ABM Industries (ABM) 10-Q 3 Jun 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	27-May-15
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ABM INDUSTRIES INC /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	771497
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-21
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	30-Apr-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	ABM
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		56,416,437

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$30.40	$36.70
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances of $10.1 and $10.6 at April 30, 2015 and October 31, 2014, respectively	764.6	748.2
Prepaid expenses	75.7	65.5
Deferred income taxes, net	51	46.6
Other current assets	30.1	30.2
Total current assets	951.8	927.2
Other investments	31.9	32.9
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $149.5 and $138.6 at April 30, 2015 and October 31, 2014, respectively	79.2	83.4
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $155.5 and $142.9 at April 30, 2015 and October 31, 2014, respectively	118.7	128.8
Goodwill	908.8	904.6
Other assets	115.2	116
Total assets	2,205.60	2,192.90
Current liabilities
Trade accounts payable	147.9	175.9
Accrued liabilities
Accrued compensation	133.3	131.2
Accrued taxes—other than income	34.6	29.4
Insurance claims	80.1	80
Income taxes payable	0.1	2
Other accrued liabilities	115.5	107.9
Total current liabilities	511.5	526.4
Noncurrent income taxes payable	55.6	53.7
Line of credit	307	319.8
Deferred income tax liability, net	27.2	16.4
Noncurrent insurance claims	263.8	269.7
Other liabilities	40.3	38.1
Total liabilities	1,205.40	1,224.10
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 56,403,921 and 55,691,350 shares issued and outstanding at April 30, 2015 and October 31, 2014, respectively	0.6	0.6
Additional paid-in capital	289.5	274.1
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	-4.5	-2.8
Retained earnings	714.6	696.9
Total stockholders’ equity	1,000.20	968.8
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$2,205.60	$2,192.90

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable, allowance	$10.10	$10.60
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	149.5	138.6
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$155.50	$142.90
Preferred stock, par value (in usd per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	500,000	500,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value (in usd per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	56,403,921	55,691,350
Common stock, shares outstanding	56,403,921	55,691,350

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$1,270.10	$1,231.30	$2,559.50	$2,457.80
Expenses
Operating	1,139.20	1,103.40	2,300.40	2,211.90
Selling, general and administrative	94.1	93.3	196.9	180.7
Amortization of intangible assets	6	6.7	12.2	13.4
Total expenses	1,239.30	1,203.40	2,509.50	2,406
Operating profit	30.8	27.9	50	51.8
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net	2.2	1.2	3.7	2.7
Interest expense	-2.5	-2.7	-5.2	-5.4
Income before income taxes	30.5	26.4	48.5	49.1
Provision for income taxes	-12.2	-11.2	-12.5	-20.8
Net income	18.3	15.2	36	28.3
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation	1.2	0.2	-1.7	0
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Other Adjustment After Tax	0	-0.3	0	-0.3
Comprehensive income	$19.50	$15.10	$34.30	$28
Net income per common share
Basic (in usd per share)	$0.32	$0.27	$0.64	$0.51
Diluted (in usd per share)	$0.32	$0.27	$0.63	$0.50
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding
Basic (in shares)	56.8	56.1	56.6	55.9
Diluted (in shares)	57.6	57	57.4	57
Dividends declared per common share (in usd per share)	$0.16	$0.16	$0.32	$0.31

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$36	$28.30
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	28.3	28.4
Deferred income taxes	6	1.6
Share-based compensation expense	8.2	7.8
Provision for bad debt	0	1.3
Discount accretion on insurance claims	0.1	0.2
Gain on sale of assets	-2.2	-0.1
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net	-3.7	-2.7
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates	4.6	2.4
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Trade accounts receivable	-18.6	-31.5
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-1.6	-3.8
Other assets	0.1	13.1
Income taxes payable	-7.8	3.1
Other liabilities	2.3	-1.4
Insurance claims	-6	-1.1
Trade accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	-6.7	-7.9
Total adjustments	3	9.4
Net cash provided by operating activities	39	37.7
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-13.9	-19.3
Proceeds from sale of assets	4.2	1.1
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired	-4.2	-12.1
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	0	-0.5
Net cash used in investing activities	-13.9	-30.8
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	13.5	4.8
Incremental tax benefit from share-based compensation awards	1.2	0
Repurchases of common stock	-7.9	0
Dividends paid	-17.9	-17.3
Deferred financing costs paid	-0.3	-1.2
Borrowings from line of credit	457.3	534.1
Repayment of borrowings from line of credit	-470.1	-521.8
Changes in book cash overdrafts	-5.9	1.5
Repayment of capital lease obligations	-1.3	-1.9
Net cash used in financing activities	-31.4	-1.8
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-6.3	5.1
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	36.7	32.6
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$30.40	$37.70

