ABM Industries (ABM) 10-K18 Dec 132013 FY Annual reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Dec. 11, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Oct-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Trading Symbol	'ABM	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'ABM INDUSTRIES INC /DE/	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000771497	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--10-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	55,523,316	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$1,212,922,174

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012
Current assets	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$32,639	[1]	$43,459	[1]
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances of $10,217 and $11,125 at October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	672,525		561,317
Notes receivable and other	36,623		40,343
Prepaid expenses	59,645		50,289
Prepaid income taxes	5,081		385
Deferred income taxes, net	47,051		43,671
Insurance recoverables	11,068		9,870
Total current assets	864,632		749,334
Insurance deposits	28,466		31,720
Other investments and long-term receivables	5,005		5,666
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, net	17,952		14,863
Investments in auction rate securities	12,994	[2]	17,780	[2]
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $127,492 and $107,771 at October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	77,241		59,909
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $115,461 and $94,485 at October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	144,401		109,138
Goodwill	872,396		751,610
Noncurrent deferred income taxes, net	'		17,610
Noncurrent insurance recoverables	57,636		54,630
Other assets	38,513		38,898
Total assets	2,119,236		1,851,158
Current liabilities	'		'
Trade accounts payable	157,806		130,410
Accrued liabilities	'		'
Compensation	138,430		121,855
Taxes-other than income	25,737		19,437
Insurance claims	84,546		80,192
Other	101,860		95,473
Income taxes payable	145		8,450
Total current liabilities	508,524		455,817
Noncurrent income taxes payable	50,426		27,773
Line of credit	314,870	[3]	215,000	[3]
Retirement plans and other	41,417		38,558
Deferred income tax liability, net	13,074		'
Noncurrent insurance claims	273,418		263,612
Total liabilities	1,201,729		1,000,760
Commitments and contingencies	'		'
Stockholders' Equity	'		'
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000 shares authorized; none issued	'		'
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 55,477,813 and 54,393,907 shares issued and outstanding at October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	555		544
Additional paid-in capital	261,828		234,636
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	-1,651		-2,154
Retained earnings	656,775		617,372
Total stockholders' equity	917,507		850,398
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$2,119,236		$1,851,158

[1]	Cash and cash equivalents are stated at nominal value, which equals fair value.
[2]	For investments in auction rate securities, the fair values were based on discounted cash flow valuation models, primarily utilizing unobservable inputs. See Note 6, "Auction Rate Securities," for the roll-forwards of assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable Level 3 inputs and the sensitivity analysis of significant inputs.
[3]	Represents outstanding borrowings under our $650.0 million five-year syndicated line of credit. Due to variable interest rates, the carrying value of outstanding borrowings under our line of credit approximates the fair value. See Note 10, "Line of Credit," for more information.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Trade accounts receivable, allowance	$10,217	$11,125
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	127,492	107,771
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$115,461	$94,485
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	500,000	500,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	55,477,813	55,477,813
Common stock, shares outstanding	54,393,907	54,393,907

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Revenues	$4,809,281	$4,300,265	$4,246,842
Expenses	'	'	'
Operating	4,313,429	3,854,380	3,781,264
Selling, general and administrative	348,274	327,855	324,762
Amortization of intangible assets	28,553	21,464	23,248
Total expenses	4,690,256	4,203,699	4,129,274
Operating profit	119,025	96,566	117,568
Other-than-temporary impairment credit losses on auction rate security recognized in earnings	'	-313	'
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net	6,319	6,395	3,915
Interest expense	-12,892	-9,999	-15,805
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	112,452	92,649	105,678
Provision for income taxes	-39,552	-29,931	-36,980
Income from continuing operations	72,900	62,718	68,698
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	'	-136	-194
Net income	$72,900	$62,582	$68,504
Net income per common share-Basic	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$1.33	$1.16	$1.29
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	'	'	'
Net income per common share-Basic	$1.33	$1.16	$1.29
Net income per common share-Diluted	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$1.30	$1.14	$1.27
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	'	'	'
Net income per common share-Diluted	$1.30	$1.14	$1.27
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding	'	'	'
Basic	54,877	53,987	53,121
Diluted	56,067	54,914	54,103
Dividends declared per common share	$0.60	$0.58	$0.56

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Unrealized (losses) gains on auction rate securities, Pre-tax amounts:	'	'	'
Unrealized (losses) gains on auction rate securities, Pre-tax amounts	$214	$2,110	$499
Reclassification adjustment for credit losses recognized in earnings, Pre-tax amounts	'	313	'
Net unrealized (losses) gains on auction rate securities earnings , Pre-tax amounts	214	2,423	499
Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, Pre-tax amounts:	'	'	'
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, Pre-tax amounts	-381	-125	-245
Reclassification adjustment for loss included in interest expense, Pre-tax amounts	445	164	436
Net unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, Pre-tax amounts	64	39	191
Foreign currency translation, Pre-tax amounts	-183	-85	214
Defined and postretirement benefit plans adjustments, Pre-tax amounts:	'	'	'
Actuarial (losses) gains, arising during the current year, Pre-tax amounts	675	-1,660	-2,669
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of actuarial losses, Pre-tax amounts	138	97	114
Reclassification adjustment for settlement losses, Pre-tax amounts	70	107	126
Net defined and postretirement benefit plans adjustments, Pre-tax amounts	883	-1,456	-2,429
Total other comprehensive income (loss), Pre-tax amounts	978	921	-1,525
Unrealized (losses) gains on auction rate securities, Tax expense/(benefit):	'	'	'
Unrealized (losses) gains on auction rate securities, Tax expense/(benefit)	88	866	193
Reclassification adjustment for credit losses recognized in earnings, Tax expense/(benefit)	'	126	'
Net unrealized (losses) gains on auction rate securities earnings , Tax expense/(benefit)	88	992	193
Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, Tax expense/(benefit):	'	'	'
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, Tax expense/(benefit)	-156	-51	-101
Reclassification adjustment for loss included in interest expense, Tax expense/(benefit)	182	67	177
Net unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, Tax expense/(benefit)	26	16	76
Foreign currency translation, Tax expense/(benefit)	'	'	'
Defined and postretirement benefit plans adjustments, Tax expense/(benefit)	'	'	'
Actuarial (losses) gains, arising during the current year, Tax expense/(benefit)	276	-678	-1,094
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of actuarial losses, Tax expense/(benefit)	56	40	46
Reclassification adjustment for settlement losses, Tax expense/(benefit)	29	44	52
Net defined and postretirement benefit plans adjustments, Tax expense/(benefit)	361	-594	-996
Total other comprehensive income (loss), Tax expense/(benefit)	475	414	-727
Net income, After-tax amounts	72,900	62,582	68,504
Unrealized (losses) gains on auction rate securities, After-tax amounts:	'	'	'
Unrealized (losses) gains on auction rate securities, After-tax amounts	126	1,244	306
Reclassification adjustment for credit losses recognized in earnings, After-tax amounts	'	187	'
Net unrealized (losses) gains on auction rate securities earnings, After-tax amounts	126	1,431	306
Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, After-tax amounts:	'	'	'
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, After-tax amounts	-225	-74	-144
Reclassification adjustment for loss included in interest expense, After-tax amounts	263	97	259
Net unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, After-tax amounts	38	23	115
Foreign currency translation, After-tax amounts	-183	-85	214
Defined and postretirement benefit plans adjustments, After-tax amounts:	'	'	'
Actuarial (losses) gains, arising during the current year, After-tax amounts	399	-982	-1,575
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of actuarial losses, After-tax amounts	82	57	68
Reclassification adjustment for settlement losses, After-tax amounts	41	63	74
Net defined and postretirement benefit plans adjustments, After-tax amounts	522	-862	-1,433
Total other comprehensive income (loss), After-tax amounts	503	507	-798
Comprehensive income, After-tax amounts	$73,403	$63,089	$67,706

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings
Balance, beginning of year at Oct. 31, 2010	'	$526	$192,418	($1,863)	$547,944
Balance, beginning of year (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2010	'	52,635	'	'	'
Stock issued under employee stock purchase and share-based compensation plans (in shares)	'	698	'	'	'
Stock issued under employee stock purchase and share-based compensation plans	'	7	10,247	'	-79
Net income	68,504	'	'	'	68,504
Tax effect from share-based awards	'	'	-467	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-798	'	'	-798	'
Dividends:	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock	'	'	'	'	-29,744
Share-based compensation expense	'	'	9,191	'	'
Balance, end of year at Oct. 31, 2011	795,886	533	211,389	-2,661	586,625
Balance, end of year (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2011	'	53,333	'	'	'
Stock issued under employee stock purchase and share-based compensation plans (in shares)	'	1,061	'	'	'
Stock issued under employee stock purchase and share-based compensation plans	'	11	13,167	'	-526
Net income	62,582	'	'	'	62,582
Tax effect from share-based awards	'	'	-156	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	507	'	'	507	'
Dividends:	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock	'	'	'	'	-31,309
Share-based compensation expense	'	'	10,236	'	'
Balance, end of year at Oct. 31, 2012	850,398	544	234,636	-2,154	617,372
Balance, end of year (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2012	'	54,394	'	'	'
Stock issued under employee stock purchase and share-based compensation plans (in shares)	'	1,084	'	'	'
Stock issued under employee stock purchase and share-based compensation plans	'	11	13,910	'	-624
Net income	72,900	'	'	'	72,900
Other comprehensive income (loss)	503	'	'	503	'
Dividends:	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock	'	'	'	'	-32,873
Share-based compensation expense	'	'	13,282	'	'
Balance, end of year at Oct. 31, 2013	$917,507	$555	$261,828	($1,651)	$656,775
Balance, end of year (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2013	'	55,478	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012		Oct. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'		'		'
Net income	$72,900		$62,582		$68,504
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	'		136		194
Income from continuing operations	72,900		62,718		68,698
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by continuing operating activities:	'		'		'
Depreciation and Amortization	60,390		50,897		52,658
Deferred income taxes	12,476		9,772		24,227
Share-based compensation expense	13,282		10,236		9,191
Provision for bad debt	2,836		2,551		3,142
Discount accretion on insurance claims	504		715		874
Auction rate security credit loss impairment	'		313		'
Gain on sale of assets	-210		-2,015		-150
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net	-6,319		-6,395		-3,915
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates	2,959		5,802		2,539
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:	'		'		'
Trade accounts receivable	-50,763		-11,359		-18,432
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,960		-14,188		-7,786
Insurance recoverables	-4,204		6,110		5,488
Other assets and long-term receivables	4,895		9,390		5,962
Income taxes payable	8,742		4,542		4,396
Retirement plans and other non-current liabilities	-5,138		-1,584		-4,085
Insurance claims	3,909		1,688		-11,950
Trade accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	17,094		19,754		25,943
Total adjustments	62,413		86,229		88,102
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities	135,313		148,947		156,800
Net cash provided by discontinued operating activities	'		1,665		3,190
Net cash provided by operating activities	135,313		150,612		159,990
Cash flows from investing activities:	'		'		'
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-32,593		-28,052		-22,124
Proceeds from sale of assets and other	1,214		4,177		912
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired	-199,326		-5,963		-290,985
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	-183		'		-215
Proceeds from redemption of auction rate securities	5,000		'		5,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-225,888		-29,838		-307,412
Cash flows from financing activities:	'		'		'
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	13,297		12,496		9,708
Dividends paid	-32,873		-31,309		-29,744
Deferred financing costs paid	'		-14		-5,021
Borrowings from line of credit	1,006,000		773,000		885,500
Repayment of borrowings from line of credit	-906,130		-858,000		-726,000
Changes in book cash overdrafts	2,968		45		'
Other	-3,507		'		'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	79,755		-103,782		134,443
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-10,820		16,992		-12,979
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	43,459	[1]	26,467		39,446
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	32,639	[1]	43,459	[1]	26,467
Supplemental Data:	'		'		'
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received	18,719		15,545		9,651
Interest paid on line of credit	$7,713		$5,331		$10,055

[1]	Cash and cash equivalents are stated at nominal value, which equals fair value.

The_Company_and_Nature_of_Oper

The Company and Nature of Operations	12 Months Ended
The Company and Nature of Operations	Oct. 31, 2013
The Company and Nature of Operations	'
	1. THE COMPANY AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS
	ABM Industries Incorporated, together with its consolidated subsidiaries (hereinafter collectively referred to as “ABM,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”), is a leading provider of end-to-end integrated facility solutions services to thousands of commercial, industrial, institutional, retail, residential, and governmental facilities located primarily throughout the United States. Our comprehensive capabilities include expansive facility solutions, energy solutions, commercial cleaning, maintenance and repair, HVAC, electrical, landscaping, parking, and security services, provided through stand-alone or integrated solutions. The Company was reincorporated in Delaware on March 19, 1985, as the successor to a business founded in California in 1909.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	'
	2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

	Basis of Presentation

	The consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes (the “Financial Statements”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Certain amounts in the prior year consolidated balance sheet have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Unless otherwise noted, all references to years are to our fiscal year, which ends on October 31.

	Principles of Consolidation

	The Financial Statements include the accounts of ABM and all of our consolidated subsidiaries. The consolidated financial statements also include ABM’s investments in unconsolidated affiliates, as discussed in the following significant accounting policies. These investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

	Use of Estimates

	The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates that affect the reported amounts. We base our estimates on historical experience, known or expected trends, independent valuations, and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances based on information available as of the date of the issuance of these Financial Statements. Actual results could differ from the estimates used.



	2013 Changes in Reportable Segments

	We regularly review our segment reporting for alignment with our strategic goals and operational structure as well as for evaluation of business performance and allocation of resources by our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”).

	In periods prior to the first quarter of 2013, our reportable segments consisted of:



		•	Janitorial,


		•	Facility Solutions,


		•	Parking, and


		•	Security.
	Effective in the first quarter of 2013, we revised our reportable segments to reflect the reorganization of our businesses to an onsite, mobile and on-demand market-based structure. This realignment will continue through 2014 and is designed to improve our long-term growth prospects and provide higher margin opportunities by giving us the ability to better deliver end-to-end services to clients located in urban, suburban, and rural areas. In addition, our realignment initiatives are designed to result in greater synergies from our acquisitions, achieve further integration among our onsite businesses, and decrease operating expenses by streamlining functions and reducing organizational layers. As a result of this realignment, we have separated our previous Facility Solutions segment into two new reportable segments: Facility Services and Building & Energy Solutions.

	Our onsite businesses consist of the following reportable segments:



		•	Janitorial,


		•	Facility Services,


		•	Parking, and


		•	Security.
	Our mobile and on-demand businesses consist of the following:



		•	the Building & Energy Solutions reportable segment, and


		•	certain unconsolidated affiliates that provide facility solutions, primarily to the U.S. Government, which complement the other operations of the Building & Energy Solutions segment.
	Our new segment, Other, is comprised of Air Serv Corporation (“Air Serv”).

	Prior period segment results have been restated to conform to the new segment reporting structure.



Our segments and their activities are as follows:




Segment		Activities
Janitorial		Provides a wide range of essential janitorial services for a variety of client facilities, including airports and other transportation centers, commercial office buildings, educational institutions, government buildings, health facilities, industrial buildings, retail stores, shopping centers, stadiums and arenas, and warehouses.

Facility Services		Provides onsite mechanical engineering and technical services and solutions for facilities and infrastructure systems for a variety of client facilities, including airports and other transportation centers, commercial infrastructure, corporate office buildings, data centers, educational institutions, high technology manufacturing facilities, museums, resorts, and shopping centers.

Parking		Provides parking and transportation services for clients at many facilities, including airports and other transportation centers, educational institutions, health facilities, hotels, municipalities, office buildings, retail centers, and stadiums and arenas.

Security		Provides security services for clients in a wide range of facilities, including Class “A” high rise, commercial, health, industrial, petro-chemical, residential, and retail facilities. Security services include staffing of security officers, mobile patrol services, investigative services, electronic monitoring of fire and life safety systems and access control devices, and security consulting services.

Building & Energy Solutions		Provides heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, electrical, lighting and other general maintenance and repair services. These services include preventative maintenance, retro-commissioning, installations, retrofits and upgrades, environmental services, systems start-ups, performance testing, energy audits, and bundled energy solutions for a wide variety of clients in both the private and public sectors.

		This segment also provides support to U.S. Government entities for specialty service solutions, such as military base operations, leadership development, education and training, energy efficiency management, medical support services, and construction management.

		This segment also includes our franchised operations under the Linc Network, TEGG, and CurrentSAFE brands, which provide mechanical and electrical preventive and predictive maintenance solutions. Our GreenHomes America brand provides home energy efficiency solutions. The operations of the recently acquired HHA Services, Inc. (“HHA”) business, and the acquisition of certain assets and liabilities of Calvert-Jones Company, Inc. (“Calvert-Jones”), and BEST Infrared Services, Inc. (“BEST”) are also included within this segment.

Other		Air Serv provides facility solutions services to clients in our aviation vertical related to passenger assistance, including wheelchair operations, aircraft cabin cleaning, janitorial services, shuttle bus operations, and access control, among others. Air Serv also includes certain assets and certain liabilities of Blackjack Promotions Limited (“Blackjack”), which was acquired on August 1, 2013.


Significant Accounting Policies

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents. We present the change in book cash overdrafts (i.e., negative book cash balances that have not been presented to the bank for payment) as cash flows from financing activities.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Trade accounts receivable arise from services provided to our clients and are generally due and payable on terms varying from receipt of the invoice to net thirty days, excluding receivables from U.S. Government contracts, which generally have longer collection periods. Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. We determine the past due status of trade accounts receivable based on contractual terms with each client. We evaluate the collectability of accounts receivable and determine the appropriate allowance for doubtful accounts based on a variety of factors, including an analysis of the historical rate of credit losses or write-offs, specific client concerns, and known or expected trends. We do not believe that we have any material exposure due to either industry or regional concentrations of credit risk. Further, no client accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenues during any of the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, or 2011. Our trade accounts receivable are written off once an account is deemed uncollectible or after a period of 12 months, whichever is earlier, unless management believes such amounts will ultimately be collectible.

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates

We own non-controlling interests (generally 20% to 50%) in certain affiliated entities that predominantly provide facility solutions services to governmental and commercial clients, primarily in the United States and the Middle East. We account for such investments under the equity method of accounting. We evaluate our equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may not be recoverable. The differences between the carrying amounts and the estimated fair values of equity method investments are recognized as an impairment loss when the loss is deemed to be other-than-temporary. We did not have impairment losses in 2013, 2012, or 2011.

Investments in Auction Rate Securities

Our auction rate securities are classified as available for sale. Auction rate securities are presented at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”), unless a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary. The credit loss component of an other-than-temporary decline in fair value is recorded in earnings in the period identified.

We estimate the fair values utilizing a discounted cash flow model, which considers, among other factors, assumptions about: (1) the underlying collateral; (2) credit risks associated with the issuer; (3) contractual maturity; (4) credit enhancements associated with financial insurance guarantees, if any; and (5) assumptions about when, if ever, the security might be re-financed by the issuer or have a successful auction. We have classified all our auction rate security investments as non-current as we do not reasonably expect to liquidate the securities for cash within the next 12 months.

Our determination of whether our auction rate securities are other-than-temporarily impaired is based on an evaluation of several factors, circumstances, and known or reasonably supportable trends including, but not limited to: (1) our intent to hold the securities; (2) our assessment that it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the securities before recovering our cost basis; (3) expected defaults; (4) available ratings for the securities or the underlying collateral; (5) the rating of the associated guarantor (where applicable); (6) the nature and value of the underlying collateral expected to service the investment; (7) actual historical performance of the security in servicing its obligations; and (8) actuarial experience of the underlying re-insurance arrangement (where applicable), which in certain circumstances may have preferential rights to the underlying collateral.

Our determination of whether an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) represents a credit loss is based upon the difference between the present value of the expected cash flows to be collected and the amortized cost basis of the security. Significant assumptions used in estimating the credit loss include: (1) default rates for the security and the mono-line insurer, if any (which are based on published historical default rates of similar securities and consideration of current market trends); and (2) the expected life of the security (which represents our view of when market efficiencies for securities may be restored). Adverse changes in any of these factors could result in additional declines in fair value and further other-than-temporary impairments in the future. See Note 6, “Auction Rate Securities,” for additional information.



Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining lease term. Depreciation and amortization is determined for financial reporting purposes by using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:





		Years
Computer equipment and software		3 - 5
Machinery and other equipment		3 - 5
Buildings		25 - 40
Furniture and fixtures		5
Transportation equipment		1.5 - 10
Repairs and maintenance are charged directly to expense as they are incurred. Major renewals or replacements that substantially extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated.

When assets are sold or retired, their cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated financial statements.

Leases

We enter into various noncancelable lease agreements for premises and equipment used in the normal course of business. We evaluate the lease agreement at the inception of the lease to determine whether the lease is an operating or capital lease. Certain of these leases include escalation clauses that adjust rental expense to reflect changes in price indices, as well as renewal options exercisable at our option. For operating leases, when such items are included in a lease agreement, we record rent expense evenly over the term of the lease. For leases with renewal options, we generally record rent expense and amortize the leasehold improvements on a straight-line basis over the initial non-cancelable lease term (in instances where the lease term is shorter than the economic life of the asset).

Contingent rentals are applicable to leases of parking lots and garages and are primarily based on percentages of the gross receipts or other financial parameters attributable to the related facilities. Contingent rental expense is recorded in the period it becomes probable.

We may also be required to make additional payments to reimburse the lessors for operating expenses such as real estate taxes, maintenance, utilities, and insurance, which are expensed as incurred.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Costs Associated With Exit Activities

We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. When such events or changes in circumstances occur, a recoverability test is performed comparing projected undiscounted cash flows from the use and eventual disposition of an asset or asset group to its carrying amount. If the projected undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount, an impairment is recorded for the excess of the carrying amount over the estimated fair value, which is generally determined using discounted future cash flows. The present value of costs associated with abandoned facilities, primarily future lease costs (net of expected sublease income), are charged to earnings when we have ceased using the specific location or when we terminate a lease contract in accordance with contractual terms.

Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets primarily consist of acquired customer contracts and relationships that are amortized using the sum-of-the-years’-digits method over their useful lives, consistent with the estimated useful life considerations used in the determination of their fair values. The accelerated method of amortization reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the customer relationship intangible assets are expected to be realized. Other non-customer acquired intangibles are amortized using a straight-line method of amortization.



Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess purchase price of acquired businesses over the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. We have elected to make the first day of our fiscal fourth quarter, August 1st, the annual impairment assessment date for goodwill. However, we could be required to evaluate the recoverability of goodwill prior to the annual assessment if we experience a significant change in the business climate, legal factors, operating performance indicators, competition, or sale or disposition of a significant portion of one of our businesses.

We test the carrying value of goodwill for impairment at a “reporting unit” level using a two-step approach. The first step of the process is to evaluate whether the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, which is an indicator that the goodwill assigned to that reporting unit may be impaired. In this case, a second step of impairment testing is performed to allocate the fair value of the reporting unit to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit as if it had just been acquired in a business combination, and as if the purchase price was equivalent to the fair value of the reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is referred to as the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is then compared to the actual carrying value of goodwill. If the implied fair value is less than the carrying value, we would be required to recognize an impairment loss for that excess.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

We account for certain assets and liabilities at fair value. Fair value is determined based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Authoritative guidance specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques depending on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques reflect assumptions other market participants would use based upon market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) or reflect our own assumptions of market participant valuation (unobservable inputs). The fair value hierarchy consists of three levels:

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

Level 2 – Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs or significant value-drivers are observable in active markets; and

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

The authoritative guidance requires the use of observable market data if such data is available without undue cost and effort. When available, we use unadjusted quoted market prices to measure fair value and classify such items within Level 1. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that use, where possible, current market-based or independently-sourced market parameters, such as interest and currency rates and comparable transactions. Items valued using internally generated models are classified according to the lowest level input or value driver that is significant to the valuation. Thus, an item may be classified in Level 3 even though there may be inputs that are readily observable. If quoted market prices are not available, the valuation model used generally depends on the specific asset or liability being valued.

Some assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, while other assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. See Note 5, “Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” for the fair value hierarchy table and for details on how we measure fair value for financial assets and liabilities.

Acquisitions

On the date of acquisition, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the amount allocated to the identifiable assets acquired less liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. The operating results generated by the acquired businesses have been included in the consolidated statements of income from their respective dates of acquisition. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. Acquired intangible assets are recorded at fair value and amortized over their estimated useful lives.

Our acquisitions may include a contingent consideration liability, which requires us to recognize the fair value of the estimated liability at the time of the acquisition. Subsequent changes in the estimate of the amount to be paid under the contingent consideration liability arrangement are recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Amounts paid in excess of the amount recorded on the acquisition date are classified as cash flows used in operating activities because the difference has entered into the determination of net income. Payments not exceeding the acquisition-date fair value of the contingent consideration liability arrangement are classified as cash flows used in financing activities.

Other Accrued Liabilities

Other accrued liabilities as of October 31, 2013 and 2012 primarily consist of employee benefits, dividends payable, loss contingencies, and rent payable.

Insurance Reserves

We use a combination of insured and self-insurance plans to manage the potential liabilities for workers’ compensation, general liability, property damage, automobile liability, health and welfare, and professional liabilities. Insurance claim liabilities represent our estimate of retained risks without regard to insurance coverage. Such risks consist of estimates of the loss that will ultimately be incurred on reported claims, as well as estimates of claims that have been incurred but not yet reported.

With the assistance of third-party professionals, we periodically review our estimate of ultimate losses for all incurred claims and adjust our required self-insurance reserves as appropriate. As part of this evaluation, we review the status of existing and new claim reserves as established by our third-party claims administrators. Our third-party administrators establish case reserves based upon known factors related to the type and severity of the claims, demographic factors, legislative matters, and case law, as appropriate. We compare actual trends to expected trends and monitor claims developments. The specific case reserves estimated by our third-party administrators are provided to an actuary who assists us in projecting an actuarial estimate of the overall ultimate losses for self-insurance, which includes the case reserves plus an actuarial estimate of reserves required for additional developments including “incurred but not reported” claim costs. The independent third-party’s actuarial point estimate of the reserves is reviewed by management and is recorded in our Financial Statements.

In general, our reserves are recorded on an undiscounted basis. Self-insurance liabilities assumed in acquisitions are recorded at fair value and are accreted to their notional amount with non-cash charges to interest expense over the period that they are expected to be settled. We allocate current-year insurance expense to our operating segments based upon their underlying exposures, while actuarial adjustments related to prior year claims are recorded within Corporate expenses. Claims are classified as current or long-term based on the expected settlement date. Estimated insurance recoveries related to recorded liabilities are reflected as current or long-term “recoverables” in our consolidated balance sheets when we believe that the receipt of such amounts is probable.

Revenue Recognition

We earn revenue primarily under various types of service contracts. In all forms of service provided by us, revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, services have been rendered, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. The various types of service contracts are described below.

Monthly Fixed-Price Arrangements

These arrangements are contracts in which the client agrees to pay a fixed fee every month over the specified contract term. A variation of a fixed-price arrangement is a square-foot arrangement, which consists of fixed monthly billings, less credits given to clients for vacant square footage that is not serviced.

Cost-Plus Arrangements

These arrangements are contracts in which the client pays for services received based on an agreed upon rate of wages and benefits, payroll taxes, insurance charges, and other expenses, plus a profit margin.

Transaction-Price Arrangements

Transaction-price arrangements are agreements in which the clients are billed for each transaction performed on a monthly basis (i.e., wheelchair passengers served, aircrafts cleaned).



Tag Services

Tag work generally represents supplemental services requested by clients outside of the standard service specification. Examples are cleanup after tenant moves, construction cleanup, flood cleanup, snow removal, and extermination services.

Fixed-Price Repair and Refurbishment Arrangements

Revenue is recognized on certain fixed-price repair and refurbishment contracts using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, most often based on the cost-to-cost method. Under the percentage-of-completion method, revenues are recognized as the work progresses. The percentage of work completed is determined principally by comparing the actual costs incurred to date with the current estimate of total costs to complete. Under the percentage-of-completion method, recognition of profit is dependent upon the accuracy of a variety of estimates, including engineering progress, materials quantities, and achievement of milestones, incentives, labor productivity, cost estimates, and others. Such estimates are based on various professional judgments made with respect to those factors and are subject to change as each project proceeds and new information becomes available. Revenue and gross profit are adjusted periodically for revisions in estimated total contract costs and values. Estimated losses are recorded when identified.

