View Filing Data

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of taxes

68,698

63,870

55,490

Discontinued Operations

(194)

251

(1,197)

Net income

$ 68,504

$ 64,121

$ 54,293

Net income per common share-Basic

$ 1.29

^[1]

$ 1.23

^[1]

$ 1.08

^[1]

(0.02)

1.29

^[1]

1.23

^[1]

1.06

Net income per common share-Diluted

1.27

^[1]

1.21

^[1]

1.07

^[1]

(0.02)

Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding

$ 1.27

^[1]

$ 1.21

^[1]

$ 1.05

Basic

53,121

52,117

51,373

Diluted

54,103

52,908

51,845

Dividends declared per common share

$ 0.56

$ 0.54

$ 0.52

[1]	The sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal per share amounts reported for the year-to-date periods, due to the effects of rounding for each period.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2008		57,992	(7,028)
Beginning Balance at Oct. 31, 2008	$ 644,051	$ 581	$ (122,338)	$ 284,094	$ (3,422)	$ 485,136
Comprehensive income:
Net income	54,293					54,293
Unrealized loss on auction rate securities, net of taxes of $193 in 2011, $179 in 2010, and $203 in 2009	297				297
Reclass adjustment for credit losses recognized in earnings, net of taxes of $53 in 2010, and $636 in 2009	930				930
Foreign currency translation, net of taxes of $241 in 2009	577				577
Actuarial loss - Adjustments to pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, net of taxes of $996 in 2011, $108 in 2010, and $139 in 2009	(203)				(203)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, net of taxes of $76 in 2011, $230 in 2010, and $412 in 2009	(602)				(602)
Comprehensive income	55,292
Dividends:
Common stock	(26,727)					(26,727)
Tax effect from exercise of stock options	(1,314)			(1,314)
Stock issued under employees' stock purchase and option plans (in shares)		724
Stock issued under employees' stock purchase and option plans	8,337	$ 6		8,557		(226)
Share-based compensation expense	7,411			7,411
Treasury stock retirement (in shares)		(7,028)	7,028
Treasury stock retirement		$ (70)	$ 122,338	(122,268)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2009		51,688
Ending Balance at Oct. 31, 2009	687,050	$ 517		176,480	(2,423)	512,476
Comprehensive income:
Net income	64,121					64,121
Unrealized loss on auction rate securities, net of taxes of $193 in 2011, $179 in 2010, and $203 in 2009	461				461
Reclass adjustment for credit losses recognized in earnings, net of taxes of $53 in 2010, and $636 in 2009	74				74
Foreign currency translation, net of taxes of $241 in 2009	68				68
Actuarial loss - Adjustments to pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, net of taxes of $996 in 2011, $108 in 2010, and $139 in 2009	(381)				(381)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, net of taxes of $76 in 2011, $230 in 2010, and $412 in 2009	338				338
Comprehensive income	64,681
Dividends:
Common stock	(28,152)					(28,152)
Tax effect from exercise of stock options	383			383
Stock issued under employees' stock purchase and option plans (in shares)		947
Stock issued under employees' stock purchase and option plans	10,992	$ 9		11,484		(501)
Share-based compensation expense	4,071			4,071
Ending Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2010		52,635
Ending Balance at Oct. 31, 2010	739,025	$ 526		192,418	(1,863)	547,944
Comprehensive income:
Net income	68,504					68,504
Unrealized loss on auction rate securities, net of taxes of $193 in 2011, $179 in 2010, and $203 in 2009	306				306
Foreign currency translation, net of taxes of $241 in 2009	214				214
Actuarial loss - Adjustments to pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, net of taxes of $996 in 2011, $108 in 2010, and $139 in 2009	(1,433)				(1,433)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, net of taxes of $76 in 2011, $230 in 2010, and $412 in 2009	115				115
Comprehensive income	67,706
Dividends:
Common stock	(29,744)					(29,744)
Tax effect from exercise of stock options	(467)			(467)
Stock issued under employees' stock purchase and option plans (in shares)		698
Stock issued under employees' stock purchase and option plans	10,175	$ 7		10,247		(79)
Share-based compensation expense	9,191			9,191
Ending Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2011		53,333
Ending Balance at Oct. 31, 2011	$ 795,886	$ 533		$ 211,389	$ (2,661)	$ 586,625

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Unrealized gain (loss) on auction rate securities, tax effect	$ 193	$ 179	$ 203
Reclass adjustment for credit losses recognized in earnings, tax effect		53	636
Foreign currency translation, tax effect			241
Actuarial gain (loss) - Adjustments to pension & other post-retirement benefit plans, tax effect	996	108	139
Net unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, tax effect	$ 76	$ 230	$ 412

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 68,504	$ 64,121	$ 54,293
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(194)	251	(1,197)
Income from continuing operations	68,698	63,870	55,490
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by continuing operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets	52,658	36,315	33,325
Deferred income taxes	24,227	17,654	16,191
Share-based compensation expense	9,191	4,071	7,411
Provision for bad debt	3,142	2,636	3,960
Discount accretion on insurance claims	874	912	1,248
Auction rate security credit loss impairment		127	1,566
Gain on sale of assets	(150)	(1,059)	(941)
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net	(3,915)
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates	2,539
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Trade accounts receivable	(18,432)	1,976	19,931
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(7,786)	(297)	(1,431)
Insurance recoverables	5,488	(3,981)	(500)
Other assets and long-term receivables	5,962	3,856	(8,764)
Income taxes payable	4,396	22,629	12,623
Retirement plans and other non-current liabilities	(4,085)	(317)	(5,144)
Insurance claims	(11,950)	(247)	(1,497)
Trade accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	25,943	(7,399)	(12,213)
Total adjustments	88,102	76,876	65,765
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities	156,800	140,746	121,255
Net cash provided by discontinued operating activities	3,190	9,118	19,616
Net cash provided by operating activities	159,990	149,864	140,871
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(22,124)	(23,942)	(18,582)
Proceeds from sale of assets and other	912	1,512	2,165
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired	(290,985)	(65,430)	(21,050)
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	(215)
Proceeds from sale of auction rate securities	5,000
Net cash used in investing activities	(307,412)	(87,860)	(37,467)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercises of stock options (including income tax benefit)	9,708	11,376	6,331
Dividends paid	(29,744)	(28,152)	(26,727)
Deferred financing costs paid	(5,021)
Borrowings from line of credit	885,500	448,000	638,000
Repayment of borrowings from line of credit	(726,000)	(480,000)	(695,500)
Changes in book cash overdraft		(7,935)	(18,096)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	134,443	(56,711)	(95,992)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(12,979)	5,293	7,412
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	39,446	34,153	26,741
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	26,467	39,446	34,153
Supplemental Data:
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received	9,651	(108)	1,426
Tax effect from exercise of options	(467)	383	57
Cash received from exercise of options	10,175	10,993	7,145
Interest paid on line of credit	$ 10,055	$ 3,398	4,740
Non-cash investing activities:
Common stock issued for business acquired			$ 1,198

THE COMPANY AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

THE COMPANY AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS

1. THE COMPANY AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS

ABM Industries Incorporated (“ABM”), through its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”), is a leading provider of end-to-end integrated facilities management services for commercial, industrial, institutional, governmental and retail facilities, primarily throughout the United States. The Company was reincorporated in Delaware on March 19, 1985, as the successor to a business founded in California in 1909.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ABM Industries Incorporated and its consolidated subsidiaries and are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to self-insurance reserves, allowance for doubtful accounts, sales allowances, deferred income tax assets and valuation allowances, useful lives of intangible assets, impairment of goodwill and other intangibles, fair value of auction rate securities, cash flow forecasts, share-based compensation expense, and contingencies and litigation liabilities. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, known or expected trends, independent valuations and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances based on information available as of the date of the issuance of these financial statements. The results of such assumptions form the basis for making estimates about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The current economic environment and its potential effect on the Company and its clients have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. Future results could be significantly affected if actual results were to be different from these estimates and assumptions.

Significant Accounting Policies

Revenue Recognition. The Company earns revenues primarily under service contracts that are either fixed price, cost-plus or time and materials based. Revenues are recognized when earned, normally when services are performed. In all forms of service provided by the Company, revenue recognition follows the guidelines under Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 104, unless another form of guidance takes precedence over SAB No. 104. Revenues are reported net of applicable sales and use tax imposed on the related transaction.

The Janitorial segment primarily earns revenues from the following types of arrangements: fixed price, cost-plus, and tag (extra service) work. Fixed price arrangements are contracts in which the client agrees to pay a fixed fee every month over the specified contract term. A variation of a fixed price arrangement is a square-foot arrangement. Square-foot arrangements are ones in which monthly billings are fixed, however, the client is given a credit calculated based on vacant square footage that is not serviced. Cost-plus arrangements are ones in which the client agrees to reimburse the Company for the agreed upon amount of wages and benefits, payroll taxes, insurance charges and other expenses plus a profit percentage. Tag revenues are additional services requested by the client outside of the standard contract terms. This work is usually performed on short notice due to unforeseen events. The Janitorial segment recognizes revenues on each type of arrangement when services are performed.

The Engineering segment primarily earns revenues from fixed price and cost-plus arrangements. Fixed price arrangements are contracts in which the client agrees to pay a fixed fee every month over the specified contract term. Cost-plus arrangements are ones in which the client agrees to reimburse the Company for the agreed upon amount of wages and benefits, payroll taxes, insurance charges and other expenses plus a profit percentage. Revenues are recognized for these contracts when services are performed. The Engineering segment also provides services under long-term fixed-price repair and refurbishment contracts, of which certain contracts 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. Additionally, the Company franchises certain engineering services under the Linc Network^® brand through individual and area franchises. 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.

The Parking segment earns revenues from parking and transportation services. There are three types of arrangements for parking services: managed lot, leased lot and allowance arrangements. Under managed lot arrangements, the Company manages the parking lot for the owner in exchange for a management fee. The revenues and expenses are passed through by the Company to the owner under the terms and conditions of the management contract. The management fee revenues are recognized when services are performed. The Company reports revenues and expenses, in equal amounts, for costs directly reimbursed from its managed parking lot clients. Such amounts totaled $299.4 million, $231.5 million and $231.0 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Under leased lot arrangements, the Company leases the parking lot from the owner and is responsible for all expenses incurred, retains all revenues from monthly and transient parkers, and pays rent to the owner per the terms and conditions of the lease. Revenues are recognized when services are performed. Under allowance arrangements, the Company is paid a fixed or hourly fee to provide parking and/or transportation services. The Company is then responsible for operating expenses. Revenues are recognized when services are performed.

The Security segment primarily performs scheduled post assignments under one-year service arrangements. Security services for special events are generally performed under temporary service agreements. Scheduled post assignments and temporary service agreements are billed based on actual hours of service at contractually specified rates. Revenues for both types of arrangements are recognized when services are performed.

Trade Accounts Receivable Allowances

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Trade accounts receivable arise from services provided to the Company’s clients and are generally due and payable on terms varying from receipt of the invoice to net thirty days. The Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts to provide for losses on accounts receivable due to a client’s inability to pay. The allowance is typically estimated based on an analysis of the historical rate of credit losses or write-offs (due to a client bankruptcy or failure of a former client to pay), specific client concerns and known or expected trends. Such analysis is inherently subjective. Changes in the financial condition of the Company’s clients or adverse developments in negotiations or legal proceedings to obtain payment could result in the actual loss exceeding the estimated allowance. The Company does not believe that it has any material exposure due to either industry or regional concentrations of credit risk.

Sales Allowance

Sales allowance is an estimate for losses on client receivables resulting from client credits. Credits result from, among other things, client vacancy discounts, job cancellations and property damage. The sales allowance estimate is based on an analysis of the historical rate of sales adjustments (credit memos, net of re-bills) and considers known current or expected trends. Such analysis is inherently subjective. The Company’s earnings will be impacted in the future to the extent that actual credit experience differs from amounts estimated.

Guarantees. The Company offers certain customers guaranteed energy savings on installed equipment under certain contracts. The total energy savings guarantees were $24.4 million at October 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, the Company has not incurred significant losses in connection with these guarantees and the Company does not expect significant future losses.

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates. The Company 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 net carrying amount of the investments in unconsolidated affiliates was $14.4 million at October 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.

Self-Insurance Reserves. The Company is subject to certain insurable risks, such as workers’ compensation, general liability, automobile and property damage. The Company maintains commercial insurance policies that provide $150.0 million (or $75.0 million with respect to claims acquired from OneSource Services, Inc. (“OneSource”) in the year ended October 31, 2008) of coverage for certain risk exposures above the Company’s deductibles (i.e., self-insurance retention limits). The Company’s deductibles, currently and historically, have generally ranged from $0.5 million to $1.0 million per occurrence (in some cases somewhat higher in California). The Company is also responsible for claims in excess of its insurance coverage. A material change in the Company’s insurance costs due to a change in the number of claims, costs or premiums, or changes in laws or other factors could have a material effect on operating results. Should the Company be unable to renew its umbrella and other commercial insurance policies at competitive rates, it would have an adverse impact on the Company’s business, as would the incurrence of catastrophic uninsured claims or the inability or refusal of the insurance carriers to pay otherwise insured claims. Further, to the extent that the Company self-insures, deterioration in claims management could increase claim costs. Additionally, although the Company engages third-party experts to assist in estimating appropriate self-insurance accounting reserves, the determination of those reserves is dependent upon significant actuarial judgments that have a material impact on the Company’s reserves. Changes in the Company’s insurance reserves, as a result of periodic evaluations of the related liabilities, will likely cause significant volatility in the Company’s operating results that might not be indicative of the operations of the Company’s ongoing business.

Liabilities for claims under the Company’s self-insurance program are recorded on an undiscounted, claims-incurred basis. Associated amounts that are expected to be recovered by insurance are presented as “insurance recoverables.” Assets and liabilities related to the Company’s insurance programs are classified based upon the timing of expected payment or recovery. The Company allocates current-year insurance expense to its operating segments based upon their underlying exposures.

In connection with the OneSource acquisition, acquired insurance claims liabilities were recorded at their fair values at the acquisition date, which was based on the present value of the expected future cash flows. These discounted liabilities are being accreted through charges to interest expense as the carrying amounts are brought to an undiscounted amount. The method of accretion approximates the effective interest yield method using the rate a market participant would use in determining the current fair value of the insurance claim liabilities. Included in interest expense in the years ended October 31, 2011 and 2010 were $0.9 million and $0.9 million of interest accretion related to insurance claims liabilities, respectively.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. The Company presents the change in book cash overdrafts (i.e., negative book cash balances that have not been presented to the bank for payment) as cash flows from financing activities.

Investments in Auction Rate Securities. The Company considers its investments in auction rate securities as “available for sale.” Accordingly, auction rate securities are presented at fair value with changes in fair value recorded within other comprehensive income (“OCI”), unless a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary. The credit loss component of an other-than-temporary decline in fair value is recorded in earnings in the period identified. See Note 5, “Auction Rate Securities,” for additional information.

Property, Plant and Equipment. Property, plant and equipment is recorded at historical cost. Depreciation and amortization are recognized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives, ranging from: 3 to 5 years for transportation equipment and capitalized internal-use software costs; 2 to 20 years for machinery and equipment; and 20 to 40 years for buildings. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining lease term (including renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date that the leasehold improvements are purchased).

Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill. The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. When such events or changes in circumstances occur, a recoverability test is performed comparing projected undiscounted cash flows from the use and eventual disposition of an asset or asset group to its carrying amount. If the projected undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount, an impairment is recorded for the excess of the carrying amount over the estimated fair value, which is generally determined using discounted future cash flows.

The Company’s intangible assets consist of acquired customer contracts and relationships, trademarks and trade names, and contract rights. Acquired customer relationship intangible assets are being amortized using the sum-of-the-years’-digits method over their useful lives consistent with the estimated useful life considerations used in the determination of their fair values. The accelerated method of amortization reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the customer relationship intangible assets are expected to be realized. Trademarks and trade names are being amortized over their useful lives using the straight-line method. Contract rights are being amortized over the contract periods using the straight-line method.

Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of costs over the fair value of net assets of acquired businesses. The Company assesses impairment of goodwill at least annually as of August 1 at the reporting unit level (which for the Company is represented by each operating segment). The impairment test is performed in two steps: (i) the Company determines whether impairment exists by comparing the estimated fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount; and (ii) if an indication of impairment exists, the Company measures the amount of impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount.

Other Accrued Liabilities. Other accrued liabilities as of October 31, 2011 and 2010 primarily consists of employee benefits, dividends payable, loss contingencies, rent payable, and unclaimed property.

Share-Based Compensation. Share-based compensation expense is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the requisite employee service period (generally the vesting period) for awards expected to vest (considering estimated forfeitures). The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of restricted stock and performance awards is determined based on the number of shares granted and the grant date fair value of the award. The estimation of stock awards that will ultimately vest requires judgment, and to the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from the Company’s current estimates, such amounts will be recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period estimates are revised. The Company considers many factors when estimating expected forfeitures, including types of awards, employee class, and historical experience. Stock option exercises and restricted stock and performance award issuances are expected to be fulfilled with new shares of common stock. Share-based compensation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses and is amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting term.

Income Taxes. The Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and applying enacted tax rates expected to be in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. If management determines it is more-likely-than-not that a portion of the Company’s deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded. The provision for income taxes is based on domestic (including federal and state) and international statutory income tax rates in the tax jurisdictions where the Company operates, permanent differences between financial reporting and tax reporting, and available credits and incentives.

Significant judgment is required in determining income tax provisions and tax positions. The Company may be challenged upon review by the applicable taxing authorities and positions taken may not be sustained. All, or a portion of, the benefit of income tax positions are recognized only when the Company has made a determination that it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination, based upon the technical merits of the position and other factors. For tax positions that are determined as more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination, the tax benefit recognized is the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The accounting for uncertain income tax positions requires consideration of timing and judgments about tax issues and potential outcomes, and is a subjective critical estimate. In certain circumstances, the ultimate outcome of exposures and risks involves significant uncertainties. If actual outcomes differ materially from these estimates, they could have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized in income tax expense. The U.S federal government is the Company’s most significant income tax jurisdiction.

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 (“RSUs”) and performance shares. The calculations of basic and diluted net income per common share are as follows:

		September 30,			September 30,		September 30,
Years ended October 31, (in thousands, except per share data)	2011			2010		2009

Income from continuing operations	$	68,698		$	63,870	$	55,490
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of taxes		(194	)		251		(1,197	)

Net income	$	68,504		$	64,121	$	54,293


Weighted-average common shares outstanding—Basic		53,121			52,117		51,373
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options		468			446		241
Restricted stock units		293			261		180
Performance shares		221			84		51

Weighted-average common shares outstanding—Diluted		54,103			52,908		51,845


Net income per common share
Basic	$	1.29		$	1.23	$	1.06
Diluted	$	1.27		$	1.21	$	1.05

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

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	Years ended October 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009

Stock options		879		744		2,017
Restricted stock units		60		29		206
Performance shares		17		—		—

Contingencies and Litigation. Loss contingencies are recorded as liabilities when they are both: (1) probable or known that a liability has been incurred and (2) the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. If the reasonable estimate of the loss is a range and no amount within the range is a better estimate, the minimum amount of the range is recorded as a liability. If the Company believes that a loss in litigation is not probable, then no liability will be recorded. Expected costs of resolving contingencies, which include the use of third-party service providers, are accrued as the services are rendered.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). Comprehensive income consists of (i) net income and (ii) other related gains and losses affecting stockholders’ equity that, under GAAP, are excluded from net income. For the Company, such OCI items consist primarily of unrealized gains and losses on auction rate securities, unrealized losses on interest rate swaps, actuarial adjustments to pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, and unrealized foreign currency translation gains and losses, net of tax effects where appropriate.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-09, Compensation – Retirement Benefits – Multiemployer Plans (Subtopic 715-80), Disclosure about an Employer’s Participation in a Multiemployer Plan. The objective of ASU 2011-09 is to improve the transparency of financial reporting with respect to an employer’s participation in a multiemployer pension plan or other multiemployer postretirement benefit plan by requiring each participating employer to provide additional separate, quantitative and qualitative disclosures. The additional disclosures will increase awareness about the commitments that an employer has made to a multiemployer pension plan and the potential future cash flow implications of an employer’s participation in the plan. For public entities, the amendments in ASU 2011-09 are effective for annual periods for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The Company has not elected to early adopt and will adopt this ASU in fiscal year 2012. The amendments in ASU 2011-09 should be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. The adoption of this standard will have no impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations as it only modifies the required disclosures.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Testing Goodwill for Impairment, to simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment. ASU 2011-08 allows entities to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If a greater than 50 percent likelihood exists that the fair value is less than the carrying amount then a two-step goodwill impairment test as described in Topic 350 must be performed. The guidance provided by this update becomes effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The Company has not elected to early adopt and will adopt this ASU in the first quarter of 2013. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Presentation of Comprehensive Income. ASU 2011-05 requires that all non-owner changes in stockholder’s equity be presented 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. The Company has not elected to early adopt and will adopt this ASU in the first quarter of 2013.

