Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2011	May 31, 2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 297,637	$ 246,989	$ 215,620
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	155,831	150,886	152,059
Amortization of deferred charges	38,334	42,581	41,082
Stock-based compensation	20,312	15,203	15,349
Deferred income taxes	56,727	47,908	13,295
Change in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:
Accounts receivable, net	(24,261)	(48,986)	5,222
Inventories, net	(2,330)	(78,824)	30,293
Uniforms and other rental items in service	(60,279)	(58,180)	4,164
Prepaid expenses	(1,496)	360	3,715
Accounts payable	(12,557)	29,215	8,939
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	11,625	12,493	18,393
Accrued liabilities and other	(20,371)	(2,167)	47,528
Income taxes, current	10,690	(16,592)	9,995
Net cash provided by operating activities	469,862	340,886	565,654
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(160,802)	(182,592)	(111,078)
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities	665,016	139,056	34,712
Purchase of marketable securities and investments	(585,655)	(78,307)	(81,269)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(24,864)	(171,552)	(50,444)
Other	2,011	(5,198)	497
Net cash used in investing activities	(104,294)	(298,593)	(207,582)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	0	1,002,281	0
Repayment of debt	(1,323)	(502,208)	(603)
Exercise of stock-based compensation awards	3,341	0	0
Dividends paid	(70,820)	(71,812)	(73,960)
Repurchase of common stock	(392,328)	(443,690)	(969)
Other	555	(4,609)	(977)
Net cash used in financing activities	(460,575)	(20,038)	(76,509)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(3,274)	4,570	(27)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(98,281)	26,825	281,536
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	438,106	411,281	129,745
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 339,825	$ 438,106	$ 411,281