The_Company_and_Nature_of_Oper

The Company and Nature of Operations	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
THE COMPANY AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS	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 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, security, and commercial aviation support services, which we provide 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	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNT POLICIES	BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with Article 10 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements (and notes thereto) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2014 (“Annual Report”). Unless otherwise noted, all references to years are to our fiscal year, which ends on October 31.
	In the opinion of our management, our unaudited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes (the “Financial Statements”) include all normal recurring adjustments that are considered necessary to fairly state the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Interim results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year.
	The accounting policies applied in the accompanying Financial Statements are the same as those applied in our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended October 31, 2014, which are described in our Annual Report.
	Effective in the first quarter of 2015, we reallocated certain costs from our Janitorial segment to our Facility Services, Parking, and Security segments to better reflect certain overhead support functions on the operations of our Onsite Services businesses. Such costs were previously recorded within our Janitorial segment. Prior-period segment results have been restated to conform to these changes. See Note 12, “Segment Information,” for more details.
	Parking Revenue Presentation
	Our Parking business operates certain parking facilities under a managed location arrangement, whereby we manage the underlying parking facility for the owner in exchange for a management fee. For these arrangements, we pass through revenues and expenses from managed locations to the facility owner under the terms and conditions of the contract. We report revenues and expenses, in equal amounts, for reimbursed costs from our managed locations. Such amounts totaled $75.1 million and $77.1 million for the three months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $152.1 million and $153.4 million for the six months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Net_Income_Per_Common_Share

Net Income Per Common Share	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE	NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
	Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share Calculations
		Three Months Ended April 30,				Six Months Ended April 30,
	(in millions, except per share amounts)	2015		2014		2015		2014
	Net income	$	18.3	$	15.2	$	36	$	28.3
	Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding—Basic	56.8		56.1		56.6		55.9
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Restricted stock units	0.4		0.4		0.3		0.5
	Stock options	0.3		0.4		0.3		0.4
	Performance shares	0.1		0.1		0.2		0.2
	Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding—Diluted	57.6		57		57.4		57
	Net income per common share
	Basic	$	0.32	$	0.27	$	0.64	$	0.51
	Diluted	$	0.32	$	0.27	$	0.63	$	0.5
	Outstanding stock awards issued under share-based compensation plans that were considered anti-dilutive for the three and six months ended April 30, 2015 were 0.1 million and 0.2 million, respectively, and 0.2 million for each of the three and six month periods ended April 30, 2014.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS	ACQUISITIONS
	During fiscal 2014, we completed acquisitions for an aggregate purchase price of $53.0 million, which includes $3.3 million of contingent consideration. There were no material purchase price allocation adjustments recognized in the current period related to business combinations that occurred in the prior year. Pro forma and other supplemental financial information is not presented, as these acquisitions are not considered material business combinations individually or on a combined basis.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	Fair Value Hierarchy of Our Financial Instruments
			30-Apr-15		31-Oct-14
	(in millions)	Fair Value Hierarchy	Fair Value
	Financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
	Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan(1)	1	$	5.3	$	5.4
	Investments in auction rate securities(2)	3	12.9		13
			18.2		18.4
	Other select financial assets
	Cash and cash equivalents(3)	1	30.4		36.7
	Insurance deposits(4)	1	11.4		11.5
			41.8		48.2
	Total		$	60	$	66.6
	Financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
	Interest rate swaps(5)	2	$	0.2	$	0.2
	Contingent consideration liability(6)	3	1.4		1.4
			1.6		1.6
	Other select financial liability
	Line of credit(7)	2	307		319.8
	Total		$	308.6	$	321.4
	(1) Represents investments held in a Rabbi trust associated with one of our deferred compensation plans, which we include in “Other assets” on the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the assets held in the funded deferred compensation plan is based on quoted market prices.
	(2) For investments in auction rate securities, the fair values are based on discounted cash flow valuation models, primarily utilizing unobservable inputs, which we include in “Other investments” on the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets. See Note 6, “Auction Rate Securities,” for further information.
	(3) Cash and cash equivalents are stated at nominal value, which equals fair value.
	(4) Represents restricted insurance deposits that are used to collateralize our insurance obligations and are stated at nominal value, which equals fair value. These insurance deposits are included in “Other assets” on the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets. See Note 7, “Insurance,” for further information.
	(5) Represents interest rate swap derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. 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 values of the interest rate swap liabilities were included in “Other accrued liabilities” on the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets. See Note 8, “Line of Credit,” for more information.
	(6) Our contingent consideration liability was incurred in connection with an acquisition made in 2013. The contingent consideration liability is measured at fair value and is included in “Other liabilities” on the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets. The fair value is based on a pre-defined forecasted adjusted income from operations using a probability weighted income approach and is discounted using our fixed borrowing rate.
	(7) Represents outstanding borrowings under our 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 8, “Line of Credit,” for further 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 were to occur, the asset would be recorded at the estimated fair value, which is generally determined using discounted future cash flows.
	During the six months ended April 30, 2015, we had no transfers of assets or liabilities between any of the above hierarchy levels.

