Cintas (CTAS) 10-Q 10 Oct 14 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'CINTAS CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000723254	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	31-Aug-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--05-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	116,979,108
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2015	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Revenue:	'	'
Rental uniforms and ancillary products	$856,872	$792,866
Other services	245,205	307,380
Total revenue	1,102,077	1,100,246
Costs and expenses:	'	'
Cost of rental uniforms and ancillary products	470,609	454,731
Cost of other services	153,522	189,420
Selling and administrative expenses	314,458	316,483
Operating income	163,488	139,612
Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding business	6,619	0
Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment	21,739	0
Interest income	-53	-68
Interest expense	16,583	16,523
Income before income taxes	175,316	123,157
Income taxes	65,525	45,759
Income from continuing operations	109,791	77,398
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	317	356
Net income	$110,108	$77,754
Basic earnings per share, continuing operations (dollars per share)	$0.94	$0.63
Basic earnings per share, discontinued operations (dollars per share)	$0	$0
Basic earnings per share (dollars per share)	$0.94	$0.63
Diluted earnings per share, continuing operations (dollars per share)	$0.93	$0.63
Diluted earnings per share, discontinued operations (dollars per share)	$0	$0
Diluted earnings per share (dollars per share)	$0.93	$0.63

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme1

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Net income	$110,108	$77,754
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-2,115	-646
Change in fair value of derivatives	17	0
Amortization of interest rate lock agreements	488	488
Change in fair value of available-for-sale securities	0	-14
Other comprehensive loss	-1,610	-172
Comprehensive income	$108,498	$77,582

Consolidated_Condensed_Balance

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$581,453	$513,288
Accounts receivable, net	489,211	508,427
Inventories, net	249,817	251,239
Uniforms and other rental items in service	513,615	506,537
Assets held for sale	151,263	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	27,590	26,190
Total current assets	2,012,949	1,805,681
Property and equipment, at cost, net	838,493	855,702
Investments	451,897	458,357
Goodwill	1,189,968	1,267,411
Service contracts, net	44,185	55,675
Other assets, net	18,778	19,626
Total assets	4,556,270	4,462,452
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	141,795	150,070
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	44,060	85,026
Accrued liabilities	292,548	299,727
Income taxes, current	54,595	5,960
Deferred tax liability	87,842	88,845
Liabilities held for sale	15,171	0
Long-term debt due within one year	0	503
Total current liabilities	636,011	630,131
Long-term liabilities:	'	'
Long-term debt due after one year	1,300,000	1,300,477
Deferred income taxes	242,459	246,044
Accrued liabilities	105,826	92,942
Total long-term liabilities	1,648,285	1,639,463
Shareholders’ equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, no par value: 100,000 shares authorized, none outstanding	0	0
Common stock, no par value: 425,000,000 shares authorized, FY 2015: 177,315,907 issued and 116,991,574 outstanding; FY 2014: 176,378,412 issued and 117,037,784 outstanding	294,795	251,753
Paid-in capital	123,954	134,939
Retained earnings	4,109,001	3,998,893
Treasury stock: FY 2015: 60,324,333 shares; FY 2014: 59,340,628 shares	-2,282,594	-2,221,155
Accumulated other comprehensive income	26,818	28,428
Total shareholders’ equity	2,271,974	2,192,858
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$4,556,270	$4,462,452

Consolidated_Condensed_Balance1

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Preferred stock, no par value (dollars per share)	$0	$0
Preferred stock, shares authorized (shares)	100,000	100,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (shares)	0	0
Common stock, no par value (dollars per share)	$0	$0
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	425,000,000	425,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	175,315,907	176,378,412
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	116,991,574	117,037,784
Treasury stock, shares (shares)	60,324,333	59,340,628

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme2

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$110,108	$77,754
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation	35,448	42,571
Amortization of intangible assets	4,206	5,823
Stock-based compensation	12,280	6,984
Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding business	-6,619	0
Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment	-21,739	0
Deferred income taxes	2,108	7,373
Change in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	8,222	-14,903
Inventories, net	1,377	-5,258
Uniforms and other rental items in service	-7,112	-4,150
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-5,884	-7,216
Accounts payable	-1,325	2,915
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	-41,262	-34,777
Accrued liabilities	10,384	-27,215
Income taxes, current	48,009	32,658
Net cash provided by operating activities	148,201	82,559
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-68,050	-37,462
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities	0	35,233
Purchase of marketable securities and investments	-6,981	-32,941
Proceeds from Shredding transaction	3,344	0
Proceeds from sale of stock of an equity method investment	29,933	0
Dividends received on equity method investment	5,247	0
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	-2,328	-32,216
Other, net	16	382
Net cash used in investing activities	-38,819	-67,004
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Repayment of debt	-180	-167
Proceeds from exercise of stock-based compensation awards	13,623	14,085
Repurchase of common stock	-61,439	-106,977
Other, net	6,798	4,126
Net cash used in financing activities	-41,198	-88,933
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-19	-225
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	68,165	-73,603
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	513,288	352,273
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$581,453	$278,670

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated condensed financial statements of Cintas Corporation (Cintas, the Company, we, us or our) included herein have been prepared by Cintas, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.  While we believe that the disclosures are adequately presented, it is suggested that these consolidated condensed financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014.  A summary of our significant accounting policies is presented beginning on page 38 of that report.  There have been no material changes in the accounting policies followed by Cintas during the current fiscal year.
	Interim results are subject to variations and are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for a full fiscal year. In the opinion of management, adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the consolidated results of the interim periods shown have been made.
	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation for amounts related to discontinued operations (see Note 12 entitled Discontinued Operations for further information).
	On April 30, 2014, Cintas completed its previously announced partnership transaction with the shareholders of Shred-it International Inc. (Shred-it) to combine Cintas’ document destruction, or shredding, business with Shred-it’s document shredding business. Under the agreement, Cintas and Shred-it each contributed its document shredding business to a newly formed partnership (the Shred-it partnership) owned 42% by Cintas and 58% by the shareholders of Shred-it. In conjunction with the partnership agreement, Cintas agreed to provide certain transition services such as information technology and accounting in support of the Shred-it partnership for a period not to exceed fifteen months from the April 30, 2014 closing date.
	As disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014, inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Inventory is comprised of the following amounts at:
	(In thousands)	August 31,		May 31,
		2014		2014
	Raw materials	$	16,652	$	17,984
	Work in process	13,835		14,304
	Finished goods	219,330		218,951
		$	249,817	$	251,239

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)," to clarify revenue recognition principles. This guidance is intended to improve disclosure requirements and enhance the comparability of revenue recognition practices. Improved disclosures under the amended guidance relate to the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized from contracts with customers. This guidance will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and will be required to be applied retrospectively. Early application of the amendments in this Update is not permitted. Cintas is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated condensed financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern”. ASU 2014-15 defines management's responsibility to assess an entity's ability to continue as a going concern, and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. This guidance will be effective for all entities in the first annual period ending after December 15, 2016; however, early adoption is permitted. Cintas is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2014-15 will have on its consolidated condensed financial statements.
	No other new accounting pronouncement recently issued or newly effective had or is expected to have a material impact on the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	All financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually) have been segregated into the most appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to determine the fair value at the consolidated balance sheet date. These financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
		As of August 31, 2014
	(In thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	581,453	$	—	$	—	$	581,453
	Total assets at fair value	$	581,453	$	—	$	—	$	581,453
	Current accrued liabilities	$	—	$	265	$	—	$	265
	Total liabilities at fair value	$	—	$	265	$	—	$	265
		As of May 31, 2014
	(In thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	513,288	$	—	$	—	$	513,288
	Total assets at fair value	$	513,288	$	—	$	—	$	513,288
	Current accrued liabilities	$	—	$	286	$	—	$	286
	Total liabilities at fair value	$	—	$	286	$	—	$	286
	Cintas’ cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities are generally classified within Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Financial instruments classified as Level 1 are based on quoted market prices in active markets, and financial instruments classified as Level 2 are based on quoted market prices, broker or dealer quotations or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. The types of financial instruments Cintas classifies within Level 1 include most bank deposits and money market securities. Cintas does not adjust the quoted market price for such financial instruments.
	Foreign currency forward contracts were included in current accrued liabilities as of August 31, 2014 and May 31, 2014. The fair value of Cintas' foreign currency forward contracts are based on similar exchange traded derivatives (market approach) and are, therefore, included within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	The methods described above may produce a fair value that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while Cintas believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the consolidated balance sheet date.
	In addition to assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company records assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as required under GAAP. As a result of the shredding transaction and GAAP requirements, Cintas' equity method investment in the Shred-it partnership was initially measured at fair value. See Note 4 entitled Investments for additional information on the measurement of the investment in the Shred-it partnership.

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Investment	'
	Investments
	Investments at August 31, 2014 of $451.9 million include an equity method investment in the Shred-it partnership of $341.4 million, other equity method investments of $15.5 million, the cash surrender value of insurance policies of $92.8 million and cost method investments of $2.2 million. Investments at May 31, 2014 of $458.4 million include an equity method investment in the Shred-it partnership of $341.4 million, other equity method investments of $29.7 million, the cash surrender value of insurance policies of $86.5 million and cost method investments of $0.8 million.
	Investments are evaluated for impairment on an annual basis or when indicators of impairment exist. For the three months ended August 31, 2014 and 2013, no losses due to impairment were recorded.
	On April 30, 2014, Cintas completed its previously announced partnership transaction with the shareholders of Shred-it to combine Cintas’ document shredding business with Shred-it’s document shredding business. Under the agreement, Cintas and Shred-it each contributed its document shredding business to a newly formed partnership owned 42% by Cintas. The resulting equity method investment (Level 3) in the Shred-it partnership was initially recorded at fair value at $339.4 million derived with a primary reliance upon the income approach utilizing various discounted cash flow models. Fair value was determined by an independent valuation specialist. Management ultimately oversees the independent valuation specialist to ensure that the transaction-specific assumptions are appropriate for Cintas. The following table details quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used in the initial valuation of Cintas' investment in the Shred-it partnership:
						Range
	(Dollars in millions)	Fair Value at April 30, 2014		Valuation Technique	Input	Low		High
	Equity method investment - Shred-it partnership	$	339.4	Discounted Cash Flow	EBITDA Margin	20	%	22	%
					Ratio of capital expenditures	4.5	%	5.5	%
					to revenues
					Long-term revenue growth	1.5	%	2	%
					WACC Rate	9	%	9	%
	In the three months ended August 31, 2014, Cintas received additional proceeds related to the contribution of the shredding business to the Shred-it partnership. The Company realized a pre-tax gain of $6.6 million as a result of the additional consideration received.
	On June 30, 2014, Cintas sold stock in an equity method investment. In conjunction with the sale, Cintas also received a cash dividend of $5.2 million. Total cash received from the transaction was $35.2 million. The sale resulted in the recording of a gain, net of tax, of approximately $13.6 million in the three months ended August 31, 2014. As a result, the Company no longer has the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee. Therefore, effective July 1, 2014, the remaining investment retained by Cintas is accounted for under the cost method.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations using the two-class method for amounts attributable to Cintas’ common shares:
		Three Months Ended
	(In thousands except per share data)	August 31,		August 31,
		2014		2013
	Basic Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations
	Income from continuing operations	$	109,791	$	77,398
	Less: income from continuing operations allocated to participating securities	613		461
	Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	$	109,178	$	76,937
	Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	116,659		122,130
	Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.94	$	0.63
		Three Months Ended
	(In thousands except per share data)	August 31,		August 31,
		2014		2013
	Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations
	Income from continuing operations	$	109,791	$	77,398
	Less: income from continuing operations allocated to participating securities	613		461
	Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	$	109,178	$	76,937
	Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	116,659		122,130
	Effect of dilutive securities – employee stock options & awards	1,371		762
	Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	118,030		122,892
	Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.93	$	0.63
	Earnings per share from discontinued operations were less than $0.01 for both the three months ended August 31, 2014 and 2013.
	For the both the three months ended August 31, 2014 and 2013, options granted to purchase 0.6 million shares of Cintas common stock were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share. The exercise prices of these options were greater than the average market price of the common stock (anti-dilutive).
	On July 30, 2013, we announced that the Board of Directors authorized a $500.0 million share buyback program, which does not have an expiration date. For the three months ended August 31, 2014, we purchased 0.8 million shares of Cintas common stock at an average price of $62.17 per share for a total purchase price of $49.7 million. In the period subsequent to August 31, 2014 through October 10, 2014, we did not purchase any shares of Cintas common stock. From the inception of the July 30, 2013 share buyback program through October 10, 2014, Cintas has purchased a total of 4.1 million shares of Cintas common stock at an average price of $60.19 for a total purchase price of $249.2 million. In addition, for the three months ended August 31, 2014, Cintas acquired 0.2 million million shares of Cintas common stock for employee payroll taxes due on restricted stock awards that vested during the three months ended August 31, 2014. These shares were acquired at an average price of $63.72 per share for a total purchase price of $11.7 million.

