Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets - Service Contracts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2021	May 31, 2020
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance at the end of the period	$ 719,864
Service contracts
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	451,529	$ 494,595
Service contracts acquired	6,237	14,671
Service contracts amortization	(57,767)	(56,321)
Foreign currency translation	8,446	(1,416)
Balance at the end of the period	408,445	451,529
Uniform rental and facility services | Service contracts
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	407,611	445,016
Service contracts acquired	2,369	11,058
Service contracts amortization	(49,016)	(47,070)
Foreign currency translation	8,177	(1,393)
Balance at the end of the period	369,141	407,611
First Aid and Safety Services | Service contracts
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	19,805	23,380
Service contracts acquired	2,132	325
Service contracts amortization	(3,912)	(3,877)
Foreign currency translation	269	(23)
Balance at the end of the period	18,294	19,805
All Other | Service contracts
Service contracts [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	24,113	26,199
Service contracts acquired	1,736	3,288
Service contracts amortization	(4,839)	(5,374)
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	$ 21,010	$ 24,113