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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2011	Mar. 04, 2011	Apr. 30, 2010
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ABM INDUSTRIES INC /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	0000771497
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jan. 31, 2011
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 1,100,912,951
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		53,019,808

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 31,365	$ 39,446
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances of $15,705 and $10,672 at January 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, respectively	574,532	450,513
Prepaid income taxes	1,516	1,498
Current assets of discontinued operations	3,705	4,260
Prepaid expenses	49,151	41,306
Notes receivable and other	26,525	20,402
Deferred income taxes, net	44,820	46,193
Insurance recoverables	5,138	5,138
Total current assets	736,752	608,756
Non-current assets of discontinued operations	830	1,392
Insurance deposits	36,177	36,164
Other investments and long-term receivables	3,845	4,445
Deferred income taxes, net	51,578	51,068
Insurance recoverables	70,960	70,960
Other assets	67,679	37,869
Investments in auction rate securities	20,910	20,171
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	12,016	0
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $105,252 and $98,884 at January 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, respectively	66,176	58,088
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $60,236 and $54,889 at January 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, respectively	162,398	65,774
Goodwill	726,518	593,983
Total assets	1,955,839	1,548,670
Current liabilities
Trade accounts payable	134,447	78,928
Accrued liabilities
Compensation	98,019	89,063
Taxes - other than income	27,320	17,663
Insurance claims	76,500	77,101
Other	82,960	70,119
Income taxes payable	1,334	977
Total current liabilities	420,580	333,851
Income taxes payable	30,653	29,455
Line of credit	430,000	140,500
Retirement plans and other	55,445	34,626
Insurance claims	270,272	271,213
Total liabilities	$ 1,206,950	$ 809,645
Stockholders' equity
Commitment and Contingencies
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000 shares authorized; none issued	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 52, 989,573 and 52,635,343 shares issued at January 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, respectively	530	526
Additional paid-in capital	200,079	192,418
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	(897)	(1,863)
Retained earnings	549,177	547,944
Total stockholders' equity	748,889	739,025
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,955,839	$ 1,548,670

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (Unaudited) - USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Current assets
Allowances for trade accounts receivable	$ 15,705,000	$ 10,672,000
Accumulated depreciation on property, plant and equipment	105,252,000	98,884,000
Accumulated amortization on other intangible assets	60,236,000	54,889,000
Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	500,000	500,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	52,989,573	52,635,343

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2011	Jan. 31, 2010
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 1,029,169	$ 869,884
Expenses
Operating	927,760	782,101
Selling, general and administrative	79,200	62,802
Amortization of intangible assets	5,293	2,775
Total expenses	1,012,253	847,678
Operating profit	16,916	22,206
Income from unconsolidated affiliates	787
Interest expense	(4,046)	(1,215)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	13,657	20,991
Provision for income taxes	(5,252)	(8,155)
Income from continuing operations	8,405	12,836
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(15)	(61)
Net income	$ 8,390	$ 12,775
Net income per common share - Basic
Income from continuing operations	$ 0.16	$ 0.25
Loss from discontinued operations	0.00	0.00
Net Income	0.16	0.25
Net income per common share - Diluted
Income from continuing operations	0.16	0.24
Loss from discontinued operations	0.00	0.00
Net Income	$ 0.16	$ 0.24
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding
Basic	52,839	51,821
Diluted	53,893	52,548
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.140	$ 0.135

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2011	Jan. 31, 2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 8,390	$ 12,775
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(15)	(61)
Income from continuing operations	8,405	12,836
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used in) continuing operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets	12,674	8,493
Deferred income taxes	2,092	4,868
Share-based compensation expense	2,174	1,960
Provision for bad debt	875	606
Discount accretion on insurance claims	220	228
Loss (gain) on sale of assets	28	(92)
Income from unconsolidated affiliates	(787)
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates	157
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions
Trade accounts receivable	(37,109)	(32,276)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(6,860)	2,241
Insurance recoverables		1,400
Other assets and long-term receivables	1,823	1,161
Income taxes payable	1,537	4,286
Retirement plans and other non-current liabilities	(998)	(928)
Insurance claims payable	(3,887)	(498)
Trade accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	19,914	(16,505)
Total adjustments	(8,147)	(25,056)
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operating activities	258	(12,220)
Net cash provided by discontinued operating activities	1,039	3,307
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	1,297	(8,913)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(5,213)	(7,379)
Proceeds from sale of assets	34	1,043
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired	(292,178)	(588)
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	(630)
Net cash used in investing activities	(297,987)	(6,924)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercises of stock options (including income tax benefit)	5,731	1,251
Dividends paid	(7,398)	(6,992)
Deferred financing costs paid	(4,991)
Borrowings from line of credit	430,500	131,000
Repayment of borrowings from line of credit	(141,000)	(131,500)
Changes in book cash overdrafts	5,767	9,102
Net cash provided by financing activities	288,609	2,861
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(8,081)	(12,976)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	39,446	34,153
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	31,365	21,177
Supplemental Data:
Cash paid (refunded) for income taxes, net of refunds received	688	(1,243)
Tax effect from exercise of options	971	241
Cash received from exercise of options	4,760	1,010
Interest paid on line of credit	$ 2,881	$ 979