Goodwill_Service_Contracts_and

Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets [Abstract]	'
Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets	'
	Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets
	As of August 31, 2014, the document imaging and document retention services business is classified as discontinued operations. As a result, goodwill and service contracts related to this business, which were previously included in the Document Management Services operating segment, are included in the Corporate segment. As of August 31, 2014, these assets are reported in assets held for sale on the consolidated condensed balance sheet in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance.
	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill and service contracts for the three months ended August 31, 2014, by operating segment, are as follows:
	Goodwill (in thousands)	Rental			Uniform			First Aid,			Corporate			Total
		Uniforms &			Direct			Safety &
		Ancillary			Sales			Fire
		Products						Protection
	Balance as of June 1, 2014	$	943,516		$	23,905		$	221,911		$	78,079		$	1,267,411
	Goodwill acquired	—			—			693			—			693
	Amounts reclassed to assets held for sale	—			—			—			(77,200		)	(77,200		)
	Foreign currency translation	(54		)	(3		)	—			(879		)	(936		)
	Balance as of August 31, 2014	$	943,462		$	23,902		$	222,604		$	—		$	1,189,968
	Service Contracts (in thousands)	Rental			Uniform			First Aid,			Corporate			Total
		Uniforms &			Direct			Safety &
		Ancillary			Sales			Fire
		Products						Protection
	Balance as of June 1, 2014	$	17,171		$	—		$	28,034		$	10,470		$	55,675
	Service contracts acquired	—			—			2,149			227			2,376
	Service contracts amortization	(1,344		)	—			(1,754		)	(597		)	(3,695		)
	Amounts reclassed to assets held for sale	—			—			—			(9,897		)	(9,897		)
	Foreign currency translation	(71		)	—			—			(203		)	(274		)
	Balance as of August 31, 2014	$	15,756		$	—		$	28,429		$	—		$	44,185
	Information regarding Cintas’ service contracts and other assets is as follows:
		As of August 31, 2014
	(In thousands)	Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net
	Service contracts	$	336,083		$	291,898		$	44,185
	Noncompete and consulting agreements	$	41,261		$	39,882		$	1,379
	Other	24,005			6,606			17,399
	Total	$	65,266		$	46,488		$	18,778
		As of May 31, 2014
	(In thousands)	Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net
	Service contracts	$	360,634		$	304,959		$	55,675
	Noncompete and consulting agreements	$	49,080		$	47,036		$	2,044
	Other	23,826			6,244			17,582
	Total	$	72,906		$	53,280		$	19,626
	Amortization expense for continuing operations was $3.5 million and $5.1 million for the three months ended August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Estimated amortization expense for continuing operations, excluding any future acquisitions, for each of the next five full fiscal years is $13.4 million, $10.0 million, $5.9 million, $4.9 million and $4.6 million, respectively.

Debt_Derivatives_and_Hedging_A

Debt, Derivatives and Hedging Activities	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Debt, Derivatives and Hedging Activities [Abstract]	'
Debt, Derivatives and Hedging Activities	'
	Debt, Derivatives and Hedging Activities
	Cintas' senior notes are recorded at cost. The fair value of the senior notes is estimated using Level 2 inputs based on general market prices. The carrying value and fair value of Cintas' long-term debt as of August 31, 2014 were $1,300.0 million and $1,425.9 million, respectively, and as of May 31, 2014 were $1,301.0 million and $1,421.0 million, respectively.
	Cintas’ commercial paper program has a capacity of $300.0 million that is fully supported by a backup revolving credit facility through a credit agreement with its banking group.  This revolving credit facility has an accordion feature that allows for a maximum borrowing capacity of $450.0 million and has a maturity date of May 28, 2019. No commercial paper or borrowings on our revolving credit facility were outstanding at August 31, 2014 or May 31, 2014.
	Cintas used interest rate lock agreements to hedge against movements in the treasury rates at the time Cintas issued its senior notes in fiscal 2007, fiscal 2008, fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2013. The amortization of the cash flow hedges resulted in an increase to other comprehensive income of $0.5 million for the three months ended August 31, 2014 and 2013.
	To hedge the exposure of movements in the foreign currency rates, Cintas may use foreign currency hedges. These hedges reduce the impact on cash flows from movements in the foreign currency exchange rates. Examples of foreign currency hedge instruments that Cintas may use are average rate options and forward contracts. Cintas had foreign currency forward contracts included in current accrued liabilities of $0.3 million as of August 31, 2014 and May 31, 2014.
	Cintas has certain covenants related to debt agreements. These covenants limit Cintas’ ability to incur certain liens, to engage in sale-leaseback transactions and to merge, consolidate or sell all or substantially all of Cintas’ assets. These covenants also require Cintas to maintain certain debt to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and interest coverage ratios. Cross-default provisions exist between certain debt instruments.  Cintas is in compliance with all debt covenants for all periods presented. If a default of a significant covenant were to occur, the default could result in an acceleration of the maturity of the indebtedness, impair liquidity and limit the ability to raise future capital.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	In the normal course of business, Cintas provides for uncertain tax positions and the related interest, and adjusts its unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest accordingly.  During the three months ended August 31, 2014, unrecognized tax benefits increased by approximately $0.5 million and accrued interest increased by approximately $0.1 million.
	All U.S. federal income tax returns are closed to audit through fiscal 2010. Cintas is currently in advanced stages of various audits in certain foreign jurisdictions and certain domestic states. The years under audit cover fiscal years back to 2005.  Based on the resolution of the various audits and changes in tax law, it is reasonably possible that the balance of unrecognized tax benefits would not change for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2015.
	On September 13, 2013, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service released final tangible property regulations under Sections 162(a) and 263(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 regarding amounts paid to improve tangible property and acquire or produce tangible property, as well as proposed regulations regarding the disposition of property. The effective date of the final regulations was extended and will be effective for Cintas' fiscal year ending May 31, 2015. Cintas is reviewing these regulations and does not believe there will be a material impact on the consolidated financial statements when such regulations become effective.

Litigation_and_Other_Contingen

Litigation and Other Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Litigation and Other Contingencies	'
	Litigation and Other Contingencies
	Cintas is subject to legal proceedings, insurance receipts, legal settlements and claims arising from the ordinary course of its business, including personal injury, customer contract, environmental and employment claims. In the opinion of management, the aggregate liability, if any, with respect to such ordinary course of business actions will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations or consolidated cash flows of Cintas.
	Cintas is party to additional litigation not considered in the ordinary course of business, including the litigation discussed below. Cintas is a defendant in a purported class action lawsuit, Mirna E. Serrano, et al. v. Cintas Corporation (Serrano), filed on May 10, 2004, and pending in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division. The Serrano plaintiffs alleged that Cintas discriminated against women in hiring into various service sales representative positions across all divisions of Cintas. On November 15, 2005, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) intervened in the Serrano lawsuit. The Serrano plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorneys' fees and other remedies. On October 27, 2008, the United States District Court in the Eastern District of Michigan granted summary judgment in favor of Cintas limiting the scope of the putative class in the Serrano lawsuit to female applicants for service sales representative positions at Cintas locations within the state of Michigan. Consequently, all claims brought by female applicants for service sales representative positions outside of the state of Michigan were dismissed. Similarly, any claims brought by the EEOC on behalf of similarly situated female applicants outside of the state of Michigan have also been dismissed from the Serrano lawsuit. In September 2010, the Court in Serrano dismissed all private individual claims and all claims of the EEOC and the 13 individuals it claimed to represent. The EEOC appealed the District Court's summary judgment decisions and various other rulings to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. On November 9, 2012, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the District Court's opinion and remanded the claims back to the District Court. On April 16, 2013, Cintas filed with the United States Supreme Court a Petition for a Writ of Certiorari seeking to review the judgment of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. On October 7, 2013, the Court denied Cintas’ Petition, thus remanding the claims back to the District Court consistent with the Sixth Circuit Court’s November 9, 2012 decision.
	The litigation discussed above, if decided or settled adversely to Cintas, may result in liability material to Cintas' consolidated financial condition, consolidated results of operations or consolidated cash flows and could increase costs of operations on an ongoing basis. Any estimated liability relating to these proceedings is not determinable at this time. Cintas may enter into discussions regarding settlement of these and other lawsuits, and may enter into settlement agreements if it believes such settlement is in the best interest of Cintas' shareholders.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The following table summarizes the changes in the accumulated balances for each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
	(In thousands)	Foreign Currency				Unrealized				Other			Total
						Loss on
						Derivatives
	Balance at June 1, 2014	$	41,525			$	(12,615	)		$	(482	)	$	28,428
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(2,115		)		17				—			(2,098		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—				488				—			488
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	(2,115		)		505				—			(1,610		)
	Balance at August 31, 2014	$	39,410			$	(12,110	)		$	(482	)	$	26,818
	(In thousands)	Foreign Currency				Unrealized				Other			Total
						Loss on
						Derivatives
	Balance at June 1, 2013	$	51,312			$	(14,339	)		$	1,150		$	38,123
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(646		)		—				(14		)	(660		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—				488				—			488
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	(646		)		488				(14		)	(172		)
	Balance at August 31, 2013	$	50,666			$	(13,851	)		$	1,136		$	37,951
	The following table summarizes the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
	Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components		Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)								Affected Line in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income
	(In thousands)		Three Months Ended August 31, 2014				Three Months Ended August 31, 2013
	Amortization of interest rate locks		$	(783	)		$	(783	)		Interest expense
	Tax benefit		295				295				Income taxes
	Amortization of interest rate locks, net of tax		$	(488	)		$	(488	)		Net of tax

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	Effective August 31, 2014, Cintas classifies its businesses into three operating segments based on the types of products and services provided.  The Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment consists of the rental and servicing of uniforms and other garments including flame resistant clothing, mats, mops and shop towels and other ancillary items.  In addition to these rental items, restroom cleaning services and supplies and carpet and tile cleaning services are also provided within this operating segment.  The Uniform Direct Sales operating segment consists of the direct sale of uniforms and related items.  The First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment consists of first aid, safety and fire protection products and services.
	Prior to August 31, 2014, Cintas classified its business into four operating segments. The Document Management Services operating segment is no longer considered an operating segment for fiscal 2015 and beyond. This operating segment consisted of document shredding, document imaging and document retention services. On April 30, 2014, Cintas completed its partnership transaction with the shareholders of Shred-it to combine Cintas' shredding business with Shred-it's shredding business. The document destruction business is reported in the corporate segment as of and for the three months ended August 31, 2013. Additionally, effective August 31, 2014, the document imaging and document retention services business is classified as discontinued operations. The business' assets are reflected as held for sale. The document imaging and document retention services business has been excluded from segment results for all periods presented. Please see Note 12 entitled Discontinued Operations for additional information.
	Cintas evaluates the performance of each operating segment based on several factors of which the primary financial measures are operating segment revenue and income before income taxes.  The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in Note 1 entitled Basis of Presentation.  Information related to the operations of Cintas’ operating segments is set forth below:
	(In thousands)	Rental		Uniform		First Aid,		Corporate (1)			Total
		Uniforms &		Direct		Safety &
		Ancillary		Sales		Fire
		Products				Protection
	As of and for the three months ended August 31, 2014
	Revenue	$	856,872	$	105,145	$	140,060	$	—		$	1,102,077
	Income before income taxes	$	142,681	$	9,187	$	11,620	$	11,828		$	175,316
	Total assets	$	2,913,437	$	133,409	$	429,783	$	1,079,641		$	4,556,270
	As of and for the three months ended August 31, 2013
	Revenue	$	792,866	$	107,462	$	125,875	$	74,043		$	1,100,246
	Income (loss) before income taxes	$	117,393	$	8,681	$	11,446	$	(14,363	)	$	123,157
	Total assets	$	2,842,058	$	143,993	$	410,633	$	914,493		$	4,311,177
	(1) Corporate assets as of August 31, 2014 include the investment in the Shred-it partnership. Corporate assets as of August 31, 2014 and 2013 include the assets of the document imaging and document retention business, which have been classified as held for sale. Corporate results and assets as of and for the period ended August 31, 2013 include the revenue ($74.0 million), income before income taxes ($2.1 million) and assets ($479.4 million) of the document shredding business.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	Discontinued Operations
	Effective August 31, 2014, Cintas' document imaging and document retention services business is classified as discontinued operations. Strategic opportunities for the business are being evaluated, and the Company does not expect to operate the business long-term. The carrying value of the document imaging and document retention services business has been evaluated and no adjustments to the value were deemed necessary. The business was previously included in the Document Management Services operating segment. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance for the disposal of long-lived assets, the results of the document imaging and document retention services business have been excluded from both continuing operations and segment results for all periods presented. The balance sheet position for the document imaging and document retention services business as of August 31, 2014 is presented as assets and liabilities held for sale in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet. As allowed under applicable accounting guidance, the May 31, 2014 balance sheet amounts for the document imaging and document retention services business remain in their natural classifications.
	Following is selected financial information included in net income from discontinued operations for the document imaging and document retention services business:
		Three Months Ended
	In thousands	August 31,			August 31,
		2014			2013(1)
	Revenue	$	20,785		$	20,097
	Income from discontinued operations	576			458
	Income tax expense on discontinued operations	259			102
	Net income from discontinued operations	$	317		$	356
	(1) Results for the three months ended August 31, 2013 were previously included in continuing operations.
	The components of assets and liabilities as of August 31, 2014 of the document imaging and document retention services business held for sale were as follows:
	In thousands
	Accounts receivable		$	10,818
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		4,449
	Property and equipment, at cost, net		48,480
	Goodwill		77,200
	Service contracts, net		9,897
	Other assets, net		419
	Total assets held for sale		$	151,263
	Accounts payable		$	6,652
	Accrued compensation and related liabilities		430
	Accrued liabilities		1,250
	Non-current deferred income taxes		6,697
	Other liabilities, net		142
	Total liabilities held for sale		$	15,171

