View Filing Data

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	Jul. 31, 2012	Aug. 30, 2012
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jul. 31, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	ABM
Entity Registrant Name	ABM INDUSTRIES INC /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	0000771497
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		54,228,654

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 21,650	$ 26,467
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances of $11,197 and $13,485 at July 31, 2012 and October 31, 2011, respectively	577,898	552,098
Notes receivable and other	56,872	52,756
Prepaid expenses	50,726	41,823
Prepaid income taxes	4,232	7,205
Deferred income taxes, net	38,096	40,565
Insurance recoverables	10,173	10,851
Current assets of discontinued operations	467	1,992
Total current assets	760,114	733,757
Insurance deposits	31,720	35,974
Other investments and long-term receivables	5,013	5,798
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, net	14,987	14,423
Investments in auction rate securities	16,704	15,670
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $117,984 and $97,819 at July 31, 2012 and October 31, 2011, respectively	62,753	60,009
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $94,755 and $78,669 at July 31, 2012 and October 31, 2011, respectively	114,662	128,994
Goodwill	750,944	750,872
Noncurrent deferred income taxes, net	33,254	30,948
Noncurrent insurance recoverables	55,176	59,759
Other assets	41,568	43,394
Total assets	1,886,895	1,879,598
Current liabilities
Trade accounts payable	124,371	130,464
Accrued liabilities
Compensation	111,201	112,233
Taxes-other than income	20,288	19,144
Insurance claims	82,889	78,828
Other	116,205	102,220
Income taxes payable	5,029	307
Total current liabilities	459,983	443,196
Noncurrent income taxes payable	43,996	38,236
Line of credit	252,000	300,000
Retirement plans and other	36,466	39,707
Noncurrent insurance claims	268,958	262,573
Total liabilities	1,061,403	1,083,712
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 54,200,540 and 53,333,071 shares issued at July 31, 2012 and October 31, 2011, respectively	542	533
Additional paid-in capital	229,134	211,389
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	(1,906)	(2,661)
Retained earnings	597,722	586,625
Total stockholders' equity	825,492	795,886
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,886,895	$ 1,879,598

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Trade accounts receivable, allowances	$ 11,197	$ 13,485
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	117,984	97,819
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 94,755	$ 78,669
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	54,200,540	53,333,071

- Definition

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

+ References + Details

Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Revenues	$ 1,079,235	$ 1,076,247	$ 3,210,264	$ 3,165,499
Expenses
Operating	971,628	952,844	2,885,964	2,821,672
Selling, general and administrative	79,100	76,356	248,284	242,406
Amortization of intangible assets	5,334	6,314	16,184	17,273
Total expenses	1,056,062	1,035,514	3,150,432	3,081,351
Operating profit	23,173	40,733	59,832	84,148
Other-than-temporary impairment credit losses on auction rate security recognized in earnings			(313)
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net	747	1,166	5,380	2,785
Interest expense	(2,407)	(4,114)	(7,682)	(12,477)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	21,513	37,785	57,217	74,456
Provision for income taxes	(8,887)	(9,874)	(22,204)	(23,940)
Income from continuing operations	12,626	27,911	35,013	50,516
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(49)	(36)	(94)	(60)
Net income	$ 12,577	$ 27,875	$ 34,919	$ 50,456
Net income per common share-Basic
Income from continuing operations	$ 0.23	$ 0.52	$ 0.65	$ 0.95
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes
Net income	0.23	0.52	0.65	0.95
Net income per common share-Diluted
Income from continuing operations	0.23	0.51	0.64	0.93
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes
Net income	$ 0.23	$ 0.51	$ 0.64	$ 0.93
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding
Basic	54,145	53,207	53,863	53,051
Diluted	55,000	54,201	54,819	54,084
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.145	$ 0.140	$ 0.435	$ 0.420

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 34,919	$ 50,456
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	94	60
Income from continuing operations	35,013	50,516
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by continuing operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	38,559	39,010
Deferred income taxes	(421)	13,960
Share-based compensation expense	7,303	6,689
Provision for bad debt	1,661	2,842
Discount accretion on insurance claims	536	655
Auction rate security credit loss impairment	313
Gain on sale of assets	(1,298)	(110)
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net	(5,380)	(2,785)
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates	4,583	985
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Trade accounts receivable	(27,042)	(30,809)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(12,761)	(15,265)
Insurance recoverables	5,261	5,301
Other assets and long-term receivables	7,790	9,172
Income taxes payable	13,455	1,398
Retirement plans and other non-current liabilities	(2,119)	(2,085)
Insurance claims	9,910	(12,032)
Trade accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	6,794	15,110
Total adjustments	47,144	32,036
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities	82,157	82,552
Net cash provided by discontinued operating activities	1,623	2,285
Net cash provided by operating activities	83,780	84,837
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(23,765)	(16,547)
Proceeds from sale of assets and other	2,185	415
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired	(5,640)	(290,478)
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates		(955)
Proceeds from redemption of auction rate securities		5,000
Net cash used in investing activities	(27,220)	(302,565)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercises of stock options (including income tax benefit)	10,055	9,519
Dividends paid	(23,425)	(22,278)
Deferred financing costs paid	(14)	(4,991)
Borrowings from line of credit	604,000	740,500
Repayment of borrowings from line of credit	(652,000)	(516,000)
Changes in book cash overdrafts	7	11,146
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(61,377)	217,896
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(4,817)	168
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	26,467	39,446
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	21,650	39,614
Supplemental Data:
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received	8,928	7,838
Tax effect from exercise of options		1,366
Cash received from exercise of options	10,051	8,153
Interest paid on line of credit	$ 4,139	$ 7,821

Nature of Business

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2012

Nature of Business

1. Nature of Business

ABM Industries Incorporated (“ABM”), through its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”), is a leading provider of end-to-end integrated facilities management services to commercial, governmental, industrial, institutional, residential, and retail facilities primarily throughout the United States. The Company’s comprehensive capabilities include expansive facility services, energy solutions, commercial cleaning, maintenance and repair, HVAC, electrical, landscaping, parking and security, provided through stand-alone or integrated solutions. The Company was reincorporated in Delaware on March 19, 1985, as the successor to a business founded in California in 1909.

Unaudited Interim Financial Information

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2012

Unaudited Interim Financial Information

2. Unaudited Interim Financial Information

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and Article 10 of Regulation S-X under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements (and notes thereto) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011. Unless otherwise noted, all references to years are to the Company’s fiscal year, which ends on October 31. In the opinion of the Company’s management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to fairly state the information for each period contained therein have been included.

The accounting policies applied in the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements are the same as those applied in the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended October 31, 2011, contained in the Company’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K, unless indicated otherwise.

Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected to occur for the entire fiscal year or any future periods.

In preparing the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements, the Company has evaluated subsequent events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date of filing with the SEC, which is the date the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements were issued.

The Company’s Parking segment reports both revenues and expenses, in equal amounts, for costs directly reimbursed from its managed parking lot clients. Parking revenues related solely to the reimbursement of expenses totaled $75.6 million and $73.8 million for the three months ended July 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $229.7 million and $225.3 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements reflect the accounts of ABM and its subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes, including those related to self-insurance reserves, allowances for doubtful accounts, sales allowances, deferred income tax assets and valuation allowances, estimates of useful lives of intangible assets, impairment tests 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 unaudited consolidated financial statements. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in those estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the consolidated financial statements in future periods.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-11 (“ASU 2011-11”), Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. This amendment requires disclosing and reconciling gross and net amounts for financial instruments that are offset in the balance sheet, and amounts for financial instruments that are subject to master netting arrangements and other similar clearing and repurchase arrangements. ASU 2011-11 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company expects to adopt ASU 2011-11 on November 1, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2011-11 will not have a material impact on the Company’s disclosures.

