, Specialty Garments Rental and Cleaning (“Specialty Garments”) and First Aid. The US Rental and Cleaning and Canadian Rental and Cleaning operating segments have been combined to form the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment, and as a result, the Company has five reporting segments.

The US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment purchases, rents, cleans, delivers and sells, uniforms and protective clothing and non-garment items in the United States and Canada. The laundry locations of the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment are referred to by the Company as “industrial laundries” or “industrial laundry locations.”

The MFG operating segment designs and manufactures uniforms and non-garment items solely for the purpose of providing these goods to the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment. MFG revenues are generated when goods are shipped from the Company’s manufacturing facilities, or its subcontract manufacturers, to other Company locations. These revenues are recorded at a transfer price which is typically in excess of the actual manufacturing cost. Products are carried in inventory and subsequently placed in service and amortized at this transfer price. On a consolidated basis, intercompany revenues and income are eliminated and the carrying value of inventories and rental merchandise in service is reduced to the manufacturing cost. Income before income taxes from MFG net of the intercompany MFG elimination offsets the merchandise amortization costs incurred by the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment as the merchandise costs of this reporting segment are amortized and recognized based on inventories purchased from MFG at the transfer price which is above the Company’s manufacturing cost.

The Corporate operating segment consists of costs associated with the Company’s distribution center, sales and marketing, information systems, engineering, materials management, manufacturing planning, finance, budgeting, human resources, other general and administrative costs and interest expense. The revenues generated from the Corporate operating segment represent certain direct sales made by the Company directly from its distribution center. The products sold by this operating segment are the same products rented and sold by the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment. In the table below, no assets or capital expenditures are presented for the Corporate operating segment because no assets are allocated to this operating segment in the information reviewed by the chief executive officer. However, depreciation and amortization expense related to certain assets are reflected in income from operations and income before income taxes for the Corporate operating segment. The assets that give rise to this depreciation and amortization are included in the total assets of the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment as this is how they are tracked and reviewed by the Company. The majority of expenses accounted for within the Corporate segment relate to costs of the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning segment, with the remainder of the costs relating to the Specialty Garment and First Aid segments.

The Specialty Garments operating segment purchases, rents, cleans, delivers and sells, specialty garments and non-garment items primarily for nuclear and cleanroom applications and provides cleanroom cleaning services at limited customer locations. The First Aid operating segment sells first aid cabinet services and other safety supplies as well as maintains wholesale distribution and pill packaging operations.

The Company refers to the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning, MFG, and Corporate reporting segments combined as its “Core Laundry Operations,” which is included as a subtotal in the following tables (in thousands):

As of and for the year ended August 31, 2013	US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning			MFG		Net Interco MFG Elim			Corporate			Subtotal Core Laundry Operations			Specialty Garments		First Aid		Total
Revenues	$	1,200,286		$	170,867	$	(170,867	)	$	14,079		$	1,214,365		$	96,688	$	44,462	$	1,355,515
Income (loss) from operations	$	200,852		$	61,896	$	(9,729	)	$	(82,357	)	$	170,662		$	10,539	$	5,002	$	186,203
Interest (income) expense, net	$	(2,944	)	$	—	$	—		$	1,394		$	(1,550	)	$	—	$	—	$	(1,550	)
Income (loss) before taxes	$	203,798		$	61,749	$	(9,729	)	$	(83,783	)	$	172,035		$	10,572	$	5,002	$	187,609
Depreciation and amortization	$	46,793		$	1,033	$	—		$	15,296		$	63,122		$	5,114	$	1,371	$	69,607
Capital expenditures	$	97,519		$	3,559	$	—		$	—		$	101,078		$	1,962	$	486	$	103,526
Total assets	$	1,240,487		$	31,781	$	—		$	—		$	1,272,268		$	79,640	$	21,517	$	1,373,425

As of and for the year ended August 25, 2012	US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning			MFG		Net Interco MFG Elim			Corporate			Subtotal Core Laundry Operations			Specialty Garments		First Aid		Total
Revenues	$	1,099,421		$	160,421	$	(160,421	)	$	12,902		$	1,112,323		$	102,758	$	41,208	$	1,256,289
Income (loss) from operations	$	164,793		$	50,036	$	(5,168	)	$	(76,376	)	$	133,285		$	13,460	$	4,363	$	151,108
Interest (income) expense, net	$	(2,535	)	$	—	$	—		$	1,929		$	(606	)	$	—	$	—	$	(606	)
Income (loss) before taxes	$	167,284		$	50,101	$	(5,168	)	$	(78,345	)	$	133,872		$	12,499	$	4,363	$	150,734
Depreciation and amortization	$	43,501		$	1,133	$	—		$	15,599		$	60,233		$	4,788	$	1,418	$	66,439
Capital expenditures	$	66,526		$	1,306	$	—		$	—		$	67,832		$	6,044	$	673	$	74,549
Total assets	$	1,108,362		$	28,099	$	—		$	—		$	1,136,461		$	83,137	$	20,936	$	1,240,534

As of and for the year ended August 27, 2011	US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning			MFG		Net Interco MFG Elim			Corporate			Subtotal Core Laundry Operations		Specialty Garments		First Aid		Total
Revenues	$	986,028		$	160,042	$	(160,042	)	$	10,929		$	996,957	$	103,322	$	33,847	$	1,134,126
Income (loss) from operations	$	144,431		$	48,839	$	(8,807	)	$	(78,738	)	$	105,725	$	15,292	$	2,956	$	123,973
Interest (income) expense, net	$	(2,307	)	$	—	$	—		$	6,493		$	4,186	$	—	$	—	$	4,186
Income (loss) before taxes	$	146,745		$	48,748	$	(8,807	)	$	(85,146	)	$	101,540	$	16,076	$	2,956	$	120,572
Depreciation and amortization	$	41,322		$	1,194	$	—		$	16,252		$	58,768	$	4,500	$	1,465	$	64,733
Capital expenditures	$	55,799		$	2,653	$	—		$	—		$	58,452	$	5,028	$	367	$	63,847
Total assets	$	1,015,977		$	28,879	$	—		$	—		$	1,044,856	$	76,351	$	20,313	$	1,141,520

The Company’s long-lived assets as of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012 and revenues and income before income taxes for the years ended August 31, 2013, August 25, 2012 and August 27, 2011 were attributed to the following countries (in thousands):

Long-lived assets as of:	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012
United States	$	769,121	$	706,379
Europe, Canada, Mexico and Nicaragua (1)		42,930		46,475
Total	$	812,051	$	752,854

Revenues for the year ended:	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012		August 27, 2011
United States	$	1,236,414	$	1,144,753	$	1,029,003
Europe and Canada (1)		119,101		111,536		105,123
Total	$	1,355,515	$	1,256,289	$	1,134,126

Income before income taxes for the year ended:	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012		August 27, 2011
United States	$	171,899	$	134,651	$	105,257
Europe, Canada, Mexico and Nicaragua (1)		15,710		16,083		15,315
Total	$	187,609	$	150,734	$	120,572

(1) No country accounts for greater than 10% of total long-lived assets, revenues or income before income taxes

16. Subsequent Events

On September 14, 2013, the Company repaid in full at maturity from its cash reserves the $100 million of Floating Rate Notes. The Floating Rate Notes were originally issued in 2006 and bore interest at LIBOR plus 50 basis points.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of UniFirst Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of UniFirst Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2013. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of UniFirst Corporation and subsidiaries at August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2013, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), UniFirst Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (1992 framework) and our report dated October 30, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

October 30, 2013

 Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

The following is a summary of the results of operations for each of the quarters within the years ended August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012. This quarterly financial information was prepared by the Company without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission; however, the Company believes that the information furnished reflects all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which were, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of results in the interim periods. This summary should be read in conjunction with these Consolidated Financial Statements and notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(In thousands, except per share data) For the year ended August 31, 2013	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
Revenues	$	332,569	$	334,306	$	335,764	$	352,876
Income before income taxes		50,426		43,215		45,831		48,137
Provision for income taxes		19,666		16,573		17,109		17,576
Net income	$	30,760	$	26,642	$	28,722	$	30,561
Income per share – basic
Common Stock	$	1.62	$	1.40	$	1.51	$	1.61
Class B Common Stock	$	1.30	$	1.12	$	1.21	$	1.29
Income per share – diluted
Common Stock	$	1.54	$	1.33	$	1.43	$	1.52
Income allocated to – basic
Common Stock	$	24,191	$	20,963	$	22,638	$	24,123
Class B Common Stock	$	6,025	$	5,209	$	5,647	$	6,033
Income allocated to – diluted
Common Stock	$	30,244	$	26,196	$	28,307	$	30,178
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic
Common Stock		14,925		14,962		14,993		15,017
Class B Common Stock		4,647		4,647		4,675		4,694
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – diluted
Common Stock		19,693		19,747		19,820		19,882

(In thousands, except per share data) For the year ended August 25, 2012	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter(1)		Fourth Quarter
Revenues	$	313,025	$	309,959	$	320,931	$	312,374
Income before income taxes		41,785		31,086		42,360		35,503
Provision for income taxes		15,983		11,890		14,901		12,971
Net income	$	25,802	$	19,196	$	27,459	$	22,532
Income per share – basic
Common Stock	$	1.37	$	1.01	$	1.45	$	1.19
Class B Common Stock	$	1.09	$	0.81	$	1.16	$	0.95
Income per share – diluted
Common Stock	$	1.30	$	0.96	$	1.37	$	1.13
Income allocated to – basic
Common Stock	$	20,258	$	15,081	$	21,587	$	17,717
Class B Common Stock	$	5,068	$	3,765	$	5,381	$	4,416
Income allocated to – diluted
Common Stock	$	25,350	$	18,863	$	26,993	$	22,153
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic
Common Stock		14,838		14,873		14,905		14,912
Class B Common Stock		4,641		4,640		4,644		4,647
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – diluted
Common Stock		19,557		19,605		19,646		19,664

(1) In the third fiscal quarter of 2012, operating results benefited from a settlement of environmental litigation that resulted in the Company recording a $6.7 million pre-tax gain. This gain translated into a $0.21 benefit to the Company’s diluted earnings per share.

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in August. For financial reporting purposes, fiscal 2013 consisted of 53 weeks, and fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 both consisted of 52 weeks. Each of the quarterly periods contained 13 weeks except for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 which contained 14 weeks.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), we carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon their evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that material information relating to the Company required to be disclosed by the Company in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurances of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in designing and evaluating the controls and procedures. We continue to review our disclosure controls and procedures, and our internal control over financial reporting, and may from time to time make changes aimed at enhancing their effectiveness and to ensure that our systems evolve with our business.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended August 31, 2013 that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Responsibility for Financial Statements 

Our management is responsible for the preparation, integrity and objectivity of our Consolidated Financial Statements and other financial information contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. Those Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In preparing those Consolidated Financial Statements, Management was required to make certain estimates and judgments, which are based upon currently available information and Management’s view of current conditions and circumstances.

The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, which consists solely of independent directors, oversees our process of reporting financial information and the audit of our Consolidated Financial Statements. The Audit Committee stays informed of our financial condition and regularly reviews management’s financial policies and procedures, the independence of our independent auditors, our internal control and the objectivity of our financial reporting. Our independent registered public accounting firm has full access to the Audit Committee and meets with the Audit Committee periodically, both with and without Management present.

We have retained Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, to audit our Consolidated Financial Statements found in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2013. We have made available to Ernst & Young LLP all of our financial records and related data in connection with their audit of our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Management has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2013. In making its assessment, management has utilized the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (“COSO”) of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (1992 Framework). Management concluded that based on its assessment, our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of August 31, 2013. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2013 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, and a copy of its attestation report is included below.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of UniFirst Corporation

We have audited UniFirst Corporation and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (1992 framework) (the COSO criteria). UniFirst Corporation and subsidiaries management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, UniFirst Corporation and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2013, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of UniFirst Corporation and subsidiaries as of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2013 of UniFirst Corporation and subsidiaries and our report dated October 30, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

October 30, 2013

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

We have adopted a Statement of Corporate Policy and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which applies to our directors and all of our employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and corporate controller. Our Statement of Corporate Policy and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available, free of charge, on our website at www.unifirst.com. Information contained on our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or the documents incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We intend to disclose any amendment to or waiver of a provision of the Statement of Corporate Policy and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller by posting such information on our website at www.unifirst.com.

Information regarding our directors and executive officers required by this Item 10 will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for our 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated by reference into this Item 10. Certain information required by this Item 10 is set forth in Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading “Executive Officers”.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information required by this Item 11 will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for our 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated by reference into this Item 11.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Information required by this Item 12 will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for our 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated by reference into this Item 12.

Information concerning our equity compensation plans contained in the table entitled “Equity Compensation Plan Information” set forth in Item 5 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 12.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Information required by this Item 13 will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for our 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated by reference into this Item 13.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

Information required by this Item 14 will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for our 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated by reference into this Item 14.

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) The financial statements listed below are filed as part of this report:

(1) and (2) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

The financial statements listed below are included under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

Consolidated statements of income for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2013

Consolidated balance sheets as of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012

Consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2013

Consolidated statements of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2013

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The following additional schedule is filed herewith:

Schedule II — Valuation and qualifying accounts and reserves for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2013

UNIFIRST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS IN THE PERIOD ENDED

AUGUST 31, 2013 (IN THOUSANDS)

Description	Balance, Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Charges for Which Reserves Were Created or Deductions			Balance, End of Period
Reserves for Accounts Receivable
For the year ended August 31, 2013	$	5,152	$	3,939	$	(4,197	)	$	4,894
For the year ended August 25, 2012	$	4,201	$	6,221	$	(5,270	)	$	5,152
For the year ended August 27, 2011	$	4,102	$	3,751	$	(3,652	)	$	4,201
Reserve for Obsolete Inventory
For the year ended August 31, 2013	$	2,322	$	251	$	(555	)	$	2,018
For the year ended August 25, 2012	$	1,410	$	1,465	$	(553	)	$	2,322
For the year ended August 27, 2011	$	1,783	$	52	$	(425	)	$	1,410

Separate financial statements of the Company have been omitted because the Company is primarily an operating company and all subsidiaries included in the Consolidated Financial Statements are totally held.

All other schedules have been omitted since the required information is not present or not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the financial statements or the notes thereto.

       3.        EXHIBITS. The list of exhibits filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is set forth below.

DESCRIPTION

3.1 Restated Articles of Organization (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 5, 2006); Articles of Amendment dated January 13, 1988 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 5, 2006); and Articles of Amendment dated January 21, 1993 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 5, 2006)

3.2 By-laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 10, 2008)

4.1 Specimen Stock Certificate for Shares of Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 5, 2006)

10.1 Form of UniFirst Corporation stock option award to non-employee directors under the Amended 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-E to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 27, 2004 filed with the Commission on November 12, 2004)

10.2 Form of UniFirst Corporation stock option award to executive officers under the Amended 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-F to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 27, 2004 filed with the Commission on November 12, 2004)

10.3 UniFirst Corporation Unfunded Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan dated as of March 8, 2006 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K and the exhibit thereto filed with the Commission on March 8, 2006)

10.4 Amendment to the UniFirst Corporation Unfunded Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan dated as of January 8, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 10, 2009)

10.5 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 14, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on April 9, 2009)

10.6 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the UniFirst Corporation Amended 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on April 9, 2009)

10.7 Employment Agreement, dated as of April 5, 2010, by and between UniFirst Corporation and Ronald D. Croatti (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on April 8, 2010)

10.8 Restricted Stock Award Agreement, dated April 5, 2010, by and between UniFirst Corporation and Ronald D. Croatti (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on April 8, 2010)

10.9 Restricted Stock Award Agreement, dated April 5, 2010, by and between UniFirst Corporation and Ronald D. Croatti (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on April 8, 2010)

10.10 UniFirst Corporation Amended 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on January 7, 2010)

10.11 Second Amendment to the UniFirst Corporation Amended 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on January 7, 2010)

10.12 Third Amendment to the UniFirst Corporation Amended 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on January 7, 2010)

10.13 Fourth Amendment to the UniFirst Corporation Amended 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on January 7, 2010)

10.14 Fifth Amendment to the UniFirst Corporation Amended 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on April 8, 2010)

10.15 UniFirst Corporation 2010 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 14, 2011)

10.16 Form of Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement for Company Employees under the UniFirst Corporation 2010 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 14, 2011)

10.17 Form of Stock Appreciation Right Agreement for Non-Employee Directors under the UniFirst Corporation 2010 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 14, 2011)

10.18 Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Company Employees under the UniFirst Corporation 2010 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 14, 2011)

10.19 Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Non-Employee Directors under the UniFirst Corporation 2010 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 14, 2011)

10.20 Credit Agreement, dated as of May 5, 2011, among UniFirst Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries, Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and an L/C Issuer, and the other Lenders from time to time a party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 9, 2011)

10.21 UniFirst Corporation CEO Cash Incentive Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 7, 2012)

* 21 List of Subsidiaries

* 23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

* 31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Ronald D. Croatti

* 31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Steven S. Sintros

** 32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002

** 32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002

101 The following materials from UniFirst Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2013, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

* Filed herewith

** Furnished herewith

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

UniFirst Corporation

By: /s/ Ronald D. Croatti     

Ronald D. Croatti

President and Chief Executive Officer

October 30, 2013

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

NAME	TITLE	DATE
/s/ Ronald D. Croatti Ronald D. Croatti /s/ Steven S. Sintros Steven S. Sintros /s/ Cynthia Croatti Cynthia Croatti Phillip L. Cohen /s/ Kathleen Camilli Kathleen Camilli /s/ Donald J. Evans Donald J. Evans /s/ Michael Iandoli Michael Iandoli /s/Thomas Postek Thomas S. Postek	Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) Director Director Director Director Director Director	October 30, 2013 October 30, 2013 October 30, 2013 October 30, 2013 October 30, 2013 October 30, 2013 October 30, 2013

EXHIBIT INDEX

DESCRIPTION

3.1 Restated Articles of Organization (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 5, 2006); Articles of Amendment dated January 13, 1988 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 5, 2006); and Articles of Amendment dated January 21, 1993 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 5, 2006)

3.2 By-laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 10, 2008)

4.1 Specimen Stock Certificate for Shares of Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 5, 2006)

10.1 Form of UniFirst Corporation stock option award to non-employee directors under the Amended 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-E to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 27, 2004 filed with the Commission on November 12, 2004)

10.2 Form of UniFirst Corporation stock option award to executive officers under the Amended 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-F to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 27, 2004 filed with the Commission on November 12, 2004)

10.3 UniFirst Corporation Unfunded Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan dated as of March 8, 2006 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K and the exhibit thereto filed with the Commission on March 8, 2006)

10.4 Amendment to the UniFirst Corporation Unfunded Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan dated as of January 8, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 10, 2009)

10.5 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 14, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on April 9, 2009)

10.6 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the UniFirst Corporation Amended 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on April 9, 2009)

10.7 Employment Agreement, dated as of April 5, 2010, by and between UniFirst Corporation and Ronald D. Croatti (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on April 8, 2010)

10.8 Restricted Stock Award Agreement, dated April 5, 2010, by and between UniFirst Corporation and Ronald D. Croatti (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on April 8, 2010)

10.9 Restricted Stock Award Agreement, dated April 5, 2010, by and between UniFirst Corporation and Ronald D. Croatti (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on April 8, 2010)

10.10 UniFirst Corporation Amended 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on January 7, 2010)

10.11 Second Amendment to the UniFirst Corporation Amended 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on January 7, 2010)

10.12 Third Amendment to the UniFirst Corporation Amended 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on January 7, 2010)

10.13 Fourth Amendment to the UniFirst Corporation Amended 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on January 7, 2010)

10.14 Fifth Amendment to the UniFirst Corporation Amended 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on April 8, 2010)

10.15 UniFirst Corporation 2010 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 14, 2011)

10.16 Form of Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement for Company Employees under the UniFirst Corporation 2010 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 14, 2011)

10.17 Form of Stock Appreciation Right Agreement for Non-Employee Directors under the UniFirst Corporation 2010 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 14, 2011)

10.18 Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Company Employees under the UniFirst Corporation 2010 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 14, 2011)

10.19 Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Non-Employee Directors under the UniFirst Corporation 2010 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 14, 2011)

10.20 Credit Agreement, dated as of May 5, 2011, among UniFirst Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries, Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and an L/C Issuer, and the other Lenders from time to time a party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 9, 2011)

10.21 UniFirst Corporation CEO Cash Incentive Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 7, 2012)

* 21 List of Subsidiaries

* 23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

* 31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Ronald D. Croatti

* 31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Steven S. Sintros

** 32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002

** 32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002

101 The following materials from UniFirst Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2013, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

* Filed herewith

** Furnished herewith

64 

EX-21

Exhibit 21

List of subsidiaries of the Company: 

Name of Subsidiary	Jurisdiction of Organization or Incorporation
UniFirst Holdings, Inc.	Delaware
UniTech Services Group, Inc.	California
UniFirst First-Aid Corporation	Maryland
UniTech Services Canada Ltd.	Canada
UniTech Services SAS	France
UniTech Services B.V.	Netherlands
UniTech Services GmbH	Germany
UniTech Services Group Ltd.	United Kingdom
UniFirst Canada Ltd.	Canada
RC Air LLC	New Hampshire
UONE Corporation	Massachusetts
Uniformes de San Luis S.A. de C.V.	Mexico
UniFirst S.A. de C.V.	Mexico
UniFirst Far East Limited	Hong Kong
UniFirst Manufacturing Corporation	Massachusetts
UniFirst Nicaragua S.A. de C.V.	Nicaragua

EX-23

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Files No. 333-177485, 333-165840, 333-142138, 333-82682, 333-96097, and 033-60781) of UniFirst Corporation of our reports dated October 30, 2013, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of UniFirst Corporation and subsidiaries, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of UniFirst Corporation and subsidiaries, included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of UniFirst Corporation for the year ended August 31, 2013.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

October 30, 2013

EX-31

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION

302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Ronald D. Croatti, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of UniFirst Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant, and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: October 30, 2013	By:	/s/ Ronald D. Croatti
		Ronald D. Croatti,
		Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

EX-31

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION

302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Steven S. Sintros, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of UniFirst Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant, and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: October 30, 2013	By:	/s/ Steven S. Sintros
		Steven S. Sintros
		Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

EX-32

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION

906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), I, Ronald D. Croatti, President and Chief Executive Officer of UniFirst Corporation (the “Company”), do hereby certify, to the best of my knowledge, that:

(1) The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2013 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: October 30, 2013	By:	/s/ Ronald D. Croatti
		Ronald D. Croatti, President and
		Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

EX-32

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION

906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), I, Steven S. Sintros, Chief Financial Officer of UniFirst Corporation (the “Company”), do hereby certify, to the best of my knowledge, that:

(1) The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2013 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: October 30, 2013	By:	/s/ Steven S. Sintros
		Steven S. Sintros
		Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

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Note 15 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Summary of long-lived assets, revenues, and income before income taxes (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 25, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Location	$ 812,051		$ 752,854
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Location	769,121		706,379
Europe, Canada, Mexico and Nicaragua [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Location	$ 42,930	[1]	$ 46,475	[1]

[1] No country accounts for greater than 10% of total long-lived assets, revenues or income before income taxes.

