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$ 163,895

$ 70,196

$ 125,026

Income per share – Diluted:

$ 8.21

$ 3.44

$ 6.17

Income allocated to – Basic:

$ 163,895

$ 70,196

$ 125,026

Income allocated to – Diluted:

Weighted average number of shares outstanding – Basic:

$ 163,895

$ 69,837

$ 124,409

Weighted average number of shares outstanding – Diluted:

19,811

20,284

20,168

19,963

20,276

20,154

Income per share – Basic:

$ 8.66

$ 3.63

$ 6.51

Income allocated to – Basic:

Weighted average number of shares outstanding – Basic:

$ 133,802

$ 55,903

$ 99,282

15,454

15,382

15,245

Dividends per share:

$ 0.3

$ 0.15

Class B Common Stock

Income per share – Basic:

$ 6.91

$ 2.91

$ 5.21

Income allocated to – Basic:

Weighted average number of shares outstanding – Basic:

$ 30,093

$ 13,915

$ 25,093

4,357

4,786

4,816

Dividends per share:

Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

$ 0.24

$ 0.12

[1]	Exclusive of depreciation on the Company’s property, plant and equipment and amortization of its intangible assets.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Aug. 26, 2017

Aug. 27, 2016

Foreign currency translation adjustments

$ 163,895

$ 70,196

$ 125,026

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

(5,184)

4,882

(391)

Pension benefit liabilities, net of income taxes

1,342

2,774

^[1]

(3,532)

^[1]

Change in fair value of derivatives, net of income taxes

247

(45)

(398)

Derivative financial instruments reclassified to earnings

(46)

(180)

(215)

Other comprehensive (loss) income

(3,641)

7,431

(4,536)

Comprehensive income

$ 160,254

$ 77,627

$ 120,490

[1]	These amounts are shown net of the effect of income taxes.

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017
Current assets:
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	$ 270,512	$ 349,752
Receivables, less reserves of $9,237 and $8,719 respectively	200,797	187,174
Inventories	90,176	79,068
Rental merchandise in service	174,392	151,340
Prepaid taxes	27,024	29,968
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	21,899	16,924
Total current assets	784,800	814,226
Property, plant and equipment, net	559,576	525,115
Goodwill	397,422	376,110
Customer contracts, net	67,318	67,485
Other intangible assets, net	3,586	4,259
Deferred income taxes	425	394
Other assets	30,259	31,539
Total assets	1,843,386	1,819,128
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	73,500	64,691
Accrued liabilities	124,225	112,236
Accrued taxes	736	921
Total current liabilities	198,461	177,848
Accrued liabilities	105,888	106,736
Accrued and deferred income taxes	74,070	81,352
Total liabilities	378,419	365,936
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Capital surplus	82,973	86,245
Retained earnings	1,405,239	1,386,438
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(25,159)	(21,518)
Total shareholders’ equity	1,464,967	1,453,192
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	1,843,386	1,819,128
Common Stock
Shareholders’ equity:
Common Stock	1,543	1,545
Class B Common Stock
Shareholders’ equity:
Common Stock	$ 371	$ 482

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017
Receivables, reserves	$ 9,237	$ 8,719
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	15,431,209	15,453,308
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	15,431,209	15,453,308
Class B Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	3,710,009	4,815,519
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	3,710,009	4,815,519

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands

Total

Common Stock

Common Shares

Common Stock

Class B Common Stock

Capital Surplus

Retained Earnings

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Aug. 29, 2015

15,246

4,854

Balance at beginning of period at Aug. 29, 2015

$ 1,242,208

$ 1,525

$ 485

$ 67,611

$ 1,197,000

$ (24,413)

Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]

Pension benefit liabilities, net

125,026

^[1]

(3,532)

Change in fair value of derivatives

(613)

Foreign currency translation

(391)

Dividends declared

(2,884)

Share-based compensation, net (in shares)

^[2]

104

(5)

Share-based compensation, net

^[2]

(333)

$ 10

(343)

Share-based awards exercised, net (in shares)

^[1],[3]

Share-based awards exercised, net

^[1],[3]

5,300

$ 7

5,293

Balance at end of period (in shares) at Aug. 27, 2016

15,415

4,849

Balance at end of period at Aug. 27, 2016

1,364,781

$ 1,542

$ 485

72,561

1,319,142

(28,949)

Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]

Pension benefit liabilities, net

70,196

^[1]

2,774

Change in fair value of derivatives

(225)

Foreign currency translation

4,882

Dividends declared

(2,900)

Shares converted (in shares)

(34)

Shares converted

$ 3

$ (3)

Share-based compensation, net (in shares)

^[2]

(47)

Share-based compensation, net

^[2]

10,067

$ (5)

10,072

Share-based awards exercised, net (in shares)

^[1],[3]

Share-based awards exercised, net

^[1],[3]

3,617

$ 5

3,612

Balance at end of period (in shares) at Aug. 26, 2017

15,453

4,815

Balance at end of period at Aug. 26, 2017

1,453,192

$ 1,545

$ 482

86,245

1,386,438

(21,518)

Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]

Pension benefit liabilities, net

163,895

1,342

Pension benefit liabilities, including reclassification from AOCI for tax cuts and jobs act of 2017

^[1],[4]

2,534

1,192

1,342

Change in fair value of derivatives

201

Foreign currency translation

(5,184)

Dividends declared

(5,586)

Share-based compensation, net

^[2]

1,466

2,204

(738)

Share-based awards exercised, net (in shares)

^[1]

Share-based awards exercised, net

^[1]

461

$ 5

456

Repurchase of common stock (in shares)

(73)

(1,105)

Repurchase of common stock

(146,012)

$ (7)

$ (111)

(5,932)

(139,962)

Balance at end of period (in shares) at Aug. 25, 2018

15,431

3,710

Balance at end of period at Aug. 25, 2018

$ 1,464,967

$ 1,543

$ 371

$ 82,973

$ 1,405,239

$ (25,159)

[1]	These amounts are shown net of the effect of income taxes.
[2]	These amounts are shown net of any shares withheld by the Company to satisfy certain tax withholdings obligations in connection with the vesting of certain shares of restricted stock.
[3]	These amounts include excess tax benefits that the Company realized as part of the exercise of share-based awards.
[4]	These amounts include the impact of the adoption of ASU 2018-02. See Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in our Consolidated Financial Statementsfor further details.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017	Aug. 27, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 163,895	$ 70,196	$ 125,026
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	83,376	76,073	72,983
Amortization of intangible assets	13,286	12,806	8,629
Amortization of deferred financing costs	112	112	184
Gain on sale of assets	(232)	(567)	0
Share-based compensation	4,638	12,462	5,628
Accretion on environmental contingencies	692	600	669
Accretion on asset retirement obligations	935	853	826
Impairment charge	0	55,800	0
Deferred income taxes	(7,861)	955	9,899
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Receivables, less reserves	(12,420)	(22,232)	(3,949)
Inventories	(11,051)	1,865	1,467
Rental merchandise in service	(21,572)	(5,384)	3,945
Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Other assets	(5,643)	12,903	(38,443)
Accounts payable	4,573	9,594	49
Accrued liabilities	12,233	11,728	31,954
Prepaid and accrued income taxes	5,112	(19,490)	(11,231)
Net cash provided by operating activities	230,073	218,274	207,636
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(42,665)	(125,457)	(16,583)
Capital expenditures	(112,747)	(108,554)	(98,235)
Proceeds from sale of assets	1,777	876	0
Other	(263)	98	149
Net cash used in investing activities	(153,898)	(233,037)	(114,669)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on loans payable and long-term debt	0	0	(1,301)
Payment of deferred financing costs	0	0	(813)
Proceeds from exercise of share-based awards, including excess tax benefits in fiscal 2017 and 2016	461	3,102	5,313
Taxes withheld and paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	(3,180)	(2,386)	(5,965)
Repurchase of Common Stock	(146,011)	0	0
Payment of cash dividends	(4,218)	(2,898)	(2,878)
Net cash used in financing activities	(152,948)	(2,182)	(5,644)
Effect of exchange rate changes	(2,467)	2,902	(81)
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	(79,240)	(14,043)	87,242
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments at beginning of period	349,752	363,795	276,553
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments at end of period	270,512	349,752	363,795
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Non-cash capital expenditures	15,050	10,625	5,607
Interest paid	538	801	763
Income taxes paid, net of refunds received	$ 28,355	$ 62,165	$ 73,658

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Business Description

UniFirst Corporation (the “Company”) is one of the largest providers of workplace uniforms and protective clothing in the United States. The Company designs, manufactures, personalizes, rents, cleans, delivers, and sells a wide range of uniforms and protective clothing, including shirts, pants, jackets, coveralls, lab coats, smocks, aprons and specialized protective wear, such as flame resistant and high visibility garments. The Company also rents and sells industrial wiping products, floor mats, facility service products and other non-garment items, and provides restroom and cleaning supplies and first aid cabinet services and other safety supplies, to a variety of manufacturers, retailers and service companies.

The Company serves businesses of all sizes in numerous industry categories. Typical customers include automobile service centers and dealers, delivery services, food and general merchandise retailers, food processors and service operations, light manufacturers, maintenance facilities, restaurants, service companies, soft and durable goods wholesalers, transportation companies, and others who require employee clothing for image, identification, protection or utility purposes. The Company also provides its customers with restroom and cleaning supplies, including air fresheners, paper products and hand soaps.

At certain specialized facilities, the Company decontaminates and cleans work clothes and other items that may have been exposed to radioactive materials and services special cleanroom protective wear. Typical customers for these specialized services include government agencies, research and development laboratories, high technology companies and utility providers operating nuclear reactors.

As discussed and described in Note 15, “Segment Reporting”, to these Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has five reporting segments: U.S. and Canadian Rental and Cleaning, Manufacturing (“MFG”), Specialty Garments Rental and Cleaning (“Specialty Garments”), First Aid and Corporate. The operations of the U.S. and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment are referred to by the Company as its “industrial laundry operations” and the locations related to this reporting segment are referred to as “industrial laundries”. The Company refers to its U.S. and Canadian Rental and Cleaning, MFG, and Corporate segments combined as its “Core Laundry Operations”.

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements is in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates are based on historical information, current trends, and information available from other sources. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Fiscal Year

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in August. For financial reporting purposes, fiscal 2018, fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 consisted of 52 weeks.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments include cash in banks, money market securities, and bank short-term investments having original maturities of six months or less. Short-term investments consist of certificates of deposits totaling $67.6 million having original maturities of three, six and twelve months.

Financial Instruments

The Company’s financial instruments, which may expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk, include cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, receivables and accounts payable. Each of these financial instruments is recorded at cost, which approximates its fair value given the short maturity of each financial instrument.

Revenue Recognition and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company recognizes revenue from rental operations and related services in the period in which the services are provided. Direct sales revenue is recognized in the period in which the services are performed or when the product is shipped. Management judgments and estimates are used in determining the collectability of accounts receivable and evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company considers specific accounts receivable and historical bad debt experience, customer credit worthiness, current economic trends and the age of outstanding balances as part of its evaluation. Changes in estimates are reflected in the period they become known. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. Material changes in its estimates may result in significant differences in the amount and timing of bad debt expense recognition for any given period. Revenues do not include taxes we collect from our customers and remit to governmental authorities.

Inventories and Rental Merchandise in Service

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value, net of any reserve for excess and obsolete inventory. Judgments and estimates are used in determining the likelihood that new goods on hand can be sold to customers or used in rental operations. Historical inventory usage and current revenue trends are considered in estimating both excess and obsolete inventories. If actual product demand and market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required. The Company uses the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method to value its inventories.

The components of inventory as of August 25, 2018 and August 26, 2017 were as follows (in thousands):



	August 25, 2018		August 26, 2017
Raw materials	$	18,508	$	18,468
Work in process	3,271		4,159
Finished goods	68,397		56,441
Total inventory	$	90,176	$	79,068

Rental merchandise in service is amortized, primarily on a straight-line basis, over the estimated service lives of the merchandise, which range from 6 to 36 months. In establishing estimated lives for merchandise in service, management considers historical experience and the intended use of the merchandise. Material differences may result in the amount and timing of operating profit for any period if management makes significant changes to these estimates.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred, while expenditures for renewals and betterments are capitalized.

The components of property, plant and equipment as of August 25, 2018 and August 26, 2017 were as follows (in thousands):



	August 25, 2018		August 26, 2017
Land, buildings and leasehold equipment	$	496,966	$	467,050
Machinery and equipment	576,354		540,185
Motor vehicles	238,087		220,205
	1,311,407		1,227,440
Less: accumulated depreciation	751,831		702,325
Total property, plant and equipment	$	559,576	$	525,115

The Company provides for depreciation on the straight-line method based on the date the asset is placed in service using the following estimated useful lives:



Buildings (in years)	30	—	40
Building components (in years)	10	—	20
Leasehold improvements	Shorter of useful life or term of lease
Machinery and equipment (in years)	3	—	10
Motor vehicles (in years)	3	—	5

Long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate an asset may be impaired. There were no material impairments of long-lived assets in fiscal 2018 and 2016. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge in its U.S. and Canadian Rental and Cleaning segment of $55.8 million on its ongoing customer relationship management (“CRM”) systems project as the Company determined that it was no longer probable that the version being developed at the end of fiscal 2017 would be placed into service. During fiscal 2018, the previous version of the CRM system being developed was abandoned, and the Company is now working on a new CRM system. Expenditures not impaired for computer software, including amounts capitalized related to the Company’s CRM systems project, are included within machinery and equipment.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company does not amortize goodwill. Instead, the Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis. Management completes its annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. In addition, U.S. GAAP requires that companies test goodwill if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit to which goodwill is assigned below its carrying amount. The Company used the qualitative assessment option for our impairment testing in fiscal 2018 for goodwill and determined that the fair values of the reporting units more likely than not exceeded their carrying values and that there was no evidence of impairment as of August 25, 2018.

The Company cannot predict future economic conditions and their impact on the Company or the future market value of the Company’s stock. A decline in the Company’s market capitalization and/or deterioration in general economic conditions could negatively and materially impact the Company’s assumptions and assessment of the fair value of the Company’s business. If general economic conditions or the Company’s financial performance deteriorate, the Company may be required to record a goodwill impairment charge in the future which could have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which are based on management’s estimates of the period that the assets will generate economic benefits. Definite-lived intangible assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable in accordance with U.S. GAAP. There were no impairments of goodwill or indicators of impairment for definite-lived intangible assets in fiscal 2018, 2017 or 2016.

As of August 25, 2018, definite-lived intangible assets have a weighted average useful life of approximately 14.1 years. Customer contracts have a weighted average useful life of approximately 14.6 years and other intangible assets, net, which consist of primarily, restrictive covenants, deferred financing costs and trademarks, have a weighted average useful life of approximately 5.2 years.

Environmental and Other Contingencies

The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims arising from the conduct of its business operations, including environmental matters, personal injury, customer contract matters and employment claims. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States require that a liability for contingencies be recorded when it is probable that a liability has occurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment is required to determine the existence of a liability, as well as the amount to be recorded. The Company regularly consults with attorneys and outside consultants, in its consideration of the relevant facts and circumstances, before recording a contingent liability. The Company records accruals for environmental and other contingencies based on enacted laws, regulatory orders or decrees, the Company’s estimates of costs, insurance proceeds, participation by other parties, the timing of payments, and the input of outside consultants and attorneys.

The estimated liability for environmental contingencies has been discounted as of August 25, 2018 using risk-free interest rates ranging from 2.8% to 3.0% over periods ranging from ten to thirty years. The estimated current costs, net of legal settlements with insurance carriers, have been adjusted for the estimated impact of inflation at 3% per year. Changes in enacted laws, regulatory orders or decrees, management’s estimates of costs, risk-free interest rates, insurance proceeds, participation by other parties, the timing of payments, the input of the Company’s attorneys and outside consultants or other factual circumstances could have a material impact on the amounts recorded for environmental and other contingent liabilities. Refer to Note 11, “Commitments and Contingencies”, of these Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion and analysis.

Asset Retirement Obligations

Under U.S. GAAP, asset retirement obligations generally apply to legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development and/or the normal operation of a long-lived asset. The Company recognizes asset retirement obligations in the period in which they are incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset.

The Company has recognized as a liability the present value of the estimated future costs to decommission its nuclear laundry facilities. The Company depreciates, on a straight-line basis, the amount added to property, plant and equipment and recognizes accretion expense in connection with the discounted liability over the various remaining lives which range from approximately two to twenty-six years.

The estimated liability has been based on historical experience in decommissioning nuclear laundry facilities, estimated useful lives of the underlying assets, external vendor estimates as to the cost to decommission these assets in the future, and federal and state regulatory requirements. The estimated current costs have been adjusted for the estimated impact of inflation at 3% per year. The liability has been discounted using credit-adjusted risk-free rates that range from approximately 7.0% to 7.5%. Revisions to the liability could occur due to changes in the Company’s estimated useful lives of the underlying assets, estimated dates of decommissioning, changes in decommissioning costs, changes in federal or state regulatory guidance on the decommissioning of such facilities, or other changes in estimates. Changes due to revised estimates will be recognized by adjusting the carrying amount of the liability and the related long-lived asset if the assets are still in service, or charged to expense in the period if the assets are no longer in service.