In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-12 (“ASU 2011-12”), Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05. This amendment defers the effective date of the requirement to present separate line items on the income statement for reclassification adjustments of items out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income. ASU 2011-12 is effective at the same time as Accounting Standards Update 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”), so that entities will not be required to comply with the presentation requirements in ASU 2011-05 that this ASU 2011-12 is deferring. ASUs 2011-12 and 2011-05 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company expects to adopt ASUs 2011-12 and 2011-05 on November 1, 2012. The Company does not expect the adoption of these new disclosure requirements to have a material impact on its disclosures or consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In July 2012, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2012-02 (“ASU 2012-02”), Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. This ASU permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset, other than goodwill, is impaired. If an entity concludes, based on an evaluation of all relevant qualitative factors, that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, it will not be required to perform the qualitative impairment test for that asset. The objective of ASU 2012-02 is to simplify how an entity tests indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment and to make the impairment test similar to the recent changes for testing goodwill for impairment (ASU 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment). ASU 2012-02 is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted. The Company expects to adopt ASU 2012-02 on November 1, 2012. The adoption of this ASU will not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

- Definition

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

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 275
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2134480

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 852
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2209116

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2122150

Reference 4: 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 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7880789&loc=SL6228881-111685

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 272
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6373374&loc=d3e70478-108055

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 720
-SubTopic 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2122524

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7668296&loc=d3e288-107754

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 915
-SubTopic 235
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6472506&loc=d3e38932-110933

Reference 10: 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 11: 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=18733093&loc=d3e5614-111684

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6359566&loc=d3e326-107755

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-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 14: 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 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-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 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.

+ Details

Net Income per Common Share

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2012

Net Income per Common Share

3. Net Income per Common Share

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


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	July 31,						July 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Income from continuing operations	$	12,626		$	27,911		$	35,013		$	50,516
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes		(49	)		(36	)		(94	)		(60	)

Net income	$	12,577		$	27,875		$	34,919		$	50,456

Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding—Basic		54,145			53,207			53,863			53,051
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options		242			466			320			539
Restricted stock units		363			282			367			284
Performance shares		250			246			269			210

Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding—Diluted		55,000			54,201			54,819			54,084

Net income per common share
Basic	$	0.23		$	0.52		$	0.65		$	0.95
Diluted	$	0.23		$	0.51		$	0.64		$	0.93

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


	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	July 31,				July 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011		2012		2011
Stock options		1,208		739		1,131		706
Restricted stock units		105		27		77		21
Performance shares		—		—		—		23

Acquisitions

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2012

Acquisitions

4. Acquisitions

TEGG and CurrentSAFE Acquisition

On May 1, 2012, Linc Network, LLC (“Linc Network”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an asset purchase agreement with TEGG Corporation (“TEGG”), CurrentSAFE Corporation (“CurrentSAFE”) (both privately held Delaware corporations), TEGG’s shareholder and certain other parties, pursuant to which Linc Network acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of TEGG and CurrentSAFE, and also acquired certain software technology from TEGG’s shareholder, for an aggregate purchase price of $6.2 million in cash, subject to certain hold back amounts aggregating to $0.8 million, primarily related to working capital adjustments and indemnification provisions for representations and warranties (the “TEGG Acquisition”). The indemnification hold back amount is included in “Other assets” and “Retirement plans and other” on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at July 31, 2012.

The assets acquired represent the franchise operations of TEGG and CurrentSAFE, and through this acquisition, the Company has expanded its electrical services to include electrical preventive and predictive maintenance solutions. The acquired net assets and results from operations have been included in the Company’s Facility Solutions segment (previously referred to as the Engineering segment) since May 1, 2012, the date of acquisition.

This acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. The Company has allocated the purchase price based on preliminary estimates of fair value for assets acquired and liabilities assumed using information currently available. Adjustments, if any, to the preliminary allocation are not expected to be material.

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


	Amounts
	(in thousands)
Consideration transferred:
Cash paid at closing, net of cash acquired of $160	$	5,179
Indemnification hold back amount		461
Other hold back amounts		350
Working capital adjustment		(519	)

Total cash consideration	$	5,471

Allocated to:
Other identifiable intangible assets	$	2,300
Software technology		2,100
Goodwill		1,714
Other assets		775
Accrued liabilities and other		(1,418	)

Net assets acquired	$	5,471

The TEGG Acquisition related costs of $0.2 million were expensed as incurred and were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. Other identifiable intangible assets primarily consist of customer contracts and relationships with a weighted average life of 14 years.

Goodwill represents the excess cost over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Factors that contributed to a purchase price resulting in the recognition of goodwill include the Company’s strategic initiative to expand the scope and product range of its facility solutions franchise offerings into the electrical services solutions business which will provide for further expansion of this business and enhance comprehensive service offerings. The goodwill and intangible assets balance expected to be deductible for tax purposes is $4.0 million.

Revenues from the TEGG Acquisition were approximately $2.0 million since the date of acquisition. Pro forma and other supplemental financial information is not presented as this acquisition is not a material business combination to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Linc Acquisition

On December 1, 2010, the Company acquired all of the outstanding limited liability company interests of The Linc Group, LLC (“Linc”) for an aggregate purchase price of $298.7 million in cash (the “Linc Acquisition”). The operations of Linc are included in the Facility Solutions segment as of the acquisition date. 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. The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. Pro forma financial information for this acquisition has not been provided as such information is not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

- Definition

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

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1497-128463

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1490-128463

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1392-128463

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e7008-128479

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1486-128463

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e6927-128479

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4845-128472

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1500-128463

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1524-128463

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e7000-128479

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4922-128472

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4934-128472

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4926-128472

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e6996-128479

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1383-128463

Reference 16: 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 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph F4
-Subparagraph e
-Appendix F

Reference 18: 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 19: 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.

+ Details

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2012

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

As prescribed by FASB Accounting Standards Codification 820 (“ASC 820”), Fair Value Measurement, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value should maximize the use of relevant observable inputs, which consist of market data obtained from independent sources and minimize the use of unobservable inputs, which include 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 assets or liabilities in active markets;

Level 2 – Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities 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 for the asset or liability.

The following table presents the fair value hierarchy, carrying amounts, and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments measured on a recurring basis and other select significant financial instruments as of July 31, 2012 and October 31, 2011:


		July 31, 2012				October 31, 2011
	Fair Value	Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
(in thousands)	Hierarchy	Amount		Value		Amount		Value
Financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan	1	$	4,930	$	4,930	$	4,717	$	4,717
Investments in auction rate securities	3		16,704		16,704		15,670		15,670

			21,634		21,634		20,387		20,387

Other select financial asset
Cash and cash equivalents	1		21,650		21,650		26,467		26,467

Total		$	43,284	$	43,284	$	46,854	$	46,854

Financial liability measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Interest rate swap	2	$	249	$	249	$	253	$	253

Other select financial liability
Line of credit	2		252,000		252,000		300,000		300,000

Total		$	252,249	$	252,249	$	300,253	$	300,253

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of the Company’s classes of financial instruments measured on a recurring basis and other select financial instruments:

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 sheets.

