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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2012	Dec. 11, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Oct. 31, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	ABM
Entity Registrant Name	ABM INDUSTRIES INC /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	0000771497
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		54,412,633
Entity Public Float			$ 1,239,067,128

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 43,459	$ 26,467
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances of $11,125 and $13,485 at October 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively	561,317	552,098
Notes receivable and other	62,053	54,748
Prepaid expenses	46,672	41,823
Prepaid income taxes	385	7,205
Deferred income taxes, net	43,671	40,565
Insurance recoverables	9,870	10,851
Total current assets	767,427	733,757
Insurance deposits	31,720	35,974
Other investments and long-term receivables	5,666	5,798
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, net	14,863	14,423
Investments in auction rate securities	17,780	15,670
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $107,771 and $97,819 at October 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively	59,909	60,009
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $100,180 and $78,669 at October 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively	109,138	128,994
Goodwill	751,610	750,872
Noncurrent deferred income taxes, net	17,610	30,948
Noncurrent insurance recoverables	54,630	59,759
Other assets	38,898	43,394
Total assets	1,869,251	1,879,598
Current liabilities
Trade accounts payable	130,410	130,464
Accrued liabilities
Compensation	121,855	112,233
Taxes-other than income	19,437	19,144
Insurance claims	80,192	78,828
Other	113,566	102,220
Income taxes payable	8,450	307
Total current liabilities	473,910	443,196
Noncurrent income taxes payable	27,773	38,236
Line of credit	215,000	300,000
Retirement plans and other	38,558	39,707
Noncurrent insurance claims	263,612	262,573
Total liabilities	1,018,853	1,083,712
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000 shares authorized; none issued
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 54,393,907 and 53,333,071 shares issued and outstanding at October 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively	544	533
Additional paid-in capital	234,636	211,389
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	(2,154)	(2,661)
Retained earnings	617,372	586,625
Total stockholders' equity	850,398	795,886
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,869,251	$ 1,879,598

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Trade accounts receivable, allowance	$ 11,125	$ 13,485
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	107,771	97,819
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 100,180	$ 78,669
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	500,000	500,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	54,393,907	53,333,071
Common stock, shares outstanding	54,393,907	53,333,071

Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Revenues	$ 4,300,265	$ 4,246,842	$ 3,495,747
Expenses
Operating	3,854,380	3,781,264	3,134,018
Selling, general and administrative	327,855	324,762	241,526
Amortization of intangible assets	21,464	23,248	11,364
Total expenses	4,203,699	4,129,274	3,386,908
Operating profit	96,566	117,568	108,839
Other-than-temporary impairment credit losses on auction rate security recognized in earnings	(313)		(127)
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net	6,395	3,915
Interest expense	(9,999)	(15,805)	(4,639)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	92,649	105,678	104,073
Provision for income taxes	(29,931)	(36,980)	(40,203)
Income from continuing operations	62,718	68,698	63,870
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(136)	(194)	251
Net income	$ 62,582	$ 68,504	$ 64,121
Net income per common share-Basic
Income from continuing operations	$ 1.16	$ 1.29	$ 1.23
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes
Net Income	1.16	1.29	1.23
Net income per common share-Diluted
Income from continuing operations	1.14	1.27	1.21
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes
Net Income	$ 1.14	$ 1.27	$ 1.21
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding
Basic	53,987	53,121	52,117
Diluted	54,914	54,103	52,908
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.58	$ 0.56	$ 0.54

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity And Comprehensive Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2009		51,688
Beginning Balance at Oct. 31, 2009	$ 687,050	$ 517	$ 176,480	$ (2,423)	$ 512,476
Comprehensive income:
Net income	64,121				64,121
Unrealized gain (loss) on auction rate securities, net of taxes of $866 in 2012, $193 in 2011 and $179 in 2010	461			461
Reclassification adjustment for credit losses recognized in earnings, net of taxes of $126 in 2012 and $53 in 2010	74			74
Foreign currency translation	68			68
Actuarial gain (loss) - Adjustments to pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, net of taxes of $594 in 2012, $996 in 2011 and $108 in 2010	(381)			(381)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, net of taxes of $230	338			338
Comprehensive income	64,681
Dividends:
Common stock	(28,152)				(28,152)
Tax effect from exercise of stock options	383		383
Stock issued under employees' stock purchase and option plans (in shares)		947
Stock issued under employees' stock purchase and option plans	10,992	$ 9	11,484		(501)
Share-based compensation expense	4,071		4,071
Ending Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2010		52,635
Ending Balance at Oct. 31, 2010	739,025	$ 526	192,418	(1,863)	547,944
Comprehensive income:
Net income	68,504				68,504
Unrealized gain (loss) on auction rate securities, net of taxes of $866 in 2012, $193 in 2011 and $179 in 2010	306			306
Foreign currency translation	214			214
Net unrealized gain on interest rate swaps, net of taxes of $16 in 2012 and $76 in 2011	115			115
Actuarial gain (loss) - Adjustments to pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, net of taxes of $594 in 2012, $996 in 2011 and $108 in 2010	(1,433)			(1,433)
Comprehensive income	67,706
Dividends:
Common stock	(29,744)				(29,744)
Tax effect from exercise of stock options	(467)		(467)
Stock issued under employees' stock purchase and option plans (in shares)		698
Stock issued under employees' stock purchase and option plans	10,175	$ 7	10,247		(79)
Share-based compensation expense	9,191		9,191
Ending Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2011		53,333
Ending Balance at Oct. 31, 2011	795,886	$ 533	211,389	(2,661)	586,625
Comprehensive income:
Net income	62,582				62,582
Unrealized gain (loss) on auction rate securities, net of taxes of $866 in 2012, $193 in 2011 and $179 in 2010	1,244			1,244
Reclassification adjustment for credit losses recognized in earnings, net of taxes of $126 in 2012 and $53 in 2010	187			187
Foreign currency translation	(85)			(85)
Net unrealized gain on interest rate swaps, net of taxes of $16 in 2012 and $76 in 2011	23			23
Actuarial gain (loss) - Adjustments to pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, net of taxes of $594 in 2012, $996 in 2011 and $108 in 2010	(862)			(862)
Comprehensive income	63,089
Dividends:
Common stock	(31,309)				(31,309)
Tax effect from exercise of stock options	(156)		(156)
Stock issued under employees' stock purchase and option plans (in shares)		1,061
Stock issued under employees' stock purchase and option plans	12,652	$ 11	13,167		(526)
Share-based compensation expense	10,236		10,236
Ending Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2012		54,394
Ending Balance at Oct. 31, 2012	$ 850,398	$ 544	$ 234,636	$ (2,154)	$ 617,372

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity And Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Unrealized gain (loss) on auction rate securities, tax effect	$ 866	$ 193	$ 179
Reclassification adjustment for credit losses recognized in earnings, tax effect	126		53
Net unrealized gain on interest rate swaps, tax effect	16	76
Actuarial gain (loss) - Adjustments to pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, tax effect	594	996	108
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, tax effect			230
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Actuarial gain (loss) - Adjustments to pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, tax effect	$ 594	$ 996	$ 108