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation	Jan. 31, 2011
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	1. Basis of Presentation The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of ABM Industries Incorporated (“ABM”) represent the accounts of ABM and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). The financial statements contained in this report are unaudited and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in ABM’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010. All references to years are to the Company’s fiscal year, which ends on October 31. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in ABM’s condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. These estimates are based on information available as of the date of these financial statements. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in those estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods. In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to fairly state the information for each period contained therein. The results of operations for the three months ended January 31, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that might be expected for the full fiscal year or any future periods. Significant Accounting Policies For a description of the Company’s significant accounting policies, see Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2010. In connection with the acquisition of The Linc Group, LLC (“Linc”) on December 1, 2010, the Company has adopted the following additional significant accounting policies: Revenue Recognition Linc performs long-term fixed-price repair and refurbishment contracts which are accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting. Under the percentage-of-completion method, revenues are recognized as the work progresses. The percentage of work completed is determined principally by comparing the actual costs incurred to date with the current estimate of total costs to complete to measure the stage of completion. Revenue and gross profit are adjusted periodically for revisions in estimated total contract costs and values. Estimated losses are recorded when identified. Linc maintains individual and area franchises that permit companies to perform engineering services under the “Linc Network” brand. Revenue from franchisees consists of start-up fees (which are recognized when all material services or conditions relating to the sale have been substantially performed or satisfied) and continuing franchise royalty fees that are generally based on a percentage of franchisee revenue (which are recorded as revenue by the Company as the fees are earned and become receivable from the franchisee). Direct (incremental) costs relating to franchise sales for which the revenue has not been recognized are deferred until the related revenue is recognized. Costs relating to continuing franchise fees are expensed as incurred. Guarantees Linc offers certain customers guaranteed energy savings on installed equipment under long-term service and maintenance contracts. The total energy savings guarantees were $24.1 million at January 31, 2011 and extend from 2012 to 2025. The Company accrues for the estimated cost of guarantees when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated based on historical experience. Historically, Linc has not incurred any significant losses in connection with these guarantees, and the Company does not expect any significant future losses. Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates Linc owns non-controlling interests in certain affiliated entities that provide engineering services to government and commercial clients, primarily in the United States and the Middle East. The carrying amount of the investments in unconsolidated affiliates was $12.0 million at January 31, 2011. The Company accounts for such investments, in which it holds a significant interest but does not exercise controlling influence, under the equity method of accounting. The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment whenever events, or changes in circumstances, indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may not be recoverable. The differences between the carrying amounts and the estimated fair values of equity method investments are recognized as an impairment loss when the loss is deemed to be other-than-temporary. Parking Revenue Presentation The Company’s Parking segment reports both revenues and expenses, in equal amounts, for costs directly reimbursed from its managed parking lot clients. Parking revenues related solely to the reimbursement of expenses totaled $73.4 million and $56.0 million for the three months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Acquisitions

3 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2011

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Acquisitions

2. Acquisitions

On December 1, 2010, the Company acquired Linc pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 1, 2010 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among ABM, Linc, GI Manager LP, as the Members Representative, and Lightning Services, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ABM (“Merger Sub”). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub merged with and into Linc, and Linc continued as the surviving corporation and as a wholly-owned subsidiary of ABM. The aggregate purchase price for all of the outstanding limited liability company interests of Linc was $300.6 million, subject to certain adjustments as set forth in the Merger Agreement. Linc provides end-to-end integrated facilities management services that improve operating efficiencies, reduce energy consumption and lower overall operational costs for governmental, commercial and residential clients throughout the United States and in select international markets. Some of these services are performed through franchisees and other affiliated entities. The operations of Linc are included in the Engineering segment as of the acquisition date. Revenues and operating profit associated with Linc, and included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income for the three months ended January 31, 2011, were $93.6 million and $3.1 million, respectively. Pro forma financial information for this acquisition has not been provided, as such information is not materially different from the Company’s historical results.

This acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. The Company has performed a preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the underlying net assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date, with any excess of the purchase price allocated to goodwill. The Company has not completed the analysis of certain acquired assets and assumed liabilities, including, but not limited to, other identifiable intangible assets (customer contracts), investments in unconsolidated affiliates, self-insurance reserves, certain legal contingencies, and income taxes. However, the Company is continuing its review of these items during the measurement period, and further changes to the preliminary allocation will be recognized as the valuations are finalized.

The preliminary purchase price and related allocations are summarized as follows:


(in thousands)

Purchase price:

Total cash consideration	$	300,645


Allocated to:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	8,467
Trade accounts receivable		87,785
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		7,108
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates		10,735
Property, plant and equipment		10,337
Other identifiable intangible assets		102,000
Other assets		27,007
Accounts payable		(37,939	)
Insurance claims		(2,125	)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		(23,416	)
Non-current liabilities		(21,834	)
Goodwill		132,520

Net assets acquired	$	300,645

The fair values of the acquired customer contracts will be amortized using the sum-of-the-years-digits method, over their useful lives of 13 — 20 years, which is consistent with the estimated useful life considerations used in the determination of their preliminary fair values. The amount allocated to goodwill is reflective of the Company’s identification of buyer-specific synergies that the Company anticipates will be realized by, among other things, reducing duplicative positions and back office functions, consolidating facilities, and reducing professional fees and other services.

The transaction was a taxable asset acquisition of the Linc organization for U.S. income tax purposes and no deferred taxes have been recorded on a significant portion of the acquired assets and liabilities. However, deferred taxes have been recorded for certain assets and liabilities where the Company receives a carryover basis for tax purposes. Additional deferred taxes may be recorded as the Company finalizes its assessments of the fair value of the remaining acquired assets and liabilities. A significant portion of the goodwill associated with the acquisition is expected to be amortizable for income tax purposes.

Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2011

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

3. Fair Value Measurements

A fair value measurement is determined based on the assumptions that a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability. A three-tiered hierarchy draws distinctions between market participant assumptions based on (i) observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets (Level 1), (ii) inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2), and (iii) unobservable inputs that require the Company to use present value and other valuation techniques in the determination of fair value (Level 3).

The following tables present information about assets and liabilities required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010:


			Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value at		Using Inputs Considered as
(in thousands)	January 31, 2011		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

Assets
Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan	$	5,357	$	5,357	$	—	$	—
Investments in auction rate securities		20,910		—		—		20,910
Interest rate swap		179		—		179		—

Total assets	$	26,446	$	5,357	$	179	$	20,910


			Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value at		Using Inputs Considered as
(in thousands)	October 31, 2010		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

Assets
Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan	$	5,717	$	5,717	$	—	$	—
Investments in auction rate securities		20,171		—		—		20,171

Total assets	$	25,888	$	5,717	$	—	$	20,171


Liabilities
Interest rate swap	$	445	$	—	$	445	$	—

Total liabilities	$	445	$	—	$	445	$	—

The fair value of the assets held in the funded deferred compensation plan is based on quoted market prices.

For investments in auction rate securities that were not redeemed or had no market activity indicative of fair market value, the fair value of the investments in auction rate securities is based on discounted cash flow valuation models, primarily utilizing unobservable inputs. During the three months ended January 31, 2011, the Company had no transfers of assets or liabilities between any of the above hierarchy levels. See Note 4, “Auction Rate Securities,” for the roll-forwards of assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable Level 3 inputs.

The fair value of the interest rate swaps is estimated based on the present value of the difference between expected cash flows calculated at the contracted interest rates and the expected cash flows at current market interest rates using observable benchmarks for London Interbank Offered Rate forward rates at the end of the period. See Note 7, “Line of Credit Facility.”