For investments in auction rate securities, fair value is based on discounted cash flow valuation models, primarily utilizing unobservable inputs. See Note 6, “Auction Rate Securities,” for the roll-forwards of assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable Level 3 inputs and the sensitivity analysis of significant inputs.

Cash and cash equivalents are stated at nominal value which equals fair value.

Due to variable interest rates, the carrying value of outstanding borrowings under the Company’s line of credit approximates its fair value. See Note 8, “Line of Credit Facility.”

The Company’s non-financial assets and liabilities, which include goodwill and long lived assets held and used, are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. However, if certain trigger events occur, or if an annual impairment test is required, the Company would evaluate the non-financial assets and liabilities for impairment. If an impairment was to occur, the asset or liability would be recorded at the estimated fair value.

During the nine months ended July 31, 2012, the Company had no transfers of assets or liabilities between any of the above hierarchy levels.

- Definition

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

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=d3e19207-110258

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14172-108612

Reference 3: 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=7491637&loc=d3e13537-108611

Reference 4: 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 5: 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=7491637&loc=d3e13504-108611

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13433-108611

Reference 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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 11: 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 12: 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 13: 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.

+ Details

Auction Rate Securities

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2012

Auction Rate Securities

6. Auction Rate Securities

As of July 31, 2012, 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 2033 to 2050, for which the interest rate is designed to be reset through Dutch auctions approximately every 30 days. Auctions for these securities have not occurred since August 2007. At July 31, 2012 and October 31, 2011, the estimated fair value of these securities, in total, was approximately $16.7 million and $15.7 million, respectively. As of July 31, 2012, three of the Company’s auction rate securities, with an aggregate fair value of $11.7 million, were in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months, and the remaining auction rate security, with a fair value of $5.0 million, was not in an unrealized loss position. As of October 31, 2011, three of the Company’s auction rate securities, with an aggregate fair value of $10.7 million, were in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve months, and the remaining auction rate security, with a fair value of $5.0 million, was not in an unrealized loss position.

The Company estimates the fair values utilizing a discounted cash flow model, which considers, among other factors, assumptions about: (1) the underlying collateral; (2) credit risks associated with the issuer; (3) contractual maturity; (4) credit enhancements associated with financial insurance guarantees, if any; and (5) assumptions about when, if ever, the security might be re-financed by the issuer or have a successful auction. Since there can be no assurance that auctions for these securities will be successful in the near future, the Company has classified its auction rate securities as long-term investments.

The following table presents the significant assumptions used to determine the fair value of the Company’s auction rate securities at July 31, 2012 and October 31, 2011:


Assumptions	July 31, 2012	October 31, 2011
Discount rates	L + 2.34% - L + 10.52%	L + 3.21% - L + 17.50%
Yields	2.15%, L + 2.00 % - L + 3.50%	L + 2.00% - L + 3.50%
Average expected lives	4 - 10 years	4 - 10 years

L - London Interbank Offered Rate

The fair value of the auction rate securities is affected most significantly by the changes in the average expected lives of the securities, but is also impacted by the discount rate used to adjust the outcomes to their present values. If the average expected lives of the securities increase or decrease, the fair value of the securities will decrease or increase accordingly, in amounts that will vary, based on the timing of the projected cash flows and the discount rate used to calculate the present value of the expected cash flows.

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 (“OTTI”) 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.

During the nine months ended July 31, 2012, the Company recorded an OTTI credit loss of $0.3 million for one of its auction rate securities, driven primarily from a change in the expected values of cash flows to be received in the future. The Company had previously recognized an OTTI credit loss of $1.7 million for this security as of the year ended October 31, 2011. The credit losses were 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 were 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.

The following table presents the changes in the cost basis and fair value of the Company’s auction rate securities for the nine months ended July 31, 2012:


				Fair Value
(in thousands)	Cost Basis			(Level 3)
Balance at beginning of year	$	18,307		$	15,670
Unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss		—			2,477
Unrealized losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss		—			(1,443	)
Other-than-temporary credit losses recognized in earnings		(313	)		—

Balance at July 31, 2012	$	17,994		$	16,704

At July 31, 2012 and October 31, 2011, unrealized losses of $1.3 million ($0.8 million net of taxes) and $2.6 million ($1.6 million net of taxes), respectively, were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of available-for-sale securities which includes, but is not limited to, changes in the cost basis and fair value, fair value and gross unrealized gain (loss), fair values by type of security, contractual maturity and classification, amortized cost basis, contracts to acquire securities to be accounted for as available-for-sale, debt maturities, transfers to trading, change in net unrealized holding gain (loss) net of tax, continuous unrealized loss position fair value, aggregate losses qualitative disclosures, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses or other disclosures related to available for sale securities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 320
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957658&loc=d3e62557-112803

Reference 2: 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 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27198-111563

Reference 4: 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

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27161-111563

Reference 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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.

+ Details

Self-Insurance

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2012

Self-Insurance

7. Self-Insurance

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

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

Actuarial evaluations completed during the three months ended July 31, 2012, covering certain self-insurance programs of the Company, resulted in an increase in the self-insurance reserve of $9.7 million, substantially all of which pertains to prior year claims. This adjustment was recorded in the Corporate segment. The increase was primarily related to higher than expected losses in general liability and workers’ compensation claims for years prior to fiscal 2012. During the fourth quarter of 2012, actuarial reports are expected to be completed for the Company’s remaining programs using recent claims data and may result in additional adjustments to earnings during that period.

At July 31, 2012, the Company had $96.9 million in standby letters of credit (primarily related to its workers’ compensation, general liability, automobile, and property damage programs), $31.7 million in restricted insurance deposits, and $211.1 million in surety bonds (of which $35.1 million supported insurance claim liabilities). At October 31, 2011, the Company had $97.0 million in standby letters of credit, $36.0 million in restricted insurance deposits, and $231.5 million in surety bonds (of which $30.9 million supported insurance claim liabilities).

Line of Credit Facility

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2012

Line of Credit Facility

8. Line of Credit Facility

The Company holds a $650.0 million five-year syndicated line of credit that is scheduled to expire on September 8, 2016 (the “Facility”). The Company has the option to increase the size of the Facility to $850.0 million at any time prior to the expiration (subject to receipt of commitments for the increased amount from existing and new lenders). The Facility is available for working capital, the issuance of standby letters of credit, the financing of capital expenditures, and other general corporate purposes, including acquisitions. The Facility is inclusive of two sub-facilities: (1) up to $50.0 million in swing line advances, and (2) up to $300.0 million for letters of credit, for borrowing by the Company.

The Facility includes covenants limiting liens, dispositions, fundamental changes, investments, indebtedness, and certain transactions and payments. In addition, the Facility also requires that the Company maintain the following three financial covenants which are described in Note 9, “Line of Credit Facility”, to the Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2011: (1) a fixed charge coverage ratio; (2) a leverage ratio; and (3) a combined net worth test. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of July 31, 2012.

As of July 31, 2012, the total outstanding amount under the Facility in the form of cash borrowings was $252.0 million, which included $2.0 million in swing line borrowings. Available credit under the line of credit was up to $301.3 million at July 31, 2012. Available credit under the swing line credit facility was up to $48.0 million and $50.0 million at July 31, 2012 and October 31, 2011, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on the outstanding balance of the swing line credit facility was 1.66% at July 31, 2012. The Company’s ability to draw down available amounts under its line of credit is subject to compliance with the covenants described above.