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 62,582	$ 68,504	$ 64,121
Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	136	194	(251)
Income from continuing operations	62,718	68,698	63,870
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by continuing operating activities:
Depreciation and Amortization	50,897	52,658	36,315
Deferred income taxes	9,772	24,227	17,654
Share-based compensation expense	10,236	9,191	4,071
Provision for bad debt	2,551	3,142	2,636
Discount accretion on insurance claims	715	874	912
Auction rate security credit loss impairment	313		127
Gain on sale of assets	(2,015)	(150)	(1,059)
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net	(6,395)	(3,915)
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates	5,802	2,539
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Trade accounts receivable	(11,359)	(18,432)	1,976
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(14,188)	(7,786)	(297)
Insurance recoverables	6,110	5,488	(3,981)
Other assets and long-term receivables	9,390	5,962	3,856
Income taxes payable	4,542	4,396	22,629
Retirement plans and other non-current liabilities	(1,584)	(4,085)	(317)
Insurance claims	1,688	(11,950)	(247)
Trade accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	19,754	25,943	(7,399)
Total adjustments	86,229	88,102	76,876
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities	148,947	156,800	140,746
Net cash provided by discontinued operating activities	1,665	3,190	9,118
Net cash provided by operating activities	150,612	159,990	149,864
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(28,052)	(22,124)	(23,942)
Proceeds from sale of assets and other	4,177	912	1,512
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired	(5,963)	(290,985)	(65,430)
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates		(215)
Proceeds from redemption of auction rate securities		5,000
Net cash used in investing activities	(29,838)	(307,412)	(87,860)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercises of stock options (including income tax benefit)	12,496	9,708	11,376
Dividends paid	(31,309)	(29,744)	(28,152)
Deferred financing costs paid	(14)	(5,021)
Borrowings from line of credit	773,000	885,500	448,000
Repayment of borrowings from line of credit	(858,000)	(726,000)	(480,000)
Changes in book cash overdrafts	45		(7,935)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(103,782)	134,443	(56,711)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	16,992	(12,979)	5,293
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	26,467	39,446	34,153
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	43,459	26,467	39,446
Supplemental Data:
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received	15,545	9,651	(108)
Tax effect from exercise of options	(156)	(467)	383
Cash received from exercise of options	12,652	10,175	10,993
Interest paid on line of credit	$ 5,331	$ 10,055	$ 3,398

The Company And Nature Of Operations

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

The Company And Nature Of Operations

1. THE COMPANY AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS

ABM Industries Incorporated, together with its consolidated subsidiaries (hereinafter collectively referred to as “ABM”, “we”, “us”, “our”, or the “Company”), is a leading provider of end-to-end integrated facility solutions services for commercial, governmental, industrial, institutional, retail, and residential facilities located primarily throughout the United States. The Company’s comprehensive capabilities include expansive facility solutions, energy solutions, commercial cleaning, maintenance and repair, HVAC, electrical, landscaping, parking and security services, 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.

Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements present separately the financial position, results of operations, cash flows, and changes in stockholder’s equity and comprehensive income of ABM. The consolidated financial statements of ABM are hereinafter referred to as the “Financial Statements”. We prepare our Financial Statements and related disclosures in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The Financial Statements include the accounts of ABM and all of our controlled subsidiaries. Equity investments in which the Company does not have control, but which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies (generally 20% to 50% ownership), are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain immaterial amounts in prior year financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

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 Financial Statements. These estimates include, but are not limited to, insurance reserves, allowances for doubtful accounts, sales allowances, deferred income tax assets and valuation allowances, contingencies and litigation liabilities, estimates of useful lives of intangible assets, fair value used in the assessment of the recoverability of long-lived assets, impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets, fair value of auction rate securities, as well as the determination of fair values related to purchase accounting and share-based compensation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, known or expected trends, independent valuations, and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances based on information available as of the date of the issuance of these Financial Statements.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Revenue Recognition. The Company earns revenue primarily under various types of service contracts. In all forms of service provided by the Company, revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, services have been rendered, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. The various types of service contracts are described below:

Monthly Fixed-Price Arrangements—Contracts in which the client agrees to pay a fixed fee every month over the specified contract term. A variation of a fixed-price arrangement is a square-foot arrangement, which consists of fixed monthly billings, less credits given to clients for vacant square footage that is not serviced.

Cost-Plus Arrangements—Contracts for which the client pays for services received based on an agreed upon rate of wages and benefits, payroll taxes, insurance charges and other expenses, plus a profit percentage.

Tag Services—Tag work generally represents supplemental services requested by clients outside of the standard service specification. Examples are cleanup after tenant moves, construction cleanup, flood cleanup, snow removal and extermination services.

Fixed-Price Repair and Refurbishment Arrangements—Revenue is recognized on certain fixed-price repair and refurbishment contracts using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting most often based on the cost-to-cost method. Under the percentage-of-completion method, revenues are recognized as the work progresses. The percentage of work completed is determined principally by comparing the actual costs incurred to date with the current estimate of total costs to complete. Under the percentage-of-completion method, recognition of profit is dependent upon the accuracy of a variety of estimates, including engineering progress, materials quantities, and achievement of milestones, incentives, labor productivity, cost estimates and others. Such estimates are based on various professional judgments made with respect to those factors and are subject to change as each project proceeds and new information becomes available. Revenue and gross profit are adjusted periodically for revisions in estimated total contract costs and values. Estimated losses are recorded when identified. At times, these types of contracts have multiple elements which are evaluated by separating the contracts into separate units of accounting for revenue recognition. The Company is required to allocate revenue based on the relative selling price of each element which qualifies as a unit of accounting, even if such deliverables are not sold separately by the Company or other vendors.

Franchise Revenue—The Company franchises certain engineering services under the Linc Network, TEGG, CurrentSAFE and GreenHomes America brands through individual and area franchises. Initial franchise fees are recognized when the Company has performed substantially all initial services required by the franchise agreement. Continuing franchise royalty fees are based on a percentage of the franchisees’ revenue, which is recognized in the period in which the revenue is reported to have occurred, or on a flat rate charged to franchisees, recognized as earned. Direct (incremental) costs related to new franchise sales for which the revenue has not been recognized are deferred until the related revenue is recognized. Costs related to continuing franchise royalty fees are expensed as incurred.

Parking Reimbursement—The Company enters into managed locations arrangements within its Parking business whereby the Company manages the parking lot for the owner in exchange for a management fee. For these arrangements, revenues and expenses are passed through by the Company to the parking lot owner under the terms and conditions of the management location contract. The Company reports revenues and expenses, in equal amounts, for costs directly reimbursed from its managed parking lot clients. Such amounts totaled $305.7 million, $299.4 million and $231.5 million in the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Trade Accounts Receivable Allowances. Trade accounts receivable arise from services provided to the Company’s clients and are generally due and payable on terms varying from receipt of the invoice to net thirty days. The Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts to provide for losses on accounts receivable due to a client’s inability to pay. The allowance is typically estimated based on an analysis of the historical rate of credit losses or write-offs, specific client concerns and known or expected trends. Such analysis is inherently subjective. Changes in the financial condition of the Company’s clients or adverse developments in negotiations or legal proceedings to obtain payment could result in the actual loss exceeding the estimated allowance. The Company does not believe that it has any material exposure due to either industry or regional concentrations of credit risk. Further, no client accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenues during the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011, or 2010.

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

Energy Savings Guarantees. The Company offers certain clients guaranteed energy savings on installed equipment under certain contracts. The total energy savings guarantees were $45.6 million at October 31, 2012 and extend through 2026. The Company accrues for the estimated cost of guarantees when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Historically, the Company has not incurred significant losses in connection with these guarantees and the Company does not expect significant future losses.

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates. The Company owns non-controlling interests (generally 20% to 50%) in certain affiliated entities that predominantly provide facility solutions services to governmental and commercial clients, primarily in the United States and the Middle East. The net carrying amount of the investments in unconsolidated affiliates was $14.9 million at October 31, 2012. The Company accounts for such investments under the equity method of accounting.