Auction_Rate_Securities

Auction Rate Securities	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
AUCTION RATE SECURITIES	AUCTION RATE SECURITIES
	At each of April 30, 2015 and October 31, 2014, 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. 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 thirty days. Auctions for these securities have not occurred since August 2007. We have classified all our auction rate security investments as noncurrent, as we do not reasonably expect to liquidate the securities for cash within the next twelve months.
	At April 30, 2015 and October 31, 2014, the fair values of these securities were $12.9 million and $13.0 million, respectively. At April 30, 2015, one of our auction rate securities, with a fair value of $2.9 million, had an unrealized loss position of $0.1 million for less than twelve months, which was included in accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”). At October 31, 2014, there were no unrealized gains or losses included in AOCL. The total amount of other-than-temporary impairment credit loss on our auction rate security investments included in our retained earnings as of April 30, 2015 and October 31, 2014 was $2.0 million.
	Significant Assumptions Used to Determine the Fair Values of Our Auction Rate Securities
	Assumption	30-Apr-15	31-Oct-14
	Discount rates	L + 0.31% – L + 6.22%	L + 0.28% – L + 4.06%
	Yields	2.15%, L + 2.00%	2.15%, L + 2.00%
	Average expected lives	4 – 10 years	4 – 10 years
	L – One Month LIBOR

Insurance

Insurance	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Insurance	INSURANCE
	We use a combination of insured and self-insurance programs to cover workers’ compensation, general liability, automotive, 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. To cover general liability losses above these primary limits, we maintain commercial insurance umbrella policies that provide aggregate limits of $200.0 million. Our insurance policies generally cover workers’ compensation losses to the full extent of statutory requirements. Additionally, to cover property damage risks above our retained limits, we maintain policies that provide limits of $75.0 million.
	The adequacy of workers’ compensation, general liability, automotive, and property damage insurance claims reserves is based upon actuarial estimates of required reserves considering the most recently completed actuarial reports in 2014. Actuarial reports are expected to be completed for our significant programs using recent claims data and may result in adjustments to earnings during the third and fourth quarters of 2015.
	We are also self-insured for certain employee medical and dental plans. We retain up to $0.4 million of exposure on a per-participant per-year basis with respect to claims under our medical plan. During the three months ended April 30, 2015, actuarial evaluations were completed for our medical and dental plans for the calendar year ended December 31, 2014. The results of the actuarial evaluations indicated a higher than expected incurred but not reported liability for medical and dental claims. As a result, we increased our reserves by $3.0 million during the three months ended April 30, 2015, which was recorded as part of Corporate expenses.
	We had insurance claim reserves totaling $343.9 million and $349.7 million at April 30, 2015 and October 31, 2014, respectively. The balances at April 30, 2015 and October 31, 2014 include $7.7 million and $4.8 million in reserves, respectively, related to our medical and dental self-insured plans. We also had insurance recoverables, which we include in “Other current assets” and “Other assets” on the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets, totaling $66.5 million and $66.4 million at April 30, 2015 and October 31, 2014, respectively.
	Instruments Used to Collateralize Our Insurance Obligations
	(in millions)	April 30, 2015		October 31, 2014
	Standby letters of credit	$	108.6	$	111.1
	Surety bonds	52.3		52.5
	Restricted insurance deposits	11.4		11.5
	Total	$	172.3	$	175.1

