Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2013	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2011
Revenue:
Rental uniforms and ancillary products	$ 3,044,587	$ 2,912,261	$ 2,692,248
Other services	1,271,884	1,189,739	1,118,136
Total revenue	4,316,471	4,102,000	3,810,384
Costs and expenses:
Cost of rental uniforms and ancillary products	1,756,297	1,648,551	1,530,456
Cost of other services	773,107	714,841	670,641
Selling and administrative expenses	1,221,856	1,198,981	1,168,944
Operating income	565,211	539,627	440,343
Interest income	(409)	(1,942)	(2,030)
Interest expense	65,712	70,625	49,704
Income before income taxes	499,908	470,944	392,669
Income taxes	184,466	173,307	145,680
Net income	$ 315,442	$ 297,637	$ 246,989
Basic earnings per share (dollars per share)	$ 2.53	$ 2.27	$ 1.68
Diluted earnings per share (dollars per share)	$ 2.52	$ 2.27	$ 1.68
Dividends declared and paid per share (dollars per share)	$ 0.64	$ 0.54	$ 0.49