Insurance

The Company is self-insured for certain obligations related to health, workers’ compensation, vehicles and general liability programs. The Company also purchases stop-loss insurance policies for health, workers’ compensation, vehicles and general liability programs to protect itself from catastrophic losses. Judgments and estimates are used in determining the potential value associated with reported claims and for events that have occurred, but have not been reported. The Company’s estimates consider historical claims experience and other factors. In certain cases where partial insurance coverage exists, we must estimate the portion of the liability that will be covered by existing insurance policies to arrive at our net expected liability. Receivables for insurance recoveries are recorded as assets, on an undiscounted basis. The Company’s liabilities are based on estimates, and, while the Company believes that its accruals are adequate, the ultimate liability may be significantly different from the amounts recorded. Changes in claims experience, the Company’s ability to settle claims or other estimates and judgments used by management could have a material impact on the amount and timing of expense for any period.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan and other Pension Plans

Pension expense is recognized on an accrual basis over employees’ estimated service periods. Pension expense is generally independent of funding decisions or requirements.

The Company (1) recognizes in its statement of financial position the over-funded or under-funded status of its defined benefit postretirement plans measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation, (2) recognizes as a component of other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax, the actuarial gains and losses and the prior service costs and credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, (3) measures defined benefit plan assets and defined benefit plan obligations as of the date of its statement of financial position, and (4) discloses additional information in the notes to financial statements about certain effects on net periodic benefit cost in the upcoming fiscal year that arise from delayed recognition of the actuarial gains and losses and the prior service costs and credits. Refer to Note 7, “Employee Benefit Plans”, of these Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s pension plans.

The calculation of pension expense and the corresponding liability requires the use of a number of critical assumptions, including the expected long-term rates of return on plan assets, the assumed discount rates, assumed rate of compensation increases and life expectancy of participants. Changes in these assumptions can result in different expense and liability amounts, and future actual experience can differ from these assumptions. Pension expense increases as the expected rate of return on pension plan assets decreases. Future changes in plan asset returns, assumed discount rates and various other factors related to the participants in the Company’s pension plans will impact the Company’s future pension expense and liabilities. The Company cannot predict with certainty what these factors will be in the future.

Income Taxes

The Company computes income tax expense by jurisdiction based on its operations in each jurisdiction. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the amounts recognized for income tax and financial reporting purposes at currently enacted tax rates. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Act”) includes a mandatory one-time tax on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries and, as a result, previously unremitted earnings for which no U.S. deferred tax liability had been accrued have now been subject to U.S. tax. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined by the differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. See Note 4, “Income Taxes” in these Consolidated Financial Statements for the types of items that give rise to significant deferred income tax assets and liabilities. Deferred income taxes are classified as assets or liabilities based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting purposes. The Company regularly reviews deferred tax assets for recoverability based upon projected future taxable income and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that the recorded deferred tax assets, as adjusted for valuation allowances, will be realized.

The Company is periodically reviewed by U.S. domestic and foreign tax authorities regarding the amount of taxes due. These reviews typically include inquiries regarding the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. In evaluating the exposure associated with various filing positions, the Company records estimated reserves. Refer to Note 4, “Income Taxes”, of these Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s accounting for income taxes and its uncertain tax positions for financial accounting purposes.

The Company has undistributed earnings from its foreign subsidiaries of approximately $129.7 million as of August 25, 2018. The Company considers these undistributed earnings as indefinitely reinvested and therefore has not provided for U.S. income taxes or foreign withholding taxes. If these funds were distributed to the U.S. in the form of dividends, the Company would likely be subject to additional taxes including withholding taxes from the countries where the cash is currently held. The Company does not believe that any resulting taxes payable for cash outside the United States would have a material impact on its liquidity.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are classified as selling and administrative expenses. The Company incurred advertising costs of $2.8 million, $3.7 million and $1.5 million, for fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Share-Based Compensation

Compensation expense for all stock options, stock appreciation rights, unrestricted stock and restricted stock units (collectively, "Share-Based Awards") is recognized ratably over the related vesting period, net of actual forfeitures. Certain Share-Based Awards in the form of stock appreciation rights and shares of unrestricted stock were granted during fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016 to non-employee Directors of the Company, which were fully vested upon grant and, with respect to stock appreciation rights, expire eight years after the grant date. Accordingly, compensation expense related to these Share-Based Awards in fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016 were recognized on the date of grant.

For performance-based restricted stock unit awards with revenue and adjusted operating margin targets, we evaluate the probability of meeting the performance criteria at each balance sheet date and if probable, related compensation cost is amortized over the performance period on a straight-line basis because such awards vest only at the end of the measurement period. Changes to the probability assessment and the estimate of shares expected to vest will result in adjustments to the related share-based compensation expense that will be recorded in the period of the change. If the performance targets are not achieved, no compensation cost is recognized and any previously recognized compensation cost is reversed.

U.S. GAAP requires that share-based compensation cost be measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and be recognized as expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. Determining the fair value of Share-Based Awards in the form of stock appreciation rights at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating expected dividends and share price volatility. The fair value of each Share-Based Award in the form of stock appreciation rights is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

The Company recognizes compensation expense for restricted stock and restricted stock unit grants over the related vesting period. The fair value for each restricted stock, unrestricted stock and restricted stock unit grant is determined by using the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of the grant. Refer to Note 12, “Share-Based Compensation”, of these Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s share-based compensation plans.

Income Per Share

The Company calculates income per share by allocating income to its unvested participating securities as part of its income per share calculations.

The Class B Common Stock may be converted at any time on a one-for-one basis into Common Stock at the option of the holder of the Class B Common Stock. Diluted income per share for the Company’s Common Stock assumes the conversion of all of the Company’s Class B Common Stock into Common Stock, full vesting of outstanding restricted stock, and the exercise of Share-Based Awards under the Company’s stock incentive plans.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic income per share using the two-class method for amounts attributable to the Company’s shares of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock (in thousands, except per share data):



Year ended	August 25, 2018		August 26, 2017		August 27, 2016
Net income available to shareholders	$	163,895	$	70,196	$	125,026

Allocation of net income for Basic:
Common Stock	$	133,802	$	55,903	$	99,282
Class B Common Stock	30,093		13,915		25,093
Unvested participating shares	—		378		651
	$	163,895	$	70,196	$	125,026

Weighted average number of shares for Basic:
Common Stock	15,454		15,382		15,245
Class B Common Stock	4,357		4,786		4,816
Unvested participating shares	—		116		107
	19,811		20,284		20,168

Income per share for Basic:
Common Stock	$	8.66	$	3.63	$	6.51
Class B Common Stock	$	6.91	$	2.91	$	5.21

The Company calculates diluted income per share for Common Stock using the more dilutive of the following two methods:

•The treasury stock method; or

•The two-class method assuming a participating security is not exercised or converted.

For the years ended August 25, 2018, August 26, 2017 and August 27, 2016, the Company’s diluted income per share assumes the conversion of all vested Class B Common Stock into Common Stock and uses the two-class method for its unvested participating shares as it was the more dilutive of the two approaches. The following presents a reconciliation of basic and diluted income per share (in thousands, except per share data):



	Year Ended August 25, 2018					Year Ended August 26, 2017					Year Ended August 27, 2016
	Earnings to Common shareholders		Common Shares	Income Per Share		Earnings to Common shareholders		Common Shares	Income Per Share		Earnings to Common shareholders			Common Shares	Income Per Share
As reported – Basic	$	133,802	15,454	$	8.66	55,903		15,382	$	3.63	$	99,282		15,245	$	6.51

Add: effect of dilutive potential common shares
Share-Based Awards	—		152			—		108			—			93
Class B Common Stock	30,093		4,357			13,915		4,786			25,093			4,816

Add: Undistributed earnings allocated to unvested participating shares	—		—			362		—			636			—

Less: Undistributed earnings reallocated to unvested participating shares	—		—			(343	)	—			(602		)	—

Diluted Income Per Share – Common Stock	$	163,895	19,963	$	8.21	69,837		20,276	$	3.44	$	124,409		20,154	$	6.17

Share-Based Awards that would result in the issuance of 4,972 shares of Common Stock were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the fiscal year ended August 25, 2018 because they were anti-dilutive. Share-Based Awards that would result in the issuance of 16 shares of Common Stock were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the fiscal year ended August 26, 2017 because they were anti-dilutive. Share-Based Awards that would result in the issuance of 9,883 shares of Common Stock were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the fiscal year ended August 27, 2016 because they were anti-dilutive.

Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currency of our foreign operations is the local country’s currency. Transaction gains and losses, including gains and losses on our intercompany transactions, are included in other (income) expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Assets and liabilities of operations outside the United States are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during each month of the fiscal year. The effects of foreign currency translation adjustments are included in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other loss income in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued updated accounting guidance for revenue recognition, which they have subsequently modified. This modified update provides a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires revenue to be recognized in a manner to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those goods or services. The standard includes cost guidance, whereby all direct and incremental costs to obtain or fulfill a contract will be capitalized and amortized over the corresponding period of benefit, determined on a contract by contract basis. This guidance is also 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. The Company adopted this standard on August 26, 2018 using the modified retrospective adoption method. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on revenue. In addition to the new qualitative and quantitative disclosures that will be required upon adoption of this standard, the Company anticipates recognizing a cumulative effect adjustment related to the capitalization of certain direct and incremental contract costs. The Company estimates the cumulative effect adjustment to be an increase to retained earnings as of August 26, 2018 in the range of approximately $35.0 million to $42.0 million.

In July 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance which changes the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market to the lower of cost or net realizable value. Subsequent measurement is unchanged for inventory measured using last-in, first-out or the retail inventory method. This guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2016, and is to be applied prospectively, with early adoption permitted. Accordingly, the Company adopted this standard on August 27, 2017. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on its financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of certain financial assets and liabilities. This guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. Accordingly, the standard will be effective for the Company on August 26, 2018. The Company expects that adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on its financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance that improves transparency and comparability among companies by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and by disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. This guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. Accordingly, the standard will be effective for the Company on September 1, 2019. At August 25, 2018, the Company is contractually obligated to make future payments of $47.1 million under its operating lease obligations in existence as of that date, primarily related to long-term leases. While the Company is in the early stages of its implementation process of this guidance, and have not yet determined its impact on its consolidated balance sheet or consolidated statement of income, these leases would potentially be required to be presented on the consolidated balance sheet in accordance with the requirements of this guidance.

In March 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance that simplifies several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions. This guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2016 and, depending on the amendment, must be applied using a prospective transition method, retrospective transition method, modified retrospective transition method, prospectively and/or retroactively, with early adoption permitted. Accordingly, the Company adopted this standard on August 27, 2017. The impact of the adoption on the consolidated balance sheet as of August 25, 2018 was a cumulative-effect adjustment of $0.7 million, decreasing retained earnings and increasing capital surplus. The impact of the adoption on the consolidated statement of income was a decrease of $3.1 million in the provision for income taxes during the fiscal year ended August 25, 2018. As a result of the adoption of the updated guidance, our excess tax benefit is no longer included in our calculation of diluted shares under the treasury stock method, resulting in an increase of a nominal amount of shares in the effect of dilutive securities for the fiscal year ended August 25, 2018. The election to recognize forfeitures of share-based awards as they occur resulted in an increase of $0.5 million in share-based compensation for the fiscal year ended August 25, 2018. Prior periods have not been adjusted.

In August 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance that reduces diversity in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. This guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods, and any interim periods within those annual periods, that begin after December 15, 2017 and will be required to be applied retrospectively, with early adoption permitted. Accordingly, the standard will be effective for the Company on August 26, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

In October 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance to improve the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. This guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods, and any interim periods within those annual periods, that begin after December 15, 2017 and will be required to be applied on a modified retrospective basis, with early adoption permitted. Accordingly, the standard will be effective for the Company on August 26, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

In August 2017, the FASB issued guidance that expands component and fair value hedging, specifies the presentation of the effects of hedging instruments, and eliminates the separate measurement and presentation of hedge ineffectiveness. The accounting update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis. Accordingly, this guidance will be effective for the Company on September 1, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

In February 2018, the FASB issued guidance that allows a reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to retained earnings for tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) and requires certain new disclosures. This guidance will be effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The update should be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Act is recognized. The Company elected to early adopt this guidance in the second quarter of fiscal 2018. The effect of the adoption of the standard was a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $1.2 million with the offset to retained earnings as recorded in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and statement of changes in stockholders’ equity as of and for the fiscal year ended August 25, 2018.

In June 2018, the FASB issued guidance that includes all share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that fiscal year, with early adoption permitted. Accordingly, this guidance will be effective for the Company on September 1, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued updated guidance to modify the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. This guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods, and any interim periods within those annual periods, ending after December 15, 2020 and will be required to be applied on a retrospective basis, with early adoption permitted. Accordingly, the standard will be effective for the Company on August 30, 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Acquisitions

During the fiscal year ended August 25, 2018, the Company completed nine business acquisitions with an aggregate purchase price of approximately $41.8 million. The results of operations of these acquisitions have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial results since their respective acquisition dates. These acquisitions were not significant in relation to the Company’s consolidated financial results and, therefore, pro forma financial information has not been presented.

Aggregate information relating to the acquisition of businesses which were accounted for as purchases is as follows (in thousands, except number of businesses acquired):



Year ended	August 25, 2018			August 26, 2017			August 27, 2016
Number of businesses acquired	9			6			6
Tangible assets acquired	$	7,743		$	26,174		$	3,572
Intangible assets and goodwill acquired	34,110			101,530			14,239
Liabilities assumed	(95		)	(2,156		)	(80		)

Acquisition of businesses	$	41,758		$	125,548		$	17,731

Tangible assets acquired primarily relate to accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expenses and property, plant and equipment. Liabilities assumed primarily relate to accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

The amount assigned to intangible assets acquired was based on their respective fair values determined as of the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the tangible and intangible assets was recorded as goodwill. In fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, the goodwill was primarily allocated to the U.S. and Canadian Rental and Cleaning segment and is deductible for tax purposes.

Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value and establishes disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. We considered non-performance risk when determining fair value of our derivative financial instruments.

The fair value hierarchy prescribed under U.S. GAAP contains three levels as follows:


Level 1 –	Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.


Level 2 –	Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.


Level 3 –	Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.

All financial assets or liabilities 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 measurement date. The assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized in the tables below (in thousands):



	As of August 25, 2018
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	103,190	$	—	$	—	$	103,190
Pension plan assets	—		6,325		—		6,325
Foreign currency forward contracts	—		127		—		127
Total assets at fair value	$	103,190	$	6,452	$	—	$	109,642



	As of August 26, 2017
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	81,253	$	—	$	—	$	81,253
Pension plan assets	—		5,097		—		5,097
Total assets at fair value	$	81,253	$	5,097	$	—	$	86,350
Liabilities:
Foreign currency forward contracts	$	—	$	177	$	—	$	177
Total liabilities at fair value	$	—	$	177	$	—	$	177

The Company’s cash equivalents listed above represent money market securities and are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices. The Company does not adjust the quoted market price for such financial instruments.

The Company’s pension plan assets listed above represent guaranteed deposit accounts that are maintained and operated by Prudential Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company (“PRIAC”). All assets are merged with the general assets of PRIAC and are invested predominantly in privately placed securities and mortgages. At the beginning of each calendar year, PRIAC notifies the Company of the annual rates of interest which will be applied to the amounts held in the guaranteed deposit account during the next calendar year. In determining the interest rate to be applied, PRIAC considers the investment performance of the underlying assets of the prior year; however, regardless of the investment performance the Company is contractually guaranteed a minimum rate of return. As such, the Company’s pension plan assets are included within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

The Company’s foreign currency forward contracts represent contracts the Company has entered into to exchange Canadian dollars for U.S. dollars at fixed exchange rates in order to manage its exposure related to certain forecasted Canadian dollar denominated sales of one of its subsidiaries. The fair value of the forward contracts is based on similar exchange traded derivatives and are, therefore, included within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):



Fiscal year	2018			2017			2016
Current:
Federal	$	23,815		$	37,027		$	54,654
Foreign	527			1,995			1,672
State	8,012			6,642			9,996
Total current	$	32,354		$	45,664		$	66,322

Deferred:
Federal	$	(11,517	)	$	(520	)	$	10,803
Foreign	363			123			(217		)
State	2,151			(340		)	1,437
Total deferred	$	(9,003	)	$	(737	)	$	12,023

Total	$	23,351		$	44,927		$	78,345

The following table reconciles the provision for income taxes using the statutory federal income tax rate to the actual provision for income taxes:



Fiscal year	2018		2017		2016
Income taxes at the statutory federal income tax rate	25.9	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State income taxes	4.1		3.5		3.5
Other (1)	(2.8	)	0.5		—
Deemed Repatriation of Non - U.S. Earnings, net foreign tax credits and other (collectively, Transition Tax)	1.4		—		—
Impact of U.S. tax reform federal tax rate reduction	(16.1	)	—		—
Total	12.5	%	39.0	%	38.5	%

(1) Fiscal 2018 includes the impact of ASU 2016-09.

