Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 229,465	$ 219,023
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	123,242	115,566
Amortization of intangible assets	17,884	29,520
Stock-based compensation	16,660	15,023
Deferred income taxes	63,799	(995)
Change in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:
Accounts receivable, net	(41,402)	(11,760)
Inventories, net	4,437	(26,958)
Uniforms and other rental items in service	(28,803)	(40,435)
Prepaid expenses and other	9	(5,977)
Accounts payable	13,475	6,372
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	(680)	3,251
Accrued liabilities	(35,682)	9,327
Income taxes payable	5,939	(4,243)
Net cash provided by operating activities	368,343	307,714
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(151,799)	(117,716)
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities	97,651	519,955
Purchase of marketable securities and investments	(135,398)	(576,404)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(64,625)	(20,882)
Other, net	(662)	1,853
Net cash used in investing activities	(254,833)	(193,194)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	250,000	0
Repayment of debt	(225,472)	(1,216)
Proceeds from exercise of stock-based compensation awards	7,156	356
Dividends paid	(79,744)	(70,820)
Repurchase of common stock	(187,076)	(262,682)
Other, net	(1,385)	1,390
Net cash used in financing activities	(236,521)	(332,972)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	656	(1,671)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(122,355)	(220,123)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	339,825	438,106
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 217,470	$ 217,983