Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 2,846,888	$ 2,782,335
Goodwill acquired	6,637	61,461
Foreign currency translation	(11,084)	3,092
Balance at the end of the period	2,842,441	2,846,888
G & K Services
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Preliminary purchase price allocation adjustment		52,700
Uniform Rental and Facility Services
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	2,505,476	2,448,070
Goodwill acquired	1,153	55,152
Foreign currency translation	(10,227)	2,254
Balance at the end of the period	2,496,402	2,505,476
First Aid and Safety Services
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	244,279	243,112
Goodwill acquired	0	370
Foreign currency translation	(820)	797
Balance at the end of the period	243,459	244,279
All Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	97,133	91,153
Goodwill acquired	5,484	5,939
Foreign currency translation	(37)	41
Balance at the end of the period	$ 102,580	$ 97,133