The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may not be recoverable. The differences between the carrying amounts and the estimated fair values of equity method investments are recognized as an impairment loss when the loss is deemed to be other-than-temporary.

Insurance Reserves. The Company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance plans to manage the potential liabilities for workers’ compensation, general liability, property insurance, automobile liability, health and welfare, and professional liabilities. Insurance claim liabilities represent the Company’s estimate of retained risks without regard to insurance coverage. Such risks consist of estimates of the loss that will ultimately be incurred on reported claims, as well as estimates of claims that have been incurred but not yet reported.

With the assistance of external professionals, the Company periodically reviews its estimate of ultimate losses for all incurred claims and adjusts its required self-insurance reserves as appropriate. As part of this evaluation, the Company reviews the status of existing and new claim reserves as established by the external third-party claims administrators. The third-party administrators establish the case reserves based upon known factors related to the type and severity of the claims, legislative matters, and case law, as appropriate. The Company compares actual trends to expected trends and monitors claims development. The specific case reserves estimated by the third-party administrators are provided to an actuary who assists the Company in projecting an actuarial estimate of the overall ultimate losses 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 point estimate of the reserves is reviewed by management and is recorded in the Company’s Financial Statements.

In general, the Company’s reserves are recorded on an undiscounted basis. Self-insurance liabilities assumed in acquisitions are recorded at fair value and are accreted to their notional amount with non-cash charges to interest expense over the period that they are expected to be settled. The Company allocates current-year insurance expense to its operating segments based upon their underlying exposures while actuarial adjustments related to prior year claims are recorded within Corporate expenses. Claims are classified as current or long-term based on the expected settlement date. Estimated insurance recoveries related to recorded liabilities are reflected as current or long-term “recoverables” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets when we believe that the receipt of such amounts is probable.

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

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

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

The Company’s determination of whether an other-than-temporary impairment represents a credit loss is based upon the difference between the present value of the expected cash flows to be collected and the amortized cost basis of the security. Significant assumptions used in estimating the credit loss include: (1) default rates for the security and the mono-line insurer, if any (which are based on published historical default rates of similar securities and consideration of current market trends); and (2) the expected life of the security (which represents the Company’s view of when market efficiencies for securities may be restored). Adverse changes in any of these factors could result in additional declines in fair value and further other-than-temporary impairments in the future. See Note 6, “Auction Rate Securities,” for additional information.

Property, Plant and Equipment. Property, plant and equipment is recorded at historical cost. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining lease term (including renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date that the leasehold improvements are purchased). Depreciation and amortization is determined for financial reporting purposes by using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:


		Years
Computer equipment and software		3-5
Machinery and other equipment		3-5
Buildings		25-40
Furniture and fixtures		5
Transportation equipment		1.5-5

Acquisitions. The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for acquired businesses, which requires, among other things, that most assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. The operating results generated by businesses acquired have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred. Any excess purchase price of acquired businesses over fair values attributed to underlying net tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets is recorded asgoodwill.

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

The Company’s intangible assets other than goodwill primarily consists of acquired customer contracts and relationships. Acquired customer relationship intangible assets are being amortized using the sum-of-the-years’-digits method over their useful lives, consistent with the estimated useful life considerations used in the determination of their fair values. The accelerated method of amortization reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the customer relationship intangible assets are expected to be realized.

Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess purchase price of acquired businesses over fair values attributed to underlying net tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets. We test the carrying value of goodwill for impairment at a “reporting unit” level (which for the Company is represented by each operating segment), using a two-step approach, annually as of August 1, or whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, this is an indicator that the goodwill assigned to that reporting unit may be impaired. In this case, a second step is performed to allocate the fair value of the reporting unit to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit as if it had just been acquired in a business combination, and as if the purchase price was equivalent to the fair value of the reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is referred to as the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is then compared to the actual carrying value of goodwill. If the implied fair value is less than the carrying value, we would be required to recognize an impairment loss for that excess.

Other Accrued Liabilities. Other accrued liabilities as of October 31, 2012 and 2011 primarily consist of employee benefits, dividends payable, loss contingencies, rent payable, and unclaimed property.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments. Fair value is determined based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Authoritative guidance specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques depending on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques reflect assumptions other market participants would use based upon market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) or reflect our own assumptions of market participant valuation (unobservable inputs). The fair value hierarchy consists of three levels:

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 authoritative guidance requires the use of observable market data if such data is available without undue cost and effort. When available, the Company uses unadjusted quoted market prices to measure fair value and classify such items within Level 1. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that use, where possible, current market-based or independently-sourced market parameters, such as interest and currency rates and comparable transactions. Items valued using internally generated models are classified according to the lowest level input or value driver that is significant to the valuation. Thus, an item may be classified in Level 3 even though there may be inputs that are readily observable. If quoted market prices are not available, the valuation model used generally depends on the specific asset or liability being valued.

Some assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, while other assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. See Note 5 “Fair Value of Financial Instruments” for the fair value hierarchy table and for details on how the Company measures fair value for financial assets and liabilities.

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

Advertising Costs. The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses and in operating expenses on our consolidated statements of income. Advertising expense was $2.6 million, $2.3 million, and $0.8 million for the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Agencies. The Company records taxes on customer transactions due to governmental agencies as receivables and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

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

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

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

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

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2012-04 (“ASU 2012-04”), Technical Corrections and Improvements. The amendments in this update cover a wide range of topics and include technical corrections and improvements to the Accounting Standards Codification. The amendments in ASU 2012-04 will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company will adopt ASU 2012-04 on February 1, 2013. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2012-04 to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2011, the 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 will 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 June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-05 (“ASU 2011-05”), Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Presentation of Comprehensive Income. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in stockholder’s equity. In addition, the new guidance requires consecutive presentation of the statement of net income and other comprehensive income with the presentation of reclassification adjustments from other comprehensive income to net income on the face of the financial statements. 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, which is an update to ASU 2011-05. This amendment indefinitely defers the guidance relating to the presentation of reclassification adjustments. ASUs 2011-05 and 2011-12 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company will adopt ASUs 2011-05 and 2011-12 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 September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-08 (“ASU 211-08”), Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Testing Goodwill for Impairment, to simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment. ASU 2011-08 allows entities to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If a greater than 50 percent likelihood exists that the fair value is less than the carrying amount, then a two-step goodwill impairment test as described in Topic 350 must be performed. The qualitative assessment is optional, allowing companies to go directly to the quantitative assessment. The guidance provided by this update becomes effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. This new standard will be effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2013. There will be no impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statement presentation.

- Definition

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

+ References

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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

Net Income Per Common Share

12 Months Ended

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


	Years Ended October 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2012			2011			2010
Income from continuing operations	$	62,718		$	68,698		$	63,870
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of taxes		(136	)		(194	)		251

Net income	$	62,582		$	68,504		$	64,121

Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding—Basic		53,987			53,121			52,117
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options		277			468			446
Restricted stock units		369			293			261
Performance shares		281			221			84

Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding—Diluted		54,914			54,103			52,908

Net income per common share
Basic	$	1.16		$	1.29		$	1.23
Diluted	$	1.14		$	1.27		$	1.21

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


	Years Ended October 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Stock options		1,317		879		744
Restricted stock units		90		60		29
Performance shares		—		17		—

Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Acquisitions

4. ACQUISITIONS

TEGG and CurrentSAFE Acquisition

On May 1, 2012, we 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 we 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 $5.5 million in cash, net of cash acquired (the “TEGG Acquisition”). The purchase price reflects a $0.1 million working capital adjustment received in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012. Approximately $0.5 million of the cash consideration was placed in an escrow account to satisfy any applicable indemnification claims, pursuant to the terms of the agreement, and is included in “Other assets” and “Retirement plans and other” on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at October 31, 2012.