Franchise Revenue

We franchise certain engineering services under the Linc Network, TEGG, CurrentSAFE, and GreenHomes America brands through individual and area franchises. Initial franchise fees are recognized when we have performed substantially all initial services required by the franchise agreement. Continuing franchise royalty fees that are based on a percentage of the franchisees’ revenues are recognized in the period in which the revenue is reported to have occurred, whereas franchise fees charged to franchisees on a flat rate are recognized as earned. Direct (incremental) costs related to new franchise sales for which the revenue has not been recognized are deferred until the related revenue is recognized. Costs related to continuing franchise royalty fees are expensed as incurred.

Parking Reimbursement

We enter into managed locations arrangements within our Parking business, whereby we manage the parking lot for the owner in exchange for a management fee. For these arrangements, revenues and expenses are passed through by us to the parking lot owner under the terms and conditions of the management location contract. We report revenues and expenses, in equal amounts, for costs directly reimbursed from our managed parking lot clients. Such amounts totaled $302.4 million, $305.7 million, and $299.4 million in the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

Sales Allowance

Our sales allowance is an estimate for losses on client receivables resulting from client credits. Our sales allowance is recorded as a reduction to revenues and an increase to the allowance for billing adjustments. Credits can result from client vacancy discounts, job cancellations, property damage, and other items. Our sales allowance estimate is based on an analysis of the historical rate of sales adjustments (credit memos, net of re-bills) and considers known current or expected trends. Our earnings will be impacted in the future to the extent that actual credit experience differs from amounts estimated.

Advertising

Advertising costs, which include marketing expenses related to our rebranding initiative, are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was $8.0 million, $5.9 million, and $3.5 million for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

Share-Based Compensation

Our outstanding share-based awards principally consist of restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance share awards, and stock options. The fair value of RSUs and stock options are expensed over the requisite service period. Performance-based awards are expensed over the requisite service period based on achievement of performance criteria. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of our stock option grants. The fair value of RSUs is determined based on the fair value of our stock price on the date of grant. The fair value of performance shares is determined based on the fair value of our stock price on the date of grant as adjusted over time for our performance against pre-established financial performance targets. We record share-based compensation expense within selling, general and administrative expenses. Stock option exercises and restricted stock and performance award issuances are expected to be fulfilled with new shares of common stock.

Taxes Collected from Clients and Remitted to Governmental Agencies

We record taxes on client transactions due to governmental agencies as receivables and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

Income Taxes

Our provision for income taxes is based on domestic and international statutory income tax rates in the tax jurisdictions where we operate, permanent differences between financial reporting and tax reporting, and available credits and incentives. Our most significant income tax jurisdiction is the United States. Differences in the timing of recognition of certain income and expenses for financial statements and for tax returns create temporary differences between financial reporting and tax filings. The tax effect of such temporary differences is reported as deferred income taxes. The deferred income taxes are classified as current or long-term based on the classification of the related asset or liability. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more-likely-than-not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. All or a portion of the benefit of income tax positions is recognized only when we have made a determination that it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination, based upon the technical merits of the position and other factors. For tax positions that are determined as more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination, the tax benefit recognized is the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

Net Income Per Common Share

Basic net income per common share is net income divided by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per common share is based on the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period, adjusted to include the assumed conversion of certain RSUs, vesting of performance shares, and exercise of stock options.

Contingencies and Litigation

We are party to a variety of legal, administrative, and other inquiries arising in the normal course of business relating to labor and employment, contracts, personal injury, and other matters. We accrue for such matters when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Where it is probable that a liability has been incurred and there is a range of expected loss for which no amount in the range is more likely than any other amount, we accrue at the low end of the range. Expected costs of resolving contingencies, which include the use of third-party service providers, are accrued as the services are rendered. The assessment of the likelihood of a potential loss and the estimation of the amount of a loss are subjective and require significant judgment.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11 (“ASU 2013-11”), Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. The update clarifies that an unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. In situations where the tax benefit is not available at the reporting date under the governing tax law or if the entity does not intend to use the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a liability and not combined with deferred tax assets. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The amendments are to be applied to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist as of the effective date and may be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented. While early adoption is permitted, we expect to adopt ASU 2013-11 on November 1, 2014. We do not expect the adoption of these new presentation requirements to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-11 (“ASU 2011-11”), Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. This amendment requires disclosing and reconciling gross and net amounts for financial instruments that are offset in the balance sheet, and amounts for financial instruments that are subject to master netting arrangements and other similar clearing and repurchase arrangements. ASU 2011-11 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. We will adopt ASU 2011-11 on November 1, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2011-11 will not have a material impact on our disclosures.

Net_Income_Per_Common_Share

Net Income Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
Net Income Per Common Share	Oct. 31, 2013
Net Income Per Common Share	'
	3. NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
	The calculations of basic and diluted net income per common share are as follows:


		Years Ended October 31,
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2013		2012		2011
	Income from continuing operations	$	72,900	$	62,718	$	68,698
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes		—		(136)		(194)

	Net income	$	72,900	$	62,582	$	68,504

	Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding—Basic		54,877		53,987		53,121
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	RSUs		473		369		293
	Performance shares		403		281		221
	Stock options		314		277		468

	Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding—Diluted		56,067		54,914		54,103

	Net income per common share
	Basic		1.33		1.16		1.29
	Diluted		1.30		1.14		1.27
	The diluted net income per common share excludes certain stock options, performance shares, and RSUs, since the effect of including these awards would have been anti-dilutive as follows:


		Years Ended October 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Stock options		765		1,317		879
	Performance shares		19		—		17
	RSUs		13		90		60

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions	Oct. 31, 2013
Acquisitions	'
	4. ACQUISITIONS

	2013 Acquisitions

	Air Serv Acquisition

	On November 1, 2012, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of Air Serv for an aggregate purchase price of $162.9 million in cash, including a $4.1 million working capital adjustment paid in the second quarter of 2013 (the “Air Serv Acquisition”). Approximately $11.9 million of the cash consideration was placed in an escrow account to satisfy any applicable indemnification claims, pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreement.

	Air Serv provides facility solutions services for airlines, airports, and freight companies at airports primarily in the United States. The operations of Air Serv are included in the Other segment as of November 1, 2012, the acquisition date. Revenues and operating profit associated with Air Serv were $336.2 million and $12.4 million, respectively, since the acquisition date and are included in our consolidated statement of income.

	HHA Acquisition

	On November 1, 2012, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of HHA for an aggregate purchase price of $33.7 million in cash, including a $0.6 million working capital adjustment received in the third quarter of 2013 (the “HHA Acquisition”). Approximately $1.4 million of the cash consideration remains in an escrow account to satisfy any applicable indemnification claims pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreement.

	HHA provides facility solutions, including housekeeping, laundry, patient assist, plant maintenance, and food services, to hospitals, healthcare systems, long-term care facilities, and retirement communities. The operations of HHA are included in the Building & Energy Solutions segment as of November 1, 2012, the acquisition date. Revenues and operating profit associated with HHA were $53.5 million and $1.4 million, respectively, since the acquisition date and are included in our consolidated statement of income.

	Calvert-Jones Acquisition

	On November 1, 2012, we acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Calvert-Jones for a cash purchase price of $6.1 million (the “Calvert-Jones Acquisition”), including a $0.2 million working capital adjustment received subsequent to October 31, 2013.

	Calvert-Jones provides mechanical and energy efficient products and solutions in the Washington, D.C. area. The operations of Calvert-Jones are included in the Building & Energy Solutions segment as of November 1, 2012, the acquisition date. Revenues and operating profit associated with Calvert-Jones were $18.4 million and $1.0 million, respectively, since the acquisition date and are included in our consolidated statement of income.

	Blackjack Acquisition

	On August 1, 2013, we acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Blackjack for a cash purchase price of $5.3 million, subject to certain post-closing adjustments (the “Blackjack Acquisition”). Blackjack provides specialized staffing and marketing services to airport operators, retailers, and other clients in the United Kingdom and Europe. The operations of Blackjack are included in the Other segment as of August 1, 2013, the acquisition date. Revenues and operating profit associated with Blackjack were $5.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively, since the acquisition date and are included in our consolidated statement of income.

	BEST Acquisition

	On September 1, 2013, we acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of BEST for an aggregate purchase price of $4.6 million, consisting of $2.6 million of cash consideration, $1.6 million of contingent consideration liability, and $0.4 million in holdback liability (the “BEST Acquisition”). The purchase price is subject to certain post-closing adjustments, including a working capital true-up adjustment. The final contingent consideration liability amount will be determined at the end of the third year following the consummation date of the acquisition. This amount will be based on a pre-defined adjusted income from operations for BEST for the trailing twelve months ended August 31, 2016. The contingent consideration liability will be in the form of a cash payment and could be as high as $2.0 million upon final settlement. See Note 5, “Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” regarding the valuation of the contingent consideration liability.



	BEST is an electrical testing and maintenance firm that provides a broad range of specialized commercial and industrial electrical solutions, such as inspections, system testing, power quality monitoring, hazard detection services, repairs, and ongoing predictive maintenance in commercial and industrial buildings, primarily in the southwest region of the United States. The operations of BEST are included in the Building & Energy Solutions segment as of September 1, 2013, the acquisition date. Revenues and operating profit associated with BEST were $1.1 million and zero, respectively, since the acquisition date and are included in our consolidated statement of income.

	Allocation of consideration transferred to acquire Air Serv, HHA, Calvert-Jones, Blackjack, and BEST

	The following table summarizes the allocation of consideration transferred to acquire Air Serv, HHA, Calvert-Jones, Blackjack, and BEST and the amounts of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition dates. The purchase price allocations have been finalized for Air Serv, HHA, and Calvert-Jones. For the Blackjack and BEST acquisitions, initial purchase price allocations are preliminary and subject to adjustment within the measurement period, generally not to exceed one year from the acquisition date. For these acquisitions, consideration and purchase price allocations are subject to, among other items: an additional working capital adjustment; further analysis of tax accounts; and final valuation of identifiable intangible assets.




	(in thousands)		Air Serv			HHA		Calvert-Jones		Blackjack		BEST		Total
	Purchase price:
	Cash consideration		$	162,881		$	33,680	$	6,055	$	5,286	$	2,600	$	210,502
	Fair value of contingent consideration liability			—			—		—		—		1,642		1,642
	Holdback liability			—			—		—		—		400		400

	Total consideration		$	162,881		$	33,680	$	6,055	$	5,286	$	4,642	$	212,544


	Allocated to:
	Other current and noncurrent assets		$	68,915		$	5,403	$	1,750	$	4,635	$	1,565	$	82,268
	Property, plant and equipment			16,658			123		49		261		490		17,581
	Other intangible assets			44,610			15,000		2,600		870		1,430		64,510
	Goodwill (1)			89,271			23,796		4,021		1,968		1,607		120,663

	Total assets acquired			219,454			44,322		8,420		7,734		5,092		285,022
	Liabilities assumed			(56,573)			(10,642)		(2,365)		(2,448)		(450)		(72,478)

	Net assets acquired		$	162,881		$	33,680	$	6,055	$	5,286	$	4,642	$	212,544

	(1) The total amount of goodwill that is deductible for tax purposes is $18.4 million.

The amount allocated to goodwill for Air Serv, HHA, and Blackjack is reflective of our identification of buyer-specific synergies that we anticipate will be realized by, among other things, reducing duplicative positions and back office functions and by reducing professional fees and other services. Goodwill is also attributable to expected long-term business growth through the expansion of our vertical market expertise in servicing the end-to-end needs of airlines, airport authorities, and healthcare service markets. Goodwill for the Calvert-Jones and BEST acquisitions are attributable to projected long-term business growth through our expansion of existing vertical and geographic market offerings in building and energy solutions.

The following table summarizes the weighted-average useful lives in years of the acquired other intangible assets, consisting primarily of customer contracts and relationships for each respective acquisition:




Air Serv		HHA		Calvert-Jones	Blackjack		BEST
14		13		12	11		9
The fair value of trade accounts receivable acquired in the Air Serv Acquisition reflects gross contractual amounts of $53.1 million, of which $0.4 million is expected to be uncollectible. The fair value of trade accounts receivable acquired in the HHA and Calvert-Jones acquisitions were $3.2 million and $1.4 million, respectively and approximate their respective contractual amounts. The preliminary estimated fair value of trade accounts receivable acquired in the Blackjack and BEST acquisitions were $4.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively and approximate their respective contractual amounts.



We have incurred combined acquisition-related costs of $1.5 million, of which $0.5 million have been incurred during the year ended October 31, 2013. These expenses are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Assuming these acquisitions were made at November 1, 2011, the consolidated pro forma results would not be materially different from reported results.

2012 Acquisition

TEGG and CurrentSAFE Acquisition

On May 1, 2012, we acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of TEGG Corporation (“TEGG”) and CurrentSAFE Corporation (“CurrentSAFE”) and also acquired certain software technology from TEGG’s shareholder, for an aggregate purchase price of $5.5 million in cash, net of cash acquired (the “TEGG Acquisition”). The purchase price reflects a $0.1 million working capital adjustment received in the fourth quarter of 2012. The assets acquired represent the franchise operations of TEGG and CurrentSAFE, and through this acquisition we expanded our electrical services to include electrical preventive and predictive maintenance solutions. The acquired net assets and results from operations have been included in the Building & Energy Solutions segment since May 1, 2012, the acquisition date. The final purchase price and related allocations are summarized as follows:




(in thousands)
Purchase price:

Total consideration		$	5,667

Allocated to:
Other current and noncurrent assets		$	3,408
Other intangible assets			2,200
Goodwill			1,988

Total assets acquired			7,596
Liabilities assumed			(1,929)

Net assets acquired		$	5,667

Costs of $0.2 million related to the TEGG Acquisition were expensed as incurred and were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. Other identifiable intangible assets primarily consist of customer contracts and relationships with a weighted average life of 14 years.

Goodwill represents the excess cost over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Factors that contributed to a purchase price resulting in the recognition of goodwill include our strategic initiative to expand the scope and product range of our facility solutions franchise offerings into the electrical services solutions business, which will provide for further expansion of this business and enhance comprehensive service offerings. The amount of goodwill for tax purposes that is expected to be deductible is $2.0 million.

Revenues from the TEGG Acquisition were approximately $3.9 million for the year ending October 31, 2012. Assuming these acquisitions were made at November 1, 2011, the consolidated pro forma results would not be materially different from reported results.

2011 Acquisition

The Linc Group, LLC Acquisition

On December 1, 2010, we acquired all of the outstanding limited liability company interests of The Linc Group, LLC (“Linc”) for an aggregate purchase price of $298.7 million (the “Linc Acquisition”). Linc provides end-to-end integrated facility services, military base operation services, and translation and other services in support of U.S. military operations. Linc’s clients include state and federal governments, commercial entities, and residential customers throughout the United States and in select international locations. The operations of Linc are included in the Building & Energy Solutions and Facility Services segments as of the acquisition date.



In connection with the acquisition, we incurred $5.2 million in direct acquisition costs, which were expensed as incurred and classified as selling, general and administrative expenses. Revenues and operating profit associated with Linc and included in our consolidated statements of income were $512.9 million and $11.1 million, respectively, for the year ending October 31, 2011.

The final purchase price and related allocations are summarized as follows:




(in thousands)
Purchase price:

Total consideration		$	298,720

Allocated to:
Other current and noncurrent assets		$	139,720
Property, plant and equipment			9,462
Other intangible assets			87,000
Goodwill			154,487

Total assets acquired			390,669
Liabilities assumed			(91,949)

Net assets acquired		$	298,720

The acquired intangible assets are being amortized using the sum-of-the-years’-digits method or, where appropriate, the straight-line method. The weighted-average amortization periods for the acquired intangible assets are 14 years for customer contracts and relationships and 4 years for trademarks and trade names, which is consistent with the estimated useful life considerations used in the determination of their fair values. The amount allocated to goodwill is reflective of our identification of buyer-specific synergies realized by, among other things, reducing duplicative positions and back office functions, consolidating facilities, and reducing professional fees and other services.

The transaction was a taxable asset acquisition of the Linc organization for U.S. income tax purposes, and no deferred taxes have been recorded on a significant portion of the acquired assets and liabilities. However, deferred taxes have been recorded for certain assets and liabilities where we receive a carryover basis for tax purposes. At the date of acquisition, the goodwill balance was assigned to our former Facility Solutions segment. The amount of goodwill for tax purposes that is expected to be deductible is $144.1 million.

The following unaudited pro forma financial information shows our combined results of continuing operations, including Linc, as if the acquisition occurred at the beginning of the periods presented. The unaudited pro forma financial information is not intended to present or be indicative of our consolidated financial results of continuing operations that would have been reported had the business combination been completed as of the beginning of the period presented and should not be taken as indicative of our future consolidated results of continuing operations. The unaudited pro forma financial information for the year ended October 31, 2011 has not been provided since the amounts are not significantly different from actual results.




(in thousands, except per share data)		Year Ended
(in thousands, except per share data)		October 31, 2010
Revenues		$	4,062,610
Operating profit			111,788
Net income		$	62,109
Net income per common share
Basic		$	1.19
Diluted		$	1.17

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Oct. 31, 2013
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	5. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	The following table presents the fair value hierarchy, carrying amounts, and fair values of our financial instruments that are measured on a recurring basis and other select significant financial instruments as of October 31, 2013 and 2012:


			October 31, 2013				October 31, 2012
	(in thousands)	Fair	Carrying		Fair Value		Carrying		Fair Value
		Value	Amount				Amount
		Hierarchy

	Financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

	Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan (1)	1	$	5,359	$	5,359	$	5,029	$	5,029

	Investments in auction rate securities (2)	3		12,994		12,994		17,780		17,780

	Interest rate swaps (3)	2		4		4		—		—


				18,357		18,357		22,809		22,809


	Other select financial assets

	Cash and cash equivalents (4)	1		32,639		32,639		43,459		43,459

	Insurance deposits (5)	1		28,466		28,466		31,720		31,720


	Total		$	79,462	$	79,462	$	97,988	$	97,988


	Financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

	Interest rate swap (3)	2	$	154	$	154	$	214	$	214

	Contingent consideration liability (6)	3		1,642		1,642		—		—

				1,796		1,796		214		214


	Other select financial liability

	Line of credit (7)	2		314,870		314,870		215,000		215,000


	Total		$	316,666	$	316,666	$	215,214	$	215,214

	(1) Represents investments held in a Rabbi Trust associated with our OneSource Deferred Compensation Plan, which we include in “Other assets” on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the assets held in the funded deferred compensation plan is based on quoted market prices. See Note 11, “Employee Benefit Plans,” for more information.
	(2) For investments in auction rate securities, the fair values were based on discounted cash flow valuation models, primarily utilizing unobservable inputs. See Note 6, “Auction Rate Securities,” for the roll-forwards of assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable Level 3 inputs and the sensitivity analysis of significant inputs.
	(3) Includes derivatives designated as hedging instruments. The fair values of the interest rate swaps are estimated based on the present value of the difference between expected cash flows calculated at the contracted interest rates and the expected cash flows at current market interest rates using observable benchmarks for LIBOR forward rates at the end of the period. The fair value of the interest rate swap asset and liabilities were included in “Other investments and long-term receivables” and “Retirement plans and other,” respectively, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. See Note 10, “Line of Credit,” for more information.
	(4) Cash and cash equivalents are stated at nominal value, which equals fair value.
	(5) Represents restricted insurance deposits that are used to collateralize our self-insurance obligations and are stated at nominal value, which equals fair value. These insurance deposits relate to the OneSource Services Inc. (“OneSource”) acquisition.
	(6) Our contingent consideration liability was incurred in connection with the acquisition of BEST. The contingent consideration liability is measured at fair value and is included in “Retirement plans and other” on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The fair value is based on a pre-defined forecasted adjusted income from operations for BEST using a probability weighted income approach and discounted using a proxy of our fixed borrowing rate. See Note 4, “Acquisitions,” for further information.

	(7) Represents outstanding borrowings under our $650.0 million five-year syndicated line of credit. Due to variable interest rates, the carrying value of outstanding borrowings under our line of credit approximates the fair value. See Note 10, “Line of Credit,” for more information.
	Our non-financial assets, which include goodwill and long-lived assets held and used, are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. However, if certain trigger events occur, or if an annual impairment test is required, we would evaluate the non-financial assets for impairment. If an impairment was to occur, the asset would be recorded at the estimated fair value, which is generally determined using discounted future cash flows.
	During the years ended October 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012, we had no transfers of assets or liabilities between any of the above hierarchy levels.

Auction_Rate_Securities

Auction Rate Securities	12 Months Ended
Auction Rate Securities	Oct. 31, 2013
Auction Rate Securities	'
	6. AUCTION RATE SECURITIES

	At October 31, 2013, we held investments in auction rate securities from three different issuers having an aggregate original principal amount of $15.0 million and an amortized cost basis of $13.0 million. During the year ended October 31, 2013, one of the auction rate securities was redeemed by the issuer at its par value of $5.0 million. No gain or loss was recognized upon its redemption. At October 31, 2012, we held investments in auction rate securities from four different issuers having an aggregate original principal amount of $20.0 million and an amortized cost basis of $18.0 million.

	Our auction rate securities are debt instruments with stated maturities ranging from 2033 to 2050, for which the interest rate is designed to be reset through Dutch auctions approximately every 30 days. Auctions for these securities have not occurred since August 2007. We have classified all our auction rate security investments as non-current as we do not reasonably expect to liquidate the securities for cash within the next 12 months.

	As of October 31, 2013, none of our auction rate securities were in an unrealized loss position. As of October 31, 2012, two of our auction rate securities, with an aggregate fair value of $7.8 million, were in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months and the remaining two auction rate securities, with an aggregate fair value of $10.0 million, were not in an unrealized loss position.

	The following table presents the significant assumptions used to determine the fair values of our auction rate securities at October 31, 2013 and 2012:




	Assumption	October 31, 2013		October 31, 2012
	Discount rates	L + 0.33% - L + 3.01%		L + 1.37% - L + 6.86%
	Yields	2.15%, L + 2.00%		2.15%, L + 2.00% - L + 3.50%
	Average expected lives	4 - 10 years		4 - 10 years
	L - One Month LIBOR

	The following tables present the changes in the cost basis and fair value of our auction rate securities as of October 31, 2013 and 2012:




	(in thousands)	Amortized			Fair Value
	(in thousands)	Cost Basis			(Level 3)
	Balance at November 1, 2012	$	17,994		$	17,780
	Unrealized gains recorded in AOCL		—			214
	Redemption of security by issuer		(5,000)			(5,000)

	Balance at October 31, 2013	$	12,994		$	12,994


	(in thousands)	Amortized			Fair Value
	(in thousands)	Cost Basis			(Level 3)
	Balance at November 1, 2011	$	18,307		$	15,670
	Unrealized gains recorded in AOCL		—			2,110
	Other-than-temporary credit loss recognized in earnings		(313)			—

	Balance at October 31, 2012	$	17,994		$	17,780





	At October 31, 2013, there were no unrealized gains or losses included in AOCL. At October 31, 2012, unrealized losses of $0.2 million ($0.1 million net of taxes) were included in AOCL.

	During the year ended October 31, 2012, we recorded an OTTI credit loss of $0.3 million for one of our auction rate security investments, driven primarily from a change in the expected values of cash flows to be received in the future. No OTTI credit loss has been recorded in the years ended October 31, 2013 and 2011. The total amount of OTTI credit loss on our auction rate security investments included in our retained earnings as of October 31, 2013 and 2012 was $2.0 million.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
Property, Plant and Equipment	Oct. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

	Property, plant and equipment at October 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:




	(in thousands)	2013		2012
	Computer equipment and software	$	83,853	$	73,309
	Machinery and other equipment		60,949		49,236
	Leasehold improvements		23,244		20,266
	Buildings		11,697		12,046
	Furniture and fixtures		9,844		8,355
	Transportation equipment		13,639		2,907
	Land		1,507		1,561

			204,733		167,680
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		127,492		107,771

	Total	$	77,241	$	59,909

	Depreciation expense for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $31.8 million, $29.4 million, and $29.4 million, respectively.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles Assets	12 Months Ended
Goodwill and Other Intangibles Assets	Oct. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Other Intangibles Assets	'
	8. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Goodwill
	The following table shows the changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment:


	(in thousands)	Janitorial		Facility		Parking		Security		Building &		Other		Total
				Services (1)						Energy
										Solutions (1)
	Balance at October 31, 2011	$	469,231	$	72,648	$	69,168	$	49,938	$	89,887	$	—	$	750,872
	Acquisitions (2)		—		—		—		—		1,937		—		1,937
	Other		448		—		—		—		(1,647)		—		(1,199)

	Balance at October 31, 2012	$	469,679	$	72,648	$	69,168	$	49,938	$	90,177	$	—	$	751,610
	Acquisitions (2)		—		—		—		—		29,475		91,239		120,714
	Foreign Currency Translation		(39)		—		—		—		—		111		72

	Balance at October 31, 2013	$	469,640	$	72,648	$	69,168	$	49,938	$	119,652	$	91,350	$	872,396

	(1) In connection with the realignment of our organizational structure during 2013, we reallocated our goodwill balances related to the previous Facility Solutions segment to the Facility Services and Building & Energy Solutions segments using the relative fair value approach as of the date of realignment, November 1, 2012.
	(2) Goodwill related to acquisitions is discussed in Note 4, “Acquisitions.”

	Other Intangible Assets
	The following table summarizes other intangible assets, net, by major asset class, at October 31, 2013 and 2012:


		October 31, 2013						October 31, 2012

	(in thousands)	Gross Carrying		Accumulated		Total		Gross Carrying		Accumulated		Total
	(in thousands)	Amount		Amortization		Total		Amount		Amortization		Total

	Customer contracts and relationships	$	253,810	$	(112,095)	$	141,715	$	200,377	$	(92,605)	$	107,772

	Trademarks and trade names		4,220		(2,204)		2,016		1,500		(678)		822

	Contract rights and other		1,832		(1,162)		670		1,746		(1,202)		544


	Total	$	259,862	$	(115,461)	$	144,401	$	203,623	$	(94,485)	$	109,138

	The following table summarizes the estimated annual amortization expense for each of the next five fiscal years for our total amortizable intangible assets:



	(in thousands)	2014		2015		2016		2017		2018		Total

	Estimated amortization expense	$	26,781	$	22,590	$	19,739	$	17,096	$	14,480	$	100,686
	These amounts may vary as acquisition of additional intangible assets occur in the future and as purchase price allocations are finalized for existing acquisitions. Refer to Note 4, “Acquisitions,” for more information on our acquisitions.

Insurance

Insurance	12 Months Ended
Insurance	Oct. 31, 2013
Insurance	'
	9. INSURANCE

	We use a combination of insured and self-insurance programs to cover workers’ compensation, general liability, property damage, and other insurable risks. For the majority of these insurance programs, we retain the initial $1.0 million of exposure on a per-claim basis either through deductibles or self-insured retentions. Beyond the retained exposures, we have varying primary policy limits between $1.0 million and $5.0 million per occurrence. As of October 31, 2013, to cover general liability losses above these primary limits, we maintained commercial insurance umbrella policies that provide limits of $200.0 million. Workers’ compensation liability losses have unlimited coverage due to statutory regulations. Additionally, to cover property damage risks above our retained limits, we maintain policies that provide limits of $75.0 million. We are also self-insured for certain employee medical and dental plans. We retain up to $0.4 million of exposure on a per claim basis under our medical plan.

	We had insurance claim reserves totaling $358.0 million and $343.8 million at October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The balance at October 31, 2013 and 2012 includes $7.0 million and $13.0 million in reserves, respectively, related to our medical and dental self-insured plans. We also had insurance recoverables totaling $68.7 million and $64.5 million at October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

	Annual actuarial evaluations during the year ended October 31, 2013 were performed for the majority of our casualty insurance programs, including those related to certain previously acquired businesses. Based on the results of these evaluations, we have allocated insurance expense for the year ended October 31, 2013 to our operating segments based upon their underlying exposures. Additionally, as a result of these evaluations, it was determined that there were unfavorable developments in certain general liability, automobile liability, and workers’ compensation claims for various policy years prior to 2013.

