Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014 segment	Feb. 28, 2013	May 31, 2013
Disclosures related to operating segments
Number of operating segments (segment)			4
Revenue	$ 1,130,237	$ 1,075,674	$ 3,394,333	$ 3,187,385
Income (loss) before income taxes	133,788	116,853	393,974	362,504
Total assets	4,400,441	4,226,099	4,400,441	4,226,099	4,345,632
Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products
Disclosures related to operating segments
Revenue	801,702	748,887	2,398,884	2,259,569
Income (loss) before income taxes	128,382	102,547	371,845	335,505
Total assets	2,852,065	2,814,686	2,852,065	2,814,686
Uniform Direct Sales
Disclosures related to operating segments
Revenue	107,678	126,129	337,023	336,611
Income (loss) before income taxes	9,254	16,050	31,799	35,195
Total assets	138,994	167,835	138,994	167,835
First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection
Disclosures related to operating segments
Revenue	126,743	112,878	377,203	335,232
Income (loss) before income taxes	10,654	10,530	32,685	29,205
Total assets	419,647	392,820	419,647	392,820
Document Management
Disclosures related to operating segments
Revenue	94,114	87,780	281,223	255,973
Income (loss) before income taxes	1,872	3,896	6,875	11,435
Total assets	636,036	605,072	636,036	605,072
Corporate
Disclosures related to operating segments
Revenue	0	0	0	0
Income (loss) before income taxes	(16,374)	(16,170)	(49,230)	(48,836)
Total assets	$ 353,699	$ 245,686	$ 353,699	$ 245,686