The assets acquired represent the franchise operations of TEGG and CurrentSAFE, and through this acquisition the Company 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 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:


(in thousands)
Purchase price:

Total cash consideration	$	5,667

Allocated to:
Cash	$	160
Other intangible assets		2,200
Software technology		2,100
Goodwill		1,937
Other assets		1,199
Accrued liabilities and other		(1,929	)

Net assets acquired	$	5,667

Costs of $0.2 million related to the TEGG acquisition 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 amount of goodwill for tax purposes that is expected to be deductible is $1.9 million.

Revenues from the TEGG Acquisition were approximately $3.9 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.

The Linc Group, LLC

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 facility 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.

In connection with the acquisition, the Company incurred $5.2 million in direct acquisition costs, which were expensed as incurred and classified as selling, general and administrative expenses. The operations of Linc are included in the Facility Solutions segment as of the acquisition date. Revenues and operating profit associated with Linc and included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income were $512.9 million and $11.1 million (excluding transaction costs and the interest expense associated with the borrowings under the Company’s line of credit used to finance the acquisition, which were recorded in Corporate expenses), respectively, for the year ending October 31, 2011. The name of Linc was changed to ABM Facility Solutions Group, LLC in fiscal 2012.

This acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. The final purchase price and related allocations are summarized as follows:


(in thousands)
Purchase price:

Total cash consideration	$	298,720

Allocated to:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	8,467
Trade accounts receivable		86,277
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		7,494
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates		12,645
Property, plant and equipment		9,462
Other intangible assets		87,000
Other assets		24,837
Goodwill		154,487
Trade accounts payable		(38,541	)
Accrued liabilities		(25,888	)
Insurance claims		(4,161	)
Non-current liabilities		(23,359	)

Net assets acquired	$	298,720

The acquired intangible assets are being amortized using the sum-of-the-years’-digits method or, where appropriate, the straight-line method. The weighted-average amortization periods for the acquired intangible assets are 14 years for customer contracts and 4 years for trademarks, which is consistent with the estimated useful life considerations used in the determination of their fair values. Additionally, the fair value in excess of the carrying amount for investments in unconsolidated affiliates is being amortized over 10 years. The amount allocated to goodwill is reflective of the Company’s identification of buyer-specific synergies realized by, among other things, reducing duplicative positions and back office functions, consolidating facilities, and reducing professional fees and other services.

The transaction was a taxable asset acquisition of the Linc organization for U.S. income tax purposes, and no deferred taxes have been recorded on a significant portion of the acquired assets and liabilities. However, deferred taxes have been recorded for certain assets and liabilities where the Company receives a carryover basis for tax purposes. The amount of goodwill for tax purposes that is expected to be deductible is $131.0 million.

The following unaudited pro forma financial information shows the combined results of continuing operations of the Company, including Linc, as if the acquisition occurred at the beginning of the periods presented. The effects of other acquisitions made in 2010 were not included in the table below due to the insignificant impact of such acquisitions on pro forma results. The unaudited pro forma financial information is not intended to present or be indicative of the Company’s consolidated financial results of continuing operations that would have been reported had the business combination been completed as of the beginning of the period presented and should not be taken as indicative of the Company’s future consolidated results of continuing operations. The unaudited pro forma financial information for the year ended October 31, 2011 noted below has not been provided since the amounts are not significantly different from actual results.


(in thousands, except per share data)	Year ended October 31, 2010
Revenues	$	4,062,610
Operating profit		111,788
Net income	$	62,109
Net income per common share
Basic	$	1.19
Diluted	$	1.17

Diversco, Inc.

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

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

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


(in thousands)
Purchase price:
Total cash consideration	$	30,390

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

Net assets acquired	$	30,390

The acquired customer contracts and relationships, included in identifiable intangible assets, will be amortized using the sum-of-the-years’-digits method over their useful lives of 11 years, which is consistent with the estimated useful life considerations used in the determination of their fair values. Intangible assets of $10.8 million were assigned to the Janitorial and Security segments in the amounts of $9.2 million and $1.6 million, respectively. Goodwill of $13.1 million was assigned to the Janitorial and Security segments in the amounts of $11.1 million and $2.0 million, respectively. The amounts of intangible assets and goodwill have been assigned to the Janitorial and Security segments based on the respective profit margins of the acquired customer contracts. The amount of goodwill for tax purposes that is expected to be deductible is $13.1 million.

L&R

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

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

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


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

Total consideration	$	34,664

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

Net assets acquired	$	34,664

The acquired intangible assets and unfavorable leases will be amortized using the sum-of-the-years’-digits method, or where appropriate the straight-line method, over their useful lives: 11 years for managed customer contracts, 4 years for favorable leases, 6 years for unfavorable leases and 10 years for the non-compete agreement, which is consistent with the estimated useful life considerations used in the determination of their fair values. The amount of goodwill for tax purposes that is expected to be deductible is $30.2 million.

Contingent Payments

The Company increased its Janitorial goodwill balance by $0.5 million to reflect additional consideration earned in the year ended October 31, 2012 relating to a prior years’ acquisition. The additional consideration represents contingent amounts based on financial performance subsequent to the respective acquisition date.

- 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).

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-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

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

5. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

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 October 31, 2012 and 2011:


			October 31, 2012				October 31, 2011
(in thousands)	Fair Value Hierarchy		Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan		1	$	5,029	$	5,029	$	4,717	$	4,717
Investments in auction rate securities		3		17,780		17,780		15,670		15,670

				22,809		22,809		20,387		20,387

Other select financial asset
Cash and cash equivalents		1		43,459		43,459		26,467		26,467

Total			$	66,268	$	66,268	$	46,854	$	46,854

Financial liability measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Interest rate swap		2	$	214	$	214	$	253	$	253
Other select financial liability
Line of credit		2		215,000		215,000		300,000		300,000

Total			$	215,214	$	215,214	$	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 10, “Line of Credit”.

The Company’s non-financial assets, 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 for impairment. If an impairment was to occur, the asset or liability would be recorded at the estimated fair value.

During the years ended October 31, 2012 and October 31, 2011, 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
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-Paragraph 30
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14172-108612

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14064-108612

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
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-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

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Auction Rate Securities

6. AUCTION RATE SECURITIES

As of October 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 October 31, 2012 and 2011, the estimated fair value of these securities, in total, was approximately $17.8 million and $15.7 million, respectively.

As of October 31, 2012, two of the Company’s auction rate securities, with an aggregate fair value of $7.8 million, were in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months and the remaining two auction rate securities, with a fair value of $10.0 million, were 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 following table presents the significant assumptions used to determine the fair value of the Company’s auction rate securities at October 31, 2012 and 2011:


Assumption	October 31, 2012	October 31, 2011
Discount rates	L + 1.37% - L + 6.86%	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 - One Month LIBOR

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 specific 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 specific discount rate used to calculate the present value of the expected cash flows.

During the year ended October 31, 2012, the Company recorded an other than temporary impairment (“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 following tables present the changes in the cost basis and fair value of the Company’s auction rate securities for the years ended October 31, 2012 and 2011:


(in thousands)	Cost Basis			Fair Value (Level 3)
Balance at November 1, 2011	$	18,307		$	15,670
Unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss		—			2,110
Other-than-temporary credit loss recognized in earnings		(313	)		—

Balance at October 31, 2012	$	17,994		$	17,780


(in thousands)	Cost Basis			Fair Value (Level 3)
Balance at November 1, 2010	$	23,307		$	20,171
Unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss		—			499
Redemption of security by issuer		(5,000	)		(5,000	)

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

At October 31, 2012 and 2011, unrealized losses of $0.2 million ($0.1 million net of tax) and $2.6 million ($1.6 million net of tax) were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, respectively.