Other Financial Assets and Liabilities

Due to the short-term maturities of the Company’s cash, cash equivalents, receivables, payables, and current assets and liabilities of discontinued operations, the carrying value of these financial instruments approximates their fair market values. Due to the variable interest rates, the fair value of outstanding borrowings under the Company’s $650.0 million line of credit approximates its carrying value of $430.0 million. The carrying value of the receivables included in non-current assets of discontinued operations of $0.8 million and the insurance deposits related to self-insurance claims of $36.2 million approximates fair market value.

Auction Rate Securities

3 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2011

Auction Rate Securities [Abstract]

Auction Rate Securities

4. Auction Rate Securities

As of January 31, 2011, the Company held investments in auction rate securities from five different issuers having an original principal amount of $5.0 million each (aggregating $25.0 million). At January 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, the estimated fair value of these securities, in total, was approximately $20.9 million and $20.2 million, respectively. These auction rate securities are debt instruments with stated maturities ranging from 2025 to 2050, for which the interest rate is designed to be reset through Dutch auctions approximately every 30 days. Auctions for these securities have not occurred since August 2007. On February 11, 2011, one of the Company’s auction rate securities was redeemed by the issuer at its par value of $5.0 million. As of January 31, 2011 and the redemption date, this security was valued at $5.0 million, therefore, no gain or loss was recognized upon its redemption.

For securities that were not redeemed or had no market activity indicative of fair market value, the Company estimates the fair values of auction rate securities it holds utilizing a discounted cash flow model, which considers, among other factors, assumptions about: (1) the underlying collateral; (2) credit risks associated with the issuer; (3) contractual maturity; (4) credit enhancements associated with financial insurance guarantees, if any; and (5) assumptions about when, if ever, the security might be re-financed by the issuer or have a successful auction. Since there can be no assurance that auctions for these securities will be successful in the near future, the Company has classified its auction rate securities as long-term investments.

The following table presents the significant assumptions used to determine the fair value of the Company’s auction rate securities at January 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010:


Assumption	January 31, 2011	October 31, 2010
Discount rates	L + 2.24% – L + 14.71%	L + 2.50% – L + 18.59%
Yields	L + 2.0% – L + 3.5%	L + 2.0% – L + 3.5%
Average expected lives	4 – 10 years	4 – 10 years

L — London Interbank Offered Rate

The Company’s determination of whether its auction rate securities are other-than-temporarily impaired is based on an evaluation of several factors, circumstances, and known or reasonably supportable trends including, but not limited to: (1) the Company’s intent to not sell the securities; (2) the Company’s assessment that it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the securities before recovering its cost basis; (3) expected defaults; (4) available ratings for the securities or the underlying collateral; (5) the rating of the associated guarantor (where applicable); (6) the nature and value of the underlying collateral expected to service the investment; (7) actual historical performance of the security in servicing its obligations; and (8) actuarial experience of the underlying re-insurance arrangement (where applicable), which in certain circumstances may have preferential rights to the underlying collateral.

The Company’s determination of whether an other-than-temporary impairment represents a credit loss is based upon the difference between the present value of the expected cash flows to be collected and the amortized cost basis of the security. Significant assumptions used in estimating the credit loss include: (1) default rates for the security and the mono-line insurer, if any (which are based on published historical default rates of similar securities and consideration of current market trends); and (2) the expected life of the security (which represents the Company’s view of when market efficiencies for securities may be restored). Adverse changes in any of these factors could result in additional declines in fair value and further other-than-temporary impairments in the future. There were no other-than-temporary impairments identified during the three months ended January 31, 2011.

The following table presents the changes in the cost basis and fair value of the Company’s auction rate securities for the three months ended January 31, 2011:


			Fair Value
(in thousands)	Cost Basis		(Level 3)

Balance at beginning of year	$	23,307	$	20,171
Unrealized gains		—		947
Unrealized losses		—		(208	)

Balance at January 31, 2011	$	23,307	$	20,910

At January 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, unrealized losses of $2.4 million ($1.5 million net of taxes) and $3.1 million ($1.9 million net of taxes) were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, respectively.