Interest Rate Swap

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.

The fair value of the interest rate swap is estimated based on the present value of the difference between expected cash flows calculated at the contracted interest rates and the expected cash flows at current market interest rates using observable benchmarks for LIBOR forward rates at the end of the period. The Company includes its own credit risk for financial instruments deemed liabilities and counterparty credit risks for financial instruments deemed assets when measuring the fair value of derivative financial instruments. For derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the derivative’s mark-to-market gain or loss is initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged transactions occur and affect earnings. Interest payable and receivable under the swap agreement is accrued and recorded as an adjustment to interest expense.

As of July 31, 2012 and October 31, 2011, the fair value of the interest rate swap was a liability of $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, which were included in “Retirement plans and other” on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The amount included in accumulated other comprehensive loss was $0.2 million ($0.1 million, net of taxes) and $0.3 million ($0.2 million, net of taxes) at July 31, 2012 and October 31, 2011, respectively.

Unrealized net losses related to the interest rate swap contract which are expected to be reclassified from AOCI to earnings during the next 12 months were $0.2 million at July 31, 2012.

The following tables set forth the effect of the Company’s interest rate swap contract on the consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2012 and 2011:


	Amount of loss recognized in AOCI on derivative (effective portion) (in thousands)
Derivatives designated as cash	Three months ended July 31						Nine months ended July 31
flow hedging relationships	2012			2011			2012			2011
Interest rate swap	$	(49	)	$	(354	)	$	(117	)	$	(108	)
	Amount of loss reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion) (in thousands)
Location of loss reclassified	Three months ended July 31						Nine months ended July 31
from AOCI into income (effective portion)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Interest expense	$	(42	)	$	(45	)	$	(121	)	$	(395	)

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References + Details

Benefit Plans

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2012

Benefit Plans

9. Benefit Plans

The components of net periodic benefit cost of the Company’s defined benefit plans and post-retirement benefit plans attributable to participants associated with continuing operations for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:


	Three Months Ended July 31,						Nine Months Ended July 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Defined Benefit Plans
Service cost	$	12		$	12		$	36		$	35
Interest		124			142			372			427
Expected return on plan assets		(122	)		(93	)		(365	)		(280	)
Amortization of actuarial losses		24			29			73			86

Net expense	$	38		$	90		$	116		$	268

Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Service cost	$	3		$	3		$	9		$	10
Interest		62			64			185			192

Net expense	$	65		$	67		$	194		$	202

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2235017

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Implementation Guide (Q and A)
-Number FAS88
-Paragraph 63
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 03-2
-Paragraph 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name 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 9: 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 10: 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 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 6, 7, 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS106-2
-Paragraph 20, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 30
-Paragraph 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2012

Contingencies

10. Contingencies

The Company is subject to legal proceedings, settlements, class actions, and purported class actions arising from the ordinary course of business, generally including employment-based claims and customer contract claims. Litigation outcomes are difficult to predict and are often resolved over long periods of time. Estimating probable losses requires the analysis of multiple possible outcomes that often depend on judgments about potential actions by third parties. In accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification 450-20, Loss Contingencies, the Company accrues for loss contingencies when losses become probable and are reasonably estimable. If the reasonable estimate of the loss is a range and no amount within the range is a better estimate, the minimum amount of the range is recorded as a liability. Legal costs associated with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred. At July 31, 2012, the total amount accrued for all probable litigation losses where a reasonable estimate of the loss could be made was $6.9 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 range of loss for all reasonably possible losses for which an estimate can be made is between $0 and $92.3 million, including $89.7 million related to the “Augustus case” noted below. 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 range and, therefore, this range 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.

There have been no significant changes to the cases disclosed in Note 11 in the Company’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2011, except as described below.

The Company is a defendant in the previously reported consolidated cases of Augustus, Hall and Davis v. American Commercial Security Services filed on July 12, 2005 in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County (the “Augustus case”). The Augustus case is a class action involving allegations that the Company violated certain state laws relating to meal and rest breaks. As previously disclosed, the plaintiffs filed a motion for summary judgment on the rest break claim seeking damages in the amount of $103.0 million. On July 6, 2012, the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County (the “Superior Court”) heard plaintiffs’ motion for damages on the rest break claim and the Company’s motion to decertify the class. The Superior Court denied the Company’s motion and awarded plaintiffs damages. On July 31, 2012, the Superior Court entered judgment in favor of plaintiffs in the amount of approximately $89.7 million, which is included in the range of loss for all reasonably possible losses noted above. This amount does not include plaintiffs’ counsel’s fees. The Company strongly disagrees with the decisions of the Superior Court, firmly believes that it has complied with applicable law, and intends to vigorously appeal these decisions.

The Company was a defendant in the previously reported consolidated cases of Diaz/Morales/Reyes v. Ampco System Parking filed on December 5, 2006 in Los Angeles Superior Court (the “Superior Court”). On June 22, 2011, the parties accepted a mediator’s proposal which involves settling all the claims made in the first amended complaint for the period of October 1, 2002 to the date on which the Superior Court grants preliminary approval of the settlement. The Superior Court granted its preliminary approval of the settlement on December 13, 2011. On January 27, 2012, the notice to the class of the settlement was mailed. The Superior Court approved the final settlement on May 21, 2012. Settlement funds totaling approximately $3.2 million, including payments to plaintiff’s attorneys, were disbursed in late May 2012.

The Company is a defendant in the previously reported case of Khadera v. American Building Maintenance Co.- West and ABM Industries filed on March 24, 2008 in the U.S. District Court of Washington, Western District (the “Khadera case”). 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 March 14, 2012, the parties accepted a mediator’s proposal and settled this matter for $1.8 million, which includes payments to plaintiffs’ attorneys. The settlement is subject to the District Court’s approval of the settlement and the state court’s approval of the settlement in the companion Simpson case discussed below. The Company has accrued $1.8 million with respect to this matter, which is included in the total amount accrued for all litigation matters described above.

The Company is a defendant in the previously reported case of Simpson v. ABM Janitorial Services-Northwest 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”). The Simpson case involves allegations relating to unpaid overtime, off-the-clock work, and failure to provide meal and rest periods under Washington state law. On March 14, 2012, the parties accepted a mediator’s proposal and settled this matter for $1.2 million, which includes payments to plaintiffs’ attorneys. The settlement is subject to the State Court’s approval of the settlement and the District Court’s approval of the settlement in the Khadera companion case. The Company has accrued $1.2 million with respect to this matter, which is included in the total amount accrued for all litigation matters described above.

The Company is a defendant in the case of Las and Yanez v. ABM Industries Incorporated, et al. filed on April 6, 2011 in Illinois state court and subsequently removed to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (the “Las/Yanez case”). The Las/Yanez case involves allegations relating to unpaid overtime and off-the-clock work under federal and state law. It was filed as a collective action, but has not been certified as a class action or collective action. On May 4, 2012, the parties accepted a mediator’s proposal, which involves settling all the claims made in the operative complaint for the period of April 6, 2008 through May 7, 2012, subject to court approval. Under the terms of the proposed settlement, the gross settlement value (“GSV”) is the total agreed-upon value of the claims of all settlement class members in the Las/Yanez case assuming that 100% of the settlement class members were to submit a claim. The parties have agreed that the GSV is equal to $5.5 million, less certain costs and payments to the named plaintiffs in this action. Under the terms of the proposed settlement, in the event that more than 30% of the settlement class, measured by the aggregate value of their claims in relation to the GSV, submits claims, the Company has the option to terminate the settlement agreement. The Company currently anticipates that payments to members of the settlement class who properly submit claims, together with payments to plaintiffs’ attorneys, will total approximately $2.1 million and that the Company’s maximum exposure would be approximately $2.9 million. The Company has accrued $2.1 million with respect to this matter, which is included in the total amount accrued for all litigation matters described above.