- 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
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-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
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-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
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-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
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-SubTopic 10
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-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

Property, Plant and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Property, Plant and Equipment

7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment at October 31, 2012 and 2011 consisted of the following:


(in thousands)	2012		2011
Computer equipment and software	$	73,309	$	77,585
Machinery and other equipment		49,236		45,131
Leasehold improvements		20,266		17,176
Buildings		12,046		5,319
Furniture and fixtures		8,355		8,149
Transportation equipment		2,907		3,561
Land		1,561		907

		167,680		157,828
Less: Accumulated depreciation		107,771		97,819

Total	$	59,909	$	60,009

Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment in the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $29.4 million, $29.4 million and $24.9 million, respectively.

- Definition

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

+ References + Details

Goodwill and Other Intangibles Assets

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Goodwill and Other Intangibles Assets

8. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill

The following table shows the changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment:


(in thousands)	Janitorial		Facility Solutions			Parking		Security		Total
Balance at October 31, 2010 ⁽¹⁾	$	468,476	$	6,401		$	69,168	$	49,938	$	593,983
Acquisitions ⁽²⁾		—		156,134			—		—		156,134
Contingent Amounts and Other		755		—			—		—		755

Balance at October 31, 2011	$	469,231	$	162,535		$	69,168	$	49,938	$	750,872
Acquisitions ⁽²⁾		—		1,937			—		—		1,937
Contingent Amounts and Other		448		(1,647	)		—		—		(1,199	)

Balance at October 31, 2012	$	469,679	$	162,825		$	69,168	$	49,938	$	751,610

(1)

Effective November 1, 2010 the Company changed the management reporting responsibility for a subsidiary from the Janitorial segment to the Facility Solutions segment. As a result of the organizational change, the Company reclassified the goodwill associated with this subsidiary from the Janitorial segment to the Facility Solutions segment, which amounted to $2.9 million. This reclassification is reflected in all years presented.

(2)	Refer to Note 4, “Acquisitions”, for additional discussions regarding acquisitions the Company made in the years ended October 31, 2012 and 2011.

Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets, net at October 31, 2012 and 2011 consisted of the following:


(in thousands)	Customer contracts and relationships			Trademarks and trade names			Contract rights and other			Total
As of October 31, 2012
Other intangible assets, gross	$	201,922		$	5,250		$	2,146		$	209,318
Accumulated amortization		(94,150	)		(4,428	)		(1,602	)		(100,180	)

Other intangible assets, net	$	107,772		$	822		$	544		$	109,138


(in thousands)	Customer contracts and relationships			Trademarks and trade names			Contract rights and other			Total
As of October 31, 2011
Other intangible assets, gross	$	199,822		$	5,150		$	2,691		$	207,663
Accumulated amortization		(72,607	)		(4,224	)		(1,838	)		(78,669	)

Other intangible assets, net	$	127,215		$	926		$	853		$	128,994

At October 31, 2012, the weighted average remaining useful lives, as well as the estimated annual amortization expense for each of the next five fiscal years for each intangible asset, are as follows:


	Weighted average remaining lives (Years)
	Customer contracts and relationships		Trademarks and trade names		Contract rights and other		Total
October 31, 2012		10.6		4.3		2.4		10.6


	Estimated Amortization Expense
(in thousands)	Customer contracts and relationships		Trademarks and trade names		Contract rights and other		Total
Years ending:
October 31, 2013	$	19,434	$	150	$	214	$	19,798
October 31, 2014		17,311		150		173		17,634
October 31, 2015		15,224		150		27		15,401
October 31, 2016		13,152		150		27		13,329
October 31, 2017		11,185		86		27		11,298

Total	$	76,306	$	686	$	468	$	77,460

- Definition

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

+ References + Details

Insurance

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Insurance

9. INSURANCE

The Company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance programs to cover workers’ compensation, general liability, property damage and other insurable risks. For the majority of these insurance programs, the Company retains the initial $1.0 million of exposure on a per-claim basis either through deductibles or self-insurance retentions. Beyond the retained exposures, the Company has varying primary policy limits between $1.0 million and $5.0 million per occurrence. As of October 31, 2012, to cover general liability losses above these limits, the Company maintained commercial insurance umbrella policies that provide $150.0 million of coverage. Workers’ compensation liability losses have unlimited coverage due to statutory regulations. Additionally, to cover property damage risks above its retention limits, the Company maintained policies that provide $75.0 million of coverage.

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company is also self-insured for certain employee medical and dental plans. The Company retains up to $0.4 million of exposure on a per claim basis under medical plans.

The Company had insurance claims reserves totaling $343.8 million and $341.4 million at October 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The balance at October 31, 2012 includes $13.0 million in reserves related to the Company’s medical and dental self-insured plans. The Company also had insurance recoverables totaling $64.5 million and $70.6 million at October 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

During the year ended October 31, 2012, there were unfavorable developments in certain general liability and worker’s compensation claims for certain policy years prior to fiscal 2012. Certain general liability claims related to earlier policy years experienced losses significantly higher than were previously estimated. Workers’ compensation expense was unfavorable in California and other states where the Company maintains a significant presence. Specifically in California, workers’ compensation claims were favorable for older years, but adverse for more current years due primarily to California’s post-reform workers’ compensation environment. In addition, some of the unfavorable workers’ compensation development may be the result of the Company’s continuing attempt to achieve earlier settlement of claims.

Offsetting the unfavorable workers’ compensation developments in California and other states was the impact of a favorable reform in Illinois, and more specifically relating to reduced medical costs associated with the reform. The Company has also implemented a series of initiatives to improve the management of general liability claims. Further, the recognition within the Company’s annual actuarial assessment of the loss experience for policy years in which Linc was a member of a group captive, also resulted in a favorable insurance adjustment.

After analyzing the historical loss development patterns, comparing the loss development against benchmarks, adjusting for known operational claims handling changes, and applying actuarial projection methods to determine the estimate of ultimate losses, the Company increased its expected reserves for prior-year claims, which resulted in an increase in the related insurance expense of $7.3 million during fiscal year ended October 31, 2012 and was recorded as part of Corporate expenses, consistent with prior periods. Insurance reserve adjustments resulting from periodic actuarial evaluations of ultimate losses relating to prior years during the years ended October 31, 2011 and 2010 were $2.1 million and $1.2 million respectively.

The Company had the following standby letters of credit, surety bonds and restricted insurance deposits outstanding at October 31, 2012 and 2011, to collateralize its self-insurance obligations.


(in thousands)	October 31,
	2012		2011
Standby Letters of Credit	$	104,968	$	96,776
Surety Bonds		34,933		30,929
Restricted Insurance Deposits		31,720		35,974

Total	$	171,621	$	163,679

Line Of Credit

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Line Of Credit

10. LINE OF CREDIT

On November 30, 2010, the Company entered into a five-year syndicated credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”) that replaced the Company’s then-existing $450.0 million syndicated credit agreement dated November 14, 2007. The Credit Agreement provides for revolving loans, swingline loans and letters of credit up to an aggregate amount of $650.0 million (the “Facility”). The Company, at its option, may 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). During the year ended October 31, 2011, the Credit Agreement was amended to reduce the borrowing spread interest on loans, extend the maturity date to September 8, 2016 and revise certain defined terms.