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Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Annual minimum lease commitments (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013
Annual minimum lease commitments [Abstract]
2014	$ 6,613
2015	6,063
2016	5,121
2017	3,684
2018	2,014
Thereafter	2,732
	$ 26,227

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Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Anticipated Payments and Insurance Proceeds of Identified Environmental Remediation Liabilities (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Anticipated Payments and Insurance Proceeds of Identified Environmental Remediation Liabilities [Abstract]
Estimated costs – current dollars	$ 5,317
Estimated costs – current dollars	2,620
Estimated costs – current dollars	1,887
Estimated costs – current dollars	865
Estimated costs – current dollars	797
Estimated costs – current dollars	12,421
Estimated costs – current dollars	23,907
Estimated insurance proceeds	(159)
Estimated insurance proceeds	(173)
Estimated insurance proceeds	(159)
Estimated insurance proceeds	(173)
Estimated insurance proceeds	(159)
Estimated insurance proceeds	(1,593)
Estimated insurance proceeds	(2,416)
Net anticipated costs	5,158
Net anticipated costs	2,447
Net anticipated costs	1,728
Net anticipated costs	692
Net anticipated costs	638
Net anticipated costs	10,828
Net anticipated costs	21,491
Effect of inflation	7,055
Effect of discounting	(8,866)
Balance as of August 31, 2013	$ 19,680	$ 20,020	$ 18,368

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Note 10 - Asset Retirement Obligations

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]

Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block]

10. Asset Retirement Obligations

Asset retirement obligations generally applies to legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development and/or the normal operation of a long-lived asset. Accordingly, the Company recognizes asset retirement obligations in the period in which they are incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. The Company depreciates, on a straight-line basis, the amount added to property, plant and equipment and recognizes accretion expense in connection with the discounted liability over the various remaining lives which range from approximately eight to thirty-one years.

The Company recognized as a liability the present value of the estimated future costs to decommission its nuclear laundry facilities. The estimated liability is based on historical experience in decommissioning nuclear laundry facilities, estimated useful lives of the underlying assets, external vendor estimates as to the cost to decommission these assets in the future, and federal and state regulatory requirements. The estimated current costs have been adjusted for the estimated impact of inflation at 3% per year. The liability has been discounted using credit-adjusted risk-free rates that range from approximately 7.0% to 7.5% over eight to thirty-one years. Revisions to the liability could occur due to changes in the Company’s estimated useful lives of the underlying assets, estimated dates of decommissioning, changes in decommissioning costs, changes in federal or state regulatory guidance on the decommissioning of such facilities, or other changes in estimates. Changes due to revised estimates will be recognized by adjusting the carrying amount of the liability and the related long-lived asset if the assets are still in service, or charged to expense in the period if the assets are no longer in service.

A reconciliation of the Company’s asset retirement liabilities is as follows (in thousands):

	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012
Beginning balance	$	10,120	$	9,488
Accretion expense		676		632
Ending balance	$	10,796	$	10,120

Asset retirement obligations are included in long-term accrued liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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Note 4 - Income Taxes (Details) - Reconciliation unrecognized tax benefits (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Reconciliation unrecognized tax benefits [Abstract]
Balance	$ 926	$ 1,051	$ 2,320
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	350	137
Statute expirations	$ (475)	$ (1,406)

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 197,479	$ 120,123
Receivables, less reserves of $4,894 and $5,152 respectively	142,217	135,327
Inventories	74,351	75,420
Rental merchandise in service	132,630	138,284
Prepaid and deferred income taxes	7,079	12,785
Prepaid expenses	7,618	5,741
Total current assets	561,374	487,680
Property, plant and equipment:
Land, buildings and leasehold improvements	376,222	355,568
Machinery and equipment	474,402	425,274
Motor vehicles	153,219	141,370
Total property, plant and equipment	1,003,843	922,212
Less -- accumulated depreciation	546,157	510,008
Total property, plant and equipment, net	457,686	412,204
Goodwill	302,363	288,137
Customer contracts, net	47,397	48,580
Other intangible assets, net	1,947	1,951
Other assets	2,658	1,982
Total assets	1,373,425	1,240,534
Current liabilities:
Loans payable and current maturities of long-term debt	111,253	6,831
Accounts payable	54,221	52,340
Accrued liabilities	86,994	78,174
Accrued and deferred income taxes	6,421	8,180
Total current liabilities	258,889	145,525
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	155	100,155
Accrued liabilities	45,037	43,420
Accrued and deferred income taxes	55,946	54,509
Total long-term liabilities	101,138	198,084
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11)
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,445	7,271
Total shareholders' equity	1,013,398	896,925
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	1,373,425	1,240,534
Common Class A [Member]
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	1,513	1,506
Common Class B [Member]
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	487	488
Capital surplus	51,445	42,984
Retained earnings	958,508	844,676
Accumulated other comprehensive income	$ 1,445	$ 7,271

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Note 3 - Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]

Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block]

3. Fair Value Measurements

US GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value and establishes disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. We considered non-performance risk when determining fair value of our derivative financial instruments.

The fair value hierarchy prescribed under US GAAP contains three levels as follows:

  Level 1 –   Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

  Level 2 –   Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

  Level 3 –   Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.

All financial assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually) have been segregated into the most appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to determine the fair value at the measurement date.  The assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized in the tables below (in thousands):

	As of August 31, 2013
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	33,325	$	—	$	—	$	33,325
Total	$	33,325	$	—	$	—	$	33,325

	As of August 25, 2012
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	34,978	$	—	$	—	$	34,978
Total	$	34,978	$	—	$	—	$	34,978

The Company’s cash equivalents listed above represent money market securities and are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices. The Company does not adjust the quoted market price for such financial instruments.

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Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]

 Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

The following is a summary of the results of operations for each of the quarters within the years ended August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012. This quarterly financial information was prepared by the Company without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission; however, the Company believes that the information furnished reflects all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which were, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of results in the interim periods. This summary should be read in conjunction with these Consolidated Financial Statements and notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(In thousands, except per share data) For the year ended August 31, 2013	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
Revenues	$	332,569	$	334,306	$	335,764	$	352,876
Income before income taxes		50,426		43,215		45,831		48,137
Provision for income taxes		19,666		16,573		17,109		17,576
Net income	$	30,760	$	26,642	$	28,722	$	30,561
Income per share – basic
Common Stock	$	1.62	$	1.40	$	1.51	$	1.61
Class B Common Stock	$	1.30	$	1.12	$	1.21	$	1.29
Income per share – diluted
Common Stock	$	1.54	$	1.33	$	1.43	$	1.52
Income allocated to – basic
Common Stock	$	24,191	$	20,963	$	22,638	$	24,123
Class B Common Stock	$	6,025	$	5,209	$	5,647	$	6,033
Income allocated to – diluted
Common Stock	$	30,244	$	26,196	$	28,307	$	30,178
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic
Common Stock		14,925		14,962		14,993		15,017
Class B Common Stock		4,647		4,647		4,675		4,694
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – diluted
Common Stock		19,693		19,747		19,820		19,882

(In thousands, except per share data) For the year ended August 25, 2012	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter(1)		Fourth Quarter
Revenues	$	313,025	$	309,959	$	320,931	$	312,374
Income before income taxes		41,785		31,086		42,360		35,503
Provision for income taxes		15,983		11,890		14,901		12,971
Net income	$	25,802	$	19,196	$	27,459	$	22,532
Income per share – basic
Common Stock	$	1.37	$	1.01	$	1.45	$	1.19
Class B Common Stock	$	1.09	$	0.81	$	1.16	$	0.95
Income per share – diluted
Common Stock	$	1.30	$	0.96	$	1.37	$	1.13
Income allocated to – basic
Common Stock	$	20,258	$	15,081	$	21,587	$	17,717
Class B Common Stock	$	5,068	$	3,765	$	5,381	$	4,416
Income allocated to – diluted
Common Stock	$	25,350	$	18,863	$	26,993	$	22,153
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic
Common Stock		14,838		14,873		14,905		14,912
Class B Common Stock		4,641		4,640		4,644		4,647
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – diluted
Common Stock		19,557		19,605		19,646		19,664

(1) In the third fiscal quarter of 2012, operating results benefited from a settlement of environmental litigation that resulted in the Company recording a $6.7 million pre-tax gain. This gain translated into a $0.21 benefit to the Company’s diluted earnings per share.

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in August. For financial reporting purposes, fiscal 2013 consisted of 53 weeks, and fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 both consisted of 52 weeks. Each of the quarterly periods contained 13 weeks except for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 which contained 14 weeks.

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Note 8 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Note 8 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 302,363	$ 288,137	$ 288,249
U.S. And Canadian Rental And Cleaning [Member]
Note 8 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]
Goodwill	297,700
Specialty Garments [Member]
Note 8 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]
Goodwill	4,100
First Aid [Member]
Note 8 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 600

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Note 5 - Loans Payable and Long-term Debt (Details) - Long-term debt outstanding (Parentheticals)	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR plus basis points,	50	50
Interest rate	0.77%	0.97%

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Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

11. Commitments and Contingencies

Lease Commitments

The Company leases certain buildings and equipment from independent parties. Total rent expense on all leases was $8.7 million, $7.7 million and $7.0 million for the fiscal years ended 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Annual minimum lease commitments for the five years subsequent to August 31, 2013 and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):

2014	$	6,613
2015		6,063
2016		5,121
2017		3,684
2018		2,014
Thereafter		2,732
	$	26,227

Environmental and Legal Contingencies

The Company and its operations are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations governing, among other things, air emissions, wastewater discharges, and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of hazardous waste and other substances. In particular, industrial laundries use and must dispose of detergent waste water and other residues, and, in the past used perchloroethylene and other dry cleaning solvents. The Company is attentive to the environmental concerns surrounding the disposal of these materials and has, through the years, taken measures to avoid their improper disposal. In the past, the Company has settled, or contributed to the settlement of, actions or claims brought against the Company relating to the disposal of hazardous materials and there can be no assurance that the Company will not have to expend material amounts to remediate the consequences of any such disposal in the future.

US GAAP requires that a liability for contingencies be recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment is required to determine the existence of a liability, as well as the amount to be recorded. The Company regularly consults with attorneys and outside consultants in its consideration of the relevant facts and circumstances before recording a contingent liability. Changes in enacted laws, regulatory orders or decrees, management’s estimates of costs, insurance proceeds, participation by other parties, the timing of payments and the input of outside consultants and attorneys based on changing legal or factual circumstances could have a material impact on the amounts recorded for environmental and other contingent liabilities.

Under environmental laws, an owner or lessee of real estate may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances located on, or in, or emanating from, such property, as well as related costs of investigation and property damage. Such laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or lessee knew of, or was responsible for the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. There can be no assurances that acquired or leased locations have been operated in compliance with environmental laws and regulations or that future uses or conditions will not result in the imposition of liability upon the Company under such laws or expose the Company to third-party actions such as tort suits. The Company continues to address environmental conditions under terms of consent orders negotiated with the applicable environmental authorities or otherwise with respect to sites located in or related to Woburn, Massachusetts, Somerville, Massachusetts, Springfield, Massachusetts, Uvalde, Texas, Stockton, California, three sites related to former operations in Williamstown, Vermont, as well as sites located in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Wilmington, North Carolina and Landover, Maryland.

The Company has accrued certain costs related to the sites described above as it has been determined that the costs are probable and can be reasonably estimated. The Company continues to implement mitigation measures and to monitor environmental conditions at the Somerville, Massachusetts site. The Company also has potential exposure related to an additional parcel of land (the "Central Area") related to the Woburn, Massachusetts site discussed above. Currently, the consent decree for the Woburn site does not define or require any remediation work in the Central Area. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA") has provided the Company and other signatories to the consent decree with comments on the design and implementation of groundwater and soil remedies at the Woburn site and investigation of environmental conditions in the Central Area. The Company, and other signatories, have implemented and proposed to do additional work at the Woburn site but many of the EPA’s comments remain to be resolved. The Company has accrued costs to perform certain work responsive to EPA's comments. In addition, the Company has received notices of violations from Region 1 of the EPA under the Clean Air Act regarding our failure to obtain certain permits allegedly necessary with respect to the laundering of soiled towels at seven New England facilities, and it is addressing these matters.  The Company believes that it is probable that Region 1 of the EPA may seek to impose penalties against it in connection with these seven New England facilities, but it is unable to reasonably estimate the amount of the penalties that may be sought. In the event that the EPA expands this enforcement initiative beyond Region 1, this could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

The Company routinely reviews and evaluates sites that may require remediation and monitoring and determines its estimated costs based on various estimates and assumptions. These estimates are developed using its internal sources or by third party environmental engineers or other service providers. Internally developed estimates are based on:

• Management’s judgment and experience in remediating and monitoring the Company’s sites;

• Information available from regulatory agencies as to costs of remediation and monitoring;

• The number, financial resources and relative degree of responsibility of other potentially responsible parties (PRPs) who may be liable for remediation and monitoring of a specific site; and

• The typical allocation of costs among PRPs.

There is usually a range of reasonable estimates of the costs associated with each site. The Company’s accruals reflect the amount within the range that constitutes its best estimate. Where it believes that both the amount of a particular liability and the timing of the payments are reliably determinable, the Company adjusts the cost in current dollars using a rate of 3% for inflation until the time of expected payment and discounts the cost to present value using current risk-free interest rates. As of August 31, 2013, the risk-free interest rates utilized by the Company ranged from 2.8% to 3.7%.

For environmental liabilities that have been discounted, the Company includes interest accretion, based on the effective interest method, in selling and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The changes to the Company’s environmental liabilities for the years ended August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

Year ended	August 31, 2013			August 25, 2012
Beginning balance	$	20,020		$	18,368
Costs incurred for which reserves have been provided		(1,862	)		(1,277	)
Insurance proceeds received		282			209
Interest accretion		542			631
Changes in discount rates		(1,585	)		1,346
Revisions in estimates		2,283			743
Ending balance	$	19,680		$	20,020

Anticipated payments and insurance proceeds of currently identified environmental remediation liabilities as of August 31, 2013, for the next five fiscal years and thereafter, as measured in current dollars, are reflected below.

(In thousands)	2014			2015			2016			2017			2018			Thereafter			Total
Estimated costs – current dollars	$	5,317		$	2,620		$	1,887		$	865		$	797		$	12,421		$	23,907
Estimated insurance proceeds		(159	)		(173	)		(159	)		(173	)		(159	)		(1,593	)		(2,416	)
Net anticipated costs	$	5,158		$	2,447		$	1,728		$	692		$	638		$	10,828		$	21,491
Effect of inflation																				7,055
Effect of discounting																				(8,866	)
Balance as of August 31, 2013																			$	19,680

Estimated insurance proceeds are primarily received from an annuity received as part of a legal settlement with an insurance company. Annual proceeds of approximately $0.3 million are deposited into an escrow account which funds remediation and monitoring costs for three sites related to former operations in Williamstown, Vermont. Annual proceeds received but not expended in the current year accumulate in this account and may be used in future years for costs related to this site through the year 2027. As of August 31, 2013, the balance in this escrow account, which is held in a trust and is not recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet, was approximately $3.3 million. Also included in estimated insurance proceeds are amounts the Company is entitled to receive pursuant to legal settlements as reimbursements from three insurance companies for estimated costs at the site in Uvalde, Texas.

The Company’s nuclear garment decontamination facilities are licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”), or, in certain cases, by the applicable state agency, and are subject to regulation by federal, state and local authorities. There can be no assurance that such regulation will not lead to material disruptions in the Company’s garment decontamination business.

From time to time, the Company is also subject to legal proceedings and claims arising from the conduct of its business operations, including litigation related to charges for certain ancillary services on invoices, personal injury claims, customer contract matters, employment claims and environmental matters as described above.

While it is impossible to ascertain the ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to contingent liabilities, including lawsuits and environmental contingencies, the Company believes that the aggregate amount of such liabilities, if any, in excess of amounts covered by insurance have been properly accrued in accordance with US GAAP. It is possible, however, that the future financial position or results of operations for any particular period could be materially affected by changes in the Company’s assumptions or strategies related to these contingencies or changes out of the Company’s control.

In addition, on December 31, 2012, the Company received a letter from counsel for New England Compounding Center (“NECC”) demanding, among other things, that the Company indemnify NECC regarding claims made against NECC, including those related to NECC’s highly-publicized compounding and sale of tainted methylprednisolone acetate.  This demand relates to the limited, once-a-month cleaning services the Company provided to portions of NECC’s cleanroom facilities.  Based on its preliminary review of this matter, the Company believes that NECC’s claims are without merit.  The Company has notified its insurers of claims associated with this matter and preliminary discussions concerning coverage are ongoing.  In June 2013, the Company received a subpoena from the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (PSC) appointed in conjunction with the NECC multi-district litigation proceeding seeking information relating to the NECC matter. During August 2013, the Company responded to the PSC regarding the subpoena. On September 20, 2013, the Company entered into a tolling agreement with the PSC which, among other things, tolled defenses based on statutes of limitations with respect to certain claimants. To date, a significant number of lawsuits have been brought against NECC and other defendants from persons who were allegedly harmed as a result of NECC’s compounds. Through the date of this filing, these lawsuits have not named the Company as a defendant. Based partially on communication with the PSC, the Company believes that over the course of the next year it may face a number of lawsuits related to this matter. While the Company is unable to ascertain the ultimate outcome of this matter, based on the information currently available, the Company believes that a loss with respect to this matter is neither probable nor remote, and the Company is unable to reasonably assess an estimate or range of estimates of any potential losses. If the Company is found to be liable with respect to claims brought against it relating to NECC that are not covered by its insurance, it may incur liabilities that are material to its financial condition and operating results.

Other Contingent Liabilities

As security for certain agreements with the NRC and various state agencies related to the nuclear operations (see above) and certain insurance programs, the Company had standby irrevocable bank commercial letters of credit of $47.1 million and $43.7 million outstanding as of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012, respectively.