The tax effect of items giving rise to the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities is as follows (in thousands):



	August 25, 2018		August 26, 2017
Deferred Tax Assets
Payroll and benefit related	$	14,718	$	26,391
Insurance related	10,880		17,691
Environmental	6,593		9,945
Accrued expenses	3,513		4,542
Other	7,440		9,725
Total deferred tax assets	$	43,144	$	68,294

Deferred Tax Liabilities
Tax in excess of book depreciation	$	39,877	$	48,969
Purchased intangible assets	27,206		39,179
Rental merchandise in service	44,508		56,707
Other	318		25
Total deferred tax liabilities	111,909		144,880

Net deferred tax liability	$	68,765	$	76,586

The Company has evaluated its deferred tax assets and believes that they will be fully recovered. As a result, the Company has not established a valuation allowance.

The reduction in the effective tax rates in the fiscal year ended August 25, 2018 as compared to the prior year period was due primarily to the impact of the Act enacted on December 22, 2017. As a result of the Act, U.S. corporations will be subject to lower income tax rates, which also caused the Company to remeasure its U.S. net deferred tax liabilities at the lower rates. The remeasurement of the Company's net deferred tax assets and liabilities resulted in an estimated net benefit of $22.6 million recorded to the Company’s provision for income taxes for the fiscal year ended August 25, 2018. Also because of this Act, the Company will be subject to a one-time transition tax for the deemed repatriation of its foreign earnings. The Company recorded an estimated charge of $2.5 million in the fiscal year ended August 25, 2018 for this transition tax which partially offset the benefit mentioned above. For the fiscal year ended August 25, 2018, the Company’s effective tax rates also were lower than the statutory tax rate due to the tax benefit of $3.1 million during the fiscal year ended August 25, 2018, from restricted stock upon vesting.

U.S. Tax Reform

The Act, among other matters, reduces the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred, and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings.

As of August 25, 2018, the Company had not completed its accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Act; however, as described below, the Company has made a reasonable estimate of the effects on its existing deferred tax balances and the one-time transition tax, and recognized a provisional net benefit of $20.1 million, which is included in income tax expense for the fiscal year ended August 25, 2018.

On December 22, 2017, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Act (“SAB 118”) directing SEC registrants to consider the impact of the U.S. legislation as “provisional” when they do not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete their accounting for the change in tax law. In accordance with SAB 118, the amounts recorded related to accounting for the Act represent the Company’s best estimate based on its interpretation of the U.S. legislation as the Company is still accumulating data to finalize the underlying calculations, or in certain cases, the U.S. Treasury is expected to issue further guidance on the application of certain provisions of the U.S. legislation. In addition, we also used assumptions and estimates that may change as a result of future guidance and interpretation from the Internal Revenue Service, the SEC, the FASB and various other taxing jurisdictions. In particular, we anticipate that the U.S. state jurisdictions will continue to determine and announce their conformity or decoupling from the Act, either in its entirety or with respect to specific provisions. All of these potential legislative and interpretive actions could result in adjustments to our provisional estimates when the accounting for the income tax effects of the Act is completed.

In the fiscal year ended August 25, 2018, the Company revised its estimated annual effective rate to reflect a change in the federal statutory income tax rate from 35% to 21%. The rate change is administratively effective at the beginning of the Company’s fiscal year, using a blended rate for the annual period. The Company's blended federal statutory income tax rate for fiscal 2018 is 25.9%.

The Company re-measured certain deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future, which is 25.9% for fiscal 2018 reversals and 21% for post-fiscal 2018 reversals. However, the Company is still analyzing certain aspects of the Act and refining its calculations, which could potentially affect the measurement of these balances or potentially give rise to new deferred tax amounts. The provisional net benefit amount recorded related to the re-measurement of the Company’s deferred tax balance was $22.6 million in the fiscal year ended August 25, 2018.

The one-time transition tax is based on the Company’s total post-1986 earnings and profits (“E&P”) in foreign subsidiaries which were previously deferred from U.S. income taxes. The Company recorded a provisional amount for its one-time transition tax liability related to the deemed repatriation of the earnings of its foreign subsidiaries, resulting in an increase in income tax expense of $2.5 million in the fiscal year ended August 25, 2018. The Company has not yet finalized its calculation of the total post-1986 foreign E&P for these foreign subsidiaries. Further, the transition tax is based in part on the amount of those earnings held in cash and other specified assets. This amount may change when the Company finalizes the calculation of its post-1986 foreign E&P previously deferred from U.S. federal taxation and finalizes the amounts held in cash or other specified assets. No additional income taxes have been provided for any remaining undistributed foreign earnings not subject to the transition tax and any additional outside basis difference inherent in these entities as these amounts continue to be indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. The Company continues to evaluate this assertion in its ongoing analysis of the effects of tax reform on the Company's strategic initiatives. The Company believes that determining the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability related to any remaining undistributed foreign earnings not subject to the transition tax and additional outside basis difference in these entities (i.e., basis difference in excess of that subject to the one-time transition tax) is not practicable.

Uncertain tax positions

As of August 25, 2018 and August 26, 2017, there was $2.2 million and $4.2 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits, of which $1.9 million and $3.6 million, respectively, would favorably impact the Company’s effective tax rate, if recognized. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense which is consistent with the recognition of these items in prior reporting periods. As of August 25, 2018 and August 26, 2017, the Company had accrued a total of $0.1 in interest and penalties, in its long-term accrued liabilities. For the years ended August 25, 2018, August 26, 2017 and August 27, 2016 the Company recognized a nominal expense in its Consolidated Statement of Income related to interest and penalties.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):



Balance at August 27, 2016	$	3,743
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	490
Additions for tax positions of prior years	331
Statute expirations	(350		)

Balance at August 26, 2017	4,214
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	487
Additions for tax positions of prior years	—
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(2,073		)
Statute expirations	(430		)

Balance at August 25, 2018	$	2,198

The Company has a significant portion of its operations in the United States and Canada. It is required to file federal income tax returns as well as state income tax returns in a majority of the U.S. states and also in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Quebec and New Brunswick. At times, the Company is subject to audits in these jurisdictions, which typically are complex and can require several years to resolve. The final resolution of any such tax audits could result in either a reduction in the Company’s accruals or an increase in its income tax provision, both of which could have a material impact on the consolidated results of operations in any given period.

All U.S. and Canadian federal income tax statutes have lapsed for filings up to and including fiscal years 2013 and 2010, respectively. With a few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to state and local income tax examinations for periods prior to fiscal 2014. The Company is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change significantly in the next 12 months.

Loans Payable and Long-term Debt	12 Months Ended
Loans Payable and Long-term Debt	Aug. 25, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Loans Payable and Long-term Debt	Loans Payable and Long-term Debt As of August 25, 2018 and August 26, 2017, the Company had no outstanding loans payable. The Company has a $250.0 million unsecured revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of banks, which matures on April 11, 2021. Under the Credit Agreement, the Company is able to borrow funds at variable interest rates based on, at its election, the Eurodollar rate or a base rate, plus in each case a spread based on the Company’s consolidated funded debt ratio. Availability of credit requires compliance with certain financial and other covenants, including a maximum consolidated funded debt ratio and minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio as defined in the Credit Agreement. The Company tests its compliance with these financial covenants on a fiscal quarterly basis. As of August 25, 2018, the interest rates applicable to the Company’s borrowings under the Credit Agreement would be calculated as LIBOR plus 75 basis points at the time of the respective borrowing. As of August 25, 2018, the Company had no outstanding borrowings and had outstanding letters of credit amounting to $63.9 million, leaving $186.1 million available for borrowing under the Credit Agreement. As of August 25, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Aug. 25, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities The Company uses derivative financial instruments to mitigate its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currencies on certain forecasted transactions denominated in foreign currencies. U.S. GAAP requires that all of the Company's derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. All subsequent changes in a derivative’s fair value are recognized in income, unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting are classified as a hedge of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset, liability or forecasted transaction. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is highly effective and designated as a cash flow hedge are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income until the hedged item or forecasted transaction is recognized in earnings. The Company performs an assessment at the inception of the hedge and on a quarterly basis thereafter, to determine whether its derivatives are highly effective in offsetting changes in the value of the hedged items. Any changes in the fair value resulting from hedge ineffectiveness are immediately recognized as income or expense. In January 2015, the Company entered into sixteen forward contracts to exchange Canadian dollars (“CAD”) for U.S. dollars at fixed exchange rates in order to manage its exposure related to certain forecasted CAD denominated sales of one of its subsidiaries. The hedged transactions are specified as the first amount of CAD denominated revenues invoiced by one of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries each fiscal quarter, beginning in the third fiscal quarter of fiscal 2015 and continuing through the second fiscal quarter of the fiscal year ended August 31, 2019. In total, the Company will sell approximately 31.0 million CAD at an average Canadian-dollar exchange rate of 0.7825 over these quarterly periods. The Company concluded that the forward contracts met the criteria to qualify as a cash flow hedge under U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, the Company has reflected all changes in the fair value of the forward contracts in accumulated other comprehensive loss, a component of shareholders’ equity. Upon the maturity of each foreign exchange forward contract, the gain or loss on the contract will be recorded as an adjustment to revenues. In June 2018, the Company entered into twelve forward contracts to exchange CAD for U.S. dollars at fixed exchange rates in order to manage its exposure related to certain forecasted CAD denominated sales of one of its subsidiaries. The hedged transactions are specified as the first amount of CAD denominated revenues invoiced by one of the Company's domestic subsidiaries each fiscal quarter, beginning in the third fiscal quarter of 2019 and continuing through the second fiscal quarter of 2022. In total, the Company sell approximately 12.1 million CAD at an average Canadian-dollar exchange rate of 0.7814 over these quarterly periods. The Company concluded that the forward contracts met the criteria to qualify as a cash flow hedge under U.S. GAAP. As of August 25, 2018, the Company had forward contracts with a notional value of approximately 14.9 million CAD outstanding and recorded the fair value of the contracts of $0.1 million in other long-term assets and $0.1 million in prepaid expenses and other current assets with a corresponding decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $0.1 million, which was recorded net of tax. For the fiscal year ended August 25, 2018, the Company reclassified a nominal amount from accumulated other comprehensive loss to revenue, related to the derivative financial instruments. The gain on these forward contracts that results in decrease to accumulated other comprehensive loss as of August 25, 2018 is expected to be reclassified to revenues prior to its maturity on February 25, 2022.

Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]

Employee Benefit Plans

Defined Contribution Retirement Savings Plan

The Company has a defined contribution retirement savings plan with a 401(k) feature for all eligible U.S. and Canadian employees not under collective bargaining agreements. The Company matches a portion of the employee’s contribution and may make an additional contribution at its discretion. Contributions charged to expense under the plan for fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016 were $18.1 million, $15.0 million and $13.8 million, respectively.

Pension Plans and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans

The Company accounts for its pension plans and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan on an accrual basis over employees’ estimated service periods.

The Company maintains an unfunded Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) for certain eligible employees of the Company. The benefits are based on the employee’s compensation upon retirement. The amount charged to expense related to this plan amounted to approximately $2.1 million, $2.5 million and $2.4 million for fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The Company maintains a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan (“UniFirst Plan”) covering employees at one of its locations. The benefits are based on years of service. The UniFirst Plan assets are invested in a Guaranteed Deposit Account (“GDA”) that is maintained and operated by Prudential Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company (“PRIAC”). All assets are merged with the general assets of PRIAC and are invested predominantly in privately placed securities and mortgages. At the beginning of each calendar year, PRIAC notifies the Company of the annual rates of interest which will be applied to the amounts held in the Guaranteed Deposit Account during the next calendar year. In determining the interest rate to be applied, PRIAC considers the investment performance of the underlying assets of the prior year; however, regardless of the investment performance the annual interest rate applied per the contract must be a minimum of 3.25%. The amount charged to expense related to this plan amounted to approximately $0.3 million, $0.5 million and $0.4 million for fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016.

In connection with one of the Company’s acquisitions, the Company assumed liabilities related to a frozen pension plan covering many of the acquired Company’s former employees (“Textilease Plan”). The pension benefits are based on years of service and the employee’s compensation. The Textilease Plan assets are held in a separate GDA with PRIAC; however the minimum interest rate per the Textilease Plan contract is 1.5%. The amount charged to expense related to this plan amounted to approximately for $0.2 million for fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016.

The Company refers to its UniFirst Plan and Textilease Plan collectively as its “Pension Plans”.

The components of net periodic benefit cost related to the Company’s Pension Plans and SERP for fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows (in thousands):



	Pension Plans									SERP
	2018			2017			2016			2018		2017		2016
Service cost	$	115		$	271		$	204		$	694	$	785	$	819
Interest cost	257			244			307			1,027		1,003		984
Expected return on assets	(174		)	(189		)	(177		)	—		—		—
Amortization of prior service cost	66			83			84			—		56		368
Amortization of unrecognized loss	102			149			105			362		653		274
Other events	96			125			43			—		—		—
Net periodic benefit cost	$	462		$	683		$	566		$	2,083	$	2,497	$	2,445

The Company’s obligations and funded status related to its Pension Plans and SERP as of August 25, 2018 and August 26, 2017 were as follows (in thousands):



	Pension Plans						SERP
	2018			2017			2018			2017
Change in benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	$	8,382		$	9,000		$	28,801		$	30,696
Service cost	115			271			694			785
Interest cost	257			244			1,027			1,003
Actuarial gain	(673		)	(441		)	(2,129		)	(3,130		)
Benefits paid	(84		)	(326		)	(846		)	(553		)
Settlements	(548		)	(366		)	—			—
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	$	7,449		$	8,382		$	27,547		$	28,801

Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	$	5,097		$	4,753		$	—		$	—
Actual return on plan assets	72			63			—			—
Employer contributions	1,788			973			—			—
Benefits paid	(84		)	(326		)	—			—
Settlements	(548		)	(366		)	—			—
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$	6,325		$	5,097		$	—		$	—

Funded status (net amount recognized):	$	(1,124	)	$	(3,285	)	$	(27,547	)	$	(28,801	)

As of August 25, 2018 and August 26, 2017, the accumulated benefit obligations for the Company’s Pension Plans were $7.4 million and $8.3 million, respectively. As of August 25, 2018 and August 26, 2017, the accumulated benefit obligations for the Company’s SERP were $21.7 million and $22.3 million, respectively.

The amounts recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet for the Company’s Pension Plans and SERP as of August 25, 2018 and August 26, 2017 were as follows (in thousands):



	Pension Plans						SERP
	2018			2017			2018			2017
Deferred tax assets	$	362		$	860		$	1,081		$	2,568
Accrued liabilities	$	1,124		$	3,285		$	27,547		$	28,801
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(1,037	)	$	(1,374	)	$	(3,098	)	$	(4,102	)

As of August 25, 2018 and August 26, 2017, the amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the Company’s Pension Plans and SERP (in thousands):



	Pension Plans						SERP
	2018			2017			2018			2017
Net actuarial loss	$	(797	)	$	(1,134	)	$	(3,098	)	$	(4,102	)
Unrecognized prior service cost	(240		)	(240		)	—			—
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(1,037	)	$	(1,374	)	$	(3,098	)	$	(4,102	)

The weighted average assumptions used in calculating the Company’s projected benefit obligation as of August 25, 2018 and August 26, 2017, were as follows:



	Pension Plans				SERP
	2018		2017		2018		2017
Discount rate	3.9	%	3.2	%	4.0	%	3.6	%
Rate of compensation increase	N/A		N/A		5.0	%	5.0	%

The weighted average assumptions used in calculating the Company’s net periodic service cost for the years ended August 25, 2018, August 26, 2017 and August 27, 2016, were as follows:



	Pension Plans						SERP
	2018		2017		2016		2018		2017		2016
Discount rate	3.2	%	2.9	%	3.8	%	3.6	%	3.3	%	4.2	%
Expected return on plan assets	3.5	%	3.9	%	3.9	%	N/A		N/A		N/A
Rate of compensation increase	N/A		N/A		N/A		5.0	%	5.0	%	5.0	%

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, that are expected to be paid for the five fiscal years subsequent to August 25, 2018 and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):



	Pension Plans		SERP
2019	$	1,261	$	1,057
2020	545		1,114
2021	323		1,316
2022	469		1,314
2023	431		1,478
Thereafter	4,420		21,268
Total benefit payments	$	7,449	$	27,547

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

As discussed in Note 2, “Acquisitions”, when the Company acquires a business the amount assigned to the tangible assets and liabilities and intangible assets acquired is based on their respective fair values determined as of the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the tangible assets and liabilities and intangible assets is recorded as goodwill. The following details the changes in the Company’s intangible assets and goodwill related to the Company’s acquisitions for the years ended August 25, 2018 and August 26, 2017 as well as the respective periods over which the assets will be amortized (in thousands, except weighted average life in years). These amounts include additional payments associated with prior year acquisitions as well as changes to acquisition purchase allocations that had not been finalized as of the end of the prior fiscal year:



Year ended	August 25, 2018		Weighted Average Life in Years	August 26, 2017		Weighted Average Life in Years
Goodwill	$	21,500	N/A	$	55,302	N/A
Customer contracts	11,707		14.9	43,369		14.5
Other intangible assets	906		6.1	2,779		4.7

Total intangible assets and goodwill acquired	$	34,113		$	101,450

The Company does not amortize goodwill, but it is reviewed annually or more frequently if certain indicators arise, for impairment. There were no impairment losses related to goodwill or intangible assets during the years ended August 25, 2018, August 26, 2017 or August 27, 2016.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows (in thousands):



Balance as of August 27, 2016	$	320,641
Goodwill recorded during the period	55,302
Other	167

Balance as of August 26, 2017	$	376,110
Goodwill recorded during the period	21,500
Other	(188		)

Balance as of August 25, 2018	$	397,422

As of August 25, 2018, the Company has allocated $385.8 million, $11.0 million and $0.6 million of goodwill to its U.S. and Canadian Rental and Cleaning, Specialty Garments and First Aid segments, respectively.

