Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets (Changes in Carrying Amount of Service Contracts) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 92,153
Service contracts acquired	6,151
Service contracts amortization	(5,319)
Foreign currency translation	134
Balance at the end of the period	93,119
Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products [Member]
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	23,135
Service contracts acquired	0
Service contracts amortization	(1,497)
Foreign currency translation	(2)
Balance at the end of the period	21,636
Uniform Direct Sales [Member]
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	0
Service contracts acquired	0
Service contracts amortization	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at the end of the period	0
First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection [Member]
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	32,811
Service contracts acquired	2,876
Service contracts amortization	(2,013)
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at the end of the period	33,674
Document Management [Member]
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	36,207
Service contracts acquired	3,275
Service contracts amortization	(1,809)
Foreign currency translation	136
Balance at the end of the period	$ 37,809