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Note 15 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Summary of revenues and income before income taxes (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 25, 2012		Aug. 27, 2011
Note 15 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Summary of revenues and income before income taxes [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,355,515		$ 1,256,289		$ 1,134,126
Income before income taxes	187,609		150,734		120,572
United States [Member]
Note 15 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Summary of revenues and income before income taxes [Line Items]
Revenues	1,236,414		1,144,753		1,029,003
Income before income taxes	171,899		134,651		105,257
Europe and Canada [Member]
Note 15 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Summary of revenues and income before income taxes [Line Items]
Revenues	119,101	[1]	111,536	[1]	105,123	[1]
Europe, Canada, Mexico and Nicaragua [Member]
Note 15 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Summary of revenues and income before income taxes [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	$ 15,710	[1]	$ 16,083	[1]	$ 15,315	[1]

[1] No country accounts for greater than 10% of total long-lived assets, revenues or income before income taxes.

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Note 3 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value Measurments (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012
Assets:
Total	$ 33,325	$ 34,978
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	33,325	34,978
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Total	33,325	34,978
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Total	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Total	0	0
Cash Equivalents [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$ 33,325	$ 34,978

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Note 12 - Share-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of compensation expense for all share-based compensation (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013
Note 12 - Share-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of compensation expense for all share-based compensation [Line Items]
2014	$ 4,085
2015	2,745
2016	1,434
2017	482
2018	75
Total	8,821
Share Based Awards [Member]
Note 12 - Share-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of compensation expense for all share-based compensation [Line Items]
2014	1,360
2015	1,048
2016	754
2017	482
2018	75
Total	3,719
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note 12 - Share-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of compensation expense for all share-based compensation [Line Items]
2014	2,725
2015	1,697
2016	680
Total	$ 5,102

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Note 5 - Loans Payable and Long-term Debt (Details) - Aggregate maturities of long-term debt (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012
Aggregate maturities of long-term debt [Abstract]
2014	$ 111,253
Thereafter	155
Total	$ 111,408	$ 106,986

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Note 14 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

	Foreign Currency Translation			Pension- related			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance, August 27, 2011	$	13,848		$	(4,011	)	$	9,837
Change during the year		(2,204	)		(362	)		(2,566	)
Balance, August 25, 2012		11,644			(4,373	)		7,271
Change during the year		(6,081	)		255			(5,826	)
Balance, August 31, 2013	$	5,563		$	(4,118	)	$	1,445

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Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Estimated Useful Lives Of Property Plant And Equipment [Table Text Block]

Buildings (in years)	30	-	40
Building components (in years)	10	-	20
Leasehold improvements	Shorter of useful life or term of lease
Machinery and equipment (in years)	3	-	10
Motor vehicles (in years)	3	-	5

Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]

Fiscal year ended August	2013			2012			2011
Risk-free interest rate		1.24	%		1.54	%		1.98	%
Expected dividend yield		0.41	%		0.56	%		0.60	%
Expected life in years		7.42			7.39			7.32
Expected volatility		33.4	%		33.8	%		34.8	%

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table Text Block]

Year ended	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012		August 27, 2011
Net income available to shareholders	$	116,685	$	94,989	$	76,486
Allocation of net income for Basic:
Common Stock	$	91,916	$	74,643	$	59,944
Class B Common Stock		22,913		18,630		15,104
Unvested participating shares		1,856		1,716		1,438
	$	116,685	$	94,989	$	76,486
Weighted average number of shares for Basic:
Common Stock		14,975		14,882		14,791
Class B Common Stock		4,666		4,643		4,658
Unvested participating shares		345		391		405
		19,986		19,916		19,854
Earnings per share for Basic:
Common Stock	$	6.14	$	5.02	$	4.05
Class B Common Stock	$	4.91	$	4.01	$	3.24

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table Text Block]

	Year Ended August 31, 2013							Year Ended August 25, 2012							Year Ended August 27, 2011
	Earnings to Common shareholders			Common Shares		EPS		Earnings to Common shareholders			Common Shares		EPS		Earnings to Common shareholders			Common Shares		EPS
As reported - Basic	$	91,916			14,975	$	6.14	$	74,643			14,882	$	5.02	$	59,944			14,791	$	4.05
Add: effect of dilutive potential common shares
Share-Based Awards		—			148				—			91				—			83
Class B Common Stock		22,913			4,666				18,630			4,643				15,104			4,658
Add: Undistributed earnings allocated to unvested  participating shares		1,810			—				1,664			—				1,385			—
Less: Undistributed earnings reallocated to unvested participating shares		(1,712	)		—				(1,579	)		—				(1,315	)		—
Diluted EPS – Common Stock	$	114,927			19,789	$	5.81	$	93,358			19,616	$	4.76	$	75,118			19,532	$	3.85

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Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements is in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”) which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates are based on historical information, current trends, and information available from other sources. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fiscal Year

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in August. For financial reporting purposes, fiscal 2013 consisted of 53 weeks, and fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 both consisted of 52 weeks. The additional week was included in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in banks and bank short-term investments with maturities of less than ninety days.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Financial Instruments

The Company’s financial instruments, which may expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk, include cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable, loans payable and long-term debt. Each of these financial instruments is recorded at cost, which approximates its fair value given the short maturity of each financial instrument.

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company recognizes revenue from rental operations in the period in which the services are provided. Direct sales revenue is recognized in the period in which the services are performed or when the product is shipped. Management judgments and estimates are used in determining the collectability of accounts receivable and evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company considers specific accounts receivable and historical bad debt experience, customer credit worthiness, current economic trends and the age of outstanding balances as part of its evaluation. Changes in estimates are reflected in the period they become known. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. Material changes in its estimates may result in significant differences in the amount and timing of bad debt expense recognition for any given period. Revenues do not include taxes we collect from our customers and remit to governmental authorities.

Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Inventories and Rental Merchandise in Service

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value, net of any reserve for excess and obsolete inventory. Judgments and estimates are used in determining the likelihood that new goods on hand can be sold to customers or used in rental operations. Historical inventory usage and current revenue trends are considered in estimating both excess and obsolete inventories. If actual product demand and market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required. The Company uses the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method to value its inventories. As of August 31, 2013, our inventories consisted of $16.7 million of raw materials, $2.4 million of work in process and $55.3 million of finished goods. As of August 25, 2012, our inventories consisted of $18.2 million of raw materials, $1.0 million of work in process and $56.2 million of finished goods.

Rental merchandise in service is amortized, primarily on a straight-line basis, over the estimated service lives of the merchandise, which range from 6 to 36 months. In establishing estimated lives for merchandise in service, management considers historical experience and the intended use of the merchandise. Material differences may result in the amount and timing of operating profit for any period if management makes significant changes to these estimates.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred, while expenditures for renewals and betterments are capitalized. The Company provides for depreciation on the straight-line method based on the following estimated useful lives:

Buildings (in years)	30	-	40
Building components (in years)	10	-	20
Leasehold improvements	Shorter of useful life or term of lease
Machinery and equipment (in years)	3	-	10
Motor vehicles (in years)	3	-	5

Long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate an asset may be impaired. There have been no material impairments of long-lived assets in fiscal 2013, 2012 or 2011.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

In accordance with US GAAP, the Company does not amortize goodwill. Instead, current accounting guidance requires that companies test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis. Management completes its annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. In addition, US GAAP requires that companies test goodwill if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit to which goodwill is assigned below its carrying amount. The Company’s evaluation considers changes in the operating environment, competitive information, market trends, operating performance and cash flow modeling.

The Company cannot predict future economic conditions and their impact on the Company or the future market value of the Company's stock. A decline in the Company’s market capitalization and/or deterioration in general economic conditions could negatively and materially impact the Company's assumptions and assessment of the fair value of the Company's business. If general economic conditions or the Company's financial performance deteriorate, the Company may be required to record a goodwill impairment charge in the future which could have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives, which are based on management’s estimates of the period that the assets will generate economic benefits. Definite-lived intangible assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable in accordance with US GAAP. There were no impairments of goodwill or indicators of impairment for definite-lived intangible assets in fiscal 2013, 2012, or 2011.

As of August 31, 2013, definite-lived intangible assets have a weighted average useful life of approximately 14.6 years. Customer contracts have a weighted average useful life of approximately 14.9 years and other intangible assets, net, which consist of primarily, restrictive covenants, deferred financing costs and trademarks, have a weighted average useful life of approximately 5.1 years.

Environmental Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Environmental and Other Contingencies

The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims arising from the conduct of its business operations, including environmental matters, personal injury, customer contract matters and employment claims. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States require that a liability for contingencies be recorded when it is probable that a liability has occurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment is required to determine the existence of a liability, as well as the amount to be recorded. The Company regularly consults with attorneys and outside consultants, in its consideration of the relevant facts and circumstances, before recording a contingent liability. The Company records accruals for environmental and other contingencies based on enacted laws, regulatory orders or decrees, the Company’s estimates of costs, insurance proceeds, participation by other parties, the timing of payments, and the input of outside consultants and attorneys.

The estimated liability for environmental contingencies has been discounted as of August 31, 2013 using risk-free interest rates ranging from 2.8% to 3.7% over periods ranging from ten to thirty years. The estimated current costs, net of legal settlements with insurance carriers, have been adjusted for the estimated impact of inflation at 3% per year. Changes in enacted laws, regulatory orders or decrees, management’s estimates of costs, risk-free interest rates, insurance proceeds, participation by other parties, the timing of payments and the input of outside consultants and attorneys based on changing legal or factual circumstances could have a material impact on the amounts recorded for environmental and other contingent liabilities. Refer to Note 11, “Commitments and Contingencies”, of these Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion and analysis.

Asset Retirement Obligations and Environmental Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Asset Retirement Obligations

Under US GAAP, asset retirement obligations generally apply to legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development and/or the normal operation of a long-lived asset. The Company recognizes asset retirement obligations in the period in which they are incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset.

The Company has recognized as a liability the present value of the estimated future costs to decommission its nuclear laundry facilities. The Company depreciates, on a straight-line basis, the amount added to Property, plant and equipment and recognizes accretion expense in connection with the discounted liability over the various remaining lives which range from approximately eight to thirty-one years.

The estimated liability has been based on historical experience in decommissioning nuclear laundry facilities, estimated useful lives of the underlying assets, external vendor estimates as to the cost to decommission these assets in the future, and federal and state regulatory requirements. The estimated current costs have been adjusted for the estimated impact of inflation at 3% per year. The liability has been discounted using credit-adjusted risk-free rates that range from approximately 7.0% to 7.5%. Revisions to the liability could occur due to changes in the Company’s estimated useful lives of the underlying assets, estimated dates of decommissioning, changes in decommissioning costs, changes in federal or state regulatory guidance on the decommissioning of such facilities, or other changes in estimates. Changes due to revised estimates will be recognized by adjusting the carrying amount of the liability and the related long-lived asset if the assets are still in service, or charged to expense in the period if the assets are no longer in service.

Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Derivative Financial Instruments 

US GAAP requires that all derivative instruments be recorded as other assets or other liabilities at fair value. All subsequent changes in a derivative’s fair value are recognized in income, unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Cash flows associated with derivatives are classified in the same category as the cash flows hedged in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting are classified as a hedge of the variability of cash flows to be paid related to a recognized liability or a forecasted transaction. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is highly effective and designated as a cash flow hedge are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets until expenses from the cash flows of the hedged items are recognized. The Company performs an assessment at the inception of a hedge and on a quarterly basis thereafter, to determine whether its derivatives are highly effective in offsetting changes in the value of the hedged items. Any change in the fair value resulting from hedge ineffectiveness is immediately recognized as income or expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company’s hedging activities are transacted only with highly rated institutions, which reduce the exposure to credit risk in the event of nonperformance. Refer to Note 6, “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, of these Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion and analysis.

Insurance [Policy Text Block]

Insurance

The Company is self-insured for certain obligations related to health, workers’ compensation, vehicles and general liability programs. The Company also purchases stop-loss insurance policies to protect itself from catastrophic losses. Judgments and estimates are used in determining the potential value associated with reported claims and for events that have occurred, but have not been reported. The Company’s estimates consider historical claims experience and other factors. The Company’s liabilities are based on estimates, and, while the Company believes that its accruals are adequate, the ultimate liability may be significantly different from the amounts recorded. Changes in claims experience, the Company’s ability to settle claims or other estimates and judgments used by management could have a material impact on the amount and timing of expense for any period.

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan and other Pension Plans

Pension expense is recognized on an accrual basis over employees’ estimated service periods. Pension expense is generally independent of funding decisions or requirements.

The Company (1) recognizes in its statement of financial position the over-funded or under-funded status of its defined benefit postretirement plan measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation, (2) recognizes as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the actuarial gains and losses and the prior service costs and credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, (3) measures defined benefit plan assets and defined benefit plan obligations as of the date of its statement of financial position, and (4) discloses additional information in the notes to financial statements about certain effects on net periodic benefit cost in the upcoming fiscal year that arise from delayed recognition of the actuarial gains and losses and the prior service costs and credits. Refer to Note 7, “Employee Benefit Plans”, of these Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s pension plans.

The calculation of pension expense and the corresponding liability requires the use of a number of critical assumptions, including the expected long-term rates of return on plan assets, the assumed discount rates, assumed rate of compensation increases and life expectancy of participants. Changes in these assumptions can result in different expense and liability amounts, and future actual experience can differ from these assumptions. Pension expense increases as the expected rate of return on pension plan assets decreases. Future changes in plan asset returns, assumed discount rates and various other factors related to the participants in the Company’s pension plans will impact the Company’s future pension expense and liabilities. The Company cannot predict with certainty what these factors will be in the future.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

The Company computes income tax expense by jurisdiction based on its operations in each jurisdiction. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the amounts recognized for income tax and financial reporting purposes at currently enacted tax rates.

The Company is periodically reviewed by U.S. domestic and foreign tax authorities regarding the amount of taxes due. These reviews typically include inquiries regarding the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. In evaluating the exposure associated with various filing positions, the Company records estimated reserves. Refer to Note 4, “Income Taxes”, of these Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s accounting for income taxes and its uncertain tax positions for financial accounting purposes.

The Company has undistributed earnings from its foreign subsidiaries of approximately $101 million, $90 million and $78 million as of August 31, 2013, August 25, 2012 and August 27, 2011, respectively. The Company considers these undistributed earnings as indefinitely reinvested and therefore has not provided for U.S. income taxes or foreign withholding taxes. If these earnings were ultimately distributed to the U.S. in the form of dividends or otherwise, or if the shares of its international subsidiaries were sold or transferred, the Company would likely be subject to additional U.S. income taxes, net of the impact of any available foreign tax credits as well as foreign withholding taxes. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. taxes on these undistributed earnings

Advertising Cost, Policy, Expensed Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block]

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are classified as selling and administrative expenses. The Company incurred advertising costs of $1.2 million, $1.5 million and $1.7 million for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2013, August 25, 2012 and August 27, 2011, respectively.

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]

Share-Based Compensation  

The Company adopted a stock incentive plan (the “1996 Plan”) in November 1996 and reserved 1,500,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the 1996 Plan. This plan provided for the issuance of stock options and stock appreciation rights (collectively referred to as “Share-Based Awards”). The Company ceased granting new awards under the 1996 Plan as of January 21, 2011, and the 1996 Plan expired in accordance with its terms on January 8, 2012. The Company adopted a stock incentive plan (the “2010 Plan”) in October 2010 and reserved 600,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the 2010 Plan. The 2010 Plan replaced the Company’s 1996 Plan. The 2010 Plan permits the award of incentive and non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, unrestricted stock, performance shares, dividend equivalent rights and cash-based awards.  No awards may be made under the 2010 Plan after January 11, 2021. Share-based compensation, which includes expense related to Share-Based Awards and restricted stock grants, has been recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income in selling and administrative expenses.

All Share-Based Awards issued to management were recommended to the Board of Directors by the Compensation Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. All Share-Based Awards issued to the Company’s non-employee members of the Board of Directors under the 2010 Plan were recommended to the Board of Directors by the Compensation Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. Share-Based Awards granted to non-employee directors are granted on the third business day following the annual shareholders' meeting.

All Share-Based Awards issued to employees were granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of grant and are subject to a five-year cliff-vesting schedule under which the awards become fully vested or exercisable after five years from the date of grant and expire ten years after the grant date. Share-Based Awards granted to the Company’s non-employee members of the Board of Directors (the “Directors”) are fully vested as of the date of grant. Prior to fiscal 2009, non-employee Director Share-Based Award grants expired ten years from the grant date. Beginning in fiscal 2009, non-employee director Share-Based Award grants expire eight years after the grant date.

US GAAP requires that share-based compensation cost be measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and be recognized as expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. Determining the fair value of Share-Based Awards at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating expected dividends, share price volatility and the amount of share-based awards that are expected to be forfeited. The fair value of each Share-Based Award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

Compensation expense for all Share-Based Awards is recognized ratably over the related vesting period. Certain Share-Based Awards were granted during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 to non-employee Directors of the Company, which were fully vested upon grant and expire eight years after the grant date. Accordingly, compensation expense related to these Share-Based Awards in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 were recognized on the date of grant.

The Company recognizes compensation expense for restricted stock grants over the related vesting period. For unrestricted stock grants compensation expense is recognized on the date of grant. The fair value for each restricted and unrestricted stock grant is determined by using the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of the grant. Refer to Note 12, “Share-Based Compensation”, of these Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s share-based compensation plans.

The fair value of each Share-Based Award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used:

Fiscal year ended August	2013			2012			2011
Risk-free interest rate		1.24	%		1.54	%		1.98	%
Expected dividend yield		0.41	%		0.56	%		0.60	%
Expected life in years		7.42			7.39			7.32
Expected volatility		33.4	%		33.8	%		34.8	%

The weighted average fair values of Share-Based Awards granted during fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $25.09, $18.28 and $17.59, respectively

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Net Income Per Share

The Company calculates net income per share in accordance with US GAAP, which requires the Company to allocate income to its unvested participating securities as part of its earnings per share (“EPS”) calculations.

The Class B Common Stock may be converted at any time on a one-for-one basis into Common Stock at the option of the holder of the Class B Common Stock. Diluted earnings per share for the Company’s Common Stock assumes the conversion of all of the Company’s Class B Common Stock into Common Stock, full vesting of outstanding restricted stock, and the exercise of Share-Based Awards under the Company’s stock-based employee compensation plans.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic earnings per share using the two-class method for amounts attributable to the Company’s shares of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock (in thousands, except per share data):

Year ended	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012		August 27, 2011
Net income available to shareholders	$	116,685	$	94,989	$	76,486
Allocation of net income for Basic:
Common Stock	$	91,916	$	74,643	$	59,944
Class B Common Stock		22,913		18,630		15,104
Unvested participating shares		1,856		1,716		1,438
	$	116,685	$	94,989	$	76,486
Weighted average number of shares for Basic:
Common Stock		14,975		14,882		14,791
Class B Common Stock		4,666		4,643		4,658
Unvested participating shares		345		391		405
		19,986		19,916		19,854
Earnings per share for Basic:
Common Stock	$	6.14	$	5.02	$	4.05
Class B Common Stock	$	4.91	$	4.01	$	3.24

The Company calculates diluted EPS for Common Stock using the more dilutive of the following two methods:

• The treasury stock method; or

• The two-class method assuming a participating security is not exercised or converted.

