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Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	Jul. 31, 2011	Aug. 26, 2011
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jul. 31, 2011
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	ABM
Entity Registrant Name	ABM INDUSTRIES INC /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	0000771497
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		53,248,686

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 39,614	$ 39,446
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances of $16,807 and $10,672 at July 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, respectively	565,267	450,513
Prepaid income taxes	4,187	1,498
Current assets of discontinued operations	2,954	4,260
Prepaid expenses	46,615	41,306
Notes receivable and other	56,923	20,402
Deferred income taxes, net	40,256	46,193
Insurance recoverables	9,240	5,138
Total current assets	765,056	608,756
Non-current assets of discontinued operations	322	1,392
Insurance deposits	35,860	36,164
Other investments and long-term receivables	3,273	4,445
Deferred income taxes, net	42,479	51,068
Insurance recoverables	61,557	70,960
Other assets	43,223	37,869
Investments in auction rate securities	15,148	20,171
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates, net	15,911
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $111,790 and $98,884 at July 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, respectively	62,055	58,088
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $72,543 and $54,889 at July 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, respectively	135,119	65,774
Goodwill	746,832	593,983
Total assets	1,926,835	1,548,670
Current liabilities
Trade accounts payable	129,076	78,928
Accrued liabilities
Compensation	98,499	89,063
Taxes - other than income	20,141	17,663
Insurance claims	79,316	77,101
Other	114,549	70,119
Income taxes payable	728	977
Total current liabilities	442,309	333,851
Income taxes payable	33,791	29,455
Line of credit	365,000	140,500
Retirement plans and other	39,134	34,626
Insurance claims	262,463	271,213
Total liabilities	1,142,697	809,645
Stockholders' equity
Commitments and contingencies
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000 shares authorized; none issued
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 53,235,408 and 52,635,343 shares issued at July 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, respectively	532	526
Additional paid-in capital	208,600	192,418
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	(1,133)	(1,863)
Retained earnings	576,139	547,944
Total stockholders' equity	784,138	739,025
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,926,835	$ 1,548,670

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Trade accounts receivable, allowances	$ 16,807	$ 10,672
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	111,790	98,884
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 72,543	$ 54,889
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	53,235,408	52,635,343

- Definition

The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.

+ References + Details

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Revenues	$ 1,076,247	$ 869,029	$ 3,165,499	$ 2,594,374
Expenses
Operating	952,844	776,224	2,821,672	2,330,299
Selling, general and administrative	76,356	54,697	242,406	182,743
Amortization of intangible assets	6,314	2,782	17,273	8,251
Total expenses	1,035,514	833,703	3,081,351	2,521,293
Operating profit	40,733	35,326	84,148	73,081
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on auction rate security:
Gross impairment losses				(114)
Impairments recognized in other comprehensive income				(13)
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net	1,166		2,785
Interest expense	(4,114)	(1,149)	(12,477)	(3,541)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	37,785	34,177	74,456	69,413
Provision for income taxes	(9,874)	(13,204)	(23,940)	(26,981)
Income from continuing operations	27,911	20,973	50,516	42,432
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(36)	(10)	(60)	(117)
Net income	$ 27,875	$ 20,963	$ 50,456	$ 42,315
Net income per common share - Basic
Income from continuing operations	$ 0.52	$ 0.40	$ 0.95	$ 0.81
Loss from discontinued operations
Net Income	0.52	0.40	0.95	0.81
Net income per common share - Diluted
Income from continuing operations	0.51	0.40	0.93	0.80
Loss from discontinued operations
Net Income	$ 0.51	$ 0.40	$ 0.93	$ 0.80
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding
Basic	53,207	52,149	53,051	51,992
Diluted	54,201	52,996	54,084	52,754
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.140	$ 0.135	$ 0.420	$ 0.405

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 50,456	$ 42,315
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(60)	(117)
Income from continuing operations	50,516	42,432
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by continuing operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	39,010	26,072
Deferred income taxes	13,960	9,869
Share-based compensation expense	6,689	2,113
Provision for bad debt	2,842	2,461
Discount accretion on insurance claims	655	684
Auction rate security credit loss impairment		127
Gain on sale of assets	(110)	(1,043)
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net	(2,785)
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates	985
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions
Trade accounts receivable	(30,809)	(6,026)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(15,265)	1,533
Insurance recoverables	5,301	1,400
Other assets and long-term receivables	9,172	(256)
Income taxes payable	1,398	16,113
Retirement plans and other non-current liabilities	(2,085)	(868)
Insurance claims payable	(12,032)	(3,006)
Trade accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	15,110	(18,646)
Total adjustments	32,036	30,527
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities	82,552	72,959
Net cash provided by discontinued operating activities	2,285	7,331
Net cash provided by operating activities	84,837	80,290
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(16,547)	(19,217)
Proceeds from sale of assets and other	415	2,494
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired	(290,478)	(31,209)
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	(955)
Proceeds from redemption of auction rate securities	5,000
Net cash used in investing activities	(302,565)	(47,932)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercises of stock options (including income tax benefit)	9,519	6,166
Dividends paid	(22,278)	(21,051)
Deferred financing costs paid	(4,991)
Borrowings from line of credit	740,500	298,500
Repayment of borrowings from line of credit	(516,000)	(321,000)
Changes in book cash overdrafts	11,146	3,776
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	217,896	(33,609)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	168	(1,251)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	39,446	34,153
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	39,614	32,902
Supplemental Data:
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received	7,838	223
Tax effect from exercise of options	1,366	660
Cash received from exercise of options	8,153	5,506
Interest paid on line of credit	$ 7,821	$ 2,527

Basis of Presentation

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

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. Unless otherwise noted, 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 nine months ended July 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 in which the majority 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 $30.9 million at July 31, 2011 and extend through 2026. 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. Historically, Linc has not incurred significant losses in connection with these guarantees and the Company does not expect significant future losses.

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates

Linc owns non-controlling interests in certain affiliated entities that predominantly provide engineering services to governmental and commercial clients, primarily in the United States and the Middle East. The carrying amount of the investments in unconsolidated affiliates, net was $15.9 million at July 31, 2011. The Company accounts for such investments, in which it holds a significant interest but does not have 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 $73.8 million and $55.8 million for the three months ended July 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $225.3 million and $169.0 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure.