The Company is a defendant in the case of Bojorquez v. ABM Industries Incorporated and ABM Janitorial Services – Northern California, Inc. filed on January 13, 2010, in the San Francisco Superior Court (the “Superior Court”). Plaintiff brought suit for sexual harassment, retaliation, and failure to prevent harassment and discrimination. On May 17, 2012, a jury awarded the plaintiff approximately $0.8 million in damages. The Company anticipates that the plaintiff also will file an application for attorneys’ fees and costs with the Superior Court. The Company intends to appeal this decision.

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 former Linc joint venture partner. Such services commenced prior to the Linc Acquisition. 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. There have been no significant changes to the status of this internal investigation during the quarter ended July 31, 2012.

In June 2012, the Company settled certain matters arising under a contract related to a prior divestiture and, in connection therewith, made a payment of $1.8 million to the other party to the contract primarily in exchange for a release from certain restrictive covenants.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for loss and gain contingencies. Describes any existing condition, situation, or set of circumstances involving uncertainty as of the balance sheet date (or prior to issuance of the financial statements) as to a probable or reasonably possible loss incurred by an entity that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur, and typically discloses the amount of loss recorded or a range of possible loss, or an assertion that no reasonable estimate can be made.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14472-108349

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6851643&loc=d3e12021-110248

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14326-108349

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14394-108349

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14557-108349

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14453-108349

Reference 7: 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 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6851643&loc=d3e12053-110248

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14615-108349

Reference 10: 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 11: 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.

+ Details

Comprehensive Income

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2012

Comprehensive Income

11. Comprehensive Income

The following table presents the components of comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2012 and 2011:


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	July 31,						July 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Net income	$	12,577		$	27,875		$	34,919		$	50,456
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized (losses) gains on auction rate securities		(1,290	)		(355	)		1,034			(23	)
Reclass adjustment for credit losses recognized in earnings		—			—			313			—
Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swap agreement		(7	)		(309	)		4			287
Foreign currency translation		(155	)		(41	)		(86	)		545
Actuarial gains—adjustments to pension and other post-retirement plans		24			16			73			49

Income tax benefit (expense) related to other comprehensive income		522			265			(583	)		(127	)

Comprehensive income	$	11,671		$	27,451		$	35,674		$	51,187

- Definition

The entire disclosure for comprehensive income, which includes, but is not limited to, 1) the amount of income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income, including reclassification adjustments, 2) the reclassification adjustments for each classification of other comprehensive income and 3) the ending accumulated balances for each component of comprehensive income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e689-108580

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=SL7669619-108580

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 17
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e716-108580

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e640-108580

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 16
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e709-108580

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Reclassification Adjustments
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522872

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e681-108580

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 14-26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Income Taxes

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2012

Income Taxes

12. Income Taxes

The effective tax rates on income from continuing operations for the three months ended July 31, 2012 and 2011 were 41.3% and 26.1%, respectively. The effective tax rates on income from continuing operations for the nine months ended July 31, 2012 and 2011 were 38.8% and 32.2%, respectively. The tax provision for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2011 included a tax benefit of $4.7 million related to a re-measurement of certain unrecognized tax benefits. Additionally, the effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2012 increased due to the expiration of employment based tax credits as of December 31, 2011. At July 31, 2012, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $96.7 million, all of which, if recognized in the future, would impact its effective tax rate. Approximately $0.8 million of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits has been recognized as a current liability. The Company includes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of July 31, 2012, the Company had accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions of $1.4 million. The Company estimates that a decrease in unrecognized tax benefits up to approximately $8.7 million is reasonably possible over the next twelve months.

The Company’s major tax jurisdiction is the United States. U.S. federal income tax returns for ABM, OneSource Services, Inc., and the Linc entities that are taxable as corporations, remain open for examination for the periods ending October 31, 2006 through October 31, 2011, March 31, 2000 through November 14, 2007, and December 31, 2008 through December 31, 2010, respectively. ABM is currently being examined by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for the tax years 2006 through 2008. The Company does business in all 50 states, significantly in California, Texas, and New York, as well as in various foreign jurisdictions. In major state jurisdictions, the tax years 2007 through 2011 remain open and subject to examination by appropriate tax authorities. The Company is currently being examined by the state taxing authorities in Illinois, Michigan, Utah, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Texas, and by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

- Definition

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

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher 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 2: 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

Reference 3: 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 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319

Reference 6: 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 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 8: 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.

+ Details

Segment Information

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2012

Segment Information

13. Segment Information

During the three months ended January 31, 2012, the Company changed the name of its Engineering segment to Facility Solutions to better reflect the variety of end-to-end integrated facility services, building operation and maintenance, and bundled energy solution services provided to its clients. The Company is organized into four reportable operating segments, Janitorial, Facility Solutions, Parking and Security, which are summarized as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	July 31,						July 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Revenues
Janitorial	$	602,459		$	598,697		$	1,790,246		$	1,783,557
Facility Solutions		229,903			236,213			686,226			658,058
Parking		154,980			153,323			461,110			462,316
Security		91,602			87,736			272,474			260,630
Corporate and other		291			278			208			938

	$	1,079,235		$	1,076,247		$	3,210,264		$	3,165,499

Operating profit
Janitorial	$	34,850		$	40,144		$	98,852		$	104,942
Facility Solutions		8,785			9,878			21,531			24,170
Parking		7,768			7,171			18,610			16,799
Security		2,962			2,813			4,819			5,011
Corporate and other		(31,192	)		(19,273	)		(83,980	)		(66,774	)

Operating profit		23,173			40,733			59,832			84,148
Other-than-temporary impairment credit losses on auction rate security recognized in earnings		—			—			(313	)		—
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net		747			1,166			5,380			2,785
Interest expense		(2,407	)		(4,114	)		(7,682	)		(12,477	)

Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	21,513		$	37,785		$	57,217		$	74,456

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

- Definition

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

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8981-108599

Reference 2: 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 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 33
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8971-108599

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8595-108599

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8380-108599

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8933-108599

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 26
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8844-108599

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 35
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8984-108599

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 40
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9031-108599

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 42
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9054-108599

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8538-108599

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 29
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8864-108599

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 31
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8924-108599

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8906-108599

Reference 15: 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.