Borrowings under the Facility bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at the Company’s option, either a (a) eurodollar rate (generally LIBOR), or (b) base rate determined by reference to the highest of (1) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (2) the prime rate announced by Bank of America, N.A. from time to time and (3) the eurodollar rate plus 1.00%. The applicable margin is a percentage per annum varying from 0.00% to 0.75% for base rate loans and 1.00% to 1.75% for eurodollar loans, based upon the Company’s leverage ratio. The Company also pays a commitment fee, based on the leverage ratio, payable quarterly in arrears, ranging from 0.225% to 0.300% on the average daily unused portion of the Facility. For purposes of this calculation, irrevocable standby letters of credit, issued primarily in conjunction with the Company’s self-insurance program, and cash borrowings are included as outstanding under the Facility.

The Credit Agreement contains certain leverage and liquidity covenants that require us to maintain a maximum leverage ratio of 3.25x at the end of each fiscal quarter, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.50x at any time, and a consolidated net worth in an amount of not less than the sum of (i) $570.0 million, (ii) 50% of our consolidated net income (with no deduction for net loss) and (iii) 100% of our aggregate increases in stockholder’s equity, beginning on November 30, 2010, each as further described in the Credit Agreement, as amended. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of October 31, 2012.

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

The Facility is available for working capital, the issuance of up to $300.0 million for standby letters of credit, the issuance of up to $50.0 million in swing line advances, the financing of capital expenditures and for other general corporate purposes, including acquisitions. As of October 31, 2012, the total outstanding amounts under the Facility in the form of cash borrowings and standby letters of credit were $215.0 million and $105.0 million, respectively. As of October 31, 2011, the total outstanding amounts under the Facility in the form of cash borrowings and standby letters of credit were $300.0 million and $96.8 million, respectively. At October 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had $330.0 million and $253.2 million borrowing capacity, respectively, available under the Facility, subject to compliance with the covenants described above.

Interest Rate Swaps

On October 19, 2010, the Company entered into a three-year forward starting interest rate swap agreement with an effective start date of February 24, 2011 and 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%. This interest rate swap will mature on February 24, 2014 and is structured to hedge the interest risk associated with our floating-rate, LIBOR-based debt. The swap was designated and accounted for as a cash flow hedge from inception.

On February 19, 2009, the Company entered into a two-year interest rate swap agreement with an underlying notional amount of $100.0 million, pursuant to which the Company received variable interest payments based on LIBOR and paid fixed interest at a rate of 1.47%. This interest rate swap expired on February 19, 2011.

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 liability financial instruments and counterparty credit risks for asset financial instruments 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 October 31, 2012, and 2011, the fair value of the interest rate swap were liabilities 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 AOCI was $0.2 million ($0.1 million, net of taxes) and $0.3 million ($0.2 million, net of taxes) at October 31, 2012 and 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 October 31, 2012.

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


(in thousands)	Amount of loss recognized in AOCI on derivative (effective portion)
	Years Ended October 31,
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging relationships	2012			2011
Interest rate swap	$	(125	)	$	(245	)

(in thousands)	Amount of loss reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)
	October 31,
Location of loss reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)	2012			2011
Interest expense	$	(164	)	$	(436	)

Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Employee Benefit Plans

11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

As of October 31, 2012, the Company had the following defined benefit and other post-retirement benefit plans, all of which have been previously amended to preclude new participants:

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

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

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

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

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

Benefit Obligation and Net Obligation Recognized in Financial Statements

The significant components of the above mentioned plans as of and for the years ended October 31, 2012 and 2011 are summarized as follows:


	Defined Benefit Plans at October 31,						Post-Retirement Benefit Plan at October 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	12,075		$	12,018		$	5,595		$	5,297
Service cost		48			46			12			13
Interest cost		495			569			246			256
Actuarial loss		1,233			944			322			329
Benefits and expenses paid		(1,137	)		(1,502	)		(339	)		(300	)

Benefit obligation at end of year	$	12,714		$	12,075		$	5,836		$	5,595

Change in Plan Assets*
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	5,917		$	5,589		$	—		$	—
Actual return on plan assets		384			176			—			—
Employer contributions		1,490			1,654			339			300
Benefits and expenses paid		(1,137	)		(1,502	)		(339	)		(300	)

Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	6,654		$	5,917		$	—		$	—

Unfunded status at end of year	$	(6,060	)	$	(6,158	)	$	(5,836	)	$	(5,595	)

Current liabilities	$	(1,288	)	$	(1,001	)	$	(250	)	$	(301	)
Non-current liabilities		(4,772	)		(5,157	)		(5,586	)		(5,294	)

Net obligation	$	(6,060	)	$	(6,158	)	$	(5,836	)	$	(5,595	)

Total affecting retained earnings	$	(2,535	)	$	(3,765	)	$	(5,232	)	$	(5,315	)
Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income		(3,525	)		(2,393	)		(604	)		(280	)

Net obligation	$	(6,060	)	$	(6,158	)	$	(5,836	)	$	(5,595	)

*	Amounts relate to the OneSource Pension Plan which is the only Company funded defined benefit pension plan.

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

The components of net periodic benefit cost of the defined benefit and other post-retirement benefit plans for the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:


(in thousands)	2012			2011			2010
Defined Benefit Plans
Service cost	$	48		$	46		$	44
Interest		495			569			592
Expected return on assets		(486	)		(373	)		(399	)
Amortization of actuarial loss		97			114			66
Settlement loss recognized		107			126			91

Net expense	$	261		$	482		$	394

Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Service cost	$	12		$	13		$	15
Interest		246			256			281

Net expense	$	258		$	269		$	296

In the year ending October 31, 2013, the Company expects to recognize, on a pre-tax basis, approximately $0.1 million of net actuarial losses as a component of net periodic benefit cost.

Assumptions

The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost for the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:

Defined Benefit Plans

Post-Retirement Benefit Plan

Assumptions to measure

net periodic cost

2012

2011

2010

2012

2011

2010

Discount rate

4.12% – 4.51%

4.50% – 4.98%

5.50%

4.04% – 4.56%

4.31% – 5.02%

5.50%

Rate of health care cost increase

N/A*

4.50% – 7.80%

4.50% – 8.00%

5.50%

Rate of compensation increase

3.50%

Rate of return on plan assets

6.00%

8.00%

N/A*

Assumptions to measure
obligation at year end

Discount rate

2.84% – 3.50%

4.12% – 4.51%

4.50% – 4.98%

3.15% – 3.58%

4.04% – 4.56%

4.31% – 5.02%

*	Not Applicable

The discount rate is used for determining future net periodic benefit cost. The Company’s discount rates were determined, as of the October 31, 2012 measurement date, using the individual cash flows of each plan. In determining the long-term rate of return for a plan, the Company considers the nature of the plan’s investments, historical rates of return, and an expectation for the plan’s investment strategies. All defined benefit and post-retirement plans have been amended to preclude new participants. The Company believes changes in assumptions would not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position and operating performance. The Company expects to fund payments required under the plans with cash flows from operating activities when due in accordance with the plans.