+ References

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-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 2-6
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Publisher AICPA
-Number 94-6
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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+ Details

Acquisitions

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

Acquisitions

2.	Acquisitions

On December 1, 2010, the Company acquired Linc pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger (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. The purchase price was subsequently reduced by $1.9 million to $298.7 million in connection with a working capital adjustment. In connection with the acquisition, the Company incurred $5.1 million in direct acquisition costs that were expensed as incurred and included as selling, general and administrative expenses. 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 were $142.7 million and $4.0 million, respectively, for the three months ended July 31, 2011, and $370.3 million and $8.1 million, respectively, for the nine months ended July 31, 2011. Pro forma financial information for this acquisition has not been provided, as such information is not material to the Company’s financial 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 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 is in the process of completing the analysis of deferred taxes and further changes to the preliminary allocation will be recognized as the analysis is finalized.

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

		September 30,
(in thousands)

Purchase price:
Total cash consideration	$	298,720


Allocated to:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	8,467
Trade accounts receivable		86,669
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		7,494
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates		14,450
Property, plant and equipment		9,462
Other identifiable intangible assets		87,000
Other assets		24,649
Accounts payable		(38,042	)
Insurance claims		(4,842	)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		(24,142	)
Non-current liabilities		(25,013	)
Goodwill		152,568

Net assets acquired	$	298,720

The acquired intangible assets will be amortized using the sum-of-the-years-digits method or, where appropriate, the straight-line method. The weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets are: 14 years for customer contracts, 10 years for the increase in the investment in unconsolidated affiliates carrying values, and 4 years for trademarks, which is consistent with the estimated useful life considerations used in the determination of their 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 tax adjustments will be recorded and finalized during the remainder of the measurement period. A significant portion of the goodwill associated with the acquisition is expected to be amortizable for income tax purposes.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

Fair Value Measurements

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

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 July 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010:

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	Fair Value at		Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered as
(in thousands)	July 31, 2011		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

Assets
Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan	$	4,968	$	4,968	$	—	$	—
Investments in auction rate securities		15,148		—		—		15,148

Total assets	$	20,116	$	4,968	$	—	$	15,148


Liabilities
Interest rate swap	$	158	$	—	$	158	$	—

Total liabilities	$	158	$	—	$	158	$	—


	Fair Value at		Fair Value Measurements 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 swaps	$	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 had no market activity indicative of fair market value, the fair value is based on discounted cash flow valuation models, primarily utilizing unobservable inputs. During the nine months ended July 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 of discontinued operations, the carrying value of these financial instruments is estimated to approximate their fair market values. Due to variable interest rates, the fair value of outstanding borrowings under the Company’s $650.0 million line of credit approximates its carrying value of $365.0 million. The carrying value of the receivables included in non-current assets of discontinued operations of $0.3 million and the insurance deposits related to self-insurance claims of $35.9 million approximates fair market value.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44A, 44B
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15C, 15D
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15A
-Subparagraph a-d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 3, 10, 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32, 33, 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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+ Details

Auction Rate Securities

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

Auction Rate Securities

4.	Auction Rate Securities

As of July 31, 2011, the Company holds investments in auction rate securities from four different issuers having an original principal amount of $5.0 million each (aggregating $20.0 million). 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. At July 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, the estimated fair value of these securities, in total, was approximately $15.1 million and $20.2 million, respectively. 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. At the redemption date, this security was valued at $5.0 million, therefore, no gain or loss was recognized upon its redemption.

For securities that had no market activity indicative of fair market value, the Company estimates the fair values 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 July 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010:


Assumption	July 31, 2011	October 31, 2010
Discount rates	L + 2.31% - L + 20.23%	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 not to 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 nine months ended July 31, 2011.

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

		September 30,			September 30,
				Fair Value
(in thousands)	Cost Basis			(Level 3)

Balance at beginning of year	$	23,307		$	20,171
Unrealized gains		—			435
Unrealized losses		—			(458	)
Redemption of security by issuer		(5,000	)		(5,000	)

Balance at July 31, 2011	$	18,307		$	15,148

At July 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, unrealized losses of $3.2 million ($1.9 million net of taxes) and $3.1 million ($1.9 million net of taxes) were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, respectively.

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of available-for-sale securities which consist of all investments in certain debt and equity securities neither classified as trading or held-to-maturity securities. A debt security represents a creditor relationship with an enterprise. Debt securities include, among other items, US Treasury securities, US government securities, municipal securities, corporate bonds, convertible debt, commercial paper, and all securitized debt instruments. An equity security represents an ownership interest in an enterprise or the right to acquire or dispose of an ownership interest in an enterprise at fixed or determinable prices. Equity securities include, among other things, common stock, certain preferred stock, warrant rights, call options, and put options, but do not include convertible debt.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 03-1
-Paragraph 21
-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
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-Paragraph 17
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 19, 20, 21
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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+ Details

Net Income per Common Share

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

Net Income per Common Share

5.	Net Income per Common Share

Basic net income per common share is net income divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per common share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period, adjusted to include the assumed exercise and conversion of certain stock options, restricted stock units, and performance shares. The calculation of basic and diluted net income per common share is as follows:

		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
	Three Months Ended July 31,						Nine Months Ended July 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2011			2010			2011			2010

Income from continuing operations	$	27,911		$	20,973		$	50,516		$	42,432
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes		(36	)		(10	)		(60	)		(117	)

Net income	$	27,875		$	20,963		$	50,456		$	42,315


Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Basic		53,207			52,149			53,051			51,992
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options		466			502			539			441
Restricted stock units		282			267			284			252
Performance shares		246			78			210			69

Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Diluted		54,201			52,996			54,084			52,754


Net income per common share
Basic	$	0.52		$	0.40		$	0.95		$	0.81
Diluted	$	0.51		$	0.40		$	0.93		$	0.80

The diluted net income per common share excludes certain stock options, restricted stock units, and performance shares since the effect of including these awards would have been anti-dilutive, as follows:

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	Three Months Ended July 31,				Nine Months Ended July 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2011		2010

Stock options		739		600		706		750
Restricted stock units		27		1		21		21
Performance shares		—		—		23