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa

Supplemental Guarantor Information	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Guarantor Information	'
	Supplemental Guarantor Information
	Cintas Corporation No. 2 (Corp. 2) is the indirectly, wholly-owned principal operating subsidiary of Cintas.  Corp. 2 is the issuer of the $1,300.0 million aggregate principal amount of long-term senior notes, which are unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by Cintas Corporation and its wholly-owned, direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries.
	As allowed by SEC rules, the following condensed consolidating financial statements are provided as an alternative to filing separate financial statements of the guarantors.  Each of the subsidiaries presented in the following condensed consolidating financial statements has been fully consolidated in Cintas’ consolidated financial statements.  The following condensed consolidating financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Cintas and notes thereto of which this note is an integral part.
	Condensed consolidating financial statements for Cintas, Corp. 2, the subsidiary guarantors and non-guarantors are presented on the following pages:
	Condensed Consolidating Income Statement
	Three Months Ended August 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
		Cintas			Corp. 2			Subsidiary			Non-			Eliminations			Cintas
		Corporation						Guarantors			Guarantors						Corporation
																	Consolidated
	Revenue:
	Rental uniforms and ancillary products	$	—		$	658,987		$	176,706		$	56,281		$	(35,102	)	$	856,872
	Other services	—			343,367			6,956			17,324			(122,442		)	245,205
	Equity in net income of affiliates	109,791			—			—			—			(109,791		)	—
		109,791			1,002,354			183,662			73,605			(267,335		)	1,102,077
	Costs and expenses (income):
	Cost of rental uniforms and ancillary products	—			398,272			104,159			37,976			(69,798		)	470,609
	Cost of other services	—			228,239			(5,149		)	11,267			(80,835		)	153,522
	Selling and administrative expenses	—			314,003			(12,954		)	19,074			(5,665		)	314,458
	Operating income	109,791			61,840			97,606			5,288			(111,037		)	163,488
	Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding business	—			6,619			—			—			—			6,619
	Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment	—			—			21,739			—			—			21,739
	Interest income	—			(5		)	(48		)	—			—			(53		)
	Interest expense	—			16,409			170			4			—			16,583
	Income before income taxes	109,791			52,055			119,223			5,284			(111,037		)	175,316
	Income taxes	—			19,278			44,207			2,051			(11		)	65,525
	Income from continuing operations	109,791			32,777			75,016			3,233			(111,026		)	109,791
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	317			373			—			(56		)	(317		)	317
	Net income	$	110,108		$	33,150		$	75,016		$	3,177		$	(111,343	)	$	110,108
	Condensed Consolidating Income Statement
	Three Months Ended August 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
		Cintas			Corp. 2			Subsidiary			Non-			Eliminations			Cintas
		Corporation						Guarantors			Guarantors						Corporation
																	Consolidated
	Revenue:
	Rental uniforms and ancillary products	$	—		$	605,758		$	162,565		$	54,965		$	(30,422	)	$	792,866
	Other services	—			395,193			8,549			20,669			(117,031		)	307,380
	Equity in net income of affiliates	77,398			—			—			—			(77,398		)	—
		77,398			1,000,951			171,114			75,634			(224,851		)	1,100,246
	Costs and expenses (income):
	Cost of rental uniforms and ancillary products	—			383,719			98,167			38,556			(65,711		)	454,731
	Cost of other services	—			256,239			(3,123		)	13,220			(76,916		)	189,420
	Selling and administrative expenses	—			304,105			(4,859		)	21,442			(4,205		)	316,483
	Operating income	77,398			56,888			80,929			2,416			(78,019		)	139,612
	Interest income	—			(8		)	(53		)	(14,694		)	14,687			(68		)
	Interest expense (income)	—			16,480			44			(1		)	—			16,523
	Income before income taxes	77,398			40,416			80,938			17,111			(92,706		)	123,157
	Income taxes	—			14,989			29,981			819			(30		)	45,759
	Income from continuing operations	77,398			25,427			50,957			16,292			(92,676		)	77,398
	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	356			254			—			102			(356		)	356
	Net income	$	77,754		$	25,681		$	50,957		$	16,394		$	(93,032	)	$	77,754
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
	Three Months Ended August 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
		Cintas			Corp. 2			Subsidiary			Non-			Eliminations			Cintas
		Corporation						Guarantors			Guarantors						Corporation
																	Consolidated
	Net income	$	110,108		$	33,150		$	75,016		$	3,177		$	(111,343	)	$	110,108
	Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	—			—			—			(2,115		)	—			(2,115		)
	Change in fair value of derivatives	—			—			—			17			—			17
	Amortization of interest rate lock agreements	—			488			—			—			—			488
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—			488			—			(2,098		)	—			(1,610		)
Comprehensive income	$	110,108		$	33,638		$	75,016		$	1,079		$	(111,343	)	$	108,498
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
Three Months Ended August 31, 2013
(In thousands)
	Cintas			Corp. 2			Subsidiary			Non-			Eliminations			Cintas
	Corporation						Guarantors			Guarantors						Corporation
																Consolidated
Net income	$	77,754		$	25,681		$	50,957		$	16,394		$	(93,032	)	$	77,754
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—			7			—			(653		)	—			(646		)
Amortization of interest rate lock agreements	—			488			—			—			—			488
Change in fair value of available-for-sale securities	—			—			(13		)	(1		)	—			(14		)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—			495			(13		)	(654		)	—			(172		)
Comprehensive income	$	77,754		$	26,176		$	50,944		$	15,740		$	(93,032	)	$	77,582
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of August 31, 2014
(In thousands)
	Cintas			Corp. 2			Subsidiary			Non-			Eliminations			Cintas
	Corporation						Guarantors			Guarantors						Corporation
																Consolidated
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	75,744		$	466,645		$	39,064		$	—		$	581,453
Accounts receivable, net	—			352,695			101,722			34,794			—			489,211
Inventories, net	—			217,040			18,315			10,758			3,704			249,817
Uniforms and other rental items in service	—			379,116			114,140			39,259			(18,900		)	513,615
Assets held for sale	—			44,020			39,836			67,407			—			151,263
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—			5,267			21,040			1,283			—			27,590
Total current assets	—			1,073,882			761,698			192,565			(15,196		)	2,012,949
Property and equipment, at cost, net	—			504,314			254,873			79,306			—			838,493
Investments	321,083			2,082,815			886,466			1,024,343			(3,862,810		)	451,897
Goodwill	—			—			1,172,573			17,507			(112		)	1,189,968
Service contracts, net	—			44,131			47			7			—			44,185
Other assets, net	1,458,826			8,349			2,251,081			8,633			(3,708,111		)	18,778
	$	1,779,909		$	3,713,491		$	5,326,738		$	1,322,361		$	(7,586,229	)	$	4,556,270
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	(465,247	)	$	(606,528	)	$	1,154,807		$	20,742		$	38,021		$	141,795
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	—			28,314			12,385			3,361			—			44,060
Accrued liabilities	—			45,253			238,399			8,896			—			292,548
Income taxes, current	—			5,366			47,065			2,164			—			54,595
Deferred tax liability	—			(508		)	79,514			8,836			—			87,842
Liabilities held for sale	—			1,617			8,093			5,461			—			15,171
Long-term debt due within one year	—			292			(292		)				—			—
Total current liabilities	(465,247		)	(526,194		)	1,539,971			49,460			38,021			636,011
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt due after one year	—			1,308,842			(9,242		)	400			—			1,300,000
Deferred income taxes	—			(824		)	246,975			(3,692		)	—			242,459
Accrued liabilities	—			—			104,739			1,087			—			105,826
Total long-term liabilities	—			1,308,018			342,472			(2,205		)	—			1,648,285
Total shareholders’ equity	2,245,156			2,931,667			3,444,295			1,275,106			(7,624,250		)	2,271,974
	$	1,779,909		$	3,713,491		$	5,326,738		$	1,322,361		$	(7,586,229	)	$	4,556,270
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of May 31, 2014
(In thousands)
	Cintas			Corp. 2			Subsidiary			Non-			Eliminations			Cintas
	Corporation						Guarantors			Guarantors						Corporation
																Consolidated
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	73,540		$	399,525		$	40,223		$	—		$	513,288
Accounts receivable, net	—			366,629			97,869			43,929			—			508,427
Inventories, net	—			215,974			20,745			9,650			4,870			251,239
Uniforms and other rental items in service	—			374,666			112,467			38,240			(18,836		)	506,537
Income taxes, current	—			1,549			(1,549		)	—			—			—
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—			7,058			14,752			4,380			—			26,190
Total current assets	—			1,039,416			643,809			136,422			(13,966		)	1,805,681
Property and equipment, at cost, net	—			533,665			225,677			96,360			—			855,702
Investments	321,083			2,081,094			893,647			1,015,343			(3,852,810		)	458,357
Goodwill	—			—			1,211,716			55,807			(112		)	1,267,411
Service contracts, net	—			51,248			53			4,374			—			55,675
Other assets, net	1,378,100			8,900			2,189,527			9,044			(3,565,945		)	19,626
	$	1,699,183		$	3,714,323		$	5,164,429		$	1,317,350		$	(7,432,833	)	$	4,462,452
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	(465,247	)	$	(545,526	)	$	1,092,545		$	30,281		$	38,017		$	150,070
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	—			56,581			22,590			5,855			—			85,026
Accrued liabilities	—			79,614			208,983			11,876			(746		)	299,727
Income taxes, current	—			—			4,915			1,045			—			5,960
Deferred tax liability	—			(510		)	80,575			8,780			—			88,845
Long-term debt due within one year	—			773			(270		)	—			—			503
Total current liabilities	(465,247		)	(409,068		)	1,409,338			57,837			37,271			630,131
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt due after one year	—			1,309,611			(10,380		)	500			746			1,300,477
Deferred income taxes	—			(6		)	251,924			(5,874		)	—			246,044
Accrued liabilities	—			—			92,069			873			—			92,942
Total long-term liabilities	—			1,309,605			333,613			(4,501		)	746			1,639,463
Total shareholders’ equity	2,164,430			2,813,786			3,421,478			1,264,014			(7,470,850		)	2,192,858
	$	1,699,183		$	3,714,323		$	5,164,429		$	1,317,350		$	(7,432,833	)	$	4,462,452
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended August 31, 2014
(In thousands)
	Cintas			Corp. 2			Subsidiary			Non-			Eliminations			Cintas
	Corporation						Guarantors			Guarantors						Corporation
																Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	110,108		$	33,150		$	75,016		$	3,177		$	(111,343	)	$	110,108
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Depreciation	—			19,547			13,037			2,864			—			35,448
Amortization of intangible assets	—			3,773			15			418			—			4,206
Stock-based compensation	12,280			—			—			—			—			12,280
Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding business	—			(6,619		)	—			—			—			(6,619		)
Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment	—			—			(21,739		)	—			—			(21,739		)
Deferred income taxes	—			—			2,083			25			—			2,108
Changes in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:
Accounts receivable, net	—			10,014			(3,852		)	2,060			—			8,222
Inventories, net	—			(1,045		)	2,430			(1,174		)	1,166			1,377
Uniforms and other rental items in service	—			(4,450		)	(1,673		)	(1,053		)	64			(7,112		)
Prepaid expenses	—			200			(6,288		)	204			—			(5,884		)
Accounts payable	—			(70,520		)	71,606			(2,415		)	4			(1,325		)
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	—			(28,267		)	(10,204		)	(2,791		)	—			(41,262		)
Accrued liabilities	—			(31,741		)	42,084			(705		)	746			10,384
Income taxes, current	—			6,913			40,601			495			—			48,009
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	122,388			(69,045		)	203,116			1,105			(109,363		)	148,201
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(22,686		)	(42,239		)	(3,125		)	—			(68,050		)
Purchase of marketable securities and investments	—			(1,721		)	(15,260		)	—			10,000			(6,981		)
Proceeds from Shredding transaction	—			3,344			—			—			—			3,344
Proceeds from sale of stock of an equity method investment	—			—			29,933			—			—			29,933
Dividends received on equity method investment	—			—			5,247			—			—			5,247
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	—			(2,328		)	—			—			—			(2,328		)
Other, net	(80,725		)	94,602			(114,793		)	823			100,109			16
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(80,725		)	71,211			(137,112		)	(2,302		)	110,109			(38,819		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of debt	—			(450		)	1,116			(100		)	(746		)	(180		)
Exercise of stock-based compensation awards	13,623			—			—			—			—			13,623
Repurchase of common stock	(61,439		)	—			—			—			—			(61,439		)
Other, net	6,153			488			—			157			—			6,798
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(41,663		)	38			1,116			57			(746		)	(41,198		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			—			(19		)	—			(19		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash	—			2,204			67,120			(1,159		)	—			68,165
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	—			73,540			399,525			40,223			—			513,288
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	—		$	75,744		$	466,645		$	39,064		$	—		$	581,453
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended August 31, 2013
(In thousands)
	Cintas			Corp. 2			Subsidiary			Non-			Eliminations			Cintas
	Corporation						Guarantors			Guarantors						Corporation
																Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	77,754		$	25,681		$	50,957		$	16,394		$	(93,032	)	$	77,754
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Depreciation	—			25,690			13,305			3,576			—			42,571
Amortization of intangible assets	—			5,318			41			464			—			5,823
Stock-based compensation	6,984			—			—			—			—			6,984
Deferred income taxes	—			—			7,735			(362		)	—			7,373
Changes in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:
Accounts receivable, net	—			(9,495		)	(5,449		)	41			—			(14,903		)
Inventories, net	—			(8,071		)	2,675			426			(288		)	(5,258		)
Uniforms and other rental items in service	—			(4,274		)	(842		)	87			879			(4,150		)
Prepaid expenses	—			(81		)	(7,416		)	281			—			(7,216		)
Accounts payable	—			(1,001		)	4,147			(231		)	—			2,915
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	—			(24,197		)	(8,765		)	(1,815		)	—			(34,777		)
Accrued liabilities	—			(13,567		)	(11,060		)	(3,355		)	767			(27,215		)
Income taxes, current	—			5,897			27,252			(491		)	—			32,658
Net cash provided by operating activities	84,738			1,900			72,580			15,015			(91,674		)	82,559
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(25,556		)	(8,804		)	(3,102		)	—			(37,462		)
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities	—			—			5,659			29,574			—			35,233
Purchase of marketable securities and investments	—			(67		)	(23,946		)	(33,818		)	24,890			(32,941		)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	—			(12,306		)	(1		)	(19,909		)	—			(32,216		)
Other, net	5,309			45,815			(103,631		)	(14,662		)	67,551			382
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	5,309			7,886			(130,723		)	(41,917		)	92,441			(67,004		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	—			—			953			(953		)	—			—
Repayment of debt	—			(416		)	1,016			—			(767		)	(167		)
Exercise of stock-based compensation awards	14,085			—			—			—			—			14,085
Repurchase of common stock	(106,977		)	—			—			—			—			(106,977		)
Other, net	2,845			488			—			793			—			4,126
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(90,047		)	72			1,969			(160		)	(767		)	(88,933		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			—			(225		)	—			(225		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash	—			9,858			(56,174		)	(27,287		)	—			(73,603		)
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	—			54,511			247,070			50,692			—			352,273
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	—		$	64,369		$	190,896		$	23,405		$	—		$	278,670

