Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2014	May 31, 2013	May 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 374,442	$ 315,442	$ 297,637
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	168,220	165,664	155,831
Amortization of intangible assets	22,642	23,713	38,334
Stock-based compensation	29,875	23,310	20,312
Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding	(106,441)	0	0
Shredding transaction asset impairment charge	16,143	0	0
Shredding transaction costs	26,057	0	0
Deferred income taxes	47,109	48,023	56,727
Change in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:
Accounts receivable, net	(56,231)	(42,704)	(24,261)
Inventories, net	(11,062)	10,997	(2,330)
Uniforms and other rental items in service	(11,435)	(44,179)	(60,279)
Prepaid expenses	(2,177)	(3,281)	(1,496)
Accounts payable	30,446	25,023	(12,557)
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	10,931	(13,161)	11,625
Accrued liabilities and other	54,237	31,873	(20,371)
Income taxes, current	15,213	12,028	10,690
Net cash provided by operating activities	607,969	552,748	469,862
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(145,580)	(196,486)	(160,802)
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities	54,196	161,478	665,016
Purchase of marketable securities and investments	(65,858)	(178,464)	(585,655)
Proceeds from Shredding transaction, net of cash contributed	179,359	0	0
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(33,441)	(69,370)	(24,864)
Other	(5,219)	(1,339)	2,011
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(16,543)	(284,181)	(104,294)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	0	250,000	0
Repayment of debt	(8,187)	(225,636)	(1,323)
Proceeds from exercise of stock-based compensation awards	41,902	14,807	3,341
Dividends paid	(93,320)	(79,744)	(70,820)
Repurchase of common stock	(370,599)	(215,681)	(392,328)
Other	469	196	555
Net cash used in financing activities	(429,735)	(256,058)	(460,575)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(676)	(61)	(3,274)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	161,015	12,448	(98,281)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	352,273	339,825	438,106
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 513,288	$ 352,273	$ 339,825