Line of Credit Facility	3 Months Ended
Line of Credit Facility	Jan. 31, 2011
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility	7. Line of Credit Facility On November 30, 2010, the Company terminated its then-existing $450.0 million syndicated line of credit and replaced it with a $650.0 million five-year syndicated line of credit that is scheduled to expire on November 30, 2015 (the “Facility”), with the option to increase the size of the Facility to $850.0 million at any time prior to the expiration (subject to receipt of commitments for the increased amount from existing and new lenders). The Facility is available for working capital, the issuance of standby letters of credit, the financing of capital expenditures, and other general corporate purposes, including acquisitions. The Facility includes covenants limiting liens, dispositions, fundamental changes, investments, indebtedness, and certain transactions and payments. In addition, the Facility also requires that the Company maintain the following three financial covenants which are described in Note 16, “Subsequent Events,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2010: (1) a fixed charge coverage ratio; (2) a leverage ratio; and (3) a consolidated net worth test. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of January 31, 2011. As of January 31, 2011, the total outstanding amount under the Facility in the form of cash borrowings was $430.0 million. Available credit under the line of credit was up to $113.9 million at January 31, 2011. The Company’s ability to draw down available amounts under its line of credit is subject to compliance with the covenants described above. Interest Rate Swaps On February 19, 2009, the Company entered into a two-year interest rate swap agreement with an underlying notional amount of $100.0 million, pursuant to which the Company receives variable interest payments based on LIBOR and pays fixed interest at a rate of 1.47%. On October 19, 2010, the Company entered into a three-year forward starting interest rate swap agreement with an underlying notional amount of $25.0 million, pursuant to which the Company receives variable interest payments based on LIBOR and pays fixed interest at a rate of 0.89%. The effective date of this hedge is February 24, 2011. These swaps are intended to hedge the interest risk associated with the Company’s forecasted floating-rate, LIBOR-based debt. As of January 31, 2011, the critical terms of the swaps match the terms of the debt, resulting in no hedge ineffectiveness. On an ongoing basis (no less than once each quarter), the Company assesses whether its LIBOR-based interest payments are probable of being paid during the life of the hedging relationship. The Company also assesses the counterparty credit risk, including credit ratings and potential non-performance of the counterparties, when determining the fair value of the swaps. As of January 31, 2011, the fair value of the interest rate swaps was $0.2 million, which was included in other investments and long-term receivables on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. The effective portion of these cash flow hedges is recorded within accumulated other comprehensive loss and reclassified into interest expense in the same period during which the hedged transactions affect earnings. Any ineffective portion of the hedges is recorded immediately to interest expense. No ineffectiveness existed at January 31, 2011. The amount included in accumulated other comprehensive loss is $0.2 million ($0.1 million, net of taxes) at January 31, 2011.

Contingencies	3 Months Ended
Contingencies	Jan. 31, 2011
Contingencies [Abstract]
Contingencies	9. Contingencies The Company is a defendant in certain proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, including class actions and purported class actions. Litigation outcomes are often difficult to predict and are often resolved over long periods of time. Estimating probable losses requires the analysis of multiple possible outcomes that often depend on judgments about potential actions by third parties. Loss contingencies are recorded as liabilities if both: (1) it is probable or known that a liability has been incurred and (2) the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. If the reasonable estimate of the loss is a range and no amount within the range is a better estimate, the minimum amount of the range is recorded as a liability. Legal costs associated with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred. The Company is a defendant in the consolidated cases of Augustus, Hall and Davis v. American Commercial Security Services filed July 12, 2005, in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County (the “Augustus case”). The Augustus case involves allegations that the Company violated certain state laws relating to meal and rest breaks. On January 8, 2009, the Augustus case was certified as a class action by the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County. On October 6, 2010, the Company moved to decertify the class and for summary judgment. Plaintiffs also moved for summary judgment on the rest break claim. On December 28, 2010, the Superior Court de-certified the portion of the class related to the meal break claims and granted summary judgment for the plaintiffs with respect to the rest break issue. On January 21, 2011, the Company filed a writ challenging the Court’s decision, which writ was denied. No trial court date has been set. The Company intends to challenge the Court’s decision. An estimate of the potential exposure, if any, cannot be made at this time. The Company is a defendant in the case of Villacres v. ABM Security filed on August 15, 2007, in the U.S. District Court of California, Central District (the “Villacres case”). On January 15, 2009, a federal court judge denied with prejudice class certification status in the Villacres case. That case and the companion state court case filed April 3, 2008, in Los Angeles Superior Court were both subsequently dismissed with prejudice on summary judgment. On June 17, 2010, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the decision of the district court, which had summarily dismissed with prejudice the Villacres case. The state court companion case, filed April 3, 2008 in Los Angeles Superior Court, has also been dismissed with prejudice by the judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court. On October 22, 2010, the State Appellate Court affirmed the decision of the judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court. The plaintiffs filed a petition for review with the California Supreme Court. On February 16, 2011, the California Supreme Court denied the petition for review. The Company is a defendant in the case of Diaz/Morales/Reyes v. Ampco System Parking filed on December 5, 2006, in Los Angeles Superior Court (the “Diaz case”). On January 19, 2011, a previously scheduled mediation between the parties took place, which concluded without the parties reaching agreement. A trial date has not yet been set. The Company accrues amounts it believes are adequate to address any liabilities related to litigation and arbitration proceedings and to other contingencies that the Company believes will result in a probable loss. However, the ultimate resolution of such matters is always uncertain. It is possible that any such proceeding brought against the Company could have a material adverse impact on its financial condition and results of operations. The total amount accrued for all probable losses at January 31, 2011 was $6.4 million.