Subsequent_Event_Subsequent_Ev

Subsequent Event Subsequent Event	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Event
	On October 7, 2014, Cintas sold its document imaging and retention business in the United Kingdom (UK). At August 31, 2014, this business is classified as discontinued operations and its balance sheet positions are presented as assets and liabilities held for sale. As of and for the three months ended August 31, 2014, the Company’s UK document imaging and retention business had assets of $43.3 million and revenue and operating loss of $7.6 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The sale of the business is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial results.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements_

New Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)," to clarify revenue recognition principles. This guidance is intended to improve disclosure requirements and enhance the comparability of revenue recognition practices. Improved disclosures under the amended guidance relate to the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized from contracts with customers. This guidance will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and will be required to be applied retrospectively. Early application of the amendments in this Update is not permitted. Cintas is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated condensed financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern”. ASU 2014-15 defines management's responsibility to assess an entity's ability to continue as a going concern, and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. This guidance will be effective for all entities in the first annual period ending after December 15, 2016; however, early adoption is permitted. Cintas is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2014-15 will have on its consolidated condensed financial statements.
	No other new accounting pronouncement recently issued or newly effective had or is expected to have a material impact on the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

Basis_of_Presentation_Tables

Basis of Presentation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of inventory	'
	As disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014, inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Inventory is comprised of the following amounts at:
	(In thousands)	August 31,		May 31,
		2014		2014
	Raw materials	$	16,652	$	17,984
	Work in process	13,835		14,304
	Finished goods	219,330		218,951
		$	249,817	$	251,239

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of fair value of financial instruments measured on a recurring basis	'
	These financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
		As of August 31, 2014
	(In thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	581,453	$	—	$	—	$	581,453
	Total assets at fair value	$	581,453	$	—	$	—	$	581,453
	Current accrued liabilities	$	—	$	265	$	—	$	265
	Total liabilities at fair value	$	—	$	265	$	—	$	265
		As of May 31, 2014
	(In thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	513,288	$	—	$	—	$	513,288
	Total assets at fair value	$	513,288	$	—	$	—	$	513,288
	Current accrued liabilities	$	—	$	286	$	—	$	286
	Total liabilities at fair value	$	—	$	286	$	—	$	286

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Summary of quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs	'
	The following table details quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used in the initial valuation of Cintas' investment in the Shred-it partnership:
						Range
	(Dollars in millions)	Fair Value at April 30, 2014		Valuation Technique	Input	Low		High
	Equity method investment - Shred-it partnership	$	339.4	Discounted Cash Flow	EBITDA Margin	20	%	22	%
					Ratio of capital expenditures	4.5	%	5.5	%
					to revenues
					Long-term revenue growth	1.5	%	2	%
					WACC Rate	9	%	9	%

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of basic and diluted earnings per share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations using the two-class method for amounts attributable to Cintas’ common shares:
		Three Months Ended
	(In thousands except per share data)	August 31,		August 31,
		2014		2013
	Basic Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations
	Income from continuing operations	$	109,791	$	77,398
	Less: income from continuing operations allocated to participating securities	613		461
	Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	$	109,178	$	76,937
	Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	116,659		122,130
	Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.94	$	0.63
		Three Months Ended
	(In thousands except per share data)	August 31,		August 31,
		2014		2013
	Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations
	Income from continuing operations	$	109,791	$	77,398
	Less: income from continuing operations allocated to participating securities	613		461
	Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	$	109,178	$	76,937
	Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	116,659		122,130
	Effect of dilutive securities – employee stock options & awards	1,371		762
	Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	118,030		122,892
	Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.93	$	0.63

Goodwill_Service_Contracts_and1

Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets [Abstract]	'
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment	'
	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill and service contracts for the three months ended August 31, 2014, by operating segment, are as follows:
	Goodwill (in thousands)	Rental			Uniform			First Aid,			Corporate			Total
		Uniforms &			Direct			Safety &
		Ancillary			Sales			Fire
		Products						Protection
	Balance as of June 1, 2014	$	943,516		$	23,905		$	221,911		$	78,079		$	1,267,411
	Goodwill acquired	—			—			693			—			693
	Amounts reclassed to assets held for sale	—			—			—			(77,200		)	(77,200		)
	Foreign currency translation	(54		)	(3		)	—			(879		)	(936		)
	Balance as of August 31, 2014	$	943,462		$	23,902		$	222,604		$	—		$	1,189,968
Changes in the carrying amount of service contracts by operating segment	'
	Service Contracts (in thousands)	Rental			Uniform			First Aid,			Corporate			Total
		Uniforms &			Direct			Safety &
		Ancillary			Sales			Fire
		Products						Protection
	Balance as of June 1, 2014	$	17,171		$	—		$	28,034		$	10,470		$	55,675
	Service contracts acquired	—			—			2,149			227			2,376
	Service contracts amortization	(1,344		)	—			(1,754		)	(597		)	(3,695		)
	Amounts reclassed to assets held for sale	—			—			—			(9,897		)	(9,897		)
	Foreign currency translation	(71		)	—			—			(203		)	(274		)
	Balance as of August 31, 2014	$	15,756		$	—		$	28,429		$	—		$	44,185
Information regarding service contracts and other assets	'
	Information regarding Cintas’ service contracts and other assets is as follows:
		As of August 31, 2014
	(In thousands)	Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net
	Service contracts	$	336,083		$	291,898		$	44,185
	Noncompete and consulting agreements	$	41,261		$	39,882		$	1,379
	Other	24,005			6,606			17,399
	Total	$	65,266		$	46,488		$	18,778
		As of May 31, 2014
	(In thousands)	Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net
	Service contracts	$	360,634		$	304,959		$	55,675
	Noncompete and consulting agreements	$	49,080		$	47,036		$	2,044
	Other	23,826			6,244			17,582
	Total	$	72,906		$	53,280		$	19,626

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'
	The following table summarizes the changes in the accumulated balances for each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
	(In thousands)	Foreign Currency				Unrealized				Other			Total
						Loss on
						Derivatives
	Balance at June 1, 2014	$	41,525			$	(12,615	)		$	(482	)	$	28,428
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(2,115		)		17				—			(2,098		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—				488				—			488
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	(2,115		)		505				—			(1,610		)
	Balance at August 31, 2014	$	39,410			$	(12,110	)		$	(482	)	$	26,818
	(In thousands)	Foreign Currency				Unrealized				Other			Total
						Loss on
						Derivatives
	Balance at June 1, 2013	$	51,312			$	(14,339	)		$	1,150		$	38,123
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(646		)		—				(14		)	(660		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—				488				—			488
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	(646		)		488				(14		)	(172		)
	Balance at August 31, 2013	$	50,666			$	(13,851	)		$	1,136		$	37,951
Schedule of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'
	The following table summarizes the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
	Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components		Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)								Affected Line in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income
	(In thousands)		Three Months Ended August 31, 2014				Three Months Ended August 31, 2013
	Amortization of interest rate locks		$	(783	)		$	(783	)		Interest expense
	Tax benefit		295				295				Income taxes
	Amortization of interest rate locks, net of tax		$	(488	)		$	(488	)		Net of tax

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Information related to operating segments	'
	Information related to the operations of Cintas’ operating segments is set forth below:
	(In thousands)	Rental		Uniform		First Aid,		Corporate (1)			Total
		Uniforms &		Direct		Safety &
		Ancillary		Sales		Fire
		Products				Protection
	As of and for the three months ended August 31, 2014
	Revenue	$	856,872	$	105,145	$	140,060	$	—		$	1,102,077
	Income before income taxes	$	142,681	$	9,187	$	11,620	$	11,828		$	175,316
	Total assets	$	2,913,437	$	133,409	$	429,783	$	1,079,641		$	4,556,270
	As of and for the three months ended August 31, 2013
	Revenue	$	792,866	$	107,462	$	125,875	$	74,043		$	1,100,246
	Income (loss) before income taxes	$	117,393	$	8,681	$	11,446	$	(14,363	)	$	123,157
	Total assets	$	2,842,058	$	143,993	$	410,633	$	914,493		$	4,311,177
	(1) Corporate assets as of August 31, 2014 include the investment in the Shred-it partnership. Corporate assets as of August 31, 2014 and 2013 include the assets of the document imaging and document retention business, which have been classified as held for sale. Corporate results and assets as of and for the period ended August 31, 2013 include the revenue ($74.0 million), income before income taxes ($2.1 million) and assets ($479.4 million) of the document shredding business.