Self-Insurance

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

Self-Insurance

6.	Self-Insurance

The Company self-insures certain insurable risks, such as workers’ compensation, general liability, automobile and property damage. The Company periodically performs a thorough review, with the assistance of external professionals, of its estimate of the ultimate cost for self-insurance reserves. As part of this evaluation, the Company reviews the status of existing and new claims and coordinates this review with third-party claims administrators. The Company compares actual trends to expected trends and monitors claims developments. The third-party claims administrators that manage the claims for the Company project their estimates of the ultimate cost for each claim based upon known factors related to the management of the claims, legislative matters and case law. After reviewing the findings with the Company, the specific case reserves estimated by the third-party claims administrators are provided to an actuary who assists the Company in projecting an actuarial estimate of the overall ultimate cost for self- insurance, which includes the case reserves plus an actuarial estimate of reserves required for additional developments, including “incurred but not reported” claim costs. The independent third-party’s actuarial estimate of the reserves is reviewed by management and forms the basis for management’s best estimate of the reserves, as recorded in the Company’s financial statements.

Although the Company engages third-party experts to assist in estimating appropriate self-insurance reserves, the determination of those reserves is dependent upon significant actuarial judgments that have a material impact on the Company’s reserves. The interpretation of trends requires knowledge of many factors, which include, among others, changes in regulatory requirements, safety programs, and/or claims handling practices. If analyses of losses suggest that the frequency or severity of claims incurred has changed, the Company would be required to record increases or decreases in expenses for self-insurance liabilities.

Actuarial evaluations completed during the three months ended July 31, 2011, covering certain self-insurance programs of the Company, resulted in an increase in the self-insurance reserves pertaining to prior year claims of $1.1 million as of July 31, 2011. This adjustment was recorded in the Corporate segment. The increase was primarily related to higher than expected losses in workers’ compensation claims and general liability claims. During the fourth quarter of 2011, actuarial reports are expected to be completed for the Company’s remaining programs using recent claims data and may result in adjustments to earnings during that period.

As a result of the Linc acquisition, the Company is a member of a group captive insurance company to which it pays premiums for Linc’s exposures related to worker’s compensation, general liability and auto programs. Based primarily on the Company’s loss experience as a member of the captive, the Company is also subject to assessments of additional premiums, subject to a defined annual cap. Such additional exposure is not material.

At July 31, 2011, the Company had $101.5 million in standby letters of credit (primarily related to its workers’ compensation, general liability, automobile, and property damage programs), $35.9 million in restricted insurance deposits, and $214.4 million in surety bonds (of which $30.8 million supported 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 (of which $29.3 million supported insurance claim liabilities).

Line Of Credit Facility

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

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”). The Company has 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. On June 3, 2011, the Company executed an amendment to the Facility regarding permitted acquisitions. In connection with the amendment, the leverage ratio, both before and after giving effect to an acquisition, cannot be greater than 3.25 to 1 for any acquisition occurring on or prior to June 3, 2012, and 3.10 to 1 for any acquisition occurring thereafter. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of July 31, 2011.

As of July 31, 2011, the total outstanding amount under the Facility in the form of cash borrowings was $365.0 million. Available credit under the line of credit was up to $183.5 million at July 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 received variable interest payments based on LIBOR and paid fixed interest at a rate of 1.47%. This interest rate swap expired on February 19, 2011. During the life of this interest rate swap, the critical terms of the swap matched the terms of the debt, which resulted in no hedge ineffectiveness.

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 was February 24, 2011. This swap is intended to hedge the interest risk associated with the Company’s forecasted floating-rate, LIBOR-based debt. As of July 31, 2011, the critical terms of the swap matched 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 counterparty, when determining the fair value of the swap.

As of July 31, 2011, the fair value of the remaining interest rate swap was a $0.2 million liability, which was included in retirement plans and other on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. The effective portion of this cash flow hedge 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 hedge is recorded immediately to interest expense. No ineffectiveness existed at July 31, 2011. The amount included in accumulated other comprehensive loss is $0.2 million ($0.1 million, net of taxes) at July 31, 2011.

Benefit Plans

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

Benefit Plans

8.	Benefit Plans

The components of net periodic benefit cost of the Company’s defined benefit plans and post-retirement benefit plans attributable to participants associated with continuing operations for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:

		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
	Three Months Ended July 31,						Nine Months Ended July 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2011			2010
Defined Benefit Plans
Service cost	$	12		$	11		$	35		$	33
Interest		142			148			427			444
Expected return on plan assets		(93	)		(99	)		(280	)		(299	)
Amortization of actuarial loss		29			17			86			53

Net expense	$	90		$	77		$	268		$	231

Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Service cost	$	3		$	3		$	10		$	11
Interest		64			71			192			211

Net expense	$	67		$	74		$	202		$	222

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-Paragraph 5
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph m
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 03-2
-Paragraph 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 30
-Paragraph 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS106-2
-Paragraph 20, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 6, 7, 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Implementation Guide (Q and A)
-Number FAS88
-Paragraph 63
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2235017

+ Details

Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

Contingencies

9.	Contingencies

The Company has been named a defendant in certain proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, including class actions and purported class actions. Litigation outcomes are 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. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 450-20, Loss Contingencies, the Company accrues for loss contingencies when losses become probable and are 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. At July 31, 2011, the total amount accrued for all probable litigation losses where a reasonable estimate of the loss could be made was $6.1 million.

The Company does not accrue for contingent losses that, in the judgment of the Company, are considered to be reasonably possible but not probable. For matters where a contingent loss is reasonably possible, but not probable, and an estimate of that loss can be reasonably determined, management currently estimates that the aggregate amount of such losses might total up to $1.6 million. Matters underlying this estimate will change from time to time, and actual results may vary significantly from this estimate. Those matters for which the Company cannot reasonably determine an estimate are not included within this estimated amount and, therefore, this estimated amount does not represent the Company’s maximum loss exposure. The ultimate resolution of such matters is always uncertain and any such proceeding brought against the Company could have a material adverse impact on its financial condition and results of operations.

There have been no significant changes to the proceedings disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2010 during the quarter ended July 31, 2011, except as follows:

In connection with the consolidated cases of Augustus, Hall and Davis v. American Commercial Security Services (ACSS) filed July 12, 2005, in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County, a class action involving allegations that the Company violated certain state laws relating to meal and rest breaks, on July 11, 2011, the Court closed the class period as of July 1, 2011 and vacated the previously scheduled trial date of September 12, 2011. No trial date has been scheduled.