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

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

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-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.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Publisher FASB
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 4, 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 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18780-107790

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6359553&loc=d3e288-107754

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2197480

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6921930&loc=d3e5614-111684

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 235
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-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6472506&loc=d3e38932-110933

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2209116

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2134480

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS140-4/FIN46(R)-8
-Paragraph 8, C1, C7
-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.

ACQUISITIONS

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

ACQUISITIONS

3. ACQUISITIONS

The operating results generated by businesses acquired have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price (including subsequent contingent purchase price considerations for acquisitions made prior to the adoption of the FASB updated authoritative standard for accounting for business combinations on November 1, 2009) over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired is included in goodwill. Some of the Company’s purchase agreements provide for initial payments and contingent payments based on the annual pre-tax income or other financial measurements for subsequent periods, ranging generally from two to five years.

The Company made the following acquisitions during the year ended October 31, 2011:

Linc

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 $298.7 million in cash. In connection with the acquisition, the Company incurred $5.2 million in direct acquisition costs which were expensed as incurred and classified as selling, general and administrative expenses. Linc provides end-to-end integrated facilities management services, military base operation services, and translation and other services in support of U.S. military operations. Linc’s clients include state and federal governments, commercial entities and residential customers, throughout the United States and in select international locations. 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 consolidated statement of income were $512.9 million and $11.1 million (excluding transaction costs and the interest expense associated with the borrowings under the Company’s line of credit used to finance the acquisition, which were recorded at the Corporate segment), respectively, for 2011.

This acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. The Company has substantially completed the 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, which will be finalized during the first quarter of 2012.

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		86,177
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		7,494
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates		12,645
Property, plant and equipment		9,462
Other identifiable intangible assets		87,000
Other assets		24,837
Accounts payable		(38,434	)
Insurance claims		(4,161	)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		(25,888	)
Non-current liabilities		(25,013	)
Goodwill		156,134

Net assets acquired	$	298,720

The acquired intangible assets are being 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. Deferred tax adjustments will be finalized during the remainder of the measurement period. Approximately $224.6 million of the goodwill and intangibles assets associated with the acquisition is expected to be amortizable for income tax purposes.

The following unaudited pro forma financial information shows the combined results of continuing operations of the Company, including Linc, as if the acquisition occurred at the beginning of the periods presented. The effects of acquisitions made in 2010 were not included in the table below due to the insignificant impact of such acquisitions on pro forma results. The unaudited pro forma financial information is not intended to present or be indicative of the Company’s consolidated financial results of continuing operations that would have been reported had the business combination been completed as of the beginning of the period presented and should not be taken as indicative of the Company’s future consolidated results of continuing operations. The unaudited pro forma financial information for 2011 has not been provided since the amounts are not significantly different from actual results.

		September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)	Year ended October 31, 2010

Revenues	$	4,062,610
Operating profit		111,788
Net income	$	62,109

Net income per common share
Basic	$	1.19
Diluted	$	1.17

Contingent Payments

Total additional consideration paid during the year ended October 31, 2011 related to prior years’ acquisitions totaled $0.7 million. The additional consideration represents contingent amounts based on financial performance subsequent to the respective acquisition dates and has been recorded as goodwill.

The Company made the following acquisitions during the year ended October 31, 2010:

Diversco

On June 30, 2010, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Diversco, Inc. (“Diversco”) from DHI Holdings, Inc. for $30.6 million in cash and incurred direct acquisition costs of $0.2 million, which were expensed as incurred. The purchase price was subsequently adjusted to $30.4 million in connection with a working capital adjustment. Diversco is a national provider of outsourced facility services. The acquisition expanded the geographic reach of the Company’s janitorial and security businesses, particularly in the Southeast, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The results of operations for Diversco are included in the Company’s Janitorial and Security segments as of the acquisition date. Pro forma financial information for this acquisition is not provided as this acquisition is not material to the Company’s financial statements.

The allocation of the purchase price to the underlying net assets acquired and liabilities assumed was based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date, June 30, 2010, with any excess of the purchase price allocated to goodwill.

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

		September 30,
(in thousands)
Purchase price:

Total cash consideration	$	30,390


Allocated to:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,758
Trade accounts receivable		9,884
Other assets		1,244
Property, plant and equipment		3,063
Identifiable intangible assets		10,800
Trade accounts payable		(1,327	)
Accrued liabilities		(7,366	)
Insurance claims		(1,322	)
Other liabilities		(450	)
Goodwill		13,106

Net assets acquired	$	30,390

The acquired customer contracts and relationships, included in identifiable intangible assets, will be amortized using the sum-of-the-years’-digits method over their useful lives of 11 years, which is consistent with the estimated useful life considerations used in the determination of their fair values. Intangible assets of $10.8 million were assigned to the Janitorial and Security segments in the amounts of $9.2 million and $1.6 million, respectively. Goodwill of $13.1 million was assigned to the Janitorial and Security segments in the amounts of $11.1 million and $2.0 million, respectively, and is deductible for tax purposes. The amounts of intangible assets and goodwill have been assigned to the Janitorial and Security segments based on the respective profit margins of the acquired customer contracts. The goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. The transaction was taxable for income tax purposes and all assets and liabilities have been recorded at fair value for both book and income tax purposes. Therefore, no deferred taxes have been recorded.

L&R

On October 1, 2010, the Company acquired select assets of Five Star Parking, Network Parking Company Ltd., and System Parking, Inc. (collectively, this asset acquisition is referred to as “L&R”) from the L&R Group of Companies for an aggregate purchase price of $34.7 million, including $0.2 million of assets distributed as consideration. The acquisition extended and expanded the Company’s parking business in major cities. The acquisition also expanded the Company’s presence at airports. The results of operations of L&R are included in the Company’s Parking segment as of the acquisition date. Pro forma financial information for this acquisition is not provided as this acquisition is not material to the Company’s financial statements.

The allocation of the purchase price to the underlying net assets acquired and liabilities assumed was based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date, with any excess of the purchase price allocated to goodwill.

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

		September 30,
(in thousands)
Purchase price:
Cash	$	34,500
Fair value of assets distributed		164

Total consideration	$	34,664


Allocated to:
Identifiable intangible assets (including favorable leases)	$	6,200
Property, plant and equipment		762
Other assets		142
Unfavorable leases		(2,600	)
Goodwill		30,160

Net assets acquired	$	34,664

The acquired intangible assets and unfavorable leases will be amortized using the sum-of-the-years’-digits method, or where appropriate the straight-line method, over their useful lives: 11 years for managed customer contracts, 4 years for favorable leases, 6 years for unfavorable leases and 10 years for the non-compete agreement, which is consistent with the estimated useful life considerations used in the determination of their fair values. The goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. The transaction was taxable for income tax purposes and all assets and liabilities have been recorded at fair value for both book and income tax purposes. Therefore, no deferred taxes have been recorded.

The Company made the following acquisition during the year ended October 31, 2009:

Control Building Services, Inc., Control Engineering Services, Inc. and TTF, Inc. (“Control”)

Effective May 1, 2009, the Company acquired certain assets (primarily customer contracts and relationships) of Control for $15.1 million in cash, which includes direct acquisition costs of $0.1 million, plus additional consideration of up to $1.6 million, payable in three equal installments of $0.5 million, contingent upon the achievement of certain revenue targets during the three year period commencing on May 1, 2009. The acquisition closed on May 8, 2009 and was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. The acquisition expands the Company’s janitorial and engineering service offerings to clients in the Northeast region.

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

		September 30,
(in thousands)
Purchase price:
Initial payment	$	15,000
Acquisition costs		81

Total cash consideration	$	15,081


Allocated to:
Identifiable intangible assets	$	9,080
Property, plant and equipment		407
Goodwill		5,594

Net assets acquired	$	15,081

The acquired customer contracts and relationships, classified as intangible assets, are amortized using the sum-of-the-years’-digits method over their useful lives of 12 years, which is consistent with the estimated useful life considerations used in the determination of their fair values. Goodwill of $5.6 million was assigned to the Janitorial and Engineering segments in the amounts of $4.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively. Intangible assets were assigned to the Janitorial and Engineering segments in the amounts of $7.2 million and $1.9 million, respectively. Pro forma financial information for this acquisition is not provided as this acquisition is not material to the Company’s financial statements.

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).

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 88-16
-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 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141
-Paragraph 51, 52
-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 141R
-Appendix F
-Paragraph F4
-Subparagraph e

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 67-73
-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 Accounting Standards Codification
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FAIR VALUE MEASURMENTS

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

FAIR VALUE MEASURMENTS

4. FAIR VALUE MEASURMENTS

As required by ASC 820, fair value is determined based on inputs or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability. These assumptions consist of (1) observable inputs—market data obtained from independent sources, or (2) unobservable inputs—market data determined using the Company’s own assumptions about valuation. ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy to prioritize the inputs to valuation techniques, with the highest priority being given to Level 1 inputs and the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs, as described below:

Level 1 — Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;

Level 2 — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs or significant value-drivers are observable in active markets; and

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs.

The following tables present the Company’s hierarchy for financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 31, 2011 and 2010:

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

Assets
Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan	$	4,717	$	4,717	$	—	$	—
Investments in auction rate securities		15,670		—		—		15,670


Total assets	$	20,387	$	4,717	$	—	$	15,670


Liabilities
Interest rate swap	$	253	$	—	$	253	$	—


Total liabilities	$	253	$	—	$	253	$	—

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	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 swap	$	445	$	—	$	445	$	—


Total liabilities	$	445	$	—	$	445	$	—

The fair value of the assets held in the funded deferred compensation plan is based on quoted market prices. The assets are included in Other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

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 2011, the Company had no transfers of assets or liabilities between any of the above hierarchy levels. See Note 5 “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 are 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. The fair value is then compared to a valuation received from an independent third-party. See Note 9, “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 $300.0 million. The carrying value of the receivables included in non-current assets of discontinued operations of $0.2 million and the insurance deposits related to self-insurance claims of $36.0 million approximates fair market value.

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.

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)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15B
-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 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)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 17-22, 27, 28
-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 Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19207-110258

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 21
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13537-108611

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14064-108612

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13433-108611

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14172-108612

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 16
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13504-108611

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19296-110258

AUCTION RATE SECURITIES

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

AUCTION RATE SECURITIES

5. AUCTION RATE SECURITIES

As of October 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 October 31, 2011 and 2010, the estimated fair value of these securities, in total, was approximately $15.7 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. 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 October 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010:


Assumption	October 31, 2011	October 31, 2010
Discount rates	L + 3.21% - L + 17.50%	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 (One Month)

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 2011.

The following tables present the changes in the cost basis and fair value of the Company’s auction rate securities for the years ended October 31, 2011 and 2010:

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

Balance at beginning of year	$	23,307		$	20,171
Unrealized gains		—			537
Unrealized losses		—			(38	)
Redemption of security by issuer		(5,000	)		(5,000	)

Balance at October 31, 2011	$	18,307		$	15,670

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

Balance at beginning of year	$	23,434		$	19,531
Unrealized gains		—			1,075
Unrealized losses		—			(435	)
Other-than-temporary credit loss recognized in earnings		(127	)		—

Balance at October 31, 2010	$	23,307		$	20,171

At October 31, 2011 and 2010, unrealized losses of $2.6 million ($1.6 million net of tax) and $3.1 million ($1.9 million net of tax) were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, respectively.

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.

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
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS115-1/124-1
-Paragraph 17
-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 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.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27337-111563

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27198-111563

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
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-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27161-111563

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
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-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957658&loc=d3e62557-112803

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27357-111563

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27290-111563

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 320
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957658&loc=d3e62586-112803

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

6. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment at October 31, 2011 and 2010 consisted of the following:

		September 30,		September 30,
(in thousands)	2011		2010
Land	$	907	$	628
Buildings		5,319		4,922
Transportation equipment		3,561		2,113
Machinery and other equipment		53,280		53,996
Leasehold improvements		17,176		16,367
Computer equipment and software		77,585		78,946

		157,828		156,972
Less: Accumulated depreciation		97,819		98,884

Total	$	60,009	$	58,088

Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment in the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $29.4 million, $24.9 million and $21.9 million, respectively.

The entire disclosure for long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. This disclosure may include property plant and equipment accounting policies and methodology, a schedule of property, plant and equipment gross, additions, deletions, transfers and other changes, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, net, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and useful lives, income statement disclosures, assets held for sale and public utility disclosures.

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

7. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended October 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,			September 30,
			Goodwill Related to
(in thousands)	Balance as of October 31, 2010		Initial Payments for Acquisitions (1)		Contingent Amounts and Other (2)			Balance as of October 31, 2011
Janitorial	$	471,328	$	—	$	(2,096	)	$	469,232
Engineering		3,549		156,134		2,852			162,535
Parking		69,168		—		—			69,168
Security		49,938		—		—			49,938

Total	$	593,983	$	156,134	$	756		$	750,872

(1)	Refer to Note 3, “Acquisitions” for additional discussions regarding acquisitions the Company made in the year ended October 31, 2011.

(2)

Effective November 1, 2010, the Company changed the management reporting responsibility for a subsidiary from the Janitorial segment to the Engineering segment. As a result of the organizational change, the Company reclassified the goodwill associated with this subsidiary from the Janitorial segment to the Engineering segment which amounted to $2.9 million.

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
			Goodwill Related to
(in thousands)	Balance as of October 31, 2009		Initial Payments for Acquisitions (1)		Contingent Amounts and Other		Balance as of October 31, 2010
Janitorial	$	459,068	$	11,140	$	1,120	$	471,328
Engineering		3,356		—		193		3,549
Parking		36,841		30,160		2,167		69,168
Security		47,972		1,966		—		49,938

Total	$	547,237	$	43,266	$	3,480	$	593,983

(1)	Refer to Note 3, “Acquisitions” for additional discussions regarding acquisitions the Company made in the year ended October 31, 2010

Of the $750.9 million carrying amount of goodwill as of October 31, 2011, $341.3 million was not amortizable for income tax purposes because the related businesses were acquired prior to 1991 or purchased through a tax-free exchange or stock acquisition.

Based on the Company’s annual goodwill impairment test related to its Security reporting unit, the Company has concluded that deterioration in general market conditions, or conditions affecting the security industry, or the Company’s inability to execute its operating plan might result in an impairment of goodwill related to the Security reporting unit in the future.

Intangible Assets

The changes in the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of intangibles other than goodwill for the years ended October 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
	Gross Carrying Amount						Accumulated Amortization
(in thousands)	October 31, 2010		Additions		October 31, 2011		October 31, 2010			Additions			October 31, 2011
Customer contracts and relationships	$	113,822	$	86,000	$	199,822	$	(49,952	)	$	(22,655	)	$	(72,606	)
Trademarks and trade names		4,150		1,000		5,150		(3,445	)		(779	)		(4,224	)
Other (contract rights, etc.)		2,691		—		2,691		(1,492	)		(346	)		(1,838	)

Total	$	120,663	$	87,000	$	207,663	$	(54,889	)	$	(23,780	)	$	(78,669	)

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
	Gross Carrying Amount						Accumulated Amortization
(in thousands)	October 31, 2009		Additions		October 31, 2010		October 31, 2009			Additions			October 31, 2010
Customer contracts and relationships	$	97,522	$	16,300	$	113,822	$	(38,853	)	$	(11,099	)	$	(49,952	)
Trademarks and trade names		4,150		—		4,150		(3,335	)		(110	)		(3,445	)
Other (contract rights, etc.)		1,991		700		2,691		(1,276	)		(216	)		(1,492	)

Total	$	103,663	$	17,000	$	120,663	$	(43,464	)	$	(11,425	)	$	(54,889	)

Of the $129.0 million net carrying amount of intangibles other than goodwill as of October 31, 2011, $32.4 million was not amortizable for income tax purposes because the related businesses were purchased through tax-free stock acquisitions.

The weighted average remaining lives as of October 31, 2011 and the amortization expense of intangibles for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, as well as the estimated amortization expense for such intangibles for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, are as follows:

		September		September		September		September		September		September		September		September		September
	Weighted Average		Amortization Expense						Estimated Amortization Expense
	Remaining Life		Years Ended October 31,						Years Ending October 31,
($ in thousands)	(Years)		2011		2010		2009		2012		2013		2014		2015		2016
Customer contracts and relationships		11.6	$	22,655	$	11,099	$	10,872	$	21,411	$	19,164	$	17,061	$	14,994	$	12,941
Trademarks and tradenames		4.6		779		110		313		198		140		140		140		140
Other (contract rights, etc.)		3.5		346		216		199		298		213		171		27		27

Total		11.5	$	23,780	$	11,425	$	11,384	$	21,907	$	19,517	$	17,372	$	15,161	$	13,108

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

SELF-INSURANCE

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

SELF-INSURANCE

8. SELF-INSURANCE

The Company self-insures certain insurable risks, such as workers’ compensation, general liability, automobile and property damage. The Company maintains commercial insurance policies that provide $150.0 million (or $75.0 million with respect to claims acquired from OneSource in the year ended October 31, 2008) of coverage for certain risk exposures above the Company’s deductibles (i.e., self-insurance retention limits). For claims incurred after November 1, 2002, substantially all of the self-insured retentions increased from $0.5 million per occurrence (inclusive of allocated loss adjustment expenses) to $1.0 million per occurrence (exclusive of allocated loss adjustment expenses), except for California workers’ compensation insurance which increased to $2.0 million, in the aggregate, from April 14, 2003 to April 14, 2005 ($1.0 million per occurrence, plus an additional $1.0 million annually in the aggregate). The Company allocates current-year insurance expense to its operating segments based upon their underlying exposures.

The Company periodically performs a thorough review, with the assistance of external professionals, of its estimate of the ultimate cost for self-insurance reserves. The independent external 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 and interpretations of trends that have a material impact on the Company’s reserves. 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. All increases or decreases to the Company’s prior year self-insurance liabilities are recorded in the Corporate segment.

The table below summarizes the self-insurance reserve adjustments resulting from periodic actuarial evaluations of ultimate losses relating to prior years during the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. Such amounts are not allocated to the Company’s operating segments and are recorded in the Corporate segment.

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	Years ended October 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009
Major programs (1)	$	1,399	$	799	$	9,435
Minor programs (2)		682		417		—

Total	$	2,081	$	1,216	$	9,435

(1)

As described above, the Company is self-insured for workers’ compensation, general liability, automobile, and property damage. During 2009, the Company was negatively impacted by the effects of unfavorable developments in workers’ compensation claims in California and other states, certain case law decisions which resulted in a more favorable atmosphere for injured workers, and existing claims in California being updated by injured workers to add additional medical conditions to the original claims. During 2010 and 2011, higher than expected losses in workers’ compensation and general liability claims resulted in increased losses, attributed to claims incurred in prior years.

(2)	Separate evaluations of insurance reserves related to certain Janitorial and Parking locations showed unfavorable claims developments in 2010 and 2011, resulting in increased losses, attributable to claims incurred in prior years.

With respect to certain reserves related to the operation of Linc, the Company was a member, in good standing, of a group captive insurance company to which it paid premiums for Linc’s exposures related to workers’ compensation, general liability, and auto programs. The Company elected not to renew its relationship with the captive effective August 31, 2011, and effective September 1, 2011 all Linc exposures previously included in the group captive have been migrated into the Company’s main insurance program. Based primarily on the Company’s loss experience as a member of the captive, the Company is subject to assessments of additional premiums, subject to a defined annual cap. The Company has accrued for such additional exposure through the date of termination from the group captive as deemed probable and estimable. The Company will continue to perform periodic actuarial assessments of its loss experience for policy years in which it was a member of the group captive and will adjust its reserves as appropriate.