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Discontinued Operations, Income Statement and Balance Sheet	'
	Following is selected financial information included in net income from discontinued operations for the document imaging and document retention services business:
		Three Months Ended
	In thousands	August 31,			August 31,
		2014			2013(1)
	Revenue	$	20,785		$	20,097
	Income from discontinued operations	576			458
	Income tax expense on discontinued operations	259			102
	Net income from discontinued operations	$	317		$	356
	(1) Results for the three months ended August 31, 2013 were previously included in continuing operations.
	The components of assets and liabilities as of August 31, 2014 of the document imaging and document retention services business held for sale were as follows:
	In thousands
	Accounts receivable		$	10,818
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		4,449
	Property and equipment, at cost, net		48,480
	Goodwill		77,200
	Service contracts, net		9,897
	Other assets, net		419
	Total assets held for sale		$	151,263
	Accounts payable		$	6,652
	Accrued compensation and related liabilities		430
	Accrued liabilities		1,250
	Non-current deferred income taxes		6,697
	Other liabilities, net		142
	Total liabilities held for sale		$	15,171

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa1

Supplemental Guarantor Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Condensed Consolidating Income Statement	'
	Condensed Consolidating Income Statement
	Three Months Ended August 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
		Cintas			Corp. 2			Subsidiary			Non-			Eliminations			Cintas
		Corporation						Guarantors			Guarantors						Corporation
																	Consolidated
	Revenue:
	Rental uniforms and ancillary products	$	—		$	658,987		$	176,706		$	56,281		$	(35,102	)	$	856,872
	Other services	—			343,367			6,956			17,324			(122,442		)	245,205
	Equity in net income of affiliates	109,791			—			—			—			(109,791		)	—
		109,791			1,002,354			183,662			73,605			(267,335		)	1,102,077
	Costs and expenses (income):
	Cost of rental uniforms and ancillary products	—			398,272			104,159			37,976			(69,798		)	470,609
	Cost of other services	—			228,239			(5,149		)	11,267			(80,835		)	153,522
	Selling and administrative expenses	—			314,003			(12,954		)	19,074			(5,665		)	314,458
	Operating income	109,791			61,840			97,606			5,288			(111,037		)	163,488
	Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding business	—			6,619			—			—			—			6,619
	Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment	—			—			21,739			—			—			21,739
	Interest income	—			(5		)	(48		)	—			—			(53		)
	Interest expense	—			16,409			170			4			—			16,583
	Income before income taxes	109,791			52,055			119,223			5,284			(111,037		)	175,316
	Income taxes	—			19,278			44,207			2,051			(11		)	65,525
	Income from continuing operations	109,791			32,777			75,016			3,233			(111,026		)	109,791
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	317			373			—			(56		)	(317		)	317
	Net income	$	110,108		$	33,150		$	75,016		$	3,177		$	(111,343	)	$	110,108
	Condensed Consolidating Income Statement
	Three Months Ended August 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
		Cintas			Corp. 2			Subsidiary			Non-			Eliminations			Cintas
		Corporation						Guarantors			Guarantors						Corporation
																	Consolidated
	Revenue:
	Rental uniforms and ancillary products	$	—		$	605,758		$	162,565		$	54,965		$	(30,422	)	$	792,866
	Other services	—			395,193			8,549			20,669			(117,031		)	307,380
	Equity in net income of affiliates	77,398			—			—			—			(77,398		)	—
		77,398			1,000,951			171,114			75,634			(224,851		)	1,100,246
	Costs and expenses (income):
	Cost of rental uniforms and ancillary products	—			383,719			98,167			38,556			(65,711		)	454,731
	Cost of other services	—			256,239			(3,123		)	13,220			(76,916		)	189,420
	Selling and administrative expenses	—			304,105			(4,859		)	21,442			(4,205		)	316,483
	Operating income	77,398			56,888			80,929			2,416			(78,019		)	139,612
	Interest income	—			(8		)	(53		)	(14,694		)	14,687			(68		)
	Interest expense (income)	—			16,480			44			(1		)	—			16,523
	Income before income taxes	77,398			40,416			80,938			17,111			(92,706		)	123,157
	Income taxes	—			14,989			29,981			819			(30		)	45,759
	Income from continuing operations	77,398			25,427			50,957			16,292			(92,676		)	77,398
	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	356			254			—			102			(356		)	356
	Net income	$	77,754		$	25,681		$	50,957		$	16,394		$	(93,032	)	$	77,754
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income	'
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
	Three Months Ended August 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
		Cintas			Corp. 2			Subsidiary			Non-			Eliminations			Cintas
		Corporation						Guarantors			Guarantors						Corporation
																	Consolidated
	Net income	$	110,108		$	33,150		$	75,016		$	3,177		$	(111,343	)	$	110,108
	Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	—			—			—			(2,115		)	—			(2,115		)
	Change in fair value of derivatives	—			—			—			17			—			17
	Amortization of interest rate lock agreements	—			488			—			—			—			488
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	—			488			—			(2,098		)	—			(1,610		)
	Comprehensive income	$	110,108		$	33,638		$	75,016		$	1,079		$	(111,343	)	$	108,498
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
	Three Months Ended August 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
		Cintas			Corp. 2			Subsidiary			Non-			Eliminations			Cintas
		Corporation						Guarantors			Guarantors						Corporation
																	Consolidated
	Net income	$	77,754		$	25,681		$	50,957		$	16,394		$	(93,032	)	$	77,754
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	—			7			—			(653		)	—			(646		)
	Amortization of interest rate lock agreements	—			488			—			—			—			488
	Change in fair value of available-for-sale securities	—			—			(13		)	(1		)	—			(14		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	—			495			(13		)	(654		)	—			(172		)
	Comprehensive income	$	77,754		$	26,176		$	50,944		$	15,740		$	(93,032	)	$	77,582
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	'
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	As of August 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
		Cintas			Corp. 2			Subsidiary			Non-			Eliminations			Cintas
		Corporation						Guarantors			Guarantors						Corporation
																	Consolidated
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	75,744		$	466,645		$	39,064		$	—		$	581,453
	Accounts receivable, net	—			352,695			101,722			34,794			—			489,211
	Inventories, net	—			217,040			18,315			10,758			3,704			249,817
	Uniforms and other rental items in service	—			379,116			114,140			39,259			(18,900		)	513,615
	Assets held for sale	—			44,020			39,836			67,407			—			151,263
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—			5,267			21,040			1,283			—			27,590
	Total current assets	—			1,073,882			761,698			192,565			(15,196		)	2,012,949
	Property and equipment, at cost, net	—			504,314			254,873			79,306			—			838,493
	Investments	321,083			2,082,815			886,466			1,024,343			(3,862,810		)	451,897
	Goodwill	—			—			1,172,573			17,507			(112		)	1,189,968
	Service contracts, net	—			44,131			47			7			—			44,185
	Other assets, net	1,458,826			8,349			2,251,081			8,633			(3,708,111		)	18,778
		$	1,779,909		$	3,713,491		$	5,326,738		$	1,322,361		$	(7,586,229	)	$	4,556,270
	Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	(465,247	)	$	(606,528	)	$	1,154,807		$	20,742		$	38,021		$	141,795
	Accrued compensation and related liabilities	—			28,314			12,385			3,361			—			44,060
	Accrued liabilities	—			45,253			238,399			8,896			—			292,548
	Income taxes, current	—			5,366			47,065			2,164			—			54,595
	Deferred tax liability	—			(508		)	79,514			8,836			—			87,842
	Liabilities held for sale	—			1,617			8,093			5,461			—			15,171
	Long-term debt due within one year	—			292			(292		)				—			—
	Total current liabilities	(465,247		)	(526,194		)	1,539,971			49,460			38,021			636,011
	Long-term liabilities:
	Long-term debt due after one year	—			1,308,842			(9,242		)	400			—			1,300,000
	Deferred income taxes	—			(824		)	246,975			(3,692		)	—			242,459
	Accrued liabilities	—			—			104,739			1,087			—			105,826
	Total long-term liabilities	—			1,308,018			342,472			(2,205		)	—			1,648,285
	Total shareholders’ equity	2,245,156			2,931,667			3,444,295			1,275,106			(7,624,250		)	2,271,974
		$	1,779,909		$	3,713,491		$	5,326,738		$	1,322,361		$	(7,586,229	)	$	4,556,270
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	As of May 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
		Cintas			Corp. 2			Subsidiary			Non-			Eliminations			Cintas
		Corporation						Guarantors			Guarantors						Corporation
																	Consolidated
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	73,540		$	399,525		$	40,223		$	—		$	513,288
	Accounts receivable, net	—			366,629			97,869			43,929			—			508,427
	Inventories, net	—			215,974			20,745			9,650			4,870			251,239
	Uniforms and other rental items in service	—			374,666			112,467			38,240			(18,836		)	506,537
	Income taxes, current	—			1,549			(1,549		)	—			—			—
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—			7,058			14,752			4,380			—			26,190
	Total current assets	—			1,039,416			643,809			136,422			(13,966		)	1,805,681
	Property and equipment, at cost, net	—			533,665			225,677			96,360			—			855,702
	Investments	321,083			2,081,094			893,647			1,015,343			(3,852,810		)	458,357
	Goodwill	—			—			1,211,716			55,807			(112		)	1,267,411
	Service contracts, net	—			51,248			53			4,374			—			55,675
	Other assets, net	1,378,100			8,900			2,189,527			9,044			(3,565,945		)	19,626
		$	1,699,183		$	3,714,323		$	5,164,429		$	1,317,350		$	(7,432,833	)	$	4,462,452
	Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	(465,247	)	$	(545,526	)	$	1,092,545		$	30,281		$	38,017		$	150,070
	Accrued compensation and related liabilities	—			56,581			22,590			5,855			—			85,026
Accrued liabilities	—			79,614			208,983			11,876			(746		)	299,727
Income taxes, current	—			—			4,915			1,045			—			5,960
Deferred tax liability	—			(510		)	80,575			8,780			—			88,845
Long-term debt due within one year	—			773			(270		)	—			—			503
Total current liabilities	(465,247		)	(409,068		)	1,409,338			57,837			37,271			630,131
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt due after one year	—			1,309,611			(10,380		)	500			746			1,300,477
Deferred income taxes	—			(6		)	251,924			(5,874		)	—			246,044
Accrued liabilities	—			—			92,069			873			—			92,942
Total long-term liabilities	—			1,309,605			333,613			(4,501		)	746			1,639,463
Total shareholders’ equity	2,164,430			2,813,786			3,421,478			1,264,014			(7,470,850		)	2,192,858
	$	1,699,183		$	3,714,323		$	5,164,429		$	1,317,350		$	(7,432,833	)	$	4,462,452
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	'
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	Three Months Ended August 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
		Cintas			Corp. 2			Subsidiary			Non-			Eliminations			Cintas
		Corporation						Guarantors			Guarantors						Corporation
																	Consolidated
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income	$	110,108		$	33,150		$	75,016		$	3,177		$	(111,343	)	$	110,108
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
	cash provided by (used in) operating activities
	Depreciation	—			19,547			13,037			2,864			—			35,448
	Amortization of intangible assets	—			3,773			15			418			—			4,206
	Stock-based compensation	12,280			—			—			—			—			12,280
	Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding business	—			(6,619		)	—			—			—			(6,619		)
	Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment	—			—			(21,739		)	—			—			(21,739		)
	Deferred income taxes	—			—			2,083			25			—			2,108
	Changes in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:
	Accounts receivable, net	—			10,014			(3,852		)	2,060			—			8,222
	Inventories, net	—			(1,045		)	2,430			(1,174		)	1,166			1,377
	Uniforms and other rental items in service	—			(4,450		)	(1,673		)	(1,053		)	64			(7,112		)
	Prepaid expenses	—			200			(6,288		)	204			—			(5,884		)
	Accounts payable	—			(70,520		)	71,606			(2,415		)	4			(1,325		)
	Accrued compensation and related liabilities	—			(28,267		)	(10,204		)	(2,791		)	—			(41,262		)
	Accrued liabilities	—			(31,741		)	42,084			(705		)	746			10,384
	Income taxes, current	—			6,913			40,601			495			—			48,009
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	122,388			(69,045		)	203,116			1,105			(109,363		)	148,201
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Capital expenditures	—			(22,686		)	(42,239		)	(3,125		)	—			(68,050		)
	Purchase of marketable securities and investments	—			(1,721		)	(15,260		)	—			10,000			(6,981		)
	Proceeds from Shredding transaction	—			3,344			—			—			—			3,344
	Proceeds from sale of stock of an equity method investment	—			—			29,933			—			—			29,933
	Dividends received on equity method investment	—			—			5,247			—			—			5,247
	Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	—			(2,328		)	—			—			—			(2,328		)
	Other, net	(80,725		)	94,602			(114,793		)	823			100,109			16
	Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(80,725		)	71,211			(137,112		)	(2,302		)	110,109			(38,819		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Repayment of debt	—			(450		)	1,116			(100		)	(746		)	(180		)
	Exercise of stock-based compensation awards	13,623			—			—			—			—			13,623
	Repurchase of common stock	(61,439		)	—			—			—			—			(61,439		)
	Other, net	6,153			488			—			157			—			6,798
	Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(41,663		)	38			1,116			57			(746		)	(41,198		)
	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			—			(19		)	—			(19		)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash	—			2,204			67,120			(1,159		)	—			68,165
	equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	—			73,540			399,525			40,223			—			513,288
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	—		$	75,744		$	466,645		$	39,064		$	—		$	581,453
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	Three Months Ended August 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
		Cintas			Corp. 2			Subsidiary			Non-			Eliminations			Cintas
		Corporation						Guarantors			Guarantors						Corporation
																	Consolidated
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income	$	77,754		$	25,681		$	50,957		$	16,394		$	(93,032	)	$	77,754
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
	Depreciation	—			25,690			13,305			3,576			—			42,571
	Amortization of intangible assets	—			5,318			41			464			—			5,823
	Stock-based compensation	6,984			—			—			—			—			6,984
	Deferred income taxes	—			—			7,735			(362		)	—			7,373
	Changes in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:
	Accounts receivable, net	—			(9,495		)	(5,449		)	41			—			(14,903		)
	Inventories, net	—			(8,071		)	2,675			426			(288		)	(5,258		)
	Uniforms and other rental items in service	—			(4,274		)	(842		)	87			879			(4,150		)
Prepaid expenses	—			(81		)	(7,416		)	281			—			(7,216		)
Accounts payable	—			(1,001		)	4,147			(231		)	—			2,915
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	—			(24,197		)	(8,765		)	(1,815		)	—			(34,777		)
Accrued liabilities	—			(13,567		)	(11,060		)	(3,355		)	767			(27,215		)
Income taxes, current	—			5,897			27,252			(491		)	—			32,658
Net cash provided by operating activities	84,738			1,900			72,580			15,015			(91,674		)	82,559
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(25,556		)	(8,804		)	(3,102		)	—			(37,462		)
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities	—			—			5,659			29,574			—			35,233
Purchase of marketable securities and investments	—			(67		)	(23,946		)	(33,818		)	24,890			(32,941		)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	—			(12,306		)	(1		)	(19,909		)	—			(32,216		)
Other, net	5,309			45,815			(103,631		)	(14,662		)	67,551			382
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	5,309			7,886			(130,723		)	(41,917		)	92,441			(67,004		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	—			—			953			(953		)	—			—
Repayment of debt	—			(416		)	1,016			—			(767		)	(167		)
Exercise of stock-based compensation awards	14,085			—			—			—			—			14,085
Repurchase of common stock	(106,977		)	—			—			—			—			(106,977		)
Other, net	2,845			488			—			793			—			4,126
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(90,047		)	72			1,969			(160		)	(767		)	(88,933		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			—			(225		)	—			(225		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash	—			9,858			(56,174		)	(27,287		)	—			(73,603		)
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	—			54,511			247,070			50,692			—			352,273
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	—		$	64,369		$	190,896		$	23,405		$	—		$	278,670