Line_of_Credit

Line of Credit	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Text Block [Abstract]
LINE OF CREDIT	LINE OF CREDIT
	On November 30, 2010, we entered into a five-year syndicated credit agreement pursuant to which we obtained an unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Facility”). This five-year syndicated credit agreement, as amended from time to time, is referred to as the “Credit Agreement.” The aggregate amount of the Facility under the Credit Agreement is $800.0 million, and the maturity date of the Facility is December 11, 2018. At our option, we may increase the size of the Facility to $1.0 billion at any time prior to the expiration date (subject to receipt of commitments for the increased amount from existing and new lenders).
	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 published 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 0.200% to 0.275% on the average daily unused portion of the Facility. For purposes of this calculation, irrevocable standby letters of credit, which are issued primarily in conjunction with our insurance programs, 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 (except as described below), 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 stockholders’ equity beginning on November 30, 2010. In the event of a material acquisition, as defined in the Credit Agreement, we may elect to increase the leverage ratio to 3.50 to 1.0 for a total of four fiscal quarters. We were in compliance with these covenants as of April 30, 2015.
	If an event of default occurs under the Credit Agreement, including certain cross-defaults, insolvency, change in control, or 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 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 and investments in subsidiaries, subject to certain limitations, where applicable, as set forth in the Credit Agreement. At April 30, 2015, the total outstanding amounts under the Facility in the form of cash borrowings and standby letters of credit were $307.0 million and $116.1 million, respectively. At October 31, 2014, the total outstanding amounts under the Facility in the form of cash borrowings and standby letters of credit were $319.8 million and $114.9 million, respectively.
	At April 30, 2015 and October 31, 2014, we had up to $376.9 million and $365.3 million borrowing capacity, respectively, under the Facility, the availability of which was subject to, and limited by, compliance with the covenants described above.
	Interest Rate Swaps
	During 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.
	We recognize all interest rate swaps on the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets 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 adjustments to interest expense.
	At each of April 30, 2015 and October 31, 2014, the amount recorded in AOCL was $0.2 million ($0.1 million, net of taxes). At April 30, 2015, the amount expected to be reclassified from AOCL to earnings during the next twelve months was $0.2 million.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Surety Bonds and Letters of Credit
	We use surety bonds and letters of credit to secure certain commitments related to insurance programs and for other purposes. As of April 30, 2015, these surety bonds and letters of credit totaled approximately $354.0 million and $116.1 million, respectively. Included in the total amount of surety bonds is $12.4 million of bonds with an effective date starting after April 30, 2015.
	Guarantees
	In some instances, we offer certain clients guaranteed energy savings under certain energy savings contracts. Total guarantees at April 30, 2015 and October 31, 2014 were $26.0 million and $31.7 million, respectively, and extend through 2029. 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 any losses in connection with these guarantees.
	In connection with an unconsolidated joint venture in which one of our subsidiaries has a 33% ownership interest, that subsidiary, and the other joint venture partners, have each jointly and severally guaranteed the obligations of the joint venture to perform under certain contracts extending through 2018. Annual revenues relating to the underlying contracts are approximately $35.0 million. Should the joint venture be unable to perform under these contracts, the joint venture partners would be liable for any losses incurred by the customer due to the failure to perform.
	Legal Matters
	We are a party to a variety of actions, proceedings, and 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. 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 depends on judgments about potential actions by third parties.
	At April 30, 2015, the total amount accrued for all probable litigation losses where a reasonable estimate of the loss could be made was $3.5 million. This $3.5 million includes the accrual of $2.3 million in connection with a settlement relating to a case alleging certain wage and hour violations.
	We do not accrue for contingent losses that, in our judgment, are considered to be reasonably possible but not probable. Estimating reasonably possible losses also requires the analysis of multiple possible outcomes that often depends on judgments about potential actions by third parties. Our management currently estimates that the range of loss for all reasonably possible losses for which an estimate can be made is between zero and $8.1 million. Factors underlying this estimated range of loss may change from time to time, and actual results may vary significantly from this estimate.
	In some cases, although a loss is probable or reasonably possible, we cannot reasonably estimate the maximum potential losses for probable matters or the range of losses for reasonably possible matters. Therefore, our accrual for probable losses and our estimated range of loss for reasonably possible losses do not represent our maximum possible exposure.
	While the results of these proceedings, claims, and inquiries cannot be predicted with any certainty, our management believes that the final outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements, results of operations, or cash flows.
	Certain Legal Proceedings
	Certain pending lawsuits to which we are a party are discussed below. In determining whether to include any particular lawsuit or other proceeding, we consider both quantitative and qualitative factors, including, but not limited to: the amount of damages and the nature of any other relief sought in the proceeding; if such damages and other relief are specified, our view of the merits of the claims; whether the action purports to be a class action, and our view of the likelihood that a class will be certified by the court; the jurisdiction in which the proceeding is pending; and the potential impact of the proceeding on our reputation.
	The Consolidated Cases of Augustus, Hall and Davis v. American Commercial Security Services, filed July 12, 2005, in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County (the “Augustus case”)
	The Augustus case is a certified class action involving allegations that we violated certain California state laws relating to rest breaks. The case centers around whether requiring security guards to remain on call during rest breaks violated Section 226.7 of the California Labor Code. On February 8, 2012, the plaintiffs filed a motion for summary judgment on the rest break claim, and on July 31, 2012, the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County (the “Superior Court”), entered judgment in favor of plaintiffs in the amount of approximately $89.7 million. Subsequently, the Superior Court also awarded plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees of approximately $4.5 million in addition to approximately 30% of the $89.7 million common fund. We appealed the Superior Court’s rulings to the Court of Appeals of the State of California, Second Appellate District (the “Appeals Court”). On December 31, 2014, the Appeals Court issued its opinion, reversing the judgment in favor of the plaintiffs and vacating the award of $89.7 million in damages and the attorneys’ fees award.  Plaintiffs requested rehearing of the Appeals Court’s decision to reverse the judgment in favor of plaintiffs and vacate the damages award. On January 29, 2015, the Appeals Court denied the plaintiffs’ request for rehearing, modified its December 31, 2014 opinion, and certified the opinion for publication.  The Appeals Court opinion held that “on-call rest breaks are permissible” and remaining on call during rest breaks does not render the rest breaks invalid under California law.  The Appeals Court explained that “although on-call hours constitute ‘hours worked,’ remaining available to work is not the same as performing work.... Section 226.7 proscribes only work on a rest break.” The plaintiffs filed a petition for review with the California Supreme Court on March 4, 2015, and on April 29, 2015, the California Supreme Court granted the plaintiffs’ petition. No date has been set for oral argument. We expect that oral argument will not be scheduled before 2016. We believe that the Appeals Court correctly ruled in our favor, and we look forward to presenting our arguments to the California Supreme Court.
	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”)
	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 San Francisco Superior 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. Oral argument relating to the appeal took place before the State of California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, on May 14, 2015, and we expect to receive the decision of the appellate court within 90 days of oral argument.
	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”)
	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, results of operations, 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.

