Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 1,517,560
Goodwill acquired	13,069
Foreign currency translation	377
Balance at the end of the period	1,531,006
Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	944,325
Goodwill acquired	0
Foreign currency translation	(271)
Balance at the end of the period	944,054
Uniform Direct Sales [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	23,942
Goodwill acquired	0
Foreign currency translation	(7)
Balance at the end of the period	23,935
First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	216,989
Goodwill acquired	4,866
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at the end of the period	221,855
Document Management [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	332,304
Goodwill acquired	8,203
Foreign currency translation	655
Balance at the end of the period	$ 341,162