Basis_of_Presentation_Narrativ

Basis of Presentation (Narrative) (Details) (Shred-it Partnership)	0 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of newly formed partnership owned by Cintas	'	42.00%
Transition services period	'15 months	'
Shred-it	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Partnership, ownership percentage by third party	58.00%	58.00%

Basis_of_Presentation_Inventor

Basis of Presentation (Inventories) (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$16,652	$17,984
Work in process	13,835	14,304
Finished goods	219,330	218,951
Inventories, net	$249,817	$251,239

Fair_Value_Measurements_Financ

Fair Value Measurements (Financial Instruments on a Recurring Basis) (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Level 1	'	'
Fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$581,453	$513,288
Total assets at fair value	581,453	513,288
Current accrued liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities at fair value	0	0
Level 2	'	'
Fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Total liabilities at fair value	265	286
Level 3	'	'
Fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Current accrued liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities at fair value	0	0
Fair Value	'	'
Fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	581,453	513,288
Total assets at fair value	581,453	513,288
Current accrued liabilities	265	286
Total liabilities at fair value	265	286
Foreign Exchange Forward | Level 2	'	'
Fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Current accrued liabilities	$265	$286

Investments_Narrative_Details

Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-14	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14	Apr. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
				Shred-it Partnership	Shred-it Partnership	Shred-it Partnership	Other Equity Method Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investments	$451,897,000	'	$458,357,000	'	'	'	'
Equity method investments	15,500,000	'	29,700,000	341,400,000	341,400,000	'	'
Cash surrender value of insurance policies	92,800,000	'	86,500,000	'	'	'	'
Cost method investments	2,200,000	'	800,000	'	'	'	'
Cost-method investments, losses due to impairment	0	0	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of newly formed partnership owned by Cintas	'	'	'	'	'	42.00%	'
Equity method investment, recorded at fair value	'	'	'	'	'	339,400,000	'
Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding business	6,619,000	0	'	6,619,000	'	'	'
Dividends received on equity method investment	5,247,000	0	'	'	'	'	5,247,000
Cash received from sale of equity method investment	'	'	'	'	'	'	35,200,000
Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment	$21,739,000	$0	'	'	'	'	$13,600,000

Investments_Significant_Unobse

Investments (Significant Unobservable Inputs) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014
Shred-it Partnership	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Equity method investment, recorded at fair value	339.4
Minimum	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
EBITDA Margin	20.00%
Ratio of capital expenditures to revenues	4.50%
Long-term revenue growth rate	1.50%
WACC Rate	9.00%
Maximum	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
EBITDA Margin	22.00%
Ratio of capital expenditures to revenues	5.50%
Long-term revenue growth rate	2.00%
WACC Rate	9.00%

Earnings_Per_Share_Computation

Earnings Per Share (Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Basic Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$109,791	$77,398
Less: income from continuing operations allocated to participating securities	613	461
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	$109,178	$76,937
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (shares)	116,659	122,130
Basic earnings per common share:	'	'
Total common shares, basic (dollars per share)	$0.94	$0.63
Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations	'	'
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (shares)	116,659	122,130
Effect of dilutive securities - employee stock options & awards (shares)	1,371	762
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (shares)	118,030	122,892
Diluted earnings per share:	'	'
Total common shares, diluted (dollars per share)	$0.93	$0.63

Earnings_Per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				1 Months Ended	15 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Oct. 10, 2014	Oct. 10, 2014	Jul. 30, 2013
			Common Stock	Common Stock	Common Stock	Common Stock	30-Jul-13
				Employee payroll taxes due on restricted stock	Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Earnings per share from discontinued operations (less than $0.01 per share for both periods)	$0.01	$0.01	'	'	'	'	'
Options granted and excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share (shares)	600,000	600,000	'	'	'	'	'
Additional amount authorized under share buyback program	'	'	'	'	'	'	500,000,000
Common stock purchased under a share buyback program (shares)	'	'	800,000	200,000	0	4,100,000	'
Aggregate purchase price of common stock under a share buyback program	'	'	$49.70	$11.70	'	$249.20	'
Average price of common stock purchased under a share buyback program (dollars per share)	'	'	$62.17	$63.72	'	$60.19	'

Goodwill_Service_Contracts_and2

Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance as of June 1, 2014	$1,267,411
Goodwill acquired	693
Amounts reclassed to assets held for sale	-77,200
Foreign currency translation	-936
Balance as of August 31, 2014	1,189,968
Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance as of June 1, 2014	943,516
Goodwill acquired	0
Amounts reclassed to assets held for sale	0
Foreign currency translation	-54
Balance as of August 31, 2014	943,462
Uniform Direct Sales	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance as of June 1, 2014	23,905
Goodwill acquired	0
Amounts reclassed to assets held for sale	0
Foreign currency translation	-3
Balance as of August 31, 2014	23,902
First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance as of June 1, 2014	221,911
Goodwill acquired	693
Amounts reclassed to assets held for sale	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance as of August 31, 2014	222,604
Corporate	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance as of June 1, 2014	78,079
Goodwill acquired	0
Amounts reclassed to assets held for sale	-77,200
Foreign currency translation	-879
Balance as of August 31, 2014	$0

Goodwill_Service_Contracts_and3

Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets (Changes in Carrying Amount of Service Contracts) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014
Service contracts [Roll Forward]	'
Balance as of June 1, 2014	$55,675
Service contracts acquired	2,376
Service contracts amortization	-3,695
Amounts reclassed to assets held for sale	-9,897
Foreign currency translation	-274
Balance as of August 31, 2014	44,185
Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products	'
Service contracts [Roll Forward]	'
Balance as of June 1, 2014	17,171
Service contracts acquired	0
Service contracts amortization	-1,344
Amounts reclassed to assets held for sale	0
Foreign currency translation	-71
Balance as of August 31, 2014	15,756
Uniform Direct Sales	'
Service contracts [Roll Forward]	'
Balance as of June 1, 2014	0
Service contracts acquired	0
Service contracts amortization	0
Amounts reclassed to assets held for sale	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance as of August 31, 2014	0
First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection	'
Service contracts [Roll Forward]	'
Balance as of June 1, 2014	28,034
Service contracts acquired	2,149
Service contracts amortization	-1,754
Amounts reclassed to assets held for sale	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance as of August 31, 2014	28,429
Corporate	'
Service contracts [Roll Forward]	'
Balance as of June 1, 2014	10,470
Service contracts acquired	227
Service contracts amortization	-597
Amounts reclassed to assets held for sale	-9,897
Foreign currency translation	-203
Balance as of August 31, 2014	$0

Goodwill_Service_Contracts_and4

Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets (Information Regarding Service Contracts and Other Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Information regarding service contracts and other assets	'	'
Service contracts, Net	$44,185	$55,675
Other Assets, Carrying Amount	65,266	72,906
Other Assets, Accumulated Amortization	46,488	53,280
Other Assets, Net	18,778	19,626
Noncompete and consulting agreements	'	'
Information regarding service contracts and other assets	'	'
Other Assets, Carrying Amount	41,261	49,080
Other Assets, Accumulated Amortization	39,882	47,036
Other Assets, Net	1,379	2,044
Other	'	'
Information regarding service contracts and other assets	'	'
Other Assets, Carrying Amount	24,005	23,826
Other Assets, Accumulated Amortization	6,606	6,244
Other Assets, Net	17,399	17,582
Service Contracts	'	'
Information regarding service contracts and other assets	'	'
Service contracts, Carrying Amount	336,083	360,634
Service contracts, Accumulated Amortization	291,898	304,959
Service contracts, Net	$44,185	$55,675

Goodwill_Service_Contracts_and5

Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Amortization expense for continuing operations	$3.50	$5.10
Estimated amortization expense, year one	13.4	'
Estimated amortization expense, year two	10	'
Estimated amortization expense, year three	5.9	'
Estimated amortization expense, year four	4.9	'
Estimated amortization expense, year five	$4.60	'

Debt_Derivatives_and_Hedging_A1

Debt, Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-14
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'
Commercial paper program availability	$300,000,000	'	'
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity with accordion feature	450,000,000	'	'
Revolving credit facility amount outstanding	0	'	0
Amortization of interest rate lock agreements	500,000	500,000	'
Level 2 | Foreign Exchange Forward | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'
Current accrued liabilities	265,000	'	286,000
Unsecured Debt	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt, carrying amount	1,300,000,000	'	1,301,000,000
Long-term debt, fair value	$1,425,900,000	'	$1,421,000,000

