Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 247,218	$ 229,465
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	127,761	123,242
Amortization of intangible assets	17,524	17,884
Stock-based compensation	22,248	16,660
Deferred income taxes	8,733	31,905
Change in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:
Accounts receivable, net	(34,024)	(41,402)
Inventories, net	(16,130)	4,437
Uniforms and other rental items in service	(4,142)	(28,803)
Prepaid expenses	(1,892)	9
Accounts payable	(7,037)	13,475
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	2,219	(680)
Accrued liabilities	5,025	(3,788)
Income taxes payable	18,270	5,939
Net cash provided by operating activities	385,773	368,343
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(113,615)	(151,799)
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities	49,635	97,651
Purchase of marketable securities and investments	(63,335)	(135,398)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(32,965)	(64,625)
Other, net	(868)	(662)
Net cash used in investing activities	(161,148)	(254,833)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	0	250,000
Repayment of debt	(8,010)	(225,472)
Proceeds from exercise of stock-based compensation awards	29,286	7,156
Dividends paid	(93,314)	(79,744)
Repurchase of common stock	(164,462)	(187,076)
Other, net	10,339	(1,385)
Net cash used in financing activities	(226,161)	(236,521)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(1,878)	656
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(3,414)	(122,355)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	352,273	339,825
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 348,859	$ 217,470