	Certain general liability claims related to earlier policy years reflected loss development that was measurably higher than previously estimated. The majority of the adverse impact seen in the general liability program was the result of claim development in two jurisdictions, California and New York. This impact was partially offset by the implementation of a series of initiatives to improve the management of general liability claims. A similar trend was also experienced in our automobile liability program, which was largely attributable to considerable changes in a small population of the automobile liability claim pool.

	In California, a jurisdiction in which we maintain a significant presence, the workers’ compensation claim development patterns warranted an unfavorable adjustment to our insurance reserves. In response to California’s challenging workers’ compensation environment, we undertook several claim expense reduction initiatives to resolve claims at an accelerated pace where feasible, which may have contributed to some of the unfavorable development. Conversely, the workers’ compensation loss patterns in states other than California warranted a favorable adjustment which partially offset the adverse development experienced in California. Additional favorable prior-year developments were also realized in Illinois in connection with workers’ compensation reform that has contributed to lower claim-related medical cost.

	After analyzing the historical loss development patterns, comparing the loss development against benchmarks, and applying actuarial projection methods to determine the estimate of ultimate losses, we increased our reserves for prior year claims, which resulted in an increase in the related insurance expense of $10.6 million during the year ended October 31, 2013 and was recorded as part of Corporate expenses, consistent with prior periods. Insurance reserve adjustments resulting from periodic actuarial evaluations of ultimate losses relating to prior years during the years ended October 31, 2012 and 2011 were $7.3 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

	We had the following standby letters of credit, surety bonds, and restricted insurance deposits outstanding at October 31, 2013 and 2012, to collateralize our self-insurance obligations:




		October 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012
	Standby letters of credit	$	97,650	$	104,968
	Surety bonds		40,538		34,933
	Restricted insurance deposits		28,466		31,720

	Total	$	166,654	$	171,621

Line_of_Credit

Line of Credit	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Line of Credit	'
	10. LINE OF CREDIT

	On November 30, 2010, we entered into a five-year syndicated credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”) that replaced our then-existing $450.0 million syndicated credit agreement dated November 14, 2007. The Credit Agreement provides for revolving loans, swing line loans, and letters of credit up to an aggregate amount of $650.0 million (the “Facility”). At our option, we may increase the size of the Facility to $850.0 million at any time prior to the expiration (subject to receipt of commitments for the increased amount from existing and new lenders). During the year ended October 31, 2011, the Credit Agreement was amended to reduce the borrowing spread interest on loans, extend the maturity date to September 8, 2016, and revise certain defined terms.

	Borrowings under the Facility bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at our option, either a (i) eurodollar rate (generally LIBOR) or (ii) base rate determined by reference to the highest of (1) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (2) the prime rate announced by Bank of America, N.A. from time to time, and (3) the eurodollar rate plus 1.00%. The applicable margin is a percentage per annum varying from zero to 0.75% for base rate loans and 1.00% to 1.75% for eurodollar loans, based upon our leverage ratio.

	We also pay a commitment fee, based on the leverage ratio, payable quarterly in arrears, ranging from 0.225% to 0.300% on the average daily unused portion of the Facility. For purposes of this calculation, irrevocable standby letters of credit, issued primarily in conjunction with our self-insurance program, and cash borrowings are included as outstanding under the Facility.

	The Credit Agreement contains certain leverage and liquidity covenants that require us to maintain a maximum leverage ratio of 3.25 to 1.0 at the end of each fiscal quarter, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.50 to 1.0 at any time, and a consolidated net worth in an amount not less than the sum of (i) $570.0 million, (ii) 50% of our consolidated net income (with no deduction for net loss), and (iii) 100% of our aggregate increases in stockholder’s equity, beginning on November 30, 2010, each as further described in the Credit Agreement, as amended. We were in compliance with all covenants as of October 31, 2013.

	If an event of default occurs under the Credit Agreement, including certain cross-defaults, insolvency, change in control, and violation of specific covenants, among others, the lenders can terminate or suspend our access to the Facility, declare all amounts outstanding under the Facility, including all accrued interest and unpaid fees, to be immediately due and payable, and may also require that we cash collateralize the outstanding standby letters of credit obligations.

	The Facility is available for working capital, the issuance of up to $300.0 million for standby letters of credit, the issuance of up to $50.0 million in swing line advances, the financing of capital expenditures, and other general corporate purposes, including acquisitions. As of October 31, 2013, the total outstanding amounts under the Facility in the form of cash borrowings and standby letters of credit were $314.9 million and $100.6 million, respectively. As of October 31, 2012, the total outstanding amounts under the Facility in the form of cash borrowings and standby letters of credit were $215.0 million and $105.0 million, respectively.

	At October 31, 2013 and 2012, we had up to $234.5 million and $330.0 million borrowing capacity, respectively, under the Facility, the availability of which is subject to and may be limited by compliance with the covenants described above.

	Interest Rate Swaps

	During the year ended October 31, 2013, we entered into a series of interest rate swap agreements with effective start dates of March 18, 2013 and April 11, 2013 totaling an underlying aggregate notional amount of $155.0 million, pursuant to which we receive variable interest payments based on LIBOR and pay fixed interest at rates ranging from 0.44% to 0.47%. These interest rate swaps will mature between March 18, 2016 and April 11, 2016 and are structured to hedge the interest rate risk associated with our floating-rate, LIBOR-based borrowings under our Facility. The swaps were designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges from inception.

	On October 19, 2010, we entered into a three-year forward starting interest rate swap agreement with an effective start date of February 24, 2011 and an underlying notional amount of $25.0 million, pursuant to which we receive variable interest payments based on LIBOR and pay fixed interest at a rate of 0.89%. This interest rate swap will mature on February 24, 2014 and is structured to hedge the interest rate risk associated with our floating-rate, LIBOR-based borrowings under our Facility. The swap was designated and accounted for as a cash flow hedge from inception.

	We recognize all interest rate swaps on the balance sheet at fair value. The fair values of the interest rate swaps are estimated based on the present value of the difference between expected cash flows calculated at the contracted interest rates and the expected cash flows at current market interest rates using observable benchmarks for LIBOR forward rates at the end of the period. See Note 5, “Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” for more information.

	Each of the swap derivatives is designated as a cash flow hedge, and the effective portion of the derivative’s mark-to-market gain or loss is initially reported as a component of AOCL and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged transactions occur and affect earnings. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss is reported in earnings immediately. Interest payables and receivables under the swap agreements are accrued and recorded as an adjustment to interest expense.



	As of October 31, 2013 and 2012, the fair value of the interest rate swap liabilities was $0.2 million. The amounts included in AOCL were $0.1 million ($0.1 million, net of taxes) and $0.2 million ($0.1 million, net of taxes) at October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

	Unrealized net losses related to the interest rate swap contracts that are expected to be reclassified from AOCL to earnings during the next 12 months were $0.1 million at October 31, 2013.

	The following tables set forth the effect of our interest rate swap contracts on the Financial Statements for the years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012:




	(in thousands)	Amount of loss recognized in AOCL on derivative
		(effective portion)
		Year Ended October 31,
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging relationships	2013		2012

	Interest rate swaps	$	381	$	125

	(in thousands)	Amount of loss reclassified from AOCL into income
		(effective portion)
		Year Ended October 31,
	Location of loss reclassified from AOCL into income	2013		2012

	Interest expense	$	445	$	164

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans	Oct. 31, 2013
Employee Benefit Plans	'
	11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

	As of October 31, 2013, we had the following defined benefit and other postretirement benefit plans, which provide benefits based primarily on years of service and employee earnings and which have been previously amended to preclude new participants.

	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

	We have unfunded retirement agreements for certain current and former senior executives. The retirement agreements provide for monthly benefits for ten years commencing at the later of the respective retirement dates of those executives or age 65. The benefits are accrued over the vesting period. Effective December 31, 2002, this plan was amended to preclude new participants.

	Service Award Benefit Plan

	We have an unfunded service award benefit plan that meets the definition of a “severance pay plan” as defined by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and covers certain qualified employees. The plan provides participants, upon termination, with a guaranteed seven days pay for each year of employment subsequent to November 1, 1989. Effective January 1, 2002, no new participants were permitted under this plan. We will continue to incur interest costs related to this plan as the value of the previously earned benefits continues to increase.

	OneSource Employees’ Retirement Pension Plan (“OneSource Pension Plan”)

	On November 14, 2007, we acquired OneSource, which sponsored a funded, qualified employee retirement plan. The plan was amended to preclude participation and benefit accruals several years prior to the acquisition.

	Death Benefit Plan

	Our unfunded Death Benefit Plan covers certain qualified employees upon retirement on or after the employee’s 62nd birthday. This plan provides 50% of the death benefit that the employee was entitled to prior to retirement, subject to a maximum of $150,000. Coverage commencing upon retirement or 62nd birthday continues until death for retired employees hired before September 2, 1980. On March 1, 2003, the postretirement death benefit for any active employees hired after September 1, 1980 was eliminated. Active employees hired before September 1, 1980 who retire on or after their 62nd birthday will continue to be covered between retirement and death. For certain plan participants who retired before March 1, 2003, the postretirement death benefit continues until the retired employee’s 70th birthday. An exemption to the “age 62” retirement rule has been made for certain employees who were terminated as a result of our restructuring to a corporate shared service center.

	OneSource Postretirement Medical and Life Benefit Plan (“OneSource PRM Plan”)

	OneSource sponsored a postretirement benefit plan that provides medical and life insurance benefits to certain OneSource retirees. Since the date of acquisition, new participants have been precluded from participation.



	Benefit Obligation and Net Obligation Recognized in Financial Statements

	The significant components of the above mentioned plans as of and for the years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 are summarized as follows:




			Defined						Postretirement
			Benefit Plans at						Benefit Plan at
			October 31,						October 31,
	(in thousands)		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Change in benefit obligation
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	12,714		$	12,075		$	5,836		$	5,595
	Service cost			—			48			13			12
	Interest cost			399			495			203			246
	Actuarial losses (gains)			181			1,233			(508)			322
	Benefits and expenses paid			(1,056)			(1,137)			(129)			(339)

	Benefit obligation at end of year		$	12,238		$	12,714		$	5,415		$	5,836


	Change in plan assets*
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$	6,654		$	5,917		$	—		$	—
	Actual return on plan assets			758			384			—			—
	Employer contributions			1,316			1,490			129			339
	Benefits and expenses paid			(1,056)			(1,137)			(129)			(339)

	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$	7,672		$	6,654		$	—		$	—



	Unfunded status at end of year		$	(4,566)		$	(6,060)		$	(5,415)		$	(5,836)


	Current liabilities		$	(791)		$	(1,288)		$	(435)		$	(250)
	Non-current liabilities			(3,775)			(4,772)			(4,980)			(5,586)

Net obligation		$	(4,566)		$	(6,060)		$	(5,415)		$	(5,836)


Total affecting retained earnings		$	(1,385)		$	(2,535)		$	(5,350)		$	(5,232)
Amount recognized in AOCL			(3,181)			(3,525)			(65)			(604)

Net obligation		$	(4,566)		$	(6,060)		$	(5,415)		$	(5,836)

* Amounts relate to the OneSource Pension Plan, which is the only defined benefit pension plan funded by us.



Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Recognized in the Accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income

The components of net periodic benefit cost of the defined benefit and other postretirement benefit plans for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 were as follows:




(in thousands)		2013			2012			2011
Defined Benefit Plans
Service cost		$	—		$	48		$	46
Interest			399			495			569
Expected return on assets			(410)			(486)			(373)
Amortization of actuarial loss			134			97			114
Settlement loss recognized			43			107			126

Net expense		$	166		$	261		$	482

Postretirement Benefit Plans
Service cost		$	13		$	12		$	13
Interest			203			246			256
Settlement loss recognized			27			—			—
Amortization of actuarial loss			4			—			—

Net expense		$	247		$	258		$	269

Net actuarial losses of $0.1 million, on a pre-tax basis, are expected to be amortized from AOCL and recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost in the year ending October 31, 2014.

Assumptions

The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 were as follows:




		Defined Benefit Plans					Postretirement Benefit Plan

		2013		2012	2011		2013	2012		2011
Assumptions to measure net

periodic benefit cost (1)
Discount rate		2.84% – 3.50%		4.12% – 4.51%	4.50% – 4.98%		3.15% – 3.58%	4.04% – 4.56%		4.31% – 5.02%
Rate of compensation increase		3.50%		3.50%	3.50%		3.50%	3.50%		3.50%
Rate of return on plan assets**		6.00%		6.00%	8.00%		N/A*	N/A*		N/A*

Assumptions used to

determine benefit obligations (2)
Discount rate		3.58% – 4.28%		2.84% – 3.50%	4.12% – 4.51%		4.13% – 4.43%	3.15% – 3.58%		4.04% – 4.56%
Rate of compensation increase		3.50%		3.50%	3.50%		3.50%	3.50%		3.50%


*	Not Applicable


**	Relates to the OneSource Pension Plan


-1	Determined as of beginning of year


-2	Determined as of end of year
The discount rate is used for determining future net periodic benefit cost. Our discount rates were determined, as of the October 31, 2013 measurement date, using the individual cash flows of each plan. In determining the long-term rate of return for a plan, we consider the nature of the plan’s investments, historical rates of return, and an expectation for the plan’s investment strategies.



The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets represents the rate of earnings expected in the funds invested to provide for anticipated benefit payments related to our OneSource Pension Plan. With input from our investment advisors and actuaries, we have analyzed the expected rates of return on assets and determined that an estimated long-term rate of return of 6.0% is reasonable based on: (1) the current and expected asset allocations; (2) the plan’s historical investment performance; and (3) best estimates for future investment performance.

We believe changes in assumptions would not have a material impact on our financial position and operating performance. We expect to fund payments required under the plans with cash flows from operating activities when due in accordance with the plans.

Assumed health care cost trend rates relating to our OneSource PRM Plan are as follows:




		Postretirement Benefit Plan
		2013		2012	2011
Health care trend rate assumed for next year		7.40%		7.60%	7.80%
Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)		4.50%		4.50%	4.50%
Year the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate		2029		2029	2029
The obligation attributable to medical benefits is small, as is the future obligation that varies with changes in compensation. Accordingly, a one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates in the health care trend assumption rate have an immaterial impact on measuring the obligation.

Expected Future Contributions and Benefit Payments

We expect to contribute $0.9 million to the OneSource Pension Plan for the year ending October 31, 2014. Except for the OneSource Pension Plan, all of our other postretirement and defined benefit plans are unfunded. As a result, our expected contributions for these plans equal our expected future benefit payments for the year ended October 31, 2014.

The expected future benefit payments were calculated using the same assumptions used to measure our benefit obligation as of October 31, 2013. This expectation is based upon expected future service.




(in thousands)		Defined Benefit Plans			Postretirement Benefit Plan
October 31, 2014		$	1,386		$	435
October 31, 2015			988			248
October 31, 2016			787			265
October 31, 2017			770			282
October 31, 2018			788			297
2019 through 2023			4,079			1,696
OneSource Pension Plan Investment Policies and Strategies

The investment objectives for the assets associated with the OneSource Pension Plan are to maintain acceptable levels of risk through the diversification of assets among asset classes and to optimize long-term returns. We are responsible for selecting investment managers, setting asset allocation targets, and monitoring asset allocations and investment performance. Our external investment professionals have the authority to manage assets within pre-established asset allocation ranges set by us.



At October 31, 2013, approximately 48% of the assets were invested in equities, 25% in cash, and 27% in fixed income. The target allocation ranges and asset allocations for the year ended October 31, 2013 were:




		Target Allocation		Percentage of Plan Assets
Asset Category		2013		2013
U.S. Equity		43%-63%		40%
Fixed Income		27%-47%		27%
International Equity		0%-20%		8%
Cash		—%		25%
The following table presents the fair value hierarchy for the assets associated with the OneSource Pension Plan measured at fair value as of October 31, 2013 and 2012. These assets and liabilities are measured as Level 1.




		October 31,
(in thousands)		2013			2012
Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,909		$	1,716
Equity
Large-Cap Growth			1,534			1,260
Large-Cap Value			803			727
Small/Mid-Cap Growth			495			334
Small/Mid-Cap Value			184			163
International Equity			631			558
Equities Blend			23			53
Fixed Income
Long-Term Bond			750			777
Intermediate Bond			660			503
Short-Term Bond			552			541
Fixed Income Blend			119			16
Other			12			6

		$	7,672		$	6,654

Deferred Compensation Plans

We account for deferred compensation and accrue interest thereon for employees who elect to participate in one of the following plans.

Employee Deferred Compensation Plan

This plan is available to executive, management, administrative, and sales employees who have an annualized base salary that equals or exceeds $140,000 for the year ended October 31, 2013. This plan allows such employees to defer 1% to 50% of their pre-tax compensation. The average rate of interest earned by the employees in this plan was 3.08%, 3.01%, and 3.25% for the years ending October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

Director Deferred Compensation Plan

This plan allows directors to defer receipt of all or any portion of the compensation that he or she would otherwise receive from us. The average rate of interest earned by the directors in this plan was 3.08%, 3.01%, and 3.25% for the years ending October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

The deferred compensation under both the Employee and Director Deferred Compensation Plans earns interest equal to the prime interest rate on the last day of the calendar quarter. If the prime rate exceeds 6%, the interest rate is equal to 6% plus one half of the excess over 6%. Interest earned under both deferred compensation plans is capped at 120% of the long-term applicable federal rate as discussed in the plans.



OneSource Deferred Compensation Plan

On November 14, 2007, we acquired OneSource, which sponsored a deferred compensation plan. Under this deferred compensation plan, a rabbi trust was created to fund the obligation. The plan requires us to contribute 50% of the participant’s deferred compensation contributions but only to the extent that the deferred contribution does not exceed 5% of the participant’s compensation for the contribution allocation period. This liability is adjusted, with a corresponding charge (or credit) to the deferred compensation cost, to reflect changes in the fair value. On December 31, 2008, the plan was amended to preclude new participants. The assets held in the rabbi trust are not available for general corporate purposes.

Aggregate expense recognized under these deferred compensation plans for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 were $0.4 million, $0.4 million, and $0.4 million, respectively. The total long-term liability of all deferred compensation plans at October 31, 2013 and 2012 (excluding the fair value of the assets held in the rabbi trust) was $17.0 million and $16.4 million, respectively, and is included in “Retirement plans and other” on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the assets held in the rabbi trust at October 31, 2013 and 2012 was $5.4 million and $5.0 million, respectively.

401(k) Plans

We sponsor six 401(k) savings plans covering certain employees, as set forth in the respective plan documents. These 401(k) plans are subject to the applicable provisions of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”). Certain plans permit a company match of a portion of the participant’s contributions or a discretionary contribution after the participant has met the eligibility requirements set forth in the plan. We made matching 401(k) contributions required by the 401(k) plans during the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 in the amounts of $8.0 million, $7.9 million, and $8.3 million, respectively.

Multiemployer Pension and Postretirement Plans

Multiemployer Defined Benefit Pension Plans

Certain of our union-represented employees are covered by multiemployer defined benefit pension plans. Multiemployer pension plans are different from single-employer pension plans, in the following respects:



	•		Contributions to multiemployer pension plans by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers;


	•		If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, some or all of the unfunded obligations pertaining to the departing employer may be allocated to the remaining participating employers; and


	•		Certain events could result in a requirement that we pay amounts to a plan based on the underfunded status of the plan, commonly referred to as a “withdrawal liability.”
The information in the following tables relates to multiemployer defined benefit pension plans that we have determined to be individually significant to us. To determine individually significant plans, we evaluated several factors, including our total contributions to the plan, our significance to the plan in terms of participating employees and contributions, and the funded status of the plan.

The following table provides information about the funded status of individually significant plans:



	•		The “EIN/PN” column provides the Employee Identification Number and the three-digit plan number assigned to the plan by the Internal Revenue Service.


	•		The most recent Pension Protection Act Zone Status available as of October 31, 2013 and 2012 is for plan years indicated in the table below. The zone status is based on information provided to us and other participating employers by each plan and is certified by the plan’s actuary. A plan in the “red” zone has been determined to be in “critical status,” based on criteria established under the IRC, and is generally less than 65% funded. A plan in the “yellow” zone has been determined to be in “endangered status,” based on criteria established under the IRC, and is generally less than 80% funded. A plan in the “green” zone has been determined to be neither in “critical status” nor in “endangered status,” and is generally at least 80% funded.


	•		The “FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented” column indicates whether a Financial Improvement Plan (“FIP”), as required under the IRC to be adopted by plans in the “yellow” zone, or a Rehabilitation Plan (“RP”), as required under the IRC to be adopted by plans in the “red” zone, is pending or has been implemented.


	•		Contributions by the Company are the amounts contributed by us in the fiscal years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011.


	•		The “Surcharge Imposed” column indicates whether our contribution rate in our fiscal year ended October 31, 2013 included an amount in addition to the contribution rate specified in the applicable collective bargaining agreement, as imposed by a plan in “critical status,” in accordance with the requirements of the IRC.


	•		The last column lists the expiration dates of the collective bargaining agreements pursuant to which the Company contributes to the plans.
For plans that are not individually significant to us, the total amount of contributions is presented in the aggregate.





(in thousands)				Pension Protection Act Zone Status			FIP/RP Status		Contributions by the Company							Surcharge	Expiration
																Imposed
																	Dates of

																	Collective
																	Bargaining
Pension Fund		EIN/PN		2013	2012		Pending/	2013			2012			2011			Agreements
Pension Fund		EIN/PN		2013	2012		Implemented	2013			2012			2011

Building Service 32BJ Pension		13-1879376		Red	Red		Implemented	$	13,755		$	14,636		$	13,840	Yes	4/20/14
		/ 001
Fund				6/30/14	6/30/13												and

																	12/31/15

Central Pension Fund of the		36-6052390		Green	Green		N/A*		9,663			9,176			8,339	N/A*	1/31/2014—
		/001
IUOE & Participating				1/31/13	1/31/12												12/31/16

Employers

Local 25 SEIU & Participating		36-6486542		Green	Green		N/A*		7,398			7,453			7,059	N/A*	4/5/15
		/ 001
Employers Pension Trust				9/30/12	9/30/11

S.E.I.U. National Industry		52-6148540		Red	Red		Implemented		5,343			4,275			3,943	Yes	12/31/2014—
		/ 001
Pension Fund				12/31/12	12/31/11												6/30/16

IUOE Stationary Engineers		94-6118939		Green	Green		N/A*		5,226			5,342			6,972	N/A*	8/31/17
		/ 001			12/31/11
Local 39 Pension Fund				12/31/12

Local 68 Engineers Union		51-0176618		Green	Green		N/A*		3,249			3,426			3,435	N/A*	4/30/2014—
		/ 001
Pension Plan				6/30/12	6/30/11												4/30/16

Service Employees		23-6546776		Yellow	Yellow		Implemented		1,989			2,175			2,414	N/A*	10/15/15
		/ 001
International Union Local 32BJ,				12/31/13	12/31/12

District 36 Building Operators

Pension Trust Fund

IUOE Local 30 Pension Fund		51-6045848		Green	Green		N/A*		1,521			1,632			1,495	N/A*	2/28/2014—
		/ 001		12/31/12	12/31/11
																	4/30/16
Other Plans									11,597			11,439			10,383

Total Contributions								$	59,741		$	59,554		$	57,880



	*	Not applicable
We were listed in the Forms 5500 of the following plans as providing more than 5 percent of total contributions for the plan years presented below.




Pension Fund		Contributions to the plan exceeded more than 5% of total contributions

		(as of the Plan’s year end)
Building Service 32BJ Pension Fund		6/30/2012 and 6/30/2011
Local 25 SEIU & Participating Employers Pension Trust		9/30/2012, 9/30/2011, and 9/30/2010
IUOE Stationary Engineers Local 39 Pension Fund		12/31/2012, 12/31/2011, and 12/31/2010
S.E.I.U. National Industry Pension Fund		12/31/12
Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, District 36		12/31/2012, 12/31/2011, and 12/31/2010

Building Operators Pension Trust Fund
IUOE Local 30 Pension Fund		12/31/2012, 12/31/2011, and 12/31/2010
Massachusetts Service Employees Pension Fund *		12/31/2012, 12/31/2011, and 12/31/2010
Building Service Pension Plan *		4/30/2012, 4/30/2011, and 4/30/2010
Local 210’s Pension Plan *		12/31/12
Contract Cleaners Service Employees’ Pension Plan *		12/31/2012, 12/31/2011, and 12/31/2010
Local 1102 Amalgamated Pension Fund *		12/31/2012 and 12/31/2011
Teamsters Local 617 Pension Fund *		2/29/2012, 2/28/2011, and 2/28/2010
* These plans are not separately listed in our multiemployer table as they represent an insignificant portion of our total multiemployer pension plan contributions.

There have been no significant changes that affect the comparability of total contributions for any of the periods presented.

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

In addition to contributions to the defined benefit pension plans described above, ABM also contributes to several multiemployer plans that provide other postretirement benefits based on obligations arising under collective bargaining agreements covering union-represented employees. These plans may provide medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, mental health, and other benefits to active employees as determined by the trustees of each plan. Our contributions to such plans were $204.7 million, $193.1 million, and $177.0 million in the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. There have been no significant changes that affect the comparability of total contributions for any of the periods presented.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies

12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Lease Commitments

Future minimum payments, by year and in the aggregate, under our non-cancelable operating lease agreements as of October 31, 2013, are included below. Sublease rental income was immaterial for all periods presented and is expected to be immaterial for future periods.

(in thousands)

October 31, 2014

70,268

October 31, 2015

49,719

October 31, 2016

32,222

October 31, 2017

25,762

October 31, 2018

18,917

Thereafter

32,752

Total minimum lease commitments

229,640

Rental expense for continuing operations for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 is included below:

(in thousands)

2013

2012

2011

Minimum rentals

103,952

101,475

101,640

Contingent rentals

30,225

32,497

31,767

Total

134,177

133,972

133,407

Letters of Credit and Bonds

We use letters of credit or surety bonds to secure certain commitments related to insurance programs and for other purposes. As of October 31, 2013, these surety bonds and letters of credit totaled approximately $332.5 million and $100.6 million, respectively. Included in the total amount of surety bonds is $1.4 million of bonds with an effective date starting after October 31, 2013.

Guarantees

We have applied the measurement and disclosure provisions outlined in the guidance related to guarantor’s accounting and disclosure requirements for guarantees included in ASC 460 Guarantees (ASC 460) to agreements containing certain guarantees or certain indemnification clauses. ASC 460 requires that upon issuance of a guarantee, the guarantor must disclose and recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligation it assumes under the guarantee. As of October 31, 2013 and 2012, we did not have any material guarantees within the measurement guidance of ASC 460 that are required to be recorded at fair value.

In some instances, we offer certain clients guaranteed energy savings on installed equipment under certain contracts. The total energy savings guarantees were $31.4 million at October 31, 2013 and extend through 2027. We accrue for the estimated cost of guarantees when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Historically, we have not incurred significant losses in connection with these guarantees.

Indemnifications

We are party to a variety of agreements under which we may be obligated to indemnify the other party for certain matters. Primarily, these agreements are standard indemnification arrangements entered into in our ordinary course of business. Pursuant to these arrangements, we may agree to indemnify, hold harmless, and reimburse the indemnified parties for losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party, generally our clients, in connection with any claims arising out of the services that we provide. We also incur costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification arrangements, and in most cases these costs are paid from our insurance program. The terms of these indemnification arrangements are generally perpetual. Although we attempt to place limits on this indemnification reasonably related to the size of the contract, the maximum obligation may not be explicitly stated and, as a result, the maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under these arrangements is not determinable.