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Unrecognized tax benefits, period increase (decrease)	$0.50
Unrecognized tax benefits, increase in accrued interest	$0.10

Litigation_and_Other_Contingen1

Litigation and Other Contingencies (Details) (Serrano lawsuit)	1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2010
	Individual
Serrano lawsuit	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Number of plaintiffs (individual)	13

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at June 1, 2014	$28,428	$38,123
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	-2,098	-660
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	488	488
Other comprehensive loss	-1,610	-172
Balance at August 31, 2014	26,818	37,951
Foreign Currency	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at June 1, 2014	41,525	51,312
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	-2,115	-646
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Other comprehensive loss	-2,115	-646
Balance at August 31, 2014	39,410	50,666
Unrealized Loss on Derivatives	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at June 1, 2014	-12,615	-14,339
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	17	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	488	488
Other comprehensive loss	505	488
Balance at August 31, 2014	-12,110	-13,851
Other	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at June 1, 2014	-482	1,150
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	0	-14
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Other comprehensive loss	0	-14
Balance at August 31, 2014	($482)	$1,136

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Amortization of interest rate locks	($783)	($783)
Tax benefit	295	295
Amortization of interest rate locks, net of tax	($488)	($488)

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013		31-May-14
	segment
Disclosures related to operating segments	'		'		'
Number of Reportable Segments	3		'		'
Revenue	$1,102,077		$1,100,246		'
Income (loss) before income taxes	175,316		123,157		'
Total assets	4,556,270		4,311,177		4,462,452
Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products	'		'		'
Disclosures related to operating segments	'		'		'
Revenue	856,872		792,866		'
Income (loss) before income taxes	142,681		117,393		'
Total assets	2,913,437		2,842,058		'
Uniform Direct Sales	'		'		'
Disclosures related to operating segments	'		'		'
Revenue	105,145		107,462		'
Income (loss) before income taxes	9,187		8,681		'
Total assets	133,409		143,993		'
First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection	'		'		'
Disclosures related to operating segments	'		'		'
Revenue	140,060		125,875		'
Income (loss) before income taxes	11,620		11,446		'
Total assets	429,783		410,633		'
Corporate	'		'		'
Disclosures related to operating segments	'		'		'
Revenue	0	[1]	74,043	[1]	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	11,828	[1]	-14,363	[1]	'
Total assets	1,079,641	[1]	914,493	[1]	'
Document Shredding	'		'		'
Disclosures related to operating segments	'		'		'
Revenue	'		74,000		'
Income (loss) before income taxes	'		2,100		'
Total assets	'		$479,400		'
[1]	Corporate assets as of August 31, 2014 include the investment in the Shred-it partnership. Corporate assets as of August 31, 2014 and 2013 include the assets of the document imaging and document retention business, which have been classified as held for sale. Corporate results and assets as of and for the period ended August 31, 2013 include the revenue ($74.0 million), income before income taxes ($2.1 million) and assets ($479.4 million) of the document shredding business.

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013		31-May-14
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'		'
Net income from discontinued operations	$317	$356		'
Total assets held for sale	151,263	'		0
Total liabilities held for sale	15,171	'		0
Document Imaging and Document Retention Services	'	'		'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'		'
Revenue	20,785	20,097	[1]	'
Income from discontinued operations	576	458	[1]	'
Income tax expense on discontinued operations	259	102	[1]	'
Net income from discontinued operations	317	356	[1]	'
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale | Document Imaging and Document Retention Services	'	'		'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'		'
Accounts receivable	10,818	'		'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4,449	'		'
Property and equipment, at cost, net	48,480	'		'
Goodwill	77,200	'		'
Service contracts, net	9,897	'		'
Other assets, net	419	'		'
Total assets held for sale	151,263	'		'
Accounts payable	6,652	'		'
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	430	'		'
Accrued liabilities	1,250	'		'
Non-current deferred income taxes	6,697	'		'
Other liabilities, net	142	'		'
Total liabilities held for sale	$15,171	'		'
[1]	Results for the three months ended August 31, 2013 were previously included in continuing operations.

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa2

Supplemental Guarantor Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-term notes	$1,300

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa3

Supplemental Guarantor Information (Condensed Consolidating Income Statement) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Revenue:	'	'
Rental uniforms and ancillary products	$856,872	$792,866
Other services	245,205	307,380
Equity in net income of affiliates	0	0
Total revenue	1,102,077	1,100,246
Costs and expenses (income):	'	'
Cost of rental uniforms and ancillary products	470,609	454,731
Cost of other services	153,522	189,420
Selling and administrative expenses	314,458	316,483
Operating income	163,488	139,612
Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding business	-6,619	0
Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment	-21,739	0
Interest income	-53	-68
Interest expense	16,583	16,523
Income before income taxes	175,316	123,157
Income taxes	65,525	45,759
Income from continuing operations	109,791	77,398
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	317	356
Net income	110,108	77,754
Cintas Corporation	'	'
Revenue:	'	'
Rental uniforms and ancillary products	0	0
Other services	0	0
Equity in net income of affiliates	109,791	77,398
Total revenue	109,791	77,398
Costs and expenses (income):	'	'
Cost of rental uniforms and ancillary products	0	0
Cost of other services	0	0
Selling and administrative expenses	0	0
Operating income	109,791	77,398
Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding business	0	'
Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment	0	'
Interest income	0	0
Interest expense	0	0
Income before income taxes	109,791	77,398
Income taxes	0	0
Income from continuing operations	109,791	77,398
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	317	356
Net income	110,108	77,754
Corp. 2	'	'
Revenue:	'	'
Rental uniforms and ancillary products	658,987	605,758
Other services	343,367	395,193
Equity in net income of affiliates	0	0
Total revenue	1,002,354	1,000,951
Costs and expenses (income):	'	'
Cost of rental uniforms and ancillary products	398,272	383,719
Cost of other services	228,239	256,239
Selling and administrative expenses	314,003	304,105
Operating income	61,840	56,888
Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding business	-6,619	'
Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment	0	'
Interest income	-5	-8
Interest expense	16,409	16,480
Income before income taxes	52,055	40,416
Income taxes	19,278	14,989
Income from continuing operations	32,777	25,427
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	373	254
Net income	33,150	25,681
Subsidiary Guarantors	'	'
Revenue:	'	'
Rental uniforms and ancillary products	176,706	162,565
Other services	6,956	8,549
Equity in net income of affiliates	0	0
Total revenue	183,662	171,114
Costs and expenses (income):	'	'
Cost of rental uniforms and ancillary products	104,159	98,167
Cost of other services	-5,149	-3,123
Selling and administrative expenses	-12,954	-4,859
Operating income	97,606	80,929
Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding business	0	'
Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment	-21,739	'
Interest income	-48	-53
Interest expense	170	44
Income before income taxes	119,223	80,938
Income taxes	44,207	29,981
Income from continuing operations	75,016	50,957
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0
Net income	75,016	50,957
Non-Guarantors	'	'
Revenue:	'	'
Rental uniforms and ancillary products	56,281	54,965
Other services	17,324	20,669
Equity in net income of affiliates	0	0
Total revenue	73,605	75,634
Costs and expenses (income):	'	'
Cost of rental uniforms and ancillary products	37,976	38,556
Cost of other services	11,267	13,220
Selling and administrative expenses	19,074	21,442
Operating income	5,288	2,416
Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding business	0	'
Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment	0	'
Interest income	0	-14,694
Interest expense	4	-1
Income before income taxes	5,284	17,111
Income taxes	2,051	819
Income from continuing operations	3,233	16,292
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	-56	102
Net income	3,177	16,394
Eliminations	'	'
Revenue:	'	'
Rental uniforms and ancillary products	-35,102	-30,422
Other services	-122,442	-117,031
Equity in net income of affiliates	-109,791	-77,398
Total revenue	-267,335	-224,851
Costs and expenses (income):	'	'
Cost of rental uniforms and ancillary products	-69,798	-65,711
Cost of other services	-80,835	-76,916
Selling and administrative expenses	-5,665	-4,205
Operating income	-111,037	-78,019
Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding business	0	'
Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment	0	'
Interest income	0	14,687
Interest expense	0	0
Income before income taxes	-111,037	-92,706
Income taxes	-11	-30
Income from continuing operations	-111,026	-92,676
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	-317	-356
Net income	($111,343)	($93,032)

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa4

Supplemental Guarantor Information (Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	'	'
Net income	$110,108	$77,754
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-2,115	-646
Change in fair value of derivatives	17	0
Amortization of interest rate lock agreements	488	488
Change in fair value of available-for-sale securities	0	-14
Other comprehensive loss	-1,610	-172
Comprehensive income	108,498	77,582
Cintas Corporation	'	'
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	'	'
Net income	110,108	77,754
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	0
Change in fair value of derivatives	0	'
Amortization of interest rate lock agreements	0	0
Change in fair value of available-for-sale securities	'	0
Other comprehensive loss	0	0
Comprehensive income	110,108	77,754
Corp. 2	'	'
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	'	'
Net income	33,150	25,681
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	7
Change in fair value of derivatives	0	'
Amortization of interest rate lock agreements	488	488
Change in fair value of available-for-sale securities	'	0
Other comprehensive loss	488	495
Comprehensive income	33,638	26,176
Subsidiary Guarantors	'	'
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	'	'
Net income	75,016	50,957
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	0
Change in fair value of derivatives	0	'
Amortization of interest rate lock agreements	0	0
Change in fair value of available-for-sale securities	'	-13
Other comprehensive loss	0	-13
Comprehensive income	75,016	50,944
Non-Guarantors	'	'
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	'	'
Net income	3,177	16,394
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-2,115	-653
Change in fair value of derivatives	17	'
Amortization of interest rate lock agreements	0	0
Change in fair value of available-for-sale securities	'	-1
Other comprehensive loss	-2,098	-654
Comprehensive income	1,079	15,740
Eliminations	'	'
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	'	'
Net income	-111,343	-93,032
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	0
Change in fair value of derivatives	0	'
Amortization of interest rate lock agreements	0	0
Change in fair value of available-for-sale securities	'	0
Other comprehensive loss	0	0
Comprehensive income	($111,343)	($93,032)