Self-Insurance	3 Months Ended
Self-Insurance	Jan. 31, 2011
Self-Insurance [Abstract]
Self-Insurance	6. Self-Insurance The Company’s self-insurance reserves during interim periods are based on actuarial rates that consider the most recently completed actuarial reports and subsequent known or expected trends. During the remainder of 2011, actuarial reports are expected to be completed for the Company’s significant programs using recent claims data, and may result in adjustments to earnings during the third and fourth quarters of 2011. At January 31, 2011, the Company had $106.1 million in standby letters of credit (primarily related to its workers’ compensation, general liability, automobile, and property damage programs), $36.2 million in restricted insurance deposits, and $188.8 million in surety bonds supporting insurance claim liabilities. At October 31, 2010, the Company had $100.8 million in standby letters of credit, $36.2 million in restricted insurance deposits, and $112.5 million in surety bonds supporting insurance claim liabilities.

Share-Based Compensation Plans	3 Months Ended
Share-Based Compensation Plans	Jan. 31, 2011
Share-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation Plans	10. Share-Based Compensation Plans On January 10, 2011, the following grants were approved: 186,563 stock options and 58,043 restricted stock units, each under the terms of the Company’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated. The fair value of the awards granted on January 10, 2011 was approximately $3.0 million, and these awards vest 100% on the fifth anniversary of the grant date. The Company estimates the fair value of stock options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The fair value of stock options granted was $8.04 per share. The assumptions used in the option valuation model for the stock options granted on January 10, 2011 were: (1) expected life from date of grant of 5.6 years; (2) expected stock price volatility of 39.2%; (3) expected dividend yield of 2.3%; and (4) a risk-free interest rate of 2.1%. The fair value of the restricted stock units granted was determined using the closing stock price on the date of grant. On January 11, 2011, grants of 299,628 performance share awards under the terms of the Company’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, were approved. The fair value of the performance share awards granted on January 11, 2011 and valued as of January 25, 2011 was approximately $7.6 million. These awards are earned over a period of three years and vest, to the extent certain performance targets are achieved, on January 11, 2014.

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Jan. 31, 2011
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	12. Income Taxes The effective tax rates on income from continuing operations for the three months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010 were 38.5% and 38.8%, respectively. At January 31, 2011, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $101.8 million, all of which, if recognized in the future, would affect its effective tax rate. The Company includes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of January 31, 2011, the Company had accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions of $0.8 million. The Company has recorded $1.2 million of the unrecognized tax benefits as a current liability. The Company’s major tax jurisdiction is the United States. ABM, OneSource Services, Inc. and the Linc C Corporations U.S. federal income tax returns remain open for examination for the periods ending October 31, 2006 through October 31, 2010, March 31, 2000 through November 14, 2007 and December 31, 2007 through December 31, 2010, respectively. ABM is currently being examined by the Internal Revenue Service for the tax years 2006 — 2008. The Company does business in all 50 states, significantly in California, Texas and New York, as well as in Puerto Rico and Canada. In major state jurisdictions, the tax years 2006 — 2010 remain open and subject to examination by the appropriate tax authorities. The Company is currently being examined by Illinois, Maryland, Utah, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, California, Texas, and Puerto Rico.