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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, 2014 | May 31, 2013
Service contracts [Roll Forward] |  |
Balance at the beginning of the period | $ 92,153 | $ 76,822
Service contracts acquired | 7,738 | 36,083
Shredding transaction | (23,990) |
Service contracts amortization | (20,795) | (20,704)
Foreign currency translation | 569 | (48)
Balance at the end of the period | 55,675 | 92,153
Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products [Member] |  |
Service contracts [Roll Forward] |  |
Balance at the beginning of the period | 23,135 | 29,156
Service contracts acquired | 0 | 0
Shredding transaction | 0 |
Service contracts amortization | (5,961) | (6,002)
Foreign currency translation | (3) | (19)
Balance at the end of the period | 17,171 | 23,135
Uniform Direct Sales [Member] |  |
Service contracts [Roll Forward] |  |
Balance at the beginning of the period | 0 | 0
Service contracts acquired | 0 | 0
Shredding transaction | 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 | 32,811 | 29,334
Service contracts acquired | 3,149 | 11,413
Shredding transaction | 0 |
Service contracts amortization | (7,926) | (7,936)
Foreign currency translation | 0 | 0
Balance at the end of the period | 28,034 | 32,811
Document Management [Member] |  |
Service contracts [Roll Forward] |  |
Balance at the beginning of the period | 36,207 | 18,332
Service contracts acquired | 4,589 | 24,670
Shredding transaction | (23,990) |
Service contracts amortization | (6,908) | (6,766)
Foreign currency translation | 572 | (29)
Balance at the end of the period | $ 10,470 | $ 36,207

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