For the years ended August 31, 2013, August 25, 2012 and August 27, 2011, the Company’s diluted EPS assumes the conversion of all vested Class B Common Stock into Common Stock and uses the two-class method for its unvested participating shares as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

	Year Ended August 31, 2013							Year Ended August 25, 2012							Year Ended August 27, 2011
	Earnings to Common shareholders			Common Shares		EPS		Earnings to Common shareholders			Common Shares		EPS		Earnings to Common shareholders			Common Shares		EPS
As reported - Basic	$	91,916			14,975	$	6.14	$	74,643			14,882	$	5.02	$	59,944			14,791	$	4.05
Add: effect of dilutive potential common shares
Share-Based Awards		—			148				—			91				—			83
Class B Common Stock		22,913			4,666				18,630			4,643				15,104			4,658
Add: Undistributed earnings allocated to unvested  participating shares		1,810			—				1,664			—				1,385			—
Less: Undistributed earnings reallocated to unvested participating shares		(1,712	)		—				(1,579	)		—				(1,315	)		—
Diluted EPS – Common Stock	$	114,927			19,789	$	5.81	$	93,358			19,616	$	4.76	$	75,118			19,532	$	3.85

Share-Based Awards that would result in the issuance of 152 shares of Common Stock were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the year ended August 31, 2013 because they were anti-dilutive. There were no shares of common stock that were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the year ended August 25, 2012. Share-Based Awards that would result in the issuance of 116,487 shares of Common Stock were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the year ended August 27, 2011 because they were anti-dilutive

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]

Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currency of our foreign operations is the local country’s currency. Transaction gains and losses, including gains and losses on our intercompany transactions, are included in other expense (income) in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Assets and liabilities of operations outside the United States are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during each month of the fiscal year. The effects of foreign currency translation adjustments are included in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance to amend existing requirements for fair value measurements and disclosures. The guidance expands the disclosure requirements around fair value measurements categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy and requires disclosure of the level in the fair value hierarchy of items that are not measured at fair value but whose fair value must be disclosed. It also clarifies and expands upon existing requirements for fair value measurements of financial assets and liabilities as well as instruments classified in shareholders’ equity. The guidance was effective for interim and annual financial periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted this revised guidance on August 26, 2012 and the adoption did not have a material impact on its financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance that improves the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and increases the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income by eliminating the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity. The amendments to the existing standard require that all nonowner changes in shareholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments to the existing standard do not change the current option for presenting components of OCI gross or net of the effect of income taxes, provided that such tax effects are presented in the statement in which OCI is presented or disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. Additionally, the standard does not affect the calculation or reporting of earnings per share. This guidance was effective for annual reporting periods, and any interim periods within those annual periods, that began after December 15, 2011 and is to be applied retrospectively, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this revised guidance on August 26, 2012 and the adoption did not have a material impact on its financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued updated guidance intended to simplify how entities, both public and nonpublic, test for goodwill impairment. This guidance permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. Also, the guidance improves the examples of events and circumstances that an entity having a reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount should consider in determining whether to measure an impairment loss, if any, under the second step of the goodwill impairment test. This guidance was effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this revised guidance on August 26, 2012 and the adoption did not have a material impact on its financial statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance that improves the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendments in this updated guidance require an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under US GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under US GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under US GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. This guidance was effective for annual reporting periods, and any interim periods within those annual periods, that begin after December 15, 2012 and is to be applied prospectively, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its financial statements.

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Note 2 - Acquisitions (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 27, 2011
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Number of Businesses Acquired	7	9
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred (in Dollars)	$ 30.7

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Note 9 - Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]

Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]

	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012
Current liabilities:
Payroll and benefit related	$	39,119	$	31,825
Insurance related		36,095		35,374
Environmental related		5,158		5,100
Other		6,622		5,875
	$	86,994	$	78,174
Long-term liabilities:
Benefit related	$	19,719	$	18,380
Environmental related		14,522		14,920
Asset retirement obligations		10,796		10,120
	$	45,037	$	43,420
Total accrued liabilities	$	132,031	$	121,594

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Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]

(In thousands, except per share data) For the year ended August 31, 2013	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
Revenues	$	332,569	$	334,306	$	335,764	$	352,876
Income before income taxes		50,426		43,215		45,831		48,137
Provision for income taxes		19,666		16,573		17,109		17,576
Net income	$	30,760	$	26,642	$	28,722	$	30,561
Income per share – basic
Common Stock	$	1.62	$	1.40	$	1.51	$	1.61
Class B Common Stock	$	1.30	$	1.12	$	1.21	$	1.29
Income per share – diluted
Common Stock	$	1.54	$	1.33	$	1.43	$	1.52
Income allocated to – basic
Common Stock	$	24,191	$	20,963	$	22,638	$	24,123
Class B Common Stock	$	6,025	$	5,209	$	5,647	$	6,033
Income allocated to – diluted
Common Stock	$	30,244	$	26,196	$	28,307	$	30,178
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic
Common Stock		14,925		14,962		14,993		15,017
Class B Common Stock		4,647		4,647		4,675		4,694
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – diluted
Common Stock		19,693		19,747		19,820		19,882

(In thousands, except per share data) For the year ended August 25, 2012	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter(1)		Fourth Quarter
Revenues	$	313,025	$	309,959	$	320,931	$	312,374
Income before income taxes		41,785		31,086		42,360		35,503
Provision for income taxes		15,983		11,890		14,901		12,971
Net income	$	25,802	$	19,196	$	27,459	$	22,532
Income per share – basic
Common Stock	$	1.37	$	1.01	$	1.45	$	1.19
Class B Common Stock	$	1.09	$	0.81	$	1.16	$	0.95
Income per share – diluted
Common Stock	$	1.30	$	0.96	$	1.37	$	1.13
Income allocated to – basic
Common Stock	$	20,258	$	15,081	$	21,587	$	17,717
Class B Common Stock	$	5,068	$	3,765	$	5,381	$	4,416
Income allocated to – diluted
Common Stock	$	25,350	$	18,863	$	26,993	$	22,153
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic
Common Stock		14,838		14,873		14,905		14,912
Class B Common Stock		4,641		4,640		4,644		4,647
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – diluted
Common Stock		19,557		19,605		19,646		19,664

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Note 4 - Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Leasing Arrangements	$ 20,992,000	$ 38,722,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	800,000	700,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	100,000	100,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Expense	$ 500,000

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Note 5 - Loans Payable and Long-term Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]

Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]

	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012
Series D, floating rate notes due September 2013 bearing interest at LIBOR plus 50 basis points, which was 0.77% and 0.97% as of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012, respectively.	$	100,000	$	100,000
Other		11,408		6,986
Long-term debt		111,408		106,986
Less – loans payable and current maturities of long-term debt		111,253		6,831
	$	155	$	100,155

Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]

2014	$	111,253
2015		—
2016		—
2017		—
2018		—
Thereafter		155
Total	$	111,408

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Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Weighted average assumptions used in calculating the Company’s projected benefit obligation	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Pension Plans [Member]
Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Weighted average assumptions used in calculating the Company’s projected benefit obligation [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.30%	3.30%
Rate of compensation increase
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Weighted average assumptions used in calculating the Company’s projected benefit obligation [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.60%	3.60%
Rate of compensation increase	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%

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Note 9 - Accrued Liabilities (Details) - Summary of current and long term accrued liabilities (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012
Summary of current and long term accrued liabilities [Abstract]
Payroll and benefit related	$ 39,119	$ 31,825
Insurance related	36,095	35,374
Environmental related	5,158	5,100
Other	6,622	5,875
	86,994	78,174
Benefit related	19,719	18,380
Environmental related	14,522	14,920
Asset retirement obligations	10,796	10,120
	45,037	43,420
Total accrued liabilities	$ 132,031	$ 121,594

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Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012
Pension Plans [Member]
Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	$ (1,201)	$ (1,445)
Unrecognized prior service cost	(257)	(295)
	(1,458)	(1,740)
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	(1,947)	(1,694)
Unrecognized prior service cost	(713)	(939)
	$ (2,660)	$ (2,633)

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Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Abstract]
Risk-free interest rate	1.24%	1.54%	1.98%
Expected dividend yield	0.41%	0.56%	0.60%
Expected life in years	7 years 153 days	7 years 142 days	7 years 116 days
Expected volatility	33.40%	33.80%	34.80%

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Note 8 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Summary of changes in carrying amount of goodwill (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Summary of changes in carrying amount of goodwill [Abstract]
Balance	$ 302,363	$ 288,137	$ 288,249
Goodwill recorded during the period	14,448	29
Other	$ (222)	$ (141)

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Schedule II - Valuation and qualifying accounts and reserves

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]

Schedule II — Valuation and qualifying accounts and reserves for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2013

Description	Balance, Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Charges for Which Reserves Were Created or Deductions			Balance, End of Period
Reserves for Accounts Receivable
For the year ended August 31, 2013	$	5,152	$	3,939	$	(4,197	)	$	4,894
For the year ended August 25, 2012	$	4,201	$	6,221	$	(5,270	)	$	5,152
For the year ended August 27, 2011	$	4,102	$	3,751	$	(3,652	)	$	4,201
Reserve for Obsolete Inventory
For the year ended August 31, 2013	$	2,322	$	251	$	(555	)	$	2,018
For the year ended August 25, 2012	$	1,410	$	1,465	$	(553	)	$	2,322
For the year ended August 27, 2011	$	1,783	$	52	$	(425	)	$	1,410

Separate financial statements of the Company have been omitted because the Company is primarily an operating company and all subsidiaries included in the Consolidated Financial Statements are totally held.

All other schedules have been omitted since the required information is not present or not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the financial statements or the notes thereto.

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Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data		Common Stock [Member]		Common Class B [Member]		Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total
Balance at Aug. 28, 2010		$ 1,491		$ 491		$ 25,329	$ 678,876	$ 1,863	$ 708,050
Balance, shares (in Shares) at Aug. 28, 2010		14,913,000		4,913,000
Net income							76,486		76,486
Pension benefit liabilities, net	[1]							420	420
Pension benefit liabilities, shares (in Shares)	[1]
Foreign currency translation								6,562	6,562
Change in interest rate swap, net (1)	[1]							992	992
Change in interest rate swap, net (1) (in Shares)	[1]
Dividends declared							(2,832)		(2,832)
Shares converted		3		(3)
Shares converted,shares (in Shares)		26,000		(26,000)
Share-based compensation		1				6,731			6,732
Share-based compensation, shares (in Shares)		6,000
Share-base awards exercised, net	[1],[2]	4				1,528			1,532
Share-base awards exercised, shares (in Shares)	[1],[2]	42,000
Balance at Aug. 27, 2011		1,499		488		33,588	752,530	9,837	797,942
Balance, shares (in Shares) at Aug. 27, 2011		14,987,000		4,887,000
Net income							94,989		94,989
Pension benefit liabilities, net	[1]							(362)	(362)
Pension benefit liabilities, shares (in Shares)	[1]
Foreign currency translation								(2,204)	(2,204)
Change in interest rate swap, net (1)	[1]
Dividends declared							(2,843)		(2,843)
Shares converted,shares (in Shares)		3,000		(3,000)
Share-based compensation						6,578			6,578
Share-based compensation, shares (in Shares)		1,000
Share-base awards exercised, net	[1],[2]	7				2,818			2,825
Share-base awards exercised, shares (in Shares)	[1],[2]	73,000
Balance at Aug. 25, 2012		1,506		488		42,984	844,676	7,271	896,925
Balance, shares (in Shares) at Aug. 25, 2012		15,064,000		4,884,000
Net income							116,685		116,685
Pension benefit liabilities, net	[1]							255	255
Pension benefit liabilities, shares (in Shares)	[1]
Foreign currency translation								(6,081)	(6,081)
Change in interest rate swap, net (1)	[1]
Dividends declared							(2,853)		(2,853)
Shares converted		1		(1)
Shares converted,shares (in Shares)		12,000		(12,000)
Share-based compensation	[3]	(3)				2,982			2,979
Share-based compensation, shares (in Shares)	[3]	(36,000)
Share-base awards exercised, net	[1],[2]	9				5,479			5,488
Share-base awards exercised, shares (in Shares)		90,000	[1],[2]		[1],[2]				(97,600,000)
Balance at Aug. 31, 2013		$ 1,513		$ 487		$ 51,445	$ 958,508	$ 1,445	$ 1,013,398
Balance, shares (in Shares) at Aug. 31, 2013		15,130,000		4,872,000

[1] These amounts are shown net of the effect of income taxes.

[2] These amounts include excess tax benefits that the Company realized as part of the exercise of share-based awards.

[3] These amount shown are net of shares withheld by the Company to satisfy certain tax withholdings obligations in connection with the vesting of certain shares of restricted stock.

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Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Business Description

UniFirst Corporation (the “Company”) is one of the largest providers of workplace uniforms and protective clothing in the United States. The Company designs, manufactures, personalizes, rents, cleans, delivers, and sells a wide range of uniforms and protective clothing, including shirts, pants, jackets, coveralls, lab coats, smocks, aprons and specialized protective wear, such as flame resistant and high visibility garments. The Company also rents industrial wiping products, floor mats, facility service products and other non-garment items, and provides first aid cabinet services and other safety supplies, to a variety of manufacturers, retailers and service companies.

The Company serves businesses of all sizes in numerous industry categories. Typical customers include automobile service centers and dealers, delivery services, food and general merchandise retailers, food processors and service operations, light manufacturers, maintenance facilities, restaurants, service companies, soft and durable goods wholesalers, transportation companies, and others who require employee clothing for image, identification, protection or utility purposes. The Company also provides its customers with restroom and cleaning supplies, including air fresheners, paper products and hand soaps.

At certain specialized facilities, the Company decontaminates and cleans work clothes and other items that may have been exposed to radioactive materials and services special cleanroom protective wear. Typical customers for these specialized services include government agencies, research and development laboratories, high technology companies and utilities operating nuclear reactors.

As discussed and described in Note 15, “Segment Reporting”, to these Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has five reporting segments: US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning, Manufacturing (“MFG”), Specialty Garments Rental and Cleaning (“Specialty Garments”), First Aid and Corporate. The operations of the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment are referred to by the Company as its “industrial laundry operations” and the locations related to this reporting segment are referred to as “industrial laundries”. The Company refers to its US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning, MFG, and Corporate segments combined as its “Core Laundry Operations”.

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements is in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”) which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates are based on historical information, current trends, and information available from other sources. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Fiscal Year

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in August. For financial reporting purposes, fiscal 2013 consisted of 53 weeks, and fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 both consisted of 52 weeks. The additional week was included in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in banks and bank short-term investments with maturities of less than ninety days.

Financial Instruments

The Company’s financial instruments, which may expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk, include cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable, loans payable and long-term debt. Each of these financial instruments is recorded at cost, which approximates its fair value given the short maturity of each financial instrument.

Revenue Recognition and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company recognizes revenue from rental operations in the period in which the services are provided. Direct sales revenue is recognized in the period in which the services are performed or when the product is shipped. Management judgments and estimates are used in determining the collectability of accounts receivable and evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company considers specific accounts receivable and historical bad debt experience, customer credit worthiness, current economic trends and the age of outstanding balances as part of its evaluation. Changes in estimates are reflected in the period they become known. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. Material changes in its estimates may result in significant differences in the amount and timing of bad debt expense recognition for any given period. Revenues do not include taxes we collect from our customers and remit to governmental authorities.

Inventories and Rental Merchandise in Service

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value, net of any reserve for excess and obsolete inventory. Judgments and estimates are used in determining the likelihood that new goods on hand can be sold to customers or used in rental operations. Historical inventory usage and current revenue trends are considered in estimating both excess and obsolete inventories. If actual product demand and market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required. The Company uses the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method to value its inventories. As of August 31, 2013, our inventories consisted of $16.7 million of raw materials, $2.4 million of work in process and $55.3 million of finished goods. As of August 25, 2012, our inventories consisted of $18.2 million of raw materials, $1.0 million of work in process and $56.2 million of finished goods.

Rental merchandise in service is amortized, primarily on a straight-line basis, over the estimated service lives of the merchandise, which range from 6 to 36 months. In establishing estimated lives for merchandise in service, management considers historical experience and the intended use of the merchandise. Material differences may result in the amount and timing of operating profit for any period if management makes significant changes to these estimates.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred, while expenditures for renewals and betterments are capitalized. The Company provides for depreciation on the straight-line method based on the following estimated useful lives:

Buildings (in years)	30	-	40
Building components (in years)	10	-	20
Leasehold improvements	Shorter of useful life or term of lease
Machinery and equipment (in years)	3	-	10
Motor vehicles (in years)	3	-	5

Long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate an asset may be impaired. There have been no material impairments of long-lived assets in fiscal 2013, 2012 or 2011.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

In accordance with US GAAP, the Company does not amortize goodwill. Instead, current accounting guidance requires that companies test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis. Management completes its annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. In addition, US GAAP requires that companies test goodwill if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit to which goodwill is assigned below its carrying amount. The Company’s evaluation considers changes in the operating environment, competitive information, market trends, operating performance and cash flow modeling.

The Company cannot predict future economic conditions and their impact on the Company or the future market value of the Company's stock. A decline in the Company’s market capitalization and/or deterioration in general economic conditions could negatively and materially impact the Company's assumptions and assessment of the fair value of the Company's business. If general economic conditions or the Company's financial performance deteriorate, the Company may be required to record a goodwill impairment charge in the future which could have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives, which are based on management’s estimates of the period that the assets will generate economic benefits. Definite-lived intangible assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable in accordance with US GAAP. There were no impairments of goodwill or indicators of impairment for definite-lived intangible assets in fiscal 2013, 2012, or 2011.

As of August 31, 2013, definite-lived intangible assets have a weighted average useful life of approximately 14.6 years. Customer contracts have a weighted average useful life of approximately 14.9 years and other intangible assets, net, which consist of primarily, restrictive covenants, deferred financing costs and trademarks, have a weighted average useful life of approximately 5.1 years.

Environmental and Other Contingencies

The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims arising from the conduct of its business operations, including environmental matters, personal injury, customer contract matters and employment claims. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States require that a liability for contingencies be recorded when it is probable that a liability has occurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment is required to determine the existence of a liability, as well as the amount to be recorded. The Company regularly consults with attorneys and outside consultants, in its consideration of the relevant facts and circumstances, before recording a contingent liability. The Company records accruals for environmental and other contingencies based on enacted laws, regulatory orders or decrees, the Company’s estimates of costs, insurance proceeds, participation by other parties, the timing of payments, and the input of outside consultants and attorneys.

The estimated liability for environmental contingencies has been discounted as of August 31, 2013 using risk-free interest rates ranging from 2.8% to 3.7% over periods ranging from ten to thirty years. The estimated current costs, net of legal settlements with insurance carriers, have been adjusted for the estimated impact of inflation at 3% per year. Changes in enacted laws, regulatory orders or decrees, management’s estimates of costs, risk-free interest rates, insurance proceeds, participation by other parties, the timing of payments and the input of outside consultants and attorneys based on changing legal or factual circumstances could have a material impact on the amounts recorded for environmental and other contingent liabilities. Refer to Note 11, “Commitments and Contingencies”, of these Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion and analysis.

Asset Retirement Obligations

Under US GAAP, asset retirement obligations generally apply to legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development and/or the normal operation of a long-lived asset. The Company recognizes asset retirement obligations in the period in which they are incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset.

The Company has recognized as a liability the present value of the estimated future costs to decommission its nuclear laundry facilities. The Company depreciates, on a straight-line basis, the amount added to Property, plant and equipment and recognizes accretion expense in connection with the discounted liability over the various remaining lives which range from approximately eight to thirty-one years.

The estimated liability has been based on historical experience in decommissioning nuclear laundry facilities, estimated useful lives of the underlying assets, external vendor estimates as to the cost to decommission these assets in the future, and federal and state regulatory requirements. The estimated current costs have been adjusted for the estimated impact of inflation at 3% per year. The liability has been discounted using credit-adjusted risk-free rates that range from approximately 7.0% to 7.5%. Revisions to the liability could occur due to changes in the Company’s estimated useful lives of the underlying assets, estimated dates of decommissioning, changes in decommissioning costs, changes in federal or state regulatory guidance on the decommissioning of such facilities, or other changes in estimates. Changes due to revised estimates will be recognized by adjusting the carrying amount of the liability and the related long-lived asset if the assets are still in service, or charged to expense in the period if the assets are no longer in service.

Derivative Financial Instruments 

US GAAP requires that all derivative instruments be recorded as other assets or other liabilities at fair value. All subsequent changes in a derivative’s fair value are recognized in income, unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Cash flows associated with derivatives are classified in the same category as the cash flows hedged in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting are classified as a hedge of the variability of cash flows to be paid related to a recognized liability or a forecasted transaction. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is highly effective and designated as a cash flow hedge are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets until expenses from the cash flows of the hedged items are recognized. The Company performs an assessment at the inception of a hedge and on a quarterly basis thereafter, to determine whether its derivatives are highly effective in offsetting changes in the value of the hedged items. Any change in the fair value resulting from hedge ineffectiveness is immediately recognized as income or expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company’s hedging activities are transacted only with highly rated institutions, which reduce the exposure to credit risk in the event of nonperformance. Refer to Note 6, “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, of these Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion and analysis.

Insurance

The Company is self-insured for certain obligations related to health, workers’ compensation, vehicles and general liability programs. The Company also purchases stop-loss insurance policies to protect itself from catastrophic losses. Judgments and estimates are used in determining the potential value associated with reported claims and for events that have occurred, but have not been reported. The Company’s estimates consider historical claims experience and other factors. The Company’s liabilities are based on estimates, and, while the Company believes that its accruals are adequate, the ultimate liability may be significantly different from the amounts recorded. Changes in claims experience, the Company’s ability to settle claims or other estimates and judgments used by management could have a material impact on the amount and timing of expense for any period.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan and other Pension Plans

Pension expense is recognized on an accrual basis over employees’ estimated service periods. Pension expense is generally independent of funding decisions or requirements.