At October 31, 2011, the Company had $96.8 million in standby letters of credit (primarily related to its workers’ compensation, general liability, automobile, and property damage programs), $36.0 million in restricted insurance deposits, and $231.5 million in surety bonds (of which $30.9 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

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

LINE OF CREDIT FACILITY

9. LINE OF CREDIT FACILITY

On November 30, 2010, the Company terminated its then existing $450 million five-year syndicated line of credit and replaced it with a new $650 million five-year syndicated line of credit (the “new Facility”). On June 3, 2011, the Company entered into an amendment to the Facility which revises the definition of “permitted acquisitions”. On September 8, 2011, the Company entered into a second amendment to the Facility, which amendment: (a) reduces the “Applicable Rate” relating to borrowings under the Facility; (b) extends the maturity date under the Facility to September 8, 2016; and (c) revises the definition of “Permitted Acquisition” under the Facility. The Company has the option to increase the size of the new Facility to $850 million at any time prior to the expiration (subject to receipt of commitments for the increased amount from existing and new lenders). Borrowings under the new Facility were used in part to acquire Linc on December 1, 2010, as well as pay down the outstanding balances under the terminated line of credit. The new 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.

Under the new Facility, no compensating balances are required and the interest rate is determined at the time of borrowing based on the Company’s leverage ratio (as defined in the new Facility), the Interbank Offered Rate plus a spread of 1.00% to 1.75% or, at the Company’s election, base rate loans plus a spread of 0% to 0.75%. The Facility calls for a non-use fee, based on the leverage ratio, payable quarterly, in arrears, of 0.225% to 0.300% of the average daily unused portion of the Facility. For purposes of this calculation, irrevocable standby letters of credit issued primarily in conjunction with the Company’s self-insurance program and cash borrowings are included as usage of the new Facility. The spreads for LIBOR and the Alternate Base Rate and the non-use fee percentage are based on the Company’s leverage ratio.

The new Facility includes covenants limiting liens, dispositions, fundamental changes, investments, indebtedness, and certain transactions and payments. In addition, the new Facility also requires that the Company maintain three financial covenants: (1) a fixed charge coverage ratio greater than or equal to 1.50 to 1.0 at any time; (2) a leverage ratio of less than or equal to 3.25 to 1.0 at each fiscal quarter-end; and (3) a consolidated net worth of greater than or equal to the sum of (i) $570.0 million, (ii) an amount equal to 50% of the consolidated net income earned in each full fiscal quarter ending after November 30, 2010 (with no deduction for a net loss in any such fiscal quarter), and (iii) an amount equal to 100% of the aggregate increases in stockholders’ equity of the Company after November 30, 2010 by reason of the issuance and sale of capital stock or other equity interests of the Company or any subsidiary, including upon any conversion of debt securities of the Company into such capital stock or other equity interests, but excluding by reason of the issuance and sale of capital stock pursuant to the Company’s employee stock purchase plans, employee stock option plans and similar programs. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of October 31, 2011.

If an event of default occurs under the new Facility, including certain cross-defaults, insolvency, change in control, and violation of specific covenants, among others, the lenders can terminate or suspend the Company’s access to the new Facility, declare all amounts outstanding under the new Facility, including all accrued interest and unpaid fees, to be immediately due and payable, and/or require that the Company cash collateralize the outstanding letter of credit obligations.

As of October 31, 2011, the total outstanding amounts under the new Facility in the form of cash borrowings and standby letters of credit were $300.0 million and $96.8 million, respectively.

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.

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 October 31, 2011, the fair value of the remaining interest rate swap was a $0.3 million liability, which was included in retirement plans and other on the accompanying 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. The amount included in accumulated other comprehensive loss is $0.3 million ($0.2 million, net of taxes) at October 31, 2011.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

10. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

As of October 31, 2011, the Company had the following defined benefit and other post-retirement benefit plans, which provide benefits based primarily on years of service and employee earnings and which have been previously amended to preclude new participants:

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. The Company has unfunded retirement agreements for certain current and former senior executives. The retirement agreements provide for monthly benefits for ten years commencing at the later of the respective retirement dates of those executives or age 65. The benefits are accrued over the vesting period. Effective December 31, 2002, this plan was amended to preclude new participants.

Service Award Benefit Plan. The Company has an unfunded service award benefit plan that meets the definition of a “severance pay plan” as defined by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and covers certain qualified employees. The plan provides participants, upon termination, with a guaranteed seven days pay for each year of employment subsequent to November 1, 1989. Effective January 1, 2002, no new participants were permitted under this plan. The Company will continue to incur interest costs related to this plan as the value of the previously earned benefits continues to increase.

OneSource Employees’ Retirement Pension Plan (“OneSource Pension Plan”). The Company acquired OneSource on November 14, 2007, which sponsored a funded, qualified employee retirement plan. The plan was amended to preclude participation and benefit accruals several years prior to the acquisition.

Death Benefit Plan. The Company’s unfunded Death Benefit Plan covers certain qualified employees upon retirement on, or after, the employee’s 62nd birthday. This plan provides 50% of the death benefit that the employee was entitled to prior to retirement, subject to a maximum of $150,000. Coverage commencing upon retirement, or 62^nd birthday, continues until death for retired employees hired before September 2, 1980. On March 1, 2003, the post-retirement death benefit for any active employees hired after September 1, 1980 was eliminated. Active employees hired before September 1, 1980 who retire on or after their 62nd birthday will continue to be covered between retirement and death. For certain plan participants who retired before March 1, 2003, the post-retirement death benefit continues until the retired employee’s 70th birthday. An exemption to the “age 62” retirement rule has been made for certain employees who were terminated as a result of the Company’s restructuring to a corporate shared service center.

OneSource Post-Retirement Medical and Life Benefit Plan. OneSource sponsored a post-retirement benefit plan that provides medical and life insurance benefits to certain OneSource retirees. Since the date of acquisition, new participants have been precluded from participation.

Benefit Obligation and Net Obligation Recognized in Financial Statements

The significant components of the above mentioned plans as of and for the years ended October 31, 2011 and 2010 are summarized as follows:

		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
	Defined						Post-Retirement
	Benefit Plans at						Benefit Plan at
	October 31,						October 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2011			2010
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	12,018		$	11,528		$	5,297		$	5,273
Service cost		46			44			13			15
Interest cost		569			592			256			281
Actuarial loss		944			1,126			329			143
Benefits and expenses paid		(1,502	)		(1,272	)		(300	)		(415	)

Benefit obligation at end of year	$	12,075		$	12,018		$	5,595		$	5,297


Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	5,589		$	4,736		$	—		$	—
Actual return on plan assets		176			615			—			—
Employer contributions		1,654			1,510			300			415
Benefits and expenses paid		(1,502	)		(1,272	)		(300	)		(415	)

Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	5,917		$	5,589		$	—		$	—


Unfunded status at end of year	$	(6,158	)	$	(6,429	)	$	(5,595	)	$	(5,297	)


Current liabilities		(1,001	)		(1,001	)		(301	)		(277	)
Non-current liabilities		(5,157	)		(5,428	)		(5,294	)		(5,020	)

Net obligation	$	(6,158	)	$	(6,429	)	$	(5,595	)	$	(5,297	)


Total affecting retained earnings	$	(3,765	)	$	(4,936	)	$	(5,315	)	$	(5,347	)
Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income		(2,393	)		(1,493	)		(280	)		50

Net obligation	$	(6,158	)	$	(6,429	)	$	(5,595	)	$	(5,297	)

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Recognized in the Accompanying Consolidated Statement of Income

The components of net periodic benefit cost of the defined benefit and other post-retirement benefit plans for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009
Defined Benefit Plans
Service cost	$	46		$	44		$	42
Interest		569			592			811
Expected return on assets		(373	)		(399	)		(321	)
Amortization of actuarial loss		114			66			115
Settlement loss recognized		126			91			349

Net expense	$	482		$	394		$	996

Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Service cost	$	13		$	15		$	12
Interest		256			281			276
Amortization of actuarial gain		—			—			(202	)

Net expense	$	269		$	296		$	86

In the year ending October 31, 2012, the Company expects to recognize, on a pre-tax basis, less than $0.1 million of net actuarial gains as a component of net periodic benefit cost.

Assumptions

The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

	September 30,	September 30,	September 30,	September 30,	September 30,	September 30,
	Defined Benefit Plans			Post-Retirement Benefit Plan
Assumptions to measure net periodic cost	2011	2010	2009	2011	2010	2009
Discount rate	4.50% -4.98%	5.50%	7.00%	4.31% -5.02%	5.50%	7.00%
Rate of health care cost increase	NA	NA	NA	4.50% -8.00%	5.50%	6.00%
Rate of compensation increase	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%
Rate of return on plan assets	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%	NA	NA	NA

Assumptions to measure obligation at year end

Discount rate	4.12% -4.51%	4.50% -4.98%	5.50%	4.04% -4.56%	4.31% -5.02%	5.50%

The discount rate is used for determining future net periodic benefit cost. The Company’s discount rates were determined, as of the October 31, 2011 measurement date, using the individual cash flows of each plan. In determining the long-term rate of return for a plan, the Company considers the nature of the plan’s investments, historical rates of return, and an expectation for the plan’s investment strategies. All defined benefit and post-retirement plans have been amended to preclude new participants. The Company believes changes in assumptions would not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position and operating performance. The Company expects to fund payments required under the plans with cash flows from operating activities when due in accordance with the plans.

Expected Future Benefit Payments

The expected future benefit payments were calculated using the same assumptions used to measure the Company’s benefit obligation as of October 31, 2011. This expectation is based upon expected future service:

		September 30,		September 30,
	Defined		Post-Retirement
(in thousands)	Benefit Plans		Benefit Plan
2012	$	1,500	$	301
2013		804		310
2014		843		318
2015		849		327
2016		750		336
2017 through 2021	$	3,817	$	1,828

OneSource Pension Plan

The OneSource Pension Plan is a funded benefit plan that requires an estimate of the long-term rate of return on plan assets to measure benefit obligations. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets represents the rate of earnings expected in the funds invested to provide for anticipated benefit payments. With input from the Company’s investment advisors and actuaries, the Company has analyzed the expected rates of return on assets and determined that an estimated long-term rate of return of 8.0% is reasonable based on: (1) the current and expected asset allocations; (2) the plan’s historical investment performance; and (3) best estimates for future investment performance. The obligation attributable to medical benefits is small, as is the future obligation that varies with changes in compensation. Accordingly, changes in the health care trend assumption rate and the compensation increase assumption have an immaterial impact on measuring the obligation.

The investment objectives for the assets associated with the OneSource Pension Plan are to maintain acceptable levels of risk through the diversification of assets among asset classes and to optimize long-term returns. The Company is responsible for selecting investment managers, setting asset allocation targets and monitoring asset allocations and investment performance. The Company’s external investment professionals have the authority to manage assets within pre-established asset allocation ranges set by the Company. The OneSource Pension Plan is the Company’s only funded defined benefit plan.

The target allocation ranges and asset allocations for the year ended October 31, 2011 were:

		September 30,		September 30,
	Target		Percentage of
	Allocation		Plan Assets
Asset Category	2011		2011
Equity		53%-73%		63%
Fixed Income		27%-47%		37%

The following tables presents the Company’s hierarchy for the assets associated with the OneSource Pension Plan measured at fair value as of October 31, 2011 and 2010:

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

Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,276	$	1,276	$	—	$	—
Equity
Large-Cap Growth		1,090		1,090		—		—
Large-Cap Value		1,090		1,090		—		—
Small/Mid-Cap Growth		140		140		—		—
Small/Mid-Cap Value		140		140		—		—
International Equity		464		464		—		—
Fixed Income
Long-Term Bond		157		157		—		—
Intermediate Bond		789		789		—		—
Short-Term Bond		771		771		—		—

	$	5,917	$	5,917	$	—	$	—

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
			Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value at		Using Inputs Considered as
(in thousands)	October 31, 2010		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

Cash and cash equivalents	$	924	$	924	$	—	$	—
Equity
Large-Cap Growth		1,095		1,095		—		—
Large-Cap Value		1,095		1,095		—		—
Small/Mid-Cap Growth		140		140		—		—
Small/Mid-Cap Value		140		140		—		—
International Equity		466		466		—		—
Fixed Income
Long-Term Bond		159		159		—		—
Intermediate Bond		794		794		—		—
Short-Term Bond		776		776		—		—

	$	5,589	$	5,589	$	—	$	—

Deferred Compensation Plans

The Company accounts for deferred compensation and accrues interest thereon for employees who elect to participate in one of the following Company plans:

Employee Deferred Compensation Plan. This plan is available to executive, management, administrative and sales employees who have an annualized base salary that equals or exceeds $135,000 for the year ended October 31, 2011. This plan allows employees to defer 1% to 50% of their pre-tax compensation. The average rate of interest earned by the employees in this plan was 3.25%, 3.25% and 3.31% for the years ending October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Director Deferred Compensation Plan. This plan allows directors to defer receipt of all or any portion of the compensation that he or she would otherwise receive from the Company. The average rate of interest earned by the directors in this plan was 3.25%, 3.25%, and 3.31% for the years ending October 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

The deferred compensation under both the Employee and Director Deferred Compensation Plans earns interest equal to the prime interest rate on the last day of the calendar quarter. If the prime rate exceeds 6%, the interest rate is equal to 6% plus one half of the excess over 6%. Interest earned under both deferred compensation plans is capped at 120% of the long-term applicable federal rate as discussed in the plans.

OneSource Deferred Compensation Plan. The Company acquired OneSource on November 14, 2007, which sponsored a deferred compensation plan. Under this deferred compensation plan, a Rabbi Trust was created to fund the obligation. The plan requires the Company to contribute 50% of the participant’s deferred compensation contributions but only to the extent that the deferred contribution does not exceed 5% of the participant’s compensation for the contribution allocation period. This liability is adjusted, with a corresponding charge (or credit) to the deferred compensation cost, to reflect changes in the fair value. On December 31, 2008, the plan was amended to preclude new participants. The assets held in the rabbi trust are not available for general corporate purposes.

Aggregate expense recognized under these deferred compensation plans for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $0.4 million, $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The total long-term liability of all deferred compensation plans at October 31, 2011 and 2010 was $15.5 million and $15.3 million (excluding the fair value of the assets held in the Rabbi Trust), respectively, and is included in Retirement plans and other on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of the assets held in the Rabbi Trust at October 31, 2011 and 2010 was $4.7 million and $5.7 million, respectively.

401(k) Plan

The Company has six 401(k) savings plans covering certain employees, as set forth in the respective plan documents. These 401(k) plans are subject to the applicable provisions of ERISA. Certain plans permit a Company match of a portion of the participant’s contributions after the participant has met the eligibility requirements set forth in the plan. The Company made matching 401(k) contributions required by the 401(k) plans during the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 in the amounts of $8.3 million, $6.2 million and $6.2 million, respectively.

Pension Plans Under Collective Bargaining

Certain qualified employees of the Company are covered under union-sponsored multiemployer defined benefit plans. Contributions paid for these plans were $63.2 million, $58.2 million and $47.9 million during the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. These plans are not administered by the Company and contributions are determined in accordance with provisions of negotiated labor contracts.

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

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
-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 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph 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 Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph q
-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 132R
-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
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264
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-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
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-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 30
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7, 21, 22
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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.

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Implementation Guide (Q and A)
-Number FAS88
-Paragraph 63
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2235017

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Lease Commitments

The Company is contractually obligated to make future payments under non-cancelable operating lease agreements for various facilities, vehicles, and other equipment. As of October 31, 2011, future minimum lease commitments (excluding contingent rentals) under non-cancelable operating leases for the fiscal years ending October 31 are as follows:

		September 30,
(in thousands)
2012	$	70,662
2013		59,483
2014		45,961
2015		30,337
2016		18,129
Thereafter		43,657

Total minimum lease commitments	$	268,229

Rental expense for continuing operations for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was as follows:

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009
Minimum rentals	$	101,640	$	69,571	$	63,774
Contingent rentals		31,767		36,631		38,522

	$	133,407	$	106,202	$	102,296

Contingent rentals are applicable to leases of parking lots and garages and are primarily based on percentages of the gross receipts or other financial parameters attributable to the related facilities.

IBM Master Professional Services Agreement

On October 11, 2011, the Company entered into a Termination Agreement (the “Termination Agreement”) with International Business Machines Corporation (“IBM”) pursuant to which the parties agreed to terminate services currently being provided by IBM to the Company pursuant to a Master Professional Services Agreement dated October 1, 2006, as such agreement has been amended (the “Master Professional Services Agreement”). Under the Master Professional Services Agreement, the Company and IBM have entered into a statement of work relating to the design and build by IBM of the Company’s new primary data center in Alpharetta, Georgia and a statement of work relating to the relocation by IBM of certain Company IT environments now supported by IBM to the new data center. The Termination Agreement provides that services under the Master Professional Services Agreement shall terminate effective as of the successful completion of the design and build of the Company’s new primary data center and the relocation of the data centers currently supported by IBM to that data center, both of which are expected to be completed by February 29, 2012.

The Termination Agreement provides that the Master Professional Services Agreement is being terminated without penalty. During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company wrote-off $1.5 million of deferred costs associated with the Master Professional Services Agreement.

As of October 31, 2011, the Company’s future commitments related to the IBM Amended Agreement is $1.1 million payable over the service term, which is estimated to end on February 29, 2012.

Other Commitments

As of October 31, 2011, future commitments related to other commitments for succeeding fiscal years were as follows:

		September 30,
(in thousands)
2012		5,066
2013		4,000
2014		1,402
2015		—
2016		—
Thereafter		—

Total	$	10,468

Guarantees/Indemnifications

The Company has applied the measurement and disclosure provisions outlined in the FASB guidance related to guarantor’s accounting and disclosure requirements for guarantees, including indirect guarantees of the indebtedness of others, included in ASC 460 “Guarantees” (“ASC 460”) to agreements that contain guarantee and certain indemnification clauses. ASC 460 requires that upon issuance of a guarantee, the guarantor must disclose and recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligation it assumes under the guarantee. As of October 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company did not have any material guarantees that were issued or modified subsequent to October 31, 2002.

However, the Company is party to a variety of agreements under which it may be obligated to indemnify the other party for certain matters. Primarily, these agreements are standard indemnification arrangements entered into in its ordinary course of business. Pursuant to these arrangements, the Company may agree to indemnify, hold harmless and reimburse the indemnified parties for losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party, generally its clients, in connection with any claims arising out of the services that the Company provides. The Company also incurs costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification arrangements and in most cases these costs are paid from its insurance program. The terms of these indemnification arrangements are generally perpetual. Although the Company attempts to place limits on this indemnification reasonably related to the size of the contract, the maximum obligation may not be explicitly stated and, as a result, the maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these arrangements is not determinable.

The Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws may require it to indemnify Company directors and officers against liabilities that may arise by reason of their status as such and to advance their expenses incurred as a result of any legal proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified. The Company has also entered into indemnification agreements with its directors to this effect. The overall amount of these obligations cannot be reasonably estimated; however, the Company believes that any loss under these obligations would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company currently has directors’ and officers’ insurance, which has a deductible of up to $1.0 million.

Contingencies

The Company has been named a defendant in various 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. At October 31, 2011, the total amount accrued for all probable litigation losses where a reasonable estimate of the loss could be made was $5.6 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. Management currently estimates that the potential exposure for all probable and reasonably possible cases for which an estimate of loss can be made might total up to $13.2 million. Factors 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

estimate potential losses are not included within this estimated amount and, therefore, this estimated amount does not represent the Company’s maximum potential 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.

The Company is, or during 2011 was, a defendant in, among others, the following class action or purported class action lawsuits related to alleged violations of federal and/or state wage-and-hour laws:

•

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 (the “Augustus case”);

•

the consolidated case of Batiz/Heine v. ACSS filed on June 7, 2006, in the U.S. District Court of California, Central District (the “Batiz case”)

•

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 ( the “Bucio case”);

•

the consolidated cases of Diaz/Morales/Reyes v. Ampco System Parking filed on December 5, 2006, in L.A. Superior Court (the “Diaz case”);

•

Khadera v. American Building Maintenance Co.-West and ABM Industries filed on March 24, 2008, in U.S District Court of Washington, Western District (the “Khadera case”);

•

Simpson v. ABM Janitorial Services-Northwest, Inc., and ABM Industries Incorporated filed on September 24, 2010 in the Superior Court for the State of Washington in and for King County (the “Simpson case”); and

•

Villacres v. ABM Security filed on August 15, 2007, in the U.S. District Court of California, Central District (the “Villacres case”).

The named plaintiffs in the lawsuits described above are current or former employees of subsidiaries of ABM who allege, among other things, that they were required to work “off the clock,” were not paid proper minimum wage or overtime, were not provided work breaks or other benefits, and/or that they received pay stubs not conforming to state law. In all cases, the plaintiffs generally seek unspecified monetary damages, injunctive relief or both.