Common_Stock

Common Stock	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
COMMON STOCK	COMMON STOCK
	On September 5, 2012, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing up to $50.0 million in share repurchases. During 2015, we entered into transactions to purchase 0.3 million shares of our common stock at an average price of $31.92 per share for a total of $10.0 million, of which $2.1 million were settled subsequent to the three months ended April 30, 2015. After these purchases, we had $20.0 million remaining under our share repurchase program. Any repurchased shares are retired and returned to an authorized but unissued status.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES
	The quarterly provision for income taxes is calculated using an estimated annual effective income tax rate, adjusted for discrete items that occur during the reporting period. The effective tax rates for the three and six months ended April 30, 2015 were 40.0% and 25.8%, respectively, as compared to 42.4% for each of the three and six month periods ended April 30, 2014. The effective tax rate for the six months ended April 30, 2015 was lower than the rate for the six months ended April 30, 2014 primarily due to the retroactive reinstatement of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit for calendar year 2014, which resulted in additional credits of $4.8 million as well as state employment-based tax credits of $2.5 million.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	Our reportable segments consist of: Janitorial, Facility Services, Parking, Security, Building & Energy Solutions, and Other. The accounting policies for our segments are the same as those disclosed within our significant accounting policies in Note 2, “Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies.” Our management evaluates the performance of each reportable segment based on its respective operating profit results, which include the allocation of certain centrally incurred costs. Corporate expenses not allocated to segments include:
	•	certain CEO, finance, and human resource departmental costs;
	•	certain information technology costs;
	•	share-based compensation costs;
	•	certain legal costs and settlements;
	•	certain adjustments resulting from current actuarial developments of self-insurance reserves; and
	•	direct acquisition costs.
	Effective in the first quarter of 2015, we reallocated certain costs from our Janitorial segment to our Facility Services, Parking, and Security segments to better reflect certain overhead support functions on the operations of our Onsite Services businesses. Such reallocated costs were previously recorded within our Janitorial segment. The impact of these changes on the reported operating profit for the three months ended April 30, 2014 was an increase of $1.0 million to our Janitorial segment and decreases of $0.4 million to each of our Facility Services and Parking segments and $0.2 million to our Security segment. The impact of these changes on the reported operating profit for the six months ended April 30, 2014 was an increase of $2.2 million to our Janitorial segment and decreases of $0.8 million, $0.9 million, and $0.5 million to our Facility Services, Parking, and Security segments, respectively. Prior-period segment results have been restated to conform to these changes.
	Financial Information for Each Reportable Segment
		Three Months Ended April 30,						Six Months Ended April 30,
	(in millions)	2015			2014			2015			2014
	Revenues:
	Janitorial	$	659.5		$	631.7		$	1,325.50		$	1,268.80
	Facility Services	145.8			149.5			302			301.2
	Parking	153.5			152.6			309.2			302.9
	Security	93.7			93.8			188.6			193.5
	Building & Energy Solutions	121.5			118.5			240.9			220.6
	Other	96.1			85.2			193.3			170.8
		$	1,270.10		$	1,231.30		$	2,559.50		$	2,457.80
	Operating profit:
	Janitorial	$	39.9		$	37.2		$	74.8		$	67.5
	Facility Services	6.6			5			12.5			10.1
	Parking	6.7			6			13.2			11.2
	Security	2.6			2			4.5			4.3
	Building & Energy Solutions	3.2			3.5			4.4			6.2
	Other	3			2.4			5.6			4.3
	Corporate	(29.0		)	(27.0		)	(61.3		)	(49.1		)
	Adjustment for income from unconsolidated affiliates, net, included in Building & Energy Solutions	(2.2		)	(1.2		)	(3.7		)	(2.7		)
		30.8			27.9			50			51.8
	Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net	2.2			1.2			3.7			2.7
	Interest expense	(2.5		)	(2.7		)	(5.2		)	(5.4		)
	Income before income taxes	$	30.5		$	26.4		$	48.5		$	49.1

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	Effective May 1, 2015, we acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of CTS Services/Facility Support Services, a provider of HVAC service and energy solutions in government, commercial, and industrial buildings, for a purchase price of $20.0 million, subject to post-closing adjustments. The purchase price includes up to $3.8 million of contingent consideration that is subject to the achievement of certain revenue metrics, as defined. This acquisition will be accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. The accounting for this acquisition was incomplete at the time the Financial Statements were issued.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign1

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with Article 10 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements (and notes thereto) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2014 (“Annual Report”). Unless otherwise noted, all references to years are to our fiscal year, which ends on October 31.
	In the opinion of our management, our unaudited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes (the “Financial Statements”) include all normal recurring adjustments that are considered necessary to fairly state the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Interim results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year.
	The accounting policies applied in the accompanying Financial Statements are the same as those applied in our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended October 31, 2014, which are described in our Annual Report.
	Effective in the first quarter of 2015, we reallocated certain costs from our Janitorial segment to our Facility Services, Parking, and Security segments to better reflect certain overhead support functions on the operations of our Onsite Services businesses. Such costs were previously recorded within our Janitorial segment. Prior-period segment results have been restated to conform to these changes.
Parking Revenue Presentation	Parking Revenue Presentation
	Our Parking business operates certain parking facilities under a managed location arrangement, whereby we manage the underlying parking facility for the owner in exchange for a management fee. For these arrangements, we pass through revenues and expenses from managed locations to the facility owner under the terms and conditions of the contract. We report revenues and expenses, in equal amounts, for reimbursed costs from our managed locations.

