Summary of Reportable Operating Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011		Oct. 31, 2010		Oct. 31, 2009
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable Assets	$ 1,879,598		$ 1,548,670
Depreciation and Amortization	52,658		36,315		33,325
Additions to property, plant and equipment	22,124		23,942		18,582
Janitorial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and Amortization	19,035		18,356		18,009
Additions to property, plant and equipment	10,048		12,503		6,633
Engineering
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and Amortization	15,214		549		350
Additions to property, plant and equipment	1,280		79		749
Parking
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and Amortization	3,644		2,797		2,746
Additions to property, plant and equipment	2,023		1,265		1,815
Security
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and Amortization	1,441		1,443		1,703
Additions to property, plant and equipment	141		451		258
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and Amortization	13,324		13,170		10,517
Additions to property, plant and equipment	8,632		9,644		9,127
Segment, Continuing Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable Assets	1,877,390	[1]	1,543,018	[1]	1,505,799	[1]
Segment, Continuing Operations | Janitorial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable Assets	859,318	[1]	902,541	[1]	881,862	[1]
Segment, Continuing Operations | Engineering
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable Assets	469,807	[1]	68,710	[1]	68,482	[1]
Segment, Continuing Operations | Parking
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable Assets	149,052	[1]	145,801	[1]	100,549	[1]
Segment, Continuing Operations | Security
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable Assets	111,304	[1]	112,194	[1]	107,667	[1]
Segment, Continuing Operations | Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable Assets	$ 287,909	[1]	$ 313,772	[1]	$ 347,239	[1]

[1] Excludes assets of discontinued operations of $2.2 million, $5.7 million and $15.4 million as of October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.