+ Details

Unaudited Interim Financial Information (Policies)	9 Months Ended
Unaudited Interim Financial Information (Policies)	Jul. 31, 2012
Basis of Presentation	*Basis of Presentation* The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and Article 10 of Regulation S-X under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements (and notes thereto) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011. Unless otherwise noted, all references to years are to the Company’s fiscal year, which ends on October 31. In the opinion of the Company’s management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to fairly state the information for each period contained therein have been included. The accounting policies applied in the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements are the same as those applied in the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended October 31, 2011, contained in the Company’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K, unless indicated otherwise. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected to occur for the entire fiscal year or any future periods. In preparing the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements, the Company has evaluated subsequent events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date of filing with the SEC, which is the date the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements were issued. The Company’s Parking segment reports both revenues and expenses, in equal amounts, for costs directly reimbursed from its managed parking lot clients. Parking revenues related solely to the reimbursement of expenses totaled $75.6 million and $73.8 million for the three months ended July 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $229.7 million and $225.3 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Principles of Consolidation	*Principles of Consolidation* The consolidated financial statements reflect the accounts of ABM and its subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	*Use of Estimates* The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes, including those related to self-insurance reserves, allowances for doubtful accounts, sales allowances, deferred income tax assets and valuation allowances, estimates of useful lives of intangible assets, impairment tests 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 unaudited consolidated financial statements. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in those estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the consolidated financial statements in future periods.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	*Recent Accounting Pronouncements* In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-11 (“ASU 2011-11”), Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. This amendment requires disclosing and reconciling gross and net amounts for financial instruments that are offset in the balance sheet, and amounts for financial instruments that are subject to master netting arrangements and other similar clearing and repurchase arrangements. ASU 2011-11 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company expects to adopt ASU 2011-11 on November 1, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2011-11 will not have a material impact on the Company’s disclosures. In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-12 (“ASU 2011-12”), Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05. This amendment defers the effective date of the requirement to present separate line items on the income statement for reclassification adjustments of items out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income. ASU 2011-12 is effective at the same time as Accounting Standards Update 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”), so that entities will not be required to comply with the presentation requirements in ASU 2011-05 that this ASU 2011-12 is deferring. ASUs 2011-12 and 2011-05 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company expects to adopt ASUs 2011-12 and 2011-05 on November 1, 2012. The Company does not expect the adoption of these new disclosure requirements to have a material impact on its disclosures or consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In July 2012, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2012-02 (“ASU 2012-02”), Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. This ASU permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset, other than goodwill, is impaired. If an entity concludes, based on an evaluation of all relevant qualitative factors, that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, it will not be required to perform the qualitative impairment test for that asset. The objective of ASU 2012-02 is to simplify how an entity tests indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment and to make the impairment test similar to the recent changes for testing goodwill for impairment (ASU 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment). ASU 2012-02 is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted. The Company expects to adopt ASU 2012-02 on November 1, 2012. The adoption of this ASU will not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

- Definition

Disclosure of accounting policy regarding (1) the principles it follows in consolidating or combining the separate financial statements, including the principles followed in determining the inclusion or exclusion of subsidiaries or other entities in the consolidated or combined financial statements and (2) its treatment of interests (for example, common stock, a partnership interest or other means of exerting influence) in other entities, for example consolidation or use of the equity or cost methods of accounting. The accounting policy may also address the accounting treatment for intercompany accounts and transactions, noncontrolling interest, and the income statement treatment in consolidation for issuances of stock by a subsidiary.

+ References

Reference 1: 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 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 40
-Section 45
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/section&trid=2197723

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2196966

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 325
-SubTopic 20
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2197087

Reference 5: 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 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3A-02)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959686&loc=d3e355033-122828

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=16385135&loc=d3e33801-111570

Reference 8: 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=18733093&loc=d3e5614-111684

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 4
-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 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 18
-Paragraph 5, 6, 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 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 96-16
-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 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 4
-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 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 18
-Paragraph 20
-Subparagraph a(2)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher 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 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 97-2
-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 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph k
-Article 1

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 140
-Paragraph 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 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02, 03
-Article 3A

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 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.

+ Details

Net Income per Common Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2012

Calculation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share

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


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	July 31,						July 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Income from continuing operations	$	12,626		$	27,911		$	35,013		$	50,516
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes		(49	)		(36	)		(94	)		(60	)

Net income	$	12,577		$	27,875		$	34,919		$	50,456

Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding—Basic		54,145			53,207			53,863			53,051
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options		242			466			320			539
Restricted stock units		363			282			367			284
Performance shares		250			246			269			210

Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding—Diluted		55,000			54,201			54,819			54,084

Net income per common share
Basic	$	0.23		$	0.52		$	0.65		$	0.95
Diluted	$	0.23		$	0.51		$	0.64		$	0.93

Antidilutive Shares Excluded from Calculation of Net Income Per Common Share


	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	July 31,				July 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011		2012		2011
Stock options		1,208		739		1,131		706
Restricted stock units		105		27		77		21
Performance shares		—		—		—		23

Acquisitions (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2012

Preliminary Purchase Price and Related Allocations

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


	Amounts
	(in thousands)
Consideration transferred:
Cash paid at closing, net of cash acquired of $160	$	5,179
Indemnification hold back amount		461
Other hold back amounts		350
Working capital adjustment		(519	)

Total cash consideration	$	5,471

Allocated to:
Other identifiable intangible assets	$	2,300
Software technology		2,100
Goodwill		1,714
Other assets		775
Accrued liabilities and other		(1,418	)

Net assets acquired	$	5,471

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2012

Fair Value Measurements


		July 31, 2012				October 31, 2011
	Fair Value	Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
(in thousands)	Hierarchy	Amount		Value		Amount		Value
Financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan	1	$	4,930	$	4,930	$	4,717	$	4,717
Investments in auction rate securities	3		16,704		16,704		15,670		15,670

			21,634		21,634		20,387		20,387

Other select financial asset
Cash and cash equivalents	1		21,650		21,650		26,467		26,467

Total		$	43,284	$	43,284	$	46,854	$	46,854

Financial liability measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Interest rate swap	2	$	249	$	249	$	253	$	253

Other select financial liability
Line of credit	2		252,000		252,000		300,000		300,000

Total		$	252,249	$	252,249	$	300,253	$	300,253

Auction Rate Securities (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2012

Significant Assumptions Used to Determine Fair Value of Auction Rate Securities

The following table presents the significant assumptions used to determine the fair value of the Company’s auction rate securities at July 31, 2012 and October 31, 2011:


Assumptions	July 31, 2012	October 31, 2011
Discount rates	L + 2.34% - L + 10.52%	L + 3.21% - L + 17.50%
Yields	2.15%, L + 2.00 % - L + 3.50%	L + 2.00% - L + 3.50%
Average expected lives	4 - 10 years	4 - 10 years

Changes in Cost Basis and Fair Value of Auction Rate Securities

The following table presents the changes in the cost basis and fair value of the Company’s auction rate securities for the nine months ended July 31, 2012:


				Fair Value
(in thousands)	Cost Basis			(Level 3)
Balance at beginning of year	$	18,307		$	15,670
Unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss		—			2,477
Unrealized losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss		—			(1,443	)
Other-than-temporary credit losses recognized in earnings		(313	)		—

Balance at July 31, 2012	$	17,994		$	16,704

Line of Credit Facility (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2012

Company's Interest Rate Swap Contract on Consolidated Financial Statements

The following tables set forth the effect of the Company’s interest rate swap contract on the consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2012 and 2011:


	Amount of loss recognized in AOCI on derivative (effective portion) (in thousands)
Derivatives designated as cash	Three months ended July 31						Nine months ended July 31
flow hedging relationships	2012			2011			2012			2011
Interest rate swap	$	(49	)	$	(354	)	$	(117	)	$	(108	)
	Amount of loss reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion) (in thousands)
Location of loss reclassified	Three months ended July 31						Nine months ended July 31
from AOCI into income (effective portion)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Interest expense	$	(42	)	$	(45	)	$	(121	)	$	(395	)