Augustus

The Augustus case involves allegations that the Company violated certain state laws relating to meal and rest breaks. On January 8, 2009, the Augustus case was certified as a class action by the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County. On October 6, 2010, the Company moved to decertify the class and for summary judgment. Plaintiffs also moved for summary judgment on the rest break claim. On December 28, 2010, the Superior Court de-certified the portion of the class related to the meal break claims and granted summary judgment for the plaintiffs with respect to the rest break issue. On 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. An estimate of the potential exposure, if any, cannot be made at this time.

Batiz

The Company was a defendant in the previously reported consolidated cases of Batiz/Heine v. ACSS filed on June 7, 2006, in the U.S. District Court of California, Central District (the “Batiz case”). The Batiz case involved allegations relating to unpaid overtime. On September 29, 2010, the Batiz case was decertified as a class action by the United States District Court of California, Central District, and all opt-in plaintiffs were dismissed without prejudice. During the three months ended April 30, 2011, the Company settled this case and paid an aggregate amount of approximately $0.3 million in connection with the settlement.

Bucio

In connection with the Bucio case, 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 appealed the class certification issues. The trial court stayed the underlying lawsuit pending the decision in the appeal.

Diaz

On June 22, 2011, the parties accepted a mediator’s proposal in the Diaz case 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.

Khadera and Simpson

The Khadera case is a collective action and involves allegations relating to unpaid overtime and meal and rest claims. It is an opt-in class under the Fair Labor Standards Act and 343 plaintiffs are in the class. On December 1, 2011, the Court denied the Company’s motion for decertification, so the case will proceed to trial as a collective action. Class certification was granted only with respect to certain overtime claims under federal law. Trial is currently set for March 12, 2012. The Company is also a defendant in the Simpson case which involves allegations relating to unpaid overtime, off-the-clock work, and failure to provide meal and rest periods under Washington state law. The plaintiffs’ motion for class certification in Simpson is due January 9, 2012, and the trial date is currently scheduled for September 10, 2012.

Villacres

On January 15, 2009, a federal court judge denied with prejudice class certification status in the Villacres case. That case and the companion state court case filed April 3, 2008, in Los Angeles Superior Court were both subsequently dismissed with prejudice on summary judgment. On June 17, 2010, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the decision of the district court, which had summarily dismissed with prejudice the Villacres case. The state court companion case, filed April 3, 2008 in Los Angeles Superior Court, has also been dismissed with prejudice by the judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court. On October 22, 2010, the State Appellate Court affirmed the decision of the judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court. The plaintiffs filed a petition for review with the California Supreme Court. On February 16, 2011, the California Supreme Court denied the petition for review. The decision of the United States Court of Appeal for the Ninth Circuit and the California Supreme Court has concluded the federal and state cases, respectively.

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 estimate is included in the total potential exposure described above.

Other

During October 2011, the Company began an internal investigation into matters relating to compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the Company’s internal policies in connection with services provided by a foreign entity affiliated with a Linc joint venture partner. Such services commenced prior to the Company’s acquisition of Linc. As a result of the investigation, the Company has caused Linc to terminate its association with the arrangement. In December 2011, the Company contacted the U.S. Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission to voluntarily disclose the results of its internal investigation to date. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the potential liability, if any, related to these matters. However, based on the facts currently known, the Company does not believe that these matters will have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

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
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 440
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25287-109308

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

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

12. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

Compensation expense and related income tax benefit in connection with the Company’s share-based compensation plans for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
Years Ended October 31,	2011			2010			2009
(in thousands)
Share-based compensation expense recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses before income taxes	$	9,191		$	4,071		$	7,411
Income tax benefit		(3,805	)		(1,691	)		(3,025	)

Total share-based compensation expense after income taxes	$	5,386		$	2,380		$	4,386

In July 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, the Company reversed approximately $3.4 million ($2.0 million, net of taxes) of previously recorded share-based compensation expense in July 2010. This adjustment was recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.

The total shares issued upon the exercise of options under all share-based compensation plans was 570,425, 850,855 and 494,843 during the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The total intrinsic value of the shares exercised was $6.7 million, $8.4 million and $3.0 million for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The total fair value of shares that vested during the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $2.4 million, $8.1 million and $3.8 million, respectively.

The Company has five share-based compensation plans and an employee stock purchase plan which are described below.

2006 Equity Incentive Plan

On May 2, 2006, the stockholders of the Company approved the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Equity Plan”). Prior to the adoption of the 2006 Equity Plan, equity awards were made under the Time-Vested Incentive Stock Option Plan (the “Time-Vested Plan”), the 1996 Price-Vested Performance Stock Option Plan (the “1996 Price-Vested Plan”) and the 2002 Price-Vested Performance Stock Option Plan (the “2002 Price-Vested Plan” and collectively with the Time-Vested Plan and the 1996 Price-Vested Plan, the “Prior Plans”). The 2006 Equity Plan provides for the issuance of 5,250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, plus the remaining shares authorized but not issued under the Prior Plans and forfeitures under the Prior Plans after that date. No further grants can be made under the Prior Plans. At October 31, 2011, 530,648 shares were available for award under the 2006 Equity Plan. The terms and conditions governing existing options under the Prior Plans will continue to apply to the options outstanding under those plans. The 2006 Equity Plan is an “omnibus” plan that provides for a variety of equity and equity-based award vehicles, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance shares, and other share-based awards. Shares subject to awards that terminate without vesting or exercise are available for future awards under the 2006 Equity Plan. Certain of the awards under the 2006 Equity Plan may qualify as “performance-based” compensation under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) (“Section 162(m)”). The status of the stock options, RSUs and performance shares granted under the 2006 Equity Plan as of October 31, 2011 is summarized below.

Stock Options

The nonqualified stock options issued under the 2006 Equity Plan generally vest and become exercisable at a rate of 25% per year beginning one year after date of grant. However, terms of stock options can vary, and certain stock options granted on March 31, 2010 and January 10, 2011 will vest on the fifth anniversary of the award. Options expire seven years after the date of grant.

Stock option activity in the year ended October 31, 2011 is summarized below:

		September 30,			September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	Number of Shares (in thousands)			Weighted- Average Exercise Price per Share		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Outstanding at October 31, 2010		1,199		$	20.49
Granted		513			21.75
Exercised		(36	)		18.97

Outstanding at October 31, 2011		1,676		$	20.91		4.93	$	1,063

Vested and exercisable at October 31, 2011		567		$	20.37		3.22	$	497

As of October 31, 2011, there was $4.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related to unvested stock options under the 2006 Equity Plan. The cost is expected to be recognized on a straight-line basis over a weighted-average vesting period of 2.60 years.

The Company estimates the fair value of each option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The Company estimates forfeiture rates based on historical data and adjusts the rates periodically or as needed. The adjustment of the forfeiture rate may result in a cumulative adjustment in any period in which the forfeiture rate estimate is changed. During the year ended October 31, 2011, the Company adjusted its forfeiture rate to align the estimate with expected forfeitures, and the effect of such adjustment was immaterial.

The assumptions used in the option valuation model for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 are shown in the table below:

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	2011		2010		2009
Expected life from the date of grant (1)		5.6 years		5.6 years		5.7 years
Expected stock price volatility (2)		39.2% - 40.4%		38.5% - 39.0%		35.2%
Expected dividend yield (3)		2.3% - 2.6%		2.6% - 2.7%		2.5%
Risk-free interest rate (4)		1.0% - 2.1%		1.7% - 2.6%		1.7%
Weighted average fair value of option grants		$6.52		$6.37		$4.82

(1)	The expected life for options granted under the 2006 Equity Plan is based on observed historical exercise patterns of the previously granted options adjusted to reflect the change in vesting and expiration dates.

(2)	The expected volatility is based on considerations of implied volatility from publicly traded and quoted options on the Company’s common stock and the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock.

(3)	The dividend yield is based on the historical dividend yield over the expected term of the options granted.

(4)	The risk-free interest rate is based on the continuous compounded yield on U.S. Treasury Constant Maturity Rates with a remaining term equal to the expected term of the option.

RSUs

RSUs are generally granted to directors each year on the date of the Company’s annual shareholders’ meeting. RSUs are settled in shares of the Company’s common stock with respect to one-third of the underlying shares on the first, second and third anniversaries of the annual shareholders’ meeting, which in several cases vary from the anniversaries of the award grant. In general, RSUs granted to persons other than directors generally vest with respect to 50% of the underlying award on the second and fourth anniversary of the award and are settled in shares of the Company’s common stock. Certain RSUs granted on March 31, 2010 and January 10, 2011 will vest on the fifth anniversary of the award.

RSU activity in the year ended October 31, 2011 is summarized below:

		September 30,			September 30,
	Number of Shares (in thousands)			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Outstanding at October 31, 2010		735		$	20.19
Granted		528			20.39
Issued (including 36 shares withheld for income taxes)		(121	)		19.50
Forfeited		(35	)		20.67

Outstanding at October 31, 2011		1,107		$	20.38

Vested at October 31, 2011		121		$	19.50

As of October 31, 2011, there was $13.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related to RSUs under the 2006 Equity Plan. The cost is expected to be recognized on a straight-line basis over a weighted-average vesting period of 2.23 years.

Performance Shares

Performance shares consist of a contingent right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock based on performance targets adopted by the Compensation Committee. The number of performance shares that will vest is based on pre-established financial performance targets. Vesting of 0% to 150% of the indicated shares may occur depending on the extent to which targets are achieved.

Performance share activity in the year ended October 31, 2011 is summarized below:

		September 30,			September 30,
	Number of Shares (in thousands)			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Outstanding at October 31, 2010		381		$	18.98
Granted		271			25.25
Change in units based on performance		(36	)		19.51
Forfeited		(24	)		20.82

Outstanding at October 31, 2011		592		$	21.74

Vested at October 31, 2011		—		$	—

As of October 31, 2011, there was $6.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related to performance shares. The cost is expected to be recognized on a straight-line basis over a weighted average vesting period of 1.44 years. These costs are based on estimated achievement of performance targets and estimated costs will be reevaluated periodically.

Dividend Equivalent Rights

RSUs are credited with dividend equivalent rights that are converted to RSUs at the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the dates the dividend payments are made and are subject to the same terms and conditions as the underlying award. Performance shares granted prior to January 13, 2009 are credited with dividend equivalent rights that will be converted to performance shares at the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the dates the dividend payments are made and are subject to the same terms and conditions as the underlying award. Performance shares granted on or after January 13, 2009 are credited with dividend equivalent rights that will be converted to performance shares at the fair market value of the Company’s common stock beginning after the performance targets have been satisfied and are subject to the same terms and conditions as the underlying award.

Time-Vested Plan

Under the Time-Vested Plan, the options become exercisable at a rate of 20% of the shares per year beginning one year after the date of grant and expire ten years plus one month after the date of grant. As of May 2, 2006, no further grants are authorized under this plan.

The Time-Vested Plan activity in the year ended October 31, 2011 is summarized below:

		September 30,			September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	Number of Shares (in thousands)			Weighted- Average Exercise Price per Share		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Outstanding at October 31, 2010		701		$	18.40
Exercised		(111	)		16.49
Forfeited or expired		(10	)		16.89

Outstanding at October 31, 2011		580		$	18.79		2.9	$	1,057

Vested and exercisable at October 31, 2011		580		$	18.79		2.9	$	1,057

As of October 31, 2011, all outstanding shares under this plan are vested and exercisable.

1996 and 2002 Price-Vested Plans

The Company has two Price-Vested Plans: (1) the 1996 Price-Vested Plan and (2) the 2002 Price-Vested Plan. The two plans are substantially similar as each plan has pre-defined vesting prices that provide for accelerated vesting. Under each form of option agreement, if at the end of four years any of the stock price performance targets are not achieved, then the remaining options vest at the end of eight years from the date the options were granted. There have been no grants under this plan since the year ended October 31, 2005, therefore the remaining outstanding options under this plan will vest on the eighth anniversary of the award. Options vesting during the first year following grant do not become exercisable until after the first anniversary of grant. The options expire ten years after the date of grant. As of May 2, 2006, no further grants are authorized under these plans.

Activity for the 1996 and 2002 Price-Vested Plans in the year ended October 31, 2011 is summarized below:

		September 30,			September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	Number of Shares (in thousands)			Weighted- Average Exercise Price per Share		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Outstanding at October 31, 2010		1,013		$	17.43
Exercised		(295	)		16.84
Forfeited or expired		(8	)		15.16

Outstanding at October 31, 2011		710		$	17.71		2.53	$	1,793

Vested and exercisable at October 31, 2011		710		$	17.71		2.53	$	1,793

As of October 31, 2011, all outstanding shares under this plan are vested and exercisable.

Executive Stock Option Plan (“Age-Vested Plan”)

Under the Age-Vested Plan, options are exercisable for 50% of the shares when the option holders reach their 61^st birthdays and the remaining 50% become exercisable on their 64^th birthdays. To the extent vested, the options may be exercised at any time prior to one year after termination of employment. Effective as of December 9, 2003, no further grants may be made under the plan.

The Age-Vested Plan activity in the year ended October 31, 2011, is summarized below:

		September 30,			September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	Number of Shares (in thousands)			Weighted- Average Exercise Price per Share		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Outstanding at October 31, 2010		402		$	13.75
Exercised		(7	)		14.93
Forfeited or expired		(35	)		14.01

Outstanding at October 31, 2011		360		$	13.70		42.52	$	2,346

Vested and exercisable at October 31, 2011		80		$	11.48		43.20	$	699

As of October 31, 2011, there was $0.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related to unvested stock options under the Age-Vested Plan, which is expected to be recognized on a straight-line basis over a weighted-average vesting period of 7.90 years.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

On March 9, 2004, the stockholders of the Company approved the 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan provides for the issuance of 3,000,000 shares thereunder. Effective May 1, 2006, the purchase price became 95% of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the last trading day of the month. After that date, the plan is no longer considered compensatory and the values of the awards are no longer treated as share-based compensation expense. Employees may designate up to 10% of their compensation for the purchase of stock, subject to a $25,000 annual limit. Employees are required to hold their shares for a minimum of six months from the date of purchase.

The weighted average fair values of the purchase rights granted in the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 under the new plan were $1.16, $1.03 and $0.86, respectively. During the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, 165,455, 190,340 and 219,067 shares of stock were issued under the plan at a weighted average price of $22.02, $19.65 and $16.29, respectively. The aggregate purchases in the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $3.6 million, $3.7 million and $3.6 million, respectively. At October 31, 2011, 937,379 shares remained unissued under the plan.

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.

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

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-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
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5444-113901

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 40
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6418621&loc=d3e17540-113929

INCOME TAXES

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

INCOME TAXES

13. INCOME TAXES

The income taxes provision for continuing operations consists of the following components for each of the fiscal years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

		September 30,		September 30,			September 30,
(in thousands)	2011		2010			2009
Current
Federal	$	5,539	$	14,394		$	5,542
State		7,147		8,072			6,486
Foreign		67		83			951
Deferred
Federal		21,642		17,341			19,722
State		2,585		319			(2,652	)
Foreign		—		(6	)		(879	)

	$	36,980	$	40,203		$	29,170

Income tax expense attributable to income from continuing operations differs from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. statutory rates to pre-tax income from continuing operations as a result of the following for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
	2011			2010			2009
Statutory rate		35.0	%		35.0	%		35.0	%
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit		6.3	%		6.5	%		6.5	%
Federal and state tax credits		(5.1	)%		(4.6	)%		(5.8	)%
Impact of change in state tax rate		(0.4	)%		(0.1	)%		(3.7	)%
Tax liabilities no longer required		(4.0	)%		(0.5	)%		(0.4	)%
Nondeductible expenses and other, net		3.2	%		2.3	%		2.9	%

		35.0	%		38.6	%		34.5	%

The effective tax rate for the year ended October 31, 2011 is lower than the effective tax rate for the year ended October 31, 2010, primarily due to net nonrecurring favorable federal and state tax benefits recorded in the year ended October 31, 2011. These tax benefits included a $4.7 million re-measurement of certain unrecognized tax benefits based on new information available, which were partially offset by other discrete tax costs of $1.9 million, primarily related to the true-up of prior year estimated tax balances (including a reduction in previously anticipated employment based tax credits).

The effective tax rate for the year ended October 31, 2010 is higher than the effective tax rate for the year ended October 31, 2009 primarily due to a decrease in discrete federal and state tax benefits recorded in the year ended October 31, 2009. These tax benefits included the benefits of state tax rate increases on the carrying value of the Company’s state deferred tax assets and employment based credits.

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at October 31, 2011 and 2010 are presented below:

		September 30,			September 30,
(in thousands)	2011			2010
Deferred tax assets:
Self-insurance claims (net of recoverables)	$	103,125		$	109,439
Deferred and other compensation		28,897			25,516
Accounts receivable allowances		3,822			4,245
Settlement liabilities		1,999			1,306
State taxes		908			712
Federal net operating loss carryforwards		15,485			19,961
State net operating loss carryforwards		8,348			9,184
Tax credits		6,480			6,602
Other		8,220			7,872

		177,284			184,837
Valuation allowance		(5,784	)		(6,290	)

Total gross deferred tax assets		171,500			178,547

Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment		(8,579	)		(2,426	)
Goodwill and other acquired intangibles		(91,408	)		(78,860	)

Total gross deferred tax liabilities		(99,987	)		(81,286	)

Net deferred tax assets	$	71,513		$	97,261

At October 31, 2011, the Company’s net deferred tax assets included a tax benefit from federal net operating loss carryforwards of $43.4 million. The federal net operating loss carryforwards will expire between 2014 and 2029. State net operating loss carryforwards will expire between the years 2012 and 2031.

The Company periodically reviews its deferred tax assets for recoverability. The valuation allowance represents the amount of tax benefits related to state net operating loss carryforwards that management believes are not likely to be realized. The Company believes the gross deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realizable based on estimates of future taxable income.

Changes to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance for the years ended October 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:

		September 30,			September 30,
(in thousands)	2011			2010
Valuation allowance at the beginning of the year	$	6,290		$	6,147
Acquisition of Linc		290			—
Other, net		(796	)		143

Valuation allowance at the end of the year	$	5,784		$	6,290

In the year ended October 31, 2011, the valuation allowance decreased (through a reduction of the tax provision) by $0.8 million for state net operating losses that became more-likely-than-not realizable based on updated assessments of future taxable income and increased by a goodwill adjustment of $0.3 million as a result of the acquisition of Linc. In the year ended October 31, 2010, $0.1 million of the increase in valuation allowance was charged to income tax expense for deferred tax assets that were not expected to be ultimately realized.

At October 31, 2011, we had unrecognized tax benefits of $96.0 million, all of which, if recognized in the future, would impact the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company includes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of October 31, 2011, the Company had accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions of $0.9 million. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

		September 30,			September 30,
(in thousands)	2011			2010

Balance at beginning of year	$	101,681		$	102,291
Additions for tax positions related to the current year		760			445
Reductions for tax positions related to prior years		(5,743	)		(125	)
Reductions for expiration of statue of limitations		(356	)		(930	)
Settlements		(386	)		—

Balance as of October 31	$	95,956		$	101,681

The Company’s major tax jurisdiction is the United States. The U.S. federal income tax returns for both ABM and OneSource remain open for examination for the periods ending October 31, 2006 through October 31, 2011 and March 31, 2000 through November 14, 2007, respectively. ABM is currently being examined by the Internal Revenue Service for the tax years 2006-2008. The Company does business in all 50 states, significantly in California, Texas and New York, as well as Puerto Rico and Canada. In major state jurisdictions, the tax years 2007-2011 remain open and subject to examination by the appropriate tax authorities. The Company is currently being examined by Illinois, Utah, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, California, Texas, Michigan and Puerto Rico. The Company estimates that a decrease in unrecognized tax benefits of up to approximately $4.3 million is reasonably possible over the next 12 months.

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.

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
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-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

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

SEGMENT INFORMATION

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

SEGMENT INFORMATION

14. 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,
	Year ended October 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

Revenues
Janitorial	$	2,380,195		$	2,306,098		$	2,346,257
Engineering		899,381			382,629			341,462
Parking		615,679			469,398			457,477
Security		350,377			336,249			334,610
Corporate		1,210			1,373			2,017

		4,246,842			3,495,747			3,481,823

Operating profit
Janitorial		140,621			140,007			139,170
Engineering		33,384			22,931			20,346
Parking		24,257			22,738			20,285
Security		7,968			7,487			8,221
Corporate		(88,662	)		(84,324	)		(95,915	)

Operating profit		117,568			108,839			92,107
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on auction rate security:
Gross impairment losses		—			—			(3,695	)
Impairments recognized in other comprehensive income		—			(127	)		2,129
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net		3,915			—			—
Interest expense		(15,805	)		(4,639	)		(5,881	)

Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	105,678		$	104,073		$	84,660

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 years ended October 31, 2010 and 2009 have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect this organizational change. The impact of the organizational change on the reported results for the years ended October 31, 2010 and 2009 was a reclassification of $31.8 million and $35.8 million of revenues, respectively, and $1.0 million and $0.7 million of operating profit, respectively, from the Janitorial segment to the Engineering segment.

