Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2011
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 102,312	$ 103,445
Service contracts acquired	6,654	30,876
Service contracts amortization	(30,170)	(34,500)
Foreign currency translation	(1,974)	2,491
Balance at the end of the period	76,822	102,312
Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products [Member]
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	44,628	48,711
Service contracts acquired	1,346	13,090
Service contracts amortization	(15,569)	(19,081)
Foreign currency translation	(1,249)	1,908
Balance at the end of the period	29,156	44,628
Uniform Direct Sales [Member]
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	0	0
Service contracts acquired	0	0
Service contracts amortization	0	0
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	0	0
First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection [Member]
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	35,878	35,599
Service contracts acquired	838	7,498
Service contracts amortization	(7,382)	(7,219)
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	29,334	35,878
Document Management [Member]
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	21,806	19,135
Service contracts acquired	4,470	10,288
Service contracts amortization	(7,219)	(8,200)
Foreign currency translation	(725)	583
Balance at the end of the period	$ 18,332	$ 21,806