Intangible assets, net in the Company’s accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):



	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
August 25, 2018
Customer contracts	$	220,303	$	152,985	$	67,318
Other intangible assets	35,030		31,444		3,586
	$	255,333	$	184,429	$	70,904
August 26, 2017
Customer contracts	$	208,711	$	141,226	$	67,485
Other intangible assets	34,249		29,990		4,259
	$	242,960	$	171,216	$	71,744

Estimated amortization expense for the five fiscal years subsequent to August 25, 2018 and thereafter, based on intangible assets, net as of August 25, 2018 is as follows (in thousands):



2019	13,407
2020	11,551
2021	9,669
2022	7,693
2023	6,446
Thereafter	22,138
Total estimated amortization expense	$	70,904

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Accrued Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Payables and Accruals [Abstract]

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet consists of the following (in thousands):



	August 25, 2018		August 26, 2017
Current liabilities:
Payroll and benefit related	$	41,034	$	40,857
Bonuses	19,308		11,180
Insurance related	29,407		29,318
Environmental related	9,321		9,126
Asset retirement obligations	—		559
Other	25,155		21,196
Total current liabilities	$	124,225	$	112,236
Long-term liabilities:
Benefit related	$	27,613	$	31,037
Environmental related	16,165		16,293
Asset retirement obligations	13,668		12,841
Insurance related	48,442		46,565
Total long-term liabilities	$	105,888	$	106,736

Total accrued liabilities	$	230,113	$	218,972

Asset Retirement Obligations

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]

Asset Retirement Obligations

Asset retirement obligations generally applies to legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development and/or the normal operation of a long-lived asset. Accordingly, the Company recognizes asset retirement obligations in the period in which they are incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. The Company continues to depreciate, on a straight-line basis, the amount added to property, plant and equipment and recognizes accretion expense in connection with the discounted liability over the various remaining lives which range from approximately two to twenty-six years.

The Company recognized as a liability the present value of the estimated future costs to decommission its nuclear laundry facilities. The estimated liability is based on historical experience in decommissioning nuclear laundry facilities, estimated useful lives of the underlying assets, external vendor estimates as to the cost to decommission these assets in the future, and federal and state regulatory requirements. The estimated current costs have been adjusted for the estimated impact of inflation at 3% per year. The liability has been discounted using credit-adjusted risk-free rates that range from approximately 7.0% to 7.5% over approximately two to twenty-six years. Revisions to the liability could occur due to changes in the Company’s estimated useful lives of the underlying assets, estimated dates of decommissioning, changes in decommissioning costs, changes in federal or state regulatory guidance on the decommissioning of such facilities, or other changes in estimates. Changes due to revised estimates will be recognized by adjusting the carrying amount of the liability and the related long-lived asset if the assets are still in service, or charged to expense in the period if the assets are no longer in service.

A rollforward of the Company’s asset retirement liability is as follows for fiscal 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):



	August 25, 2018			August 26, 2017
Beginning balance	$	13,400		$	13,032
Accretion expense	935			853
Effect of exchange rate changes	(108		)	230
Change in estimate	(559		)	(715		)
Ending balance	$	13,668		$	13,400

The Company’s asset retirement obligations are included in current and long-term accrued liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Lease Commitments

The Company leases certain buildings and equipment from independent parties. Total rent expense on all leases was $14.8 million, $13.6 million and $10.1 million for the fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Annual minimum lease commitments for the next five fiscal years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):



2019	12,016
2020	10,891
2021	8,411
2022	5,704
2023	3,739
Thereafter	6,357
Total lease commitments	$	47,118

Environmental and Legal Contingencies

The Company and its operations are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations governing, among other things, air emissions, wastewater discharges, and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes and other substances. In particular, industrial laundries currently use and must dispose of detergent waste water and other residues, and, in the past, used perchloroethylene and other dry cleaning solvents. The Company is attentive to the environmental concerns surrounding the disposal of these materials and has, through the years, taken measures to avoid their improper disposal. Over the years, the Company has settled, or contributed to the settlement of, actions or claims brought against the Company relating to the disposal of hazardous materials and there can be no assurance that the Company will not have to expend material amounts to remediate the consequences of any such disposal in the future.

U.S. GAAP requires that a liability for contingencies be recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment is required to determine the existence of a liability, as well as the amount to be recorded. The Company regularly consults with attorneys and outside consultants in its consideration of the relevant facts and circumstances before recording a contingent liability. Changes in enacted laws, regulatory orders or decrees, management’s estimates of costs, risk-free interest rates, insurance proceeds, participation by other parties, the timing of payments, the input of the Company’s attorneys and outside consultants or other factual circumstances could have a material impact on the amounts recorded for environmental and other contingent liabilities.

Under environmental laws, an owner or lessee of real estate may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances located on, or in, or emanating from, such property, as well as related costs of investigation and property damage. Such laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or lessee knew of, or was responsible for the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. There can be no assurances that acquired or leased locations have been operated in compliance with environmental laws and regulations or that future uses or conditions will not result in the imposition of liability upon the Company under such laws or expose the Company to third-party actions such as tort suits. The Company continues to address environmental conditions under terms of consent orders negotiated with the applicable environmental authorities or otherwise with respect to sites located in or related to Woburn, Massachusetts, Somerville, Massachusetts, Springfield, Massachusetts, Uvalde, Texas, Stockton, California, two sites related to former operations in Williamstown, Vermont, as well as sites located in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Wilmington, North Carolina, and Landover, Maryland.

The Company has accrued certain costs related to the sites described above as it has been determined that the costs are probable and can be reasonably estimated. The Company has potential exposure related to a parcel of land (the "Central Area") related to the Woburn, Massachusetts site mentioned above. Currently, the consent decree for the Woburn site does not define or require any remediation work in the Central Area. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA") has provided the Company and other signatories to the consent decree with comments on the design and implementation of groundwater and soil remedies at the Woburn site and investigation of environmental conditions in the Central Area. The Company, and other signatories, have implemented and proposed to do additional work at the Woburn site but many of the EPA’s comments remain to be resolved. The Company has accrued costs to perform certain work responsive to EPA's comments. The Company has implemented mitigation measures and continues to monitor environmental conditions at the Somerville, Massachusetts site. In addition, the Company has received demands from the local transit authority for reimbursement of certain costs associated with its construction of a new municipal transit station in the area of the Somerville site. This station is part of a planned extension of the transit system. The Company has reserved for costs in connection with this matter; however, in light of the uncertainties associated with this matter, these costs and the related reserve may change. The Company has also received notice that the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is conducting an audit of the Company’s investigation and remediation work with respect to the Somerville site.

The Company routinely reviews and evaluates sites that may require remediation and monitoring and determines its estimated costs based on various estimates and assumptions. These estimates are developed using its internal sources or by third party environmental engineers or other service providers. Internally developed estimates are based on:


•	Management’s judgment and experience in remediating and monitoring the Company’s sites;


•	Information available from regulatory agencies as to costs of remediation and monitoring;


•	The number, financial resources and relative degree of responsibility of other potentially responsible parties (“PRPs”) who may be liable for remediation and monitoring of a specific site; and


•	The typical allocation of costs among PRPs.

There is usually a range of reasonable estimates of the costs associated with each site. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company’s accruals reflect the amount within the range that it believes is the best estimate or the low end of a range of estimates if no point within the range is a better estimate. Where it believes that both the amount of a particular liability and the timing of the payments are reliably determinable, the Company adjusts the cost in current dollars using a rate of 3% for inflation until the time of expected payment and discounts the cost to present value using current risk-free interest rates. As of August 25, 2018, the risk-free interest rates utilized by the Company ranged from 2.8% to 3.0%.

For environmental liabilities that have been discounted, the Company includes interest accretion, based on the effective interest method, in selling and administrative expenses on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. The changes to the Company’s environmental liabilities for fiscal 2017 and 2016 were as follows (in thousands):



Year ended	August 25, 2018			August 26, 2017
Beginning balance	$	25,419		$	26,748
Costs incurred for which reserves have been provided	(1,016		)	(1,559		)
Insurance proceeds	140			116
Interest accretion	692			600
Changes in discount rates	(494		)	(1,027		)
Revisions in estimates	745			541

Ending balance	$	25,486		$	25,419

Anticipated payments and insurance proceeds of currently identified environmental remediation liabilities as of August 25, 2018, for the next five fiscal years and thereafter, as measured in current dollars, are reflected below.



(In thousands)	2019			2020			2021			2022			2023			Thereafter			Total
Estimated costs – current dollars	$	9,494		$	2,122		$	1,635		$	1,272		$	1,175		$	12,137		$	27,835

Estimated insurance proceeds	(173		)	(159		)	(173		)	(159		)	(173		)	(830		)	(1,667		)

Net anticipated costs	$	9,321		$	1,963		$	1,462		$	1,113		$	1,002		$	11,307		$	26,168

Effect of inflation																			7,289
Effect of discounting																			(7,971		)

Balance as of August 25, 2018																			$	25,486

Estimated insurance proceeds are primarily received from an annuity received as part of a legal settlement with an insurance company. Annual proceeds of approximately $0.3 million are deposited into an escrow account which funds remediation and monitoring costs for two sites related to former operations in Williamstown, Vermont. Annual proceeds received but not expended in the current year accumulate in this account and may be used in future years for costs related to this site through the year 2027. As of August 25, 2018, the balance in this escrow account, which is held in a trust and is not recorded in the Company’s accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet, was approximately $3.9 million. Also included in estimated insurance proceeds are amounts the Company is entitled to receive pursuant to legal settlements as reimbursements from three insurance companies for estimated costs at the site in Uvalde, Texas.

The Company’s nuclear garment decontamination facilities are licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”), or, in certain cases, by the applicable state agency, and are subject to regulation by federal, state and local authorities. There can be no assurance that such regulation will not lead to material disruptions in the Company’s garment decontamination business.

From time to time, the Company is also subject to legal proceedings and claims arising from the conduct of its business operations, including personal injury claims, customer contract matters, employment claims and environmental matters as described above.

While it is impossible for the Company to ascertain the ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to contingent liabilities, including lawsuits and environmental contingencies, the Company believes that the aggregate amount of such liabilities, if any, in excess of amounts covered by insurance have been properly accrued in accordance with U.S. GAAP. It is possible, however, that the future financial position and/or results of operations for any particular future period could be materially affected by changes in the Company’s assumptions or strategies related to these contingencies or changes out of the Company’s control.

Other Contingent Liabilities

As security for certain agreements with the NRC and various state agencies related to the nuclear operations (see above) and certain insurance programs, the Company had standby irrevocable bank commercial letters of credit of $63.9 million and $66.2 million outstanding as of August 25, 2018 and August 26, 2017, respectively.

Share-based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Share-based Compensation

The Company adopted a stock incentive plan (the “1996 Plan”) in November 1996 and reserved 1,500,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the 1996 Plan. The 1996 Plan provided for the issuance of stock options and stock appreciation rights. The Company ceased granting new awards under the 1996 Plan as of January 21, 2011, and the 1996 Plan expired in accordance with its terms on January 8, 2012. The Company adopted a stock incentive plan (the “2010 Plan”) in October 2010 and reserved 600,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the 2010 Plan. The 2010 Plan replaced the Company’s 1996 Plan. The 2010 Plan permits the award of incentive and non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, unrestricted stock and performance shares (collectively referred to as “Share-Based Awards”) as well as dividend equivalent rights and cash-based awards. On October 27, 2014, the Board of Directors, subject to the approval of the Company’s shareholders, which was received at the 2015 annual meeting of shareholders, adopted an amendment to the 2010 Plan to, among other matters, reserve for issuance an additional 750,000 shares and extend to 2025 the time period awards may be granted under the 2010 Plan. As of August 25, 2018, the number of remaining shares available for future grants under the 2010 Plan was 475,045. Share-based compensation, which includes expense related to Share-Based Awards, has been recorded in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income in selling and administrative expenses.

All Share-Based Awards issued to management were recommended to the Board of Directors by the Compensation Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. All Share-Based Awards issued to the Company’s non-employee members of the Board of Directors (the “Directors”) under the 2010 Plan were recommended to the Board of Directors by the Compensation Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. Share-Based Awards granted to non-employee Directors are granted on the third business day following the annual shareholders’ meeting.

In fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, a total of 234, 735 and 885 shares of fully vested unrestricted stock, respectively, were granted to certain non-employee Directors of the Company. Accordingly, compensation expense related to the 2018, 2017 and 2016 unrestricted stock was recognized on the date of grant.

In fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company granted a total of 5,000, 4,940 and 6,675 stock appreciation rights, respectively, under the 2010 Plan to the Company’s non-employee Directors. Such stock appreciation rights were fully vested upon grant, expire on the earlier of the eighth anniversary of the grant date or the second anniversary of the date that the Director ceases to be a member of the Board of Directors and must be settled in stock at the time of exercise. Accordingly, compensation expense related to the stock appreciation rights was recognized on the date of grant.

All stock appreciation rights issued to employees were granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of grant. Other than certain stock appreciation rights granted in fiscal 2018 which vest 20% on each anniversary of the grant date over a five-year period, such stock appreciation rights are subject to a five-year cliff-vesting schedule under which the awards become fully vested or exercisable after five years from the date of grant and expire ten years after the grant date. Share-Based Awards granted to the Company’s non-employee Directors were fully vested as of the date of grant. Prior to fiscal 2009, non-employee Director Share-Based Award grants in the form of stock options expired ten years from the grant date. Beginning in fiscal 2009, non-employee Director Share-Based Award grants in the form of stock options and stock appreciation rights expire on the earlier of the eighth anniversary of the grant date or the second anniversary of the date that the Director ceases to be a member of the Board of Directors.

Time-based restricted stock units granted to employees in fiscal 2018 vest either 20% on each anniversary of the grant date over a five-year period, 33% on each anniversary of the grant date over a three-year period or on a five-year cliff vesting schedule under which the awards become fully vested after five years from the date of grant. Performance-based restricted stock units granted to an employee in fiscal 2018 are earned based on whether and the extent to which the Company achieves certain consolidated revenues and adjusted operating margins. Any such performance-based restricted stock units earned will vest in three equal annual amounts with the first vesting date being the date that the performance criteria have been determined to have been met.

On April 21, 2016, the Company entered into a Restricted Stock Award Agreement (the “Award Agreement”) with the Company's former Chief Executive Officer Ronald D. Croatti, pursuant to which the Company granted 140,000 shares (the “Performance Restricted Shares”) of restricted stock to Mr. Croatti.

Upon Mr. Croatti's death in the third quarter of fiscal 2017, 46,666 Performance Restricted Shares of Common Stock were forfeited and 46,667 Performance Restricted Shares of Class B Common Stock that were earned in the performance period for the second half of fiscal 2016 became immediately vested. Additionally, the remaining 24,334 and 22,333 Performance Restricted Shares of Class B Common Stock and Common Stock, respectively, were earned in the performance period for fiscal 2017 upon the achievement of the performance criteria under the Award agreement and became fully vested. During fiscal 2017, the Company recognized expense on the Award Agreement of $8.8 million, of which $5.4 million was due to the accelerated vesting of Performance Restricted Shares upon Mr. Croatti's death.

The fair value of the Performance Restricted Shares was the closing price on April 21, 2016, which was $111.13.

As of August 25, 2018, the total compensation cost not yet recognized related to non-vested Share-Based Awards was approximately $9.1 million. The weighted average period over which compensation cost for Share-Based Awards will be recognized is 2.1 years.

The fair value of each stock appreciation right is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used:



Fiscal year ended August	2018		2017		2016
Risk-free interest rate	2.23	%	1.58	%	1.76	%
Expected dividend yield	0.18	%	0.21	%	0.25	%
Expected life in years	7.41		7.43		7.40
Expected volatility	23.1	%	24.0	%	29.3	%

The weighted average fair values of Share-Based Awards granted in the form of stock appreciation rights during fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016 were $47.51, $34.74 and $35.81, respectively.

