Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 154,760	$ 142,988
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	81,321	76,922
Amortization of intangible assets	11,973	20,104
Stock-based compensation	11,084	9,756
Deferred income taxes	55,245	(11,767)
Change in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:
Accounts receivable, net	(24,528)	(20,850)
Inventories, net	15,460	(39,268)
Uniforms and other rental items in service	(28,105)	(29,630)
Prepaid expenses and other	(202)	(5,128)
Accounts payable	23,019	1,843
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	(36,899)	(15,314)
Accrued liabilities	(36,464)	26,306
Income taxes payable	599	19,996
Net cash provided by operating activities	227,263	175,958
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(99,062)	(79,832)
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities	41,453	140,162
Purchase of marketable securities and investments	(80,054)	(193,527)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(53,243)	(14,551)
Other, net	(673)	5,772
Net cash used in investing activities	(191,579)	(141,976)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	250,000	0
Repayment of debt	(225,312)	(903)
Proceeds from exercise of stock-based compensation awards	2,357	78
Repurchase of common stock	(159,175)	(262,682)
Other, net	(2,476)	1,454
Net cash used in financing activities	(134,606)	(262,053)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	1,584	(2,263)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(97,338)	(230,334)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	339,825	438,106
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 242,487	$ 207,772