Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2020	May 31, 2019
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 2,842,441	$ 2,846,888
Goodwill acquired	32,382	6,637
Foreign currency translation	(4,803)	(11,084)
Balance at the end of the period	2,870,020	2,842,441
Uniform Rental and Facility Services
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	2,496,402	2,505,476
Goodwill acquired	21,081	1,153
Foreign currency translation	(4,442)	(10,227)
Balance at the end of the period	2,513,041	2,496,402
First Aid and Safety Services
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	243,459	244,279
Goodwill acquired	164	0
Foreign currency translation	(357)	(820)
Balance at the end of the period	243,266	243,459
All Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	102,580	97,133
Goodwill acquired	11,137	5,484
Foreign currency translation	(4)	(37)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 113,713	$ 102,580