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Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Service Contracts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended
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May 31, 2017 | May 31, 2016
Service contracts [Roll Forward] |  |
Balance at the beginning of the period | $ 78,194 | $ 35,650
Service contracts acquired | 529,235 | 55,694
Service contracts amortization | (20,510) | (13,129)
Foreign currency translation | 69 | (21)
Balance at the end of the period | 586,988 | 78,194
Operating Segments | Uniform Rental and Facility Services |  |
Service contracts [Roll Forward] |  |
Balance at the beginning of the period | 19,912 | 5,078
Service contracts acquired | 521,708 | 18,912
Service contracts amortization | (11,636) | (4,078)
Foreign currency translation | (61) | 0
Balance at the end of the period | 529,923 | 19,912
Operating Segments | First Aid and Safety Services |  |
Service contracts [Roll Forward] |  |
Balance at the beginning of the period | 32,252 | 1,576
Service contracts acquired | 1,632 | 34,052
Service contracts amortization | (3,952) | (3,355)
Foreign currency translation | 130 | (21)
Balance at the end of the period | 30,062 | 32,252
Operating Segments | All Other |  |
Service contracts [Roll Forward] |  |
Balance at the beginning of the period | 26,030 | 28,996
Service contracts acquired | 5,895 | 2,730
Service contracts amortization | (4,922) | (5,696)
Foreign currency translation | 0 | 0
Balance at the end of the period | $ 27,003 | $ 26,030

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