The Company (1) recognizes in its statement of financial position the over-funded or under-funded status of its defined benefit postretirement plan measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation, (2) recognizes as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the actuarial gains and losses and the prior service costs and credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, (3) measures defined benefit plan assets and defined benefit plan obligations as of the date of its statement of financial position, and (4) discloses additional information in the notes to financial statements about certain effects on net periodic benefit cost in the upcoming fiscal year that arise from delayed recognition of the actuarial gains and losses and the prior service costs and credits. Refer to Note 7, “Employee Benefit Plans”, of these Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s pension plans.

The calculation of pension expense and the corresponding liability requires the use of a number of critical assumptions, including the expected long-term rates of return on plan assets, the assumed discount rates, assumed rate of compensation increases and life expectancy of participants. Changes in these assumptions can result in different expense and liability amounts, and future actual experience can differ from these assumptions. Pension expense increases as the expected rate of return on pension plan assets decreases. Future changes in plan asset returns, assumed discount rates and various other factors related to the participants in the Company’s pension plans will impact the Company’s future pension expense and liabilities. The Company cannot predict with certainty what these factors will be in the future.

Income Taxes

The Company computes income tax expense by jurisdiction based on its operations in each jurisdiction. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the amounts recognized for income tax and financial reporting purposes at currently enacted tax rates.

The Company is periodically reviewed by U.S. domestic and foreign tax authorities regarding the amount of taxes due. These reviews typically include inquiries regarding the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. In evaluating the exposure associated with various filing positions, the Company records estimated reserves. Refer to Note 4, “Income Taxes”, of these Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s accounting for income taxes and its uncertain tax positions for financial accounting purposes.

The Company has undistributed earnings from its foreign subsidiaries of approximately $101 million, $90 million and $78 million as of August 31, 2013, August 25, 2012 and August 27, 2011, respectively. The Company considers these undistributed earnings as indefinitely reinvested and therefore has not provided for U.S. income taxes or foreign withholding taxes. If these earnings were ultimately distributed to the U.S. in the form of dividends or otherwise, or if the shares of its international subsidiaries were sold or transferred, the Company would likely be subject to additional U.S. income taxes, net of the impact of any available foreign tax credits as well as foreign withholding taxes. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. taxes on these undistributed earnings.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are classified as selling and administrative expenses. The Company incurred advertising costs of $1.2 million, $1.5 million and $1.7 million for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2013, August 25, 2012 and August 27, 2011, respectively.

Share-Based Compensation  

The Company adopted a stock incentive plan (the “1996 Plan”) in November 1996 and reserved 1,500,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the 1996 Plan. This plan provided for the issuance of stock options and stock appreciation rights (collectively referred to as “Share-Based Awards”). The Company ceased granting new awards under the 1996 Plan as of January 21, 2011, and the 1996 Plan expired in accordance with its terms on January 8, 2012. The Company adopted a stock incentive plan (the “2010 Plan”) in October 2010 and reserved 600,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the 2010 Plan. The 2010 Plan replaced the Company’s 1996 Plan. The 2010 Plan permits the award of incentive and non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, unrestricted stock, performance shares, dividend equivalent rights and cash-based awards.  No awards may be made under the 2010 Plan after January 11, 2021. Share-based compensation, which includes expense related to Share-Based Awards and restricted stock grants, has been recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income in selling and administrative expenses.

All Share-Based Awards issued to management were recommended to the Board of Directors by the Compensation Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. All Share-Based Awards issued to the Company’s non-employee members of the Board of Directors under the 2010 Plan were recommended to the Board of Directors by the Compensation Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. Share-Based Awards granted to non-employee directors are granted on the third business day following the annual shareholders' meeting.

All Share-Based Awards issued to employees were granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of grant and are subject to a five-year cliff-vesting schedule under which the awards become fully vested or exercisable after five years from the date of grant and expire ten years after the grant date. Share-Based Awards granted to the Company’s non-employee members of the Board of Directors (the “Directors”) are fully vested as of the date of grant. Prior to fiscal 2009, non-employee Director Share-Based Award grants expired ten years from the grant date. Beginning in fiscal 2009, non-employee director Share-Based Award grants expire eight years after the grant date.

US GAAP requires that share-based compensation cost be measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and be recognized as expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. Determining the fair value of Share-Based Awards at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating expected dividends, share price volatility and the amount of share-based awards that are expected to be forfeited. The fair value of each Share-Based Award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

Compensation expense for all Share-Based Awards is recognized ratably over the related vesting period. Certain Share-Based Awards were granted during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 to non-employee Directors of the Company, which were fully vested upon grant and expire eight years after the grant date. Accordingly, compensation expense related to these Share-Based Awards in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 were recognized on the date of grant.

The Company recognizes compensation expense for restricted stock grants over the related vesting period. For unrestricted stock grants compensation expense is recognized on the date of grant. The fair value for each restricted and unrestricted stock grant is determined by using the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of the grant. Refer to Note 12, “Share-Based Compensation”, of these Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s share-based compensation plans.

The fair value of each Share-Based Award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used:

Fiscal year ended August	2013			2012			2011
Risk-free interest rate		1.24	%		1.54	%		1.98	%
Expected dividend yield		0.41	%		0.56	%		0.60	%
Expected life in years		7.42			7.39			7.32
Expected volatility		33.4	%		33.8	%		34.8	%

The weighted average fair values of Share-Based Awards granted during fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $25.09, $18.28 and $17.59, respectively.

Net Income Per Share

The Company calculates net income per share in accordance with US GAAP, which requires the Company to allocate income to its unvested participating securities as part of its earnings per share (“EPS”) calculations.

The Class B Common Stock may be converted at any time on a one-for-one basis into Common Stock at the option of the holder of the Class B Common Stock. Diluted earnings per share for the Company’s Common Stock assumes the conversion of all of the Company’s Class B Common Stock into Common Stock, full vesting of outstanding restricted stock, and the exercise of Share-Based Awards under the Company’s stock-based employee compensation plans.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic earnings per share using the two-class method for amounts attributable to the Company’s shares of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock (in thousands, except per share data):

Year ended	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012		August 27, 2011
Net income available to shareholders	$	116,685	$	94,989	$	76,486
Allocation of net income for Basic:
Common Stock	$	91,916	$	74,643	$	59,944
Class B Common Stock		22,913		18,630		15,104
Unvested participating shares		1,856		1,716		1,438
	$	116,685	$	94,989	$	76,486
Weighted average number of shares for Basic:
Common Stock		14,975		14,882		14,791
Class B Common Stock		4,666		4,643		4,658
Unvested participating shares		345		391		405
		19,986		19,916		19,854
Earnings per share for Basic:
Common Stock	$	6.14	$	5.02	$	4.05
Class B Common Stock	$	4.91	$	4.01	$	3.24

The Company calculates diluted EPS for Common Stock using the more dilutive of the following two methods:

• The treasury stock method; or

• The two-class method assuming a participating security is not exercised or converted.

For the years ended August 31, 2013, August 25, 2012 and August 27, 2011, the Company’s diluted EPS assumes the conversion of all vested Class B Common Stock into Common Stock and uses the two-class method for its unvested participating shares as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

	Year Ended August 31, 2013							Year Ended August 25, 2012							Year Ended August 27, 2011
	Earnings to Common shareholders			Common Shares		EPS		Earnings to Common shareholders			Common Shares		EPS		Earnings to Common shareholders			Common Shares		EPS
As reported - Basic	$	91,916			14,975	$	6.14	$	74,643			14,882	$	5.02	$	59,944			14,791	$	4.05
Add: effect of dilutive potential common shares
Share-Based Awards		—			148				—			91				—			83
Class B Common Stock		22,913			4,666				18,630			4,643				15,104			4,658
Add: Undistributed earnings allocated to unvested  participating shares		1,810			—				1,664			—				1,385			—
Less: Undistributed earnings reallocated to unvested participating shares		(1,712	)		—				(1,579	)		—				(1,315	)		—
Diluted EPS – Common Stock	$	114,927			19,789	$	5.81	$	93,358			19,616	$	4.76	$	75,118			19,532	$	3.85

Share-Based Awards that would result in the issuance of 152 shares of Common Stock were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the year ended August 31, 2013 because they were anti-dilutive. There were no shares of common stock that were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the year ended August 25, 2012. Share-Based Awards that would result in the issuance of 116,487 shares of Common Stock were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the year ended August 27, 2011 because they were anti-dilutive.

Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currency of our foreign operations is the local country’s currency. Transaction gains and losses, including gains and losses on our intercompany transactions, are included in other expense (income) in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Assets and liabilities of operations outside the United States are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during each month of the fiscal year. The effects of foreign currency translation adjustments are included in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance to amend existing requirements for fair value measurements and disclosures. The guidance expands the disclosure requirements around fair value measurements categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy and requires disclosure of the level in the fair value hierarchy of items that are not measured at fair value but whose fair value must be disclosed. It also clarifies and expands upon existing requirements for fair value measurements of financial assets and liabilities as well as instruments classified in shareholders’ equity. The guidance was effective for interim and annual financial periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted this revised guidance on August 26, 2012 and the adoption did not have a material impact on its financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance that improves the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and increases the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income by eliminating the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity. The amendments to the existing standard require that all nonowner changes in shareholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments to the existing standard do not change the current option for presenting components of OCI gross or net of the effect of income taxes, provided that such tax effects are presented in the statement in which OCI is presented or disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. Additionally, the standard does not affect the calculation or reporting of earnings per share. This guidance was effective for annual reporting periods, and any interim periods within those annual periods, that began after December 15, 2011 and is to be applied retrospectively, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this revised guidance on August 26, 2012 and the adoption did not have a material impact on its financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued updated guidance intended to simplify how entities, both public and nonpublic, test for goodwill impairment. This guidance permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. Also, the guidance improves the examples of events and circumstances that an entity having a reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount should consider in determining whether to measure an impairment loss, if any, under the second step of the goodwill impairment test. This guidance was effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this revised guidance on August 26, 2012 and the adoption did not have a material impact on its financial statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance that improves the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendments in this updated guidance require an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under US GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under US GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under US GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. This guidance was effective for annual reporting periods, and any interim periods within those annual periods, that begin after December 15, 2012 and is to be applied prospectively, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its financial statements.

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Note 4 - Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

4. Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):

Year ended	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012			August 27, 2011
Current:
Federal	$	39,455	$	43,470		$	22,372
Foreign		3,999		3,604			3,664
State		6,722		8,066			5,089
Total current	$	50,176	$	55,140		$	31,125
Deferred:
Federal	$	17,514	$	540		$	11,424
Foreign		151		90			(94	)
State		3,083		(25	)		1,631
Total deferred	$	20,748	$	605		$	12,961
Total	$	70,924	$	55,745		$	44,086

The following table reconciles the provision for income taxes using the statutory federal income tax rate to the actual provision for income taxes (in thousands):

	August 31, 2013			August 25, 2012			August 27, 2011
Income taxes at the statutory federal income tax rate		35.0	%		35.0	%		35.0	%
State income taxes		3.5			3.5			3.7
Adjustments to tax reserves		-0.1			-0.6			-1.1
Foreign tax rate differential		-0.8			-1.0			-1.0
Permanent and other		0.2			0.1			0.0
Total		37.8	%		37.0	%		36.6	%

The tax effect of items giving rise to the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities is as follows (in thousands):

	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012
Deferred Tax Assets
Payroll and benefit related	$	16,524	$	15,577
Insurance related		13,073		12,928
Environmental		7,133		7,886
Other		11,421		12,588
	$	48,151	$	48,979
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Tax in excess of book depreciation	$	42,512	$	42,282
Purchased intangible assets		28,632		26,666
Rental merchandise in service		38,722		20,992
		109,866		89,940
Net deferred tax liability	$	61,715	$	40,961

The Company has evaluated its deferred tax assets and believes that they will be fully recovered. As a result, the Company has not established a valuation allowance. The Company’s deferred liability related to rental merchandise in service increased from $21.0 million as of August 25, 2012 to $38.7 million as of August 31, 2013 as a result of a change in tax regulations impacting the timing of certain allowable deductions.

As of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012, there was $0.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively, in total unrecognized tax benefits, which if recognized, would favorably impact the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense which is consistent with the recognition of these items in prior reporting periods. As of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012, the Company had accrued a total of $0.1 million in interest and penalties, in its long-term accrued liabilities. For the year ended August 31, 2013 the Company recognized a nominal benefit in its Consolidated Statement of Income related to interest and penalties. For the year ended August 25, 2012, the Company recognized a benefit in its Consolidated Statement of Income related to interest and penalties totaling $0.5 million.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

Balance at August 27, 2011	$	2,320
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		137
Statute expirations		(1,406	)
Balance at August 25, 2012	$	1,051
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		350
Statute expirations		(475	)
Balance at August 31, 2013	$	926

The Company has a significant portion of its operations in the United States and Canada.  It is required to file federal income tax returns as well as state income tax returns in a majority of the U.S. states and also in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Quebec.  At times, the Company is subject to audits in these jurisdictions, which typically are complex and can require several years to resolve. The final resolution of any such tax audits could result in either a reduction in the Company’s accruals or an increase in its income tax provision, both of which could have a material impact on the consolidated results of operations in any given period.

U.S. and Canadian federal income tax statutes have lapsed for filings up to and including fiscal years 2009 and 2005, respectively, and the Company recently concluded an audit of U.S. federal income taxes for 2010 and 2011. With a few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to state and local income tax examinations for periods prior to fiscal 2008. The Company is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change significantly in the next 12 months.

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Note 10 - Asset Retirement Obligations (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Note 10 - Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) [Line Items]
Estimated Impact Of Inflation Per Year	3.00%
Credit Adjusted Risk Free Rates Minimum Rate	7.00%
Credit Adjusted Risk Free Rates Maximum Rate	7.50%
Minimum [Member]
Note 10 - Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) [Line Items]
Asset Retirement Obligation Remaining Lives	8 years
Maximum [Member]
Note 10 - Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) [Line Items]
Asset Retirement Obligation Remaining Lives	31 years

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Note 2 - Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]

2. Acquisitions

During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013, the Company completed seven acquisitions with an aggregate purchase price of approximately $30.7 million. The results of operations of these acquisitions have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial results since their respective acquisition dates. None of these acquisitions were significant in relation to the Company’s consolidated financial results and, therefore, pro forma financial information has not been presented.

Aggregate information relating to the acquisition of businesses which were accounted for as purchases is as follows (in thousands, except number of businesses acquired):

Year ended	August 31, 2013			August 25, 2012		August 27, 2011
Number of businesses acquired		7			—		9
Tangible assets acquired	$	7,494		$	—	$	6,189
Intangible assets and goodwill acquired		23,326			—		26,367
Liabilities assumed		(106	)		—		—
Acquisition of businesses	$	30,714		$	—	$	32,556

Tangible assets acquired primarily relate to accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expenses and property, plant and equipment. Liabilities assumed primarily relate to accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

The amount assigned to intangible assets acquired was based on their respective fair values determined as of the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the tangible and intangible assets was recorded as goodwill. In fiscal 2013 and 2011, all of the goodwill was allocated to the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning segment and was deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill is not being amortized and is tested for impairment as required, at least annually.

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Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 31, 2013 Share Based Awards [Member]	Aug. 25, 2012 Share Based Awards [Member]	Aug. 27, 2011 Share Based Awards [Member]	Aug. 31, 2013 Employee Stock Option [Member]	Aug. 25, 2012 Employee Stock Option [Member]	Aug. 31, 2013 2010 Plan [Member]	Aug. 31, 2013 Stock Options, Non-Employee [Member]	Aug. 29, 2009 Stock Options, Non-Employee [Member]	Aug. 31, 2013 Definite-Lived Intangible Assets [Member]	Aug. 31, 2013 Customer Contracts [Member]	Aug. 31, 2013 Finite Lived Intangible Asset [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Reporting Segments	5
Inventory, Raw Materials, Gross (in Dollars)	$ 16.7	$ 18.2
Inventory, Work in Process, Gross (in Dollars)	2.4	1.0
Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross (in Dollars)	55.3	56.2
Rental Merchandise Useful Life Minimum	6
Rental Merchandise Useful Life Maximum	36
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life												14 years 219 days	14 years 328 days	5 years 36 days
Site Contingency Discount Rate Lower Range	2.80%
Contingency Discount Rate Upper Range	3.70%
Site Contingency Discounted Period Lower Range	10 years
Site Contingency Discounted Period Upper Range	30 years
Environmental Contingencies Inflation Rate	3.00%
Range Of Years Discount For Estimated Future Costs To Decommission Its Nuclear Laundry Facilities Minimum Years	8 years
Range Of Years Discount For Estimated Future Costs To Decommission Its Nuclear Laundry Facilities Maximum Years	31 years
Asset Retirement Obligations Inflation Rate	3.00%
Asset Retirement Obligations Discount Rate Lower Range	7.00%
Asset Retirement Obligations Discount Rate Upper Range	7.50%
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries (in Dollars)	101	90	78
Advertising Expense (in Dollars)	$ 1.2	$ 1.5	$ 1.7
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized (in Shares)								1,500,000	600,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period							5 years				10 years
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiration							10 years			8 years	8 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)				$ 25.09	$ 18.28	$ 17.59
Common Stock, Conversion Basis	one-for-one
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount (in Shares)	152		116,487

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Note 2 - Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]

Year ended	August 31, 2013			August 25, 2012		August 27, 2011
Number of businesses acquired		7			—		9
Tangible assets acquired	$	7,494		$	—	$	6,189
Intangible assets and goodwill acquired		23,326			—		26,367
Liabilities assumed		(106	)		—		—
Acquisition of businesses	$	30,714		$	—	$	32,556

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Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]

	Pension Plans									SERP
	2013			2012			2011			2013		2012		2011
Service cost	$	178		$	152		$	149		$	547	$	512	$	486
Interest cost		268			322			328			912		858		764
Expected return on assets		(198	)		(199	)		(202	)		—		—		—
Amortization of prior service cost		62			62			62			368		368		368
Amortization of unrecognized loss		138			65			78			104		107		131
Other events		44			43			65			—		—		—
Net periodic benefit cost	$	492		$	445		$	480		$	1,931	$	1,845	$	1,749

Obligations And Funded Status Related To Pension Plans And Serp [Table Text Block]

	Pension Plans						SERP
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Change in benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	$	8,301		$	7,372		$	16,399		$	14,944
Service cost		178			152			547			512
Interest cost		268			322			912			858
Actuarial (gain) loss		(379	)		937			827			622
Benefits paid		(259	)		(299	)		(575	)		(537	)
Settlements		(155	)		(183	)		—			—
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	$	7,954		$	8,301		$	18,110		$	16,399
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	$	5,114		$	5,145		$	—		$	—
Actual return on plan assets		33			202			—			—
Employer contributions		206			249			—			—
Benefits paid		(259	)		(299	)		—			—
Settlements		(155	)		(183	)		—			—
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$	4,939		$	5,114		$	—		$	—
Funded status (net amount recognized):	$	(3,015	)	$	(3,187	)	$	(18,110	)	$	(16,399	)

Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]

	Pension Plans						SERP
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Deferred tax assets	$	913		$	1,089		$	1,665		$	1,648
Accrued liabilities	$	3,015		$	3,187		$	18,110		$	16,399
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(1,458	)	$	(1,740	)	$	(2,660	)	$	(2,633	)

Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

	Pension Plans						SERP
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Net actuarial loss	$	(1,201	)	$	(1,445	)	$	(1,947	)	$	(1,694	)
Unrecognized prior service cost		(257	)		(295	)		(713	)		(939	)
	$	(1,458	)	$	(1,740	)	$	(2,660	)	$	(2,633	)

Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]

	Pension Plans						SERP
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Discount rate		4.3	%		3.3	%		4.6	%		3.6	%
Rate of compensation increase	N/A			N/A				5.0	%		5.0	%

Schedule Of Assumptions Used In Calculating Net Periodic Service Cost [Table Text Block]

	Pension Plans									SERP
	2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
Discount rate		3.3	%		4.6	%		4.7	%		3.6	%		4.9	%		4.8	%
Expected return on plan assets		3.9	%		4.0	%		4.0	%	N/A			N/A			N/A
Rate of compensation increase	N/A			N/A			N/A				5.0	%		5.0	%		5.0	%

Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]

	Pension Plans		SERP
2014	$	752	$	655
2015		504		734
2016		337		898
2017		469		906
2018		412		929
Thereafter		5,480		13,988
	$	7,954	$	18,110

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Note 8 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Estimated amortization expense (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012
Estimated amortization expense [Abstract]
2014	$ 8,733
2015	8,040
2016	7,423
2017	6,764
2018	6,262
Thereafter	12,122
	$ 49,344	$ 50,531

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Note 12 - Share-based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Compensation Expense For All Share-Based Compensation For Five Fiscal Years [Table Text Block]

	Share-Based Awards		Restricted Stock		Total
2014	$	1,360	$	2,725	$	4,085
2015		1,048		1,697		2,745
2016		754		680		1,434
2017		482		—		482
2018		75		—		75
Total	$	3,719	$	5,102	$	8,821

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]

	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, August 25, 2012		560,270		$	41.74
Granted		127,870			70.08
Exercised		(97,600	)		38.39
Forfeited		(6,000	)		44.80
Outstanding, August 31, 2013		584,540		$	48.47
Exercisable, August 31, 2013		100,340		$	44.78

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Note 8 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Summary of intangible assets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 181,189	$ 172,752
Accumulated Amortization	131,845	122,221
Net Carrying Amount	49,344	50,531
Customer Contracts [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	152,672	144,842
Accumulated Amortization	105,275	96,262
Net Carrying Amount	47,397	48,580
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	28,517	27,910
Accumulated Amortization	26,570	25,959
Net Carrying Amount	$ 1,947	$ 1,951

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Note 5 - Loans Payable and Long-term Debt (Details) - Long-term debt outstanding (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 111,408	$ 106,986
Less – loans payable and current maturities of long-term debt	111,253	6,831
	155	100,155
Floating Rate Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	100,000	100,000
Notes Payable Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 11,408	$ 6,986

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Note 4 - Income Taxes (Details) - Provision for income taxes (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Current:
Federal	$ 39,455	$ 43,470	$ 22,372
Foreign	3,999	3,604	3,664
State	6,722	8,066	5,089
Total current	50,176	55,140	31,125
Deferred:
Federal	17,514	540	11,424
Foreign	151	90	(94)
State	3,083	(25)	1,631
Total deferred	20,748	605	12,961
Total	$ 70,924	$ 55,745	$ 44,086

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Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Summary of Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Two Class Method (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
As reported - Basic	$ 116,685	$ 94,989	$ 76,486
Common Class A [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
As reported - Basic	91,916	74,643	59,944
As reported - Basic (in Shares)	14,975	14,882	14,791
As reported - Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 6.14	$ 5.02	$ 4.05
Effect pf dilutive potential common shares (in Shares)	148	91	83
Add: Undistributed earnings allocated to unvested participating shares	1,810	1,664	1,385
Less: Undistributed earnings reallocated to unvested participating shares	(1,712)	(1,579)	(1,315)
Diluted EPS – Common Stock	114,927	93,358	75,118
Diluted EPS – Common Stock (in Shares)	19,789	19,616	19,532
Diluted EPS – Common Stock (in Dollars per share)	$ 5.81	$ 4.76	$ 3.85
Common Class B [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
As reported - Basic	22,913	18,630	15,104
As reported - Basic (in Shares)	4,666	4,643	4,658
As reported - Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 4.91	$ 4.01	$ 3.24
Effect pf dilutive potential common shares	$ 22,913	$ 18,630	$ 15,104
Effect pf dilutive potential common shares (in Shares)	4,666	4,643	4,658

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 25, 2012		Aug. 27, 2011
Net Income	$ 116,685		$ 94,989		$ 76,486
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(6,081)		(2,204)		6,562
Pension benefit liabilities, net (1)	255	[1]	(362)	[1]	420	[1]
Change in interest rate swap, net (1)		[1]		[1]	992	[1]
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(5,826)		(2,566)		7,974
Comprehensive income	$ 110,859		$ 92,423		$ 84,460

[1] These amounts are shown net of the effect of income taxes.

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Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]

7. Employee Benefit Plans

Defined Contribution Retirement Savings Plan

The Company has a defined contribution retirement savings plan with a 401(k) feature for all eligible employees not under collective bargaining agreements. The Company matches a portion of the employee’s contribution and can make an additional contribution at its discretion. Contributions charged to expense under the plan for the years ended August 31, 2013, August 25, 2012 and August 27, 2011 were $17.0 million, $11.5 million and $10.6 million, respectively.

Pension Plans and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans

The Company accounts for its pension plans and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan on an accrual basis over employees’ estimated service periods.

The Company (1) recognizes in its statement of financial position the over-funded or under-funded status of its defined benefit postretirement plans measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation, (2) recognizes as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the actuarial gains and losses and the prior service costs and credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, (3) measures defined benefit plan assets and defined benefit plan obligations as of the date of its statement of financial position, and (4) discloses additional information in the notes to financial statements about certain effects on net periodic benefit cost in the upcoming fiscal year that arise from delayed recognition of the actuarial gains and losses and the prior service costs and credits.

The Company maintains an unfunded Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) for certain eligible employees of the Company. The benefits are based on the employee’s compensation upon retirement. The amount charged to expense related to this plan amounted to approximately $1.9 million, $1.8 million and $1.7 million for the fiscal years ended 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The Company maintains a defined benefit pension plan (“UniFirst Plan”) covering union employees at one of its locations. The benefits are based on years of service. The plan assets primarily consist of fixed income and equity securities. The amount charged to expense related to this plan amounted to approximately $0.4 million, $0.3 million and $0.3 million for fiscal years ended 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

In connection with one of the Company’s acquisitions, the Company assumed liabilities related to a frozen pension plan covering many of the acquired Company’s former employees (“Textilease Plan”). The pension benefits are based on years of service and the employee’s compensation. The plan assets primarily consist of fixed income and equity securities. The amounts charged to expense related to this plan amounted to approximately $0.1 million for each of the fiscal years ended 2013, 2012 and 2011.

The Company refers to its UniFirst Plan and Textilease Plan collectively as its “Pension Plans”.  

The components of net periodic benefit cost related to the Company’s Pension Plans and SERP for the years ended August 31, 2013, August 25, 2012 and August 27, 2011 were as follows (in thousands):

	Pension Plans									SERP
	2013			2012			2011			2013		2012		2011
Service cost	$	178		$	152		$	149		$	547	$	512	$	486
Interest cost		268			322			328			912		858		764
Expected return on assets		(198	)		(199	)		(202	)		—		—		—
Amortization of prior service cost		62			62			62			368		368		368
Amortization of unrecognized loss		138			65			78			104		107		131
Other events		44			43			65			—		—		—
Net periodic benefit cost	$	492		$	445		$	480		$	1,931	$	1,845	$	1,749

The calculation of pension expense and the corresponding liability requires the use of a number of critical assumptions, including the expected long-term rates of return on plan assets, the assumed discount rate, the assumed rate of compensation increases and life expectancy of participants. Changes in these assumptions can result in different expense and liability amounts, and future actual experience can differ from these assumptions. Pension expense increases as the expected rate of return on pension plan assets decreases. Future changes in plan asset returns, assumed discount rates and various other factors related to the participants in the Company’s pension plans will impact its future pension expense and liabilities. The Company cannot predict with certainty what these factors will be in the future.

The Company’s obligations and funded status related to its Pension Plans and SERP as of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):

	Pension Plans						SERP
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Change in benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	$	8,301		$	7,372		$	16,399		$	14,944
Service cost		178			152			547			512
Interest cost		268			322			912			858
Actuarial (gain) loss		(379	)		937			827			622
Benefits paid		(259	)		(299	)		(575	)		(537	)
Settlements		(155	)		(183	)		—			—
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	$	7,954		$	8,301		$	18,110		$	16,399
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	$	5,114		$	5,145		$	—		$	—
Actual return on plan assets		33			202			—			—
Employer contributions		206			249			—			—
Benefits paid		(259	)		(299	)		—			—
Settlements		(155	)		(183	)		—			—
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$	4,939		$	5,114		$	—		$	—
Funded status (net amount recognized):	$	(3,015	)	$	(3,187	)	$	(18,110	)	$	(16,399	)

As of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012, the accumulated benefit obligations for the Company’s Pension Plans were $8.0 million and $8.3 million, respectively. As of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012, the accumulated benefit obligations for the Company’s SERP were $14.4 million and $12.9 million, respectively.

The amounts recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet for the Company’s Pension Plans and SERP as of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):

	Pension Plans						SERP
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Deferred tax assets	$	913		$	1,089		$	1,665		$	1,648
Accrued liabilities	$	3,015		$	3,187		$	18,110		$	16,399
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(1,458	)	$	(1,740	)	$	(2,660	)	$	(2,633	)

As of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012, the amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income for the Company’s Pension Plans and SERP (in thousands):

	Pension Plans						SERP
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Net actuarial loss	$	(1,201	)	$	(1,445	)	$	(1,947	)	$	(1,694	)
Unrecognized prior service cost		(257	)		(295	)		(713	)		(939	)
	$	(1,458	)	$	(1,740	)	$	(2,660	)	$	(2,633	)

The weighted average assumptions used in calculating the Company’s projected benefit obligation as of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012, were as follows:

	Pension Plans						SERP
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Discount rate		4.3	%		3.3	%		4.6	%		3.6	%
Rate of compensation increase	N/A			N/A				5.0	%		5.0	%

The weighted average assumptions used in calculating the Company’s net periodic service cost for the years ended August 31, 2013, August 25, 2012 and August 27, 2011, were as follows:

	Pension Plans									SERP
	2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
Discount rate		3.3	%		4.6	%		4.7	%		3.6	%		4.9	%		4.8	%
Expected return on plan assets		3.9	%		4.0	%		4.0	%	N/A			N/A			N/A
Rate of compensation increase	N/A			N/A			N/A				5.0	%		5.0	%		5.0	%

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, that are expected to be paid for the five fiscal years subsequent to August 31, 2013 and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):

	Pension Plans		SERP
2014	$	752	$	655
2015		504		734
2016		337		898
2017		469		906
2018		412		929
Thereafter		5,480		13,988
	$	7,954	$	18,110

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012
Receivables reserves (in Dollars)	$ 4,894	$ 5,152
Preferred stock par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred Stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred Stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common Class A [Member]
Common stock par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	15,129,524	15,064,069
Common stock, shares outstanding	15,129,524	15,064,069
Common Class B [Member]
Common stock par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	4,873,277	4,885,277
Common stock, shares outstanding	4,873,277	4,885,277

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Note 6 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details) (Swap [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 27, 2011	Aug. 31, 2013
Swap [Member]
Note 6 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 100.0
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate		3.51%
Derivative Instruments, Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion	$ 1.8

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Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 25, 2012		Aug. 27, 2011
Revenues	$ 1,355,515		$ 1,256,289		$ 1,134,126
Operating expenses:
Cost of revenues (1)	836,174	[1]	797,944	[1]	712,309	[1]
Selling and administrative expenses (1)	263,531	[1]	240,798	[1]	233,111	[1]
Depreciation and amortization	69,607		66,439		64,733
Total operating expenses	1,169,312		1,105,181		1,010,153
Income from operations	186,203		151,108		123,973
Other (income) expense:
Interest expense	1,651		2,132		6,738
Interest income	(3,201)		(2,738)		(2,552)
Foreign exchange loss (gain)	144		980		(785)
Total other (income) expense	(1,406)		374		3,401
Income before income taxes	187,609		150,734		120,572
Provision for income taxes	70,924		55,745		44,086
Net income	116,685		94,989		76,486
Income allocated to – Basic:
Income per share – Diluted	116,685		94,989		76,486
Common Class A [Member]
Income per share – Basic:
Income per share – Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 6.14		$ 5.02		$ 4.05
Income per share – Diluted:
Common Stock (in Dollars per share)	$ 5.81		$ 4.76		$ 3.85
Income allocated to – Basic:
Income per share – Diluted	91,916		74,643		59,944
Income allocated to – Diluted:
Common Stock	114,927		93,358		75,118
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – Basic:
Income allocated to – Basic (in Shares)	14,975		14,882		14,791
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – Diluted:
Common Stock (in Shares)	19,789		19,616		19,532
Dividends per share:
Income allocated to – Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.15		$ 0.15		$ 0.15
Common Class B [Member]
Income per share – Basic:
Income per share – Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 4.91		$ 4.01		$ 3.24
Income allocated to – Basic:
Income per share – Diluted	$ 22,913		$ 18,630		$ 15,104
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – Basic:
Income allocated to – Basic (in Shares)	4,666		4,643		4,658
Dividends per share:
Income allocated to – Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.12		$ 0.12		$ 0.12

[1] Exclusive of depreciation on the Company's property, plant and equipment and amortization of its intangible assets.

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Note 4 - Income Taxes (Details) - Reconciliation of provision for income taxes	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Reconciliation of provision for income taxes [Abstract]
Income taxes at the statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes	3.50%	3.50%	3.70%
Adjustments to tax reserves	(0.10%)	(0.60%)	(1.10%)
Foreign tax rate differential	(0.80%)	(1.00%)	(1.00%)
Permanent and other	0.20%	0.10%	0.00%
Total	37.80%	37.00%	36.60%

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Note 12 - Share-based Compensation (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended					0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 05, 2010	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013 Unrestricted Stock Non-Employee [Member]	Aug. 25, 2012 Unrestricted Stock Non-Employee [Member]	Aug. 27, 2011 Restricted Stock Awards, Non-Employee [Member]	Aug. 31, 2013 Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]	Aug. 25, 2012 Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]	Apr. 05, 2010 Performance Restricted Stock Awards [Member]	Apr. 05, 2010 Restricted Stock Awards, CEO [Member]	Aug. 31, 2013 Restricted Stock Awards, CEO [Member]	Aug. 31, 2013 Share Based Awards [Member]
Note 12 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period			1,590	3,153	6,000	6,570	8,620	350,000	50,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$ 51.39
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)		$ 8.8
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition										1 year 219 days	2 years 146 days

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Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 8.7	$ 7.7	$ 7.0
Number Of Sites Related To Former Operations With Environmental Issues	3
Estimated Impact Of Inflation Per Year	3.00%
Proceeds from Legal Settlements	0.3
Escrow Deposit	3.3
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 47.1	$ 43.7
Minimum [Member]
Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Risk Free Rates Of Interest Used To Discount Remediation Costs	2.80%
Maximum [Member]
Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Risk Free Rates Of Interest Used To Discount Remediation Costs	3.70%

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Note 3 - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]

	As of August 31, 2013
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	33,325	$	—	$	—	$	33,325
Total	$	33,325	$	—	$	—	$	33,325

	As of August 25, 2012
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	34,978	$	—	$	—	$	34,978
Total	$	34,978	$	—	$	—	$	34,978

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Note 16 - Subsequent Events

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events [Text Block]

16. Subsequent Events

On September 14, 2013, the Company repaid in full at maturity from its cash reserves the $100 million of Floating Rate Notes. The Floating Rate Notes were originally issued in 2006 and bore interest at LIBOR plus 50 basis points.

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Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Summary of Earnings Per Share, Basic, Two Class Method (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income available to shareholders (in Dollars)	$ 116,685	$ 94,989	$ 76,486
Common Class A [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income available to shareholders (in Dollars)	91,916	74,643	59,944
Allocation of net income for Basic:
Allocation of net income for Basic:	$ 91,916	$ 74,643	$ 59,944
Weighted average number of shares for Basic:
Weighted average number of shares for Basic (in Shares)	14,975	14,882	14,791
Earnings per share for Basic:
Earnings per share for Basic	$ 6.14	$ 5.02	$ 4.05
Common Class B [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income available to shareholders (in Dollars)	22,913	18,630	15,104
Allocation of net income for Basic:
Allocation of net income for Basic:	$ 22,913	$ 18,630	$ 15,104
Weighted average number of shares for Basic:
Weighted average number of shares for Basic (in Shares)	4,666	4,643	4,658
Earnings per share for Basic:
Earnings per share for Basic	$ 4.91	$ 4.01	$ 3.24
Unvested Participating Shares [Member]
Allocation of net income for Basic:
Allocation of net income for Basic:	$ 1,856	$ 1,716	$ 1,438
Weighted average number of shares for Basic:
Weighted average number of shares for Basic (in Shares)	345	391	405
Total Allocation Of Net Income Basic [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income available to shareholders (in Dollars)	$ 116,685	$ 94,989	$ 76,486
Total Weighted Average Number Of Shares Basic [Member]
Weighted average number of shares for Basic:
Weighted average number of shares for Basic (in Shares)	19,986	19,916	19,854

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Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Changes to Environmental Liabilities (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012
Changes to Environmental Liabilities [Abstract]
Balance	$ 20,020	$ 18,368
Costs incurred for which reserves have been provided	(1,862)	(1,277)
Insurance proceeds received	282	209
Interest accretion	542	631
Changes in discount rates	(1,585)	1,346
Revisions in estimates	2,283	743
Balance	$ 19,680	$ 20,020

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Note 5 - Loans Payable and Long-term Debt (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified			0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012	Sep. 14, 2013 Subsequent Event [Member] Floating Rate Note [Member]	Aug. 31, 2013 Line of Credit [Member]	Aug. 31, 2013 Floating Rate Note [Member]	Aug. 27, 2011 Prior Credit Agreement [Member]	Aug. 27, 2011 Fixed Rate Note [Member]
Note 5 - Loans Payable and Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity				$ 250.0		$ 225.0
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date				May 04, 2016	Sep. 14, 2013
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate (in Basis Points)				1.00%	0.50%
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding				47.1
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity				202.9
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt					100.0		75.0
Debt Instrument Maturity Period							7 years
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.77%	0.97%					5.27%
RepaymentsOfFixedRateNoteThroughCashReserve							45.0
Repayments Of Fixed Rate Note Through Credit Agreement							30.0
Repayments of Debt (in Dollars)			$ 100.0

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Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - The weighted average assumptions used in calculating the Company’s net periodic service cost	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Pension Plans [Member]
Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - The weighted average assumptions used in calculating the Company’s net periodic service cost [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.30%	4.60%	4.70%
Expected return on plan assets	3.90%	4.00%	4.00%
Rate of compensation increase
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - The weighted average assumptions used in calculating the Company’s net periodic service cost [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.60%	4.90%	4.80%
Expected return on plan assets
Rate of compensation increase	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%

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Note 15 - Segment Reporting (Tables)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2013

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]

As of and for the year ended August 31, 2013	US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning			MFG		Net Interco MFG Elim			Corporate			Subtotal Core Laundry Operations			Specialty Garments		First Aid		Total
Revenues	$	1,200,286		$	170,867	$	(170,867	)	$	14,079		$	1,214,365		$	96,688	$	44,462	$	1,355,515
Income (loss) from operations	$	200,852		$	61,896	$	(9,729	)	$	(82,357	)	$	170,662		$	10,539	$	5,002	$	186,203
Interest (income) expense, net	$	(2,944	)	$	—	$	—		$	1,394		$	(1,550	)	$	—	$	—	$	(1,550	)
Income (loss) before taxes	$	203,798		$	61,749	$	(9,729	)	$	(83,783	)	$	172,035		$	10,572	$	5,002	$	187,609
Depreciation and amortization	$	46,793		$	1,033	$	—		$	15,296		$	63,122		$	5,114	$	1,371	$	69,607
Capital expenditures	$	97,519		$	3,559	$	—		$	—		$	101,078		$	1,962	$	486	$	103,526
Total assets	$	1,240,487		$	31,781	$	—		$	—		$	1,272,268		$	79,640	$	21,517	$	1,373,425

As of and for the year ended August 25, 2012	US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning			MFG		Net Interco MFG Elim			Corporate			Subtotal Core Laundry Operations			Specialty Garments		First Aid		Total
Revenues	$	1,099,421		$	160,421	$	(160,421	)	$	12,902		$	1,112,323		$	102,758	$	41,208	$	1,256,289
Income (loss) from operations	$	164,793		$	50,036	$	(5,168	)	$	(76,376	)	$	133,285		$	13,460	$	4,363	$	151,108
Interest (income) expense, net	$	(2,535	)	$	—	$	—		$	1,929		$	(606	)	$	—	$	—	$	(606	)
Income (loss) before taxes	$	167,284		$	50,101	$	(5,168	)	$	(78,345	)	$	133,872		$	12,499	$	4,363	$	150,734
Depreciation and amortization	$	43,501		$	1,133	$	—		$	15,599		$	60,233		$	4,788	$	1,418	$	66,439
Capital expenditures	$	66,526		$	1,306	$	—		$	—		$	67,832		$	6,044	$	673	$	74,549
Total assets	$	1,108,362		$	28,099	$	—		$	—		$	1,136,461		$	83,137	$	20,936	$	1,240,534