Benefit Plans (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2012

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


	Three Months Ended July 31,						Nine Months Ended July 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Defined Benefit Plans
Service cost	$	12		$	12		$	36		$	35
Interest		124			142			372			427
Expected return on plan assets		(122	)		(93	)		(365	)		(280	)
Amortization of actuarial losses		24			29			73			86

Net expense	$	38		$	90		$	116		$	268

Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Service cost	$	3		$	3		$	9		$	10
Interest		62			64			185			192

Net expense	$	65		$	67		$	194		$	202

Comprehensive Income (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2012

Components of Comprehensive Income

The following table presents the components of comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2012 and 2011:


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	July 31,						July 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Net income	$	12,577		$	27,875		$	34,919		$	50,456
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized (losses) gains on auction rate securities		(1,290	)		(355	)		1,034			(23	)
Reclass adjustment for credit losses recognized in earnings		—			—			313			—
Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swap agreement		(7	)		(309	)		4			287
Foreign currency translation		(155	)		(41	)		(86	)		545
Actuarial gains—adjustments to pension and other post-retirement plans		24			16			73			49

Income tax benefit (expense) related to other comprehensive income		522			265			(583	)		(127	)

Comprehensive income	$	11,671		$	27,451		$	35,674		$	51,187

Segment Information (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2012

Reportable Operating Segments

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


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	July 31,						July 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Revenues
Janitorial	$	602,459		$	598,697		$	1,790,246		$	1,783,557
Facility Solutions		229,903			236,213			686,226			658,058
Parking		154,980			153,323			461,110			462,316
Security		91,602			87,736			272,474			260,630
Corporate and other		291			278			208			938

	$	1,079,235		$	1,076,247		$	3,210,264		$	3,165,499

Operating profit
Janitorial	$	34,850		$	40,144		$	98,852		$	104,942
Facility Solutions		8,785			9,878			21,531			24,170
Parking		7,768			7,171			18,610			16,799
Security		2,962			2,813			4,819			5,011
Corporate and other		(31,192	)		(19,273	)		(83,980	)		(66,774	)

Operating profit		23,173			40,733			59,832			84,148
Other-than-temporary impairment credit losses on auction rate security recognized in earnings		—			—			(313	)		—
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net		747			1,166			5,380			2,785
Interest expense		(2,407	)		(4,114	)		(7,682	)		(12,477	)

Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	21,513		$	37,785		$	57,217		$	74,456

Interim Financial Information - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Parking
Organization and Principal Activities [Line Items]
Revenues related solely to the reimbursement of expenses	$ 75.6	$ 73.8	$ 229.7	$ 225.3

Calculations of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations	$ 12,626	$ 27,911	$ 35,013	$ 50,516
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(49)	(36)	(94)	(60)
Net income	$ 12,577	$ 27,875	$ 34,919	$ 50,456
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding-Basic	54,145	53,207	53,863	53,051
Effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding-Diluted	55,000	54,201	54,819	54,084
Net income per common share
Basic	$ 0.23	$ 0.52	$ 0.65	$ 0.95
Diluted	$ 0.23	$ 0.51	$ 0.64	$ 0.93
Stock options
Effect of dilutive securities:
Effect of dilutive securities	242	466	320	539
Restricted stock units
Effect of dilutive securities:
Effect of dilutive securities	363	282	367	284
Performance shares
Effect of dilutive securities:
Effect of dilutive securities	250	246	269	210

Antidilutive Shares Excluded from Calculation of Net Income Per Common Share (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	1,208	739	1,131	706
Restricted stock units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	105	27	77	21
Performance shares
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount				23

- Definition

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

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Antidilution
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6505113

Reference 2: 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 3: 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 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 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 6: 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 7: 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.

Reference 8: 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.

+ Details

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	May 01, 2012	Dec. 01, 2010
TEGG
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition purchase price		$ 6,200
Business acquisition, security held back for sellers' indemnification obligation		800
Related acquisition cost	$ 200
Business acquisition purchase price allocation goodwill expected tax deductible amount		4,000
Revenues from acquired business	$ 2,000
Business acquisition aggregate purchase price		$ 5,471
TEGG \| Other Identifiable Intangibles \| Customer Contracts And Relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible asset useful life	14 years
The Linc Group LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition aggregate purchase price			$ 298,700

Preliminary Purchase Price and Related Allocations (Detail) - TEGG $ in Thousands	May 01, 2012 USD ($)
Consideration transferred:
Cash paid at closing, net of cash acquired of $160	$ 5,179
Indemnification hold back amount	461
Other hold back amounts	350
Working capital adjustment	(519)
Total cash consideration	5,471
Allocated to:
Goodwill	1,714
Other assets	775
Accrued liabilities and other	(1,418)
Net assets acquired	5,471
Other Identifiable Intangibles
Allocated to:
Intangible assets other than goodwill	2,300
Software technology
Allocated to:
Intangible assets other than goodwill	$ 2,100

Preliminary Purchase Price and Related Allocations (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Thousands	May 01, 2012 USD ($)
TEGG
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid at closing, cash acquired	$ 160

Fair Value Measurements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan	$ 4,930	$ 4,717
Investments in auction rate securities	16,704	15,670
Total carrying amounts of Financial Assets	21,634	20,387
Cash and cash equivalents	21,650	26,467	$ 39,614	$ 39,446
Total Financial Assets	43,284	46,854
Interest rate swap	249	253
Line of credit	252,000	300,000
Total Financial Liabilities	252,249	300,253
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Total Fair Value of Financial Assets	21,634	20,387
Total Fair Value of Other Financial Assets	43,284	46,854
Total Fair Value of Financial Liabilities	252,249	300,253
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan	4,930	4,717
Cash and cash equivalents	21,650	26,467
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Investments in auction rate securities	16,704	15,670
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Interest rate swap	249	253
Line of credit	$ 252,000	$ 300,000

Auction Rate Securities - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012 USD ($) Entity	Jul. 31, 2012 USD ($) Entity	Oct. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Number of different issuers the Company held investments in for auction rate securities \| Entity	4	4
Investments in auction rate securities	$ 20,000	$ 20,000
Interest rate revising interval	30 days
Auction rate securities, earliest maturity period	2033	2033
Auction rate securities, latest maturity period	2050	2050
Investments in auction rate securities, estimated fair value	$ 16,704	$ 16,704	$ 15,670
Auction rate securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value			10,700
Auction rate securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less Than Twelve Months	11,700	11,700
Other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) Credit loss recognized		300	1,700
Unrealized losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax	1,300	1,300	2,600
Unrealized losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	800	800	1,600
Auction Rate Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Auction rate security, at fair value, that was not in unrealized loss position	5,000	5,000	$ 5,000
Single Issuer Investment
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in auction rate securities	$ 5,000	$ 5,000

Significant Assumptions Used to Determine Fair Value of Auction Rate Securities (Detail) - Year	Jul. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Yields	2.15%
Minimum
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Discount rates	2.34%	3.21%
Yields	2.00%	2.00%
Average expected lives	4	4
Maximum
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Discount rates	10.52%	17.50%
Yields	3.50%	3.50%
Average expected lives	10	10

Changes in Cost Basis and Fair Value of Auction Rate Securities (Detail) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 15,670
Balance at ending of year	16,704
Cost Basis \| Auction Rate Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	18,307
Other-than-temporary credit losses recognized in earnings	(313)
Balance at ending of year	17,994
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 \| Auction Rate Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	15,670
Unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss	2,477
Unrealized losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,443)
Balance at ending of year	$ 16,704

- Definition

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

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 25
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7534914&loc=d3e22054-111558

Reference 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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.

