Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 1,267,411	$ 1,517,560
Goodwill acquired	8,648	13,716
Goodwill divested	(75,660)	(265,487)
Foreign currency translation	(4,787)	1,622
Balance at the end of the period	1,195,612	1,267,411
Corporate
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	78,079	332,304
Goodwill acquired	0	8,794
Goodwill divested	(75,660)	(265,487)
Foreign currency translation	(2,419)	2,468
Balance at the end of the period	0	78,079
Operating Segments | Rental Uniforms & Ancillary Products
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	943,516	944,325
Goodwill acquired	70	0
Goodwill divested	0	0
Foreign currency translation	(2,141)	(809)
Balance at the end of the period	941,445	943,516
Operating Segments | Uniform Direct Sales
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	23,905	23,942
Goodwill acquired	0	0
Goodwill divested	0	0
Foreign currency translation	(227)	(37)
Balance at the end of the period	23,678	23,905
Operating Segments | First Aid, Safety & Fire Protection
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	221,911	216,989
Goodwill acquired	8,578	4,922
Goodwill divested	0	0
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	$ 230,489	$ 221,911