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may require us to indemnify our directors and officers against liabilities that may arise by reason of their status as such and to advance their expenses incurred as a result of any legal proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified. The overall amount of these obligations cannot be reasonably estimated; however, we believe that any loss under these obligations would not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. We currently have directors’ and officers’ insurance, which has a deductible of up to $1.0 million.

Contingencies

We have been named a defendant in various proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, including class actions and purported class actions. Litigation outcomes are difficult to predict and are often resolved over long periods of time. Estimating probable losses requires the analysis of multiple possible outcomes that often depend on judgments about potential actions by third parties. We accrue for loss contingencies when losses become probable and are reasonably estimable. If the reasonable estimate of the loss is a range and no amount within the range is a better estimate, the minimum amount of the range is recorded as a liability. Legal costs associated with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred. At October 31, 2013, the total amount accrued for all probable litigation losses where a reasonable estimate of the loss could be made was $2.2 million.

We do not accrue for contingent losses that, in our judgment, are considered to be reasonably possible but not probable. Management currently estimates that the range of loss for all reasonably possible losses for which an estimate can be made is between $1.0 million and $98.1 million, including the possible $94.2 million impact of the Augustus case noted below. Factors underlying this estimated range of loss will change from time to time, and actual results may vary significantly from this estimate. Those matters for which we cannot reasonably estimate potential losses are not included within this estimated range and, therefore, this range does not represent our maximum potential loss exposure.

Ongoing Cases

We are a defendant in a number of lawsuits, including but not limited to the following lawsuits related to alleged violations of federal and/or state wage-and-hour laws or allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination, or retaliation:

•

the consolidated cases of Augustus, Hall and Davis v. American Commercial Security Services (ACSS) filed July 12, 2005, in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County (the “Augustus case”);

•

Bojorquez v. ABM Industries Incorporated and ABM Janitorial Services—Northern California, Inc. filed on January 13, 2010, in the San Francisco Superior Court (the “Bojorquez case”); and

•

the consolidated cases of Bucio and Martinez v. ABM Janitorial Services filed on April 7, 2006, in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (the “Bucio case”).

Augustus

The Augustus case is a certified class action involving allegations that we violated certain state laws relating to rest breaks. On February 8, 2012, the plaintiffs filed a motion for summary judgment on the rest break claim, which sought damages in the amount of $103.1 million, and we filed a motion for decertification of the class. On July 6, 2012, the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County (the “Superior Court”), heard plaintiffs’ motion for damages on the rest break claim and our motion to decertify the class. On July 31, 2012, the Superior Court denied our motion and entered judgment in favor of plaintiffs in the amount of approximately $89.7 million. This amount did not include plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees. We filed a notice of appeal on August 29, 2012. The plaintiffs filed three separate motions for attorneys’ fees. One motion sought attorneys’ fees from the common fund. (The common fund refers to the approximately $89.7 million judgment entered in favor of the plaintiffs.) The other two motions sought attorneys’ fees from us in an aggregate amount of approximately $12.4 million. On October 12, 2012, we filed oppositions to the two fee motions seeking attorneys’ fees from us. On January 14, 2013, the Superior Court heard all three fee motions and it granted plaintiffs’ fee motion with respect to the common fund in full. The Superior Court denied one fee motion in its entirety and reduced the other fee motion to approximately $4.5 million. This $4.5 million is included in the range of loss for all reasonably possible losses noted above. We have appealed the Superior Court’s rulings, and on April 30, 2013, the Court agreed to consolidate the appeals. We strongly disagree with the decisions of the Superior Court both with respect to the underlying case and with respect to the award of attorneys’ fees and costs. We firmly believe that we have complied with applicable law.

Bojorquez

We are a defendant in the Bojorquez case. Plaintiff brought suit for sexual harassment, retaliation, and failure to prevent harassment and discrimination. On May 17, 2012, a jury awarded the plaintiff approximately $0.8 million in damages. We have appealed this decision. On April 11, 2013, the Court awarded plaintiff attorneys’ fees in the amount of $2.5 million. If we prevail in our appeal of the jury’s verdict, the Court’s award of plaintiff’s attorneys’ fees will be reversed.

Bucio

The Bucio case is a purported class action involving allegations that we failed to track work time and provide breaks. On April 19, 2011, the trial court held a hearing on plaintiffs’ motion to certify the class. At the conclusion of that hearing, the trial court denied plaintiffs’ motion to certify the class. On May 11, 2011, the plaintiffs filed a motion to reconsider, which was denied. The plaintiffs have appealed the class certification issues. The trial court stayed the underlying lawsuit pending the decision in the appeal. On August 30, 2012, the plaintiffs filed their appellate brief on the class certification issues. We filed our responsive brief on November 15, 2012. Oral argument relating to the appeal has not been scheduled.

We expect to prevail in these ongoing cases. However, as litigation is inherently unpredictable, there can be no assurance in this regard. If the plaintiffs in one or more of these cases, or other cases, do prevail, the results may have a material effect on our financial position or cash flows.

Other

During October 2011, we began an internal investigation into matters relating to compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and our internal policies in connection with services provided by a foreign entity affiliated with a former joint venture partner of The Linc Group, LLC (“Linc”). Such services commenced prior to the acquisition of Linc. As a result of the investigation, we caused Linc to terminate its association with the arrangement. In December 2011, we contacted the U.S. Department of Justice and the SEC to voluntarily disclose the results of our internal investigation to date, and we are cooperating with the government’s investigation. We cannot reasonably estimate the potential liability, if any, related to these matters. However, based on the facts currently known, we do not believe that these matters will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

In addition, we are party to a variety of legal, administrative, and other inquiries arising in the normal course of business relating to labor and employment, contracts, personal injury, and other matters, some of which allege substantial monetary damages. Some of these actions may be brought as a class action on behalf of a purported class of employees. While the results of these proceedings, claims, and inquiries cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that the final outcome of the foregoing will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements, results of operations, or cash flows.

Preferred_and_Common_Stock

Preferred and Common Stock	12 Months Ended
Preferred and Common Stock	Oct. 31, 2013
Preferred and Common Stock	'
	13. PREFERRED AND COMMON STOCK
	Preferred Stock
	We are authorized to issue 500,000 shares of preferred stock. None of these preferred shares are issued.
	Share Repurchase Program
	On September 5, 2012, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing up to $50.0 million in share repurchases. Under this repurchase program, we may purchase our common shares from time to time in open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions and the timing of repurchases will depend upon several factors, including market and business conditions. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without notice. There have been no stock repurchases under this share repurchase program.

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans

Share-Based Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
Share-Based Compensation Plans	Oct. 31, 2013
Share-Based Compensation Plans	'
	14. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

	We use various share-based compensation plans to provide incentives for our key employees and directors. Currently, these incentives primarily consist of nonqualified stock options, RSUs, and performance shares. The following table summarizes our total compensation expense and related income tax benefit in connection with our share-based compensation plans for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011. Share-based compensation expense is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.




			Years Ended October 31,
	(in thousands)		2013			2012			2011
	Share-based compensation expense before income taxes		$	13,282		$	10,236		$	9,191
	Income tax benefit			(5,512)			(4,247)			(3,805)

			$	7,770		$	5,989		$	5,386

	The total shares issued upon the exercise of options under all share-based compensation plans were 1,031,867 shares, 967,123 shares, and 570,425 shares during the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The total intrinsic value of the shares exercised was $12.9 million, $9.8 million, and $6.7 million for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The total fair value of shares that vested during the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $8.7 million, $8.2 million, and $2.4 million, respectively.



	Method of Accounting and Our Assumptions

	Compensation expense for stock options is determined based on the grant date fair value of the award calculated using the Black-Scholes options-pricing model. The assumptions used in the option valuation model for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 are shown in the table below:




	2013					2012			2011
	Expected life from the date of grant			5.37 years			5.6 years			5.6 years
	Expected stock price volatility			38.80%			41.60%			39.2% – 40.4%
	Expected dividend yield			2.40%			3.00%			2.3% – 2.6%
	Risk-free interest rate			1.80%			0.80%			1.0% – 2.1%
	Weighted average fair value of option grants		$	7.52		$	5.25		$	6.52
	The expected life for granted stock options is based on observed historical exercise patterns of the previously granted options adjusted to reflect the change in vesting and expiration dates. The expected volatility is based on considerations of implied volatility from publicly traded and quoted options on our common stock and the historical volatility of our common stock. The dividend yield is based on the historical dividend yield over the expected term of the options granted. The risk-free interest rate is based on the continuous compounded yield on U.S. Treasury Constant Maturity Rates with a remaining term equal to the expected term of the option.

	Share-Based Compensation Plans

	On May 2, 2006, our stockholders approved the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Equity Plan”). The 2006 Equity Plan was amended in March 2009 and March 2012 to increase the total shares of common stock authorized for issuance to 10,279,265. At October 31, 2013, 1,745,854 shares of common stock were available for grant for future equity-based compensation awards under the plan.

	Prior to the adoption of the 2006 Equity Plan, equity awards were made under the Executive Stock Option Plan (the “Age-Vested Plan”), the Time-Vested Incentive Stock Option Plan (the “Time-Vested Plan”), and the 2002 Price-Vested Performance Stock Option Plan (the “Price-Vested Plan”). These plans are collectively referred to as the “Prior Plans.” No further grants can be made under the Prior Plans.

	The terms and conditions governing existing options under the Prior Plans will continue to apply to the options outstanding under those plans. The 2006 Equity Plan is an omnibus plan that provides for a variety of equity and equity-based award vehicles, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, RSUs, performance shares, and other share-based awards. Shares subject to awards that terminate without vesting or exercise are available for future awards under the 2006 Equity Plan. Certain of the awards under the 2006 Equity Plan may qualify as “performance-based” compensation under the Internal Revenue Code.

	2006 Equity Plan

	Stock Options

	Nonqualified stock options generally vest and become exercisable at a rate of 25% per year beginning one year after date of grant. However, terms of stock options can vary, and certain stock options granted on March 31, 2010 and January 10, 2011 will vest on the fifth anniversary of the award. Options expire seven years after the date of grant. Forfeitures are estimated on the date of grant based on historical forfeiture rates. The adjustment of the forfeiture rate may result in a cumulative adjustment in any period in which the forfeiture rate estimate is changed.



	Stock option activity during the year ended October 31, 2013 is summarized below:




			Number of			Weighted-			Weighted-			Aggregate
			Shares			Average			Average			Intrinsic Value (in
			(in thousands)			Exercise Price			Remaining			thousands)
						per Share			Contractual Term
									(in years)
	Outstanding at November 1, 2012			1,693		$	20.68
	Granted			234			25.30
	Forfeited or expired			-14			19.89
	Exercised			-351			19.80

Outstanding at October 31, 2013			1,562		$	21.57			4.30		$	9,277

Vested and exercisable at October 31, 2013			565		$	20.22			3.01		$	4,124

Total unrecognized share-based compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related to unvested stock option awards at October 31, 2013 was $4.3 million. The cost is expected to be expensed ratably over a weighted-average vesting period of 1.94 years.

RSUs and Dividend Equivalent Rights

We award RSUs to eligible employees and our directors (each, a “Grantee”) that entitle the Grantee to receive shares of our common stock as the units vest based on service. In general, the receipt of RSUs is subject to the Grantee’s continuing employment. RSUs granted to eligible employees generally vest with respect to 50% of the underlying award on the second and fourth anniversary of the award. RSUs granted to directors vest over three years. Compensation expense is recognized ratably over the Grantee’s service period.

RSUs are credited with dividend equivalent rights that are converted to RSUs at the fair market value of our common stock on the dates the dividend payments are made and are subject to the same terms and conditions as the underlying award.

RSU activity during the year ended October 31, 2013 is summarized below:




		Number of Shares			Weighted-Average
		(in thousands)			Grant Date
					Fair Value per
					Share
Outstanding at November 1, 2012			1,231		$	19.74
Granted			478			24.91
Issued (including 90 shares withheld for income taxes)			-267			19.14
Forfeited or expired			-73			19.28

Outstanding at October 31, 2013			1,369		$	21.66

Vested at October 31, 2013			267		$	19.14

Total unrecognized compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related to RSUs at October 31, 2013 was $18.7 million. The cost is expected to be expensed ratably over a weighted-average vesting period of 2.38 years. The aggregate intrinsic value of the outstanding and vested RSUs as of October 31, 2013 was $37.6 million and $6.5 million, respectively.

Performance Shares and Dividend Equivalent Rights

Performance shares consist of a contingent right to receive shares of our common stock based on performance targets adopted by our Compensation Committee. The number of performance shares that will vest is based on pre-established financial performance targets and typically a three-year service and performance period. Vesting of 0% to 150% of the indicated shares may occur depending on the extent to which targets are achieved.

Performance shares are credited with dividend equivalent rights that will be converted to performance shares at the fair market value of our common stock beginning after the performance targets have been satisfied and are subject to the same terms and conditions as the underlying award.



Performance share activity during the year ended October 31, 2013 is summarized below:




		Number of Shares			Weighted-Average
		(in thousands)			Grant Date Fair
					Value per Share
Outstanding at November 1, 2012			698		$	22.99
Granted			479			20.46
Issued (including 45 shares withheld for income taxes)			-115			18.97
Change in units based on performance			-130			22.60
Forfeited			-33			22.87

Outstanding at October 31, 2013			899		$	22.31

Vested at October 31, 2013			115		$	18.97

Total unrecognized compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related to performance shares at October 31, 2013 was $8.4 million. The cost is expected to be expensed ratably over a weighted-average vesting period of 1.83 years. These costs are based on estimated achievement of performance targets and estimated costs will be reevaluated periodically. The aggregate intrinsic value of the outstanding and vested performance shares as of October 31, 2013 was $24.7 million and $3.2 million, respectively.

Prior Plans

Age-Vested Plan

Under the Age-Vested Plan, options are exercisable for 50% of the shares when the stock option holders reach their 61st birthdays and the remaining 50% become exercisable on their 64th birthdays. To the extent vested, the stock options may be exercised at any time prior to one year after termination of employment. Effective as of December 9, 2003, no further grants may be made under the plan.

Time-Vested Plan

Under the Time-Vested Plan, the stock options become exercisable at a rate of 20% of the shares per year beginning one year after the date of grant and expire ten years plus one month after the date of grant. As of May 2, 2006, no further grants are authorized under this plan.

Price-Vested Plan

Under the Price-Vested Plan, pre-defined vesting prices provide for accelerated vesting. If at the end of four years any of the stock price performance targets are not achieved, then the remaining stock options vest at the end of eight years from the date the stock options were granted. There have been no grants under this plan since the year ended October 31, 2005, therefore the remaining outstanding stock options vested on October 31, 2013, the eighth anniversary of the award. Stock options vesting during the first year following grant do not become exercisable until after the first anniversary of grant. The stock options expire ten years after the date of grant. As of May 2, 2006, no further grants are authorized.



The combined plan activity for the Prior Plans during the year ended October 31, 2013 is summarized below:




		Number of			Weighted-			Weighted-			Aggregate
		Shares			Average			Average			Intrinsic Value (in
		(in thousands)			Exercise Price			Remaining			thousands)
					per Share			Contractual
								Term (in years)
Outstanding at November 1, 2012			1,117		$	13.80 – $19.61
Exercised			-298			15.04 – 18.30
Forfeited or expired			-34			15.94 – 20.12

Outstanding at October 31, 2013			785		$	13.66 – $20.60			1.60 – 41.17		$	8,005

Vested and exercisable at October 31, 2013			564		$	11.94 – $20.60			1.60 – 45.44		$	5,104

Total unrecognized compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related to unvested stock options under the Age-Vested Plan at October 31, 2013 was $0.4 million. The cost is expected to be expensed ratably over a weighted-average vesting period of 9.06 years. As of October 31, 2013, all outstanding stock options under the Time-Vested and Price-Vested Plans are vested.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

On March 9, 2004, our stockholders approved the 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan”). The 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan was amended in March 2010 to increase the total shares of common stock authorized for issuance to 3,000,000. Effective May 1, 2006, the plan is no longer considered compensatory and the values of the awards are no longer treated as share-based compensation expense. Additionally, as of that date, the purchase price became 95% of the fair value of our common stock price on the last trading day of the month. Employees may designate up to 10% of their compensation for the purchase of stock, subject to a $25,000 annual limit. Employees are required to hold their shares for a minimum of six months from the date of purchase.

The weighted average fair values of the purchase rights granted during the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 under the new plan were $1.12, $1.05, and $1.16, respectively. During the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, 186,271 shares, 200,108 shares, and 165,455 shares of stock were issued under the plan at a weighted average price of $21.34, $19.93, and $22.02, respectively. The aggregate purchases during the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 were $4.0 million, $4.0 million, and $3.6 million, respectively. At October 31, 2013, 567,943 shares remained unissued under the plan.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Oct. 31, 2013
Income Taxes	'
	15. INCOME TAXES

	The components of income before income taxes and the provision for income taxes consisted of the following for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011.




	(in thousands)		2013			2012			2011
	Current:
	Federal		$	15,331		$	9,700		$	5,539
	State			10,960			10,459			7,147
	Foreign			785			—			67
	Deferred:
	Federal			10,007			11,047			21,642
	State			2,469			(1,275)			2,585

			$	39,552		$	29,931		$	36,980

	The difference between the U.S. statutory tax rate and our effective income tax rate consisted of the following for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011.





			2013			2012			2011
	Tax rate reconciliation:
	Statutory rate			35.0%			35.0%			35.0%
	State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit			6.5%			6.5%			6.3%
	Federal and state tax credits			(8.6)%			(5.5)%			(5.1)%
	Impact of change in state tax rate			0.5%			1.2%			(0.4)%
	Tax liabilities no longer required			(1.4)%			(7.2)%			(4.0)%
	Nondeductible expenses and other, net			3.2%			2.3%			3.2%

	Annual tax rate			35.2%			32.3%			35.0%

	As presented in the preceding table, the effective tax rate increased for the year ended October 31, 2013 over the year ended October 31, 2012 due to a tax benefit included in 2012 of $6.9 million related to a re-measurement of certain unrecognized tax benefits and discrete adjustments of $1.9 million for employment-based tax credits. The impact of these benefits was partially offset by discrete tax benefits during 2013 of $4.1 million related to a retroactive reinstatement of federal employment-based tax credits.

	As presented in the preceding table, the effective tax rate for the year ended October 31, 2012 is lower than the effective tax rate for the year ended October 31, 2011, primarily due to net nonrecurring favorable federal and state tax benefits recorded during the year ended October 31, 2012. These tax benefits included a $6.9 million re-measurement of certain unrecognized tax benefits and $1.9 million of additional employment-based tax credits. Additionally, the effective tax rate decrease for 2012 was offset by the expiration of employment-based tax credits as of December 31, 2011 and an increase in certain state tax rates in jurisdictions where we operate.





	As of October 31, 2013 and 2012, the components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:




	(in thousands)		2013			2012

	Deferred tax assets:
	Self-insurance claims (net of recoverables)		$	114,919		$	109,516
	Deferred and other compensation			33,590			30,221
	Accounts receivable allowances			3,857			3,967
	Settlement liabilities			638			3,288
	Other accruals			2,337			2,877
	Other comprehensive income			1,394			1,862
	State taxes			696			727
	State net operating loss carryforwards			8,083			8,596
	Tax credits			6,048			7,802
	Other			1,019			3,019

				172,581			171,875
Valuation allowance			(6,215)			(6,026)

Total deferred tax assets			166,366			165,849

Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment			(5,512)			(2,767)
Goodwill and other acquired intangibles			(126,877)			(101,801)

Total deferred tax liabilities			(132,389)			(104,568)

Net deferred tax assets		$	33,977		$	61,281

Operating loss carryforwards totaling $12.4 million at October 31, 2013 are being carried forward in a number of state jurisdictions where we are permitted to use tax operating losses from prior periods to reduce future taxable income. These operating losses will expire between 2014 and 2033. We review our deferred tax assets for recoverability quarterly. The valuation allowance represents the amount of tax benefits related to state net operating loss carryforwards that management believes are not likely to be realized. We believe the remaining net deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realizable based on estimates of future taxable income. Changes to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 were as follows:




(in thousands)		2013			2012			2011
Valuation allowance at the beginning of the year		$	6,026		$	5,784		$	6,290
Acquisition of Linc			—			—			290
Other, net			189			242			(796)

Valuation allowance at the end of the year		$	6,215		$	6,026		$	5,784

During the year ended October 31, 2013, the valuation allowance increased through an increase of the tax provision by $0.8 million for state net operating losses that were not expected to be ultimately realized and decreased by $0.6 million on the utilization of state net operating losses on which a valuation allowance was previously recorded and on the write-off of acquired state net operating loss carryforwards of a liquidated subsidiary. During the year ended October 31, 2012, the valuation allowance increased through an increase of the tax provision by $0.5 million for state net operating losses that were not expected to be ultimately realized and decreased by $0.3 million on the write-off of acquired federal net operating loss carryforwards of a liquidated subsidiary.





At October 31, 2013, we had unrecognized tax benefits of $87.6 million, $80.9 million of which, if recognized in the future, would impact our effective tax rate. We include interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of October 31, 2013, we had accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions of $1.3 million, of which $0.2 million was recognized and expensed in 2013. As of October 31, 2012, we had accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions of $1.1 million, of which $0.2 million was recognized and expensed in 2012. The following is a reconciliation of our total unrecognized tax benefits as of October 31, 2013 and 2012:




(in thousands)		2013			2012
Balance at beginning of year		$	88,448		$	95,956
Additions for tax positions related to the current year			1,635			590
Reductions for tax positions related to the current year			(589)			—
Additions for tax positions related to prior years			631			865
Reductions for tax positions related to prior years			(107)			(7,328)
Reductions for expiration of statute of limitations			(1,479)			(66)
Settlements			(929)			(1,569)

Balance as of October 31		$	87,610		$	88,448

Our most significant income tax jurisdiction is the United States. The U.S. federal income tax returns for ABM, Linc entities that are taxable as corporations, Air Serv, and HHA remain open for examination for the periods ending October 31, 2010 through October 31, 2012; December 31, 2010; June 30, 2010 through October 31, 2012; and December 31, 2010 through October 31, 2012, respectively. Air Serv is currently being examined by the Internal Revenue Service for its tax year ended June 30, 2011. We do business in all 50 states, significantly in California, Texas, and New York, as well as in various foreign jurisdictions. In major state jurisdictions, the tax years 2009-2013 remain open and subject to examination by the appropriate tax authorities. We estimate that a decrease in unrecognized tax benefits of up to approximately $2.9 million is reasonably possible over the next 12 months.

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa

Segment and Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
Segment and Geographic Information	Oct. 31, 2013
Segment and Geographic Information	'
	16. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

	Segment Information

	Our reportable segments consist of: Janitorial, Facility Services, Parking, Security, Building & Energy Solutions, and Other. See Note 2, “Basis of Presentation,” for additional information regarding our new segment structure. Prior period segment results have been restated to conform to the new segment reporting structure, effective in the first quarter of 2013.

	The accounting policies for our segments are the same as those disclosed within our significant accounting policies. Management evaluates the performance of each operating segment based on its respective operating profit results, which include the allocation of certain centrally incurred costs. Corporate expenses not allocated to segments, among other items, include:



		•		certain CEO and other finance and human resource departmental costs;
		•		certain information technology costs;
		•		share-based compensation costs;
		•		certain legal costs and settlements;
		•		adjustments resulting from current actuarial developments of self-insurance reserves related to claims incurred in prior years; and
		•		direct acquisition costs.


	Financial information for each reportable segment is summarized below:




			Years Ended October 31,
	(in thousands)		2013			2012			2011
	Revenues:
	Janitorial		$	2,465,312		$	2,394,344		$	2,380,195
	Facility Services			609,435			576,136			553,295
	Parking			609,082			615,132			615,679
	Security			381,472			365,926			350,377
	Building & Energy Solutions			401,536			348,279			346,086
	Other			341,516			—			—
	Corporate			928			448			1,210

			$	4,809,281		$	4,300,265		$	4,246,842

	Operating profit:
	Janitorial		$	134,600		$	135,967		$	140,621
	Facility Services			27,431			23,083			24,876
	Parking			27,537			26,189			24,257
	Security			12,943			7,835			7,968
	Building & Energy Solutions			18,662			12,340			12,423
	Other			12,606			—			—
	Corporate			(108,579)			(105,390)			(88,662)
	Adjustment for income from unconsolidated affiliates, net,			(6,175)			(3,458)			(3,915)
	included in Building & Energy Solutions			(6,175)			(3,458)			(3,915)

				119,025			96,566			117,568

	Other-than-temporary impairment credit losses on auction rate security recognized in earnings			—			(313)			—
	Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net			6,319			6,395			3,915
	Interest expense			(12,892)			(9,999)			(15,805)

	Income from continuing operations before income taxes		$	112,452		$	92,649		$	105,678


	Total assets: *
	Janitorial		$	883,358		$	863,831		$	859,318
	Facility Services			211,270			214,557			205,190
	Parking			141,946			153,593			149,052
	Security			112,699			111,293			111,304
	Building & Energy Solutions			296,189			232,079			246,524
	Other			236,117			—			—
Corporate			237,657			275,406			287,909

		$	2,119,236		$	1,850,759		$	1,859,297

* Excludes assets of discontinued operations of $0.4 million and $2.2 million as of October 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.




		Years Ended October 31,
(in thousands)		2013			2012			2011
Depreciation and amortization:
Janitorial		$	17,901		$	18,010		$	19,035
Facility Services			4,371			4,933			5,247
Parking			3,148			3,512			3,644
Security			1,036			1,218			1,441
Building & Energy Solutions			11,341			8,798			9,967
Other			11,588			—			—
Corporate			11,005			14,426			13,324

		$	60,390		$	50,897		$	52,658

Capital expenditures:
Janitorial		$	14,694		$	12,367		$	10,048
Facility Services			11			23			634
Parking			2,523			2,219			2,023
Security			173			203			141
Building & Energy Solutions			1,226			828			646
Other			2,402			—			—
Corporate			11,564			12,412			8,632

		$	32,593		$	28,052		$	22,124

Geographic Information

Revenues by geographic region are summarized below based on the country in which the sale originated. Substantially all of our long-lived assets are related to United States operations.




