Reportable Operating Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,173,617	$ 1,057,244	$ 2,355,740	$ 2,131,029
Operating profit	33,617	18,863	52,923	36,659
Other-than-temporary impairment credit losses on auction rate security recognized in earnings		(313)		(313)
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net	1,133	1,501	2,328	4,633
Interest expense	(3,033)	(2,441)	(6,343)	(5,275)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	31,717	17,610	48,908	35,704
Janitorial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	609,229	593,447	1,214,748	1,187,787
Operating profit	37,079	33,494	66,153	64,002
Facility Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	147,383	135,911	303,830	280,516
Operating profit	6,134	4,399	12,275	10,486
Parking
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	151,626	152,680	302,863	306,130
Operating profit	6,134	6,092	10,957	10,842
Security
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	91,536	88,890	188,209	180,872
Operating profit	2,100	1,012	3,768	1,857
Building & Energy Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	93,901	86,639	181,883	175,807
Adjustment for income from unconsolidated affiliates	(1,197)	(661)	(2,437)	(1,673)
Operating profit	2,523	2,643	3,319	3,933
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	79,767		163,747
Operating profit	2,914		4,902
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	175	(323)	460	(83)
Operating profit	$ (22,070)	$ (28,116)	$ (46,014)	$ (52,788)