Expected Future Benefit Payments

The expected future benefit payments were calculated using the same assumptions used to measure the Company’s benefit obligation as of October 31, 2012. This expectation is based upon expected future service:


(in thousands)	Defined Benefit Plans		Post-Retirement Benefit Plan
2013	$	1,288	$	250
2014		846		265
2015		906		279
2016		754		293
2017		709		307
2018 through 2022	$	3,930	$	1,705

OneSource Pension Plan

The OneSource Pension Plan is a funded benefit plan that requires an estimate of the long-term rate of return on plan assets to measure benefit obligations. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets represents the rate of earnings expected in the funds invested to provide for anticipated benefit payments. With input from the Company’s investment advisors and actuaries, the Company has analyzed the expected rates of return on assets and determined that an estimated long-term rate of return of 6.0% is reasonable based on: (1) the current and expected asset allocations; (2) the plan’s historical investment performance; and (3) best estimates for future investment performance. The obligation attributable to medical benefits is small, as is the future obligation that varies with changes in compensation. Accordingly, changes in the health care trend assumption rate and the compensation increase assumption have an immaterial impact on measuring the obligation.

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

The target allocation ranges and asset allocations for the year ended October 31, 2012 were:


	Target Allocation		Percentage of Plan Assets
Asset Category	2012		2012
U.S. Equity		43%-63%		55	%
Fixed Income		27%-47%		37	%
International Equity		0% - 20%		8	%

The following table presents the fair value hierarchy for the assets associated with the OneSource Pension Plan measured at fair value as of October 31, 2012 and 2011. These assets and liabilities are measured as Level 1:


	October 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,716	$	1,276
Equity
Large-Cap Growth		1,260		1,090
Large-Cap Value		727		1,090
Small/Mid-Cap Growth		334		140
Small/Mid-Cap Value		163		140
International Equity		558		464
Equities Blend		53		—
Fixed Income
Long-Term Bond		777		157
Intermediate Bond		503		789
Short-Term Bond		541		771
Fixed Income Blend		16		—
Other		6		—

	$	6,654	$	5,917

Deferred Compensation Plans

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

Employee Deferred Compensation Plan. This plan is available to executive, management, administrative and sales employees who have an annualized base salary that equals or exceeds $140,000 for the year ended October 31, 2012. This plan allows employees to defer 1% to 50% of their pre-tax compensation. The average rate of interest earned by the employees in this plan was 3.01%, 3.25% and 3.25% for the years ending October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Director Deferred Compensation Plan. This plan allows directors to defer receipt of all or any portion of the compensation that he or she would otherwise receive from the Company. The average rate of interest earned by the directors in this plan was 3.01%, 3.25%, and 3.25% for the years ending October 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

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

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

Aggregate expense recognized under these deferred compensation plans for the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $0.4 million, $0.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively. The total long-term liability of all deferred compensation plans at October 31, 2012 and 2011 was $16.4 million and $15.5 million (excluding the fair value of the assets held in the rabbi trust), respectively, and is included in Retirement plans and other on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the assets held in the rabbi trust at October 31, 2012 and 2011 was $5.0 million and $4.7 million, respectively.

401(k) Plans

The Company sponsors six 401(k) savings plans covering certain employees, as set forth in the respective plan documents. These 401(k) plans are subject to the applicable provisions of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”). Certain plans permit a Company match of a portion of the participant’s contributions or a discretionary contribution after the participant has met the eligibility requirements set forth in the plan. The Company made matching 401(k) contributions required by the 401(k) plans during the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 in the amounts of $7.9 million, $8.3 million and $6.2 million, respectively.

Multiemployer Pension and Postretirement Plans

Multiemployer Defined Benefit Pension Plans

Certain union-represented employees of the Company are covered by multiemployer defined benefit pension plans. Multiemployer pension plans are different from single-employer pension plans, in the following respects:

•

Contributions to multiemployer pension plans by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers;

•

If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, some or all of the unfunded obligations pertaining to the departing employer may be allocated to the remaining participating employers; and

•

Certain events could result in a requirement that the Company pay amounts to a plan based on the underfunded status of the plan, commonly referred to as a “withdrawal liability”.

The information in the following tables relates to multiemployer defined benefit pension plans that we have determined to be individually significant to us. To determine individually significant plans, we evaluated several factors, including our total contributions to the plan, our significance to the plan in terms of participating employees and contributions, and the funded status of the plan.

The following table provides information about the funded status of individually significant plans:

•

The “EIN/PN” column provides the Employee Identification Number and the three-digit plan number assigned to a plan by the Internal Revenue Service.

•

The most recent Pension Protection Act Zone Status available as of October 31, 2012 and 2011 is for plan years indicated in the table below. The zone status is based on information provided to us and other participating employers by each plan and is certified by the plan’s actuary. A plan in the “red” zone has been determined to be in “critical status”, based on criteria established under the IRC, and is generally less than 65% funded. A plan in the “yellow” zone has been determined to be in “endangered status”, based on criteria established under the IRC, and is generally less than 80% funded. A plan in the “green” zone has been determined to be neither in “critical status” nor in “endangered status”, and is generally at least 80% funded.

•

The “FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented” column indicates whether a Financial Improvement Plan (“FIP”), as required under the IRC to be adopted by plans in the “yellow” zone, or a Rehabilitation Plan (“RP”), as required under the IRC to be adopted by plans in the “red” zone, is pending or has been implemented.

•

Contributions by the Company are the amounts contributed by us in the fiscal years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

•

The “Surcharge Imposed” column indicates whether the Company’s contribution rate in its fiscal year ended October 31, 2012 included an amount in addition to the contribution rate specified in the applicable collective bargaining agreement, as imposed by a plan in “critical status”, in accordance with the requirements of the IRC.

•

The last column lists the expiration dates of the collective bargaining agreements pursuant to which the Company contributes to the plans.

For plans that are not individually significant to us, the total amount of contributions is presented in the aggregate.

(in thousands)

Pension Protection Act

Zone Status

FIP/RP Status

Contributions by the Company

Expiration
Dates of
Collective
Bargaining
Agreements

Pension Fund

EIN/PN

2012

2011

Pending/

Implemented

2012

2011

2010

Surcharge
Imposed

Building Service 32BJ Pension Fund

13-1879376 /

001

Red

6/30/2011

Yellow 6/30/2010

Implemented

14,439

13,720

12,065

Yes

4/20/2014 and 12/31/2015

Central pension fund of the IUOE & Participating Employers

36-6052390 /

001

Green

1/31/2012

Green 1/31/2011

N/A*

9,176

8,339

7,631

N/A*

2/28/2013 –9/30/2015

Local 25 SEIU & Participating Employers Pension Trust

36-6486542 /

001

Green

9/30/2011

Green

9/30/2010

N/A*

7,453

7,059

6,137

N/A*

4/5/2015

IUOE Stationary Engineers Local 39 Pension Fund

94-6118939 /

001

Green 12/31/2011

Red

12/31/2010

Implemented

5,342

6,972

6,723

8/31/2017

S.E.I.U. National Industry Pension Fund

52-6148540 /

001

Red

12/31/2011

Red

12/31/2010

Implemented

3,136

2,929

2,678

Yes

6/30/2016

Local 68 Engineers Union Pension Plan

51-0176618 /

001

Green 6/30/2011

Red 6/30/2010

N/A*

3,426

3,435

3,671

8/31/2014

Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, District 36 Building Operators Pension Trust Fund

23-6546776 /

001

Yellow

12/31/2012

Yellow

12/31/2011

Implemented

2,175

2,414

2,297

N/A*

10/15/2015

IUOE Local 30 Pension Fund

51-6045848 /

001

Green 12/31/2011

Green

12/31/2010

N/A*

1,459

1,230

1,127

N/A*

2/28/2014

Other Plans

12,948

11,782

7,448

Total Contributions

59,554

57,880

49,777

*	Not applicable

The Company was listed in the Forms 5500 of the following plans as providing more than 5 percent of total contributions for the plan years presented below.