Net_Income_Per_Common_Share_Ta

Net Income Per Common Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Calculations of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share	Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share Calculations
		Three Months Ended April 30,				Six Months Ended April 30,
	(in millions, except per share amounts)	2015		2014		2015		2014
	Net income	$	18.3	$	15.2	$	36	$	28.3
	Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding—Basic	56.8		56.1		56.6		55.9
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Restricted stock units	0.4		0.4		0.3		0.5
	Stock options	0.3		0.4		0.3		0.4
	Performance shares	0.1		0.1		0.2		0.2
	Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding—Diluted	57.6		57		57.4		57
	Net income per common share
	Basic	$	0.32	$	0.27	$	0.64	$	0.51
	Diluted	$	0.32	$	0.27	$	0.63	$	0.5

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value Hierarchy of Our Financial Instruments
			30-Apr-15		31-Oct-14
	(in millions)	Fair Value Hierarchy	Fair Value
	Financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
	Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan(1)	1	$	5.3	$	5.4
	Investments in auction rate securities(2)	3	12.9		13
			18.2		18.4
	Other select financial assets
	Cash and cash equivalents(3)	1	30.4		36.7
	Insurance deposits(4)	1	11.4		11.5
			41.8		48.2
	Total		$	60	$	66.6
	Financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
	Interest rate swaps(5)	2	$	0.2	$	0.2
	Contingent consideration liability(6)	3	1.4		1.4
			1.6		1.6
	Other select financial liability
	Line of credit(7)	2	307		319.8
	Total		$	308.6	$	321.4
	(1) Represents investments held in a Rabbi trust associated with one of our deferred compensation plans, which we include in “Other assets” on the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the assets held in the funded deferred compensation plan is based on quoted market prices.
	(2) For investments in auction rate securities, the fair values are based on discounted cash flow valuation models, primarily utilizing unobservable inputs, which we include in “Other investments” on the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets. See Note 6, “Auction Rate Securities,” for further information.
	(3) Cash and cash equivalents are stated at nominal value, which equals fair value.
	(4) Represents restricted insurance deposits that are used to collateralize our insurance obligations and are stated at nominal value, which equals fair value. These insurance deposits are included in “Other assets” on the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets. See Note 7, “Insurance,” for further information.
	(5) Represents interest rate swap derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. 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 values of the interest rate swap liabilities were included in “Other accrued liabilities” on the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets. See Note 8, “Line of Credit,” for more information.
	(6) Our contingent consideration liability was incurred in connection with an acquisition made in 2013. The contingent consideration liability is measured at fair value and is included in “Other liabilities” on the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets. The fair value is based on a pre-defined forecasted adjusted income from operations using a probability weighted income approach and is discounted using our fixed borrowing rate.
	(7) Represents outstanding borrowings under our 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 8, “Line of Credit,” for further information.

Auction_Rate_Securities_Tables

Auction Rate Securities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Significant Assumptions Used to Determine Fair Value of Auction Rate Securities	Significant Assumptions Used to Determine the Fair Values of Our Auction Rate Securities
	Assumption	30-Apr-15	31-Oct-14
	Discount rates	L + 0.31% – L + 6.22%	L + 0.28% – L + 4.06%
	Yields	2.15%, L + 2.00%	2.15%, L + 2.00%
	Average expected lives	4 – 10 years	4 – 10 years
	L – One Month LIBOR

Insurance_Tables

Insurance (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Insurance Disclosure Table	Instruments Used to Collateralize Our Insurance Obligations
	(in millions)	April 30, 2015		October 31, 2014
	Standby letters of credit	$	108.6	$	111.1
	Surety bonds	52.3		52.5
	Restricted insurance deposits	11.4		11.5
	Total	$	172.3	$	175.1

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Revenues and Operating Profit Loss from Segments to Consolidated Table	Financial Information for Each Reportable Segment
		Three Months Ended April 30,						Six Months Ended April 30,
	(in millions)	2015			2014			2015			2014
	Revenues:
	Janitorial	$	659.5		$	631.7		$	1,325.50		$	1,268.80
	Facility Services	145.8			149.5			302			301.2
	Parking	153.5			152.6			309.2			302.9
	Security	93.7			93.8			188.6			193.5
	Building & Energy Solutions	121.5			118.5			240.9			220.6
	Other	96.1			85.2			193.3			170.8
		$	1,270.10		$	1,231.30		$	2,559.50		$	2,457.80
	Operating profit:
	Janitorial	$	39.9		$	37.2		$	74.8		$	67.5
	Facility Services	6.6			5			12.5			10.1
	Parking	6.7			6			13.2			11.2
	Security	2.6			2			4.5			4.3
	Building & Energy Solutions	3.2			3.5			4.4			6.2
	Other	3			2.4			5.6			4.3
	Corporate	(29.0		)	(27.0		)	(61.3		)	(49.1		)
	Adjustment for income from unconsolidated affiliates, net, included in Building & Energy Solutions	(2.2		)	(1.2		)	(3.7		)	(2.7		)
		30.8			27.9			50			51.8
	Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net	2.2			1.2			3.7			2.7
	Interest expense	(2.5		)	(2.7		)	(5.2		)	(5.4		)
	Income before income taxes	$	30.5		$	26.4		$	48.5		$	49.1

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign2

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Costs directly reimbursed from parking lot client	$75.10	$77.10	$152.10	$153.40

Net_Income_Per_Common_Share_Ca

Net Income Per Common Share - Calculations of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income	$18.30	$15.20	$36	$28.30
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding-Basic (in shares)	56.8	56.1	56.6	55.9
Effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding-Diluted (in shares)	57.6	57	57.4	57
Net income per common share - basic (in usd per share)	$0.32	$0.27	$0.64	$0.51
Net income per common share - diluted (in usd per share)	$0.32	$0.27	$0.63	$0.50
Restricted stock units
Effect of dilutive securities:
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	0.4	0.4	0.3	0.5
Stock options
Effect of dilutive securities:
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	0.3	0.4	0.3	0.4
Performance shares
Effect of dilutive securities:
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	0.1	0.1	0.2	0.2