As of and for the year ended August 27, 2011	US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning			MFG		Net Interco MFG Elim			Corporate			Subtotal Core Laundry Operations		Specialty Garments		First Aid		Total
Revenues	$	986,028		$	160,042	$	(160,042	)	$	10,929		$	996,957	$	103,322	$	33,847	$	1,134,126
Income (loss) from operations	$	144,431		$	48,839	$	(8,807	)	$	(78,738	)	$	105,725	$	15,292	$	2,956	$	123,973
Interest (income) expense, net	$	(2,307	)	$	—	$	—		$	6,493		$	4,186	$	—	$	—	$	4,186
Income (loss) before taxes	$	146,745		$	48,748	$	(8,807	)	$	(85,146	)	$	101,540	$	16,076	$	2,956	$	120,572
Depreciation and amortization	$	41,322		$	1,194	$	—		$	16,252		$	58,768	$	4,500	$	1,465	$	64,733
Capital expenditures	$	55,799		$	2,653	$	—		$	—		$	58,452	$	5,028	$	367	$	63,847
Total assets	$	1,015,977		$	28,879	$	—		$	—		$	1,044,856	$	76,351	$	20,313	$	1,141,520

Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block]

Long-lived assets as of:	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012
United States	$	769,121	$	706,379
Europe, Canada, Mexico and Nicaragua (1)		42,930		46,475
Total	$	812,051	$	752,854

Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block]

Revenues for the year ended:	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012		August 27, 2011
United States	$	1,236,414	$	1,144,753	$	1,029,003
Europe and Canada (1)		119,101		111,536		105,123
Total	$	1,355,515	$	1,256,289	$	1,134,126

Income before income taxes for the year ended:	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012		August 27, 2011
United States	$	171,899	$	134,651	$	105,257
Europe, Canada, Mexico and Nicaragua (1)		15,710		16,083		15,315
Total	$	187,609	$	150,734	$	120,572

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Note 10 - Asset Retirement Obligations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligations [Table Text Block]

	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012
Beginning balance	$	10,120	$	9,488
Accretion expense		676		632
Ending balance	$	10,796	$	10,120

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Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule Of Future Minimum Lease Payments For Rent [Table Text Block]

2014	$	6,613
2015		6,063
2016		5,121
2017		3,684
2018		2,014
Thereafter		2,732
	$	26,227

Schedule Of Environmental Liabilities [TableTextBlock]

Year ended	August 31, 2013			August 25, 2012
Beginning balance	$	20,020		$	18,368
Costs incurred for which reserves have been provided		(1,862	)		(1,277	)
Insurance proceeds received		282			209
Interest accretion		542			631
Changes in discount rates		(1,585	)		1,346
Revisions in estimates		2,283			743
Ending balance	$	19,680		$	20,020

Schedule Of Environmental Remediation Liabilities [Table Text Block]

(In thousands)	2014			2015			2016			2017			2018			Thereafter			Total
Estimated costs – current dollars	$	5,317		$	2,620		$	1,887		$	865		$	797		$	12,421		$	23,907
Estimated insurance proceeds		(159	)		(173	)		(159	)		(173	)		(159	)		(1,593	)		(2,416	)
Net anticipated costs	$	5,158		$	2,447		$	1,728		$	692		$	638		$	10,828		$	21,491
Effect of inflation																				7,055
Effect of discounting																				(8,866	)
Balance as of August 31, 2013																			$	19,680

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Note 6 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]

6. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

In January 2008, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to manage its exposure to interest rate movements and the related effect on its variable rate debt. The Company concluded that the interest rate swap met the criteria to qualify as a cash flow hedge under US GAAP. Accordingly, the Company reflected all changes in the fair value of the swap agreement in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of shareholders’ equity. The swap agreement, with a notional amount of $100.0 million, matured on March 14, 2011. The Company paid a fixed rate of 3.51% and received a variable rate tied to the three month LIBOR rate.

The Company has recorded any realized gains or losses from its interest rate swap as an adjustment to interest expense in its Consolidated Statements of Income. For the fiscal year ended August 27, 2011, the Company reclassified a loss from accumulated other comprehensive income into interest expense totaling $1.8 million.

As of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012, there were no fair value amounts recorded by the Company related to this agreement as it matured on March 14, 2011. As of August 31, 2013, the Company had no outstanding derivative instruments.

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Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Amounts recorded in consolidated balance sheet (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012
Pension Plans [Member]
Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Amounts recorded in consolidated balance sheet [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	$ 913	$ 1,089
Accrued liabilities	3,015	3,187
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,458)	(1,740)
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Amounts recorded in consolidated balance sheet [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	1,665	1,648
Accrued liabilities	18,110	16,399
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (2,660)	$ (2,633)

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Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	May 26, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Nonrecurring Gain (in Dollars)	$ 6.7
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Pro Forma Adjustment	$ 0.21

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Note 4 - Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]

Year ended	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012			August 27, 2011
Current:
Federal	$	39,455	$	43,470		$	22,372
Foreign		3,999		3,604			3,664
State		6,722		8,066			5,089
Total current	$	50,176	$	55,140		$	31,125
Deferred:
Federal	$	17,514	$	540		$	11,424
Foreign		151		90			(94	)
State		3,083		(25	)		1,631
Total deferred	$	20,748	$	605		$	12,961
Total	$	70,924	$	55,745		$	44,086

Reconciliation Of Provision For Income Taxes [Table Text Block]

	August 31, 2013			August 25, 2012			August 27, 2011
Income taxes at the statutory federal income tax rate		35.0	%		35.0	%		35.0	%
State income taxes		3.5			3.5			3.7
Adjustments to tax reserves		-0.1			-0.6			-1.1
Foreign tax rate differential		-0.8			-1.0			-1.0
Permanent and other		0.2			0.1			0.0
Total		37.8	%		37.0	%		36.6	%

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]

	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012
Deferred Tax Assets
Payroll and benefit related	$	16,524	$	15,577
Insurance related		13,073		12,928
Environmental		7,133		7,886
Other		11,421		12,588
	$	48,151	$	48,979
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Tax in excess of book depreciation	$	42,512	$	42,282
Purchased intangible assets		28,632		26,666
Rental merchandise in service		38,722		20,992
		109,866		89,940
Net deferred tax liability	$	61,715	$	40,961

Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]

Balance at August 27, 2011	$	2,320
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		137
Statute expirations		(1,406	)
Balance at August 25, 2012	$	1,051
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		350
Statute expirations		(475	)
Balance at August 31, 2013	$	926

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Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Buildings [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment	30 years
Buildings [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment	40 years
Building Components [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment	10 years
Building Components [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment	20 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment	3 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment	10 years
Vehicles [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment	3 years
Vehicles [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives of Property, Plant, and Equipment	5 years

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Note 9 - Accrued Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]

Accrued Liabilities [Text Block]

9. Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet consists of the following (in thousands):

	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012
Current liabilities:
Payroll and benefit related	$	39,119	$	31,825
Insurance related		36,095		35,374
Environmental related		5,158		5,100
Other		6,622		5,875
	$	86,994	$	78,174
Long-term liabilities:
Benefit related	$	19,719	$	18,380
Environmental related		14,522		14,920
Asset retirement obligations		10,796		10,120
	$	45,037	$	43,420
Total accrued liabilities	$	132,031	$	121,594

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Schedule II - Valuation and qualifying accounts and reserves (Details) - Schedule II — Valuation and qualifying accounts and reserves for each of the three years in the peri (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Reserves for Accounts Receivable
Balance, Beginning of Period	$ 5,152	$ 4,201	$ 4,102
Charged to Costs and Expenses	3,939	6,221	3,751
Charges for Which Reserves Were Created or Deductions	(4,197)	(5,270)	(3,652)
Balance, End of Period	4,894	5,152	4,201
Inventory Valuation Reserve [Member]
Reserves for Accounts Receivable
Balance, Beginning of Period	2,322	1,410	1,783
Charged to Costs and Expenses	251	1,465	52
Charges for Which Reserves Were Created or Deductions	(555)	(553)	(425)
Balance, End of Period	$ 2,018	$ 2,322	$ 1,410

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Note 10 - Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) - Asset Retirement Obligations (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Asset Retirement Obligations [Abstract]
Balance	$ 10,120	$ 9,488
Accretion expense	676	632	589
Balance	$ 10,796	$ 10,120	$ 9,488

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Note 5 - Loans Payable and Long-term Debt

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]

Long-term Debt [Text Block]

5. Loans Payable and Long-term Debt

Loans payable and long-term debt outstanding on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):

	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012
Series D, floating rate notes due September 2013 bearing interest at LIBOR plus 50 basis points, which was 0.77% and 0.97% as of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012, respectively.	$	100,000	$	100,000
Other		11,408		6,986
Long-term debt		111,408		106,986
Less – loans payable and current maturities of long-term debt		111,253		6,831
	$	155	$	100,155

Aggregate maturities of loan payable and long-term debt for the five fiscal years subsequent to August 31, 2013 and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):

2014	$	111,253
2015		—
2016		—
2017		—
2018		—
Thereafter		155
Total	$	111,408

On May 5, 2011, the Company entered into a $250.0 million unsecured revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of banks, which matures on May 4, 2016. Under the Credit Agreement, the Company is able to borrow funds at variable interest rates based on, at the Company’s election, the Eurodollar rate or a base rate, plus in each case a spread based on the Company’s consolidated funded debt ratio. Availability of credit requires compliance with certain financial and other covenants, including a maximum consolidated funded debt ratio and minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio as defined in the Credit Agreement. The Company tests its compliance with these financial covenants on a fiscal quarterly basis. At August 31, 2013, the interest rates applicable to the Company’s borrowings under the Credit Agreement would be calculated as LIBOR plus 100 basis points at the time of the respective borrowing. As of August 31, 2013, the Company had no outstanding borrowings, letters of credit outstanding amounting to $47.1 million and $202.9 million available for borrowing under the Credit Agreement.

Prior to May 5, 2011, the Company had a $225.0 million unsecured revolving credit agreement (the “Prior Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of banks, which was scheduled to mature on September 13, 2011. In connection with the Company's entry into the Credit Agreement, the Company terminated the Prior Credit Agreement.

On June 14, 2004, the Company issued $75.0 million of fixed rate notes (“Fixed Rate Notes”) pursuant to a Note Purchase Agreement with a seven year term and bearing interest at 5.27%. The Fixed Rate Notes matured on June 14, 2011 and were repaid with approximately $45.0 million from the Company’s cash reserves and $30.0 million of borrowing under the Company’s Credit Agreement.

On September 14, 2006, the Company issued $100.0 million of floating rates notes (“Floating Rate Notes”) pursuant to a Note Purchase Agreement (“2006 Note Agreement”), which bore interest at LIBOR plus 50 basis points. On September 14, 2013, the Floating Rate Notes matured and were repaid with $100.0 million from the Company’s cash reserves.

As of August 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement and the 2006 Note Agreement.

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Net income	$ 116,685	$ 94,989	$ 76,486
Depreciation	59,810	55,877	54,188
Amortization of intangible assets	9,797	10,562	10,545
Amortization of deferred financing costs	238	238	261
Share-based compensation	6,315	6,714	6,732
Accretion on environmental contingencies	542	631	681
Accretion on asset retirement obligations	676	632	589
Deferred income taxes	20,666	(330)	13,318
Receivables	(6,666)	(7,595)	(20,881)
Inventories	1,146	590	(28,413)
Rental merchandise in service	7,079	(12,017)	(36,369)
Prepaid expenses	(939)	(1,763)	(247)
Accounts payable	2,130	(3,688)	9,796
Accrued liabilities	9,452	3,217	2,654
Prepaid and accrued income taxes	(15,360)	11,360	(3,147)
Net cash provided by operating activities	211,571	159,417	86,193
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(30,714)	0	(32,556)
Capital expenditures	(103,526)	(74,549)	(63,847)
Other	54	(508)	(397)
Net cash used in investing activities	(134,186)	(75,057)	(96,800)
Proceeds from loans payable and long-term debt	4,533	42,711	30,000
Payments on loans payable and long-term debt	(24)	(55,851)	(91,464)
Payments of deferred financing costs			(975)
Proceeds from exercise of Common Stock options, including excess tax benefits	5,488	2,410	1,360
Taxes withheld and paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	(3,332)	0
Payment of cash dividends	(2,851)	(2,840)	(2,830)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	3,814	(13,570)	(63,909)
Effect of exchange rate changes	(3,843)	521	2,070
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	77,356	71,311	(72,446)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	120,123	48,812	121,258
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	197,479	120,123	48,812
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid	1,524	1,890	7,866
Income taxes paid, net of refunds received	$ 63,069	$ 44,732	$ 33,819

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Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012		Aug. 27, 2011
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,355,515	$ 1,256,289		$ 1,134,126
Income before income taxes	187,609	150,734		120,572
Provision for income taxes	70,924	55,745		44,086
Net income	116,685	94,989		76,486
Income allocated to – basic
Income allocated to common stock - basic	116,685	94,989		76,486
Common Class B [Member]
Income per share – basic
Income per share common stock - basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 4.91	$ 4.01		$ 3.24
Income allocated to – basic
Income allocated to common stock - basic	22,913	18,630		15,104
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic (in Shares)	4,666	4,643		4,658
Common Class B [Member] | First Quarter [Member]
Income per share – basic
Income per share common stock - basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.30	$ 1.09
Income allocated to – basic
Income allocated to common stock - basic	6,025	5,068
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic (in Shares)	4,647	4,641
Common Class B [Member] | Second Quarter [Member]
Income per share – basic
Income per share common stock - basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.12	$ 0.81
Income allocated to – basic
Income allocated to common stock - basic	5,209	3,765
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic (in Shares)	4,647	4,640
Common Class B [Member] | Third Quarter [Member]
Income per share – basic
Income per share common stock - basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.21	$ 1.16	[1]
Income allocated to – basic
Income allocated to common stock - basic	5,647	5,381	[1]
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic (in Shares)	4,675	4,644	[1]
Common Class B [Member] | Fourth Quarter [Member]
Income per share – basic
Income per share common stock - basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.29	$ 0.95
Income allocated to – basic
Income allocated to common stock - basic	6,033	4,416
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic (in Shares)	4,694	4,647
First Quarter [Member]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Line Items]
Revenues	332,569	313,025
Income before income taxes	50,426	41,785
Provision for income taxes	19,666	15,983
Net income	30,760	25,802
Income per share – basic
Income per share common stock - basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.62	$ 1.37
Income per share – diluted
Income per share common stock - Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.54	$ 1.30
Income allocated to – basic
Income allocated to common stock - basic	24,191	20,258
Income allocated to – diluted
Income allocated to common stock - diluted	30,244	25,350
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic (in Shares)	14,925	14,838
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – diluted
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted (in Shares)	19,693	19,557
Second Quarter [Member]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Line Items]
Revenues	334,306	309,959
Income before income taxes	43,215	31,086
Provision for income taxes	16,573	11,890
Net income	26,642	19,196
Income per share – basic
Income per share common stock - basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.40	$ 1.01
Income per share – diluted
Income per share common stock - Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.33	$ 0.96
Income allocated to – basic
Income allocated to common stock - basic	20,963	15,081
Income allocated to – diluted
Income allocated to common stock - diluted	26,196	18,863
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic (in Shares)	14,962	14,873
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – diluted
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted (in Shares)	19,747	19,605
Third Quarter [Member]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Line Items]
Revenues	335,764	320,931	[1]
Income before income taxes	45,831	42,360	[1]
Provision for income taxes	17,109	14,901	[1]
Net income	28,722	27,459	[1]
Income per share – basic
Income per share common stock - basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.51	$ 1.45	[1]
Income per share – diluted
Income per share common stock - Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.43	$ 1.37	[1]
Income allocated to – basic
Income allocated to common stock - basic	22,638	21,587	[1]
Income allocated to – diluted
Income allocated to common stock - diluted	28,307	26,993	[1]
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic (in Shares)	14,993	14,905	[1]
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – diluted
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted (in Shares)	19,820	19,646	[1]
Fourth Quarter [Member]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Line Items]
Revenues	352,876	312,374
Income before income taxes	48,137	35,503
Provision for income taxes	17,576	12,971
Net income	30,561	22,532
Income per share – basic
Income per share common stock - basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.61	$ 1.19
Income per share – diluted
Income per share common stock - Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.52	$ 1.13
Income allocated to – basic
Income allocated to common stock - basic	24,123	17,717
Income allocated to – diluted
Income allocated to common stock - diluted	$ 30,178	$ 22,153
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic (in Shares)	15,017	14,912
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – diluted
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted (in Shares)	19,882	19,664

[1] In the third fiscal quarter of 2012, operating results benefited from a settlement of environmental litigation that resulted in the Company recording a $6.7 million pre-tax gain. This gain translated into a $0.21 benefit to the Company's diluted earnings per share.

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Note 4 - Income Taxes (Details) - Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012
Deferred Tax Assets
Payroll and benefit related	$ 16,524	$ 15,577
Insurance related	13,073	12,928
Environmental	7,133	7,886
Other	11,421	12,588
	48,151	48,979
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Tax in excess of book depreciation	42,512	42,282
Purchased intangible assets	28,632	26,666
Rental merchandise in service	38,722	20,992
	109,866	89,940
Net deferred tax liability	$ 61,715	$ 40,961

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Note 2 - Acquisitions (Details) - Acquisitions (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 27, 2011
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Number of businesses acquired	7	9
Tangible assets acquired	$ 7,494	$ 6,189
Intangible assets and goodwill acquired	23,326	26,367
Liabilities assumed	(106)
Acquisition of businesses	$ 30,714	$ 32,556

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Note 13 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) (Common Class B [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Common Class B [Member]
Note 13 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock Dividend Rate Percentage	125.00%
Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted (in Shares)	12,000

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Note 8 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block]

Year ended	August 31, 2013		Weighted Average Life in Years		August 25, 2012		Weighted Average Life in Years
Goodwill	$	14,448	-		$	29	-
Customer contracts		8,146		15.0		402		11.6
Other intangible assets		732		5.0		25		13.8
Total intangible assets and goodwill acquired	$	23,326			$	456

Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]

Balance as of August 27, 2011	$	288,249
Goodwill recorded during the period		29
Other		(141	)
Balance as of August 25, 2012	$	288,137
Goodwill recorded during the period		14,448
Other		(222	)
Balance as of August 31, 2013	$	302,363

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]

	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
August 31, 2013
Customer contracts	$	152,672	$	105,275	$	47,397
Other intangible assets		28,517		26,570		1,947
	$	181,189	$	131,845	$	49,344
August 25, 2012
Customer contracts	$	144,842	$	96,262	$	48,580
Other intangible assets		27,910		25,959		1,951
	$	172,752	$	122,221	$	50,531

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]

2014	$	8,733
2015		8,040
2016		7,423
2017		6,764
2018		6,262
Thereafter		12,122
	$	49,344

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Note 12 - Share-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of share based activity (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Summary of share based activity [Abstract]
Outstanding, August 25, 2012	560,270
Outstanding, August 25, 2012 (in Dollars per share)	$ 41.74
Granted	127,870
Granted (in Dollars per share)	$ 70.08
Exercised	(97,600)
Exercised (in Dollars per share)	$ 38.39
Forfeited	(6,000)
Forfeited (in Dollars per share)	$ 44.80
Outstanding, August 31, 2013	584,540
Outstanding, August 31, 2013 (in Dollars per share)	$ 48.47
Exercisable, August 31, 2013	100,340
Exercisable, August 31, 2013 (in Dollars per share)	$ 44.78

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Note 16 - Subsequent Events (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], Floating Rate Note [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended
	Sep. 14, 2013
Subsequent Event [Member] | Floating Rate Note [Member]
Note 16 - Subsequent Events (Details) [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt (in Dollars)	$ 100.0
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.50%

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Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Future benefit payments (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Future benefit payments [Line Items]
	$ 8,000	$ 8,300
Pension Plans [Member]
Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Future benefit payments [Line Items]
2014	752
2015	504
2016	337
2017	469
2018	412
Thereafter	5,480
	7,954	8,301	7,372
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Future benefit payments [Line Items]
2014	655
2015	734
2016	898
2017	906
2018	929
Thereafter	13,988
	$ 18,110	$ 16,399	$ 14,944

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Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$ 17,000,000	$ 11,500,000	$ 10,600,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	8,000,000	8,300,000
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Pension Expense	1,900,000	1,800,000	1,700,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	18,110,000	16,399,000	14,944,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	14,400,000	12,900,000
UniFirst Plan [Member]
Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	400,000	300,000	300,000
Textilease Plan [Member]
Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$ 100,000	$ 100,000	$ 100,000

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Note 14 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - The components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 25, 2012		Aug. 27, 2011
The components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Translation	$ 11,644		$ 13,848
Pension- related	(4,373)		(4,011)
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	7,271		9,837
Foreign Currency Translation	(6,081)		(2,204)		6,562
Pension- related	255	[1]	(362)	[1]	420	[1]
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(5,826)		(2,566)		7,974
Foreign Currency Translation	5,563		11,644		13,848
Pension- related	(4,118)		(4,373)		(4,011)
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$ 1,445		$ 7,271		$ 9,837

[1] These amounts are shown net of the effect of income taxes.

