Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets (Changes in Carrying Amount of Service Contracts) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance as of June 1, 2013	$ 92,153
Service contracts acquired	6,605
Service contracts amortization	(10,827)
Foreign currency translation	463
Balance as of November 30, 2013	88,394
Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance as of June 1, 2013	23,135
Service contracts acquired	0
Service contracts amortization	(2,994)
Foreign currency translation	(2)
Balance as of November 30, 2013	20,139
Uniform Direct Sales
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance as of June 1, 2013	0
Service contracts acquired	0
Service contracts amortization	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance as of November 30, 2013	0
First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance as of June 1, 2013	32,811
Service contracts acquired	2,926
Service contracts amortization	(4,088)
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance as of November 30, 2013	31,649
Document Management
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance as of June 1, 2013	36,207
Service contracts acquired	3,679
Service contracts amortization	(3,745)
Foreign currency translation	465
Balance as of November 30, 2013	$ 36,606