		Years Ended October 31,
(in thousands)		2013			2012			2011
Revenues:
United States		$	4,710,821		$	4,253,793		$	4,198,937
All other countries			98,460			46,472			47,905

		$	4,809,281		$	4,300,265		$	4,246,842

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Oct. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events	'
	17. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

	On December 11, 2013, we entered into an amendment to increase the size of our Facility from $650.0 million to $800.0 million and extend the maturity date to December 11, 2018. In connection with this amendment, the pricing for standby letters of credit fees can be reduced based upon certain threshold restrictions. Additionally, our commitment fee on the average daily unused portion of our Facility decreased by 0.025%.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Oct. 31, 2013
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	'
	18. SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)




		Fiscal Quarter
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	First		Second		Third		Fourth
	Year ended October 31, 2013
	Revenues	$	1,182,123	$	1,173,617	$	1,216,768	$	1,236,773
	Gross profit		114,244		125,404		121,002		135,202
	Net income		13,382		19,274		16,076		24,168
	Net income per common share—Basic		0.25		0.35		0.29		0.44
	Net income per common share—Diluted		0.24		0.35		0.29		0.43

	Year ended October 31, 2012
	Revenues	$	1,073,785	$	1,057,244	$	1,079,235	$	1,090,001
	Gross profit		107,365		109,328		107,607		121,585
	Net income		10,630		11,712		12,577		27,663
	Net income per common share—Basic		0.20		0.22		0.23		0.50
	Net income per common share—Diluted		0.20		0.21		0.23		0.50

Schedule_IIValuation_and_Quali

Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Oct. 31, 2013
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	'
	SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS




	(in thousands)	Balance		Acquisitions		Charges to		Write-offs		Balance
		Beginning of				Costs and		Net of		End of Year
		Year				Expenses		Recoveries
	Accounts receivable allowances
	Years ended October 31,
	2013	$	11,125		—		21,025		(21,933)	$	10,217
	2012		13,485		—		14,628		(16,988)		11,125
	2011		10,672		3,994		20,396		(21,577)		13,485

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign1

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes (the “Financial Statements”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Certain amounts in the prior year consolidated balance sheet have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Unless otherwise noted, all references to years are to our fiscal year, which ends on October 31.
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The Financial Statements include the accounts of ABM and all of our consolidated subsidiaries. The consolidated financial statements also include ABM’s investments in unconsolidated affiliates, as discussed in the following significant accounting policies. These investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates that affect the reported amounts. We base our estimates on historical experience, known or expected trends, independent valuations, and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances based on information available as of the date of the issuance of these Financial Statements. Actual results could differ from the estimates used.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	We consider all investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents. We present the change in book cash overdrafts (i.e., negative book cash balances that have not been presented to the bank for payment) as cash flows from financing activities.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Trade accounts receivable arise from services provided to our clients and are generally due and payable on terms varying from receipt of the invoice to net thirty days, excluding receivables from U.S. Government contracts, which generally have longer collection periods. Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. We determine the past due status of trade accounts receivable based on contractual terms with each client. We evaluate the collectability of accounts receivable and determine the appropriate allowance for doubtful accounts based on a variety of factors, including an analysis of the historical rate of credit losses or write-offs, specific client concerns, and known or expected trends. We do not believe that we have any material exposure due to either industry or regional concentrations of credit risk. Further, no client accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenues during any of the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, or 2011. Our trade accounts receivable are written off once an account is deemed uncollectible or after a period of 12 months, whichever is earlier, unless management believes such amounts will ultimately be collectible.
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates	'
	Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
	We own non-controlling interests (generally 20% to 50%) in certain affiliated entities that predominantly provide facility solutions services to governmental and commercial clients, primarily in the United States and the Middle East. We account for such investments under the equity method of accounting. We evaluate our equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may not be recoverable. The differences between the carrying amounts and the estimated fair values of equity method investments are recognized as an impairment loss when the loss is deemed to be other-than-temporary. We did not have impairment losses in 2013, 2012, or 2011.
Investments in Auction Rate Securities	'
	Investments in Auction Rate Securities
	Our auction rate securities are classified as available for sale. Auction rate securities are presented at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”), unless a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary. The credit loss component of an other-than-temporary decline in fair value is recorded in earnings in the period identified.
	We estimate the fair values utilizing a discounted cash flow model, which considers, among other factors, assumptions about: (1) the underlying collateral; (2) credit risks associated with the issuer; (3) contractual maturity; (4) credit enhancements associated with financial insurance guarantees, if any; and (5) assumptions about when, if ever, the security might be re-financed by the issuer or have a successful auction. We have classified all our auction rate security investments as non-current as we do not reasonably expect to liquidate the securities for cash within the next 12 months.
	Our determination of whether our auction rate securities are other-than-temporarily impaired is based on an evaluation of several factors, circumstances, and known or reasonably supportable trends including, but not limited to: (1) our intent to hold the securities; (2) our assessment that it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the securities before recovering our cost basis; (3) expected defaults; (4) available ratings for the securities or the underlying collateral; (5) the rating of the associated guarantor (where applicable); (6) the nature and value of the underlying collateral expected to service the investment; (7) actual historical performance of the security in servicing its obligations; and (8) actuarial experience of the underlying re-insurance arrangement (where applicable), which in certain circumstances may have preferential rights to the underlying collateral.
	Our determination of whether an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) represents a credit loss is based upon the difference between the present value of the expected cash flows to be collected and the amortized cost basis of the security. Significant assumptions used in estimating the credit loss include: (1) default rates for the security and the mono-line insurer, if any (which are based on published historical default rates of similar securities and consideration of current market trends); and (2) the expected life of the security (which represents our view of when market efficiencies for securities may be restored). Adverse changes in any of these factors could result in additional declines in fair value and further other-than-temporary impairments in the future. See Note 6, “Auction Rate Securities,” for additional information.
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment

	Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining lease term. Depreciation and amortization is determined for financial reporting purposes by using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:





		Years
	Computer equipment and software	3 - 5
	Machinery and other equipment	3 - 5
	Buildings	25 - 40
	Furniture and fixtures	5
	Transportation equipment	1.5 - 10
	Repairs and maintenance are charged directly to expense as they are incurred. Major renewals or replacements that substantially extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated.

	When assets are sold or retired, their cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated financial statements.

Leases	'
	Leases
	We enter into various noncancelable lease agreements for premises and equipment used in the normal course of business. We evaluate the lease agreement at the inception of the lease to determine whether the lease is an operating or capital lease. Certain of these leases include escalation clauses that adjust rental expense to reflect changes in price indices, as well as renewal options exercisable at our option. For operating leases, when such items are included in a lease agreement, we record rent expense evenly over the term of the lease. For leases with renewal options, we generally record rent expense and amortize the leasehold improvements on a straight-line basis over the initial non-cancelable lease term (in instances where the lease term is shorter than the economic life of the asset).
	Contingent rentals are applicable to leases of parking lots and garages and are primarily based on percentages of the gross receipts or other financial parameters attributable to the related facilities. Contingent rental expense is recorded in the period it becomes probable.
	We may also be required to make additional payments to reimburse the lessors for operating expenses such as real estate taxes, maintenance, utilities, and insurance, which are expensed as incurred.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Costs Associated With Exit Activities	'
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Costs Associated With Exit Activities
	We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. When such events or changes in circumstances occur, a recoverability test is performed comparing projected undiscounted cash flows from the use and eventual disposition of an asset or asset group to its carrying amount. If the projected undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount, an impairment is recorded for the excess of the carrying amount over the estimated fair value, which is generally determined using discounted future cash flows. The present value of costs associated with abandoned facilities, primarily future lease costs (net of expected sublease income), are charged to earnings when we have ceased using the specific location or when we terminate a lease contract in accordance with contractual terms.
Other Intangible Assets	'
	Other Intangible Assets
	Other intangible assets primarily consist of acquired customer contracts and relationships that are amortized using the sum-of-the-years’-digits method over their useful lives, consistent with the estimated useful life considerations used in the determination of their fair values. The accelerated method of amortization reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the customer relationship intangible assets are expected to be realized. Other non-customer acquired intangibles are amortized using a straight-line method of amortization.
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill

	Goodwill represents the excess purchase price of acquired businesses over the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. We have elected to make the first day of our fiscal fourth quarter, August 1st, the annual impairment assessment date for goodwill. However, we could be required to evaluate the recoverability of goodwill prior to the annual assessment if we experience a significant change in the business climate, legal factors, operating performance indicators, competition, or sale or disposition of a significant portion of one of our businesses.

	We test the carrying value of goodwill for impairment at a “reporting unit” level using a two-step approach. The first step of the process is to evaluate whether the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, which is an indicator that the goodwill assigned to that reporting unit may be impaired. In this case, a second step of impairment testing is performed to allocate the fair value of the reporting unit to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit as if it had just been acquired in a business combination, and as if the purchase price was equivalent to the fair value of the reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is referred to as the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is then compared to the actual carrying value of goodwill. If the implied fair value is less than the carrying value, we would be required to recognize an impairment loss for that excess.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	We account for certain assets and liabilities at fair value. Fair value is determined based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Authoritative guidance specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques depending on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques reflect assumptions other market participants would use based upon market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) or reflect our own assumptions of market participant valuation (unobservable inputs). The fair value hierarchy consists of three levels:
	Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
	Level 2 – Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs or significant value-drivers are observable in active markets; and
	Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
	The authoritative guidance requires the use of observable market data if such data is available without undue cost and effort. When available, we use unadjusted quoted market prices to measure fair value and classify such items within Level 1. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that use, where possible, current market-based or independently-sourced market parameters, such as interest and currency rates and comparable transactions. Items valued using internally generated models are classified according to the lowest level input or value driver that is significant to the valuation. Thus, an item may be classified in Level 3 even though there may be inputs that are readily observable. If quoted market prices are not available, the valuation model used generally depends on the specific asset or liability being valued.
	Some assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, while other assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. See Note 5, “Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” for the fair value hierarchy table and for details on how we measure fair value for financial assets and liabilities.
Acquisitions	'
	Acquisitions
	On the date of acquisition, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the amount allocated to the identifiable assets acquired less liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. The operating results generated by the acquired businesses have been included in the consolidated statements of income from their respective dates of acquisition. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. Acquired intangible assets are recorded at fair value and amortized over their estimated useful lives.
	Our acquisitions may include a contingent consideration liability, which requires us to recognize the fair value of the estimated liability at the time of the acquisition. Subsequent changes in the estimate of the amount to be paid under the contingent consideration liability arrangement are recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Amounts paid in excess of the amount recorded on the acquisition date are classified as cash flows used in operating activities because the difference has entered into the determination of net income. Payments not exceeding the acquisition-date fair value of the contingent consideration liability arrangement are classified as cash flows used in financing activities.
Other Accrued Liabilities	'
	Other Accrued Liabilities
	Other accrued liabilities as of October 31, 2013 and 2012 primarily consist of employee benefits, dividends payable, loss contingencies, and rent payable.
Insurance Reserves	'
	Insurance Reserves
	We use a combination of insured and self-insurance plans to manage the potential liabilities for workers’ compensation, general liability, property damage, automobile liability, health and welfare, and professional liabilities. Insurance claim liabilities represent our estimate of retained risks without regard to insurance coverage. Such risks consist of estimates of the loss that will ultimately be incurred on reported claims, as well as estimates of claims that have been incurred but not yet reported.
	With the assistance of third-party professionals, we periodically review our estimate of ultimate losses for all incurred claims and adjust our required self-insurance reserves as appropriate. As part of this evaluation, we review the status of existing and new claim reserves as established by our third-party claims administrators. Our third-party administrators establish case reserves based upon known factors related to the type and severity of the claims, demographic factors, legislative matters, and case law, as appropriate. We compare actual trends to expected trends and monitor claims developments. The specific case reserves estimated by our third-party administrators are provided to an actuary who assists us in projecting an actuarial estimate of the overall ultimate losses for self-insurance, which includes the case reserves plus an actuarial estimate of reserves required for additional developments including “incurred but not reported” claim costs. The independent third-party’s actuarial point estimate of the reserves is reviewed by management and is recorded in our Financial Statements.
	In general, our reserves are recorded on an undiscounted basis. Self-insurance liabilities assumed in acquisitions are recorded at fair value and are accreted to their notional amount with non-cash charges to interest expense over the period that they are expected to be settled. We allocate current-year insurance expense to our operating segments based upon their underlying exposures, while actuarial adjustments related to prior year claims are recorded within Corporate expenses. Claims are classified as current or long-term based on the expected settlement date. Estimated insurance recoveries related to recorded liabilities are reflected as current or long-term “recoverables” in our consolidated balance sheets when we believe that the receipt of such amounts is probable.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition

	We earn revenue primarily under various types of service contracts. In all forms of service provided by us, revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, services have been rendered, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. The various types of service contracts are described below.

	Monthly Fixed-Price Arrangements

	These arrangements are contracts in which the client agrees to pay a fixed fee every month over the specified contract term. A variation of a fixed-price arrangement is a square-foot arrangement, which consists of fixed monthly billings, less credits given to clients for vacant square footage that is not serviced.

	Cost-Plus Arrangements

	These arrangements are contracts in which the client pays for services received based on an agreed upon rate of wages and benefits, payroll taxes, insurance charges, and other expenses, plus a profit margin.

	Transaction-Price Arrangements

	Transaction-price arrangements are agreements in which the clients are billed for each transaction performed on a monthly basis (i.e., wheelchair passengers served, aircrafts cleaned).



	Tag Services

	Tag work generally represents supplemental services requested by clients outside of the standard service specification. Examples are cleanup after tenant moves, construction cleanup, flood cleanup, snow removal, and extermination services.

	Fixed-Price Repair and Refurbishment Arrangements

	Revenue is recognized on certain fixed-price repair and refurbishment contracts using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, most often based on the cost-to-cost method. Under the percentage-of-completion method, revenues are recognized as the work progresses. The percentage of work completed is determined principally by comparing the actual costs incurred to date with the current estimate of total costs to complete. Under the percentage-of-completion method, recognition of profit is dependent upon the accuracy of a variety of estimates, including engineering progress, materials quantities, and achievement of milestones, incentives, labor productivity, cost estimates, and others. Such estimates are based on various professional judgments made with respect to those factors and are subject to change as each project proceeds and new information becomes available. Revenue and gross profit are adjusted periodically for revisions in estimated total contract costs and values. Estimated losses are recorded when identified.

	Franchise Revenue

	We franchise certain engineering services under the Linc Network, TEGG, CurrentSAFE, and GreenHomes America brands through individual and area franchises. Initial franchise fees are recognized when we have performed substantially all initial services required by the franchise agreement. Continuing franchise royalty fees that are based on a percentage of the franchisees’ revenues are recognized in the period in which the revenue is reported to have occurred, whereas franchise fees charged to franchisees on a flat rate are recognized as earned. Direct (incremental) costs related to new franchise sales for which the revenue has not been recognized are deferred until the related revenue is recognized. Costs related to continuing franchise royalty fees are expensed as incurred.

	Parking Reimbursement

	We enter into managed locations arrangements within our Parking business, whereby we manage the parking lot for the owner in exchange for a management fee. For these arrangements, revenues and expenses are passed through by us to the parking lot owner under the terms and conditions of the management location contract. We report revenues and expenses, in equal amounts, for costs directly reimbursed from our managed parking lot clients. Such amounts totaled $302.4 million, $305.7 million, and $299.4 million in the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

Sales Allowance	'
	Sales Allowance
	Our sales allowance is an estimate for losses on client receivables resulting from client credits. Our sales allowance is recorded as a reduction to revenues and an increase to the allowance for billing adjustments. Credits can result from client vacancy discounts, job cancellations, property damage, and other items. Our sales allowance estimate is based on an analysis of the historical rate of sales adjustments (credit memos, net of re-bills) and considers known current or expected trends. Our earnings will be impacted in the future to the extent that actual credit experience differs from amounts estimated.
Advertising	'
	Advertising
	Advertising costs, which include marketing expenses related to our rebranding initiative, are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was $8.0 million, $5.9 million, and $3.5 million for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation
	Our outstanding share-based awards principally consist of restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance share awards, and stock options. The fair value of RSUs and stock options are expensed over the requisite service period. Performance-based awards are expensed over the requisite service period based on achievement of performance criteria. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of our stock option grants. The fair value of RSUs is determined based on the fair value of our stock price on the date of grant. The fair value of performance shares is determined based on the fair value of our stock price on the date of grant as adjusted over time for our performance against pre-established financial performance targets. We record share-based compensation expense within selling, general and administrative expenses. Stock option exercises and restricted stock and performance award issuances are expected to be fulfilled with new shares of common stock.
Taxes Collected from Clients and Remitted to Governmental Agencies	'
	Taxes Collected from Clients and Remitted to Governmental Agencies
	We record taxes on client transactions due to governmental agencies as receivables and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Our provision for income taxes is based on domestic and international statutory income tax rates in the tax jurisdictions where we operate, permanent differences between financial reporting and tax reporting, and available credits and incentives. Our most significant income tax jurisdiction is the United States. Differences in the timing of recognition of certain income and expenses for financial statements and for tax returns create temporary differences between financial reporting and tax filings. The tax effect of such temporary differences is reported as deferred income taxes. The deferred income taxes are classified as current or long-term based on the classification of the related asset or liability. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more-likely-than-not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. All or a portion of the benefit of income tax positions is recognized only when we have made a determination that it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination, based upon the technical merits of the position and other factors. For tax positions that are determined as more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination, the tax benefit recognized is the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
Net Income Per Common Share	'
	Net Income Per Common Share
	Basic net income per common share is net income divided by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per common share is based on the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period, adjusted to include the assumed conversion of certain RSUs, vesting of performance shares, and exercise of stock options.
Contingencies and Litigation	'
	Contingencies and Litigation
	We are party to a variety of legal, administrative, and other inquiries arising in the normal course of business relating to labor and employment, contracts, personal injury, and other matters. We accrue for such matters when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Where it is probable that a liability has been incurred and there is a range of expected loss for which no amount in the range is more likely than any other amount, we accrue at the low end of the range. Expected costs of resolving contingencies, which include the use of third-party service providers, are accrued as the services are rendered. The assessment of the likelihood of a potential loss and the estimation of the amount of a loss are subjective and require significant judgment.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements

	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11 (“ASU 2013-11”), Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. The update clarifies that an unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. In situations where the tax benefit is not available at the reporting date under the governing tax law or if the entity does not intend to use the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a liability and not combined with deferred tax assets. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The amendments are to be applied to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist as of the effective date and may be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented. While early adoption is permitted, we expect to adopt ASU 2013-11 on November 1, 2014. We do not expect the adoption of these new presentation requirements to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

	In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-11 (“ASU 2011-11”), Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. This amendment requires disclosing and reconciling gross and net amounts for financial instruments that are offset in the balance sheet, and amounts for financial instruments that are subject to master netting arrangements and other similar clearing and repurchase arrangements. ASU 2011-11 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. We will adopt ASU 2011-11 on November 1, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2011-11 will not have a material impact on our disclosures.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign2

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Segments and Their Activities	'
	Our segments and their activities are as follows:




	Segment	Activities
	Janitorial	Provides a wide range of essential janitorial services for a variety of client facilities, including airports and other transportation centers, commercial office buildings, educational institutions, government buildings, health facilities, industrial buildings, retail stores, shopping centers, stadiums and arenas, and warehouses.

	Facility Services	Provides onsite mechanical engineering and technical services and solutions for facilities and infrastructure systems for a variety of client facilities, including airports and other transportation centers, commercial infrastructure, corporate office buildings, data centers, educational institutions, high technology manufacturing facilities, museums, resorts, and shopping centers.

	Parking	Provides parking and transportation services for clients at many facilities, including airports and other transportation centers, educational institutions, health facilities, hotels, municipalities, office buildings, retail centers, and stadiums and arenas.

	Security	Provides security services for clients in a wide range of facilities, including Class “A” high rise, commercial, health, industrial, petro-chemical, residential, and retail facilities. Security services include staffing of security officers, mobile patrol services, investigative services, electronic monitoring of fire and life safety systems and access control devices, and security consulting services.

	Building & Energy Solutions	Provides heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, electrical, lighting and other general maintenance and repair services. These services include preventative maintenance, retro-commissioning, installations, retrofits and upgrades, environmental services, systems start-ups, performance testing, energy audits, and bundled energy solutions for a wide variety of clients in both the private and public sectors.

		This segment also provides support to U.S. Government entities for specialty service solutions, such as military base operations, leadership development, education and training, energy efficiency management, medical support services, and construction management.

		This segment also includes our franchised operations under the Linc Network, TEGG, and CurrentSAFE brands, which provide mechanical and electrical preventive and predictive maintenance solutions. Our GreenHomes America brand provides home energy efficiency solutions. The operations of the recently acquired HHA Services, Inc. (“HHA”) business, and the acquisition of certain assets and liabilities of Calvert-Jones Company, Inc. (“Calvert-Jones”), and BEST Infrared Services, Inc. (“BEST”) are also included within this segment.

	Other	Air Serv provides facility solutions services to clients in our aviation vertical related to passenger assistance, including wheelchair operations, aircraft cabin cleaning, janitorial services, shuttle bus operations, and access control, among others. Air Serv also includes certain assets and certain liabilities of Blackjack Promotions Limited (“Blackjack”), which was acquired on August 1, 2013.
Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Depreciation and amortization is determined for financial reporting purposes by using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:





		Years
	Computer equipment and software	3 - 5
	Machinery and other equipment	3 - 5
	Buildings	25 - 40
	Furniture and fixtures	5
	Transportation equipment	1.5 - 10

Net_Income_Per_Common_Share_Ta

Net Income Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Net Income Per Common Share (Tables)	Oct. 31, 2013
Calculations of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share	'
	The calculations of basic and diluted net income per common share are as follows:




		Years Ended October 31,
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2013		2012		2011
	Income from continuing operations	$	72,900	$	62,718	$	68,698
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes		—		(136)		(194)

	Net income	$	72,900	$	62,582	$	68,504

	Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding—Basic		54,877		53,987		53,121
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	RSUs		473		369		293
	Performance shares		403		281		221
	Stock options		314		277		468

	Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding—Diluted		56,067		54,914		54,103

	Net income per common share
	Basic		1.33		1.16		1.29
	Diluted		1.30		1.14		1.27
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	'
	The diluted net income per common share excludes certain stock options, performance shares, and RSUs, since the effect of including these awards would have been anti-dilutive as follows:


		Years Ended October 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Stock options		765		1,317		879
	Performance shares		19		—		17
	RSUs		13		90		60

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions (Tables)	Oct. 31, 2013
Final Purchase Price and Related Allocations	'
	The following table summarizes the allocation of consideration transferred to acquire Air Serv, HHA, Calvert-Jones, Blackjack, and BEST and the amounts of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition dates.


	(in thousands)	Air Serv			HHA			Calvert-Jones		Blackjack		BEST		Total
	Purchase price:
	Cash consideration	$	162,881		$	33,680		$	6,055	$	5,286	$	2,600	$	210,502
	Fair value of contingent consideration liability		—			—			—		—		1,642		1,642
	Holdback liability		—			—			—		—		400		400

	Total consideration	$	162,881		$	33,680		$	6,055	$	5,286	$	4,642	$	212,544


	Allocated to:
	Other current and noncurrent assets	$	68,915		$	5,403		$	1,750	$	4,635	$	1,565	$	82,268
	Property, plant and equipment		16,658			123			49		261		490		17,581
	Other intangible assets		44,610			15,000			2,600		870		1,430		64,510
	Goodwill (1)		89,271			23,796			4,021		1,968		1,607		120,663

	Total assets acquired		219,454			44,322			8,420		7,734		5,092		285,022
	Liabilities assumed		(56,573)			(10,642)			(2,365)		(2,448)		(450)		(72,478)

	Net assets acquired	$	162,881		$	33,680		$	6,055	$	5,286	$	4,642	$	212,544

	(1) The total amount of goodwill that is deductible for tax purposes is $18.4 million.

Weighted-Average Useful Lives of Acquired Other Intangible Assets	'
	The following table summarizes the weighted-average useful lives in years of the acquired other intangible assets, consisting primarily of customer contracts and relationships for each respective acquisition:



	Air Serv	HHA		Calvert-Jones	Blackjack		BEST
	14	13		12	11		9
Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information	'
	The unaudited pro forma financial information for the year ended October 31, 2011 has not been provided since the amounts are not significantly different from actual results.




	(in thousands, except per share data)	Year Ended
	(in thousands, except per share data)	October 31, 2010
	Revenues	$	4,062,610
	Operating profit		111,788
	Net income	$	62,109
	Net income per common share
	Basic	$	1.19
	Diluted	$	1.17
TEGG	'
Final Purchase Price and Related Allocations	'
	The final purchase price and related allocations are summarized as follows:




	(in thousands)
	Purchase price:

	Total consideration	$	5,667

	Allocated to:
	Other current and noncurrent assets	$	3,408
	Other intangible assets		2,200
	Goodwill		1,988

	Total assets acquired		7,596
	Liabilities assumed		(1,929)

	Net assets acquired	$	5,667

Linc	'
Final Purchase Price and Related Allocations	'
	The final purchase price and related allocations are summarized as follows:




	(in thousands)
	Purchase price:

	Total consideration	$	298,720

	Allocated to:
	Other current and noncurrent assets	$	139,720
	Property, plant and equipment		9,462
	Other intangible assets		87,000
	Goodwill		154,487

	Total assets acquired		390,669
	Liabilities assumed		(91,949)

	Net assets acquired	$	298,720

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	Oct. 31, 2013
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	The following table presents the fair value hierarchy, carrying amounts, and fair values of our financial instruments that are measured on a recurring basis and other select significant financial instruments as of October 31, 2013 and 2012:


			October 31, 2013				October 31, 2012
	(in thousands)	Fair	Carrying		Fair Value		Carrying		Fair Value
		Value	Amount				Amount
		Hierarchy

	Financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

	Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan (1)	1	$	5,359	$	5,359	$	5,029	$	5,029

	Investments in auction rate securities (2)	3		12,994		12,994		17,780		17,780

	Interest rate swaps (3)	2		4		4		—		—


				18,357		18,357		22,809		22,809


	Other select financial assets

	Cash and cash equivalents (4)	1		32,639		32,639		43,459		43,459

	Insurance deposits (5)	1		28,466		28,466		31,720		31,720


	Total		$	79,462	$	79,462	$	97,988	$	97,988


	Financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

	Interest rate swap (3)	2	$	154	$	154	$	214	$	214

	Contingent consideration liability (6)	3		1,642		1,642		—		—

				1,796		1,796		214		214


	Other select financial liability

	Line of credit (7)	2		314,870		314,870		215,000		215,000


	Total		$	316,666	$	316,666	$	215,214	$	215,214

	(1) Represents investments held in a Rabbi Trust associated with our OneSource Deferred Compensation Plan, which we include in “Other assets” on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the assets held in the funded deferred compensation plan is based on quoted market prices. See Note 11, “Employee Benefit Plans,” for more information.
	(2) For investments in auction rate securities, the fair values were based on discounted cash flow valuation models, primarily utilizing unobservable inputs. See Note 6, “Auction Rate Securities,” for the roll-forwards of assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable Level 3 inputs and the sensitivity analysis of significant inputs.
	(3) Includes derivatives designated as hedging instruments. The fair values of the interest rate swaps are estimated based on the present value of the difference between expected cash flows calculated at the contracted interest rates and the expected cash flows at current market interest rates using observable benchmarks for LIBOR forward rates at the end of the period. The fair value of the interest rate swap asset and liabilities were included in “Other investments and long-term receivables” and “Retirement plans and other,” respectively, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. See Note 10, “Line of Credit,” for more information.
	(4) Cash and cash equivalents are stated at nominal value, which equals fair value.
	(5) Represents restricted insurance deposits that are used to collateralize our self-insurance obligations and are stated at nominal value, which equals fair value. These insurance deposits relate to the OneSource Services Inc. (“OneSource”) acquisition.
	(6) Our contingent consideration liability was incurred in connection with the acquisition of BEST. The contingent consideration liability is measured at fair value and is included in “Retirement plans and other” on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The fair value is based on a pre-defined forecasted adjusted income from operations for BEST using a probability weighted income approach and discounted using a proxy of our fixed borrowing rate. See Note 4, “Acquisitions,” for further information.

	(7) Represents outstanding borrowings under our $650.0 million five-year syndicated line of credit. Due to variable interest rates, the carrying value of outstanding borrowings under our line of credit approximates the fair value. See Note 10, “Line of Credit,” for more information.

