Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands	12 Months Ended
May 31, 2011	May 31, 2010	May 31, 2009
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 246,989	$ 215,620	$ 226,357
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	150,886	152,059	157,572
Amortization of deferred charges	42,581	41,082	42,534
Impairment of long-lived assets			48,888
Stock-based compensation	15,203	15,349	11,953
Deferred income taxes	47,908	13,295	(1,174)
Change in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:
Accounts receivable, net	(48,986)	5,222	71,149
Inventories, net	(78,824)	30,293	35,136
Uniforms and other rental items in service	(58,180)	4,164	29,661
Prepaid expenses	360	3,715	(4,949)
Accounts payable	29,215	8,939	(24,560)
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	12,493	18,393	(2,012)
Accrued liabilities and other	(2,167)	47,528	(28,991)
Income taxes, current	(16,592)	9,995	(38,042)
Net cash provided by operating activities	340,886	565,654	523,522
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(182,592)	(111,078)	(160,092)
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities	139,056	34,712	116,433
Purchase of marketable securities and investments	(78,307)	(81,269)	(128,402)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(171,552)	(50,444)	(30,909)
Other	(5,198)	497	(251)
Net cash used in investing activities	(298,593)	(207,582)	(203,221)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	1,002,281		7,500
Repayment of debt	(502,208)	(603)	(164,649)
Dividends paid	(71,812)	(73,960)	(72,207)
Repurchase of common stock	(443,690)	(969)	(25,847)
Other	(4,609)	(977)	855
Net cash used in financing activities	(20,038)	(76,509)	(254,348)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	4,570	(27)	(2,432)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	26,825	281,536	63,521
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	411,281	129,745	66,224
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 438,106	$ 411,281	$ 129,745

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The net change during the period in the amount of cash payments for taxes receivable or payables. Which represents the amount due to tax authorities for payments or amounts owed to tax authorities as refunds of overpayments or other recoveries of income taxes paid that are based on the reporting entity's earnings.

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The charge against earnings resulting from the aggregate write down of all assets from their carrying value to their fair value.

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Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits should not be reported as cash and cash equivalents.

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The amount of expense recognized in the current period that reflects the allocation of the cost of tangible assets over the assets' useful lives. Includes production and non-production related depreciation.

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The effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances held in foreign currencies.

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The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of obligations due within one year (or one business cycle). This may include trade payables, amounts due to related parties, royalties payable, and other obligations.

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The net change during the reporting period in amount due within one year (or one business cycle) from customers for the credit sale of goods and services.

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The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of pension, postretirement, workers' compensation, and other similar obligations and liabilities.

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The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate value of all inventory held by the reporting entity, associated with underlying transactions that are classified as operating activities.

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The net change during the reporting period in the amount of outstanding money paid in advance for goods or services that bring economic benefits for future periods.

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The net cash inflow (outflow) from financing activity for the period.

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The net cash inflow (outflow) from investing activity.

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The net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value that are not defined as investing or financing activities.

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The net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities include all transactions and events that are not defined as investing or financing activities. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Cash flows from operating activities are generally the cash effects of transactions and other events that enter into the determination of net income.

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The net cash outflow (inflow) from other investing activities. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy.

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The cash outflow to reacquire common stock during the period.

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The cash outflow from the distribution of an entity's earnings in the form of dividends to common shareholders.

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The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of a business, net of the cash acquired from the purchase.

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The cash outflow associated with the purchase of all investments (debt, security, other) during the period.

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The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale; includes cash outflows to pay for construction of self-constructed assets.

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The cash inflow from a debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer.

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The net cash inflow (outflow) from other financing activities. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy.

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The cash inflow associated with the aggregate amount received by the entity through sale or maturity of marketable securities (trading, held-to-maturity, or available-for-sale) during the period.

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The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock options, amortization of restricted stock, and adjustment for officers compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method.

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