Included within the Corporate segment for the year ended October 31, 2011, is a net benefit of $2.7 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.

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	Year ended October 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009

Total Identifiable Assets *
Janitorial	$	859,318	$	902,541	$	881,862
Engineering		469,807		68,710		68,482
Parking		149,052		145,801		100,549
Security		111,304		112,194		107,667
Corporate		287,909		313,772		347,239

		1,877,390		1,543,018		1,505,799

Depreciation and Amortization
Janitorial		19,035		18,356		18,009
Engineering		15,214		549		350
Parking		3,644		2,797		2,746
Security		1,441		1,443		1,703
Corporate		13,324		13,170		10,517

		52,658		36,315		33,325

Capital Expenditures
Janitorial		10,048		12,503		6,633
Engineering		1,280		79		749
Parking		2,023		1,265		1,815
Security		141		451		258
Corporate		8,632		9,644		9,127

	$	22,124	$	23,942	$	18,582

*	Excludes assets of discontinued operations of $2.2 million, $5.7 million and $15.4 million as of October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

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.

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
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 30
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8906-108599

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 41
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9038-108599

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
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-Paragraph 29
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8864-108599

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
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Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 32
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8933-108599

QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

15. QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
	Fiscal Quarter
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	First			Second			Third			Fourth			Year
Year ended October 31, 2011
Revenues	$	1,029,169		$	1,060,083		$	1,076,247		$	1,081,343		$	4,246,842

Gross profit		104,864			115,560			123,403			121,751			465,578


Income from continuing operations		8,405			14,200			27,911			18,182			68,698
Loss from discontinued operations		(15	)		(8	)		(36	)		(135	)		(194	)

Net income		8,390			14,192			27,875			18,047			68,504


Net income per common share—Basic (1)
Income from continuing operations		0.16			0.27			0.52			0.34			1.29
Loss from discontinued operations		—			—			—			—			—

Net income per common share—Basic		0.16			0.27			0.52			0.34			1.29

Net income per common share—Diluted (1)
Income from continuing operations		0.16			0.26			0.51			0.33			1.27
Loss from discontinued operations		—			—			—			—			—

Net income per common share—Diluted	$	0.16		$	0.26		$	0.51		$	0.33		$	1.27


Year ended October 31, 2010
Revenues	$	869,884		$	855,461		$	869,029		$	901,373		$	3,495,747

Gross profit		87,783			83,487			92,805			97,654			361,729

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on auction rate security:
Gross impairment losses		—			(101	)		—			101			—
Impairments recognized in other comprehensive income		—			(26	)		—			(101	)		(127	)

Income from continuing operations		12,836			8,623			20,973			21,438			63,870
Loss from discontinued operations		(61	)		(46	)		(10	)		368			251

Net income		12,775			8,577			20,963			21,806			64,121


Net income per common share—Basic (1)
Income from continuing operations		0.25			0.16			0.40			0.42			1.23
Loss from discontinued operations		—			—			—			—			—

Net income per common share—Basic		0.25			0.16			0.40			0.42			1.23

Net income per common share—Diluted (1)
Income from continuing operations		0.24			0.16			0.40			0.41			1.21
Loss from discontinued operations		—			—			—			—			—

Net income per common share—Diluted	$	0.24		$	0.16		$	0.40		$	0.41		$	1.21

(1)	The sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal per share amounts reported for the year-to-date periods, due to the effects of rounding for each period.

The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished.

Trade Accounts Receivable Allowances

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Revenue Recognition

Trade Accounts Receivable Allowances

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Sales Allowance

Guarantees

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliate

Self-Insurance Reserves

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Investments in Auction Rate Securities

Property, Plant and Equipment

Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill.

Goodwill

Other Accrued Liabilities

Share-Based Compensation

Income Taxes

Net Income per Common Share

		September 30,			September 30,		September 30,
Years ended October 31, (in thousands, except per share data)	2011			2010		2009

Income from continuing operations	$	68,698		$	63,870	$	55,490
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of taxes		(194	)		251		(1,197	)

Net income	$	68,504		$	64,121	$	54,293


Weighted-average common shares outstanding—Basic		53,121			52,117		51,373
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options		468			446		241
Restricted stock units		293			261		180
Performance shares		221			84		51

Weighted-average common shares outstanding—Diluted		54,103			52,908		51,845


Net income per common share
Basic	$	1.29		$	1.23	$	1.06
Diluted	$	1.27		$	1.21	$	1.05

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

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	Years ended October 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009

Stock options		879		744		2,017
Restricted stock units		60		29		206
Performance shares		17		—		—

Contingencies and Litigation

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Losses)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Calculations of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share

The calculations of basic and diluted net income per common share are as follows:

		September 30,			September 30,		September 30,
Years ended October 31, (in thousands, except per share data)	2011			2010		2009

Income from continuing operations	$	68,698		$	63,870	$	55,490
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of taxes		(194	)		251		(1,197	)

Net income	$	68,504		$	64,121	$	54,293


Weighted-average common shares outstanding—Basic		53,121			52,117		51,373
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options		468			446		241
Restricted stock units		293			261		180
Performance shares		221			84		51

Weighted-average common shares outstanding—Diluted		54,103			52,908		51,845


Net income per common share
Basic	$	1.29		$	1.23	$	1.06
Diluted	$	1.27		$	1.21	$	1.05

Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share

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

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	Years ended October 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009

Stock options		879		744		2,017
Restricted stock units		60		29		206
Performance shares		17		—

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information

		September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)	Year ended October 31, 2010

Revenues	$	4,062,610
Operating profit		111,788
Net income	$	62,109

Net income per common share
Basic	$	1.19
Diluted	$	1.17

Linc

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		86,177
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		7,494
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates		12,645
Property, plant and equipment		9,462
Other identifiable intangible assets		87,000
Other assets		24,837
Accounts payable		(38,434	)
Insurance claims		(4,161	)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		(25,888	)
Non-current liabilities		(25,013	)
Goodwill		156,134

Net assets acquired	$	298,720

Diversco

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

		September 30,
(in thousands)
Purchase price:

Total cash consideration	$	30,390


Allocated to:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,758
Trade accounts receivable		9,884
Other assets		1,244
Property, plant and equipment		3,063
Identifiable intangible assets		10,800
Trade accounts payable		(1,327	)
Accrued liabilities		(7,366	)
Insurance claims		(1,322	)
Other liabilities		(450	)
Goodwill		13,106

Net assets acquired	$	30,390

L&R Group

Control Building Services, Inc., Control Engineering Services, Inc. and TTF, Inc

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

		September 30,
(in thousands)
Purchase price:
Cash	$	34,500
Fair value of assets distributed		164

Total consideration	$	34,664


Allocated to:
Identifiable intangible assets (including favorable leases)	$	6,200
Property, plant and equipment		762
Other assets		142
Unfavorable leases		(2,600	)
Goodwill		30,160

Net assets acquired	$	34,664

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

		September 30,
(in thousands)
Purchase price:
Initial payment	$	15,000
Acquisition costs		81

Total cash consideration	$	15,081


Allocated to:
Identifiable intangible assets	$	9,080
Property, plant and equipment		407
Goodwill		5,594

Net assets acquired	$	15,081

Tabular disclosure of pro forma results of operations for a material business acquisition or series of individually immaterial business acquisitions that are material in the aggregate.

Hierarchy for Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

FAIR VALUE MEASURMENTS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

The following tables present the Company’s hierarchy for financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 31, 2011 and 2010:

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

Assets
Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan	$	4,717	$	4,717	$	—	$	—
Investments in auction rate securities		15,670		—		—		15,670


Total assets	$	20,387	$	4,717	$	—	$	15,670


Liabilities
Interest rate swap	$	253	$	—	$	253	$	—


Total liabilities	$	253	$	—	$	253	$	—

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	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 swap	$	445	$	—	$	445	$	—


Total liabilities	$	445	$	—	$	445	$	—

AUCTION RATE SECURITIES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 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 October 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010:


Assumption	October 31, 2011	October 31, 2010
Discount rates	L + 3.21% - L + 17.50%	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 tables present the changes in the cost basis and fair value of the Company’s auction rate securities for the years ended October 31, 2011 and 2010:

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

Balance at beginning of year	$	23,307		$	20,171
Unrealized gains		—			537
Unrealized losses		—			(38	)
Redemption of security by issuer		(5,000	)		(5,000	)

Balance at October 31, 2011	$	18,307		$	15,670

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

Balance at beginning of year	$	23,434		$	19,531
Unrealized gains		—			1,075
Unrealized losses		—			(435	)
Other-than-temporary credit loss recognized in earnings		(127	)		—

Balance at October 31, 2010	$	23,307		$	20,171

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment at October 31, 2011 and 2010 consisted of the following:

		September 30,		September 30,
(in thousands)	2011		2010
Land	$	907	$	628
Buildings		5,319		4,922
Transportation equipment		3,561		2,113
Machinery and other equipment		53,280		53,996
Leasehold improvements		17,176		16,367
Computer equipment and software		77,585		78,946

		157,828		156,972
Less: Accumulated depreciation		97,819		98,884

Total	$	60,009	$	58,088

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended October 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,			September 30,
			Goodwill Related to
(in thousands)	Balance as of October 31, 2010		Initial Payments for Acquisitions (1)		Contingent Amounts and Other (2)			Balance as of October 31, 2011
Janitorial	$	471,328	$	—	$	(2,096	)	$	469,232
Engineering		3,549		156,134		2,852			162,535
Parking		69,168		—		—			69,168
Security		49,938		—		—			49,938

Total	$	593,983	$	156,134	$	756		$	750,872

(1)	Refer to Note 3, “Acquisitions” for additional discussions regarding acquisitions the Company made in the year ended October 31, 2011.

(2)

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
			Goodwill Related to
(in thousands)	Balance as of October 31, 2009		Initial Payments for Acquisitions (1)		Contingent Amounts and Other		Balance as of October 31, 2010
Janitorial	$	459,068	$	11,140	$	1,120	$	471,328
Engineering		3,356		—		193		3,549
Parking		36,841		30,160		2,167		69,168
Security		47,972		1,966		—		49,938

Total	$	547,237	$	43,266	$	3,480	$	593,983

(1)	Refer to Note 3, “Acquisitions” for additional discussions regarding acquisitions the Company made in the year ended October 31, 2010

Changes in Gross Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Intangibles Other than Goodwill

The changes in the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of intangibles other than goodwill for the years ended October 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
	Gross Carrying Amount						Accumulated Amortization
(in thousands)	October 31, 2010		Additions		October 31, 2011		October 31, 2010			Additions			October 31, 2011
Customer contracts and relationships	$	113,822	$	86,000	$	199,822	$	(49,952	)	$	(22,655	)	$	(72,606	)
Trademarks and trade names		4,150		1,000		5,150		(3,445	)		(779	)		(4,224	)
Other (contract rights, etc.)		2,691		—		2,691		(1,492	)		(346	)		(1,838	)

Total	$	120,663	$	87,000	$	207,663	$	(54,889	)	$	(23,780	)	$	(78,669	)

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
	Gross Carrying Amount						Accumulated Amortization
(in thousands)	October 31, 2009		Additions		October 31, 2010		October 31, 2009			Additions			October 31, 2010
Customer contracts and relationships	$	97,522	$	16,300	$	113,822	$	(38,853	)	$	(11,099	)	$	(49,952	)
Trademarks and trade names		4,150		—		4,150		(3,335	)		(110	)		(3,445	)
Other (contract rights, etc.)		1,991		700		2,691		(1,276	)		(216	)		(1,492	)

Total	$	103,663	$	17,000	$	120,663	$	(43,464	)	$	(11,425	)	$	(54,889	)

Weighted Average Remaining Lives, Amortization Expense and Estimated Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets

		September		September		September		September		September		September		September		September		September
	Weighted Average		Amortization Expense						Estimated Amortization Expense
	Remaining Life		Years Ended October 31,						Years Ending October 31,
($ in thousands)	(Years)		2011		2010		2009		2012		2013		2014		2015		2016
Customer contracts and relationships		11.6	$	22,655	$	11,099	$	10,872	$	21,411	$	19,164	$	17,061	$	14,994	$	12,941
Trademarks and tradenames		4.6		779		110		313		198		140		140		140		140
Other (contract rights, etc.)		3.5		346		216		199		298		213		171		27		27

Total		11.5	$	23,780	$	11,425	$	11,384	$	21,907	$	19,517	$	17,372	$	15,161	$	13,108

Tabular disclosure of goodwill by reportable segment and in total. Disclosure details may include, but are not limited to, the carrying amount of goodwill, goodwill acquired during the year, goodwill impairment losses recognized, goodwill written-off due to the sale of a business unit, goodwill not yet allocated, and any other changes to goodwill.

Summary of Self-Insurance Reserve Adjustments Resulting from Periodic Actuarial Evaluations of Ultimate Losses Relating to Prior Years

SELF-INSURANCE (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	Years ended October 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009
Major programs (1)	$	1,399	$	799	$	9,435
Minor programs (2)		682		417		—

Total	$	2,081	$	1,216	$	9,435

(1)

(2)	Separate evaluations of insurance reserves related to certain Janitorial and Parking locations showed unfavorable claims developments in 2010 and 2011, resulting in increased losses, attributable to claims incurred in prior years.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Significant Components of Benefit Obligation and Net Obligation Recognized in Financial Statements

The significant components of the above mentioned plans as of and for the years ended October 31, 2011 and 2010 are summarized as follows:

		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
	Defined						Post-Retirement
	Benefit Plans at						Benefit Plan at
	October 31,						October 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2011			2010
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	12,018		$	11,528		$	5,297		$	5,273
Service cost		46			44			13			15
Interest cost		569			592			256			281
Actuarial loss		944			1,126			329			143
Benefits and expenses paid		(1,502	)		(1,272	)		(300	)		(415	)

Benefit obligation at end of year	$	12,075		$	12,018		$	5,595		$	5,297


Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	5,589		$	4,736		$	—		$	—
Actual return on plan assets		176			615			—			—
Employer contributions		1,654			1,510			300			415
Benefits and expenses paid		(1,502	)		(1,272	)		(300	)		(415	)

Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	5,917		$	5,589		$	—		$	—


Unfunded status at end of year	$	(6,158	)	$	(6,429	)	$	(5,595	)	$	(5,297	)


Current liabilities		(1,001	)		(1,001	)		(301	)		(277	)
Non-current liabilities		(5,157	)		(5,428	)		(5,294	)		(5,020	)

Net obligation	$	(6,158	)	$	(6,429	)	$	(5,595	)	$	(5,297	)


Total affecting retained earnings	$	(3,765	)	$	(4,936	)	$	(5,315	)	$	(5,347	)
Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income		(2,393	)		(1,493	)		(280	)		50

Net obligation	$	(6,158	)	$	(6,429	)	$	(5,595	)	$	(5,297	)

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

The components of net periodic benefit cost of the defined benefit and other post-retirement benefit plans for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009
Defined Benefit Plans
Service cost	$	46		$	44		$	42
Interest		569			592			811
Expected return on assets		(373	)		(399	)		(321	)
Amortization of actuarial loss		114			66			115
Settlement loss recognized		126			91			349

Net expense	$	482		$	394		$	996

Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Service cost	$	13		$	15		$	12
Interest		256			281			276
Amortization of actuarial gain		—			—			(202	)

Net expense	$	269		$	296		$	86

Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Benefit Cost

The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

	September 30,	September 30,	September 30,	September 30,	September 30,	September 30,
	Defined Benefit Plans			Post-Retirement Benefit Plan
Assumptions to measure net periodic cost	2011	2010	2009	2011	2010	2009
Discount rate	4.50% -4.98%	5.50%	7.00%	4.31% -5.02%	5.50%	7.00%
Rate of health care cost increase	NA	NA	NA	4.50% -8.00%	5.50%	6.00%
Rate of compensation increase	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%
Rate of return on plan assets	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%	NA	NA	NA

Assumptions to measure obligation at year end

Discount rate	4.12% -4.51%	4.50% -4.98%	5.50%	4.04% -4.56%	4.31% -5.02%	5.50%

Expected Future Benefit Payments

		September 30,		September 30,
	Defined		Post-Retirement
(in thousands)	Benefit Plans		Benefit Plan
2012	$	1,500	$	301
2013		804		310
2014		843		318
2015		849		327
2016		750		336
2017 through 2021	$	3,817	$	1,828

Target Allocation and Asset Allocation

Summary of OneSource Pension Plan

The target allocation ranges and asset allocations for the year ended October 31, 2011 were:

		September 30,		September 30,
	Target		Percentage of
	Allocation		Plan Assets
Asset Category	2011		2011
Equity		53%-73%		63%
Fixed Income		27%-47%		37%

Plan Assets

Summary of OneSource Pension Plan

The following tables presents the Company’s hierarchy for the assets associated with the OneSource Pension Plan measured at fair value as of October 31, 2011 and 2010:

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

Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,276	$	1,276	$	—	$	—
Equity
Large-Cap Growth		1,090		1,090		—		—
Large-Cap Value		1,090		1,090		—		—
Small/Mid-Cap Growth		140		140		—		—
Small/Mid-Cap Value		140		140		—		—
International Equity		464		464		—		—
Fixed Income
Long-Term Bond		157		157		—		—
Intermediate Bond		789		789		—		—
Short-Term Bond		771		771		—		—

	$	5,917	$	5,917	$	—	$	—

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
			Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value at		Using Inputs Considered as
(in thousands)	October 31, 2010		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

Cash and cash equivalents	$	924	$	924	$	—	$	—
Equity
Large-Cap Growth		1,095		1,095		—		—
Large-Cap Value		1,095		1,095		—		—
Small/Mid-Cap Growth		140		140		—		—
Small/Mid-Cap Value		140		140		—		—
International Equity		466		466		—		—
Fixed Income
Long-Term Bond		159		159		—		—
Intermediate Bond		794		794		—		—
Short-Term Bond		776		776		—		—

	$	5,589	$	5,589	$	—	$	—

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Future Minimum Lease Commitments

As of October 31, 2011, future minimum lease commitments (excluding contingent rentals) under non-cancelable operating leases for the fiscal years ending October 31 are as follows:

		September 30,
(in thousands)
2012	$	70,662
2013		59,483
2014		45,961
2015		30,337
2016		18,129
Thereafter		43,657

Total minimum lease commitments	$	268,229

Rental Expense for Continuing Operations

Rental expense for continuing operations for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was as follows:

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009
Minimum rentals	$	101,640	$	69,571	$	63,774
Contingent rentals		31,767		36,631		38,522

	$	133,407	$	106,202	$	102,296

Future Commitments Related to Other Commitments

As of October 31, 2011, future commitments related to other commitments for succeeding fiscal years were as follows:

		September 30,
(in thousands)
2012		5,066
2013		4,000
2014		1,402
2015		—
2016		—
Thereafter		—

Total	$	10,468

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Compensation Expense and Related Income Tax Benefit in Connection with the Company's Share-Based Compensation Plans

Compensation expense and related income tax benefit in connection with the Company’s share-based compensation plans for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
Years Ended October 31,	2011			2010			2009
(in thousands)
Share-based compensation expense recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses before income taxes	$	9,191		$	4,071		$	7,411
Income tax benefit		(3,805	)		(1,691	)		(3,025	)

Total share-based compensation expense after income taxes	$	5,386		$	2,380		$	4,386

Assumptions Used in Option Valuation Model

The assumptions used in the option valuation model for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 are shown in the table below:

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	2011		2010		2009
Expected life from the date of grant (1)		5.6 years		5.6 years		5.7 years
Expected stock price volatility (2)		39.2% - 40.4%		38.5% - 39.0%		35.2%
Expected dividend yield (3)		2.3% - 2.6%		2.6% - 2.7%		2.5%
Risk-free interest rate (4)		1.0% - 2.1%		1.7% - 2.6%		1.7%
Weighted average fair value of option grants		$6.52		$6.37		$4.82

(1)	The expected life for options granted under the 2006 Equity Plan is based on observed historical exercise patterns of the previously granted options adjusted to reflect the change in vesting and expiration dates.

(2)	The expected volatility is based on considerations of implied volatility from publicly traded and quoted options on the Company’s common stock and the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock.

(3)	The dividend yield is based on the historical dividend yield over the expected term of the options granted.

