Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2011
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 1,487,882	$ 1,356,925
Goodwill acquired (adj.)	2,629	124,872
Foreign currency translation	(5,136)	6,085
Balance at the end of the period	1,485,375	1,487,882
Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	943,177	861,117
Goodwill acquired (adj.)	2,163	80,699
Foreign currency translation	(891)	1,361
Balance at the end of the period	944,449	943,177
Uniform Direct Sales [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	23,995	23,928
Goodwill acquired (adj.)	0	0
Foreign currency translation	(27)	67
Balance at the end of the period	23,968	23,995
First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	192,944	181,967
Goodwill acquired (adj.)	(479)	10,977
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	192,465	192,944
Document Management [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	327,766	289,913
Goodwill acquired (adj.)	945	33,196
Foreign currency translation	(4,218)	4,657
Balance at the end of the period	$ 324,493	$ 327,766