The following table summarizes the Share-Based Awards activity in the form of stock options and stock appreciation rights for fiscal 2018:



	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, August 26, 2017	600,606		$	94.98

Granted	124,089		157.13
Exercised	(109,775	)	65.40
Forfeited	(28,994	)	152.12

Outstanding, August 25, 2018	585,926		$	110.86

Exercisable, August 25, 2018	133,681		$	87.68

The following table summarizes the Share-Based Awards activity in the form of restricted stock units for fiscal 2018:



	Number of Shares	Weighted Average Exercise Price
Unvested balance at August 26, 2017	—	$	—

Granted	11,720	168.27
Vested	—	—
Forfeited	—	—

Unvested balance at August 25, 2018	11,720	$	168.27

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
Shareholders' Equity	Aug. 25, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Shareholders’ Equity On March 27, 2018, UniFirst repurchased 1.105 million shares of Class B Common Stock and 0.073 million shares of Common Stock for a combined $146.0 million in a private transaction with the Croatti family at a per share price of $124.00. This opportunity to repurchase shares from the Croatti family was evaluated by an independent special committee of the Board of Directors (the “Special Committee”). The sale of shares by the Croatti family was executed to provide liquidity as well as for estate and family financial planning following the passing of former UniFirst Chief Executive Officer, Ronald D. Croatti. The Special Committee determined that a repurchase of Croatti family Class B Common Stock at a discount to market was in the best interests of the Company as it is accretive to income per share and addresses uncertainties that may have been created if the Croatti family had pursued other liquidity options. The Special Committee undertook its evaluation with the assistance of Stifel Financial Corp. (“Stifel”) and received an opinion from Stifel to the effect that, as of March 27, 2018, the $124.00 per share in cash to be paid was fair to the Company, from a financial point of view. The entire Board of Directors other than Cynthia Croatti, who is affiliated with the selling shareholders and therefore abstained, approved the transaction upon the recommendation of the Special Committee. On March 28, 2018, the Company announced that it would be raising its quarterly dividend to $0.1125 per share for Common Stock and to $0.09 per share for Class B Common Stock, up from $0.0375 and $0.03 per share, respectively. The amount and timing of any dividend payment is subject to the approval of the Board of Directors each quarter. The Company has two classes of common stock: Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote, is freely transferable, and is entitled to a cash dividend equal to 125% of any cash dividend paid on each share of Class B Common Stock. Each share of Class B Common Stock is entitled to ten votes and can be converted to Common Stock on a share-for-share basis. However, until converted to Common Stock, shares of Class B Common Stock are not freely transferable. For the year ended August 25, 2018, no shares of Class B Common Stock were converted to Common Stock.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Equity [Abstract]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for fiscal 2018 and 2017 are as follows (in thousands):



	Foreign Currency Translation			Pension- related (1)(2)			Derivative Financial Instruments (1)			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance as of August 27, 2016	$	(20,814	)	$	(8,251	)	$	116		$	(28,949	)
Change during the year	4,882			2,774			(225		)	7,431

Balance as of August 26, 2017	(15,932		)	(5,477		)	(109		)	(21,518		)
Change during the year	(5,184		)	1,342			201			(3,641		)

Balance as of August 25, 2018	$	(21,116	)	$	(4,135	)	$	92		$	(25,159	)


(1)	Amounts are shown net of tax


(2)	Current period activity includes the impact of the adoption of ASU 2018-02. See Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Principles” in these Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, for fiscal 2018 and 2017 were as follows (in thousands):



	Year Ended August 25, 2018			Year Ended August 26, 2017
Pension benefit liabilities, net:
Actuarial losses (a)	$	464		$	656
Tax effect reclass (b)	1,192			—
Total, net of tax	1,656			656
Derivative financial instruments, net:
Forward contracts gain (c)	(46		)	(180		)
Total, net of tax	(46		)	(180		)
Total amounts reclassified, net of tax	$	1,610		$	476

(a)Amounts included in selling and administrative expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.

(b)Current period activity represents the impact of the adoption of ASU 2018-02. See Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in these Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.

(c)Amounts included in revenues in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.

Segment Reporting

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting

Operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise for which separate discrete financial information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision-maker, or decision-making group, in making decisions on how to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is the Company’s chief executive officer. The Company has six operating segments based on the information reviewed by its chief executive officer: U.S. Rental and Cleaning, Canadian Rental and Cleaning, MFG, Specialty Garments, First Aid and Corporate. The U.S. Rental and Cleaning and Canadian Rental and Cleaning operating segments have been combined to form the U.S. and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment, and as a result, the Company has five reporting segments.

The U.S. and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment purchases, rents, cleans, delivers and sells, uniforms and protective clothing and non-garment items in the United States and Canada. The laundry locations of the U.S. and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment are referred to by the Company as “industrial laundries” or “industrial laundry locations.”

The MFG operating segment designs and manufactures uniforms and non-garment items primarily for the purpose of providing these goods to the U.S. and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment. MFG revenues are primarily generated when goods are shipped from the Company’s manufacturing facilities, or its subcontract manufacturers, to other Company locations. These intercompany revenues are recorded at a transfer price which is typically in excess of the actual manufacturing cost. Manufactured products are carried in inventory until placed in service at which time they are amortized at this transfer price. On a consolidated basis, intercompany revenues and income are eliminated and the carrying value of inventories and rental merchandise in service is reduced to the manufacturing cost. Income before income taxes from MFG net of the intercompany MFG elimination offsets the merchandise amortization costs incurred by the U.S. and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment as the merchandise costs of this reporting segment are amortized and recognized based on inventories purchased from MFG at the transfer price which is above the Company’s manufacturing cost.

The Corporate operating segment consists of costs associated with the Company’s distribution center, sales and marketing, information systems, engineering, materials management, manufacturing planning, finance, budgeting, human resources, other general and administrative costs and interest expense. The revenues generated from the Corporate operating segment represent certain direct sales made by the Company directly from its distribution center. The products sold by this operating segment are the same products rented and sold by the U.S. and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment. In the table below, no assets or capital expenditures are presented for the Corporate operating segment because no assets are allocated to this operating segment in the information reviewed by the chief executive officer. However, depreciation and amortization expense related to certain assets are reflected in income from operations and income before income taxes for the Corporate operating segment. The assets that give rise to this depreciation and amortization are included in the total assets of the U.S. and Canadian Rental and Cleaning reporting segment as this is how they are tracked and reviewed by the Company. The majority of expenses accounted for within the Corporate segment relate to costs of the U.S. and Canadian Rental and Cleaning segment, with the remainder of the costs relating to the Specialty Garment and First Aid segments.

The Specialty Garments operating segment purchases, rents, cleans, delivers and sells, specialty garments and non-garment items primarily for nuclear and cleanroom applications and provides cleanroom cleaning services at limited customer locations. The First Aid operating segment sells first aid cabinet services and other safety supplies as well as maintains wholesale distribution and pill packaging operations.

The Company refers to the U.S. and Canadian Rental and Cleaning, MFG, and Corporate reporting segments combined as its “Core Laundry Operations,” which is included as a subtotal in the following tables (in thousands):



As of and for the year ended August 25, 2018	US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning			MFG		Net Interco MFG Elim			Corporate			Subtotal Core Laundry Operations			Specialty Garments		First Aid		Total

Revenues	$	1,485,548		$	247,530	$	(247,424	)	$	37,994		$	1,523,648		$	118,477	$	54,364	$	1,696,489

Income (loss) from operations	$	213,322		$	89,035	$	(9,658	)	$	(129,111	)	$	163,588		$	14,070	$	4,718	$	182,376

Interest income, net	$	(3,927	)	$	—	$	—		$	(1,616	)	$	(5,543	)	$	—	$	—	$	(5,543	)

Income (loss) before taxes	$	217,252		$	88,856	$	(9,658	)	$	(127,510	)	$	168,940		$	13,589	$	4,717	$	187,246

Depreciation and amortization	$	64,481		$	2,238	$	—		$	24,108		$	90,827		$	4,244	$	1,591	$	96,662

Capital expenditures	$	105,481		$	2,882	$	—		$	—		$	108,363		$	3,781	$	603	$	112,747

Total assets	$	1,670,713		$	33,622	$	—		$	—		$	1,704,335		$	110,811	$	28,240	$	1,843,386



As of and for the year ended August 26, 2017	US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning			MFG		Net Interco MFG Elim			Corporate			Subtotal Core Laundry Operations			Specialty Garments		First Aid		Total

Revenues	$	1,415,423		$	206,572	$	(206,316	)	$	26,470		$	1,442,149		$	98,024	$	50,785	$	1,590,958

Income (loss) from operations	$	200,585		$	76,115	$	(3,415	)	$	(176,978	)	$	96,307		$	9,018	$	4,958	$	110,283

Interest (income) expense, net	$	(3,371	)	$	—	$	—		$	(898	)	$	(4,269	)			$	—	$	(4,269	)

Income (loss) before taxes	$	204,108		$	75,738	$	(3,415	)	$	(175,595	)	$	100,836		$	9,329	$	4,958	$	115,123

Depreciation and amortization	$	59,899		$	2,185	$	—		$	20,866		$	82,950		$	4,429	$	1,500	$	88,879

Capital expenditures	$	104,984		$	1,079	$	—		$	—		$	106,063		$	1,737	$	754	$	108,554

Total assets	$	1,667,540		$	34,045	$	—		$	—		$	1,701,585		$	87,767	$	29,776	$	1,819,128



As of and for the year ended August 27, 2016	US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning			MFG		Net Interco MFG Elim			Corporate			Subtotal Core Laundry Operations			Specialty Garments		First Aid		Total

Revenues	$	1,308,152		$	189,154	$	(188,904	)	$	20,973		$	1,329,375		$	91,257	$	47,414	$	1,468,046

Income (loss) from operations	$	201,148		$	67,385	$	(711	)	$	(81,748	)	$	186,074		$	10,204	$	4,882	$	201,160

Interest (income) expense, net	$	(3,252	)	$	—	$	—		$	709		$	(2,543	)	$	—	$	—	$	(2,543	)

Income (loss) before taxes	$	204,433		$	67,407	$	(711	)	$	(82,714	)	$	188,415		$	10,074	$	4,882	$	203,371

Depreciation and amortization	$	57,062		$	2,073	$	—		$	16,918		$	76,053		$	4,332	$	1,227	$	81,612

Capital expenditures	$	91,384		$	1,598	$	—		$	—		$	92,982		$	4,682	$	571	$	98,235

Total assets	$	1,567,943		$	32,556	$	—		$	—		$	1,600,499		$	77,728	$	23,780	$	1,702,007

The Company’s long-lived assets as of August 25, 2018 and August 26, 2017 and revenues and income before income taxes for the years ended August 25, 2018, August 26, 2017 and August 27, 2016 were attributed to the following countries (in thousands):



Long-lived assets as of:	August 25, 2018		August 26, 2017
United States	$	1,012,167	$	959,647
Europe, Canada, Mexico and Nicaragua (1)	46,419		45,255
Total	$	1,058,586	$	1,004,902



Revenues for fiscal years:	2018		2017		2016
United States	$	1,559,780	$	1,472,432	$	1,352,101
Europe and Canada (1)	136,709		118,526		115,945
Total	$	1,696,489	$	1,590,958	$	1,468,046



Income before income taxes for fiscal years:	2018		2017		2016
United States	$	184,605	$	109,741	$	197,441
Europe, Canada, Mexico and Nicaragua (1)	2,641		5,382		5,930
Total	$	187,246	$	115,123	$	203,371

(1)No country accounts for greater than 10% of total long-lived assets, revenues or income before income taxes

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

The following is a summary of the results of operations for each of the quarters within the years ended August 25, 2018 and August 26, 2017. This quarterly financial information was prepared by the Company without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission; however, the Company believes that the information furnished reflects all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which were, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of results in the interim periods. This summary should be read in conjunction with these Consolidated Financial Statements and notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



(In thousands, except per share data) For the year ended August 25, 2018	First Quarter		Second Quarter(1)			Third Quarter(2)		Fourth Quarter(3)
Revenues	$	415,778	$	419,264		$	427,384	$	434,063
Income before income taxes	53,033		43,568			47,792		42,853
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	18,827		(14,810		)	11,433		7,901

Net income	$	34,206	$	58,378		$	36,359	$	34,952

Income per share – basic
Common Stock	$	1.77	$	3.02		$	1.94	$	1.90
Class B Common Stock	$	1.42	$	2.42		$	1.55	$	1.52

Income per share – diluted
Common Stock	$	1.67	$	2.85		$	1.85	$	1.81

Income allocated to – basic
Common Stock	$	27,384	$	46,744		$	30,034	$	29,312
Class B Common Stock	$	6,822	$	11,634		$	6,325	$	5,640

Income allocated to – diluted
Common Stock	$	34,206	$	58,378		$	36,359	$	34,952

Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic
Common Stock	15,462		15,481			15,446		15,429
Class B Common Stock	4,816		4,816			4,087		3,711

Weighted average number of shares outstanding – diluted
Common Stock	20,434		20,463			19,687		19,335


(1)	The Company's second quarter results include a $20.1 million benefit to the Company’s provision for income taxes due to remeasurement of deferred tax balances and the one-time transition tax resulting from the Act enacted on December 22, 2017. This gain translated into $0.98 gain to the Company’s diluted earnings per share.


(2)	On March 27, 2018, UniFirst repurchased 1.105 million shares of Class B Common Stock and 0.073 million shares of Common Stock for a combined $146.0 million in a private transaction with the Croatti family at a per share price of $124.00.


(3)	The Company's fourth quarter results also include a $7.2 million pre-tax one-time bonus to our employees so that they may share in the benefits received from the recent U.S. tax reform. This expense, net of tax, reduced the Company's diluted earnings per share by $0.25.



(In thousands, except per share data) For the year ended August 26, 2017	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third(1) Quarter		Fourth(2) Quarter
Revenues	$	386,108	$	391,427	$	409,834	$	403,589
Income (loss) before income taxes	46,064		37,374		39,362		(7,677		)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	17,850		14,858		15,000		(2,781		)

Net income (loss)	$	28,214	$	22,516	$	24,362	$	(4,896	)

Income (loss) per share – basic
Common Stock	$	1.46	$	1.17	$	1.26	$	(0.25	)
Class B Common Stock	$	1.17	$	0.93	$	1.01	$	(0.20	)

Income (loss) per share – diluted
Common Stock	$	1.38	$	1.10	$	1.19	$	(0.24	)

Income (loss) allocated to – basic
Common Stock	$	22,342	$	17,836	$	19,307	$	(3,908	)
Class B Common Stock	$	5,668	$	4,518	$	4,883	$	(978	)

Income (loss) allocated to – diluted
Common Stock	$	28,020	$	22,362	$	24,199	$	(4,886	)

Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic
Common Stock	15,285		15,305		15,326		15,402
Class B Common Stock	4,847		4,846		4,846		4,818

Weighted average number of shares outstanding – diluted
Common Stock	20,249		20,263		20,279		20,220


(1)	The Company's third quarter results include $5.4 million pre-tax loss compensation expense as a result of the accelerated vesting of certain shares upon the death of the Company's former Chief Executive Officer, Ronald D. Croatti. This loss translated into a $3.3 million net loss or $0.16 loss to the Company's diluted earnings per share.


(2)	The Company's fourth quarter results include an impairment charge of capitalized costs as part of its ongoing CRM systems project totaling $55.8 million pre-tax loss. This loss translated into a $34.1 million net loss or $1.44 loss to the Company’s diluted earnings per share.

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves

Schedule II — Valuation and qualifying accounts and reserves for each of the three years in the period ended August 25, 2018

UNIFIRST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS IN THE PERIOD ENDED

AUGUST 25, 2018 (IN THOUSANDS)



Description	Balance, Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Charges for Which Reserves Were Created or Deductions			Balance, End of Period

Reserves for Accounts Receivable
For the year ended August 25, 2018	$	8,719	$	5,882	$	(5,364	)	$	9,237

For the year ended August 26, 2017	$	7,675	$	5,629	$	(4,585	)	$	8,719

For the year ended August 27, 2016	$	6,007	$	6,375	$	(4,707	)	$	7,675

Separate financial statements of the Company have been omitted because the Company is primarily an operating company and all subsidiaries included in the Consolidated Financial Statements are totally held.

All other schedules have been omitted since the required information is not present or not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the financial statements or the notes thereto.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Business Description

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

Fiscal Year

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in August. For financial reporting purposes, fiscal 2018, fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 consisted of 52 weeks.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments

Financial Instruments

Revenue Recognition and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Inventories and Rental Merchandise in Service

The components of inventory as of August 25, 2018 and August 26, 2017 were as follows (in thousands):



	August 25, 2018		August 26, 2017
Raw materials	$	18,508	$	18,468
Work in process	3,271		4,159
Finished goods	68,397		56,441
Total inventory	$	90,176	$	79,068

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred, while expenditures for renewals and betterments are capitalized.

The components of property, plant and equipment as of August 25, 2018 and August 26, 2017 were as follows (in thousands):



	August 25, 2018		August 26, 2017
Land, buildings and leasehold equipment	$	496,966	$	467,050
Machinery and equipment	576,354		540,185
Motor vehicles	238,087		220,205
	1,311,407		1,227,440
Less: accumulated depreciation	751,831		702,325
Total property, plant and equipment	$	559,576	$	525,115

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Environmental and Other Contingencies

Asset Retirement Obligations

Insurance

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan and Other Pension Plans

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan and other Pension Plans

Pension expense is recognized on an accrual basis over employees’ estimated service periods. Pension expense is generally independent of funding decisions or requirements.

Income Taxes

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are classified as selling and administrative expenses.

Share-Based Compensation

Income Per Share

The Company calculates income per share by allocating income to its unvested participating securities as part of its income per share calculations.