Reference 7: 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 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 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 10: 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.

+ Details

- Definition

The amount of other than temporary impairment losses on investments in debt and equity securities categorized as Available-for-sale which have been recognized in earnings during the period. Such impairment losses consist of other than temporary impairments (OTTI) on equity securities, credit losses on investments in debt securities, and when the entity intends to sell an impaired debt security or it is more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the impaired debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis.

+ References + Details

Self-Insurance - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2011
Schedule of Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Self-insurance reserve adjustments	$ 9,910	$ (12,032)
Standby letters of credit	96,900		$ 97,000
Restricted insurance deposits	31,700		36,000
Surety Bonds	211,100		231,500
Corporate segment
Schedule of Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Self-insurance reserve adjustments	9,700
Supported Insurance Claim Liabilities
Schedule of Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Surety Bonds	$ 35,100		$ 30,900

Line Of Credit Facility - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Description of covenants under the Facility	(1) a fixed charge coverage ratio; (2) a leverage ratio; and (3) a combined net worth test.
Line of credit, amount outstanding	$ 252.0
Line of credit, borrowing capacity currently available	301.3
Unrealized Loss On Derivatives
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unrealized net losses related to the interest rate swap contract	0.2
Swing Line Loan
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, amount outstanding	2.0
Line of credit, borrowing capacity currently available	$ 48.0	$ 50.0
Weighted average interest rate on swing line credit facility	1.66%
Forward starting swaps
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Derivative agreement date	Oct. 19, 2010
Description of derivative agreement	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.
Interest rate swap agreement period	3 years
Notional amount of derivatives	$ 25.0
Derivative, fixed interest rate	0.89%
Derivative, effective date	Feb. 24, 2011
Interest Rate Swap
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Fair value of interest rate swaps	$ 0.2	0.3
Effective portion of cash flow hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax	0.2	0.3
Effective portion of cash flow hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	0.1	$ 0.2
Five Year Syndicated Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Syndicated line of credit, maximum capacity	$ 650.0
Syndicated line of credit facility, expiration date	Sep. 08, 2016
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
Amount of sub-facilities	50.0
Letter Of Credit Facilities Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 300.0

Company's Interest Rate Swap Contract on Consolidated Financial Statements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Interest Expense
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income	$ (42)	$ (45)	$ (121)	$ (395)
Interest Rate Swap
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in AOCI on derivative	$ (49)	$ (354)	$ (117)	$ (108)

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost of Defined Benefit Plans and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 12	$ 12	$ 36	$ 35
Interest	124	142	372	427
Expected return on plan assets	(122)	(93)	(365)	(280)
Amortization of actuarial losses	24	29	73	86
Net expense	38	90	116	268
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	3	3	9	10
Interest	62	64	185	192
Net expense	$ 65	$ 67	$ 194	$ 202

- Definition

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

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 30
-Glossary Expected Return on Plan Assets
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6512136

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 60
-Glossary Expected Return on Plan Assets
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6512171

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (h)(3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 4: 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 5: 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 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

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

+ References + Details

- Definition

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

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Service Cost (Component of Net Periodic Pension Cost)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6525008

Reference 2: 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=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 3: 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=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 4: 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 5: 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 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	May 31, 2012	Mar. 14, 2012	Apr. 06, 2011	Jul. 31, 2012	May 17, 2012
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency amount accrued for probable losses					$ 6.9
Range of loss for all reasonably possible losses, minimum					0.0
Range of loss for all reasonably possible losses, maximum					92.3
Payment to other party in for settlement	$ 1.8
Augustus
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Possible contingency losses					89.7
Break claim which seeks damages					103.0
Payment to plaintiffs					$ 89.7
Superior Court
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Settlement made		$ 3.2
Khadera
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Gross litigation settlement value			$ 1.8
Simpson
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Gross litigation settlement value			$ 1.2
Las and Yanez
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Gross litigation settlement value				$ 2.1
Agreement settlement date for litigation				May 4, 2012
Gross settlement value percentage				100.00%
Proposed gross settlement value				$ 5.5
Gross settlement value percentage				30.00%
Gross litigation settlement value, maximum				$ 2.9
Bojorquez
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
The jury awarded the plaintiff in damages for suit filed						$ 0.8

Components of Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Net income	$ 12,577	$ 27,875	$ 34,919	$ 50,456
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized (losses) gains on auction rate securities	(1,290)	(355)	1,034	(23)
Reclass adjustment for credit losses recognized in earnings			313
Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swap agreement	(7)	(309)	4	287
Foreign currency translation	(155)	(41)	(86)	545
Actuarial gains-adjustments to pension and other post-retirement plans	24	16	73	49
Income tax benefit (expense) related to other comprehensive income	522	265	(583)	(127)
Comprehensive income	$ 11,671	$ 27,451	$ 35,674	$ 51,187

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012 USD ($) Location	Jul. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2012 USD ($) Location	Jul. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Effective tax rate on income from continuing operations	41.30%	26.10%	38.80%	32.20%
Provision for income taxes	$ 8,887	$ 9,874	$ 22,204	$ 23,940
Unrecognized tax benefit	96,700		96,700
Unrecognized tax benefits, accrued interest	$ 1,400		1,400
Estimated decrease in unrecognized tax benefits			$ (8,700)
Number of states in which entity operates \| Location	50		50
Current Liabilities
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefit	$ 800		$ 800
Domestic Country
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax returns open for examination			October 31, 2006 through October 31, 2011
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) \| Period 1
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax years currently being examined			2006
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) \| Period 2
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax years currently being examined			2007
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) \| Period 3
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax years currently being examined			2008
State and Local Jurisdiction
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax returns open for examination			Tax years 2007 through 2011
OneSource Services Inc \| Domestic Country
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax returns open for examination			March 31, 2000 through November 14, 2007
Linc C Corporations \| Domestic Country
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax returns open for examination			December 31, 2008 through December 31, 2010
Related to re-measurement of certain unrecognized tax benefits
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes		$ 4,700		$ 4,700

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	Jul. 31, 2012 Segment
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Reportable operating segments	4

Reportable Operating Segments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,079,235	$ 1,076,247	$ 3,210,264	$ 3,165,499
Operating profit	23,173	40,733	59,832	84,148
Other-than-temporary impairment credit losses on auction rate security recognized in earnings			(313)
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net	747	1,166	5,380	2,785
Interest expense	(2,407)	(4,114)	(7,682)	(12,477)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	21,513	37,785	57,217	74,456
Janitorial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	602,459	598,697	1,790,246	1,783,557
Operating profit	34,850	40,144	98,852	104,942
Facility Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	229,903	236,213	686,226	658,058
Operating profit	8,785	9,878	21,531	24,170
Parking
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	154,980	153,323	461,110	462,316
Operating profit	7,768	7,171	18,610	16,799
Security
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	91,602	87,736	272,474	260,630
Operating profit	2,962	2,813	4,819	5,011
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	291	278	208	938
Operating profit	$ (31,192)	$ (19,273)	$ (83,980)	$ (66,774)