In connection with the consolidated cases of Bucio and Martinez v. ABM Janitorial Services filed on April 7, 2006, in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, a purported class action involving allegations that the Company failed to track work time and provide breaks, on April 19, 2011 the trial court held a hearing on plaintiffs’ motion to certify the class. At the conclusion of that hearing, the trial court denied plaintiffs’ motion to certify the class. On May 11, 2011, the plaintiffs filed a motion to reconsider, which was denied. The plaintiffs have filed an appeal and have requested a stay of the proceedings until the appeal is decided.

In connection with the consolidated cases of Diaz/Morales/Reyes v. Ampco System Parking filed on December 5, 2006, in L.A. Superior Court, on April 21, 2011, the Court granted a stay in the case. On June 22, 2011, the parties accepted a mediator’s proposal which involves settling all the claims made in the first amended complaint for the period of October 1, 2002 to the date on which the Court grants preliminary approval of the settlement. The preliminary approval of the Court is expected to be received in the first quarter of 2012. Under the proposed settlement, the maximum amount which could be paid to claimants is $ 4.7 million. The anticipated payment under the terms of the mediator’s proposal is approximately $2.9 million. The Company has accrued $2.9 million with respect to this matter, which is included in the total amount accrued for all litigation matters described above.

In connection with Khadera v. American Building Maintenance Co.-West and ABM Industries filed on March 24, 2008, in U.S District Court of Washington, Western District, an action involving allegations relating to unpaid overtime and meal and rest claims, as previously reported, the class was conditionally certified only with respect to certain overtime claims under federal law. The Company filed a motion to decertify the class on July 6, 2011.

Environmental Matter

A proceeding has been commenced by the State of Texas against a subsidiary of the Company alleging that the subsidiary discharged industrial waste in violation of applicable law. Under applicable law, the maximum fine related to the alleged violation is $0.3 million. It is reasonably possible that the Company will experience a loss related to this matter, which is included in the aggregate amount of reasonably possible losses described above.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 440
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-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25287-109308

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

+ Details

Share-Based Compensation Plans

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

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, 299,628 performance share awards were approved and granted under the terms of the Company’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated. 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.

No share-based grants were made under the Company’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan during the three months ended July 31, 2011.

During the three months ended July 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company determined that the financial performance targets, which were established in connection with certain performance share grants, were no longer probable of achievement. As a result, in the three months ended July 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company reversed approximately $0.3 million and $3.4 million, respectively, of previously recorded share-based compensation expense. These adjustments were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in their respective periods.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph 64, 65, A240
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 93-6
-Paragraph 53
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 14

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6406099&loc=d3e25284-112666

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 2
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5444-113901

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 40
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6418621&loc=d3e17540-113929

+ Details

Comprehensive Income

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

Comprehensive Income

11.

Comprehensive Income

The following table presents the components of comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2011 and 2010:

		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
	Three Months Ended July 31,						Nine Months Ended July 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2011			2010

Net income	$	27,875		$	20,963		$	50,456		$	42,315
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized (losses) gains on auction rate securities		(355	)		(44	)		(23	)		58
Reclass adjustment for credit losses recognized in earnings		—			—			—			127
Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swap agreements		(309	)		137			287			350
Foreign currency translation		(41	)		(207	)		545			311
Actuarial gains - adjustments to pension and other post-retirement plans		16			18			49			53

Income tax benefit (expense) related to other comprehensive income (loss)		265			(196	)		(127	)		(601	)

Comprehensive income	$	27,451		$	20,671		$	51,187		$	42,613

- Definition

The entire disclosure for comprehensive income. Includes, but is not limited to, the following: 1) the amount of income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income, including reclassification adjustments, 2) the reclassification adjustments for each classification of other comprehensive income and 3) the ending accumulated balances for each component of comprehensive income. Components of comprehensive income include: (1) foreign currency translation adjustments; (2) gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions that are designated as, and are effective as, economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity; (3) gains (losses) on intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements; (4) change in the market value of a futures contract that qualifies as a hedge of an asset reported at fair value; (5) unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and that resulting from transfers of debt securities from the held-to-maturity category to the available-for-sale category; (6) a net loss recognized as an additional pension liability not yet recognized as net periodic pension cost; and (7) the net gain (loss) and net prior service cost or credit for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 14-26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 13
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 16
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e709-108580

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920433&loc=d3e998-108581

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e640-108580

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Reclassification Adjustments
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522872

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e689-108580

+ Details

Income Taxes

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

Income Taxes

12.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rates on income from continuing operations for the three months ended July 31, 2011 and 2010 were 26.1% and 38.6%, respectively. The effective tax rates on income from continuing operations for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 and 2010 were 32.2% and 38.9%, respectively. The provision for income taxes for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2011 includes a benefit of $4.7 million related to the re-measurement of certain unrecognized tax benefits based on new information available.

At July 31, 2011, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $97.4 million, of which $97.2 million, if recognized in the future, would affect its effective tax rate. Approximately $1.0 million of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits has been recognized as a current liability. The Company’s unrecognized tax benefits decreased by $4.3 million during the nine months ended July 31, 2011, primarily due to the re-measurement discussed above. It is reasonably possible that the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits could decrease between $1.0 million and $6.0 million over the next twelve months. The Company includes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of July 31, 2011, the Company had accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions of $1.0 million.

The Company’s major tax jurisdiction is the United States. ABM, OneSource Services, Inc. and the Linc C Corporation’s 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 (“IRS”) for the tax years 2006 – 2008 and REEP, Inc. (a Linc C Corporation) is currently being examined by the Internal Revenue Service for the tax years 2008 – 2009. The IRS field audit related to the 2006 – 2008 ABM Federal income tax returns was completed during the three months ended July 31, 2011. Due to an income tax refund generated from a carry-back claim, the audit has been submitted to the Joint Committee on Taxation (“Committee”) for review. Although the Company expects review and approval by the Committee within the next twelve months, there can be no assurance about the timing or ultimate outcome. The Company does business in all 50 states, significantly in California, Texas, and New York, as well as in various foreign jurisdictions. 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, Michigan, Utah, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, California, Texas, and Puerto Rico.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 136, 172
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 15
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

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-SubTopic 10
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

+ Details

Segment Information

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

Segment Information

13.