Foreign Currency Translation

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Components of Inventory

The components of inventory as of August 25, 2018 and August 26, 2017 were as follows (in thousands):



	August 25, 2018		August 26, 2017
Raw materials	$	18,508	$	18,468
Work in process	3,271		4,159
Finished goods	68,397		56,441
Total inventory	$	90,176	$	79,068

Components of Property, Plant and Equipment

The components of property, plant and equipment as of August 25, 2018 and August 26, 2017 were as follows (in thousands):



	August 25, 2018		August 26, 2017
Land, buildings and leasehold equipment	$	496,966	$	467,050
Machinery and equipment	576,354		540,185
Motor vehicles	238,087		220,205
	1,311,407		1,227,440
Less: accumulated depreciation	751,831		702,325
Total property, plant and equipment	$	559,576	$	525,115

Schedule of Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment

The Company provides for depreciation on the straight-line method based on the date the asset is placed in service using the following estimated useful lives:



Buildings (in years)	30	—	40
Building components (in years)	10	—	20
Leasehold improvements	Shorter of useful life or term of lease
Machinery and equipment (in years)	3	—	10
Motor vehicles (in years)	3	—	5

Schedule of Computation of Basic Earnings Per Share



Year ended	August 25, 2018		August 26, 2017		August 27, 2016
Net income available to shareholders	$	163,895	$	70,196	$	125,026

Allocation of net income for Basic:
Common Stock	$	133,802	$	55,903	$	99,282
Class B Common Stock	30,093		13,915		25,093
Unvested participating shares	—		378		651
	$	163,895	$	70,196	$	125,026

Weighted average number of shares for Basic:
Common Stock	15,454		15,382		15,245
Class B Common Stock	4,357		4,786		4,816
Unvested participating shares	—		116		107
	19,811		20,284		20,168

Income per share for Basic:
Common Stock	$	8.66	$	3.63	$	6.51
Class B Common Stock	$	6.91	$	2.91	$	5.21

Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share

The following presents a reconciliation of basic and diluted income per share (in thousands, except per share data):



	Year Ended August 25, 2018					Year Ended August 26, 2017					Year Ended August 27, 2016
	Earnings to Common shareholders		Common Shares	Income Per Share		Earnings to Common shareholders		Common Shares	Income Per Share		Earnings to Common shareholders			Common Shares	Income Per Share
As reported – Basic	$	133,802	15,454	$	8.66	55,903		15,382	$	3.63	$	99,282		15,245	$	6.51

Add: effect of dilutive potential common shares
Share-Based Awards	—		152			—		108			—			93
Class B Common Stock	30,093		4,357			13,915		4,786			25,093			4,816

Add: Undistributed earnings allocated to unvested participating shares	—		—			362		—			636			—

Less: Undistributed earnings reallocated to unvested participating shares	—		—			(343	)	—			(602		)	—

Diluted Income Per Share – Common Stock	$	163,895	19,963	$	8.21	69,837		20,276	$	3.44	$	124,409		20,154	$	6.17

Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Schedule of Acquisition of Business

Aggregate information relating to the acquisition of businesses which were accounted for as purchases is as follows (in thousands, except number of businesses acquired):



Year ended	August 25, 2018			August 26, 2017			August 27, 2016
Number of businesses acquired	9			6			6
Tangible assets acquired	$	7,743		$	26,174		$	3,572
Intangible assets and goodwill acquired	34,110			101,530			14,239
Liabilities assumed	(95		)	(2,156		)	(80		)

Acquisition of businesses	$	41,758		$	125,548		$	17,731

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Assets or Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized in the tables below (in thousands):



	As of August 25, 2018
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	103,190	$	—	$	—	$	103,190
Pension plan assets	—		6,325		—		6,325
Foreign currency forward contracts	—		127		—		127
Total assets at fair value	$	103,190	$	6,452	$	—	$	109,642



	As of August 26, 2017
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	81,253	$	—	$	—	$	81,253
Pension plan assets	—		5,097		—		5,097
Total assets at fair value	$	81,253	$	5,097	$	—	$	86,350
Liabilities:
Foreign currency forward contracts	$	—	$	177	$	—	$	177
Total liabilities at fair value	$	—	$	177	$	—	$	177

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of Provision for Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):



Fiscal year	2018			2017			2016
Current:
Federal	$	23,815		$	37,027		$	54,654
Foreign	527			1,995			1,672
State	8,012			6,642			9,996
Total current	$	32,354		$	45,664		$	66,322

Deferred:
Federal	$	(11,517	)	$	(520	)	$	10,803
Foreign	363			123			(217		)
State	2,151			(340		)	1,437
Total deferred	$	(9,003	)	$	(737	)	$	12,023

Total	$	23,351		$	44,927		$	78,345

Reconciliation of Provision for Income Taxes

The following table reconciles the provision for income taxes using the statutory federal income tax rate to the actual provision for income taxes:



Fiscal year	2018		2017		2016
Income taxes at the statutory federal income tax rate	25.9	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State income taxes	4.1		3.5		3.5
Other (1)	(2.8	)	0.5		—
Deemed Repatriation of Non - U.S. Earnings, net foreign tax credits and other (collectively, Transition Tax)	1.4		—		—
Impact of U.S. tax reform federal tax rate reduction	(16.1	)	—		—
Total	12.5	%	39.0	%	38.5	%

(1) Fiscal 2018 includes the impact of ASU 2016-09.

Schedule of Tax Effect of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

The tax effect of items giving rise to the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities is as follows (in thousands):



	August 25, 2018		August 26, 2017
Deferred Tax Assets
Payroll and benefit related	$	14,718	$	26,391
Insurance related	10,880		17,691
Environmental	6,593		9,945
Accrued expenses	3,513		4,542
Other	7,440		9,725
Total deferred tax assets	$	43,144	$	68,294

Deferred Tax Liabilities
Tax in excess of book depreciation	$	39,877	$	48,969
Purchased intangible assets	27,206		39,179
Rental merchandise in service	44,508		56,707
Other	318		25
Total deferred tax liabilities	111,909		144,880

Net deferred tax liability	$	68,765	$	76,586

Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):



Balance at August 27, 2016	$	3,743
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	490
Additions for tax positions of prior years	331
Statute expirations	(350		)

Balance at August 26, 2017	4,214
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	487
Additions for tax positions of prior years	—
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(2,073		)
Statute expirations	(430		)

Balance at August 25, 2018	$	2,198

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

The components of net periodic benefit cost related to the Company’s Pension Plans and SERP for fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows (in thousands):



	Pension Plans									SERP
	2018			2017			2016			2018		2017		2016
Service cost	$	115		$	271		$	204		$	694	$	785	$	819
Interest cost	257			244			307			1,027		1,003		984
Expected return on assets	(174		)	(189		)	(177		)	—		—		—
Amortization of prior service cost	66			83			84			—		56		368
Amortization of unrecognized loss	102			149			105			362		653		274
Other events	96			125			43			—		—		—
Net periodic benefit cost	$	462		$	683		$	566		$	2,083	$	2,497	$	2,445

Schedule of Obligations and Funded Status

The Company’s obligations and funded status related to its Pension Plans and SERP as of August 25, 2018 and August 26, 2017 were as follows (in thousands):



	Pension Plans						SERP
	2018			2017			2018			2017
Change in benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	$	8,382		$	9,000		$	28,801		$	30,696
Service cost	115			271			694			785
Interest cost	257			244			1,027			1,003
Actuarial gain	(673		)	(441		)	(2,129		)	(3,130		)
Benefits paid	(84		)	(326		)	(846		)	(553		)
Settlements	(548		)	(366		)	—			—
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	$	7,449		$	8,382		$	27,547		$	28,801

Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	$	5,097		$	4,753		$	—		$	—
Actual return on plan assets	72			63			—			—
Employer contributions	1,788			973			—			—
Benefits paid	(84		)	(326		)	—			—
Settlements	(548		)	(366		)	—			—
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$	6,325		$	5,097		$	—		$	—

Funded status (net amount recognized):	$	(1,124	)	$	(3,285	)	$	(27,547	)	$	(28,801	)

Schedule of Amounts Recorded on Consolidated Balance Sheet

The amounts recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet for the Company’s Pension Plans and SERP as of August 25, 2018 and August 26, 2017 were as follows (in thousands):



	Pension Plans						SERP
	2018			2017			2018			2017
Deferred tax assets	$	362		$	860		$	1,081		$	2,568
Accrued liabilities	$	1,124		$	3,285		$	27,547		$	28,801
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(1,037	)	$	(1,374	)	$	(3,098	)	$	(4,102	)

Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

As of August 25, 2018 and August 26, 2017, the amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the Company’s Pension Plans and SERP (in thousands):



	Pension Plans						SERP
	2018			2017			2018			2017
Net actuarial loss	$	(797	)	$	(1,134	)	$	(3,098	)	$	(4,102	)
Unrecognized prior service cost	(240		)	(240		)	—			—
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(1,037	)	$	(1,374	)	$	(3,098	)	$	(4,102	)

Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Projected Benefit Obligation

The weighted average assumptions used in calculating the Company’s projected benefit obligation as of August 25, 2018 and August 26, 2017, were as follows:



	Pension Plans				SERP
	2018		2017		2018		2017
Discount rate	3.9	%	3.2	%	4.0	%	3.6	%
Rate of compensation increase	N/A		N/A		5.0	%	5.0	%

Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Service Cost

The weighted average assumptions used in calculating the Company’s net periodic service cost for the years ended August 25, 2018, August 26, 2017 and August 27, 2016, were as follows:



	Pension Plans						SERP
	2018		2017		2016		2018		2017		2016
Discount rate	3.2	%	2.9	%	3.8	%	3.6	%	3.3	%	4.2	%
Expected return on plan assets	3.5	%	3.9	%	3.9	%	N/A		N/A		N/A
Rate of compensation increase	N/A		N/A		N/A		5.0	%	5.0	%	5.0	%

Schedule of Expected Future Benefit Payments



	Pension Plans		SERP
2019	$	1,261	$	1,057
2020	545		1,114
2021	323		1,316
2022	469		1,314
2023	431		1,478
Thereafter	4,420		21,268
Total benefit payments	$	7,449	$	27,547

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Changes in Intangible Assets and Goodwill

These amounts include additional payments associated with prior year acquisitions as well as changes to acquisition purchase allocations that had not been finalized as of the end of the prior fiscal year:



Year ended	August 25, 2018		Weighted Average Life in Years	August 26, 2017		Weighted Average Life in Years
Goodwill	$	21,500	N/A	$	55,302	N/A
Customer contracts	11,707		14.9	43,369		14.5
Other intangible assets	906		6.1	2,779		4.7

Total intangible assets and goodwill acquired	$	34,113		$	101,450

Schedule of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows (in thousands):



Balance as of August 27, 2016	$	320,641
Goodwill recorded during the period	55,302
Other	167

Balance as of August 26, 2017	$	376,110
Goodwill recorded during the period	21,500
Other	(188		)

Balance as of August 25, 2018	$	397,422

Schedule of Intangible Assets, Net

Intangible assets, net in the Company’s accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):



	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
August 25, 2018
Customer contracts	$	220,303	$	152,985	$	67,318
Other intangible assets	35,030		31,444		3,586
	$	255,333	$	184,429	$	70,904
August 26, 2017
Customer contracts	$	208,711	$	141,226	$	67,485
Other intangible assets	34,249		29,990		4,259
	$	242,960	$	171,216	$	71,744

Schedule of Estimated Future Amortization Expense

Estimated amortization expense for the five fiscal years subsequent to August 25, 2018 and thereafter, based on intangible assets, net as of August 25, 2018 is as follows (in thousands):



2019	13,407
2020	11,551
2021	9,669
2022	7,693
2023	6,446
Thereafter	22,138
Total estimated amortization expense	$	70,904

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Payables and Accruals [Abstract]

Schedule of Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet consists of the following (in thousands):



	August 25, 2018		August 26, 2017
Current liabilities:
Payroll and benefit related	$	41,034	$	40,857
Bonuses	19,308		11,180
Insurance related	29,407		29,318
Environmental related	9,321		9,126
Asset retirement obligations	—		559
Other	25,155		21,196
Total current liabilities	$	124,225	$	112,236
Long-term liabilities:
Benefit related	$	27,613	$	31,037
Environmental related	16,165		16,293
Asset retirement obligations	13,668		12,841
Insurance related	48,442		46,565
Total long-term liabilities	$	105,888	$	106,736

Total accrued liabilities	$	230,113	$	218,972

Asset Retirement Obligations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]

Rollforward of Asset Retirement Liability

A rollforward of the Company’s asset retirement liability is as follows for fiscal 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):



	August 25, 2018			August 26, 2017
Beginning balance	$	13,400		$	13,032
Accretion expense	935			853
Effect of exchange rate changes	(108		)	230
Change in estimate	(559		)	(715		)
Ending balance	$	13,668		$	13,400

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Annual Future Minimum Lease Payments

Annual minimum lease commitments for the next five fiscal years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):



2019	12,016
2020	10,891
2021	8,411
2022	5,704
2023	3,739
Thereafter	6,357
Total lease commitments	$	47,118

Schedule of Changes to Environmental Liabilities

The changes to the Company’s environmental liabilities for fiscal 2017 and 2016 were as follows (in thousands):



Year ended	August 25, 2018			August 26, 2017
Beginning balance	$	25,419		$	26,748
Costs incurred for which reserves have been provided	(1,016		)	(1,559		)
Insurance proceeds	140			116
Interest accretion	692			600
Changes in discount rates	(494		)	(1,027		)
Revisions in estimates	745			541

Ending balance	$	25,486		$	25,419

Schedule of Anticipated Payments and Insurance Proceeds of Currently Identified Environmental Remediation Liabilities



(In thousands)	2019			2020			2021			2022			2023			Thereafter			Total
Estimated costs – current dollars	$	9,494		$	2,122		$	1,635		$	1,272		$	1,175		$	12,137		$	27,835

Estimated insurance proceeds	(173		)	(159		)	(173		)	(159		)	(173		)	(830		)	(1,667		)

Net anticipated costs	$	9,321		$	1,963		$	1,462		$	1,113		$	1,002		$	11,307		$	26,168

Effect of inflation																			7,289
Effect of discounting																			(7,971		)

Balance as of August 25, 2018																			$	25,486

Share-based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Schedule of Weighted Average Assumptions

The fair value of each stock appreciation right is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used:



Fiscal year ended August	2018		2017		2016
Risk-free interest rate	2.23	%	1.58	%	1.76	%
Expected dividend yield	0.18	%	0.21	%	0.25	%
Expected life in years	7.41		7.43		7.40
Expected volatility	23.1	%	24.0	%	29.3	%

Summary of Share-Based Award Activity for Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights

The following table summarizes the Share-Based Awards activity in the form of stock options and stock appreciation rights for fiscal 2018:



	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, August 26, 2017	600,606		$	94.98

Granted	124,089		157.13
Exercised	(109,775	)	65.40
Forfeited	(28,994	)	152.12

Outstanding, August 25, 2018	585,926		$	110.86

Exercisable, August 25, 2018	133,681		$	87.68

Summary of Share-Based Award Activity for Restricted Stock Units

The following table summarizes the Share-Based Awards activity in the form of restricted stock units for fiscal 2018:



	Number of Shares	Weighted Average Exercise Price
Unvested balance at August 26, 2017	—	$	—

Granted	11,720	168.27
Vested	—	—
Forfeited	—	—

Unvested balance at August 25, 2018	11,720	$	168.27

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of Changes in Each Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for fiscal 2018 and 2017 are as follows (in thousands):



	Foreign Currency Translation			Pension- related (1)(2)			Derivative Financial Instruments (1)			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance as of August 27, 2016	$	(20,814	)	$	(8,251	)	$	116		$	(28,949	)
Change during the year	4,882			2,774			(225		)	7,431

Balance as of August 26, 2017	(15,932		)	(5,477		)	(109		)	(21,518		)
Change during the year	(5,184		)	1,342			201			(3,641		)

Balance as of August 25, 2018	$	(21,116	)	$	(4,135	)	$	92		$	(25,159	)


(1)	Amounts are shown net of tax


(2)	Current period activity includes the impact of the adoption of ASU 2018-02. See Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Principles” in these Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.

Schedule of Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, for fiscal 2018 and 2017 were as follows (in thousands):



	Year Ended August 25, 2018			Year Ended August 26, 2017
Pension benefit liabilities, net:
Actuarial losses (a)	$	464		$	656
Tax effect reclass (b)	1,192			—
Total, net of tax	1,656			656
Derivative financial instruments, net:
Forward contracts gain (c)	(46		)	(180		)
Total, net of tax	(46		)	(180		)
Total amounts reclassified, net of tax	$	1,610		$	476

(a)Amounts included in selling and administrative expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.

(c)Amounts included in revenues in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.