Net_Income_Per_Common_Share_An

Net Income Per Common Share - Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share (Detail)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount (in shares)	0.1	0.2	0.2	0.2

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business acquisition aggregate purchase price	$53
Contingent consideration	$3.30

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Schedule of Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015		Oct. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Financial Instruments
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	$308.60		$321.40
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	41.8		48.2
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	60		66.6
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Financial Instruments
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	30.4	[1]	36.7	[1]
Insurance deposits	11.4	[2]	11.5	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Financial Instruments
Lines of Credit, Fair Value Disclosure	307	[3]	319.8	[3]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Financial Instruments
Select financial assets	18.2		18.4
Selected Financial Liabilities	1.6		1.6
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Financial Instruments
Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan	5.3	[4]	5.4	[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Financial Instruments
Interest rate swaps	0.2	[5]	0.2	[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Financial Instruments
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	12.9	[6]	13	[6]
Contingent consideration liability	$1.40	[7]	$1.40	[7]
[1]	Cash and cash equivalents are stated at nominal value, which equals fair value.
[2]	Represents restricted insurance deposits that are used to collateralize our insurance obligations and are stated at nominal value, which equals fair value. These insurance deposits are included in “Other assets” on the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets. See Note 7, “Insurance,” for further information.
[3]	Represents outstanding borrowings under our 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 8, “Line of Credit,” for further information.
[4]	Represents investments held in a Rabbi trust associated with one of our deferred compensation plans, which we include in “Other assets” on the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the assets held in the funded deferred compensation plan is based on quoted market prices.
[5]	Represents interest rate swap derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. 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 values of the interest rate swap liabilities were included in “Other accrued liabilities” on the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets. See Note 8, “Line of Credit,” for more information.
[6]	For investments in auction rate securities, the fair values are based on discounted cash flow valuation models, primarily utilizing unobservable inputs, which we include in “Other investments” on the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets. See Note 6, “Auction Rate Securities,” for further information.
[7]	Our contingent consideration liability was incurred in connection with an acquisition made in 2013. The contingent consideration liability is measured at fair value and is included in “Other liabilities” on the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets. The fair value is based on a pre-defined forecasted adjusted income from operations using a probability weighted income approach and is discounted using our fixed borrowing rate.

Auction_Rate_Securities_Additi

Auction Rate Securities - Additional Information (Detail) (Auction Rate Securities, USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments in auction rate securities	$15,000,000	$15,000,000
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	13,000,000	13,000,000
Fair value of auction rate securities	12,900,000	13,000,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	2,900,000
Retained Earnings
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Total amount of other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) credit loss recognized	2,000,000	2,000,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on securities	($100,000)	$0

Auction_Rate_Securities_Signif

Auction Rate Securities - Significant Assumptions Used to Determine Fair Value of Auction Rate Securities (Detail)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Libor plus stated yield	2.00%	2.00%
Yields	2.15%	2.15%
Minimum
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Discount rates	0.31%	0.28%
Average expected lives	4 years	4 years
Maximum
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Discount rates	6.22%	4.06%
Average expected lives	10 years	10 years

Insurance_Additional_Informati

Insurance - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Schedule of Other Liabilities
Total Instruments Used To Collateralize Insurance Obligations	$172,300,000		$172,300,000	$175,100,000
Self insurance retention amount per-claim	1,000,000
Insurance policy coverage, general liability losses	200,000,000		200,000,000
Insurance policy coverage, property damage	75,000,000		75,000,000
Insurance claims	-6,000,000	-1,100,000
Insurance claim reserves	343,900,000		343,900,000	349,700,000
Medical and Dental Self Insurance Program
Schedule of Other Liabilities
Insurance claim reserves	7,700,000		7,700,000	4,800,000
Minimum
Schedule of Other Liabilities
Workers Compensation General Liability and Other Insurable Risks Insurance Policy Limit	1,000,000		1,000,000
Maximum
Schedule of Other Liabilities
Workers Compensation General Liability and Other Insurable Risks Insurance Policy Limit	5,000,000		5,000,000
Self insurance retention amount per-claim	400,000
Corporate Segment
Schedule of Other Liabilities
Insurance claims			3,000,000
Other Current Assets and Other Assets
Schedule of Other Liabilities
Insurance recoverables	$66,500,000		$66,500,000	$66,400,000

Insurance_Standby_Letters_of_C

Insurance - Standby Letters of Credit, Surety Bonds and Restricted Insurance Deposits Outstanding to Collateralize Self-Insurance Obligations (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Letters Of Credit
Total Instruments Used To Collateralize Insurance Obligations	$172.30	$175.10
Standby Letters of Credit
Letters Of Credit
Instruments Used To Collateralize Insurance Obligations	108.6	111.1
Surety Bond
Letters Of Credit
Instruments Used To Collateralize Insurance Obligations	52.3	52.5
Rejected insurance deposits
Letters Of Credit
Instruments Used To Collateralize Insurance Obligations	$11.40	$11.50