(4)	The risk-free interest rate is based on the continuous compounded yield on U.S. Treasury Constant Maturity Rates with a remaining term equal to the expected term of the option.

RSU Activity

RSU activity in the year ended October 31, 2011 is summarized below:

		September 30,			September 30,
	Number of Shares (in thousands)			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Outstanding at October 31, 2010		735		$	20.19
Granted		528			20.39
Issued (including 36 shares withheld for income taxes)		(121	)		19.50
Forfeited		(35	)		20.67

Outstanding at October 31, 2011		1,107		$	20.38

Vested at October 31, 2011		121		$	19.50

Performance Share Activity

Performance share activity in the year ended October 31, 2011 is summarized below:

		September 30,			September 30,
	Number of Shares (in thousands)			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Outstanding at October 31, 2010		381		$	18.98
Granted		271			25.25
Change in units based on performance		(36	)		19.51
Forfeited		(24	)		20.82

Outstanding at October 31, 2011		592		$	21.74

Vested at October 31, 2011		—		$	—

Employee Stock Options

Stock option activity in the year ended October 31, 2011 is summarized below:

		September 30,			September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	Number of Shares (in thousands)			Weighted- Average Exercise Price per Share		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Outstanding at October 31, 2010		1,199		$	20.49
Granted		513			21.75
Exercised		(36	)		18.97

Outstanding at October 31, 2011		1,676		$	20.91		4.93	$	1,063

Vested and exercisable at October 31, 2011		567		$	20.37		3.22	$	497

Time-Vested Plan

1996 and 2002 Price-Vested Plans

The Time-Vested Plan activity in the year ended October 31, 2011 is summarized below:

		September 30,			September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	Number of Shares (in thousands)			Weighted- Average Exercise Price per Share		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Outstanding at October 31, 2010		701		$	18.40
Exercised		(111	)		16.49
Forfeited or expired		(10	)		16.89

Outstanding at October 31, 2011		580		$	18.79		2.9	$	1,057

Vested and exercisable at October 31, 2011		580		$	18.79		2.9	$	1,057

Executive Stock Option Plan (Age-Vested Plan)

Activity for the 1996 and 2002 Price-Vested Plans in the year ended October 31, 2011 is summarized below:

		September 30,			September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	Number of Shares (in thousands)			Weighted- Average Exercise Price per Share		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Outstanding at October 31, 2010		1,013		$	17.43
Exercised		(295	)		16.84
Forfeited or expired		(8	)		15.16

Outstanding at October 31, 2011		710		$	17.71		2.53	$	1,793

Vested and exercisable at October 31, 2011		710		$	17.71		2.53	$	1,793

The Age-Vested Plan activity in the year ended October 31, 2011, is summarized below:

		September 30,			September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	Number of Shares (in thousands)			Weighted- Average Exercise Price per Share		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Outstanding at October 31, 2010		402		$	13.75
Exercised		(7	)		14.93
Forfeited or expired		(35	)		14.01

Outstanding at October 31, 2011		360		$	13.70		42.52	$	2,346

Vested and exercisable at October 31, 2011		80		$	11.48		43.20	$	699

Tabular disclosure of the allocation of equity-based compensation costs to a given line item on the balance sheet and income statement for the period. This may include the reporting line for the costs and the amount capitalized and expensed.

Income Taxes Provision for Continuing Operations

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

The income taxes provision for continuing operations consists of the following components for each of the fiscal years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

		September 30,		September 30,			September 30,
(in thousands)	2011		2010			2009
Current
Federal	$	5,539	$	14,394		$	5,542
State		7,147		8,072			6,486
Foreign		67		83			951
Deferred
Federal		21,642		17,341			19,722
State		2,585		319			(2,652	)
Foreign		—		(6	)		(879	)

	$	36,980	$	40,203		$	29,170

Income Tax Expense Attributable to Income from Continuing Operations

		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
	2011			2010			2009
Statutory rate		35.0	%		35.0	%		35.0	%
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit		6.3	%		6.5	%		6.5	%
Federal and state tax credits		(5.1	)%		(4.6	)%		(5.8	)%
Impact of change in state tax rate		(0.4	)%		(0.1	)%		(3.7	)%
Tax liabilities no longer required		(4.0	)%		(0.5	)%		(0.4	)%
Nondeductible expenses and other, net		3.2	%		2.3	%		2.9	%

		35.0	%		38.6	%		34.5	%

Tax Effects of Temporary Differences That Give Rise to Significant Portions of Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at October 31, 2011 and 2010 are presented below:

		September 30,			September 30,
(in thousands)	2011			2010
Deferred tax assets:
Self-insurance claims (net of recoverables)	$	103,125		$	109,439
Deferred and other compensation		28,897			25,516
Accounts receivable allowances		3,822			4,245
Settlement liabilities		1,999			1,306
State taxes		908			712
Federal net operating loss carryforwards		15,485			19,961
State net operating loss carryforwards		8,348			9,184
Tax credits		6,480			6,602
Other		8,220			7,872

		177,284			184,837
Valuation allowance		(5,784	)		(6,290	)

Total gross deferred tax assets		171,500			178,547

Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment		(8,579	)		(2,426	)
Goodwill and other acquired intangibles		(91,408	)		(78,860	)

Total gross deferred tax liabilities		(99,987	)		(81,286	)

Net deferred tax assets	$	71,513		$	97,261

Changes to the Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance

Changes to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance for the years ended October 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:

		September 30,			September 30,
(in thousands)	2011			2010
Valuation allowance at the beginning of the year	$	6,290		$	6,147
Acquisition of Linc		290			—
Other, net		(796	)		143

Valuation allowance at the end of the year	$	5,784		$	6,290

Reconciliation of the Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

		September 30,			September 30,
(in thousands)	2011			2010

Balance at beginning of year	$	101,681		$	102,291
Additions for tax positions related to the current year		760			445
Reductions for tax positions related to prior years		(5,743	)		(125	)
Reductions for expiration of statue of limitations		(356	)		(930	)
Settlements		(386	)		—

Balance as of October 31	$	95,956		$	101,681

Tabular disclosure of tax positions taken in the tax returns filed or to be filed for which it is more likely than not that the tax position will not be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities (i.e., uncertain tax positions) and other types of income tax contingencies, including: (1) the policy on classification of interest and penalties; (2) a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of the period; the total amount(s) of: (3) unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate, and (4) interest and penalties recognized in each of the income statement and balance sheet; (5) for positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts unrecognized will significantly change within 12 months of the reporting date the: (i) nature of the uncertainty, (ii) nature of the event that could occur that would cause the change, and (iii) an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible change or a statement that an estimate of the range cannot be made; and (6) a description of tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions.

Tabular disclosure of valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to net realizable value, including identification of the deferred tax asset more likely than not will not be fully realized and the corresponding amount of the valuation allowance.

Reportable Operating Segments

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

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,
	Year ended October 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

Revenues
Janitorial	$	2,380,195		$	2,306,098		$	2,346,257
Engineering		899,381			382,629			341,462
Parking		615,679			469,398			457,477
Security		350,377			336,249			334,610
Corporate		1,210			1,373			2,017

		4,246,842			3,495,747			3,481,823

Operating profit
Janitorial		140,621			140,007			139,170
Engineering		33,384			22,931			20,346
Parking		24,257			22,738			20,285
Security		7,968			7,487			8,221
Corporate		(88,662	)		(84,324	)		(95,915	)

Operating profit		117,568			108,839			92,107
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on auction rate security:
Gross impairment losses		—			—			(3,695	)
Impairments recognized in other comprehensive income		—			(127	)		2,129
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net		3,915			—			—
Interest expense		(15,805	)		(4,639	)		(5,881	)

Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	105,678		$	104,073		$	84,660

Summary of Reportable Operating Segments

		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	Year ended October 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009

Total Identifiable Assets *
Janitorial	$	859,318	$	902,541	$	881,862
Engineering		469,807		68,710		68,482
Parking		149,052		145,801		100,549
Security		111,304		112,194		107,667
Corporate		287,909		313,772		347,239

		1,877,390		1,543,018		1,505,799

Depreciation and Amortization
Janitorial		19,035		18,356		18,009
Engineering		15,214		549		350
Parking		3,644		2,797		2,746
Security		1,441		1,443		1,703
Corporate		13,324		13,170		10,517

		52,658		36,315		33,325

Capital Expenditures
Janitorial		10,048		12,503		6,633
Engineering		1,280		79		749
Parking		2,023		1,265		1,815
Security		141		451		258
Corporate		8,632		9,644		9,127

	$	22,124	$	23,942	$	18,582

*	Excludes assets of discontinued operations of $2.2 million, $5.7 million and $15.4 million as of October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Tabular disclosure of the profit or loss and total assets for each reportable segment. An entity discloses certain information on each reportable segment if the amounts (a) are included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) are otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss.

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]

QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

QUARTERLY INFORMATION

QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
	Fiscal Quarter
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	First			Second			Third			Fourth			Year
Year ended October 31, 2011
Revenues	$	1,029,169		$	1,060,083		$	1,076,247		$	1,081,343		$	4,246,842

Gross profit		104,864			115,560			123,403			121,751			465,578


Income from continuing operations		8,405			14,200			27,911			18,182			68,698
Loss from discontinued operations		(15	)		(8	)		(36	)		(135	)		(194	)

Net income		8,390			14,192			27,875			18,047			68,504


Net income per common share—Basic (1)
Income from continuing operations		0.16			0.27			0.52			0.34			1.29
Loss from discontinued operations		—			—			—			—			—

Net income per common share—Basic		0.16			0.27			0.52			0.34			1.29

Net income per common share—Diluted (1)
Income from continuing operations		0.16			0.26			0.51			0.33			1.27
Loss from discontinued operations		—			—			—			—			—

Net income per common share—Diluted	$	0.16		$	0.26		$	0.51		$	0.33		$	1.27


Year ended October 31, 2010
Revenues	$	869,884		$	855,461		$	869,029		$	901,373		$	3,495,747

Gross profit		87,783			83,487			92,805			97,654			361,729

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on auction rate security:
Gross impairment losses		—			(101	)		—			101			—
Impairments recognized in other comprehensive income		—			(26	)		—			(101	)		(127	)

Income from continuing operations		12,836			8,623			20,973			21,438			63,870
Loss from discontinued operations		(61	)		(46	)		(10	)		368			251

Net income		12,775			8,577			20,963			21,806			64,121


Net income per common share—Basic (1)
Income from continuing operations		0.25			0.16			0.40			0.42			1.23
Loss from discontinued operations		—			—			—			—			—

Net income per common share—Basic		0.25			0.16			0.40			0.42			1.23

Net income per common share—Diluted (1)
Income from continuing operations		0.24			0.16			0.40			0.41			1.21
Loss from discontinued operations		—			—			—			—			—

Net income per common share—Diluted	$	0.24		$	0.16		$	0.40		$	0.41		$	1.21

(1)	The sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal per share amounts reported for the year-to-date periods, due to the effects of rounding for each period.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011 USD ($) Year	Oct. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2009 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2008 USD ($)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Costs directly reimbursed from parking lot client	$ 299,400	$ 231,500	$ 231,000
Total energy savings guarantees for certain customers	$ 24,400
Guarantee term for certain customers	Through 2026
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, net	$ 14,423
Commercial insurance policy coverage	150,000	150,000	150,000	$ 150,000
Claims Incurred After November 1, 2002 \| Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Insurance deductibles per occurrence	500
Claims Incurred After November 1, 2002 \| Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Insurance deductibles per occurrence	$ 1,000
Transportation equipment and capitalized internal-use software costs
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives, minimum range \| Year	3
Estimated useful lives, maximum range \| Year	5
Machinery and Equipment
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives, minimum range \| Year	2
Estimated useful lives, maximum range \| Year	20
Buildings
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives, minimum range \| Year	20
Estimated useful lives, maximum range \| Year	40
Leasehold Improvements
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining lease term (including renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date that the leasehold improvements are purchased)
OneSource Services Inc
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Commercial insurance policy coverage	$ 75,000	75,000	$ 75,000	$ 75,000
Interest accretion expense	$ 900	$ 900

Calculations of Basic and Diluted Net Income per Common Share (Detail) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Jul. 31, 2011

Apr. 30, 2011

Jan. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2010

Jul. 31, 2010

Apr. 30, 2010

Jan. 31, 2010

Oct. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2010

Oct. 31, 2009

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of taxes

$ 18,182

$ 27,911

$ 14,200

$ 8,405

$ 21,438

$ 20,973

$ 8,623

$ 12,836

$ 68,698

$ 63,870

$ 55,490

(135)

(36)

(8)

(15)

368

(10)

(46)

(61)

(194)

251

(1,197)

Net income

$ 18,047

$ 27,875

$ 14,192

$ 8,390

$ 21,806

$ 20,963

$ 8,577

$ 12,775

$ 68,504

$ 64,121

$ 54,293

Weighted-average common shares outstanding-Basic

53,121

52,117

51,373

Weighted-average common shares outstanding-Diluted

54,103

52,908

51,845

Net income per common share

Basic

$ 0.34

^[1]

$ 0.52

^[1]

$ 0.27

^[1]

$ 0.16

^[1]

$ 0.42

^[1]

$ 0.40

^[1]

$ 0.16

^[1]

$ 0.25

^[1]

$ 1.29

^[1]

$ 1.23

^[1]

$ 1.06

Diluted

$ 0.33

^[1]

$ 0.51

^[1]

$ 0.26

^[1]

$ 0.16

^[1]

$ 0.41

^[1]

$ 0.40

^[1]

$ 0.16

^[1]

$ 0.24

^[1]

$ 1.27

^[1]

$ 1.21

^[1]

$ 1.05

Stock options

Effect of dilutive securities

468

446

241

Restricted stock units

Effect of dilutive securities

293

261

180

Performance shares

Effect of dilutive securities

221

[1]	The sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal per share amounts reported for the year-to-date periods, due to the effects of rounding for each period.

Stock Options and RSUs Excluded from Diluted Net Income per Common Share since the Effect of Including these Stock Options and Restricted Stock Units would have been Anti-dilutive (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	879	744	2,017
Restricted stock units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	60	29	206
Performance shares
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	17

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.

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.

ACQUISITIONS - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
ACQUISITIONS - Additional Information (Detail)	Oct. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2010 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2011 USD ($) Year	Oct. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2009 USD ($) Year	Dec. 01, 2010 USD ($)	Oct. 01, 2010 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2010 USD ($)	May 31, 2009 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,081,343,000	$ 1,076,247,000	$ 1,060,083,000	$ 1,029,169,000	$ 901,373,000	$ 869,029,000	$ 855,461,000	$ 869,884,000		$ 4,246,842,000	$ 3,495,747,000	$ 3,481,823,000
Operating profit										117,568,000	108,839,000	92,107,000
Goodwill and intangibles assets expected to be amortizable for income tax purposes	224,600,000									224,600,000
Contingent consideration payments related to acquisition	700,000									700,000
Janitorial
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues										2,380,195,000	2,306,098,000	2,346,257,000
Operating profit										140,621,000	140,007,000	139,170,000
Security
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues										350,377,000	336,249,000	334,610,000
Operating profit										7,968,000	7,487,000	8,221,000
Engineering
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues										899,381,000	382,629,000	341,462,000
Operating profit										$ 33,384,000	$ 22,931,000	$ 20,346,000
Customer Contracts
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets \| Year										14
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, net
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
Minimum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition contingent payments, payment period									2 years
Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition contingent payments, payment period									5 years
The Linc Group LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition aggregate purchase price													$ 298,720,000
Direct acquisition cost													$ 5,200,000
Revenues										$ 512,900,000
Operating profit										$ 11,100,000
Business acquisition effective date													Dec. 01, 2010
Purchase price allocated to intangible assets													$ 87,000,000
Purchase price allocated to goodwill													$ 156,134,000
Diversco
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition aggregate purchase price															$ 30,390,000
Business acquisition initial aggregate purchase price															30,600,000
Direct acquisition cost															$ 200,000
Business acquisition effective date															Jun. 30, 2010
Purchase price allocated to intangible assets															$ 10,800,000
Purchase price allocated to goodwill															13,106,000
Diversco \| Janitorial
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price allocated to intangible assets															9,200,000
Purchase price allocated to goodwill															11,100,000
Diversco \| Security
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price allocated to intangible assets															1,600,000
Purchase price allocated to goodwill															$ 2,000,000
Diversco \| Customer contracts and relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets \| Year										11
L&R Group
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition aggregate purchase price														$ 34,664,000
Assets distributed as consideration														164,000
Purchase price allocated to intangible assets														6,200,000
Purchase price allocated to goodwill														$ 30,160,000
Deferred taxes	$ 0									$ 0
L&R Group \| Customer Contracts
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets \| Year										11
L&R Group \| Favorable Leases and Other
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets \| Year										4
L&R Group \| Other Consumer Loans and Leases
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets \| Year										6
L&R Group \| Noncompete Agreements
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets \| Year										10
Control Building Services, Inc., Control Engineering Services, Inc. and TTF, Inc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition aggregate purchase price																$ 15,081,000
Direct acquisition cost																81,000
Contingent consideration																1,600,000
Additional contingent consideration, installment amount																$ 500,000
Business acquisition effective date																May 01, 2009
Purchase price allocated to intangible assets																$ 9,080,000
Purchase price allocated to goodwill																5,594,000
Control Building Services, Inc., Control Engineering Services, Inc. and TTF, Inc \| Janitorial
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price allocated to intangible assets																7,200,000
Purchase price allocated to goodwill																4,400,000
Control Building Services, Inc., Control Engineering Services, Inc. and TTF, Inc \| Engineering
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price allocated to intangible assets																1,900,000
Purchase price allocated to goodwill																$ 1,200,000
Control Building Services, Inc., Control Engineering Services, Inc. and TTF, Inc \| Customer contracts and relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets \| Year												12

Final Purchase Price and Related Allocations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 01, 2010	Oct. 01, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	May 31, 2009
The Linc Group LLC
Purchase price:
Acquisition costs	$ 5,200
Total cash consideration	298,720
Allocated to:
Cash and cash equivalents	8,467
Trade accounts receivable	86,177
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	7,494
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	12,645
Property, plant and equipment	9,462
Identifiable intangible assets	87,000
Other assets	24,837
Accounts payable	(38,434)
Insurance claims	(4,161)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(25,888)
Non-current liabilities	(25,013)
Goodwill	156,134
Net assets acquired	$ 298,720
Diversco
Purchase price:
Acquisition costs			$ 200
Total cash consideration			30,390
Allocated to:
Cash and cash equivalents			2,758
Trade accounts receivable			9,884
Property, plant and equipment			3,063
Identifiable intangible assets			10,800
Other assets			1,244
Accounts payable			(1,327)
Insurance claims			(1,322)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			(7,366)
Other liabilities			(450)
Goodwill			13,106
Net assets acquired			$ 30,390
L&R Group
Purchase price:
Cash		$ 34,500
Fair value of assets distributed		164
Total cash consideration		34,664
Allocated to:
Property, plant and equipment		762
Identifiable intangible assets		6,200
Other assets		142
Unfavorable leases		(2,600)
Goodwill		30,160
Net assets acquired		$ 34,664
Control Building Services, Inc., Control Engineering Services, Inc. and TTF, Inc
Purchase price:
Cash				$ 15,000
Acquisition costs				81
Total cash consideration				15,081
Allocated to:
Property, plant and equipment				407
Identifiable intangible assets				9,080
Goodwill				5,594
Net assets acquired				$ 15,081

Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information (Detail) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2010 USD ($) $ / shares
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 4,062,610
Operating profit	111,788
Net income	$ 62,109
Net income per common share
Basic \| $ / shares	$ 1.19
Diluted \| $ / shares	$ 1.17

The pro forma basic net income per share for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period.

The pro forma diluted net income per share for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period.

