Reportable Operating Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,076,247	$ 869,029	$ 3,165,499	$ 2,594,374
Operating profit	40,733	35,326	84,148	73,081
Gross impairment losses				(114)
Impairments recognized in other comprehensive income				(13)
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net	1,166		2,785
Interest expense	(4,114)	(1,149)	(12,477)	(3,541)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	37,785	34,177	74,456	69,413
Janitorial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	598,697	575,204	1,783,557	1,717,537
Operating profit	40,144	38,380	104,942	101,040
Engineering
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	236,213	94,383	658,058	285,716
Operating profit	9,878	6,118	24,170	16,415
Parking
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	153,323	114,222	462,316	340,813
Operating profit	7,171	5,823	16,799	16,033
Security
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	87,736	84,900	260,630	249,209
Operating profit	2,813	2,026	5,011	4,313
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	278	320	938	1,099
Operating profit	$ (19,273)	$ (17,021)	$ (66,774)	$ (64,720)