Reportable Operating Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,182,123	$ 1,073,785
Operating profit	19,306	17,796
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net	1,195	3,132
Interest expense	(3,310)	(2,834)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	17,191	18,094
Janitorial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	605,519	594,340
Operating profit	29,074	30,508
Facility Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	156,447	144,605
Operating profit	6,141	6,087
Parking
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	151,237	153,450
Operating profit	4,823	4,750
Security
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	96,673	91,982
Operating profit	1,668	845
Building & Energy Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	87,982	89,168
Adjustment for income from unconsolidated affiliates	(1,240)	(1,012)
Operating profit	796	1,290
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	83,980
Operating profit	1,988
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	285	240
Operating profit	$ (23,944)	$ (24,672)