Reportable Operating Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,079,235	$ 1,076,247	$ 3,210,264	$ 3,165,499
Operating profit	23,173	40,733	59,832	84,148
Other-than-temporary impairment credit losses on auction rate security recognized in earnings			(313)
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net	747	1,166	5,380	2,785
Interest expense	(2,407)	(4,114)	(7,682)	(12,477)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	21,513	37,785	57,217	74,456
Janitorial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	602,459	598,697	1,790,246	1,783,557
Operating profit	34,850	40,144	98,852	104,942
Facility Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	229,903	236,213	686,226	658,058
Operating profit	8,785	9,878	21,531	24,170
Parking
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	154,980	153,323	461,110	462,316
Operating profit	7,768	7,171	18,610	16,799
Security
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	91,602	87,736	272,474	260,630
Operating profit	2,962	2,813	4,819	5,011
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	291	278	208	938
Operating profit	$ (31,192)	$ (19,273)	$ (83,980)	$ (66,774)