Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets (Changes in Carrying Amount of Service Contracts) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2013	May 31, 2012
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 76,822	$ 102,312
Service contracts acquired	36,083	6,654
Service contracts amortization	(20,704)	(30,170)
Foreign currency translation	(48)	(1,974)
Balance at the end of the period	92,153	76,822
Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products [Member]
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	29,156	44,628
Service contracts acquired	0	1,346
Service contracts amortization	(6,002)	(15,569)
Foreign currency translation	(19)	(1,249)
Balance at the end of the period	23,135	29,156
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	29,334	35,878
Service contracts acquired	11,413	838
Service contracts amortization	(7,936)	(7,382)
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	32,811	29,334
Document Management [Member]
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	18,332	21,806
Service contracts acquired	24,670	4,470
Service contracts amortization	(6,766)	(7,219)
Foreign currency translation	(29)	(725)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 36,207	$ 18,332