Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

 v2.3.0.11
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
3 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2011
Nov. 30, 2010
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name PAYCHEX INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000723531  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Aug. 31, 2011
Amendment Flag false  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --05-31  
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes  
Entity Voluntary Filers No  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Public Float   $ 9,219,176,824
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding 362,381,925