Hierarchy for Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Detail) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 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	$ 4,717	$ 5,717
Investments in auction rate securities	15,670	20,171
Total assets	20,387	25,888
Interest rate swap	253	445
Total liabilities	253	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	4,717	5,717
Total assets	4,717	5,717
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swap	253	445
Total liabilities	253	445
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in auction rate securities	15,670	20,171
Total assets	$ 15,670	$ 20,171

FAIR VALUE MEASURMENTS - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 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	$ 300,000
Non-current assets of discontinued operations	216		$ 1,392
Insurance deposits	35,974		$ 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	$ 300,000

AUCTION RATE SECURITIES - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011 USD ($) Entity	Feb. 11, 2011 USD ($)	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
Investments in auction rate securities	$ 20,000
Auction rate securities, maturity range, low	2025
Auction rate securities, maturity range, high	2050
Investments in auction rate securities, estimated fair value	$ 15,670		$ 20,171
Redeemed auction rate securities by the issuer, par value		$ 5,000
Unrealized losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax	2,600		3,100
Unrealized losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	1,600		$ 1,900
Single Issuer Investment
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in auction rate securities	$ 5,000

Significant Assumptions Used to Determine the Fair Value of Auction Rate Securities (Detail) - Year	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Minimum
Discount rates	3.21%	2.50%
Yields	2.00%	2.00%
Average expected lives	4	4
Maximum
Discount rates	17.50%	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) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 20,171
Balance at ending of the year	15,670	$ 20,171
Cost Basis \| Auction Rate Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	23,307	23,434
Other-than-temporary credit loss recognized in earnings		(127)
Redemption of security by issuer	(5,000)
Balance at ending of the year	18,307	23,307
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 \| Auction Rate Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	20,171	19,531
Unrealized gains	537	1,075
Unrealized losses	(38)	(435)
Redemption of security by issuer	(5,000)
Balance at ending of the year	$ 15,670	$ 20,171

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.

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.

Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Land	$ 907	$ 628
Buildings	5,319	4,922
Transportation equipment	3,561	2,113
Machinery and other equipment	53,280	53,996
Leasehold improvements	17,176	16,367
Computer equipment and software	77,585	78,946
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	157,828	156,972
Less: Accumulated depreciation	97,819	98,884
Total	$ 60,009	$ 58,088

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment	$ 29.4	$ 24.9	$ 21.9

Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2010

$ 593,983

$ 547,237

156,134

^[1]

43,266

^[2]

756

^[3]

3,480

750,872

593,983

Janitorial

471,328

459,068

^[2]

11,140

(2,096)

^[3]

1,120

469,232

471,328

Engineering

3,549

3,356

^[1]

156,134

2,852

^[3]

193

162,535

3,549

Parking

69,168

36,841

^[2]

30,160

2,167

69,168

Security

49,938

47,972

^[2]

1,966

$ 49,938

[1]	Refer to Note 3, "Acquisitions" for additional discussions regarding acquisitions the Company made in the year ended October 31, 2011.
[2]	Refer to Note 3, "Acquisitions" for additional discussions regarding acquisitions the Company made in the year ended October 31, 2010
[3]	Effective November 1, 2010, the Company changed the management reporting responsibility for a subsidiary from the Janitorial segment to the Engineering segment. As a result of the organizational change, the Company reclassified the goodwill associated with this subsidiary from the Janitorial segment to the Engineering segment which amounted to $2.9 million.

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-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 142
-Paragraph 43
-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 141R
-Paragraph 68
-Subparagraph l
-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 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13770-109266

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905597&loc=d3e13816-109267

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 72
-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.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-Clause 1
-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 Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 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.

Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2010

$ (756)

^[1]

$ (3,480)

Engineering

Engineering | Reclassifications

(2,852)

^[1]

$ (193)

$ 2,852

[1]

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Carrying amount of goodwill	$ 750,872	$ 593,983	$ 547,237
Goodwill not amortizable for income tax purposes	341,300
Net carrying amount of intangibles other than goodwill	128,994	$ 65,774
Intangibles not amortizable for income tax purposes	$ 32,400

Changes in Gross Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Intangibles Other than Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Segment [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount Beginning Balance	$ 120,663	$ 103,663
Gross Carrying Amount Additions	87,000	17,000
Gross Carrying Amount Ending Balance	207,663	120,663
Accumulated Amortization Beginning Balance	(54,889)	(43,464)
Accumulated Amortization Additions	(23,780)	(11,425)
Accumulated Amortization Ending Balance	(78,669)	(54,889)
Customer contracts and relationships
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Segment [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount Beginning Balance	113,822	97,522
Gross Carrying Amount Additions	86,000	16,300
Gross Carrying Amount Ending Balance	199,822	113,822
Accumulated Amortization Beginning Balance	(49,952)	(38,853)
Accumulated Amortization Additions	(22,655)	(11,099)
Accumulated Amortization Ending Balance	(72,606)	(49,952)
Trademarks and Trade Names
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Segment [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount Beginning Balance	4,150	4,150
Gross Carrying Amount Additions	1,000
Gross Carrying Amount Ending Balance	5,150	4,150
Accumulated Amortization Beginning Balance	(3,445)	(3,335)
Accumulated Amortization Additions	(779)	(110)
Accumulated Amortization Ending Balance	(4,224)	(3,445)
Other (contract rights, etc.)
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Segment [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount Beginning Balance	2,691	1,991
Gross Carrying Amount Additions		700
Gross Carrying Amount Ending Balance	2,691	2,691
Accumulated Amortization Beginning Balance	(1,492)	(1,276)
Accumulated Amortization Additions	(346)	(216)
Accumulated Amortization Ending Balance	$ (1,838)	$ (1,492)

Weighted Average Remaining Lives, Amortization Expense and Estimated Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011 USD ($) Year	Oct. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2009 USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted Average Remaining Life \| Year	11.5
Amortization Expense	$ 23,780	$ 11,425	$ 11,384
Estimated Amortization Expense 2012	21,907
Estimated Amortization Expense 2013	19,517
Estimated Amortization Expense 2014	17,372
Estimated Amortization Expense 2015	15,161
Estimated Amortization Expense 2016	$ 13,108
Customer contracts and relationships
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted Average Remaining Life \| Year	11.6
Amortization Expense	$ 22,655	11,099	10,872
Estimated Amortization Expense 2012	21,411
Estimated Amortization Expense 2013	19,164
Estimated Amortization Expense 2014	17,061
Estimated Amortization Expense 2015	14,994
Estimated Amortization Expense 2016	$ 12,941
Trademarks and Trade Names
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted Average Remaining Life \| Year	4.6
Amortization Expense	$ 779	110	313
Estimated Amortization Expense 2012	198
Estimated Amortization Expense 2013	140
Estimated Amortization Expense 2014	140
Estimated Amortization Expense 2015	140
Estimated Amortization Expense 2016	$ 140
Other (contract rights, etc.)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted Average Remaining Life \| Year	3.5
Amortization Expense	$ 346	$ 216	$ 199
Estimated Amortization Expense 2012	298
Estimated Amortization Expense 2013	213
Estimated Amortization Expense 2014	171
Estimated Amortization Expense 2015	27
Estimated Amortization Expense 2016	$ 27

SELF-INSURANCE - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009	Oct. 31, 2008
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Commercial insurance policies coverage	$ 150,000	$ 150,000	$ 150,000	$ 150,000
Standby letters of credit	96,800	100,800
Restricted insurance deposits	35,974	36,164
Surety Bonds	231,500	112,500
Claims Incurred After November 1, 2002 \| Minimum
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Insurance deductibles per occurrence	500
Claims Incurred After November 1, 2002 \| Maximum
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Insurance deductibles per occurrence	1,000
California Workers Claims Incurred From April 14, 2003 To April 14, 2005
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Insurance deductibles per occurrence	2,000
California Workers Claims Incurred From April 14, 2003 To April 14, 2005 \| Per Occurrence
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Insurance deductibles per occurrence	1,000
California Workers Claims Incurred From April 14, 2003 To April 14, 2005 \| Additional Annual Retention
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Insurance deductibles per occurrence	1,000
Supported Insurance Claim Liabilities
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Surety Bonds	30,900	29,300
OneSource Services Inc
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Commercial insurance policies coverage	$ 75,000	$ 75,000	$ 75,000	$ 75,000

Summary of Self-Insurance Reserve Adjustments Resulting from Periodic Actuarial Evaluations of Ultimate Losses Relating to Prior Years (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2010

Oct. 31, 2009

$ (11,950)

$ (247)

$ (1,497)

Corporate

Corporate | Workers' compensation, general liability, automobile, and property damage

2,081

1,216

9,435

Corporate | Janitorial And Parking Locations

^[1]

1,399

799

$ 9,435

^[2]

$ 682

$ 417

[1]

As described above, the Company is self-insured for workers' compensation, general liability, automobile, and property damage. During 2009, the Company was negatively impacted by the effects of unfavorable developments in workers' compensation claims in California and other states, certain case law decisions which resulted in a more favorable atmosphere for injured workers, and existing claims in California being updated by injured workers to add additional medical conditions to the original claims. During 2010 and 2011, higher than expected losses in workers' compensation and general liability claims resulted in increased losses, attributed to claims incurred in prior years.

[2]

Separate evaluations of insurance reserves related to certain Janitorial and Parking locations showed unfavorable claims developments in 2010 and 2011, resulting in increased losses, attributable to claims incurred in prior years.

Line Of Credit Facility - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 08, 2011	Nov. 30, 2010	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Terminated existing line of credit borrowing capacity		$ 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
Description of covenants under the Facility			(1) a fixed charge coverage ratio greater than or equal to 1.50 to 1.0 at any time; (2) a leverage ratio of less than or equal to 3.25 to 1.0 at each fiscal quarter-end; and (3) a consolidated net worth of greater than or equal to the sum of (i) $570.0 million, (ii) an amount equal to 50% of the consolidated net income earned in each full fiscal quarter ending after November 30, 2010 (with no deduction for a net loss in any such fiscal quarter), and (iii) an amount equal to 100% of the aggregate increases in stockholders’ equity of the Company after November 30, 2010 by reason of the issuance and sale of capital stock or other equity interests of the Company or any subsidiary, including upon any conversion of debt securities of the Company into such capital stock or other equity interests, but excluding by reason of the issuance and sale of capital stock pursuant to the Company’s employee stock purchase plans, employee stock option plans and similar programs
Consolidated net worth			$ 570.0
Consolidated net income earned			50.00%
Aggregate increases in stockholders' equity			100.00%
Line of credit, amount outstanding			$ 300.0
Standby letters of credit			$ 96.8	$ 100.8
Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Fixed charge coverage ratio			1.5
Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Leverage ratio			3.25
Second Amendment
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Syndicated line of credit facility, expiration date	Sep. 08, 2016
Line of credit, interest rate terms		Based on the Company's leverage ratio (as defined in the new Facility), the Interbank Offered Rate plus a spread of 1.00% to 1.75% or, at the Company's election, base rate loans plus a spread of 0% to 0.75%. The Facility calls for a non-use fee, based on the leverage ratio, payable quarterly, in arrears, of 0.225% to 0.300% of the average daily unused portion of the Facility.
Second Amendment \| Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Percentage of commitment fee on the unused portion of the Facility		0.225%
Second Amendment \| Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Percentage of commitment fee on the unused portion of the Facility		0.30%
Frequency of non-use fee payable		quarterly
LIBOR \| Second Amendment \| Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable Rate		1.00%
LIBOR \| Second Amendment \| Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable Rate		1.75%
Alternate Base Rate \| Second Amendment \| Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable Rate		0.00%
Alternate Base Rate \| Second Amendment \| Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable Rate		0.75%
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, effective date			Feb. 19, 2011
Fair value of interest rate swaps			$ 0.3
Effective portion of cash flow hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax			(0.3)
Effective portion of cash flow hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax			$ 0.2
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

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Additional Information (Detail)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2008	Oct. 31, 2011 USD ($) CompensationPlan	Oct. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2009 USD ($)
Employee Deferred Compensation Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Minimum required annual base salary to qualify under employee deferred compensation plan		$ 135,000
Average rate of interest earned		3.25%	3.25%	3.31%
Employee Deferred Compensation Plan \| Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of deferred pre-tax compensation		1.00%
Employee Deferred Compensation Plan \| Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of deferred pre-tax compensation		50.00%
Director Deferred Compensation Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Average rate of interest earned		3.25%	3.25%	3.31%
Director Deferred Compensation Plan, interest rate terms		If the prime rate exceeds 6%, the interest rate is equal to 6% plus one half of the excess over 6%. Interest earned under both deferred compensation plans is capped at 120% of the long-term applicable federal rate as discussed in the plans.
Deferred Compensation Plan \| OneSource Services Inc
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Company contributions to participant deferred compensation	50.00%
Participant's compensation for the contribution allocation period	5.00%
Aggregate expense recognized under deferred compensation plans		$ 400,000	$ 400,000	$ 300,000
Total long-term liability of all deferred compensation plans		15,500,000	15,300,000
Defined Contribution Pension Plan 401k
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions paid for plans		$ 8,300,000	6,200,000	6,200,000
Number of 401(k) savings plans \| CompensationPlan		6
Pension Plans Under Collective Bargaining
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions paid for plans		$ 63,200,000	58,200,000	$ 47,900,000
Rabbi Trust
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of the assets held in the Rabbi Trust		$ 4,700,000	$ 5,700,000
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of years that the retirement benefit plan provide a monthly payment		10 years
Death Benefit Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Death benefit that the employee entitled to prior to retirement		$ 150,000
Death benefit plan coverage percentage		50.00%
In the year ending October 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial gains		$ 100,000

Significant Components of Benefit Obligation and Net Obligation Recognized in Financial Statements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$ 5,589
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	5,917	$ 5,589
Defined Benefit Plans
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	12,018	11,528
Service cost	46	44	$ 42
Interest cost	569	592	811
Actuarial loss	944	1,126
Benefits and expenses paid	(1,502)	(1,272)
Benefit obligation at end of year	12,075	12,018	11,528
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	5,589	4,736
Actual return on plan assets	176	615
Employer contributions	1,654	1,510
Benefits and expenses paid	(1,502)	(1,272)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	5,917	5,589	4,736
Unfunded status at end of year	(6,158)	(6,429)
Current liabilities	(1,001)	(1,001)
Non-current liabilities	(5,157)	(5,428)
Net obligation	(6,158)	(6,429)
Net obligation recognized in Balance Sheet	(6,158)	(6,429)
Defined Benefit Plans \| Retained Earnings
Change in Plan Assets
Net obligation recognized in Balance Sheet	(3,765)	(4,936)
Defined Benefit Plans \| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Change in Plan Assets
Net obligation recognized in Balance Sheet	(2,393)	(1,493)
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	5,297	5,273
Service cost	13	15	12
Interest cost	256	281	276
Actuarial loss	329	143
Benefits and expenses paid	(300)	(415)
Benefit obligation at end of year	5,595	5,297	$ 5,273
Change in Plan Assets
Employer contributions	300	415
Benefits and expenses paid	(300)	(415)
Unfunded status at end of year	(5,595)	(5,297)
Current liabilities	(301)	(277)
Non-current liabilities	(5,294)	(5,020)
Net obligation	(5,595)	(5,297)
Net obligation recognized in Balance Sheet	(5,595)	(5,297)
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans \| Retained Earnings
Change in Plan Assets
Net obligation recognized in Balance Sheet	(5,315)	(5,347)
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans \| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Change in Plan Assets
Net obligation recognized in Balance Sheet	$ (280)	$ 50

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost of Defined Benefit Plans and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 46	$ 44	$ 42
Interest	569	592	811
Expected return on assets	(373)	(399)	(321)
Amortization of actuarial gain	114	66	115
Settlement loss recognized	126	91	349
Net expense	482	394	996
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	13	15	12
Interest	256	281	276
Amortization of actuarial gain			(202)
Net expense	$ 269	$ 296	$ 86

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.

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.

The amount of net gain (loss) recognized in net periodic benefit cost as a result of an irrevocable action that relieves the employer (or the plan) of primary responsibility for a benefit obligation and eliminates significant risks related to the obligation and the assets used to effect the settlement. Examples of transactions that constitute a settlement include (a) making lump-sum cash payments to plan participants in exchange for their rights to receive specified benefits and (b) purchasing nonparticipating annuity contracts to cover vested benefits.

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.

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

Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Defined Benefit Plans
Assumptions to measure net periodic cost
Discount rate		5.50%	7.00%
Rate of compensation increase	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%
Rate of return on plan assets	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Assumptions to measure obligation at year end
Discount rate			5.50%
Defined Benefit Plans \| Minimum
Assumptions to measure net periodic cost
Discount rate	4.50%
Assumptions to measure obligation at year end
Discount rate	4.12%	4.50%
Defined Benefit Plans \| Maximum
Assumptions to measure net periodic cost
Discount rate	4.98%
Assumptions to measure obligation at year end
Discount rate	4.51%	4.98%
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Assumptions to measure net periodic cost
Discount rate		5.50%	7.00%
Rate of health care cost increase		5.50%	6.00%
Rate of compensation increase	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%
Assumptions to measure obligation at year end
Discount rate			5.50%
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans \| Minimum
Assumptions to measure net periodic cost
Discount rate	4.31%
Rate of health care cost increase	4.50%
Assumptions to measure obligation at year end
Discount rate	4.04%	4.31%
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans \| Maximum
Assumptions to measure net periodic cost
Discount rate	5.02%
Rate of health care cost increase	8.00%
Assumptions to measure obligation at year end
Discount rate	4.56%	5.02%

Expected Future Benefit Payments (Detail) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
2012	$ 1,500
2013	804
2014	843
2015	849
2016	750
2017 through 2021	3,817
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
2012	301
2013	310
2014	318
2015	327
2016	336
2017 through 2021	$ 1,828

Target Allocation Ranges and Asset Allocations (Detail)	12 Months Ended
Target Allocation Ranges and Asset Allocations (Detail)	Oct. 31, 2011
Equity
Target Allocation Equity, minimum	53.00%
Target Allocation Equity, maximum	73.00%
Fixed Income
Target Allocation Fixed Income, minimum	27.00%
Target Allocation Fixed Income, maximum	47.00%
Percentage of Plan Assets
Percentage of Plan Assets, Equity	63.00%
Percentage of Plan Assets, Fixed Income	37.00%

Assets Associated with the OneSource Pension Plan Measured at Fair Value (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 5,917	$ 5,589
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,276	924
Equity Securities \| Large-Cap Growth
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,090	1,095
Equity Securities \| Large-Cap Value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,090	1,095
Equity Securities \| Small/Mid-Cap Growth
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	140	140
Equity Securities \| Small/Mid-Cap Value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	140	140
Equity Securities \| International Equity
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	464	466
Debt Securities \| Long-Term Bond
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	157	159
Debt Securities \| Intermediate Bond
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	789	794
Debt Securities \| Short-Term Bond
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	771	776
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	5,917	5,589
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 \| Cash and Cash Equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,276	924
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 \| Equity Securities \| Large-Cap Growth
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,090	1,095
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 \| Equity Securities \| Large-Cap Value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,090	1,095
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 \| Equity Securities \| Small/Mid-Cap Growth
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	140	140
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 \| Equity Securities \| Small/Mid-Cap Value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	140	140
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 \| Equity Securities \| International Equity
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	464	466
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 \| Debt Securities \| Long-Term Bond
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	157	159
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 \| Debt Securities \| Intermediate Bond
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	789	794
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 \| Debt Securities \| Short-Term Bond
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 771	$ 776

Future Minimum Lease Commitments (Detail) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
2012	$ 70,662
2013	59,483
2014	45,961
2015	30,337
2016	18,129
Thereafter	43,657
Total minimum lease commitments	$ 268,229

Rental Expense for Continuing Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Minimum rentals	$ 101,640	$ 69,571	$ 63,774
Contingent rentals	31,767	36,631	38,522
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net, Total	$ 133,407	$ 106,202	$ 102,296

The increases or decreases in lease payments that result from changes occurring after the inception of the lease in the factors (other than the passage of time) on which lease payments are based, except that any escalation of minimum lease payments relating to increases in construction or acquisition cost of the leased property or for increases in some measure of cost or value during the construction or preconstruction period, are excluded from contingent rentals. Contingent rentals also may include amounts for which the triggering events have not yet occurred or the specified targets for which have not yet been achieved (such as sales based percentage rent), but which events are considered probable of occurring or which specified targets are considered probable of being achieved.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 13
-Paragraph 16
-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 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 98-9
-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 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Contingent Rentals
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6508509

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 840
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6452660&loc=d3e36991-112694

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 840
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6453985&loc=d3e41499-112717

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 840
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 40
-Subparagraph (Note 3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584154&loc=d3e38371-112697

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 840
-SubTopic 10
-Section 40
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6452616&loc=d3e36728-112689

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 840
-SubTopic 10
-Section 25
-Paragraph 35
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6931615&loc=d3e35050-112683

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 13
-Paragraph 106, 122
-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.

This element represents the payments that the lessee is obligated to make or can be required to make in connection with a property under the terms of an agreement classified as an operating lease, excluding contingent rentals and a guarantee by the lessee of the lessor's debt and the lessee's obligation to pay (apart from the rental payments) executory costs such as insurance, maintenance, and taxes.