Auction_Rate_Securities_Tables

Auction Rate Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Auction Rate Securities (Tables)	Oct. 31, 2013
Significant Assumptions Used to Determine Fair Value of Auction Rate Securities	'
	The following table presents the significant assumptions used to determine the fair values of our auction rate securities at October 31, 2013 and 2012:




	Assumption	October 31, 2013		October 31, 2012
	Discount rates	L + 0.33% - L + 3.01%		L + 1.37% - L + 6.86%
	Yields	2.15%, L + 2.00%		2.15%, L + 2.00% - L + 3.50%
	Average expected lives	4 - 10 years		4 - 10 years
	L - One Month LIBOR

Changes in Cost Basis and Fair Value of Auction Rate Securities	'
	The following tables present the changes in the cost basis and fair value of our auction rate securities as of October 31, 2013 and 2012:




	(in thousands)	Amortized			Fair Value
	(in thousands)	Cost Basis			(Level 3)
	Balance at November 1, 2012	$	17,994		$	17,780
	Unrealized gains recorded in AOCL		—			214
	Redemption of security by issuer		(5,000)			(5,000)

	Balance at October 31, 2013	$	12,994		$	12,994


	(in thousands)	Amortized			Fair Value
	(in thousands)	Cost Basis			(Level 3)
	Balance at November 1, 2011	$	18,307		$	15,670
	Unrealized gains recorded in AOCL		—			2,110
	Other-than-temporary credit loss recognized in earnings		(313)			—

	Balance at October 31, 2012	$	17,994		$	17,780

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	Oct. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, plant and equipment at October 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:




	(in thousands)	2013		2012
	Computer equipment and software	$	83,853	$	73,309
	Machinery and other equipment		60,949		49,236
	Leasehold improvements		23,244		20,266
	Buildings		11,697		12,046
	Furniture and fixtures		9,844		8,355
	Transportation equipment		13,639		2,907
	Land		1,507		1,561

			204,733		167,680
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		127,492		107,771

	Total	$	77,241	$	59,909

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles1

Goodwill and Other Intangibles Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Goodwill and Other Intangibles Assets (Tables)	Oct. 31, 2013
Changes in Carrying Amounts of Goodwill by Segment	'
	The following table shows the changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment:


	(in thousands)	Janitorial		Facility		Parking		Security		Building &		Other		Total
				Services (1)						Energy
										Solutions (1)
	Balance at October 31, 2011	$	469,231	$	72,648	$	69,168	$	49,938	$	89,887	$	—	$	750,872
	Acquisitions (2)		—		—		—		—		1,937		—		1,937
	Other		448		—		—		—		(1,647)		—		(1,199)

	Balance at October 31, 2012	$	469,679	$	72,648	$	69,168	$	49,938	$	90,177	$	—	$	751,610
	Acquisitions (2)		—		—		—		—		29,475		91,239		120,714
	Foreign Currency Translation		(39)		—		—		—		—		111		72

	Balance at October 31, 2013	$	469,640	$	72,648	$	69,168	$	49,938	$	119,652	$	91,350	$	872,396

	(1) In connection with the realignment of our organizational structure during 2013, we reallocated our goodwill balances related to the previous Facility Solutions segment to the Facility Services and Building & Energy Solutions segments using the relative fair value approach as of the date of realignment, November 1, 2012.
	(2) Goodwill related to acquisitions is discussed in Note 4, “Acquisitions.”
Other Intangible Assets, Net	'
	The following table summarizes other intangible assets, net, by major asset class, at October 31, 2013 and 2012:




		October 31, 2013						October 31, 2012

	(in thousands)	Gross Carrying		Accumulated		Total		Gross Carrying		Accumulated		Total
	(in thousands)	Amount		Amortization		Total		Amount		Amortization		Total

	Customer contracts and relationships	$	253,810	$	(112,095)	$	141,715	$	200,377	$	(92,605)	$	107,772

	Trademarks and trade names		4,220		(2,204)		2,016		1,500		(678)		822

	Contract rights and other		1,832		(1,162)		670		1,746		(1,202)		544


	Total	$	259,862	$	(115,461)	$	144,401	$	203,623	$	(94,485)	$	109,138

Estimated Annual Amortization Expense	'

	The following table summarizes the estimated annual amortization expense for each of the next five fiscal years for our total amortizable intangible assets:





	(in thousands)	2014		2015		2016		2017		2018		Total

	Estimated amortization expense	$	26,781	$	22,590	$	19,739	$	17,096	$	14,480	$	100,686

Insurance_Tables

Insurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Insurance (Tables)	Oct. 31, 2013
Standby Letters of Credit, Surety Bonds and Restricted Insurance Deposits Outstanding to Collateralize Self-Insurance Obligations	'
	We had the following standby letters of credit, surety bonds, and restricted insurance deposits outstanding at October 31, 2013 and 2012, to collateralize our self-insurance obligations:




		October 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012
	Standby letters of credit	$	97,650	$	104,968
	Surety bonds		40,538		34,933
	Restricted insurance deposits		28,466		31,720

	Total	$	166,654	$	171,621

Line_of_Credit_Tables

Line of Credit (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Interest Rate Swap Contracts on Financial Statements	'
	The following tables set forth the effect of our interest rate swap contracts on the Financial Statements for the years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012:




	(in thousands)	Amount of loss recognized in AOCL on derivative
		(effective portion)
		Year Ended October 31,
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging relationships	2013		2012

	Interest rate swaps	$	381	$	125

	(in thousands)	Amount of loss reclassified from AOCL into income
		(effective portion)
		Year Ended October 31,
	Location of loss reclassified from AOCL into income	2013		2012

	Interest expense	$	445	$	164

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	Oct. 31, 2013
Significant Components of Benefit Obligation and Net Obligation Recognized in Financial Statements	'
	The significant components of the above mentioned plans as of and for the years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 are summarized as follows:




			Defined						Postretirement
			Benefit Plans at						Benefit Plan at
			October 31,						October 31,
	(in thousands)		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Change in benefit obligation
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	12,714		$	12,075		$	5,836		$	5,595
	Service cost			—			48			13			12
	Interest cost			399			495			203			246
	Actuarial losses (gains)			181			1,233			(508)			322
	Benefits and expenses paid			(1,056)			(1,137)			(129)			(339)

	Benefit obligation at end of year		$	12,238		$	12,714		$	5,415		$	5,836


	Change in plan assets*
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$	6,654		$	5,917		$	—		$	—
	Actual return on plan assets			758			384			—			—
	Employer contributions			1,316			1,490			129			339
	Benefits and expenses paid			(1,056)			(1,137)			(129)			(339)

	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$	7,672		$	6,654		$	—		$	—



	Unfunded status at end of year		$	(4,566)		$	(6,060)		$	(5,415)		$	(5,836)


	Current liabilities		$	(791)		$	(1,288)		$	(435)		$	(250)
	Non-current liabilities			(3,775)			(4,772)			(4,980)			(5,586)

	Net obligation		$	(4,566)		$	(6,060)		$	(5,415)		$	(5,836)


	Total affecting retained earnings		$	(1,385)		$	(2,535)		$	(5,350)		$	(5,232)
	Amount recognized in AOCL			(3,181)			(3,525)			(65)			(604)

	Net obligation		$	(4,566)		$	(6,060)		$	(5,415)		$	(5,836)

	* Amounts relate to the OneSource Pension Plan, which is the only defined benefit pension plan funded by us.

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost of Defined Benefit Plans and Postretirement Benefit Plans	'
	The components of net periodic benefit cost of the defined benefit and other postretirement benefit plans for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 were as follows:


	(in thousands)		2013			2012			2011
	Defined Benefit Plans
	Service cost		$	—		$	48		$	46
	Interest			399			495			569
	Expected return on assets			(410)			(486)			(373)
	Amortization of actuarial loss			134			97			114
	Settlement loss recognized			43			107			126

	Net expense		$	166		$	261		$	482

	Postretirement Benefit Plans
	Service cost		$	13		$	12		$	13
	Interest			203			246			256
	Settlement loss recognized			27			—			—
	Amortization of actuarial loss			4			—			—

	Net expense		$	247		$	258		$	269

Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
	The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 were as follows:


			Defined Benefit Plans					Postretirement Benefit Plan

			2013		2012	2011		2013	2012		2011
	Assumptions to measure net
	periodic benefit cost (1)
	Discount rate		2.84% – 3.50%		4.12% – 4.51%	4.50% – 4.98%		3.15% – 3.58%	4.04% – 4.56%		4.31% – 5.02%
	Rate of compensation increase		3.50%		3.50%	3.50%		3.50%	3.50%		3.50%
	Rate of return on plan assets**		6.00%		6.00%	8.00%		N/A*	N/A*		N/A*

	Assumptions used to
	determine benefit obligations (2)
	Discount rate		3.58% – 4.28%		2.84% – 3.50%	4.12% – 4.51%		4.13% – 4.43%	3.15% – 3.58%		4.04% – 4.56%
	Rate of compensation increase		3.50%		3.50%	3.50%		3.50%	3.50%		3.50%

	*	Not Applicable

	**	Relates to the OneSource Pension Plan

	-1	Determined as of beginning of year

	-2	Determined as of end of year
Summary of Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates Relating to OneSource PRM Plan	'
	Assumed health care cost trend rates relating to our OneSource PRM Plan are as follows:


			Postretirement Benefit Plan
			2013		2012	2011
	Health care trend rate assumed for next year		7.40%		7.60%	7.80%
	Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)		4.50%		4.50%	4.50%
	Year the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate		2029		2029	2029
Expected Future Benefit Payments	'
	The expected future benefit payments were calculated using the same assumptions used to measure our benefit obligation as of October 31, 2013. This expectation is based upon expected future service.




	(in thousands)		Defined Benefit Plans			Postretirement Benefit Plan
	October 31, 2014		$	1,386		$	435
	October 31, 2015			988			248
	October 31, 2016			787			265
	October 31, 2017			770			282
	October 31, 2018			788			297
	2019 through 2023			4,079			1,696
Pension Plans	'
	For plans that are not individually significant to us, the total amount of contributions is presented in the aggregate.





	(in thousands)				Pension Protection Act Zone Status			FIP/RP Status		Contributions by the Company						Surcharge	Expiration
																Imposed
																	Dates of

																	Collective
																	Bargaining
	Pension Fund		EIN/PN		2013	2012		Pending/	2013			2012		2011			Agreements
	Pension Fund		EIN/PN		2013	2012		Implemented	2013			2012		2011

	Building Service 32BJ Pension		13-1879376		Red	Red		Implemented	$	13,755		$	14,636	$	13,840	Yes	4/20/14
			/ 001
	Fund				6/30/14	6/30/13											and

																	12/31/15

	Central Pension Fund of the		36-6052390		Green	Green		N/A*		9,663			9,176		8,339	N/A*	1/31/2014—
			/001
	IUOE & Participating				1/31/13	1/31/12											12/31/16

	Employers

	Local 25 SEIU & Participating		36-6486542		Green	Green		N/A*		7,398			7,453		7,059	N/A*	4/5/15
			/ 001
	Employers Pension Trust				9/30/12	9/30/11

	S.E.I.U. National Industry		52-6148540		Red	Red		Implemented		5,343			4,275		3,943	Yes	12/31/2014—
			/ 001
	Pension Fund				12/31/12	12/31/11											6/30/16

	IUOE Stationary Engineers		94-6118939		Green	Green		N/A*		5,226			5,342		6,972	N/A*	8/31/17
			/ 001			12/31/11
	Local 39 Pension Fund				12/31/12

	Local 68 Engineers Union		51-0176618		Green	Green		N/A*		3,249			3,426		3,435	N/A*	4/30/2014—
			/ 001
	Pension Plan				6/30/12	6/30/11											4/30/16

	Service Employees		23-6546776		Yellow	Yellow		Implemented		1,989			2,175		2,414	N/A*	10/15/15
			/ 001
	International Union Local 32BJ,				12/31/13	12/31/12

	District 36 Building Operators

	Pension Trust Fund

	IUOE Local 30 Pension Fund		51-6045848		Green	Green		N/A*		1,521			1,632		1,495	N/A*	2/28/2014—
			/ 001		12/31/12	12/31/11
																	4/30/16
	Other Plans									11,597			11,439		10,383

	Total Contributions								$	59,741		$	59,554	$	57,880



		*	Not applicable
	We were listed in the Forms 5500 of the following plans as providing more than 5 percent of total contributions for the plan years presented below.




Pension Fund		Contributions to the plan exceeded more than 5% of total contributions

		(as of the Plan’s year end)
Building Service 32BJ Pension Fund		6/30/2012 and 6/30/2011
Local 25 SEIU & Participating Employers Pension Trust		9/30/2012, 9/30/2011, and 9/30/2010
IUOE Stationary Engineers Local 39 Pension Fund		12/31/2012, 12/31/2011, and 12/31/2010
S.E.I.U. National Industry Pension Fund		12/31/12
Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, District 36		12/31/2012, 12/31/2011, and 12/31/2010

Building Operators Pension Trust Fund
IUOE Local 30 Pension Fund		12/31/2012, 12/31/2011, and 12/31/2010
Massachusetts Service Employees Pension Fund *		12/31/2012, 12/31/2011, and 12/31/2010
Building Service Pension Plan *		4/30/2012, 4/30/2011, and 4/30/2010
Local 210’s Pension Plan *		12/31/12
Contract Cleaners Service Employees’ Pension Plan *		12/31/2012, 12/31/2011, and 12/31/2010
Local 1102 Amalgamated Pension Fund *		12/31/2012 and 12/31/2011
Teamsters Local 617 Pension Fund *		2/29/2012, 2/28/2011, and 2/28/2010
* These plans are not separately listed in our multiemployer table as they represent an insignificant portion of our total multiemployer pension plan contributions.

Target Allocation and Asset Allocation	'
Summary of OneSource Pension Plan	'
	The target allocation ranges and asset allocations for the year ended October 31, 2013 were:




			Target Allocation		Percentage of Plan Assets
	Asset Category		2013		2013
	U.S. Equity		43%-63%		40%
	Fixed Income		27%-47%		27%
	International Equity		0%-20%		8%
	Cash		—%		25%
Plan Assets	'
Summary of OneSource Pension Plan	'
	The following table presents the fair value hierarchy for the assets associated with the OneSource Pension Plan measured at fair value as of October 31, 2013 and 2012. These assets and liabilities are measured as Level 1.




			October 31,
	(in thousands)		2013			2012
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,909		$	1,716
	Equity
	Large-Cap Growth			1,534			1,260
	Large-Cap Value			803			727
	Small/Mid-Cap Growth			495			334
	Small/Mid-Cap Value			184			163
	International Equity			631			558
	Equities Blend			23			53
	Fixed Income
	Long-Term Bond			750			777
	Intermediate Bond			660			503
	Short-Term Bond			552			541
	Fixed Income Blend			119			16
	Other			12			6

			$	7,672		$	6,654

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	Oct. 31, 2013
Future Minimum Lease Commitments	'
	Future minimum payments, by year and in the aggregate, under our non-cancelable operating lease agreements as of October 31, 2013, are included below. Sublease rental income was immaterial for all periods presented and is expected to be immaterial for future periods.




	(in thousands)
	October 31, 2014	$	70,268
	October 31, 2015		49,719
	October 31, 2016		32,222
	October 31, 2017		25,762
	October 31, 2018		18,917
	Thereafter		32,752

	Total minimum lease commitments	$	229,640

Rental Expense for Continuing Operations	'
	Rental expense for continuing operations for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 is included below:




	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Minimum rentals	$	103,952	$	101,475	$	101,640
	Contingent rentals		30,225		32,497		31,767

	Total	$	134,177	$	133,972	$	133,407

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Share-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	Oct. 31, 2013
Summary of Total Compensation Expense and Related Income Tax Benefit in Connection with Share-Based Compensation Plans	'
	The following table summarizes our total compensation expense and related income tax benefit in connection with our share-based compensation plans for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011. Share-based compensation expense is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.




		Years Ended October 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Share-based compensation expense before income taxes	$	13,282	$	10,236	$	9,191
	Income tax benefit		(5,512)		(4,247)		(3,805)

		$	7,770	$	5,989	$	5,386

Assumptions Used in Option Valuation Model	'
	The assumptions used in the option valuation model for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 are shown in the table below:




	2013			2012		2011
	Expected life from the date of grant		5.37 years		5.6 years		5.6 years
	Expected stock price volatility		38.80%		41.60%		39.2% – 40.4%
	Expected dividend yield		2.40%		3.00%		2.3% – 2.6%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.80%		0.80%		1.0% – 2.1%
	Weighted average fair value of option grants	$	7.52	$	5.25	$	6.52
RSU Activity	'
	RSU activity during the year ended October 31, 2013 is summarized below:




		Number of Shares		Weighted-Average
		(in thousands)		Grant Date
				Fair Value per
				Share
	Outstanding at November 1, 2012		1,231	$	19.74
	Granted		478		24.91
	Issued (including 90 shares withheld for income taxes)		-267		19.14
	Forfeited or expired		-73		19.28

	Outstanding at October 31, 2013		1,369	$	21.66

	Vested at October 31, 2013		267	$	19.14

Performance Share Activity	'
	Performance share activity during the year ended October 31, 2013 is summarized below:




		Number of Shares		Weighted-Average
		(in thousands)		Grant Date Fair
				Value per Share
	Outstanding at November 1, 2012		698	$	22.99
	Granted		479		20.46
	Issued (including 45 shares withheld for income taxes)		-115		18.97
	Change in units based on performance		-130		22.60
	Forfeited		-33		22.87

	Outstanding at October 31, 2013		899	$	22.31

	Vested at October 31, 2013		115	$	18.97

Stock options	'
Stock Option Activity	'
	Stock option activity during the year ended October 31, 2013 is summarized below:




		Number of		Weighted-		Weighted-		Aggregate
		Shares		Average		Average		Intrinsic Value (in
		(in thousands)		Exercise Price		Remaining		thousands)
				per Share		Contractual Term
						(in years)
	Outstanding at November 1, 2012		1,693	$	20.68
	Granted		234		25.30
	Forfeited or expired		-14		19.89
	Exercised		-351		19.80

	Outstanding at October 31, 2013		1,562	$	21.57		4.30	$	9,277

	Vested and exercisable at October 31, 2013		565	$	20.22		3.01	$	4,124

Age-Vested, Time-Vested, Price-Vested	'
Stock Option Activity	'
	The combined plan activity for the Prior Plans during the year ended October 31, 2013 is summarized below:




		Number of		Weighted-		Weighted-		Aggregate
		Shares		Average		Average		Intrinsic Value (in
		(in thousands)		Exercise Price		Remaining		thousands)
				per Share		Contractual
						Term (in years)
	Outstanding at November 1, 2012		1,117	$	13.80 – $19.61
	Exercised		-298		15.04 – 18.30
	Forfeited or expired		-34		15.94 – 20.12

	Outstanding at October 31, 2013		785	$	13.66 – $20.60		1.60 – 41.17	$	8,005

	Vested and exercisable at October 31, 2013		564	$	11.94 – $20.60		1.60 – 45.44	$	5,104

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Tables)	Oct. 31, 2013
Components of Income Before Income Taxes and Provision for Income Taxes	'
	The components of income before income taxes and the provision for income taxes consisted of the following for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011.


	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Current:
	Federal	$	15,331	$	9,700	$	5,539
	State		10,960		10,459		7,147
	Foreign		785		—		67
	Deferred:
	Federal		10,007		11,047		21,642
	State		2,469		(1,275)		2,585

		$	39,552	$	29,931	$	36,980

Difference Between U.S. Statutory Tax Rate and Effective Income Tax Rate	'
	The difference between the U.S. statutory tax rate and our effective income tax rate consisted of the following for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011.





		2013		2012		2011
	Tax rate reconciliation:
	Statutory rate		35.0%		35.0%		35.0%
	State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit		6.5%		6.5%		6.3%
	Federal and state tax credits		(8.6)%		(5.5)%		(5.1)%
	Impact of change in state tax rate		0.5%		1.2%		(0.4)%
	Tax liabilities no longer required		(1.4)%		(7.2)%		(4.0)%
	Nondeductible expenses and other, net		3.2%		2.3%		3.2%

	Annual tax rate		35.2%		32.3%		35.0%

Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	As of October 31, 2013 and 2012, the components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:




	(in thousands)	2013		2012

	Deferred tax assets:
	Self-insurance claims (net of recoverables)	$	114,919	$	109,516
	Deferred and other compensation		33,590		30,221
	Accounts receivable allowances		3,857		3,967
	Settlement liabilities		638		3,288
	Other accruals		2,337		2,877
	Other comprehensive income		1,394		1,862
	State taxes		696		727
	State net operating loss carryforwards		8,083		8,596
	Tax credits		6,048		7,802
	Other		1,019		3,019

			172,581		171,875
	Valuation allowance		(6,215)		(6,026)

	Total deferred tax assets		166,366		165,849

	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, plant and equipment		(5,512)		(2,767)
	Goodwill and other acquired intangibles		(126,877)		(101,801)

	Total deferred tax liabilities		(132,389)		(104,568)

	Net deferred tax assets	$	33,977	$	61,281

Changes to Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance	'
	Changes to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 were as follows:




	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Valuation allowance at the beginning of the year	$	6,026	$	5,784	$	6,290
	Acquisition of Linc		—		—		290
	Other, net		189		242		(796)

	Valuation allowance at the end of the year	$	6,215	$	6,026	$	5,784

Reconciliation of Total Unrecognized Tax Benefits	'
	The following is a reconciliation of our total unrecognized tax benefits as of October 31, 2013 and 2012:




	(in thousands)	2013		2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	88,448	$	95,956
	Additions for tax positions related to the current year		1,635		590
	Reductions for tax positions related to the current year		(589)		—
	Additions for tax positions related to prior years		631		865
	Reductions for tax positions related to prior years		(107)		(7,328)
	Reductions for expiration of statute of limitations		(1,479)		(66)
	Settlements		(929)		(1,569)

	Balance as of October 31	$	87,610	$	88,448

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa1

Segment and Geographic Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Segment and Geographic Information (Tables)	Oct. 31, 2013
Reportable Operating Segments	'
	Financial information for each reportable segment is summarized below:




		Years Ended October 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Revenues:
	Janitorial	$	2,465,312	$	2,394,344	$	2,380,195
	Facility Services		609,435		576,136		553,295
	Parking		609,082		615,132		615,679
	Security		381,472		365,926		350,377
	Building & Energy Solutions		401,536		348,279		346,086
	Other		341,516		—		—
	Corporate		928		448		1,210

		$	4,809,281	$	4,300,265	$	4,246,842

	Operating profit:
	Janitorial	$	134,600	$	135,967	$	140,621
	Facility Services		27,431		23,083		24,876
	Parking		27,537		26,189		24,257
	Security		12,943		7,835		7,968
	Building & Energy Solutions		18,662		12,340		12,423
	Other		12,606		—		—
	Corporate		(108,579)		(105,390)		(88,662)
	Adjustment for income from unconsolidated affiliates, net,		(6,175)		(3,458)		(3,915)
	included in Building & Energy Solutions		(6,175)		(3,458)		(3,915)

			119,025		96,566		117,568

	Other-than-temporary impairment credit losses on auction rate security recognized in earnings		—		(313)		—
	Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net		6,319		6,395		3,915
	Interest expense		(12,892)		(9,999)		(15,805)

	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	112,452	$	92,649	$	105,678


	Total assets: *
	Janitorial	$	883,358	$	863,831	$	859,318
	Facility Services		211,270		214,557		205,190
	Parking		141,946		153,593		149,052
	Security		112,699		111,293		111,304
	Building & Energy Solutions		296,189		232,079		246,524
	Other		236,117		—		—
	Corporate		237,657		275,406		287,909

		$	2,119,236	$	1,850,759	$	1,859,297

	* Excludes assets of discontinued operations of $0.4 million and $2.2 million as of October 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Summary of Reportable Operating Segments	'



		Years Ended October 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Depreciation and amortization:
	Janitorial	$	17,901	$	18,010	$	19,035
	Facility Services		4,371		4,933		5,247
	Parking		3,148		3,512		3,644
	Security		1,036		1,218		1,441
	Building & Energy Solutions		11,341		8,798		9,967
	Other		11,588		—		—
	Corporate		11,005		14,426		13,324

		$	60,390	$	50,897	$	52,658

	Capital expenditures:
	Janitorial	$	14,694	$	12,367	$	10,048
	Facility Services		11		23		634
	Parking		2,523		2,219		2,023
	Security		173		203		141
	Building & Energy Solutions		1,226		828		646
	Other		2,402		—		—
	Corporate		11,564		12,412		8,632

		$	32,593	$	28,052	$	22,124

Summary of Revenues by Geographic Region	'
	Revenues by geographic region are summarized below based on the country in which the sale originated. Substantially all of our long-lived assets are related to United States operations.




		Years Ended October 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Revenues:
	United States	$	4,710,821	$	4,253,793	$	4,198,937
	All other countries		98,460		46,472		47,905

		$	4,809,281	$	4,300,265	$	4,246,842

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D1

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	Oct. 31, 2013
Selected Quarterly Financial Data	'



		Fiscal Quarter
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	First		Second		Third		Fourth
	Year ended October 31, 2013
	Revenues	$	1,182,123	$	1,173,617	$	1,216,768	$	1,236,773
	Gross profit		114,244		125,404		121,002		135,202
	Net income		13,382		19,274		16,076		24,168
	Net income per common share—Basic		0.25		0.35		0.29		0.44
	Net income per common share—Diluted		0.24		0.35		0.29		0.43

	Year ended October 31, 2012
	Revenues	$	1,073,785	$	1,057,244	$	1,079,235	$	1,090,001
	Gross profit		107,365		109,328		107,607		121,585
	Net income		10,630		11,712		12,577		27,663
	Net income per common share—Basic		0.20		0.22		0.23		0.50
	Net income per common share—Diluted		0.20		0.21		0.23		0.50

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign3

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
	Customer	Customer	Customer
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'
Changes in reportable segments	'As a result of this realignment, we have separated our previous Facility Solutions segment into two new reportable segments Facility Services and Building & Energy Solutions.	'	'
Number of client accounted for more than 10% of consolidated revenues	0	0	0
Impairment loss	$0	$0	$0
Costs directly reimbursed from parking lot client	302,400,000	305,700,000	299,400,000
Advertising expense	$8,000,000	$5,900,000	$3,500,000
Minimum	'	'	'
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity method investment ownership percentage	20.00%	'	'
Maximum	'	'	'
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity method investment ownership percentage	50.00%	'	'

Segments_and_Their_Activities_

Segments and Their Activities (Detail)	12 Months Ended
Segments and Their Activities (Detail)	Oct. 31, 2013
Janitorial	'
Activities	'Provides a wide range of essential janitorial services for a variety of client facilities, including airports and other transportation centers, commercial office buildings, educational institutions, government buildings, health facilities, industrial buildings, retail stores, shopping centers, stadiums and arenas, and warehouses.
Facility Services	'
Activities	'Provides onsite mechanical engineering and technical services and solutions for facilities and infrastructure systems for a variety of client facilities, including airports and other transportation centers, commercial infrastructure, corporate office buildings, data centers, educational institutions, high technology manufacturing facilities, museums, resorts, and shopping centers.
Parking	'
Activities	'Provides parking and transportation services for clients at many facilities, including airports and other transportation centers, educational institutions, health facilities, hotels, municipalities, office buildings, retail centers, and stadiums and arenas.
Security	'
Activities	'Provides security services for clients in a wide range of facilities, including Class "A" high rise, commercial, health, industrial, petro-chemical, residential, and retail facilities. Security services include staffing of security officers, mobile patrol services, investigative services, electronic monitoring of fire and life safety systems and access control devices, and security consulting services.
Building & Energy Solutions	'
Activities	'Provides heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, electrical, lighting and other general maintenance and repair services. These services include preventative maintenance, retro-commissioning, installations, retrofits and upgrades, environmental services, systems start-ups, performance testing, energy audits, and bundled energy solutions for a wide variety of clients in both the private and public sectors. This segment also provides support to U.S. Government entities for specialty service solutions, such as military base operations, leadership development, education and training, energy efficiency management, medical support services, and construction management. This segment also includes our franchised operations under the Linc Network, TEGG, and CurrentSAFE brands, which provide mechanical and electrical preventive and predictive maintenance solutions. Our GreenHomes America brand provides home energy efficiency solutions. The operations of the recently acquired HHA Services, Inc. ("HHA") business, and the acquisition of certain assets and liabilities of Calvert-Jones Company, Inc. ("Calvert-Jones"), and BEST Infrared Services, Inc. ("BEST") are also included within this segment.
Other	'
Activities	'Air Serv provides facility solutions services to clients in our aviation vertical related to passenger assistance, including wheelchair operations, aircraft cabin cleaning, janitorial services, shuttle bus operations, and access control, among others. Air Serv also includes certain assets and certain liabilities of Blackjack Promotions Limited ("Blackjack"), which was acquired on August 1, 2013.