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa5

Supplemental Guarantor Information (Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-13
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$581,453	$513,288	$278,670	$352,273
Accounts receivable, net	489,211	508,427	'	'
Inventories, net	249,817	251,239	'	'
Uniforms and other rental items in service	513,615	506,537	'	'
Income taxes, current	'	0	'	'
Assets held for sale	151,263	0	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	27,590	26,190	'	'
Total current assets	2,012,949	1,805,681	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost, net	838,493	855,702	'	'
Investments	451,897	458,357	'	'
Goodwill	1,189,968	1,267,411	'	'
Service contracts, net	44,185	55,675	'	'
Other assets, net	18,778	19,626	'	'
Total assets	4,556,270	4,462,452	4,311,177	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	141,795	150,070	'	'
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	44,060	85,026	'	'
Accrued liabilities	292,548	299,727	'	'
Income taxes, current	54,595	5,960	'	'
Deferred tax liability	87,842	88,845	'	'
Liabilities held for sale	15,171	0	'	'
Long-term debt due within one year	0	503	'	'
Total current liabilities	636,011	630,131	'	'
Long-term liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt due after one year	1,300,000	1,300,477	'	'
Deferred income taxes	242,459	246,044	'	'
Accrued liabilities	105,826	92,942	'	'
Total long-term liabilities	1,648,285	1,639,463	'	'
Total shareholders’ equity	2,271,974	2,192,858	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	4,556,270	4,462,452	'	'
Cintas Corporation	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0	'	'
Inventories, net	0	0	'	'
Uniforms and other rental items in service	0	0	'	'
Income taxes, current	'	0	'	'
Assets held for sale	0	'	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0	'	'
Total current assets	0	0	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost, net	0	0	'	'
Investments	321,083	321,083	'	'
Goodwill	0	0	'	'
Service contracts, net	0	0	'	'
Other assets, net	1,458,826	1,378,100	'	'
Total assets	1,779,909	1,699,183	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	-465,247	-465,247	'	'
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	0	0	'	'
Accrued liabilities	0	0	'	'
Income taxes, current	0	0	'	'
Deferred tax liability	0	0	'	'
Liabilities held for sale	0	'	'	'
Long-term debt due within one year	0	0	'	'
Total current liabilities	-465,247	-465,247	'	'
Long-term liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt due after one year	0	0	'	'
Deferred income taxes	0	0	'	'
Accrued liabilities	0	0	'	'
Total long-term liabilities	0	0	'	'
Total shareholders’ equity	2,245,156	2,164,430	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,779,909	1,699,183	'	'
Corp. 2	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	75,744	73,540	64,369	54,511
Accounts receivable, net	352,695	366,629	'	'
Inventories, net	217,040	215,974	'	'
Uniforms and other rental items in service	379,116	374,666	'	'
Income taxes, current	'	1,549	'	'
Assets held for sale	44,020	'	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	5,267	7,058	'	'
Total current assets	1,073,882	1,039,416	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost, net	504,314	533,665	'	'
Investments	2,082,815	2,081,094	'	'
Goodwill	0	0	'	'
Service contracts, net	44,131	51,248	'	'
Other assets, net	8,349	8,900	'	'
Total assets	3,713,491	3,714,323	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	-606,528	-545,526	'	'
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	28,314	56,581	'	'
Accrued liabilities	45,253	79,614	'	'
Income taxes, current	5,366	0	'	'
Deferred tax liability	-508	-510	'	'
Liabilities held for sale	1,617	'	'	'
Long-term debt due within one year	292	773	'	'
Total current liabilities	-526,194	-409,068	'	'
Long-term liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt due after one year	1,308,842	1,309,611	'	'
Deferred income taxes	-824	-6	'	'
Accrued liabilities	0	0	'	'
Total long-term liabilities	1,308,018	1,309,605	'	'
Total shareholders’ equity	2,931,667	2,813,786	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	3,713,491	3,714,323	'	'
Subsidiary Guarantors	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	466,645	399,525	190,896	247,070
Accounts receivable, net	101,722	97,869	'	'
Inventories, net	18,315	20,745	'	'
Uniforms and other rental items in service	114,140	112,467	'	'
Income taxes, current	'	-1,549	'	'
Assets held for sale	39,836	'	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	21,040	14,752	'	'
Total current assets	761,698	643,809	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost, net	254,873	225,677	'	'
Investments	886,466	893,647	'	'
Goodwill	1,172,573	1,211,716	'	'
Service contracts, net	47	53	'	'
Other assets, net	2,251,081	2,189,527	'	'
Total assets	5,326,738	5,164,429	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	1,154,807	1,092,545	'	'
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	12,385	22,590	'	'
Accrued liabilities	238,399	208,983	'	'
Income taxes, current	47,065	4,915	'	'
Deferred tax liability	79,514	80,575	'	'
Liabilities held for sale	8,093	'	'	'
Long-term debt due within one year	-292	-270	'	'
Total current liabilities	1,539,971	1,409,338	'	'
Long-term liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt due after one year	-9,242	-10,380	'	'
Deferred income taxes	246,975	251,924	'	'
Accrued liabilities	104,739	92,069	'	'
Total long-term liabilities	342,472	333,613	'	'
Total shareholders’ equity	3,444,295	3,421,478	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	5,326,738	5,164,429	'	'
Non-Guarantors	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	39,064	40,223	23,405	50,692
Accounts receivable, net	34,794	43,929	'	'
Inventories, net	10,758	9,650	'	'
Uniforms and other rental items in service	39,259	38,240	'	'
Income taxes, current	'	0	'	'
Assets held for sale	67,407	'	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,283	4,380	'	'
Total current assets	192,565	136,422	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost, net	79,306	96,360	'	'
Investments	1,024,343	1,015,343	'	'
Goodwill	17,507	55,807	'	'
Service contracts, net	7	4,374	'	'
Other assets, net	8,633	9,044	'	'
Total assets	1,322,361	1,317,350	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	20,742	30,281	'	'
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	3,361	5,855	'	'
Accrued liabilities	8,896	11,876	'	'
Income taxes, current	2,164	1,045	'	'
Deferred tax liability	8,836	8,780	'	'
Liabilities held for sale	5,461	'	'	'
Long-term debt due within one year	'	0	'	'
Total current liabilities	49,460	57,837	'	'
Long-term liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt due after one year	400	500	'	'
Deferred income taxes	-3,692	-5,874	'	'
Accrued liabilities	1,087	873	'	'
Total long-term liabilities	-2,205	-4,501	'	'
Total shareholders’ equity	1,275,106	1,264,014	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,322,361	1,317,350	'	'
Eliminations	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0	'	'
Inventories, net	3,704	4,870	'	'
Uniforms and other rental items in service	-18,900	-18,836	'	'
Income taxes, current	'	0	'	'
Assets held for sale	0	'	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0	'	'
Total current assets	-15,196	-13,966	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost, net	0	0	'	'
Investments	-3,862,810	-3,852,810	'	'
Goodwill	-112	-112	'	'
Service contracts, net	0	0	'	'
Other assets, net	-3,708,111	-3,565,945	'	'
Total assets	-7,586,229	-7,432,833	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	38,021	38,017	'	'
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	0	0	'	'
Accrued liabilities	0	-746	'	'
Income taxes, current	0	0	'	'
Deferred tax liability	0	0	'	'
Liabilities held for sale	0	'	'	'
Long-term debt due within one year	0	0	'	'
Total current liabilities	38,021	37,271	'	'
Long-term liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt due after one year	0	746	'	'
Deferred income taxes	0	0	'	'
Accrued liabilities	0	0	'	'
Total long-term liabilities	0	746	'	'
Total shareholders’ equity	-7,624,250	-7,470,850	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	($7,586,229)	($7,432,833)	'	'

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa6

Supplemental Guarantor Information (Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$110,108	$77,754
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	'	'
Depreciation	35,448	42,571
Amortization of intangible assets	4,206	5,823
Stock-based compensation	12,280	6,984
Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding business	-6,619	0
Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment	-21,739	0
Deferred income taxes	2,108	7,373
Change in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	8,222	-14,903
Inventories, net	1,377	-5,258
Uniforms and other rental items in service	-7,112	-4,150
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-5,884	-7,216
Accounts payable	-1,325	2,915
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	-41,262	-34,777
Accrued liabilities	10,384	-27,215
Income taxes, current	48,009	32,658
Net cash provided by operating activities	148,201	82,559
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-68,050	-37,462
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities	0	35,233
Purchase of marketable securities and investments	-6,981	-32,941
Proceeds from Shredding transaction	3,344	0
Proceeds from sale of stock of an equity method investment	29,933	0
Dividends received on equity method investment	5,247	0
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	-2,328	-32,216
Other, net	16	382
Net cash used in investing activities	-38,819	-67,004
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of debt	'	0
Repayment of debt	-180	-167
Exercise of stock-based compensation awards	13,623	14,085
Repurchase of common stock	-61,439	-106,977
Other, net	6,798	4,126
Net cash used in financing activities	-41,198	-88,933
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-19	-225
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	68,165	-73,603
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	513,288	352,273
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	581,453	278,670
Cintas Corporation	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	110,108	77,754
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	'	'
Depreciation	0	0
Amortization of intangible assets	0	0
Stock-based compensation	12,280	6,984
Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding business	0	'
Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment	0	'
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Change in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories, net	0	0
Uniforms and other rental items in service	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0
Accounts payable	0	0
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	0	0
Accrued liabilities	0	0
Income taxes, current	0	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	122,388	84,738
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	0	0
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities	'	0
Purchase of marketable securities and investments	0	0
Proceeds from Shredding transaction	0	'
Proceeds from sale of stock of an equity method investment	0	'
Dividends received on equity method investment	0	'
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	0
Other, net	-80,725	5,309
Net cash used in investing activities	-80,725	5,309
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of debt	'	0
Repayment of debt	0	0
Exercise of stock-based compensation awards	13,623	14,085
Repurchase of common stock	-61,439	-106,977
Other, net	6,153	2,845
Net cash used in financing activities	-41,663	-90,047
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	0	0
Corp. 2	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	33,150	25,681
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	'	'
Depreciation	19,547	25,690
Amortization of intangible assets	3,773	5,318
Stock-based compensation	0	0
Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding business	-6,619	'
Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment	0	'
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Change in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	10,014	-9,495
Inventories, net	-1,045	-8,071
Uniforms and other rental items in service	-4,450	-4,274
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	200	-81
Accounts payable	-70,520	-1,001
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	-28,267	-24,197
Accrued liabilities	-31,741	-13,567
Income taxes, current	6,913	5,897
Net cash provided by operating activities	-69,045	1,900
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-22,686	-25,556
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities	'	0
Purchase of marketable securities and investments	-1,721	-67
Proceeds from Shredding transaction	3,344	'
Proceeds from sale of stock of an equity method investment	0	'
Dividends received on equity method investment	0	'
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	-2,328	-12,306
Other, net	94,602	45,815
Net cash used in investing activities	71,211	7,886
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of debt	'	0
Repayment of debt	-450	-416
Exercise of stock-based compensation awards	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	0	0
Other, net	488	488
Net cash used in financing activities	38	72
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	2,204	9,858
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	73,540	54,511
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	75,744	64,369
Subsidiary Guarantors	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	75,016	50,957
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	'	'
Depreciation	13,037	13,305
Amortization of intangible assets	15	41
Stock-based compensation	0	0
Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding business	0	'
Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment	-21,739	'
Deferred income taxes	2,083	7,735
Change in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	-3,852	-5,449
Inventories, net	2,430	2,675
Uniforms and other rental items in service	-1,673	-842
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-6,288	-7,416
Accounts payable	71,606	4,147
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	-10,204	-8,765
Accrued liabilities	42,084	-11,060
Income taxes, current	40,601	27,252
Net cash provided by operating activities	203,116	72,580
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-42,239	-8,804
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities	'	5,659
Purchase of marketable securities and investments	-15,260	-23,946
Proceeds from Shredding transaction	0	'
Proceeds from sale of stock of an equity method investment	29,933	'
Dividends received on equity method investment	5,247	'
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	-1
Other, net	-114,793	-103,631
Net cash used in investing activities	-137,112	-130,723
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of debt	'	953
Repayment of debt	1,116	1,016
Exercise of stock-based compensation awards	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	0	0
Other, net	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	1,116	1,969
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	67,120	-56,174
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	399,525	247,070
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	466,645	190,896
Non-Guarantors	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	3,177	16,394
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	'	'
Depreciation	2,864	3,576
Amortization of intangible assets	418	464
Stock-based compensation	0	0
Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding business	0	'
Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment	0	'
Deferred income taxes	25	-362
Change in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	2,060	41
Inventories, net	-1,174	426
Uniforms and other rental items in service	-1,053	87
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	204	281
Accounts payable	-2,415	-231
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	-2,791	-1,815
Accrued liabilities	-705	-3,355
Income taxes, current	495	-491
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,105	15,015
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-3,125	-3,102
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities	'	29,574
Purchase of marketable securities and investments	0	-33,818
Proceeds from Shredding transaction	0	'
Proceeds from sale of stock of an equity method investment	0	'
Dividends received on equity method investment	0	'
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	-19,909
Other, net	823	-14,662
Net cash used in investing activities	-2,302	-41,917
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of debt	'	-953
Repayment of debt	-100	0
Exercise of stock-based compensation awards	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	0	0
Other, net	157	793
Net cash used in financing activities	57	-160
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-19	-225
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-1,159	-27,287
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	40,223	50,692
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	39,064	23,405
Eliminations	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	-111,343	-93,032
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	'	'
Depreciation	0	0
Amortization of intangible assets	0	0
Stock-based compensation	0	0
Gain on deconsolidation of Shredding business	0	'
Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment	0	'
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Change in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories, net	1,166	-288
Uniforms and other rental items in service	64	879
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0
Accounts payable	4	0
Accrued compensation and related liabilities	0	0
Accrued liabilities	746	767
Income taxes, current	0	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	-109,363	-91,674
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	0	0
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities	'	0
Purchase of marketable securities and investments	10,000	24,890
Proceeds from Shredding transaction	0	'
Proceeds from sale of stock of an equity method investment	0	'
Dividends received on equity method investment	0	'
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	0
Other, net	100,109	67,551
Net cash used in investing activities	110,109	92,441
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of debt	'	0
Repayment of debt	-746	-767
Exercise of stock-based compensation awards	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	0	0
Other, net	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	-746	-767
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$0	$0

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
			Document Imaging and Document Retention Services	Document Imaging and Document Retention Services		Document Imaging and Document Retention Services	United Kingdom
						Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale	Document Imaging and Document Retention Services
							Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'
Assets held for sale	$151,263,000	$0	'	'		$151,263,000	$43,300,000
Revenue	'	'	20,785,000	20,097,000	[1]	'	7,600,000
Income from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'		'	$300,000
[1]	Results for the three months ended August 31, 2013 were previously included in continuing operations.