Segment Information

The Company is organized into four reportable operating segments, Janitorial, Engineering, Parking and Security, which are summarized as follows:

		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
	Three Months Ended July 31,						Nine Months Ended July 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2011			2010

Revenues
Janitorial	$	598,697		$	575,204		$	1,783,557		$	1,717,537
Engineering		236,213			94,383			658,058			285,716
Parking		153,323			114,222			462,316			340,813
Security		87,736			84,900			260,630			249,209
Corporate		278			320			938			1,099

	$	1,076,247		$	869,029		$	3,165,499		$	2,594,374


Operating profit
Janitorial	$	40,144		$	38,380		$	104,942		$	101,040
Engineering		9,878			6,118			24,170			16,415
Parking		7,171			5,823			16,799			16,033
Security		2,813			2,026			5,011			4,313
Corporate		(19,273	)		(17,021	)		(66,774	)		(64,720	)

Operating profit		40,733			35,326			84,148			73,081
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on auction rate security:
Gross impairment losses		—			—			—			(114	)
Impairments recognized in other comprehensive income		—			—			—			(13	)
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net		1,166			—			2,785			—
Interest expense		(4,114	)		(1,149	)		(12,477	)		(3,541	)

Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	37,785		$	34,177		$	74,456		$	69,413

Included within the Corporate segment for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2011, is a benefit of $2.7 million, net of the collection of an outstanding accounts receivable of $0.4 million, related to the settlement, on May 17, 2011, of a dispute with the former owners of the acquired assets of Five Star Parking, Network Parking Company Ltd., and System Parking, Inc. (acquired by the Company in 2010). Such amount was recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as a reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses.

Effective November 1, 2010, the Company changed the management reporting responsibility for a subsidiary from the Janitorial segment to the Engineering segment. Amounts for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2010 have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect this organizational change. The impact of the organizational change on the reported results for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2010 was a reclassification of $7.8 million and $23.6 million of revenues, respectively, and $0.2 million and $0.7 million of operating profit, respectively, from the Janitorial segment to the Engineering segment.

Most Corporate expenses are not allocated. Such expenses include current actuarial developments of self-insurance reserves relating to claims incurred in prior years, certain legal costs and settlements, certain information technology costs, share-based compensation costs, direct acquisition costs, severance costs associated with acquisitions, and certain chief executive officer and other finance and human resource department costs.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 131
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8981-108599

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 40
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 31
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-Publisher FASB
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8933-108599

+ Details

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

14.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”). ASU 2011-05 requires that all non-owner changes in stockholder’s equity be present either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both cases, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. Since ASU 2011-05 does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income, it will have no impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. ASU 2011-05 is effective retrospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, which is the first quarter of 2013 for the Company.

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation (Policies)	Jul. 31, 2011
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Linc performs long-term fixed-price repair and refurbishment contracts in which the majority 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	Guarantees Linc offers certain customers guaranteed energy savings on installed equipment under long-term service and maintenance contracts. The total energy savings guarantees were $30.9 million at July 31, 2011 and extend through 2026. 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. Historically, Linc has not incurred significant losses in connection with these guarantees and the Company does not expect significant future losses.
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates	Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates Linc owns non-controlling interests in certain affiliated entities that predominantly provide engineering services to governmental and commercial clients, primarily in the United States and the Middle East. The carrying amount of the investments in unconsolidated affiliates, net was $15.9 million at July 31, 2011. The Company accounts for such investments, in which it holds a significant interest but does not have 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.

- Definition

Disclosure of accounting policy for the equity method of accounting for investments in common stock or other interests including unconsolidated subsidiaries, corporate joint ventures, noncontrolling interests in real estate ventures, limited partnerships, and limited liability companies. The accounting policy may include information such as: (1) initially recording an investment in the stock of an investee at cost; (2) adjusting the carrying amount of the investment to recognize the investor's share of the earnings or losses of the investee after the date of acquisition; and (3) adjustments to reflect the investor's share of changes in the investee's capital (dividends). This disclosure may also include a detailed description of the policy for determining the amount of equity method losses recognized after an investment has been reduced to zero as a result of previous losses, reasons for not using the equity method when the investor company owns 20 percent or more of the voting stock of the investee's company (including identification of the significant investee), reasons for using the equity method when the ownership percentage is less than 20 percent, and discussion of recognition of equity method losses when an investor's total investment in an investee includes, in addition to an investment in common stock, other investments such as preferred stock and loans to the investee. An entity also may describe how such investments are assessed for impairment.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 12
-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 18
-Subparagraph f
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 18
-Paragraph 5, 6, 16-20
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 02-14
-Paragraph 6
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 03-16
-Paragraph 5
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 98-13
-Paragraph 5, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Number D-46
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.12)
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-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (a)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6382943&loc=d3e33918-111571

+ Details

- Definition

Disclosure of accounting policy for revenue recognition. If the entity has different policies for different types of revenue transactions, the policy for each material type of transaction is generally disclosed. If a sales transaction has multiple element arrangements (for example, delivery of multiple products, services or the rights to use assets) the disclosure may indicate the accounting policy for each unit of accounting as well as how units of accounting are determined and valued. The disclosure may encompass important judgment as to appropriateness of principles related to recognition of revenue. The disclosure also may indicate the entity's treatment of any unearned or deferred revenue that arises from the transaction.

