Reportable Operating Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,090,001	$ 1,079,235	$ 1,057,244	$ 1,073,785	$ 1,081,343	$ 1,076,247	$ 1,060,083	$ 1,029,169	$ 4,300,265	$ 4,246,842	$ 3,495,747
Operating profit									96,566	117,568	108,839
Other-than-temporary impairment credit losses on auction rate security recognized in earnings									(313)		(127)
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net									6,395	3,915
Interest expense									(9,999)	(15,805)	(4,639)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									92,649	105,678	104,073
Janitorial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									2,394,344	2,380,195	2,306,098
Operating profit									135,967	140,621	140,007
Engineering
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									924,415	899,381	382,629
Operating profit									31,965	33,384	22,931
Parking
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									615,132	615,679	469,398
Operating profit									26,189	24,257	22,738
Security
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									365,926	350,377	336,249
Operating profit									7,835	7,968	7,487
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									448	1,210	1,373
Operating profit									$ (105,390)	$ (88,662)	$ (84,324)