Segment Reporting (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information



As of and for the year ended August 25, 2018	US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning			MFG		Net Interco MFG Elim			Corporate			Subtotal Core Laundry Operations			Specialty Garments		First Aid		Total

Revenues	$	1,485,548		$	247,530	$	(247,424	)	$	37,994		$	1,523,648		$	118,477	$	54,364	$	1,696,489

Income (loss) from operations	$	213,322		$	89,035	$	(9,658	)	$	(129,111	)	$	163,588		$	14,070	$	4,718	$	182,376

Interest income, net	$	(3,927	)	$	—	$	—		$	(1,616	)	$	(5,543	)	$	—	$	—	$	(5,543	)

Income (loss) before taxes	$	217,252		$	88,856	$	(9,658	)	$	(127,510	)	$	168,940		$	13,589	$	4,717	$	187,246

Depreciation and amortization	$	64,481		$	2,238	$	—		$	24,108		$	90,827		$	4,244	$	1,591	$	96,662

Capital expenditures	$	105,481		$	2,882	$	—		$	—		$	108,363		$	3,781	$	603	$	112,747

Total assets	$	1,670,713		$	33,622	$	—		$	—		$	1,704,335		$	110,811	$	28,240	$	1,843,386



As of and for the year ended August 26, 2017	US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning			MFG		Net Interco MFG Elim			Corporate			Subtotal Core Laundry Operations			Specialty Garments		First Aid		Total

Revenues	$	1,415,423		$	206,572	$	(206,316	)	$	26,470		$	1,442,149		$	98,024	$	50,785	$	1,590,958

Income (loss) from operations	$	200,585		$	76,115	$	(3,415	)	$	(176,978	)	$	96,307		$	9,018	$	4,958	$	110,283

Interest (income) expense, net	$	(3,371	)	$	—	$	—		$	(898	)	$	(4,269	)			$	—	$	(4,269	)

Income (loss) before taxes	$	204,108		$	75,738	$	(3,415	)	$	(175,595	)	$	100,836		$	9,329	$	4,958	$	115,123

Depreciation and amortization	$	59,899		$	2,185	$	—		$	20,866		$	82,950		$	4,429	$	1,500	$	88,879

Capital expenditures	$	104,984		$	1,079	$	—		$	—		$	106,063		$	1,737	$	754	$	108,554

Total assets	$	1,667,540		$	34,045	$	—		$	—		$	1,701,585		$	87,767	$	29,776	$	1,819,128



As of and for the year ended August 27, 2016	US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning			MFG		Net Interco MFG Elim			Corporate			Subtotal Core Laundry Operations			Specialty Garments		First Aid		Total

Revenues	$	1,308,152		$	189,154	$	(188,904	)	$	20,973		$	1,329,375		$	91,257	$	47,414	$	1,468,046

Income (loss) from operations	$	201,148		$	67,385	$	(711	)	$	(81,748	)	$	186,074		$	10,204	$	4,882	$	201,160

Interest (income) expense, net	$	(3,252	)	$	—	$	—		$	709		$	(2,543	)	$	—	$	—	$	(2,543	)

Income (loss) before taxes	$	204,433		$	67,407	$	(711	)	$	(82,714	)	$	188,415		$	10,074	$	4,882	$	203,371

Depreciation and amortization	$	57,062		$	2,073	$	—		$	16,918		$	76,053		$	4,332	$	1,227	$	81,612

Capital expenditures	$	91,384		$	1,598	$	—		$	—		$	92,982		$	4,682	$	571	$	98,235

Total assets	$	1,567,943		$	32,556	$	—		$	—		$	1,600,499		$	77,728	$	23,780	$	1,702,007

Schedule of Long-lived Assets



Long-lived assets as of:	August 25, 2018		August 26, 2017
United States	$	1,012,167	$	959,647
Europe, Canada, Mexico and Nicaragua (1)	46,419		45,255
Total	$	1,058,586	$	1,004,902

Schedule of Revenues and Income Before Income Taxes



Revenues for fiscal years:	2018		2017		2016
United States	$	1,559,780	$	1,472,432	$	1,352,101
Europe and Canada (1)	136,709		118,526		115,945
Total	$	1,696,489	$	1,590,958	$	1,468,046



Income before income taxes for fiscal years:	2018		2017		2016
United States	$	184,605	$	109,741	$	197,441
Europe, Canada, Mexico and Nicaragua (1)	2,641		5,382		5,930
Total	$	187,246	$	115,123	$	203,371

(1)No country accounts for greater than 10% of total long-lived assets, revenues or income before income taxes

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information

This summary should be read in conjunction with these Consolidated Financial Statements and notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



(In thousands, except per share data) For the year ended August 25, 2018	First Quarter		Second Quarter(1)			Third Quarter(2)		Fourth Quarter(3)
Revenues	$	415,778	$	419,264		$	427,384	$	434,063
Income before income taxes	53,033		43,568			47,792		42,853
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	18,827		(14,810		)	11,433		7,901

Net income	$	34,206	$	58,378		$	36,359	$	34,952

Income per share – basic
Common Stock	$	1.77	$	3.02		$	1.94	$	1.90
Class B Common Stock	$	1.42	$	2.42		$	1.55	$	1.52

Income per share – diluted
Common Stock	$	1.67	$	2.85		$	1.85	$	1.81

Income allocated to – basic
Common Stock	$	27,384	$	46,744		$	30,034	$	29,312
Class B Common Stock	$	6,822	$	11,634		$	6,325	$	5,640

Income allocated to – diluted
Common Stock	$	34,206	$	58,378		$	36,359	$	34,952

Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic
Common Stock	15,462		15,481			15,446		15,429
Class B Common Stock	4,816		4,816			4,087		3,711

Weighted average number of shares outstanding – diluted
Common Stock	20,434		20,463			19,687		19,335


(1)	The Company's second quarter results include a $20.1 million benefit to the Company’s provision for income taxes due to remeasurement of deferred tax balances and the one-time transition tax resulting from the Act enacted on December 22, 2017. This gain translated into $0.98 gain to the Company’s diluted earnings per share.


(2)	On March 27, 2018, UniFirst repurchased 1.105 million shares of Class B Common Stock and 0.073 million shares of Common Stock for a combined $146.0 million in a private transaction with the Croatti family at a per share price of $124.00.


(3)	The Company's fourth quarter results also include a $7.2 million pre-tax one-time bonus to our employees so that they may share in the benefits received from the recent U.S. tax reform. This expense, net of tax, reduced the Company's diluted earnings per share by $0.25.



(In thousands, except per share data) For the year ended August 26, 2017	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third(1) Quarter		Fourth(2) Quarter
Revenues	$	386,108	$	391,427	$	409,834	$	403,589
Income (loss) before income taxes	46,064		37,374		39,362		(7,677		)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	17,850		14,858		15,000		(2,781		)

Net income (loss)	$	28,214	$	22,516	$	24,362	$	(4,896	)

Income (loss) per share – basic
Common Stock	$	1.46	$	1.17	$	1.26	$	(0.25	)
Class B Common Stock	$	1.17	$	0.93	$	1.01	$	(0.20	)

Income (loss) per share – diluted
Common Stock	$	1.38	$	1.10	$	1.19	$	(0.24	)

Income (loss) allocated to – basic
Common Stock	$	22,342	$	17,836	$	19,307	$	(3,908	)
Class B Common Stock	$	5,668	$	4,518	$	4,883	$	(978	)

Income (loss) allocated to – diluted
Common Stock	$	28,020	$	22,362	$	24,199	$	(4,886	)

Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic
Common Stock	15,285		15,305		15,326		15,402
Class B Common Stock	4,847		4,846		4,846		4,818

Weighted average number of shares outstanding – diluted
Common Stock	20,249		20,263		20,279		20,220


(1)	The Company's third quarter results include $5.4 million pre-tax loss compensation expense as a result of the accelerated vesting of certain shares upon the death of the Company's former Chief Executive Officer, Ronald D. Croatti. This loss translated into a $3.3 million net loss or $0.16 loss to the Company's diluted earnings per share.


(2)	The Company's fourth quarter results include an impairment charge of capitalized costs as part of its ongoing CRM systems project totaling $55.8 million pre-tax loss. This loss translated into a $34.1 million net loss or $1.44 loss to the Company’s diluted earnings per share.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 26, 2017 USD ($)	Aug. 25, 2018 USD ($) segment shares	Aug. 26, 2017 USD ($) shares	Aug. 27, 2016 USD ($) shares	Aug. 29, 2009	Aug. 26, 2018 USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of reporting segments \| segment		5
Certificates of deposit		$ 67,600,000
Estimated service lives of rental merchandise, minimum		6 months
Estimated service lives of rental merchandise, maximum		36 months
Impairment of goodwill and definite-lived intangible assets		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted average useful life		14 years 1 month
Discount rate, lower range		2.80%
Discount range, upper range		3.00%
Discount period, lower range		10 years
Discount period, upper range		30 years
Inflation rate		3.00%
Undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries		$ 129,700,000
Advertising costs		$ 2,800,000	$ 3,700,000	$ 1,500,000
Shares excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive (in shares) \| shares		4,972	16	9,883
Increase in retained earnings	$ 1,386,438,000	$ 1,405,239,000	$ 1,386,438,000
Future minimum payments due under operating lease		47,118,000
Decrease in provision from income taxes		3,100,000
Tax cuts and jobs act, reclassification from AOCI to retained earnings, tax effect		1,200,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation		500,000
Retained Earnings \| Accounting Standards Update 2016-09
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Cumulative-effect adjustment		(700,000)
Capital Surplus \| Accounting Standards Update 2016-09
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Cumulative-effect adjustment		$ 700,000
Conversion of Class B Common Stock in to Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Conversion ratio		1
Non-Employee Directors
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period		8 years
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period		10 years
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) \| Non-Employee Directors
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period		8 years			10 years
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) \| Certain Share-based Awards Granted During Fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 to Non-employee Directors \| Non-Employee Directors
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period		8 years
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Remaining lives		2 years
Credit adjusted risk-free rate		7.00%
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Remaining lives		26 years
Credit adjusted risk-free rate		7.50%
Customer contracts
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average useful life		14 years 7 months
Other intangible assets
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average useful life		5 years 2 months
Machinery and Equipment
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Impairment charge of capitalized costs as part of ongoing CRM systems project	$ 55,800,000
Pro Forma \| Minimum \| Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 \| Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Increase in retained earnings						$ 35,000,000
Pro Forma \| Maximum \| Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 \| Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Increase in retained earnings						$ 42,000,000

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Components of Inventory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 18,508	$ 18,468
Work in process	3,271	4,159
Finished goods	68,397	56,441
Total inventory	$ 90,176	$ 79,068

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Components of Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 1,311,407	$ 1,227,440
Less: accumulated depreciation	751,831	702,325
Total property, plant and equipment	559,576	525,115
Land, buildings and leasehold equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	496,966	467,050
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	576,354	540,185
Motor vehicles
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 238,087	$ 220,205

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2018
Buildings \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	30 years
Buildings \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	40 years
Building components \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	10 years
Building components \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	20 years
Machinery and equipment \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	3 years
Machinery and equipment \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	10 years
Motor vehicles \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	3 years
Motor vehicles \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	5 years

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Computation of Basic Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2018	May 26, 2018	Feb. 24, 2018	Nov. 25, 2017	Aug. 26, 2017	May 27, 2017	Feb. 25, 2017	Nov. 26, 2016	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017	Aug. 27, 2016
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income available to shareholders	$ 34,952	$ 36,359	$ 58,378	$ 34,206	$ (4,896)	$ 24,362	$ 22,516	$ 28,214	$ 163,895	$ 70,196	$ 125,026
Allocation of net income for Basic:
Common Stock									$ 163,895	$ 70,196	$ 125,026
Weighted average number of shares for Basic:
Common Stock (in shares)									19,811	20,284	20,168
Common Stock
Allocation of net income for Basic:
Common Stock	$ 29,312	$ 30,034	$ 46,744	$ 27,384	$ (3,908)	$ 19,307	$ 17,836	$ 22,342	$ 133,802	$ 55,903	$ 99,282
Weighted average number of shares for Basic:
Common Stock (in shares)	15,429	15,446	15,481	15,462	15,402	15,326	15,305	15,285	15,454	15,382	15,245
Income per share for Basic:
Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$ 1.90	$ 1.94	$ 3.02	$ 1.77	$ (0.25)	$ 1.26	$ 1.17	$ 1.46	$ 8.66	$ 3.63	$ 6.51
Class B Common Stock
Allocation of net income for Basic:
Common Stock	$ 5,640	$ 6,325	$ 11,634	$ 6,822	$ (978)	$ 4,883	$ 4,518	$ 5,668	$ 30,093	$ 13,915	$ 25,093
Weighted average number of shares for Basic:
Common Stock (in shares)	3,711	4,087	4,816	4,816	4,818	4,846	4,846	4,847	4,357	4,786	4,816
Income per share for Basic:
Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$ 1.52	$ 1.55	$ 2.42	$ 1.42	$ (0.20)	$ 1.01	$ 0.93	$ 1.17	$ 6.91	$ 2.91	$ 5.21
Unvested participating shares
Allocation of net income for Basic:
Common Stock									$ 0	$ 378	$ 651
Weighted average number of shares for Basic:
Common Stock (in shares)									0	116	107

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2018	May 26, 2018	Feb. 24, 2018	Nov. 25, 2017	Aug. 26, 2017	May 27, 2017	Feb. 25, 2017	Nov. 26, 2016	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017	Aug. 27, 2016
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
As reported – Basic									$ 163,895	$ 70,196	$ 125,026
As reported - Basic (in shares)									19,811	20,284	20,168
Add: Undistributed earnings allocated to unvested participating shares									$ 0	$ 362	$ 636
Less: Undistributed earnings reallocated to unvested participating shares									0	(343)	(602)
Diluted Income Per Share – Common Stock									$ 163,895	$ 69,837	$ 124,409
Diluted EPS – Common Stock (in shares)									19,963	20,276	20,154
Diluted EPS – Common Stock (in dollars per share)		$ (0.25)	$ 0.98						$ 8.21	$ 3.44	$ 6.17
Common Stock
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
As reported – Basic	$ 29,312	$ 30,034	$ 46,744	$ 27,384	$ (3,908)	$ 19,307	$ 17,836	$ 22,342	$ 133,802	$ 55,903	$ 99,282
As reported - Basic (in shares)	15,429	15,446	15,481	15,462	15,402	15,326	15,305	15,285	15,454	15,382	15,245
As reported - Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.90	$ 1.94	$ 3.02	$ 1.77	$ (0.25)	$ 1.26	$ 1.17	$ 1.46	$ 8.66	$ 3.63	$ 6.51
Add: effect of dilutive potential common shares									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Add: effect of dilutive potential common shares (in shares)									152	108	93
Diluted Income Per Share – Common Stock	$ 34,952	$ 36,359	$ 58,378	$ 34,206	$ (4,886)	$ 24,199	$ 22,362	$ 28,020
Diluted EPS – Common Stock (in shares)	19,335	19,687	20,463	20,434	20,220	20,279	20,263	20,249
Diluted EPS – Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$ 1.81	$ 1.85	$ 2.85	$ 1.67	$ (0.24)	$ 1.19	$ 1.10	$ 1.38
Class B Common Stock
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
As reported – Basic	$ 5,640	$ 6,325	$ 11,634	$ 6,822	$ (978)	$ 4,883	$ 4,518	$ 5,668	$ 30,093	$ 13,915	$ 25,093
As reported - Basic (in shares)	3,711	4,087	4,816	4,816	4,818	4,846	4,846	4,847	4,357	4,786	4,816
As reported - Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.52	$ 1.55	$ 2.42	$ 1.42	$ (0.20)	$ 1.01	$ 0.93	$ 1.17	$ 6.91	$ 2.91	$ 5.21
Add: effect of dilutive potential common shares									$ 30,093	$ 13,915	$ 25,093
Add: effect of dilutive potential common shares (in shares)									4,357	4,786	4,816

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	Aug. 25, 2018 USD ($) business	Aug. 26, 2017 USD ($) business	Aug. 27, 2016 USD ($) business
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Number of business acquisitions completed \| business	9	6	6
Aggregate purchase price \| $	$ 41,758	$ 125,548	$ 17,731

Acquisitions - Schedule of Acquisition of Business (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2018 USD ($) business	Aug. 26, 2017 USD ($) business	Aug. 27, 2016 USD ($) business
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Number of businesses acquired \| business	9	6	6
Tangible assets acquired	$ 7,743	$ 26,174	$ 3,572
Intangible assets and goodwill acquired	34,110	101,530	14,239
Liabilities assumed	(95)	(2,156)	(80)
Acquisition of businesses	$ 41,758	$ 125,548	$ 17,731

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Assets or Liabilities Measured Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$ 103,190	$ 81,253
Pension plan assets	6,325	5,097
Foreign currency forward contracts	127
Total assets at fair value	109,642	86,350
Liabilities:
Foreign currency forward contracts		177
Total liabilities at fair value		177
Level 1
Assets:
Cash equivalents	103,190	81,253
Pension plan assets	0	0
Foreign currency forward contracts	0
Total assets at fair value	103,190	81,253
Liabilities:
Foreign currency forward contracts		0
Total liabilities at fair value		0
Level 2
Assets:
Cash equivalents	0	0
Pension plan assets	6,325	5,097
Foreign currency forward contracts	127
Total assets at fair value	6,452	5,097
Liabilities:
Foreign currency forward contracts		177
Total liabilities at fair value		177
Level 3
Assets:
Cash equivalents	0	0
Pension plan assets	0	0
Foreign currency forward contracts	0
Total assets at fair value	$ 0	0
Liabilities:
Foreign currency forward contracts		0
Total liabilities at fair value		$ 0

Income Taxes - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2018	May 26, 2018	Feb. 24, 2018	Nov. 25, 2017	Aug. 26, 2017	May 27, 2017	Feb. 25, 2017	Nov. 26, 2016	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017	Aug. 27, 2016
Current:
Federal									$ 23,815	$ 37,027	$ 54,654
Foreign									527	1,995	1,672
State									8,012	6,642	9,996
Total current									32,354	45,664	66,322
Deferred:
Federal									(11,517)	(520)	10,803
Foreign									363	123	(217)
State									2,151	(340)	1,437
Total deferred									(9,003)	(737)	12,023
Total	$ 7,901	$ 11,433	$ (14,810)	$ 18,827	$ (2,781)	$ 15,000	$ 14,858	$ 17,850	$ 23,351	$ 44,927	$ 78,345