+ References + Details

Acquisitions (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

Summary of Preliminary Purchase Price and Related Allocations

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

		September 30,
(in thousands)

Purchase price:
Total cash consideration	$	298,720


Allocated to:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	8,467
Trade accounts receivable		86,669
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		7,494
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates		14,450
Property, plant and equipment		9,462
Other identifiable intangible assets		87,000
Other assets		24,649
Accounts payable		(38,042	)
Insurance claims		(4,842	)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		(24,142	)
Non-current liabilities		(25,013	)
Goodwill		152,568

Net assets acquired	$	298,720

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

Assets and Liabilities Required to be Carried at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

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

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	Fair Value at		Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered as
(in thousands)	July 31, 2011		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

Assets
Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan	$	4,968	$	4,968	$	—	$	—
Investments in auction rate securities		15,148		—		—		15,148

Total assets	$	20,116	$	4,968	$	—	$	15,148


Liabilities
Interest rate swap	$	158	$	—	$	158	$	—

Total liabilities	$	158	$	—	$	158	$	—


	Fair Value at		Fair Value Measurements 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 swaps	$	445	$	—	$	445	$	—

Total liabilities	$	445	$	—	$	445	$	—

Auction Rate Securities (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

Significant Assumptions Used to Determine the Fair Value of Auction Rate Securities

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


Assumption	July 31, 2011	October 31, 2010
Discount rates	L + 2.31% - L + 20.23%	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

Changes in the Cost Basis and Fair Value of the Auction Rate Securities

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

		September 30,			September 30,
				Fair Value
(in thousands)	Cost Basis			(Level 3)

Balance at beginning of year	$	23,307		$	20,171
Unrealized gains		—			435
Unrealized losses		—			(458	)
Redemption of security by issuer		(5,000	)		(5,000	)

Balance at July 31, 2011	$	18,307		$	15,148

Net Income per Common Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

Calculation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share

The calculation of basic and diluted net income per common share is as follows:

		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
	Three Months Ended July 31,						Nine Months Ended July 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2011			2010			2011			2010

Income from continuing operations	$	27,911		$	20,973		$	50,516		$	42,432
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes		(36	)		(10	)		(60	)		(117	)

Net income	$	27,875		$	20,963		$	50,456		$	42,315


Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Basic		53,207			52,149			53,051			51,992
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options		466			502			539			441
Restricted stock units		282			267			284			252
Performance shares		246			78			210			69

Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Diluted		54,201			52,996			54,084			52,754


Net income per common share
Basic	$	0.52		$	0.40		$	0.95		$	0.81
Diluted	$	0.51		$	0.40		$	0.93		$	0.80

Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	Three Months Ended July 31,				Nine Months Ended July 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2011		2010

Stock options		739		600		706		750
Restricted stock units		27		1		21		21
Performance shares		—		—		23

Benefit Plans (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost of Defined Benefit Plans and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans

		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
	Three Months Ended July 31,						Nine Months Ended July 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2011			2010
Defined Benefit Plans
Service cost	$	12		$	11		$	35		$	33
Interest		142			148			427			444
Expected return on plan assets		(93	)		(99	)		(280	)		(299	)
Amortization of actuarial loss		29			17			86			53

Net expense	$	90		$	77		$	268		$	231

Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Service cost	$	3		$	3		$	10		$	11
Interest		64			71			192			211

Net expense	$	67		$	74		$	202		$	222

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of one or more of the entity's defined benefit pension plans or one or more other defined benefit postretirement plans, separately for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans including the entity's schedule of fair value of plan assets for defined benefit or other postretirement plans.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 6, 7
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 4, 7, 16, 20, 21
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Comprehensive Income (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

Components of Comprehensive Income

The following table presents the components of comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2011 and 2010:

		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
	Three Months Ended July 31,						Nine Months Ended July 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2011			2010

Net income	$	27,875		$	20,963		$	50,456		$	42,315
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized (losses) gains on auction rate securities		(355	)		(44	)		(23	)		58
Reclass adjustment for credit losses recognized in earnings		—			—			—			127
Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swap agreements		(309	)		137			287			350
Foreign currency translation		(41	)		(207	)		545			311
Actuarial gains - adjustments to pension and other post-retirement plans		16			18			49			53

Income tax benefit (expense) related to other comprehensive income (loss)		265			(196	)		(127	)		(601	)

Comprehensive income	$	27,451		$	20,671		$	51,187		$	42,613

Segment Information (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

Reportable Operating Segments

The Company is organized into four reportable operating segments, Janitorial, Engineering, Parking and Security, which are summarized as follows:

		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
	Three Months Ended July 31,						Nine Months Ended July 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2011			2010

Revenues
Janitorial	$	598,697		$	575,204		$	1,783,557		$	1,717,537
Engineering		236,213			94,383			658,058			285,716
Parking		153,323			114,222			462,316			340,813
Security		87,736			84,900			260,630			249,209
Corporate		278			320			938			1,099

	$	1,076,247		$	869,029		$	3,165,499		$	2,594,374


Operating profit
Janitorial	$	40,144		$	38,380		$	104,942		$	101,040
Engineering		9,878			6,118			24,170			16,415
Parking		7,171			5,823			16,799			16,033
Security		2,813			2,026			5,011			4,313
Corporate		(19,273	)		(17,021	)		(66,774	)		(64,720	)

Operating profit		40,733			35,326			84,148			73,081
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on auction rate security:
Gross impairment losses		—			—			—			(114	)
Impairments recognized in other comprehensive income		—			—			—			(13	)
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net		1,166			—			2,785			—
Interest expense		(4,114	)		(1,149	)		(12,477	)		(3,541	)

Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	37,785		$	34,177		$	74,456		$	69,413

Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Total energy savings guarantees for certain customers	$ 30,900		$ 30,900
Guarantee term for certain customers	Through 2026
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, net	$ 15,911		15,911
Parking
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Revenues related solely to the reimbursement of expenses	$ 73,800	$ 55,800	$ 225,300	$ 169,000

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2011 USD ($) Year	Jul. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Operating profit	$ 40,733	$ 35,326	$ 84,148	$ 73,081
Engineering
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Operating profit	9,878	$ 6,118	24,170	$ 16,415
The Linc Group LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price for all of the outstanding limited liability company interests	300,600		300,600
Purchase price reduction in connection with working capital adjustment	1,900		1,900
Aggregate purchase price	298,720		298,720
Direct acquisition costs			5,100
The Linc Group LLC \| Engineering
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues	142,700		370,300
Operating profit	$ 4,000		$ 8,100
Customer Contracts
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets \| Year			14
Equity Method Investments
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets \| Year			10
Trademarks
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets \| Year			4