Line_of_Credit_Additional_Info

Line of Credit - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2010	Apr. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Line of Credit Facility
Credit agreement term	5 years
Syndicated line of credit, increased capacity		$800,000,000
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity		1,000,000,000
Debt covenant leverage ratio		3.25
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio		1.5
Consolidated net worth		570,000,000
Consolidated net income earned		50.00%
Aggregate increases in stockholders' equity		100.00%
Covenants maximum leverage ratio		3.5
Credit facility, amount outstanding, cash borrowings		307,000,000	319,800,000
Line of credit, borrowing capacity currently available		376,900,000	365,300,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), cumulative changes in net gain (loss) from cash flow hedges, effect gross		200,000	200,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), cumulative changes in net gain (loss) from cash flow hedges, effect net of tax		100,000	100,000
Unrealized net loss related to the interest rate swap contract		-200,000
Interest Rate Swap Agreements
Line of Credit Facility
Notional amount				155,000,000
Standby Letters of Credit
Line of Credit Facility
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity		300,000,000
Standby letters of credit		116,100,000	114,900,000
Swing Line Loan
Line of Credit Facility
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity		$50,000,000
Minimum
Line of Credit Facility
Percentage of commitment fee on the unused portion of the Facility		0.20%
Minimum | Interest Rate Swap Agreements
Line of Credit Facility
Derivative, fixed interest rate				0.44%
Maximum
Line of Credit Facility
Percentage of commitment fee on the unused portion of the Facility		0.28%
Maximum | Interest Rate Swap Agreements
Line of Credit Facility
Derivative, fixed interest rate				0.47%
Base Rate | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility
Variable rate		0.00%
Base Rate | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility
Variable rate		0.75%
Eurodollar
Line of Credit Facility
Variable rate		1.00%
Eurodollar | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility
Variable rate		1.00%
Eurodollar | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility
Variable rate		1.75%
Federal Funds Rate
Line of Credit Facility
Variable rate		0.50%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Aug. 01, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 11, 2013	17-May-12	Apr. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Loss Contingencies
Surety bonds					$354,000,000
Guarantee Obligation					26,000,000	31,700,000
Subsidiary ownership interest percentage					33.00%
Loss contingency amount accrued for probable losses					3,500,000
Amount of reasonably possible losses, Minimum					0
Amount of reasonably possible losses, Maximum					8,100,000
Effective date starting after July 31, 2014
Loss Contingencies
Surety bonds					12,400,000
Standby Letters of Credit
Loss Contingencies
Standby letters of credit					116,100,000	114,900,000
Parental
Loss Contingencies
Total guarantees					35,000,000
Contract Dispute, Work Performed by a Third Party Administrative
Loss Contingencies
Loss contingency amount accrued for probable losses					2,300,000
Augustus
Loss Contingencies
Payment awarded to plaintiffs	4,500,000	89,700,000
Percentage of damages awarded	30.00%
Initial Award To Plaintiff Reversal							89,700,000
Bojorquez
Loss Contingencies
Payment awarded to plaintiffs			$2,500,000	$800,000

Common_Stock_Details

Common Stock (Details) (Share repurchase program approved September 5, 2012, USD $)	1 Months Ended	7 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 03, 2015	Jun. 03, 2015	Sep. 05, 2012
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Share repurchase program authorized amount			$50,000,000
Subsequent Event
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchased, retired, and returned to an authorized by unissued status during the period		0.3
Average price of common shares repurchased (in usd per share)		$31.92
Value of shares repurchased	2,100,000	10,000,000
Remaining shares authorized to be repurchased, amount	$20,000,000	$20,000,000

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate reconciliation, percent	40.00%	42.40%	25.80%	42.40%
Tax Credit			$4.80
State employment-based tax credits			$2.50

Segment_Information_Reportable

Segment Information - Reportable Operating Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	$1,270.10	$1,231.30	$2,559.50	$2,457.80
Operating profit	30.8	27.9	50	51.8
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net	2.2	1.2	3.7	2.7
Interest expense	-2.5	-2.7	-5.2	-5.4
Income before income taxes	30.5	26.4	48.5	49.1
Janitorial
Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	659.5	631.7	1,325.50	1,268.80
Operating profit	39.9	37.2	74.8	67.5
Facility Services
Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	145.8	149.5	302	301.2
Operating profit	6.6	5	12.5	10.1
Parking
Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	153.5	152.6	309.2	302.9
Operating profit	6.7	6	13.2	11.2
Security
Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	93.7	93.8	188.6	193.5
Operating profit	2.6	2	4.5	4.3
Building & Energy Solutions
Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	121.5	118.5	240.9	220.6
Operating profit	3.2	3.5	4.4	6.2
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net	-2.2	-1.2	-3.7	-2.7
Other
Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	96.1	85.2	193.3	170.8
Operating profit	3	2.4	5.6	4.3
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information
Operating profit	-29	-27	-61.3	-49.1
Operating Profit | Janitorial
Segment Reporting Information
Impact of the change in reported operating profit		1		2.2
Operating Profit | Facility Services
Segment Reporting Information
Impact of the change in reported operating profit		-0.4		-0.8
Operating Profit | Parking
Segment Reporting Information
Impact of the change in reported operating profit		-0.4		-0.9
Operating Profit | Security
Segment Reporting Information
Impact of the change in reported operating profit		($0.20)		($0.50)

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	1-May-15
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Business acquisition aggregate purchase price	$53
CTS Services/Facility Support Services | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Business acquisition aggregate purchase price		20
Contingent consideration maximum amount payable		$3.80