Estimated_Useful_Lives_of_Prop

Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Computer equipment and software \| Minimum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	'3 years
Computer equipment and software \| Maximum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	'5 years
Machinery and other equipment \| Minimum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	'3 years
Machinery and other equipment \| Maximum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	'5 years
Buildings \| Minimum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	'25 years
Buildings \| Maximum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	'40 years
Furnitures and fixtures	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	'5 years
Transportation equipment \| Minimum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	'1 year 6 months
Transportation equipment \| Maximum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	'10 years

Calculations_of_Basic_and_Dilu

Calculations of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$72,900	$62,718	$68,698
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-136	-194
Net income	$24,168	$16,076	$19,274	$13,382	$27,663	$12,577	$11,712	$10,630	$72,900	$62,582	$68,504
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding-Basic	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	54,877	53,987	53,121
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding-Diluted	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	56,067	54,914	54,103
Net income per common share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.44	$0.29	$0.35	$0.25	$0.50	$0.23	$0.22	$0.20	$1.33	$1.16	$1.29
Diluted	$0.43	$0.29	$0.35	$0.24	$0.50	$0.23	$0.21	$0.20	$1.30	$1.14	$1.27
RSUs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Effect of dilutive securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	473	369	293
Performance shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Effect of dilutive securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	403	281	221
Stock options	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Effect of dilutive securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	314	277	468

Antidilutive_Securities_Exclud

Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share (Detail)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Stock options	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	765	1,317	879
RSUs	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	13	90	60
Performance shares	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	19	'	17

Acquisitions_Additional_Inform

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

Oct. 31, 2013

Dec. 01, 2010

Nov. 30, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Nov. 01, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

31-May-12

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Dec. 01, 2010

Oct. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2013

Customer Contracts

Trademarks

Air Serv

HHA

Calvert-Jones

Blackjack

BEST

TEGG

The Linc Group LLC

Other Identifiable Intangibles

Subsequent Event

Other Identifiable Intangibles

Customer Contracts And Relationships

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business acquisition aggregate purchase price

$162,881,000

$33,680,000

$6,055,000

$5,286,000

$4,642,000

$5,500,000

$298,700,000

Business acquisition working capital adjustment

-4,100,000

600,000

200,000

100,000

Business acquisition indemnification hold back amount

11,900,000

1,400,000

Revenues from acquired business

336,200,000

53,500,000

18,400,000

5,300,000

1,100,000

3,900,000

512,900,000

Operating profit from acquired business

12,400,000

1,400,000

1,000,000

200,000

11,100,000

Business Acquisition, cost of acquired entity, cash paid

162,881,000

33,680,000

6,055,000

5,286,000

2,600,000

5,667,000

298,720,000

Business acquisition indemnification hold back amount

400,000

Business acquisition, cost of acquired entity, contingent consideration

1,642,000

Deferred consideration estimate value, high

2,000,000

Fair value of accounts receivables acquired

53,100,000

3,200,000

1,400,000

4,400,000

1,500,000

Uncollectable receivable amount

400,000

Life to date business acquisition entity transaction cost

1,500,000

Direct acquisition cost

500,000

200,000

5,200,000

Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets

'14 years

'4 years

'14 years

'13 years

'12 years

'11 years

'9 years

'14 years

Goodwill expected to be deductible for income tax purposes

$18,400,000

$2,000,000

$144,100,000

Final_Purchase_Price_and_Relat

Final Purchase Price and Related Allocations (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Nov. 30, 2012		Nov. 30, 2012		Nov. 30, 2012		Aug. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		31-May-12	Dec. 01, 2010	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Air Serv		HHA		Calvert-Jones		Blackjack		BEST		TEGG	The Linc Group LLC	Total
Purchase price:	'	'	'	'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Cash consideration	'	'	'	$162,881		$33,680		$6,055		$5,286		$2,600		$5,667	$298,720	$210,502
Fair value of contingent consideration liability	'	'	'	'		'		'		'		1,642		'	'	1,642
Holdback liability	'	'	'	'		'		'		'		400		'	'	400
Total consideration	'	'	'	162,881		33,680		6,055		5,286		4,642		5,500	298,700	212,544
Allocated to:	'	'	'	'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Other current and noncurrent assets	'	'	'	68,915		5,403		1,750		4,635		1,565		3,408	139,720	82,268
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'	16,658		123		49		261		490		'	9,462	17,581
Other intangible assets	'	'	'	44,610		15,000		2,600		870		1,430		2,200	87,000	64,510
Goodwill	872,396	751,610	750,872	89,271	[1]	23,796	[1]	4,021	[1]	1,968	[1]	1,607	[1]	1,988	154,487	120,663	[1]
Total assets acquired	'	'	'	219,454		44,322		8,420		7,734		5,092		7,596	390,669	285,022
Liabilities assumed	'	'	'	-56,573		-10,642		-2,365		-2,448		-450		-1,929	-91,949	-72,478
Net assets acquired	'	'	'	$162,881		$33,680		$6,055		$5,286		$4,642		$5,667	$298,720	$212,544

[1]	The total amount of goodwill that is deductible for tax purposes is $18.4 million.

Final_Purchase_Price_and_Relat1

Final Purchase Price and Related Allocations (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Goodwill, deductible for tax purposes	$18.40

Weightedaverage_Useful_Lives_o

Weighted-average Useful Lives of Acquired Other Intangible Assets (Detail) (Other Identifiable Intangibles, Customer Contracts And Relationships)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Air Serv	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets	'14 years
HHA	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets	'13 years
Calvert-Jones	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets	'12 years
Blackjack	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets	'11 years
BEST	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets	'9 years

Unaudited_Pro_Forma_Financial_

Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2010
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]	'
Revenues	$4,062,610
Operating profit	111,788
Net income	$62,109
Net income per common share	'
Basic	$1.19
Diluted	$1.17

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012		Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012		Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan	$5,359	[1]	$5,029	[1]	'	'
Investments in auction rate securities	12,994	[2]	17,780	[2]	'	'
Interest rate swaps	4	[3]	'		'	'
Total carrying amounts of Financial Assets	18,357		22,809		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	32,639	[4]	43,459	[4]	26,467	39,446
Insurance deposits	28,466	[5]	31,720	[5]	'	'
Total Financial Assets	79,462		97,988		'	'
Interest rate swap	154	[3]	214	[3]	'	'
Contingent consideration liability	1,642	[6]	'		'	'
Total carrying amounts of Financial Liabilities	1,796		214		'	'
Line of credit	314,870	[7]	215,000	[7]	'	'
Total Financial Liabilities	316,666		215,214		'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis	'		'		'	'
Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Total Fair Value of Financial Assets	18,357		22,809		'	'
Total Fair Value of Other Financial Assets	79,462		97,988		'	'
Total Fair Value of Other Financial Liabilities	1,796		214		'	'
Total Fair Value of Financial Liabilities	316,666		215,214		'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1	'		'		'	'
Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan	5,359	[1]	5,029	[1]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	32,639	[4]	43,459	[4]	'	'
Insurance deposits	28,466	[5]	31,720	[5]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3	'		'		'	'
Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Investments in auction rate securities	12,994	[2]	17,780	[2]	'	'
Contingent consideration liability	1,642	[6]	'		'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2	'		'		'	'
Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Interest rate swaps	4	[3]	'		'	'
Interest rate swap	154	[3]	214	[3]	'	'
Line of credit	$314,870	[7]	$215,000	[7]	'	'

[1]	Represents investments held in a Rabbi Trust associated with our OneSource Deferred Compensation Plan, which we include in "Other assets" on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the assets held in the funded deferred compensation plan is based on quoted market prices. See Note 11, "Employee Benefit Plans," for more information.
[2]	For investments in auction rate securities, the fair values were based on discounted cash flow valuation models, primarily utilizing unobservable inputs. See Note 6, "Auction Rate Securities," for the roll-forwards of assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable Level 3 inputs and the sensitivity analysis of significant inputs.
[3]	Includes derivatives designated as hedging instruments. The fair values of the interest rate swaps are estimated based on the present value of the difference between expected cash flows calculated at the contracted interest rates and the expected cash flows at current market interest rates using observable benchmarks for LIBOR forward rates at the end of the period. The fair value of the interest rate swap asset and liabilities were included in "Other investments and long-term receivables" and "Retirement plans and other," respectively, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. See Note 10, "Line of Credit," for more information.
[4]	Cash and cash equivalents are stated at nominal value, which equals fair value.
[5]	Represents restricted insurance deposits that are used to collateralize our self-insurance obligations and are stated at nominal value, which equals fair value. These insurance deposits relate to the OneSource Services Inc. ("OneSource") acquisition.
[6]	Our contingent consideration liability was incurred in connection with the acquisition of BEST. The contingent consideration liability is measured at fair value and is included in "Retirement plans and other" on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The fair value is based on a pre-defined forecasted adjusted income from operations for BEST using a probability weighted income approach and discounted using a proxy of our fixed borrowing rate. See Note 4, "Acquisitions," for further information.
[7]	Represents outstanding borrowings under our $650.0 million five-year syndicated line of credit. Due to variable interest rates, the carrying value of outstanding borrowings under our line of credit approximates the fair value. See Note 10, "Line of Credit," for more information.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2010
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2010
Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'
Syndicated line of credit, maximum capacity	$650

Auction_Rate_Securities_Additi

Auction Rate Securities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of different issuers the Company held investments in for auction rate securities	3	4	'
Investments in auction rate securities, amortized cost basis	$13,000,000	$18,000,000	'
Auction rate securities, redeemed	5,000,000	'	'
Investments in auction rate securities, original principal amount	15,000,000	20,000,000	'
Gain or loss recognized upon redemption	0	'	'
Interest rate revising interval	'30 days	'	'
Auction rate securities, earliest maturity period	'2033	'	'
Auction rate securities, latest maturity period	'2050	'	'
Unrealized losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax	0	200,000	'
Unrealized losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	'	100,000	'
Auction rate securities	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Auction rate security, at fair value, that was not in unrealized loss position	'	10,000,000	'
Auction rate securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than twelve months, fair value	'	7,800,000	'
Other-than-temporary credit loss recognized in earnings	0	300,000	0
Auction rate securities \| Retained Earnings	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total amount of other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) credit loss recognized	$2,000,000	$2,000,000	'

Significant_Assumptions_Used_t

Significant Assumptions Used to Determine Fair Value of Auction Rate Securities (Detail)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Yields	2.15%	2.15%
Libor plus stated yield	2.00%	2.00%
Minimum	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Libor plus the stated discount rate	0.33%	1.37%
Average expected lives	4	4
Maximum	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Libor plus the stated discount rate	3.01%	6.86%
Libor plus stated yield	'	3.50%
Average expected lives	10	10

Changes_in_Cost_Basis_and_Fair

Changes in Cost Basis and Fair Value of Auction Rate Securities (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012		Oct. 31, 2011
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Balance at beginning of year	$17,780	[1]	'		'
Unrealized gains recorded in AOCL	-214		-2,110		-499
Redemption of security by issuer	-5,000		'		'
Balance at ending of year	12,994	[1]	17,780	[1]	'
Auction rate securities	'		'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other-than-temporary credit loss recognized in earnings	0		-300		0
Cost Basis \| Auction rate securities	'		'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Balance at beginning of year	17,994		18,307		'
Unrealized gains recorded in AOCL	'		'		'
Redemption of security by issuer	-5,000		'		'
Other-than-temporary credit loss recognized in earnings	'		-313		'
Balance at ending of year	12,994		17,994		'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 \| Auction rate securities	'		'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Balance at beginning of year	17,780		15,670		'
Unrealized gains recorded in AOCL	214		2,110		'
Redemption of security by issuer	-5,000		'		'
Other-than-temporary credit loss recognized in earnings	'		'		'
Balance at ending of year	$12,994		$17,780		'

[1]	For investments in auction rate securities, the fair values were based on discounted cash flow valuation models, primarily utilizing unobservable inputs. See Note 6, "Auction Rate Securities," for the roll-forwards of assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable Level 3 inputs and the sensitivity analysis of significant inputs.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Computer equipment and software	$83,853	$73,309
Machinery and other equipment	60,949	49,236
Leasehold improvements	23,244	20,266
Buildings	11,697	12,046
Furniture and fixtures	9,844	8,355
Transportation equipment	13,639	2,907
Land	1,507	1,561
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	204,733	167,680
Less: Accumulated depreciation	127,492	107,771
Total	$77,241	$59,909

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_A

Property, Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation expense	$31.80	$29.40	$29.40

Changes_in_Carrying_Amounts_of

Changes in Carrying Amounts of Goodwill by Segment (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Janitorial

ABM Facility Services

Parking

Security

Building & Energy Solutions

Other

Goodwill [Line Items]

Beginning Balance

$751,610

$750,872

$469,679

$469,231

$72,648

[1]

$72,648

[1]

$72,648

[1]

$69,168

$49,938

$90,177

[1]

$89,887

[1]

Acquisitions

120,714

[2]

1,937

[2]

29,475

[1],[2]

1,937

[1],[2]

91,239

[2]

Other

-1,199

448

-1,647

[1]

Foreign Currency Translation

-39

111

Ending Balance

$872,396

$751,610

$469,640

$469,679

$72,648

[1]

$72,648

[1]

$72,648

[1]

$69,168

$49,938

$119,652

[1]

$90,177

[1]

$91,350

[1]

In connection with the realignment of our organizational structure during 2013, we reallocated our goodwill balances related to the previous Facility Solutions segment to the Facility Services and Building & Energy Solutions segments using the relative fair value approach as of the date of realignment, November 1, 2012.

[2]

Goodwill related to acquisitions is discussed in Note 4, "Acquisitions."

Other_Intangible_Assets_Net_De

Other Intangible Assets, Net (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	$259,862	$203,623
Accumulated Amortization	-115,461	-94,485
Total	144,401	109,138
Customer contracts and relationships	'	'
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	253,810	200,377
Accumulated Amortization	-112,095	-92,605
Total	141,715	107,772
Trademarks and trade names	'	'
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	4,220	1,500
Accumulated Amortization	-2,204	-678
Total	2,016	822
Contract rights and other	'	'
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	1,832	1,746
Accumulated Amortization	-1,162	-1,202
Total	$670	$544

Estimated_Annual_Amortization_

Estimated Annual Amortization Expense (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013
Amortization Expense [Line Items]	'
Estimated Amortization Expense 2014	$26,781
Estimated Amortization Expense 2015	22,590
Estimated Amortization Expense 2016	19,739
Estimated Amortization Expense 2017	17,096
Estimated Amortization Expense 2018	14,480
Total Estimated Amortization Expense	$100,686

Insurance_Additional_Informati

Insurance - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Insurance - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Schedule of Other Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Self insurance retention amount per-claim	$1,000,000	'	'
Commercial insurance policies coverage	200,000,000	'	'
Insurance claim reserves	358,000,000	343,800,000	'
Insurance recoverables	68,700,000	64,500,000	'
Self-insurance reserve adjustments	3,909,000	1,688,000	-11,950,000
Corporate segment	'	'	'
Schedule of Other Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Self-insurance reserve adjustments	10,600,000	7,300,000	2,100,000
Minimum	'	'	'
Schedule of Other Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Insurance deductibles per occurrence	1,000,000	'	'
Maximum	'	'	'
Schedule of Other Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Insurance deductibles per occurrence	5,000,000	'	'
Medical and Dental Self Insurance Program	'	'	'
Schedule of Other Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Insurance claim reserves	7,000,000	13,000,000	'
Medical and Dental Self Insurance Program \| Maximum	'	'	'
Schedule of Other Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Self insurance retention amount per-claim	400,000	'	'
OneSource Services Inc	'	'	'
Schedule of Other Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Commercial insurance policies coverage	$75,000,000	'	'

Standby_Letters_of_Credit_Sure

Standby Letters of Credit, Surety Bonds and Restricted Insurance Deposits Outstanding to Collateralize Self-Insurance Obligations (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012
Letters Of Credit [Line Items]	'		'
Surety bonds	$332,500		'
Restricted insurance deposits	-28,466	[1]	-31,720	[1]
Self Insurance Programs	'		'
Letters Of Credit [Line Items]	'		'
Standby letters of credit	97,650		104,968
Surety bonds	40,538		34,933
Restricted insurance deposits	28,466		31,720
Total	$166,654		$171,621

[1]	Represents restricted insurance deposits that are used to collateralize our self-insurance obligations and are stated at nominal value, which equals fair value. These insurance deposits relate to the OneSource Services Inc. ("OneSource") acquisition.

Line_of_Credit_Additional_Info

Line of Credit - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 2010

Oct. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2010

Oct. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2010

Oct. 31, 2011

Nov. 30, 2010

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Standby Letters of Credit

Swing Line Loan

Unrealized Loss On Derivatives

Second Amendment

Forward starting swaps

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

Interest Rate Swap

Minimum

Maximum

Federal Funds Rate

One Month Eurodollar Rate

Base Rate

Eurodollar

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Terminated existing line of credit borrowing capacity

$450

Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity

650

300

Syndicated line of credit facility, expiration date

8-Sep-16

Syndicated line of credit, optional maximum capacity at any time prior to the expiration (subject to receipt of commitments for the increased amount from existing and new lenders)

850

Variable rate

0.50%

1.00%

0.00%

0.75%

1.00%

1.75%

Percentage of commitment fee on the unused portion of the Facility

0.23%

0.30%

Line of credit, interest rate terms

'Borrowings under the Facility bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at our option, either a (i) eurodollar rate (generally LIBOR) or (ii) base rate determined by reference to the highest of (1) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (2) the prime rate announced by Bank of America, N.A. from time to time, and (3) the eurodollar rate plus 1.00%. The applicable margin is a percentage per annum varying from zero to 0.75% for base rate loans and 1.00% to 1.75% for eurodollar loans, based upon our leverage ratio. We also pay a commitment fee, based on the leverage ratio, payable quarterly in arrears, ranging from 0.225% to 0.300% on the average daily unused portion of the Facility. For purposes of this calculation, irrevocable standby letters of credit, issued primarily in conjunction with our self-insurance program, and cash borrowings are included as outstanding under the Facility.

Description of covenants under the Facility

'The Credit Agreement contains certain leverage and liquidity covenants that require us to maintain a maximum leverage ratio of 3.25 to 1.0 at the end of each fiscal quarter, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.50 to 1.0 at any time, and a consolidated net worth in an amount not less than the sum of (i) $570.0 million, (ii) 50% of our consolidated net income (with no deduction for net loss), and (iii) 100% of our aggregate increases in stockholderbs equity, beginning on November 30, 2010, each as further described in the Credit Agreement, as amended. We were in compliance with all covenants as of October 31, 2013.

Covenants maximum leverage ratio

3.25

Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio

1.5

Consolidated net worth

570

Consolidated net income earned

50.00%

Aggregate increases in stockholders' equity

100.00%

Line of credit, amount outstanding

314.9

215

Standby letters of credit under the credit facility

100.6

105

Line of credit, borrowing capacity currently available

234.5

330

Derivative, effective date

24-Feb-11

18-Mar-13

11-Apr-13

Description of derivative agreement

'We entered into a three-year forward starting interest rate swap agreement with an effective start date of February 24, 2011 and an underlying notional amount of $25.0 million, pursuant to which we receive variable interest payments based on LIBOR and pay fixed interest at a rate of 0.89%. This interest rate swap will mature on February 24, 2014 and is structured to hedge the interest rate risk associated with our floating-rate, LIBOR-based borrowings under our Facility.

'During the year ended October 31, 2013, we entered into a series of interest rate swap agreements with effective start dates of March 18, 2013 and April 11, 2013 totaling an underlying aggregate notional amount of $155.0 million, pursuant to which we receive variable interest payments based on LIBOR and pay fixed interest at rates ranging from 0.44% to 0.47%. These interest rate swaps will mature between March 18, 2016 and April 11, 2016 and are structured to hedge the interest rate risk associated with our floating-rate, LIBOR-based borrowings under our Facility.

Notional amount

155

Derivative, fixed interest rate

0.89%

0.44%

0.47%

Derivative, maturity date

24-Feb-14

18-Mar-16

11-Apr-16

Derivative agreement date

19-Oct-10

Interest rate swap agreement period

'3 years

Fair value of interest rate swaps, liabilities

0.2

Effective portion of cash flow hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax

0.1

0.2

Effective portion of cash flow hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

0.1

Unrealized net losses related to the interest rate swap contract

$0.10

Interest_Rate_Swap_Contracts_o

Interest Rate Swap Contracts on Financial Statements (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Interest Rate Swap	'	'
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]	'	'
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCL on derivative	$381	$125
Interest Expense	'	'
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]	'	'
Amount of loss reclassified from AOCL into income	$445	$164

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Additio

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2008	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Compensation Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net actuarial losses	'	$100,000	'	'
Defined benefit plan expected rate of return on plan assets, description	'	'We have analyzed the expected rates of return on assets and determined that an estimated long-term rate of return of 6.0% is reasonable based on (1) the current and expected asset allocations; (2) the plan's historical investment performance; and (3) best estimates for future investment performance.	'	'
Defined benefit plan expected rate of return on plan assets	'	6.00%	'	'
Expected contributions for the next fiscal year	'	900,000	'	'
Rabbi Trust	'	'	'	'
Compensation Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Fair value of the assets held in the Rabbi Trust	'	5,400,000	5,000,000	'
OneSource Services Inc \| Cash	'	'	'	'
Compensation Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investments of plan assets	'	25.00%	'	'
Minimum	'	'	'	'
Compensation Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Green Zone Multiemployer Plan Funded Percentage	'	80.00%	80.00%	'
Maximum	'	'	'	'
Compensation Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Red Zone Multiemployer Plans Funded Percentage	'	65.00%	65.00%	'
Yellow Zone Multiemployer Plans Funded Percentage	'	80.00%	80.00%	'
Defined Contribution Pension Plan 401k	'	'	'	'
Compensation Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Contributions paid for plans	'	8,000,000	7,900,000	8,300,000
Number of 401(k) savings plans	'	6	'	'
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans	'	'	'	'
Compensation Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Contributions paid for plans	'	204,700,000	193,100,000	177,000,000
Equity Securities	'	'	'	'
Compensation Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investments of plan assets	'	40.00%	'	'
Equity Securities \| OneSource Services Inc	'	'	'	'
Compensation Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investments of plan assets	'	48.00%	'	'
Debt Securities	'	'	'	'
Compensation Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investments of plan assets	'	27.00%	'	'
Debt Securities \| OneSource Services Inc	'	'	'	'
Compensation Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investments of plan assets	'	27.00%	'	'
Employee Deferred Compensation Plan	'	'	'	'
Compensation Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Minimum required annual base salary to qualify under employee deferred compensation plan	'	140,000	'	'
Average rate of interest earned	'	3.08%	3.01%	3.25%
Employee Deferred Compensation Plan \| Minimum	'	'	'	'
Compensation Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of deferred pre-tax compensation	'	1.00%	'	'
Employee Deferred Compensation Plan \| Maximum	'	'	'	'
Compensation Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of deferred pre-tax compensation	'	50.00%	'	'
Director Deferred Compensation Plan	'	'	'	'
Compensation Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Average rate of interest earned	'	3.08%	3.01%	3.25%
Director Deferred Compensation Plan, interest rate terms	'	'If the prime rate exceeds 6%, the interest rate is equal to 6% plus one half of the excess over 6%. Interest earned under both deferred compensation plans is capped at 120% of the long-term applicable federal rate as discussed in the plans.	'	'
Deferred Compensation Plan \| OneSource Services Inc	'	'	'	'
Compensation Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Company contributions to participant deferred compensation	50.00%	'	'	'
Participant's compensation for the contribution allocation period	5.00%	'	'	'
Aggregate expense recognized under deferred compensation plans	'	400,000	400,000	400,000
Total long-term liability of all deferred compensation plans	'	17,000,000	16,400,000	'
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan	'	'	'	'
Compensation Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of years that the retirement benefit plan provide a monthly payment	'	'10 years	'	'
Death Benefit Plan	'	'	'	'
Compensation Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Death benefit that the employee entitled to prior to retirement	'	$150,000	'	'
Death benefit plan coverage percentage	'	50.00%	'	'

Significant_Components_of_Bene

Significant Components of Benefit Obligation and Net Obligation Recognized in Financial Statements (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012		Oct. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plans	'		'		'
Change in benefit obligation	'		'		'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$12,714		$12,075		'
Service cost	'		48		46
Interest cost	399		495		569
Actuarial losses (gains)	181		1,233		'
Benefits and expenses paid	-1,056	[1]	-1,137	[1]	'
Benefit obligation at end of year	12,238		12,714		12,075
Change in plan assets	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	6,654	[1]	5,917	[1]	'
Actual return on plan assets	758	[1]	384	[1]	'
Employer contributions	1,316	[1]	1,490	[1]	'
Benefits and expenses paid	-1,056	[1]	-1,137	[1]	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	7,672	[1]	6,654	[1]	5,917	[1]
Unfunded status at end of year	-4,566		-6,060		'
Current liabilities	-791		-1,288		'
Non-current liabilities	-3,775		-4,772		'
Net obligation	-4,566		-6,060		'
Net obligation recognized in Balance Sheet	-4,566		-6,060		'
Defined Benefit Plans \| Retained Earnings	'		'		'
Change in plan assets	'		'		'
Net obligation recognized in Balance Sheet	-1,385		-2,535		'
Defined Benefit Plans \| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'		'		'
Change in plan assets	'		'		'
Net obligation recognized in Balance Sheet	-3,181		-3,525		'
Postretirement Benefit Plans	'		'		'
Change in benefit obligation	'		'		'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	5,836		5,595		'
Service cost	13		12		13
Interest cost	203		246		256
Actuarial losses (gains)	-508		322		'
Benefits and expenses paid	-129	[1]	-339	[1]	'
Benefit obligation at end of year	5,415		5,836		5,595
Change in plan assets	'		'		'
Employer contributions	129	[1]	339	[1]	'
Benefits and expenses paid	-129	[1]	-339	[1]	'
Unfunded status at end of year	-5,415		-5,836		'
Current liabilities	-435		-250		'
Non-current liabilities	-4,980		-5,586		'
Net obligation	-5,415		-5,836		'
Net obligation recognized in Balance Sheet	-5,415		-5,836		'
Postretirement Benefit Plans \| Retained Earnings	'		'		'
Change in plan assets	'		'		'
Net obligation recognized in Balance Sheet	-5,350		-5,232		'
Postretirement Benefit Plans \| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'		'		'
Change in plan assets	'		'		'
Net obligation recognized in Balance Sheet	($65)		($604)		'

[1]	Amounts relate to the OneSource Pension Plan, which is the only defined benefit pension plan funded by us.

