Reportable Operating Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2010	Apr. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,081,343	$ 1,076,247	$ 1,060,083	$ 1,029,169	$ 901,373	$ 869,029	$ 855,461	$ 869,884	$ 4,246,842	$ 3,495,747	$ 3,481,823
Operating profit									117,568	108,839	92,107
Gross impairment losses					(101)		101				(3,695)
Impairements recognized in other comprehensive income					(101)		(26)			(127)	2,129
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net									3,915
Interest expense									(15,805)	(4,639)	(5,881)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									105,678	104,073	84,660
Janitorial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									2,380,195	2,306,098	2,346,257
Operating profit									140,621	140,007	139,170
Engineering
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									899,381	382,629	341,462
Operating profit									33,384	22,931	20,346
Parking
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									615,679	469,398	457,477
Operating profit									24,257	22,738	20,285
Security
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									350,377	336,249	334,610
Operating profit									7,968	7,487	8,221
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									1,210	1,373	2,017
Operating profit									$ (88,662)	$ (84,324)	$ (95,915)