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Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets (Changes in Carrying Amount of Service Contracts) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
May 31, 2013 | May 31, 2012
Service contracts [Roll Forward] |  |
Balance at the beginning of the period | $ 76,822 | $ 102,312
Service contracts acquired | 36,083 | 6,654
Service contracts amortization | (20,704) | (30,170)
Foreign currency translation | (48) | (1,974)
Balance at the end of the period | 92,153 | 76,822
Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products [Member] |  |
Service contracts [Roll Forward] |  |
Balance at the beginning of the period | 29,156 | 44,628
Service contracts acquired | 0 | 1,346
Service contracts amortization | (6,002) | (15,569)
Foreign currency translation | (19) | (1,249)
Balance at the end of the period | 23,135 | 29,156
Uniform Direct Sales [Member] |  |
Service contracts [Roll Forward] |  |
Balance at the beginning of the period | 0 | 0
Service contracts acquired | 0 | 0
Service contracts amortization | 0 | 0
Foreign currency translation | 0 | 0
Balance at the end of the period | 0 | 0
First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection [Member] |  |
Service contracts [Roll Forward] |  |
Balance at the beginning of the period | 29,334 | 35,878
Service contracts acquired | 11,413 | 838
Service contracts amortization | (7,936) | (7,382)
Foreign currency translation | 0 | 0
Balance at the end of the period | 32,811 | 29,334
Document Management [Member] |  |
Service contracts [Roll Forward] |  |
Balance at the beginning of the period | 18,332 | 21,806
Service contracts acquired | 24,670 | 4,470
Service contracts amortization | (6,766) | (7,219)
Foreign currency translation | (29) | (725)
Balance at the end of the period | $ 36,207 | $ 18,332

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