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Provision for Income Taxes (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017	Aug. 27, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes at the statutory federal income tax rate	25.90%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes	4.10%	3.50%	3.50%
Other	(2.80%)	0.50%	0.00%
Deemed Repatriation of Non - U.S. Earnings, net foreign tax credits and other (collectively, Transition Tax)	1.40%	0.00%	0.00%
Impact of U.S. tax reform federal tax rate reduction	(16.10%)	0.00%	0.00%
Total	12.50%	39.00%	38.50%

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017
Deferred Tax Assets
Payroll and benefit related	$ 14,718	$ 26,391
Insurance related	10,880	17,691
Environmental	6,593	9,945
Accrued expenses	3,513	4,542
Other	7,440	9,725
Total deferred tax assets	43,144	68,294
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Tax in excess of book depreciation	39,877	48,969
Purchased intangible assets	27,206	39,179
Rental merchandise in service	44,508	56,707
Other	318	25
Total deferred tax liabilities	111,909	144,880
Net deferred tax liability	$ 68,765	$ 76,586

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 24, 2018	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017	Aug. 27, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Estimated income taxes net benefit		$ 22,600
Estimated tax transition charge		2,500
Tax benefit		3,100
Provisional net benefit	$ 20,100	$ 20,100
Blended federal statutory income tax rate		25.90%	35.00%	35.00%
Unrecognized tax benefits		$ 2,198	$ 4,214	$ 3,743
Total unrecognized tax benefits		1,900	3,600
Accrued interest and penalties		$ 100	$ 100

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 4,214	$ 3,743
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	487	490
Additions for tax positions of prior years	0	331
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(2,073)
Statute expirations	(430)	(350)
Ending balance	$ 2,198	$ 4,214

Loans Payable and Long-term Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017	Apr. 11, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding loans payable	$ 0	$ 0
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 63,900,000	$ 66,200,000
Credit Agreement \| London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis points	0.75%
Revolving Credit Facility \| Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 250,000,000.0
Outstanding borrowings	$ 0
Outstanding letters of credit	63,900,000
Remaining borrowing capacity	$ 186,100,000

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2018 USD ($)	Aug. 26, 2017 USD ($)	Aug. 27, 2016 USD ($)	Aug. 25, 2018 CAD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018 CAD ($) contract	Jan. 31, 2015 CAD ($) contract
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Gain (loss) in accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (25,159)	$ (21,518)
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	46	$ 180	$ 215
Canadian Dollars
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Average exchange rate					0.7814	0.7825
Forward Contracts
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional value				$ 14.9	$ 12.1	$ 31.0
Gain (loss) in accumulated other comprehensive loss	100
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0
Forward Contracts \| Other Long-Term Assets
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of the contracts	100
Forward Contracts \| Prepaid Expenses
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of the contracts	$ 100
Forward Contracts \| Canadian Dollars
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Number of derivatives entered into to exchange Canadian dollars for U.S. dollars \| contract					12	16

Employee Benefit Plans - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017	Aug. 27, 2016
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Contributions charged to expense under the plan	$ 18.1	$ 15.0	$ 13.8
UniFirst Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Amount charged to expense related to the plan	$ 0.3	0.5	0.4
Minimum annual interest rate	3.25%
Textilease Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Amount charged to expense related to the plan	$ 0.2	0.2	0.2
Minimum annual interest rate	1.50%
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligations	$ 7.4	8.3
SERP
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Amount charged to expense related to the plan	2.1	2.5	$ 2.4
Accumulated benefit obligations	$ 21.7	$ 22.3

Employee Benefit Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017	Aug. 27, 2016
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 115	$ 271	$ 204
Interest cost	257	244	307
Expected return on assets	(174)	(189)	(177)
Amortization of prior service cost	66	83	84
Amortization of unrecognized loss	102	149	105
Other events	96	125	43
Net periodic benefit cost	462	683	566
SERP
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	694	785	819
Interest cost	1,027	1,003	984
Expected return on assets	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	0	56	368
Amortization of unrecognized loss	362	653	274
Other events	0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 2,083	$ 2,497	$ 2,445

Employee Benefit Plans - Obligations and Funded Status (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017	Aug. 27, 2016
Pension Plans
Change in benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	$ 8,382	$ 9,000
Service cost	115	271	$ 204
Interest cost	257	244	307
Actuarial gain	(673)	(441)
Benefits paid	(84)	(326)
Settlements	(548)	(366)
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	7,449	8,382	9,000
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	5,097	4,753
Actual return on plan assets	72	63
Employer contributions	1,788	973
Benefits paid	(84)	(326)
Settlements	(548)	(366)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	6,325	5,097	4,753
Funded status (net amount recognized)	(1,124)	(3,285)
SERP
Change in benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	28,801	30,696
Service cost	694	785	819
Interest cost	1,027	1,003	984
Actuarial gain	(2,129)	(3,130)
Benefits paid	(846)	(553)
Settlements	0	0
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	27,547	28,801	30,696
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Employer contributions	0	0
Benefits paid	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	0	0	$ 0
Funded status (net amount recognized)	$ (27,547)	$ (28,801)

Employee Benefit Plans - Amounts Recorded in Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	$ 362	$ 860
Accrued liabilities	1,124	3,285
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,037)	(1,374)
SERP
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	1,081	2,568
Accrued liabilities	27,547	28,801
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (3,098)	$ (4,102)

Employee Benefit Plans - Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	$ (797)	$ (1,134)
Unrecognized prior service cost	(240)	(240)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,037)	(1,374)
SERP
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	(3,098)	(4,102)
Unrecognized prior service cost	0	0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (3,098)	$ (4,102)

Employee Benefit Plans - Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Projected Benefit Obligation (Details)	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.90%	3.20%
SERP
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.00%	3.60%
Rate of compensation increase	5.00%	5.00%

Employee Benefit Plans - Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017	Aug. 27, 2016
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.20%	2.90%	3.80%
Expected return on plan assets	3.50%	3.90%	3.90%
SERP
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.60%	3.30%	4.20%
Rate of compensation increase	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%

Employee Benefit Plans - Expected Benefit Payments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017	Aug. 27, 2016
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
2019	$ 1,261
2020	545
2021	323
2022	469
2023	431
Thereafter	4,420
Total benefit payments	7,449	$ 8,382	$ 9,000
SERP
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
2019	1,057
2020	1,114
2021	1,316
2022	1,314
2023	1,478
Thereafter	21,268
Total benefit payments	$ 27,547	$ 28,801	$ 30,696

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 21,500	$ 55,302
Total intangible assets and goodwill acquired	34,113	101,450
Customer contracts
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$ 11,707	$ 43,369
Weighted average life	14 years 11 months	14 years 6 months
Other intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$ 906	$ 2,779
Weighted average life	6 years 1 month	4 years 8 months 12 days

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017	Aug. 27, 2016
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment losses related to goodwill or intangible assets	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Goodwill	397,422,000	$ 376,110,000	$ 320,641,000
US and Canadian Rental and Cleaning
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	385,800,000
Specialty Garments
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	11,000,000
First Aid
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 600,000

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 376,110	$ 320,641
Goodwill recorded during the period	21,500	55,302
Other	(188)	167
Ending balance	$ 397,422	$ 376,110

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Intangible Assets, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 255,333	$ 242,960
Accumulated Amortization	184,429	171,216
Net Carrying Amount	70,904	71,744
Customer contracts
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	220,303	208,711
Accumulated Amortization	152,985	141,226
Net Carrying Amount	67,318	67,485
Other intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	35,030	34,249
Accumulated Amortization	31,444	29,990
Net Carrying Amount	$ 3,586	$ 4,259

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Estimated Future Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2019	$ 13,407
2020	11,551
2021	9,669
2022	7,693
2023	6,446
Thereafter	22,138
Net Carrying Amount	$ 70,904	$ 71,744

Accrued Liabilities - Schedule of Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017
Current liabilities:
Payroll and benefit related	$ 41,034	$ 40,857
Bonuses	19,308	11,180
Insurance related	29,407	29,318
Environmental related	9,321	9,126
Asset retirement obligations	0	559
Other	25,155	21,196
Total current liabilities	124,225	112,236
Long-term liabilities:
Benefit related	27,613	31,037
Environmental related	16,165	16,293
Asset retirement obligations	13,668	12,841
Insurance related	48,442	46,565
Total long-term liabilities	105,888	106,736
Total accrued liabilities	$ 230,113	$ 218,972

Asset Retirement Obligations - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
Asset Retirement Obligations - Narrative (Details)	Aug. 25, 2018
Asset Retirement Obligations [Line Items]
Estimated impact of inflation per year	3.00%
Credit-adjusted risk-free rates, minimum	7.00%
Credit-adjusted risk-free rates, maximum	7.50%
Minimum
Asset Retirement Obligations [Line Items]
Remaining lives	2 years
Maximum
Asset Retirement Obligations [Line Items]
Remaining lives	26 years

Asset Retirement Obligations - Rollforward of Asset Retirement Liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017	Aug. 27, 2016
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 13,400	$ 13,032
Accretion expense	935	853	$ 826
Effect of exchange rate changes	(108)	230
Change in estimate	(559)	(715)
Ending balance	$ 13,668	$ 13,400	$ 13,032

Commitments and Contingencies - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2018 USD ($) site company	Aug. 26, 2017 USD ($)	Aug. 27, 2016 USD ($)
Gain Contingencies [Line Items]
Total rent expense on all leases	$ 14.8	$ 13.6	$ 10.1
Estimated rate of inflation	3.00%
Risk-free interest rates utilized, lower range	2.80%
Risk-free interest rates utilized, upper range	3.00%
Annual proceeds	$ 0.3
Balance in escrow account	$ 3.9
Number of insurance companies \| company	3
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 63.9	$ 66.2
Williamstown, Vermont
Gain Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of sites related to former operations \| site	2

Commitments and Contingencies - Annual Minimum Lease Commitments (Details) $ in Thousands	Aug. 25, 2018 USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2019	$ 12,016
2020	10,891
2021	8,411
2022	5,704
2023	3,739
Thereafter	6,357
Total lease commitments	$ 47,118

Commitments and Contingencies - Changes to Environmental Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017	Aug. 27, 2016
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 25,419	$ 26,748
Costs incurred for which reserves have been provided	(1,016)	(1,559)
Insurance proceeds	140	116
Interest accretion	692	600	$ 669
Changes in discount rates	(494)	(1,027)
Revisions in estimates	745	541
Ending balance	$ 25,486	$ 25,419	$ 26,748

Commitments and Contingencies - Anticipated Payments and Insurance Proceeds of Identified Environmental Remediation Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017	Aug. 27, 2016
Estimated costs – current dollars
2019	$ 9,494
2020	2,122
2021	1,635
2022	1,272
2023	1,175
Thereafter	12,137
Total	27,835
Estimated insurance proceeds
2019	(173)
2020	(159)
2021	(173)
2022	(159)
2023	(173)
Thereafter	(830)
Total	(1,667)
Net anticipated costs
2019	9,321
2020	1,963
2021	1,462
2022	1,113
2023	1,002
Thereafter	11,307
Total	26,168
Effect of inflation	7,289
Effect of discounting	(7,971)
Balance at end of period	$ 25,486	$ 25,419	$ 26,748

Share-based Compensation - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2016	Oct. 27, 2014	May 27, 2017	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017	Aug. 27, 2016	Aug. 29, 2009	Oct. 30, 2010	Nov. 30, 1996
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Closing share price (in dollars per share)	$ 111.13
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage vested after each anniversary of the grant date				20.00%
Period awards become fully vested or exercisable				5 years
Expiration period				10 years
Weighted average fair values of Share-Based Awards granted (in dollars per share)				$ 47.51	$ 34.74	$ 35.81
Time-Based Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period awards become fully vested or exercisable				5 years
Time-Based Restricted Stock Units \| Tranche One
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage vested after each anniversary of the grant date				20.00%
Period awards become fully vested or exercisable				5 years
Time-Based Restricted Stock Units \| Tranche Two
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage vested after each anniversary of the grant date				33.00%
Period awards become fully vested or exercisable				3 years
Time-Based Restricted Stock Units \| Tranche Three
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period awards become fully vested or exercisable				5 years
Share-Based Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total compensation cost not yet recognized related to non-vested awards				$ 9.1
Period for recognition				2 years 1 month 6 days
Non-Employee Directors
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period				8 years
Potential expiration period, period post date Director ceases to be a member of the Board of Directors				2 years
Non-Employee Directors \| Unrestricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted (in shares)				234	735	885
Non-Employee Directors \| Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period				8 years			10 years
Potential expiration period, period post date Director ceases to be a member of the Board of Directors				2 years
The 1996 Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares reserved for issuance (in shares)									1,500,000
The 2010 Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares reserved for issuance (in shares)								600,000
Number of additional shares reserved for issuance (in shares)		750,000
Shares available for future grants (in shares)				475,045
The 2010 Plan \| Non-Employee Directors \| Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted (in shares)				5,000	4,940	6,675
Restricted Stock Award Agreement \| Mr. Croatti
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense recognized					$ 8.8
Expense recognized due to accelerated vesting			$ 5.4		$ 5.4
Restricted Stock Award Agreement \| Mr. Croatti \| Performance Restricted Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted (in shares)	140,000
Shares forfeited (in shares)			46,666
Shares earned in the performance period (in shares)					22,333
Restricted Stock Award Agreement \| Mr. Croatti \| Performance Restricted Shares \| Class B Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares vested (in shares)			46,667
Shares earned in the performance period (in shares)					24,334

Share-based Compensation - Valuation Assumptions (Details) - Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017	Aug. 27, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	2.23%	1.58%	1.76%
Expected dividend yield	0.18%	0.21%	0.25%
Expected life in years	7 years 4 months 27 days	7 years 5 months 5 days	7 years 4 months 24 days
Expected volatility	23.10%	24.00%	29.30%

Share-based Compensation - Summary of Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Activity (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2018 $ / shares shares
Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) \| shares	600,606
Granted (in shares) \| shares	124,089
Exercised (in shares) \| shares	(109,775)
Forfeited (in shares) \| shares	(28,994)
Outstanding at end of period (in shares) \| shares	585,926
Exercisable at end of period (in shares) \| shares	133,681
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 94.98
Granted (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	157.13
Exercised (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	65.40
Forfeited (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	152.12
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	110.86
Exercisable at end of period (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 87.68

Share-based Compensation - Summary of Restricted Stock Units (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2018 $ / shares shares
Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) \| shares	0
Granted (in shares) \| shares	11,720
Vested (in shares) \| shares	0
Forfeited (in shares) \| shares	0
Outstanding at end of period (in shares) \| shares	11,720
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 0.00
Granted (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	168.27
Vested (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	0.00
Forfeited (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	0.00
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 168.27

Shareholders' Equity - Narrative (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions			12 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2018 $ / shares	Mar. 27, 2018 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Aug. 25, 2018 vote $ / shares shares	Aug. 26, 2017 $ / shares	Aug. 27, 2016 $ / shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Combined common stock \| $		$ 146.0
Share price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares		$ 124.00
Class B Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock and Class B common stock \| shares		1,105,000
Quarterly dividend (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 0.09	$ 0.03	$ 0.24	$ 0.12	$ 0.12
Voting rights \| vote			10
Number of shares converted (in shares) \| shares			0
Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock and Class B common stock \| shares		73,000
Quarterly dividend (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 0.1125	$ 0.0375	$ 0.3	$ 0.15	$ 0.15
Voting rights \| vote			1
Dividend rate			125.00%

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Changes in Each Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2018	Aug. 26, 2017	Aug. 27, 2016
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 1,453,192	$ 1,364,781	$ 1,242,208
Change during the year	(3,641)	7,431	(4,536)
Balance at end of period	1,464,967	1,453,192	1,364,781
Foreign Currency Translation
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	(15,932)	(20,814)
Change during the year	(5,184)	4,882
Balance at end of period	(21,116)	(15,932)	(20,814)
Pension-related
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	(5,477)	(8,251)
Change during the year	1,342	2,774
Balance at end of period	(4,135)	(5,477)	(8,251)
Derivative Financial Instruments
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	(109)	116
Change during the year	201	(225)
Balance at end of period	92	(109)	116
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	(21,518)	(28,949)	(24,413)
Change during the year	(3,641)	7,431
Balance at end of period	$ (25,159)	$ (21,518)	$ (28,949)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Aug. 25, 2018

May 26, 2018

Feb. 24, 2018

Nov. 25, 2017

Aug. 26, 2017

May 27, 2017

Feb. 25, 2017

Nov. 26, 2016

Aug. 25, 2018

Aug. 26, 2017

Aug. 27, 2016

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

Selling and administrative expenses

^[1]

$ (360,727)

$ (342,407)

$ (284,847)

Provision for income taxes

$ (7,901)

$ (11,433)

$ 14,810

$ (18,827)

$ 2,781

$ (15,000)

$ (14,858)

$ (17,850)

(23,351)

(44,927)

(78,345)

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

(34,952)

(36,359)

(58,378)

(34,206)

4,896

(24,362)

(22,516)

(28,214)

(163,895)

(70,196)

(125,026)

Revenues

$ (434,063)

$ (427,384)

$ (419,264)

$ (415,778)

$ (403,589)

$ (409,834)

$ (391,427)

$ (386,108)

(1,696,489)

(1,590,958)

$ (1,468,046)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

Actuarial Losses | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

1,610

476

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

Selling and administrative expenses

464

656

Pension Benefit Liabilities, Net | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

Provision for income taxes

1,192

Derivative Financial Instruments, Net | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

1,656

656

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]