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, 2014
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance as of June 1, 2014	$ 55,675
Service contracts acquired	2,376
Service contracts amortization	(3,695)
Amounts reclassed to assets held for sale	(9,897)
Foreign currency translation	(274)
Balance as of August 31, 2014	44,185
Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance as of June 1, 2014	17,171
Service contracts acquired	0
Service contracts amortization	(1,344)
Amounts reclassed to assets held for sale	0
Foreign currency translation	(71)
Balance as of August 31, 2014	15,756
Uniform Direct Sales
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance as of June 1, 2014	0
Service contracts acquired	0
Service contracts amortization	0
Amounts reclassed to assets held for sale	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance as of August 31, 2014	0
First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance as of June 1, 2014	28,034
Service contracts acquired	2,149
Service contracts amortization	(1,754)
Amounts reclassed to assets held for sale	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance as of August 31, 2014	28,429
Corporate
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance as of June 1, 2014	10,470
Service contracts acquired	227
Service contracts amortization	(597)
Amounts reclassed to assets held for sale	(9,897)
Foreign currency translation	(203)
Balance as of August 31, 2014	$ 0