Preliminary Purchase Price and Related Allocations (Detail) - The Linc Group LLC $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Purchase price:
Total cash consideration	$ 298,720
Allocated to:
Cash and cash equivalents	8,467
Trade accounts receivable	86,669
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	7,494
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	14,450
Property, plant and equipment	9,462
Other identifiable intangible assets	87,000
Other assets	24,649
Accounts payable	(38,042)
Insurance claims	(4,842)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(24,142)
Non-current liabilities	(25,013)
Goodwill	152,568
Net assets acquired	$ 298,720

Assets and Liabilities Required to be Carried at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Detail) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan	$ 4,968	$ 5,717
Investments in auction rate securities	15,148	20,171
Total assets	20,116	25,888
Interest rate swap	158	445
Total liabilities	158	445
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan	4,968	5,717
Total assets	4,968	5,717
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swap	158	445
Total liabilities	158	445
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in auction rate securities	15,148	20,171
Total assets	$ 15,148	$ 20,171

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2011	Nov. 30, 2010	Oct. 31, 2010
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum capacity		$ 650,000
Line of credit, outstanding borrowings	$ 365,000
Non-current assets of discontinued operations	322		$ 1,392
Insurance deposits	35,860		$ 36,164
Portion at Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum capacity	650,000
Cost Basis
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Line of credit, outstanding borrowings	$ 365,000

Auction Rate Securities - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011 USD ($) Entity	Oct. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Number of different issuers the Company held investments in for auction rate securities \| Entity	4
Auction rate securities, maturity range, low	2025
Auction rate securities, maturity range, high	2050
Auction rate securities, date redeemed	Feb. 11, 2011
Auction rate securities redeemed at par value	$ 5,000,000
Investments in auction rate securities	20,000,000
Investments in auction rate securities, estimated fair value	15,148,000	$ 20,171,000
Unrealized losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax	3,200,000	3,100,000
Unrealized losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	1,900,000	1,900,000
Single Issuer Investment
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in auction rate securities	5,000,000
Group 1
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in auction rate securities	5,000,000
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in auction rate securities, estimated fair value	$ 15,148,000	$ 20,171,000

Significant Assumptions Used to Determine the Fair Value of Auction Rate Securities (Detail) - Year	Jul. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Minimum
Discount rates	2.31%	2.50%
Yields	2.00%	2.00%
Average expected lives	4	4
Maximum
Discount rates	20.23%	18.59%
Yields	3.50%	3.50%
Average expected lives	10	10

Changes in the Cost Basis and Fair Value of the Auction Rate Securities (Detail) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 20,171
Balance at ending of the year	15,148
Cost Basis \| Auction Rate Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	23,307
Redemption of security by issuer	(5,000)
Balance at ending of the year	18,307
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 \| Auction Rate Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	20,171
Unrealized gains	435
Unrealized losses	(458)
Redemption of security by issuer	(5,000)
Balance at ending of the year	$ 15,148

- Definition

Total of debt securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading which are intended be sold or mature more than one year from the balance sheet date or operating cycle, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 13
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 16
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 17
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 25
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6379932&loc=d3e22054-111558

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6871852&loc=d3e26626-111562

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS115-1/124-1
-Paragraph 15C
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS115-1/124-1
-Paragraph 15D
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS115-1/124-1
-Paragraph 15E
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Calculation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations	$ 27,911	$ 20,973	$ 50,516	$ 42,432
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(36)	(10)	(60)	(117)
Net income	$ 27,875	$ 20,963	$ 50,456	$ 42,315
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Basic	53,207	52,149	53,051	51,992
Effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Diluted	54,201	52,996	54,084	52,754
Net income per common share
Basic	$ 0.52	$ 0.40	$ 0.95	$ 0.81
Diluted	$ 0.51	$ 0.40	$ 0.93	$ 0.80
Stock options
Effect of dilutive securities:
Dilutive securities included in the computation of earnings per share, amount	466	502	539	441
Restricted stock units
Effect of dilutive securities:
Dilutive securities included in the computation of earnings per share, amount	282	267	284	252
Performance shares
Effect of dilutive securities:
Dilutive securities included in the computation of earnings per share, amount	246	78	210	69

Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	739	600	706	750
Restricted stock units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	27	1	21	21
Performance shares
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount			23

- Definition

Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS) or earnings per unit (EPU) in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU because to do so would increase EPS or EPU amounts or decrease loss per share or unit amounts for the period presented.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 13, 14
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 171
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 40
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Diluted Earnings Per Share
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510752

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Contingent Stock Agreement
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6508534

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Antidilution
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6505113

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
-Paragraph 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Self-Insurance - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2010
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Self-insurance reserves		$ (12,032)	$ (3,006)
Standby letters of credit	$ 101,500	101,500		$ 100,800
Restricted insurance deposits	35,860	35,860		36,164
Surety Bonds	214,400	214,400		112,500
Corporate
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Self-insurance reserves	1,100
Supported Insurance Claim Liabilities
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Surety Bonds	$ 30,800	$ 30,800		$ 29,300

Line Of Credit Facility - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2010	Jul. 31, 2011
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Syndicated line of credit, terminated	$ 450.0
Syndicated line of credit, maximum capacity	650.0
Syndicated line of credit, optional maximum capacity at any time prior to the expiration (subject to receipt of commitments for the increased amount from existing and new lenders)	$ 850.0
Syndicated line of credit facility, expiration date	November 30, 2015
Description of amendment to Facility		On June 3, 2011, the Company executed an amendment to the Facility regarding permitted acquisitions. In connection with the amendment, the leverage ratio, both before and after giving effect to an acquisition, cannot be greater than 3.25 to 1 for any acquisition occurring on or prior to June 3, 2012, and 3.10 to 1 for any acquisition occurring thereafter. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of July 31, 2011.
Line of credit, amount outstanding		$ 365.0
Line of credit, borrowing capacity currently available		$ 183.5
Acquisition occurring on or prior to june 3, 2012 \| Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Leverage ratio		3.25
Acquisition occurring thereafter june 3, 2012 \| Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Leverage ratio		3.10
Interest Rate Swap
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Derivative agreement date		Feb. 19, 2009
Description of derivative agreement		Entered into a two-year interest rate swap agreement with an underlying notional amount of $100.0 million, pursuant to which the Company received variable interest payments based on LIBOR and paid fixed interest at a rate of 1.47%. This interest rate swap expired on February 19, 2011.
Notional amount of derivatives		$ 100.0
Derivative, fixed interest rate		1.47%
Derivative expiration date		Feb. 19, 2011
Fair value of derivatives, which was included in retirement plans and other		$ 0.2
Effective portion of cash flow hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax		(0.2)
Effective portion of cash flow hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax		$ (0.1)
Forward starting swaps
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Derivative agreement date		Oct. 19, 2010
Description of derivative agreement		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%.
Notional amount of derivatives		$ 25.0
Derivative, fixed interest rate		0.89%
Derivative, effective date		Feb. 24, 2011