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011 USD ($) Plaintiff	Jun. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2011 USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Maximum amount of reasonably possible losses	$ 13.2
Loss contingency amount accrued for probable losses	5.6
Environmental Matters
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Maximum amount of reasonably possible losses	$ 0.3
Batiz
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Agreed payment for settlement of case			$ 0.3
Diaz \| Settlement of Litigation
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Maximum amount of reasonably possible losses		$ 4.7
Agreed payment for settlement of case		2.9
Loss contingency amount accrued for probable losses		$ 2.9
Khadera
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of plaintiffs \| Plaintiff	343
IBM Master Professional Services Agreement
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Deferred costs associated with the Master Professional Services Agreement	$ 1.5
Future commitments related to Amended Agreement	1.1
Claims Incurred After November 1, 2002 \| Maximum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Deductible directors' and officers' insurance	$ 1.0

Future Commitments Related to Other Commitments (Detail) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
2012	$ 5,066
2013	4,000
2014	1,402
2015
2016
Thereafter
Total	$ 10,468

Compensation Expense and Related Income Tax Benefit in Connection with the Company's Share-Based Compensation Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses before income taxes	$ 9,191	$ 4,071	$ 7,411
Income tax benefit	(3,805)	(1,691)	(3,025)
Total share-based compensation expense after income taxes	$ 5,386	$ 2,380	$ 4,386

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS - Additional Information (Detail)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Mar. 09, 2004 USD ($) shares	Oct. 31, 2011 USD ($) Year CompensationPlan $ / shares shares	Oct. 31, 2010 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Oct. 31, 2009 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Reversal of share-based compensation expense \| $	$ 3,400,000
Reversal of share-based compensation expense, net of taxes \| $	$ 2,000,000
Total shares exercised for share-based compensation plans \| shares			570,425	850,855	494,843
Total intrinsic value of the shares exercised \| $			$ 6,700,000	$ 8,400,000	$ 3,000,000
Total fair value of shares vested \| $			$ 2,400,000	$ 8,100,000	$ 3,800,000
2006 Equity Incentive Plan
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Authorized for issuance \| shares			5,250,000
Shares available for award \| shares			530,648
Employee Stock Options
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Total shares exercised for share-based compensation plans \| shares			36,000
Percentage of the awards that vest per year			25.00%
Options expire after the date of grant			7 years
Total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures \| $			$ 4,900,000
Weighted-average vesting period \| Year			2.60
Employee Stock Options \| Minimum
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Vesting period			1 year
Employee Stock Options \| Maximum
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Vesting period			5 years
Restricted stock units
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average fair values of the purchase rights granted \| $ / shares			$ 20.39
Total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures \| $			$ 13,200,000
Weighted-average vesting period \| Year			2.23
Percentage of the awards that vest on the second anniversary of the grant			50.00%
Percentage of the awards that vest on the fourth anniversary of the grant			50.00%
Performance shares
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures \| $			$ 6,100,000
Weighted-average vesting period \| Year			1.44
Performance shares \| Minimum
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of the awards that vest on the first anniversary of the grant			0.00%
Performance shares \| Maximum
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of the awards that vest on the first anniversary of the grant			150.00%
Time-Vested Plan
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Total shares exercised for share-based compensation plans \| shares			111,000
Percentage of the awards that vest per year			20.00%
Vesting period			1 year
Options expire after the date of grant			121 months
1996 and 2002 Price-Vested Plans
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Total shares exercised for share-based compensation plans \| shares			295,000
Options expire after the date of grant			10 years
Number of plans \| CompensationPlan			2
1996 and 2002 Price-Vested Plans \| Minimum
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Vesting period			4 years
1996 and 2002 Price-Vested Plans \| Maximum
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Vesting period			8 years
Executive Stock Option Plan (Age-Vested Plan)
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Total shares exercised for share-based compensation plans \| shares			7,000
Vesting period			1 year
Total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures \| $			$ 500,000
Weighted-average vesting period \| Year			7.90
Executive Stock Option Plan (Age-Vested Plan) \| Option Holders Reaching Their 61st Birthday
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of the awards that vest per year			50.00%
Executive Stock Option Plan (Age-Vested Plan) \| Option Holders Reaching Their 64th Birthday
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of the awards that vest per year			50.00%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average fair values of the purchase rights granted \| $ / shares			$ 1.16	$ 1.03	$ 0.86
Authorized for issuance \| shares		3,000,000
Shares of stock issued under the plan \| shares			165,455	190,340	219,067
Percentage of purchase price of fair market value of the Company's common stock on the last trading day of the month		95.00%
Weighted average price \| $ / shares			$ 22.02	$ 19.65	$ 16.29
Percentage of compensation to purchase		10.00%
Aggregate purchases \| $			$ 3,600,000	$ 3,700,000	$ 3,600,000
Annual limit on purchase of stock \| $		$ 25,000
Shares available for award \| shares			937,379
Employee Stock Purchase Plan \| Minimum
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Vesting period		6 months

Stock Option Activity (Detail) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011 USD ($) Year $ / shares shares	Oct. 31, 2010 $ / shares shares	Oct. 31, 2009 shares
Number of Shares
Exercised	(570,425)	(850,855)	(494,843)
Employee Stock Options
Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of period	1,199,000
Granted	513,000
Exercised	(36,000)
Outstanding at end of period	1,676,000	1,199,000
Vested and exercisable at end of period	567,000
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share
Outstanding at beginning of period \| $ / shares	$ 20.49
Granted \| $ / shares	21.75
Exercised \| $ / shares	18.97
Outstanding at end of period \| $ / shares	20.91	$ 20.49
Vested and exercisable at end of period \| $ / shares	$ 20.37
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)
Outstanding at end of period \| Year	4.93
Vested and exercisable at end of period \| Year	3.22
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at end of period \| $	$ 1,063
Vested and exercisable at end of period \| $	$ 497
Time-Vested Plan
Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of period	701,000
Exercised	(111,000)
Forfeited or expired	(10,000)
Outstanding at end of period	580,000	701,000
Vested and exercisable at end of period	580,000
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share
Outstanding at beginning of period \| $ / shares	$ 18.40
Exercised \| $ / shares	16.49
Forfeited or expired \| $ / shares	16.89
Outstanding at end of period \| $ / shares	18.79	$ 18.40
Vested and exercisable at end of period \| $ / shares	$ 18.79
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)
Outstanding at end of period \| Year	2.9
Vested and exercisable at end of period \| Year	2.9
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at end of period \| $	$ 1,057
Vested and exercisable at end of period \| $	$ 1,057
1996 and 2002 Price-Vested Plans
Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of period	1,013,000
Exercised	(295,000)
Forfeited or expired	(8,000)
Outstanding at end of period	710,000	1,013,000
Vested and exercisable at end of period	710,000
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share
Outstanding at beginning of period \| $ / shares	$ 17.43
Exercised \| $ / shares	16.84
Forfeited or expired \| $ / shares	15.16
Outstanding at end of period \| $ / shares	17.71	$ 17.43
Vested and exercisable at end of period \| $ / shares	$ 17.71
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)
Outstanding at end of period \| Year	2.53
Vested and exercisable at end of period \| Year	2.53
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at end of period \| $	$ 1,793
Vested and exercisable at end of period \| $	$ 1,793
Executive Stock Option Plan (Age-Vested Plan)
Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of period	402,000
Exercised	(7,000)
Forfeited or expired	(35,000)
Outstanding at end of period	360,000	402,000
Vested and exercisable at end of period	80,000
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share
Outstanding at beginning of period \| $ / shares	$ 13.75
Exercised \| $ / shares	14.93
Forfeited or expired \| $ / shares	14.01
Outstanding at end of period \| $ / shares	13.70	$ 13.75
Vested and exercisable at end of period \| $ / shares	$ 11.48
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)
Outstanding at end of period \| Year	42.52
Vested and exercisable at end of period \| Year	43.20
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at end of period \| $	$ 2,346
Vested and exercisable at end of period \| $	$ 699

Assumptions Used in Option Valuation Model (Detail)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Year

$ / shares

Oct. 31, 2010

Year

$ / shares

Oct. 31, 2009

Year

$ / shares

Expected life from the date of grant | Year

^[1]

5.6

5.7

Expected stock price volatility

^[2]

35.20%

Expected stock price volatility, minimum

^[2]

39.20%

38.50%

Expected stock price volatility, maximum

^[2]

40.40%

39.00%

Expected dividend yield

^[3]

2.50%

Risk-free interest rate

^[4]

1.70%

Risk-free interest rate, minimum

^[4]

1.00%

1.70%

Risk-free interest rate, maximum

^[4]

2.10%

2.60%

Weighted average fair value of option grants | $ / shares

$ 6.52

$ 6.37

$ 4.82

Minimum

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Expected dividend yield

^[3]

2.30%

2.60%

Maximum

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Expected dividend yield

^[3]

2.60%

2.70%

[1]	The expected life for options granted under the 2006 Equity Plan is based on observed historical exercise patterns of the previously granted options adjusted to reflect the change in vesting and expiration dates.
[2]	The expected volatility is based on considerations of implied volatility from publicly traded and quoted options on the Company's common stock and the historical volatility of the Company's common stock.
[3]	The dividend yield is based on the historical dividend yield over the expected term of the options granted.
[4]	The risk-free interest rate is based on the continuous compounded yield on U.S. Treasury Constant Maturity Rates with a remaining term equal to the expected term of the option.

RSU Activity (Detail) - Restricted stock units shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011 $ / shares shares
Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of the year \| shares	735
Granted \| shares	528
Issued (including 36 shares withheld for income taxes) \| shares	(121)
Forfeited \| shares	(35)
Outstanding at end of period \| shares	1,107
Vested at end of period \| shares	121
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Outstanding at beginning of the year \| $ / shares	$ 20.19
Granted \| $ / shares	20.39
Issued (including 36 shares withheld for income taxes) \| $ / shares	19.50
Forfeited \| $ / shares	20.67
Outstanding at end of period \| $ / shares	20.38
Vested at end of period \| $ / shares	$ 19.50

RSU Activity (Parenthetical) (Detail) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
RSU Activity (Parenthetical) (Detail) shares in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2011 shares
Restricted stock units
Reconciliation of Restricted Stock Activity [Line Items]
Issued, shares withheld for income taxes	36

Performance Share Activity (Detail) - Performance Share Program shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011 $ / shares shares
Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of the year \| shares	381
Granted \| shares	271
Change in units based on performance \| shares	(36)
Forfeited \| shares	(24)
Outstanding at end of period \| shares	592
Vested at end of period \| shares
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Outstanding at beginning of the year \| $ / shares	$ 18.98
Granted \| $ / shares	25.25
Change in units based on performance \| $ / shares	19.51
Forfeited \| $ / shares	20.82
Outstanding at end of period \| $ / shares	21.74
Vested at end of period \| $ / shares

Income Taxes Provision for Continuing Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Current
Federal	$ 5,539	$ 14,394	$ 5,542
State	7,147	8,072	6,486
Foreign	67	83	951
Deferred
Federal	21,642	17,341	19,722
State	2,585	319	(2,652)
Foreign		(6)	(879)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Total	$ 36,980	$ 40,203	$ 29,170

The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of enacted federal tax law to the domestic taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 45
-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 SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 6
-Section I
-Paragraph Question 1-7

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-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

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Current Tax Expense (or Benefit)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509736

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 6.I.7)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6889476&loc=d3e330036-122817

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 289
-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.

The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of enacted state and local tax law to relevant amounts of taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 45
-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 SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
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-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Current Tax Expense (or Benefit)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509736

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-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 289
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 6
-Section I
-Subsection 7

The component of total income tax expense for the period comprised of the increase (decrease) during the period in the entity's domestic deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to continuing operations as determined by applying the provisions of the federally enacted tax law.

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
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 45
-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
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-Paragraph 1
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Deferred Tax Expense (or Benefit)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510177

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Subparagraph (b)
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 6
-Section I
-Subsection 7

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 8, 16, 17, 289
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The component of total income tax expense for the period comprised of the increase (decrease) in the entity's net foreign deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to continuing operations as determined by applying the provisions of applicable enacted tax laws of countries other than the country of domicile.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Deferred Tax Expense (or Benefit)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510177

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 289
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 6
-Section I
-Subsection 7

The component of total income tax expense for the period comprised of the increase (decrease) in the entity's state and local deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to continuing operations as determined by applying the provisions of the applicable enacted tax laws.

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 45
-Subparagraph b
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Deferred Tax Expense (or Benefit)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510177

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 6
-Section I
-Subsection 7

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 8, 16, 17, 289
-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.

The sum of the current income tax expense or benefit and the deferred income tax expense or benefit pertaining to pretax Income or Loss from continuing operations; income tax expense or benefit may include interest and penalties on tax uncertainties based on the entity's accounting policy.

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 FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 48
-Paragraph 15, 16, 19
-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 45, 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 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
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-Paragraph 1
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Reference 5: 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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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907571&loc=d3e32247-109318

Income Tax Expense Attributable to Income from Continuing Operations (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Reconciliation of Statutory Federal Tax Rate [Line Items]
Statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	6.30%	6.50%	6.50%
Federal and state tax credits	(5.10%)	(4.60%)	(5.80%)
Impact of change in state tax rate	(0.40%)	(0.10%)	(3.70%)
Tax liabilities no longer required	(4.00%)	(0.50%)	(0.40%)
Nondeductible expenses and other, net	3.20%	2.30%	2.90%
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Total	35.00%	38.60%	34.50%

INCOME TAXES - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011 USD ($) Location	Oct. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2009 USD ($)
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits, related to re-measurement	$ 4,700
Discrete tax costs	1,900
Deferred tax assets, tax benefit from federal net operating loss carryforwards	43,400
Other, net	(796)	$ 143
Decrease in valuation allowance for a goodwill adjustment	$ 300
Number of states in which entity operates \| Location	50
Maximum decrease in unrecognized tax benefits that is reasonably possible	$ (4,300)
Unrecognized tax benefits	95,956	$ 101,681	$ 102,291
Unrecognized tax benefits, accrued interest	$ 900
Federal
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards, expiry	Between 2014 and 2029
State and Local Jurisdiction
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards, expiry	Between the years 2011 and 2031
Income tax returns open for examination	2007-2011
Domestic Country
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax returns open for examination	October 31, 2006 through October 31, 2011
Domestic Country \| OneSource Services Inc
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax returns open for examination	March 31, 2000 through November 14, 2007
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax returns open for examination	2006-2008

Tax Effects of Temporary Differences That Give Rise to Significant Portions of Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Deferred tax assets:
Self-insurance claims (net of recoverables)	$ 103,125	$ 109,439
Deferred and other compensation	28,897	25,516
Accounts receivable allowances	3,822	4,245
Settlement liabilities	1,999	1,306
State taxes	908	712
Federal net operating loss carryforwards	15,485	19,961
State net operating loss carryforwards	8,348	9,184
Tax credits	6,480	6,602
Other	8,220	7,872
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Total	177,284	184,837
Valuation allowance	(5,784)	(6,290)	$ (6,147)
Total gross deferred tax assets	171,500	178,547
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment	(8,579)	(2,426)
Goodwill and other acquired intangibles	(91,408)	(78,860)
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(99,987)	(81,286)
Net deferred tax assets	$ 71,513	$ 97,261

Changes to the Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Valuation allowance at the beginning of the year	$ 6,290	$ 6,147
Acquisition of Linc	290
Other, net	(796)	143
Valuation allowance at the end of the year	$ 5,784	$ 6,290

Reconciliation of the Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 101,681	$ 102,291
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	760	445
Reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(5,743)	(125)
Reductions for expiration of statue of limitations	(356)	(930)
Settlements	(386)
Balance as of October 31	$ 95,956	$ 101,681

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011 USD ($) Segment	Jul. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2010 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2011 USD ($) Segment	Oct. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2009 USD ($)
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Reportable operating segments \| Segment	4								4
Revenues	$ 1,081,343	$ 1,076,247	$ 1,060,083	$ 1,029,169	$ 901,373	$ 869,029	$ 855,461	$ 869,884	$ 4,246,842	$ 3,495,747	$ 3,481,823
Operating profit									117,568	108,839	92,107
Engineering
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Revenues									899,381	382,629	341,462
Operating profit									33,384	22,931	20,346
Engineering \| Reclassifications
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Revenues										31,800	35,800
Operating profit										1,000	700
Corporate
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Revenues									1,210	1,373	2,017
Operating profit									(88,662)	$ (84,324)	$ (95,915)
Gain related to the settlement									$ 2,700

Reportable Operating Segments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2010	Apr. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,081,343	$ 1,076,247	$ 1,060,083	$ 1,029,169	$ 901,373	$ 869,029	$ 855,461	$ 869,884	$ 4,246,842	$ 3,495,747	$ 3,481,823
Operating profit									117,568	108,839	92,107
Gross impairment losses					(101)		101				(3,695)
Impairements recognized in other comprehensive income					$ (101)		$ (26)			(127)	2,129
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net									3,915
Interest expense									(15,805)	(4,639)	(5,881)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									105,678	104,073	84,660
Janitorial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									2,380,195	2,306,098	2,346,257
Operating profit									140,621	140,007	139,170
Engineering
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									899,381	382,629	341,462
Operating profit									33,384	22,931	20,346
Parking
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									615,679	469,398	457,477
Operating profit									24,257	22,738	20,285
Security
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									350,377	336,249	334,610
Operating profit									7,968	7,487	8,221
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									1,210	1,373	2,017
Operating profit									$ (88,662)	$ (84,324)	$ (95,915)

Summary of Reportable Operating Segments (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2010

Oct. 31, 2009

$ 1,879,598

$ 1,548,670

52,658

36,315

$ 33,325

22,124

23,942

18,582

Janitorial

19,035

18,356

18,009

10,048

12,503

6,633

Engineering

15,214

549

350

1,280

749

Parking

3,644

2,797

2,746

2,023

1,265

1,815

Security

1,441

1,443

1,703

141

451

258

Corporate

13,324

13,170

10,517

Segment, Continuing Operations

8,632

9,644

9,127

Segment, Continuing Operations | Janitorial

^[1]

1,877,390

1,543,018

1,505,799

Segment, Continuing Operations | Engineering

^[1]

859,318

902,541

881,862

Segment, Continuing Operations | Parking

^[1]

469,807

68,710

68,482

Segment, Continuing Operations | Security

^[1]

149,052

145,801

100,549

Segment, Continuing Operations | Corporate

^[1]

111,304

112,194

107,667

Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]

^[1]

$ 287,909

$ 313,772

$ 347,239

[1]	Excludes assets of discontinued operations of $2.2 million, $5.7 million and $15.4 million as of October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Summary of Reportable Operating Segments (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets of discontinued operations	$ 2.2	$ 5.7	$ 15.4

QUARTERLY INFORMATION (Detail) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Jul. 31, 2011

Apr. 30, 2011

Jan. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2010

Jul. 31, 2010

Apr. 30, 2010

Jan. 31, 2010

Oct. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2010

Oct. 31, 2009

Revenues

$ 1,081,343

$ 1,076,247

$ 1,060,083

$ 1,029,169

$ 901,373

$ 869,029

$ 855,461

$ 869,884

$ 4,246,842

$ 3,495,747

$ 3,481,823

Gross profit

121,751

123,403

115,560

104,864

97,654

92,805

83,487

87,783

465,578

361,729

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on auction rate security:

Gross impairment losses

101

(101)

3,695

Impairements recognized in other comprehensive income

(101)

(26)

(127)

2,129

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of taxes

18,182

27,911

14,200

8,405

21,438

20,973

8,623

12,836

68,698

63,870

55,490

(135)

(36)

(8)

(15)

368

(10)

(46)

(61)

(194)

251

(1,197)

Net income

$ 18,047

$ 27,875

$ 14,192

$ 8,390

$ 21,806

$ 20,963

$ 8,577

$ 12,775

$ 68,504

$ 64,121

$ 54,293

Net income per common share-Basic

$ 0.34

^[1]

$ 0.52

^[1]

$ 0.27

^[1]

$ 0.16

^[1]

$ 0.42

^[1]

$ 0.40

^[1]

$ 0.16

^[1]

$ 0.25

^[1]

$ 1.29

^[1]

$ 1.23

^[1]

$ 1.08

^[1]

(0.02)

0.34

^[1]

0.52

^[1]

0.27

^[1]

0.16

^[1]

0.42

^[1]

0.40

^[1]

0.16

^[1]

0.25

^[1]

1.29

^[1]

1.23

^[1]

1.06

Net income per common share-Diluted

0.33

^[1]

0.51

^[1]

0.26

^[1]

0.16

^[1]

0.41

^[1]

0.40

^[1]

0.16

^[1]

0.24

^[1]

1.27

^[1]

1.21

^[1]

1.07

^[1]

(0.02)