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Note 12 - Share-based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]

12. Share-based Compensation

In fiscal 2013 and 2012, a total of 1,590 and 3,153 shares of unrestricted stock, respectively, were granted to some of the Company’s non-employee directors. In fiscal 2011, a total of 6,000 shares of restricted stock were granted to the Company’s non-employee Directors subject to vesting in full one year from the date of grant. Accordingly, compensation expense related to the 2013 and 2012 unrestricted stock was recognized on the date of grant while the compensation expense related to the 2011 restricted stock was recognized ratably over the vesting period.

In fiscal 2013 and 2012, the Company granted a total of 6,570 and 8,620 stock appreciation rights, respectively, under the 2010 Plan to the Company’s non-employee directors. Such stock appreciation rights were fully vested upon grant, expire on the earlier of the eighth anniversary of the grant date or the second anniversary of the date that the director ceases to be a member of the Board of Directors and must be settled in stock at the time of exercise. Accordingly, compensation expense related to the stock appreciation rights were recognized on the date of grant.

On April 5, 2010, the Company entered into a Restricted Stock Award Agreement (the “Performance Criteria Restricted Stock Award Agreement”) with its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) pursuant to which the Company granted 350,000 shares (the “Performance Restricted Shares”) of restricted common stock to the CEO. The Performance Restricted Shares were earned when the Company achieved certain consolidated revenues and adjusted operating margins as set forth in the Performance Criteria Restricted Stock Award Agreement during certain performance periods in fiscal 2010, fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2012 as set forth in such agreement (collectively, the “Performance Criteria”). As of August 31, 2013, the performance criteria for fiscal 2010, fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2012 have been achieved and the related restricted shares have been earned. The Performance Restricted Shares earned upon achievement of the Performance Criteria will vest in four equal amounts on the third, fourth, fifth and sixth anniversaries of the grant date provided that the CEO continues to be employed by the Company on each such date. As the Company believed that it was probable that the Performance Criteria would be met, compensation expense began being recognized as of the grant date of these shares. As required by accounting rules, the Company is recognizing compensation expense for each vesting tranche of the Performance Restricted Shares ratably from the service inception date to the vesting date for each tranche. In the event Mr. Croatti’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company without cause or by reason of his death or disability, the Performance Restricted Shares will automatically vest in full.

Also on April 5, 2010, the Company entered into a Restricted Stock Award Agreement (the “Restricted Stock Award Agreement”) with the CEO pursuant to which the Company granted 50,000 shares (the “Restricted Shares”) of restricted common stock to the CEO. The Restricted Shares will vest in equal amounts on each of the first six anniversaries of the grant date provided that the CEO continues to be employed by the Company on each such date. Compensation expense related to the Restricted Shares is being recognized ratably over the vesting period. In the event Mr. Croatti’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company without cause or by reason of his death or disability, the Restricted Shares will automatically vest in full.

For the Performance Criteria Restricted Stock Award Agreement and the Restricted Stock Award Agreement, the fair value of the restricted shares was the closing price on April 5, 2010, which was $51.39.

Compensation expense for all share-based compensation, which includes Share-Based Awards and restricted stock grants, for the five fiscal years subsequent to August 31, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):

	Share-Based Awards		Restricted Stock		Total
2014	$	1,360	$	2,725	$	4,085
2015		1,048		1,697		2,745
2016		754		680		1,434
2017		482		—		482
2018		75		—		75
Total	$	3,719	$	5,102	$	8,821

As of August 31, 2013, the total compensation cost not yet recognized related to non-vested share-based compensation grants was approximately $8.8 million. The weighted average periods over which compensation cost for Share-Based Awards and restricted stock will be recognized are 2.4 years and 1.6 years, respectively.

The following table summarizes the Share-Based Award activity for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013:

	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, August 25, 2012		560,270		$	41.74
Granted		127,870			70.08
Exercised		(97,600	)		38.39
Forfeited		(6,000	)		44.80
Outstanding, August 31, 2013		584,540		$	48.47
Exercisable, August 31, 2013		100,340		$	44.78

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Note 8 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]

8. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

As discussed in Note 2, Acquisitions, when the Company acquires a business the amount assigned to the tangible assets and liabilities and intangible assets acquired is based on their respective fair values determined as of the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the tangible assets and liabilities and intangible assets is recorded as goodwill. The following details the changes in the Company’s intangible assets and goodwill related to the Company’s acquisitions as well as its asset purchases for the years ended August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012 as well as the respective periods over which the assets will be amortized (in thousands, except weighted average life in years). These amounts include additional payments associated with prior year acquisitions as well as changes to acquisition purchase allocations that had not been finalized as of the end of the prior fiscal year:

Year ended	August 31, 2013		Weighted Average Life in Years		August 25, 2012		Weighted Average Life in Years
Goodwill	$	14,448	-		$	29	-
Customer contracts		8,146		15.0		402		11.6
Other intangible assets		732		5.0		25		13.8
Total intangible assets and goodwill acquired	$	23,326			$	456

The Company does not amortize goodwill, but it is reviewed annually or more frequently if certain indicators arise, for impairment. There were no impairment losses related to goodwill or intangible assets during the years ended August 31, 2013, August 25, 2012 or August 27, 2011.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows (in thousands):

Balance as of August 27, 2011	$	288,249
Goodwill recorded during the period		29
Other		(141	)
Balance as of August 25, 2012	$	288,137
Goodwill recorded during the period		14,448
Other		(222	)
Balance as of August 31, 2013	$	302,363

As of August 31, 2013, the Company has allocated $297.7 million, $4.1 million and $0.6 million of goodwill to its US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning, Specialty Garments and First Aid segments, respectively.

Intangible assets, net in the Company’s accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):

	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
August 31, 2013
Customer contracts	$	152,672	$	105,275	$	47,397
Other intangible assets		28,517		26,570		1,947
	$	181,189	$	131,845	$	49,344
August 25, 2012
Customer contracts	$	144,842	$	96,262	$	48,580
Other intangible assets		27,910		25,959		1,951
	$	172,752	$	122,221	$	50,531

Estimated amortization expense for the five fiscal years subsequent to August 31, 2013 and thereafter, based on intangible assets, net as of August 31, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):

2014	$	8,733
2015		8,040
2016		7,423
2017		6,764
2018		6,262
Thereafter		12,122
	$	49,344

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Note 8 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Goodwill and other intangible assets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012
Note 8 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Goodwill and other intangible assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 14,448	$ 29
Balance	23,326	456
Customer Contracts [Member]
Note 8 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Goodwill and other intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance	8,146	402
Weighted average life in years	15 years	11 years 219 days
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Note 8 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Goodwill and other intangible assets [Line Items]
Balance	$ 732	$ 25
Weighted average life in years	5 years	13 years 292 days

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Note 15 - Segment Reporting

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]

15. Segment Reporting

Operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise for which separate discrete financial information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision-maker, or decision-making group, in making decisions on how to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is the Company’s chief executive officer. The Company has six operating segments based on the information reviewed by its chief executive officer; US Rental and Cleaning, Canadian Rental and Cleaning, Manufacturing (“MFG”), Corporate, Specialty Garments Rental and Cleaning (“Specialty Garments”) and First Aid. The US Rental and Cleaning and Canadian Rental and Cleaning operating segments have been combined to form the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment, and as a result, the Company has five reporting segments.

The US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment purchases, rents, cleans, delivers and sells, uniforms and protective clothing and non-garment items in the United States and Canada. The laundry locations of the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment are referred to by the Company as “industrial laundries” or “industrial laundry locations.”

The MFG operating segment designs and manufactures uniforms and non-garment items solely for the purpose of providing these goods to the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment. MFG revenues are generated when goods are shipped from the Company’s manufacturing facilities, or its subcontract manufacturers, to other Company locations. These revenues are recorded at a transfer price which is typically in excess of the actual manufacturing cost. Products are carried in inventory and subsequently placed in service and amortized at this transfer price. On a consolidated basis, intercompany revenues and income are eliminated and the carrying value of inventories and rental merchandise in service is reduced to the manufacturing cost. Income before income taxes from MFG net of the intercompany MFG elimination offsets the merchandise amortization costs incurred by the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment as the merchandise costs of this reporting segment are amortized and recognized based on inventories purchased from MFG at the transfer price which is above the Company’s manufacturing cost.

The Corporate operating segment consists of costs associated with the Company’s distribution center, sales and marketing, information systems, engineering, materials management, manufacturing planning, finance, budgeting, human resources, other general and administrative costs and interest expense. The revenues generated from the Corporate operating segment represent certain direct sales made by the Company directly from its distribution center. The products sold by this operating segment are the same products rented and sold by the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment. In the table below, no assets or capital expenditures are presented for the Corporate operating segment because no assets are allocated to this operating segment in the information reviewed by the chief executive officer. However, depreciation and amortization expense related to certain assets are reflected in income from operations and income before income taxes for the Corporate operating segment. The assets that give rise to this depreciation and amortization are included in the total assets of the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment as this is how they are tracked and reviewed by the Company. The majority of expenses accounted for within the Corporate segment relate to costs of the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning segment, with the remainder of the costs relating to the Specialty Garment and First Aid segments.

The Specialty Garments operating segment purchases, rents, cleans, delivers and sells, specialty garments and non-garment items primarily for nuclear and cleanroom applications and provides cleanroom cleaning services at limited customer locations. The First Aid operating segment sells first aid cabinet services and other safety supplies as well as maintains wholesale distribution and pill packaging operations.

The Company refers to the US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning, MFG, and Corporate reporting segments combined as its “Core Laundry Operations,” which is included as a subtotal in the following tables (in thousands):

As of and for the year ended August 31, 2013	US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning			MFG		Net Interco MFG Elim			Corporate			Subtotal Core Laundry Operations			Specialty Garments		First Aid		Total
Revenues	$	1,200,286		$	170,867	$	(170,867	)	$	14,079		$	1,214,365		$	96,688	$	44,462	$	1,355,515
Income (loss) from operations	$	200,852		$	61,896	$	(9,729	)	$	(82,357	)	$	170,662		$	10,539	$	5,002	$	186,203
Interest (income) expense, net	$	(2,944	)	$	—	$	—		$	1,394		$	(1,550	)	$	—	$	—	$	(1,550	)
Income (loss) before taxes	$	203,798		$	61,749	$	(9,729	)	$	(83,783	)	$	172,035		$	10,572	$	5,002	$	187,609
Depreciation and amortization	$	46,793		$	1,033	$	—		$	15,296		$	63,122		$	5,114	$	1,371	$	69,607
Capital expenditures	$	97,519		$	3,559	$	—		$	—		$	101,078		$	1,962	$	486	$	103,526
Total assets	$	1,240,487		$	31,781	$	—		$	—		$	1,272,268		$	79,640	$	21,517	$	1,373,425

As of and for the year ended August 25, 2012	US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning			MFG		Net Interco MFG Elim			Corporate			Subtotal Core Laundry Operations			Specialty Garments		First Aid		Total
Revenues	$	1,099,421		$	160,421	$	(160,421	)	$	12,902		$	1,112,323		$	102,758	$	41,208	$	1,256,289
Income (loss) from operations	$	164,793		$	50,036	$	(5,168	)	$	(76,376	)	$	133,285		$	13,460	$	4,363	$	151,108
Interest (income) expense, net	$	(2,535	)	$	—	$	—		$	1,929		$	(606	)	$	—	$	—	$	(606	)
Income (loss) before taxes	$	167,284		$	50,101	$	(5,168	)	$	(78,345	)	$	133,872		$	12,499	$	4,363	$	150,734
Depreciation and amortization	$	43,501		$	1,133	$	—		$	15,599		$	60,233		$	4,788	$	1,418	$	66,439
Capital expenditures	$	66,526		$	1,306	$	—		$	—		$	67,832		$	6,044	$	673	$	74,549
Total assets	$	1,108,362		$	28,099	$	—		$	—		$	1,136,461		$	83,137	$	20,936	$	1,240,534

As of and for the year ended August 27, 2011	US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning			MFG		Net Interco MFG Elim			Corporate			Subtotal Core Laundry Operations		Specialty Garments		First Aid		Total
Revenues	$	986,028		$	160,042	$	(160,042	)	$	10,929		$	996,957	$	103,322	$	33,847	$	1,134,126
Income (loss) from operations	$	144,431		$	48,839	$	(8,807	)	$	(78,738	)	$	105,725	$	15,292	$	2,956	$	123,973
Interest (income) expense, net	$	(2,307	)	$	—	$	—		$	6,493		$	4,186	$	—	$	—	$	4,186
Income (loss) before taxes	$	146,745		$	48,748	$	(8,807	)	$	(85,146	)	$	101,540	$	16,076	$	2,956	$	120,572
Depreciation and amortization	$	41,322		$	1,194	$	—		$	16,252		$	58,768	$	4,500	$	1,465	$	64,733
Capital expenditures	$	55,799		$	2,653	$	—		$	—		$	58,452	$	5,028	$	367	$	63,847
Total assets	$	1,015,977		$	28,879	$	—		$	—		$	1,044,856	$	76,351	$	20,313	$	1,141,520

The Company’s long-lived assets as of August 31, 2013 and August 25, 2012 and revenues and income before income taxes for the years ended August 31, 2013, August 25, 2012 and August 27, 2011 were attributed to the following countries (in thousands):

Long-lived assets as of:	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012
United States	$	769,121	$	706,379
Europe, Canada, Mexico and Nicaragua (1)		42,930		46,475
Total	$	812,051	$	752,854

Revenues for the year ended:	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012		August 27, 2011
United States	$	1,236,414	$	1,144,753	$	1,029,003
Europe and Canada (1)		119,101		111,536		105,123
Total	$	1,355,515	$	1,256,289	$	1,134,126

Income before income taxes for the year ended:	August 31, 2013		August 25, 2012		August 27, 2011
United States	$	171,899	$	134,651	$	105,257
Europe, Canada, Mexico and Nicaragua (1)		15,710		16,083		15,315
Total	$	187,609	$	150,734	$	120,572

(1) No country accounts for greater than 10% of total long-lived assets, revenues or income before income taxes

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Note 13 - Shareholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]

13. Shareholders’ Equity

The Company has two classes of common stock: Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote, is freely transferable, and is entitled to a cash dividend equal to 125% of any cash dividend paid on each share of Class B Common Stock. Each share of Class B Common Stock is entitled to ten votes and can be converted to Common Stock on a share-for-share basis. However, until converted to Common Stock, shares of Class B Common Stock are not freely transferable. For the year ended August 31, 2013, a total of 12,000 shares of Class B Common Stock were converted to Common Stock.

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Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 22, 2013	Oct. 18, 2013 Common Class A [Member]	Oct. 18, 2013 Common Class B [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	UNIFIRST CORP
Document Type	10-K
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			15,130,524	4,873,277
Entity Public Float		$ 1,238,810,412
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0000717954
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Document Period End Date	Aug. 31, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

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Note 15 - Segment Reporting (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of Operating Segments	6
Number of Reportable Segments	5

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Note 14 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]

14. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, are as follows (in thousands):

	Foreign Currency Translation			Pension- related			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance, August 27, 2011	$	13,848		$	(4,011	)	$	9,837
Change during the year		(2,204	)		(362	)		(2,566	)
Balance, August 25, 2012		11,644			(4,373	)		7,271
Change during the year		(6,081	)		255			(5,826	)
Balance, August 31, 2013	$	5,563		$	(4,118	)	$	1,445

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Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Obligations and funded status related to its Pension Plans and SERP (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Change in benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	$ 8,000	$ 8,300
Pension Plans [Member]
Change in benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	8,301	7,372
Service cost	178	152	149
Interest cost	268	322	328
Actuarial (gain) loss	(379)	937
Benefits paid	(259)	(299)
Settlements	(155)	(183)
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	7,954	8,301	7,372
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	5,114	5,145
Actual return on plan assets	33	202
Employer contributions	206	249
Benefits paid	(259)	(299)
Settlements	(155)	(183)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	4,939	5,114	5,145
Funded status (net amount recognized):	(3,015)	(3,187)
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan [Member]
Change in benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	16,399	14,944
Service cost	547	512	486
Interest cost	912	858	764
Actuarial (gain) loss	827	622
Benefits paid	(575)	(537)
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	18,110	16,399	14,944
Change in plan assets:
Benefits paid	(575)	(537)
Funded status (net amount recognized):	$ (18,110)	$ (16,399)

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Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - The components of net periodic benefit cost (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Pension Plans [Member]
Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - The components of net periodic benefit cost [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 178	$ 152	$ 149
Interest cost	268	322	328
Expected return on assets	(198)	(199)	(202)
Amortization of prior service cost	62	62	62
Amortization of unrecognized loss	138	65	78
Other events	44	43	65
Net periodic benefit cost	492	445	480
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan [Member]
Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - The components of net periodic benefit cost [Line Items]
Service cost	547	512	486
Interest cost	912	858	764
Amortization of prior service cost	368	368	368
Amortization of unrecognized loss	104	107	131
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 1,931	$ 1,845	$ 1,749

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Note 15 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Segment Reporting (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,355,515	$ 1,256,289	$ 1,134,126
Income (loss) from operations	186,203	151,108	123,973
Interest (income) expense, net	(1,550)	(606)	4,186
Income (loss) before taxes	187,609	150,734	120,572
Depreciation and amortization	69,607	66,439	64,733
Capital expenditures	103,526	74,549	63,847
Total assets	1,373,425	1,240,534	1,141,520
U.S. And Canadian Rental And Cleaning [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,200,286	1,099,421	986,028
Income (loss) from operations	200,852	164,793	144,431
Interest (income) expense, net	(2,944)	(2,535)	(2,307)
Income (loss) before taxes	203,798	167,284	146,745
Depreciation and amortization	46,793	43,501	41,322
Capital expenditures	97,519	66,526	55,799
Total assets	1,240,487	1,108,362	1,015,977
MFG [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	170,867	160,421	160,042
Income (loss) from operations	61,896	50,036	48,839
Income (loss) before taxes	61,749	50,101	48,748
Depreciation and amortization	1,033	1,133	1,194
Capital expenditures	3,559	1,306	2,653
Total assets	31,781	28,099	28,879
Net Interco MFG Elimination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	(170,867)	(160,421)	(160,042)
Income (loss) from operations	(9,729)	(5,168)	(8,807)
Income (loss) before taxes	(9,729)	(5,168)	(8,807)
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	14,079	12,902	10,929
Income (loss) from operations	(82,357)	(76,376)	(78,738)
Interest (income) expense, net	1,394	1,929	6,493
Income (loss) before taxes	(83,783)	(78,345)	(85,146)
Depreciation and amortization	15,296	15,599	16,252
Subtotal Core Laundry Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,214,365	1,112,323	996,957
Income (loss) from operations	170,662	133,285	105,725
Interest (income) expense, net	(1,550)	(606)	4,186
Income (loss) before taxes	172,035	133,872	101,540
Depreciation and amortization	63,122	60,233	58,768
Capital expenditures	101,078	67,832	58,452
Total assets	1,272,268	1,136,461	1,044,856
Specialty Garments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	96,688	102,758	103,322
Income (loss) from operations	10,539	13,460	15,292
Income (loss) before taxes	10,572	12,499	16,076
Depreciation and amortization	5,114	4,788	4,500
Capital expenditures	1,962	6,044	5,028
Total assets	79,640	83,137	76,351
First Aid [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	44,462	41,208	33,847
Income (loss) from operations	5,002	4,363	2,956
Income (loss) before taxes	5,002	4,363	2,956
Depreciation and amortization	1,371	1,418	1,465
Capital expenditures	486	673	367
Total assets	$ 21,517	$ 20,936	$ 20,313