Components_of_Net_Periodic_Ben

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost of Defined Benefit Plans and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plans	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service cost	'	$48	$46
Interest	399	495	569
Expected return on assets	-410	-486	-373
Amortization of actuarial loss	134	97	114
Settlement loss recognized	43	107	126
Net expense	166	261	482
Postretirement Benefit Plans	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service cost	13	12	13
Interest	203	246	256
Amortization of actuarial loss	4	'	'
Settlement loss recognized	27	'	'
Net expense	$247	$258	$269

Weighted_Average_Assumptions_U

Weighted Average Assumptions Used To Determine Benefit Obligations And Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012		Oct. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plans	'		'		'
Assumptions to measure net periodic benefit cost	'		'		'
Rate of compensation increase	3.50%	[1],[2]	3.50%	[1],[2]	3.50%	[1],[2]
Rate of return on plan assets	6.00%	[1],[3]	6.00%	[1],[3]	8.00%	[1],[3]
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations	'		'		'
Rate of compensation increase	3.50%	[1],[2]	3.50%	[1],[2]	3.50%	[1],[2]
Defined Benefit Plans \| Minimum	'		'		'
Assumptions to measure net periodic benefit cost	'		'		'
Discount rate	2.84%	[1]	4.12%	[1]	4.50%	[1]
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations	'		'		'
Discount rate	3.58%	[2]	2.84%	[2]	4.12%	[2]
Defined Benefit Plans \| Maximum	'		'		'
Assumptions to measure net periodic benefit cost	'		'		'
Discount rate	3.50%	[1]	4.51%	[1]	4.98%	[1]
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations	'		'		'
Discount rate	4.28%	[2]	3.50%	[2]	4.51%	[2]
Postretirement Benefit Plans	'		'		'
Assumptions to measure net periodic benefit cost	'		'		'
Rate of compensation increase	3.50%	[1],[2]	3.50%	[1],[2]	3.50%	[1],[2]
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations	'		'		'
Rate of compensation increase	3.50%	[1],[2]	3.50%	[1],[2]	3.50%	[1],[2]
Postretirement Benefit Plans \| Minimum	'		'		'
Assumptions to measure net periodic benefit cost	'		'		'
Discount rate	3.15%	[1]	4.04%	[1]	4.31%	[1]
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations	'		'		'
Discount rate	4.13%	[2]	3.15%	[2]	4.04%	[2]
Postretirement Benefit Plans \| Maximum	'		'		'
Assumptions to measure net periodic benefit cost	'		'		'
Discount rate	3.58%	[1]	4.56%	[1]	5.02%	[1]
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations	'		'		'
Discount rate	4.43%	[2]	3.58%	[2]	4.56%	[2]

[1]	Determined as of beginning of year
[2]	Determined as of end of year
[3]	Relates to the OneSource Pension Plan

Summary_of_Assumed_Health_Care

Summary of Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates Relating to OneSource PRM Plan (Detail) (Postretirement Benefit Plans, OneSource Services Inc)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Postretirement Benefit Plans \| OneSource Services Inc	'	'	'
Health Care Cost Trend Rates Assumptions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Health care trend rate assumed for next year	7.40%	7.60%	7.80%
Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Year the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	'2029	'2029	'2029

Expected_Future_Benefit_Paymen

Expected Future Benefit Payments (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
2014	$1,386
2015	988
2016	787
2017	770
2018	788
2019 through 2023	4,079
Postretirement Benefit Plans	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
2014	435
2015	248
2016	265
2017	282
2018	297
2019 through 2023	$1,696

Target_Allocation_Ranges_And_A

Target Allocation Ranges And Asset Allocations (Detail)	12 Months Ended
Target Allocation Ranges And Asset Allocations (Detail)	Oct. 31, 2013
Equity Securities	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
Target Allocation Equity, minimum	43.00%
Target Allocation Equity, maximum	63.00%
Target Allocation Equity	40.00%
Debt Securities	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
Target Allocation Equity, minimum	27.00%
Target Allocation Equity, maximum	47.00%
Target Allocation Equity	27.00%
International Equity	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
Target Allocation Equity, minimum	0.00%
Target Allocation Equity, maximum	20.00%
Target Allocation Equity	8.00%
Cash	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
Target Allocation Equity	25.00%

Assets_Associated_with_OneSour

Assets Associated with OneSource Pension Plan Measured at Fair Value (Detail) (Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	$7,672	$6,654
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	1,909	1,716
Equity Securities \| Large-Cap Growth	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	1,534	1,260
Equity Securities \| Large-Cap Value	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	803	727
Equity Securities \| Small/Mid-Cap Growth	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	495	334
Equity Securities \| Small/Mid-Cap Value	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	184	163
Equity Securities \| International Equity	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	631	558
Equity Securities \| Us Blended Equity	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	23	53
Debt Securities \| Us Blended Equity	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	119	16
Debt Securities \| Long-Term Bond	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	750	777
Debt Securities \| Intermediate Bond	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	660	503
Debt Securities \| Short-Term Bond	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	552	541
Other securities	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	$12	$6

Multiemployer_Defined_Benefit_

Multiemployer Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'		'	'
Contributions by the Company	$59,741		$59,554	$57,880
Building Service 32BJ Pension Fund	'		'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'		'	'
EIN/PN	'13-1879376 / 001		'	'
Pension Protection Act Zone Status	'Red		'Red	'
Pension Protection Act Zone Status Date	30-Jun-14		30-Jun-13	'
FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented	'Implemented		'	'
Surcharge Imposed	'Yes		'	'
Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements, First	20-Apr-14		'	'
Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements, Last	31-Dec-15		'	'
Contributions by the Company	13,755		14,636	13,840
Central pension fund of the IUOE & Participating employers	'		'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'		'	'
EIN/PN	'36-6052390 /001		'	'
Pension Protection Act Zone Status	'Green		'Green	'
Pension Protection Act Zone Status Date	31-Jan-12		31-Jan-13	'
FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented	'NA	[1]	'	'
Surcharge Imposed	'NA	[1]	'	'
Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements, First	31-Jan-14		'	'
Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements, Last	31-Dec-16		'	'
Contributions by the Company	9,663		9,176	8,339
Local 25 SEIU & Participating Employers Pension Trust	'		'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'		'	'
EIN/PN	'36-6486542 / 001		'	'
Pension Protection Act Zone Status	'Green		'Green	'
Pension Protection Act Zone Status Date	30-Sep-12		30-Sep-11	'
FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented	'NA	[1]	'	'
Surcharge Imposed	'NA	[1]	'	'
Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements	5-Apr-15		'	'
Contributions by the Company	7,398		7,453	7,059
S.E.I.U National Industry Pension Fund	'		'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'		'	'
EIN/PN	'52-6148540 / 001		'	'
Pension Protection Act Zone Status	'Red		'Red	'
Pension Protection Act Zone Status Date	31-Dec-12		31-Dec-11	'
FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented	'Implemented		'	'
Surcharge Imposed	'Yes		'	'
Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements, First	31-Dec-14		'	'
Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements, Last	30-Jun-16		'	'
Contributions by the Company	5,343		4,275	3,943
IUOE Stationary Engineers Local 39 Pension Fund	'		'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'		'	'
EIN/PN	'94-6118939 / 001		'	'
Pension Protection Act Zone Status	'Green		'Green	'
Pension Protection Act Zone Status Date	31-Dec-12		31-Dec-11	'
FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented	'NA	[1]	'	'
Surcharge Imposed	'NA	[1]	'	'
Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements	31-Aug-17		'	'
Contributions by the Company	5,226		5,342	6,972
Local Sixty Eight Engineers Union Pension Plan	'		'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'		'	'
EIN/PN	'51-0176618 / 001		'	'
Pension Protection Act Zone Status	'Green		'Green	'
Pension Protection Act Zone Status Date	30-Jun-12		30-Jun-11	'
FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented	'NA	[1]	'	'
Surcharge Imposed	'NA	[1]	'	'
Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements, First	30-Apr-14		'	'
Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements, Last	30-Apr-16		'	'
Contributions by the Company	3,249		3,426	3,435
Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, District 36 Building Operators Pension Trust Fund	'		'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'		'	'
EIN/PN	'23-6546776 / 001		'	'
Pension Protection Act Zone Status	'Yellow		'Yellow	'
Pension Protection Act Zone Status Date	31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12	'
FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented	'Implemented		'	'
Surcharge Imposed	'NA	[1]	'	'
Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements	15-Oct-15		'	'
Contributions by the Company	1,989		2,175	2,414
IUOE Local 30 Pension Fund	'		'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'		'	'
EIN/PN	'51-6045848 / 001		'	'
Pension Protection Act Zone Status	'Green		'Green	'
Pension Protection Act Zone Status Date	31-Dec-12		31-Dec-11	'
FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented	'NA	[1]	'	'
Surcharge Imposed	'NA	[1]	'	'
Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements, First	28-Feb-14		'	'
Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements, Last	30-Apr-16		'	'
Contributions by the Company	1,521		1,632	1,495
Other Plans	'		'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'		'	'
Contributions by the Company	$11,597		$11,439	$10,383

[1]	Not Applicable

Multiemployer_Defined_Benefit_1

Multiemployer Defined Benefit Pension Plans Year End for Contributions (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Building Service 32BJ Pension Fund	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Contributions to the plan exceeded more than 5% of total contributions (as of the Plan's year end)	'6/30/2012 and 6/30/2011
Local 25 SEIU & Participating Employers Pension Trust	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Contributions to the plan exceeded more than 5% of total contributions (as of the Plan's year end)	'9/30/2012, 9/30/2011, and 9/30/2010
IUOE Stationary Engineers Local 39 Pension Fund	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Contributions to the plan exceeded more than 5% of total contributions (as of the Plan's year end)	'12/31/2012, 12/31/2011, and 12/31/2010
S.E.I.U National Industry Pension Fund	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Contributions to the plan exceeded more than 5% of total contributions (as of the Plan's year end)	'12/31/2012
Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, District 36 Building Operators Pension Trust Fund	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Contributions to the plan exceeded more than 5% of total contributions (as of the Plan's year end)	'12/31/2012, 12/31/2011, and 12/31/2010
IUOE Local 30 Pension Fund	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Contributions to the plan exceeded more than 5% of total contributions (as of the Plan's year end)	'12/31/2012, 12/31/2011, and 12/31/2010
Massachusetts Service Employees Pension Fund	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Contributions to the plan exceeded more than 5% of total contributions (as of the Plan's year end)	'12/31/2012, 12/31/2011, and 12/31/2010	[1]
Building Service Pension Plan	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Contributions to the plan exceeded more than 5% of total contributions (as of the Plan's year end)	'4/30/2012, 4/30/2011, and 4/30/2010	[1]
Local Two Hundred and Ten Pension Plan	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Contributions to the plan exceeded more than 5% of total contributions (as of the Plan's year end)	'12/31/2012	[1]
Contract Cleaners Service Employees Pension Plan	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Contributions to the plan exceeded more than 5% of total contributions (as of the Plan's year end)	'12/31/2012, 12/31/2011, and 12/31/2010	[1]
Local One Thousand One hundred and Two Amalgamated Pension Fund	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Contributions to the plan exceeded more than 5% of total contributions (as of the Plan's year end)	'12/31/2012 and 12/31/2011	[1]
Teamsters Local Six Hundred And Seventeen Pension Fund	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Contributions to the plan exceeded more than 5% of total contributions (as of the Plan's year end)	'2/29/2012, 2/28/2011, and 2/28/2010	[1]

[1]	These plans are not separately listed in our multiemployer table as they represent an insignificant portion of our total multiemployer pension plan contributions.

Future_Minimum_Lease_Commitmen

Future Minimum Lease Commitments (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
2014	$70,268
2015	49,719
2016	32,222
2017	25,762
2018	18,917
Thereafter	32,752
Total minimum lease commitments	$229,640

Rental_Expense_for_Continuing_

Rental Expense for Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Minimum rentals	$103,952	$101,475	$101,640
Contingent rentals	30,225	32,497	31,767
Total	$134,177	$133,972	$133,407

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended				1 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Feb. 08, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Jan. 14, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 11, 2013	17-May-12
		Maximum	Claims Incurred After November 1, 2002	Effective date starting after October 31, 2013	Augustus	Augustus	Augustus	Augustus	Augustus	Bojorquez	Bojorquez
			Maximum		Claim			Motion against others	Motion against others
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Surety bonds	$332,500,000	'	'	$1,400,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total letters of credit	100,600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total energy savings guarantees for certain customers	31,400,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Guarantee term for certain customers	'Through 2027	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deductible directors' and officers' insurance	'	5,000,000	1,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Loss contingency amount accrued for probable losses	2,200,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amount of reasonably possible losses, Minimum	1,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amount of reasonably possible losses, Maximum	98,100,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Loss Contingency, estimate of possible loss	'	'	'	'	'	'	94,200,000	'	'	'	'
Damages sought amount	'	'	'	'	'	103,100,000	'	4,500,000	12,400,000	'	'
Payment awarded to plaintiffs	'	'	'	'	$89,700,000	'	'	'	'	$2,500,000	$800,000
Number of claim suit filed	'	'	'	'	3	'	'	'	'	'	'

Preferred_and_Common_Stock_Add

Preferred and Common Stock - Additional information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 05, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	'	500,000	500,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	'	0	0
Stock repurchased	$0	'	'
Maximum	'	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount	$50	'	'

Summary_of_Total_Compensation_

Summary of Total Compensation Expense and Related Income Tax Benefit in Connection with Share-Based Compensation Plans (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense before income taxes	$13,282	$10,236	$9,191
Income tax benefit	-5,512	-4,247	-3,805
Total share-based compensation expense after income taxes	$7,770	$5,989	$5,386

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_1

Share-Based Compensation Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 09, 2004	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total shares exercised for share-based compensation plans	'	1,031,867	967,123	570,425
Total intrinsic value of shares exercised	'	$12,900,000	$9,800,000	$6,700,000
Total fair value of shares vested	'	8,700,000	8,200,000	2,400,000
Authorized for issuance	'	10,279,265	'	'
Shares available for award	'	1,745,854	'	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan	'	'	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Authorized for issuance	3,000,000	'	'	'
Shares available for award	'	567,943	'	'
Percentage of purchase price of fair market value of the Company's common stock on the last trading day of the month	95.00%	'	'	'
Percentage of compensation to purchase	10.00%	'	'	'
Annual limit on purchase of stock	25,000	'	'	'
Weighted average fair values of the purchase rights granted	'	$1.12	$1.05	$1.16
Shares of stock issued under the plan	'	186,271	200,108	165,455
Weighted average price	'	$21.34	$19.93	$22.02
Aggregate purchases	'	4,000,000	4,000,000	3,600,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan \| Minimum	'	'	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'6 months	'	'	'
RSUs	'	'	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'	'3 years	'	'
Total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures	'	18,700,000	'	'
Weighted-average vesting period	'	'2 years 4 months 17 days	'	'
Percentage of the awards that vest on the second anniversary of the grant	'	50.00%	'	'
Percentage of the awards that vest on the fourth anniversary of the grant	'	50.00%	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding	'	37,600,000	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of vested	'	6,500,000	'	'
Stock options	'	'	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of the awards that vest per year	'	25.00%	'	'
Options expire after the date of grant	'	'7 years	'	'
Total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures	'	4,300,000	'	'
Weighted-average vesting period	'	'1 year 11 months 9 days	'	'
Stock options \| Minimum	'	'	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'	'1 year	'	'
Stock options \| Maximum	'	'	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'	'5 years	'	'
Performance Based Shares	'	'	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures	'	8,400,000	'	'
Weighted-average vesting period	'	'1 year 9 months 29 days	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding	'	24,700,000	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of vested	'	3,200,000	'	'
Performance Based Shares \| Minimum	'	'	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of performance share award vesting based on actual performance	'	0.00%	'	'
Performance Based Shares \| Maximum	'	'	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of performance share award vesting based on actual performance	'	150.00%	'	'
Age-Vested Plan	'	'	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'	'1 year	'	'
Age-Vested Plan \| Option Holders Reaching Their 61st Birthday	'	'	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of the awards that vest per year	'	50.00%	'	'
Age-Vested Plan \| Option Holders Reaching Their 64th Birthday	'	'	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of the awards that vest per year	'	50.00%	'	'
Time-Vested Plan	'	'	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of the awards that vest per year	'	20.00%	'	'
Vesting period	'	'1 year	'	'
Options expire after the date of grant	'	'121 months	'	'
Price-Vested Plan	'	'	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Options expire after the date of grant	'	'10 years	'	'
Price-Vested Plan \| Minimum	'	'	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'	'4 years	'	'
Price-Vested Plan \| Maximum	'	'	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'	'8 years	'	'
Age-Vested Plan	'	'	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures	'	$400,000	'	'
Weighted-average vesting period	'	'9 years 22 days	'	'

Assumption_Used_in_Option_Valu

Assumption Used in Option Valuation Model (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Assumption Used in Option Valuation Model (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expected life from the date of grant	'5 years 4 months 13 days	'5 years 7 months 6 days	'5 years 7 months 6 days
Expected stock price volatility, minimum	38.80%	41.60%	39.20%
Expected stock price volatility, maximum	'	'	40.40%
Risk-free interest rate, minimum	1.80%	0.80%	1.00%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum	'	'	2.10%
Weighted average fair value of option grants	$7.52	$5.25	$6.52
Minimum	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expected dividend yield	2.40%	3.00%	2.30%
Maximum	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expected dividend yield	'	'	2.60%

Stock_Option_Activity_Detail

Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Number of Shares	'	'	'
Exercised	-1,031,867	-967,123	-570,425
Age-Vested, Time-Vested, Price-Vested	'	'	'
Number of Shares	'	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of period	1,117,000	'	'
Exercised	-298,000	'	'
Forfeited or expired	-34,000	'	'
Outstanding at end of period	785,000	'	'
Vested and exercisable at end of period	564,000	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'	'	'
Outstanding at end of period	8,005	'	'
Vested and exercisable at end of period	5,104	'	'
Age-Vested, Time-Vested, Price-Vested \| Minimum	'	'	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share	'	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of period	13.8	'	'
Exercised	15.04	'	'
Forfeited or expired	15.94	'	'
Outstanding at end of period	13.66	'	'
Vested and exercisable at end of period	11.94	'	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	'	'	'
Outstanding at end of period	'1 year 7 months 6 days	'	'
Vested and exercisable at end of period	'1 year 7 months 6 days	'	'
Age-Vested, Time-Vested, Price-Vested \| Maximum	'	'	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share	'	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of period	19.61	'	'
Exercised	18.3	'	'
Forfeited or expired	20.12	'	'
Outstanding at end of period	20.6	'	'
Vested and exercisable at end of period	20.6	'	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	'	'	'
Outstanding at end of period	'41 years 2 months 1 day	'	'
Vested and exercisable at end of period	'45 years 5 months 9 days	'	'
Stock options	'	'	'
Number of Shares	'	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of period	1,693,000	'	'
Granted	234,000	'	'
Forfeitures	-14,000	'	'
Exercised	-351,000	'	'
Outstanding at end of period	1,562,000	'	'
Vested and exercisable at end of period	565,000	'	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share	'	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of period	20.68	'	'
Granted	25.3	'	'
Forfeitures	19.89	'	'
Exercised	19.8	'	'
Outstanding at end of period	21.57	'	'
Vested and exercisable at end of period	20.22	'	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	'	'	'
Outstanding at end of period	'4 years 3 months 18 days	'	'
Vested and exercisable at end of period	'3 years 4 months	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'	'	'
Outstanding at end of period	9,277	'	'
Vested and exercisable at end of period	4,124	'	'

RSU_Activity_Detail

RSU Activity (Detail) (RSUs, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013
RSUs	'
Number of Shares	'
Outstanding at beginning of the year	1,231
Granted	478
Issued (including 90 shares withheld for income taxes)	-267
Forfeited	-73
Outstanding at end of period	1,369
Vested at end of period	267
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	'
Outstanding at beginning of the year	$19.74
Granted	$24.91
Issued (including 90 shares withheld for income taxes)	$19.14
Forfeited	$19.28
Outstanding at end of period	$21.66
Vested at end of period	$19.14

RSU_Activity_Parenthetical_Det

RSU Activity (Parenthetical) (Detail) (RSUs)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013
RSUs	'
Reconciliation of Restricted Stock Activity [Line Items]	'
Issued, shares withheld for income taxes	90

Performance_Share_Activity_Det

Performance Share Activity (Detail) (Performance Share Program, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013
Performance Share Program	'
Number of Shares	'
Outstanding at beginning of the year	698
Granted	479
Issued (including 45 shares withheld for income taxes)	-115
Change in units based on performance	-130
Forfeited	-33
Outstanding at end of period	899
Vested at end of period	115
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	'
Outstanding at beginning of the year	$22.99
Granted	$20.46
Issued (including 45 shares withheld for income taxes)	$18.97
Change in units based on performance	$22.60
Forfeited	$22.87
Outstanding at end of period	$22.31
Vested at end of period	$18.97

Performance_Share_Activity_Par

Performance Share Activity (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Performance Share Program)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013
Performance Share Program	'
Schedule Of Activity Related To Performance Share Units [Line Items]	'
Issued, shares withheld for income taxes	45

Components_of_Income_Before_In

Components of Income Before Income Taxes and Provision for Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Current:	'	'	'
Federal	$15,331	$9,700	$5,539
State	10,960	10,459	7,147
Foreign	785	'	67
Deferred:	'	'	'
Federal	10,007	11,047	21,642
State	2,469	-1,275	2,585
Provision for income taxes	$39,552	$29,931	$36,980

Difference_Between_US_Statutor

Difference Between U.S. Statutory Tax Rate and Effective Income Tax Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Reconciliation of Statutory Federal Tax Rate [Line Items]	'	'	'
Statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	6.50%	6.50%	6.30%
Federal and state tax credits	-8.60%	-5.50%	-5.10%
Impact of change in state tax rate	0.50%	1.20%	-0.40%
Tax liabilities no longer required	-1.40%	-7.20%	-4.00%
Nondeductible expenses and other, net	3.20%	2.30%	3.20%
Annual tax rate	35.20%	32.30%	35.00%

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

Jul. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Location

Additional

Domestic country

State and Local Jurisdiction

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Linc

HHA

Air Serv

Expiration Date Between 2014 and 2033

Minimum

Maximum

Income Taxes [Line Items]

Unrecognized tax benefits, related to re-measurement

$6,900,000

Federal Employment based tax credits

4,100,000

1,900,000

Operating loss carryforwards

12,400,000

Operating losses expiration period

'2014

'2033

Other, net

189,000

242,000

-796,000

800,000

500,000

-600,000

-300,000

Unrecognized tax benefits

87,610,000

88,448,000

95,956,000

Unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized

80,900,000

Uncertain tax positions, interest and penalties accrued

1,300,000

1,100,000

Uncertain tax positions, interest and penalties recognized and expensed

200,000

Income tax returns open for examination

'October 31, 2010 through October 31, 2012

'December 31, 2010

'December 31, 2010 through October 31, 2012

'June 30, 2010 through October 31, 2012

'2009-2013

Number of states in which entity operates

Maximum decrease in unrecognized tax benefits that is reasonably possible

$2,900,000

Components_of_Deferred_Tax_Ass

Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Deferred tax assets:	'	'	'	'
Self-insurance claims (net of recoverables)	$114,919	$109,516	'	'
Deferred and other compensation	33,590	30,221	'	'
Accounts receivable allowances	3,857	3,967	'	'
Settlement liabilities	638	3,288	'	'
Other accruals	2,337	2,877	'	'
Other comprehensive income	1,394	1,862	'	'
State taxes	696	727	'	'
State net operating loss carryforwards	8,083	8,596	'	'
Tax credits	6,048	7,802	'	'
Other	1,019	3,019	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Total	172,581	171,875	'	'
Valuation allowance	-6,215	-6,026	-5,784	-6,290
Total deferred tax assets	166,366	165,849	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	-5,512	-2,767	'	'
Goodwill and other acquired intangibles	-126,877	-101,801	'	'
Total deferred tax liabilities	-132,389	-104,568	'	'
Net deferred tax assets	$33,977	$61,281	'	'

Changes_to_Deferred_Tax_Asset_

Changes to Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]	'	'	'
Valuation allowance at the beginning of the year	$6,026	$5,784	$6,290
Acquisition of Linc	'	'	290
Other, net	189	242	-796
Valuation allowance at the end of the year	$6,215	$6,026	$5,784

Reconciliation_of_Total_Unreco

Reconciliation of Total Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning balance	$88,448	$95,956
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	1,635	590
Reductions for tax positions related to the current year	-589	'
Additions for tax positions related to prior years	631	865
Reductions for tax positions related to prior years	-107	-7,328
Reductions for expiration of statute of limitations	-1,479	-66
Settlements	-929	-1,569
Ending Balance	$87,610	$88,448

Reportable_Operating_Segments_

Reportable Operating Segments (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2012

Apr. 30, 2012

Jan. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Revenues

$1,236,773

$1,216,768

$1,173,617

$1,182,123

$1,090,001

$1,079,235

$1,057,244

$1,073,785

$4,809,281

$4,300,265

$4,246,842

Operating profit

119,025

96,566

117,568

Other-than-temporary impairment credit losses on auction rate security recognized in earnings

-313

Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net

6,319

6,395

3,915

Interest expense

-12,892

-9,999

-15,805

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

112,452

92,649

105,678

Total Identifiable Assets

2,119,236

1,851,158

2,119,236

1,851,158

Segment, Continuing Operations

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Total Identifiable Assets

2,119,236

[1]

1,850,759

[1]

2,119,236

[1]

1,850,759

[1]

1,859,297

[1]

Janitorial

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Revenues

2,465,312

2,394,344

2,380,195

Operating profit

134,600

135,967

140,621

Janitorial | Segment, Continuing Operations

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Total Identifiable Assets

883,358

[1]

863,831

[1]

883,358

[1]

863,831

[1]

859,318

[1]

Facility Services

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Revenues

609,435

576,136

553,295

Operating profit

27,431

23,083

24,876

Facility Services | Segment, Continuing Operations

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Total Identifiable Assets

211,270

[1]

214,557

[1]

211,270

[1]

214,557

[1]

205,190

[1]

Parking

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Revenues

609,082

615,132

615,679

Operating profit

27,537

26,189

24,257

Parking | Segment, Continuing Operations

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Total Identifiable Assets

141,946

[1]

153,593

[1]

141,946

[1]

153,593

[1]

149,052

[1]

Security

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Revenues

381,472

365,926

350,377

Operating profit

12,943

7,835

7,968

Security | Segment, Continuing Operations

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Total Identifiable Assets

112,699

[1]

111,293

[1]

112,699

[1]

111,293

[1]

111,304

[1]

Building & Energy Solutions

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Revenues

401,536

348,279

346,086

Adjustment for income from unconsolidated affiliates

-6,175

-3,458

-3,915

Operating profit

18,662

12,340

12,423

Building & Energy Solutions | Segment, Continuing Operations

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Total Identifiable Assets

296,189

[1]

232,079

[1]

296,189

[1]

232,079

[1]

246,524

[1]

Other

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Revenues

341,516

Operating profit

12,606

Other | Segment, Continuing Operations

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Total Identifiable Assets

236,117

[1]

236,117

[1]

Corporate

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Revenues

928

448

1,210

Operating profit

-108,579

-105,390

-88,662

Corporate | Segment, Continuing Operations

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Total Identifiable Assets

$237,657

[1]

$275,406

[1]

$237,657

[1]

$275,406

[1]

$287,909

[1]

Excludes assets of discontinued operations of $0.4 million and $2.2 million as of October 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Reportable_Operating_Segments_1

Reportable Operating Segments (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets of discontinued operations	$0.40	$2.20

Summary_of_Reportable_Operatin

Summary of Reportable Operating Segments (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation and Amortization	$60,390	$50,897	$52,658
Capital Expenditures	32,593	28,052	22,124
Janitorial	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation and Amortization	17,901	18,010	19,035
Capital Expenditures	14,694	12,367	10,048
Facility Services	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation and Amortization	4,371	4,933	5,247
Capital Expenditures	11	23	634
Parking	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation and Amortization	3,148	3,512	3,644
Capital Expenditures	2,523	2,219	2,023
Security	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation and Amortization	1,036	1,218	1,441
Capital Expenditures	173	203	141
Building & Energy Solutions	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation and Amortization	11,341	8,798	9,967
Capital Expenditures	1,226	828	646
Other	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation and Amortization	11,588	'	'
Capital Expenditures	2,402	'	'
Corporate	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation and Amortization	11,005	14,426	13,324
Capital Expenditures	$11,564	$12,412	$8,632

Summary_of_Revenues_by_Geograp

Summary of Revenues by Geographic Region (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Geographic Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$1,236,773	$1,216,768	$1,173,617	$1,182,123	$1,090,001	$1,079,235	$1,057,244	$1,073,785	$4,809,281	$4,300,265	$4,246,842
Domestic country	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Geographic Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,710,821	4,253,793	4,198,937
All other countries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Geographic Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$98,460	$46,472	$47,905

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (Subsequent Event, Third Amendment, USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 11, 2013
Subsequent Event \| Third Amendment	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Syndicated line of credit, minimum capacity	$650
Syndicated line of credit, increased capacity	$800
Syndicated line of credit facility, expiration date	11-Dec-18
Decrease in percentage of commitment fee on the unused portion of the Facility	0.03%

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D2

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$1,236,773	$1,216,768	$1,173,617	$1,182,123	$1,090,001	$1,079,235	$1,057,244	$1,073,785	$4,809,281	$4,300,265	$4,246,842
Gross profit	135,202	121,002	125,404	114,244	121,585	107,607	109,328	107,365	'	'	'
Net income	$24,168	$16,076	$19,274	$13,382	$27,663	$12,577	$11,712	$10,630	$72,900	$62,582	$68,504
Net income per common share-Basic	$0.44	$0.29	$0.35	$0.25	$0.50	$0.23	$0.22	$0.20	$1.33	$1.16	$1.29
Net income per common share-Diluted	$0.43	$0.29	$0.35	$0.24	$0.50	$0.23	$0.21	$0.20	$1.30	$1.14	$1.27

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (Accounts receivable allowances, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Accounts receivable allowances	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance Beginning of Year	$11,125	$13,485	$10,672
Acquisitions	'	'	3,994
Charges to Costs and Expenses	21,025	14,628	20,396
Write-offs Net of Recoveries	-21,933	-16,988	-21,577
Balance End of Year	$10,217	$11,125	$13,485