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost of Defined Benefit Plans and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 12	$ 11	$ 35	$ 33
Interest	142	148	427	444
Expected return on plan assets	(93)	(99)	(280)	(299)
Amortization of actuarial loss	29	17	86	53
Net expense	90	77	268	231
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	3	3	10	11
Interest	64	71	192	211
Net expense	$ 67	$ 74	$ 202	$ 222

- Definition

An amount calculated as a basis for determining the extent of delayed recognition of the effects of changes in the fair value of assets. The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value of plan assets.

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

The increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period. The portion of the expected postretirement benefit obligation attributed to employee service during the period. The service cost component is a portion of the benefit obligation and is unaffected by the funded status of the plan.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph a, h
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (h)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Service Cost (Component of Net Periodic Pension Cost)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6525008

+ Details

Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	Jul. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency amount accrued for probable losses	$ 6.1
Aggregate range of reasonably possible losses	1.6
Settlement of Litigation
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Maximum amount of reasonably possible losses	4.7
Proposed settlement claim, anticipated payment	2.9
Loss contingency amount accrued for probable losses	2.9
Environmental Matters
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Maximum amount of reasonably possible losses	$ 0.3

Share-Based Compensation Plans - Additional Information (Detail) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2011 USD ($)	Jan. 11, 2011 shares	Jan. 10, 2011 USD ($) Year $ / shares shares	Jul. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Performance Based Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense, reversal \| $				$ 0.3	$ 3.4
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares granted \| shares			186,563
Fair value of stock options granted per share \| $ / shares			$ 8.04
Expected life from date of grant \| Year			5.6
Expected stock price volatility			39.20%
Expected dividend yield			2.30%
Risk-free interest rate			2.10%
Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares granted \| shares			58,043
Stock Options And Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of the awards granted \| $			$ 3.0
Percentage of the awards that vest on the fifth anniversary of the grant			100.00%
Vesting period			Fifth anniversary of the grant date
Incentive Compensation Plan \| Performance Based Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares granted \| shares		299,628
Fair value of the awards granted \| $	$ 7.6
Period in which awards are earned	3 years
Expiration date	January 11, 2014

Components of Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Net income	$ 27,875	$ 20,963	$ 50,456	$ 42,315
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized (losses) gains on auction rate securities	(355)	(44)	(23)	58
Reclass adjustment for credit losses recognized in earnings				127
Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swap agreements	(309)	137	287	350
Foreign currency translation	(41)	(207)	545	311
Actuarial gains - adjustments to pension and other post-retirement plans	16	18	49	53
Income tax benefit (expense) related to other comprehensive income (loss)	265	(196)	(127)	(601)
Comprehensive income	$ 27,451	$ 20,671	$ 51,187	$ 42,613

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011 USD ($) Location	Jul. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2011 USD ($) Location	Jul. 31, 2010
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Effective tax rates on income from continuing operations	26.10%	38.60%	32.20%	38.90%
Unrecognized tax benefits, related to re-measurement	$ 4.7		$ 4.7
Unrecognized tax benefits	97.4		97.4
Unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized in the future would affect its effective tax rate	97.2		97.2
Increase (decrease) in unrecognized tax benefits			(4.3)
Unrecognized tax benefits, accrued interest	$ 1.0		$ 1.0
Number of states in which entity operates \| Location	50		50
Domestic Country
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax returns open for examination			October 31, 2006 through October 31, 2010
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax returns open for examination			2006 - 2008
State and Local Jurisdiction
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax returns open for examination			2006 - 2010
Current Liabilities
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 1.0		$ 1.0
One Source Services Inc \| Domestic Country
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax returns open for examination			March 31, 2000 through November 14, 2007
Linc C Corporations \| Domestic Country
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax returns open for examination			December 31, 2007 through December 31, 2010
Linc C Corporations \| Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax returns open for examination			2008 - 2009
Minimum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Estimated unrecognized tax benefits, over the next twelve months			$ 1.0
Maximum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Estimated unrecognized tax benefits, over the next twelve months			$ 6.0

Reportable Operating Segments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,076,247	$ 869,029	$ 3,165,499	$ 2,594,374
Operating profit	40,733	35,326	84,148	73,081
Gross impairment losses				(114)
Impairments recognized in other comprehensive income				(13)
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net	1,166		2,785
Interest expense	(4,114)	(1,149)	(12,477)	(3,541)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	37,785	34,177	74,456	69,413
Janitorial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	598,697	575,204	1,783,557	1,717,537
Operating profit	40,144	38,380	104,942	101,040
Engineering
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	236,213	94,383	658,058	285,716
Operating profit	9,878	6,118	24,170	16,415
Parking
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	153,323	114,222	462,316	340,813
Operating profit	7,171	5,823	16,799	16,033
Security
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	87,736	84,900	260,630	249,209
Operating profit	2,813	2,026	5,011	4,313
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	278	320	938	1,099
Operating profit	$ (19,273)	$ (17,021)	$ (66,774)	$ (64,720)

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,076,247	$ 869,029	$ 3,165,499	$ 2,594,374
Operating profit	40,733	35,326	84,148	73,081
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gain (loss) related to settlement	2,700		2,700
Collection of an outstanding accounts receivable	400		400
Revenues	278	320	938	1,099
Operating profit	(19,273)	(17,021)	(66,774)	(64,720)
Janitorial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	598,697	575,204	1,783,557	1,717,537
Operating profit	40,144	38,380	104,942	101,040
Engineering
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	236,213	94,383	658,058	285,716
Operating profit	$ 9,878	6,118	$ 24,170	16,415
Reclassifications \| Janitorial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		(7,800)		(23,600)
Operating profit		(200)		(700)
Reclassifications \| Engineering
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		7,800		23,600
Operating profit		$ 200		$ 700