Pension Fund		Contributions to the plan exceeded more than 5% of total contributions (as of the Plan’s year end)
Building Service 32BJ Pension Fund		6/30/2011
Local 25 SEIU & Participating Employers Pension Trust		9/30/2011 and 9/30/2010
IUOE Stationary Engineers Local 39 Pension Fund		12/31/2011 and 12/31/2010
Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, District 36 Building Operators Pension Trust Fund		12/31/2011 and 12/31/2010
IUOE Local 30 Pension Fund		12/31/2011 and 12/31/2010

There have been no significant changes that affect the comparability of total contributions from the year ended October 31, 2011 to 2012. The increase in contributions from the year ended October 31, 2010 to 2011 is due to the acquisition of Linc in December 2010.

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

In addition to contributions to the defined benefit pension plans described above, ABM also contributes to several multiemployer plans that provide other postretirement benefits based on obligations arising under collective bargaining agreements covering union-represented employees. These plans may provide medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, mental health and other benefits to active employees as determined by the trustees of each plan. The Company’s contributions to such plans were $193.1 million, $177.0 million and $163.7 million in the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. There have been no significant changes that affect the comparability of total contributions from the year ended October 31, 2011 to 2012. The increase in contributions from the year ended October 31, 2010 to 2011 is due to the acquisition of Linc in December 2010.

- 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

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies

12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Lease Commitments

The Company is contractually obligated to make future payments under non-cancelable operating lease agreements for various facilities, vehicles, and other equipment. As of October 31, 2012, future minimum lease commitments (excluding contingent rentals) under non-cancelable operating leases for the fiscal years ending October 31 are as follows:


(in thousands)
2013	$	69,069
2014		54,261
2015		33,135
2016		19,983
2017		14,629
Thereafter		27,758

Total minimum lease commitments	$	218,835

Rental expense for continuing operations for the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was as follows:


(in thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Minimum rentals	$	123,212	$	101,640	$	69,571
Contingent rentals		10,760		31,767		36,631

Total	$	133,972	$	133,407	$	106,202

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

Other Commitments

The Company has contractual obligations to make future payments for outsourced services and licensing costs pursuant to its information technology agreements. As of October 31, 2012, future commitments related to these agreements for succeeding fiscal years were as follows:


(in thousands)
2013	$	5,671
2014		1,937
2015		133
2016		—
2017		—
Thereafter		—

Total	$	7,741

Letters of Credit and Bonds

The Company uses letters of credit or surety bonds to secure certain commitments related to insurance programs and for other purposes. As of October 31, 2012, these surety bonds and letters of credit totaled approximately $297.5 million and $105.2 million, respectively. Included in the total amount of surety bonds is $40.4 million of bonds with an effective date starting after October 31, 2012.

Guarantees/Indemnifications

The Company has applied the measurement and disclosure provisions outlined in the FASB guidance related to guarantor’s accounting and disclosure requirements for guarantees, including indirect guarantees of the indebtedness of others, included in ASC 460 Guarantees (ASC 460) to agreements that contain guarantee and certain indemnification clauses. ASC 460 requires that upon issuance of a guarantee, the guarantor must disclose and recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligation it assumes under the guarantee. As of October 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company did not have any material guarantees.

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

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

Contingencies

The Company has been named a defendant in various proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, including class actions and purported class actions. Litigation outcomes are difficult to predict and are often resolved over long periods of time. Estimating probable losses requires the analysis of multiple possible outcomes that often depend on judgments about potential actions by third parties. At October 31, 2012, the total amount accrued for all probable litigation losses where a reasonable estimate of the loss could be made was $8.0 million. The ultimate resolution of such matters is always uncertain and any such proceeding brought against the Company could have a material adverse impact on its financial condition and results of operations.

The Company 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 $0.0 million and $104.0 million, including the possible $101.4 million impact of the Augustus case noted below. Factors underlying this estimated range of loss will change from time to time, and actual results may vary significantly from this estimate. Those matters for which the Company cannot reasonably estimate potential losses are not included within this estimated amount and, therefore, this estimated amount does not represent the Company’s maximum potential loss exposure.

The Company is a defendant in a number of lawsuits, including but not limited to the following lawsuits related to alleged violations of federal and/or state wage-and-hour laws or allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination or retaliation:

•

the consolidated cases of Augustus, Hall and Davis v. American Commercial Security Services (ACSS) filed July 12, 2005, in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County (the “Augustus case”);

•

Bojorquez v. ABM Industries Incorporated and ABM Janitorial Services—Northern California, Inc. filed on January 13, 2010, in the San Francisco Superior Court (the “Bojorquez case”); and

•

the consolidated cases of Bucio and Martinez v. ABM Janitorial Services filed on April 7, 2006, in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco ( the “Bucio case”).

Augustus

The Augustus case is a certified class action involving allegations that the Company violated certain state laws relating to rest breaks. On February 8, 2012, the plaintiffs filed a motion for summary judgment on the rest break claim, which sought damages in the amount of $103.1 million, and the Company filed a motion for decertification of the class. 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. On July 31, 2012, the Superior Court denied the Company’s motion and entered judgment in favor of plaintiffs in the amount of approximately $89.7 million. This amount did not include plaintiffs’ counsel’s fees. The Company filed a notice of appeal on August 29, 2012. The plaintiffs have filed three separate motions for attorneys’ fees, all of which are included in the range of loss for all reasonably possible losses noted above. One motion seeks attorneys’ fees from the common fund. The common fund refers to the approximately $89.7 million judgment entered in favor of the plaintiffs. The other two motions seek attorneys’ fees from the Company in an aggregate amount of $11.7 million. On October 12, 2012, the Company filed oppositions to the two fee motions seeking attorney’s fees from the Company. The Company strongly disagrees with the decisions of the Superior Court, and firmly believes that it has complied with applicable law.

Bojorquez

The Company is a defendant in the Bojorquez case. 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 filed a notice of intent to appeal on October 11, 2012. On October 17, 2012, plaintiff filed an application for attorneys’ fees and costs with the San Francisco Superior Court seeking approximately $4.8 million in fees and expenses.

Bucio

The Bucio case is a purported class action involving allegations that the Company failed to track work time and provide breaks. On April 19, 2011, the trial court held a hearing on plaintiffs’ motion to certify the class. At the conclusion of that hearing, the trial court denied plaintiffs’ motion to certify the class. On May 11, 2011, the plaintiffs filed a motion to reconsider, which was denied. The plaintiffs have appealed the class certification issues. The trial court stayed the underlying lawsuit pending the decision in the appeal. On August 30, 2012, the plaintiffs filed their appellate brief on the class certification issues. The Company filed its responsive brief on November 15, 2012.

The Company expects to prevail in these ongoing cases. However, as litigation is inherently unpredictable, there can be no assurance in this regard. If the plaintiffs in one or more of these cases, or other cases, do prevail, the results may have a material effect on our financial position, or cash flows.

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 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 , and it is cooperating with the government’s investigation. 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.

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 commitments and contingencies.

+ References

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

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 440
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-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25287-109308

Reference 6: 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 7: 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

Preferred and Common Stock

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Preferred and Common Stock

13. PREFERRED AND COMMON STOCK

Treasury Stock

On September 5, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing up to $50 million in share repurchases. Under this repurchase program, the Company may purchase its common shares from time to time in open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions and the timing of repurchases will depend upon several factors, including market and business conditions. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without notice. No stock repurchases were made in the year ended October 31, 2012.

Preferred Stock

ABM is authorized to issue 500,000 shares of preferred stock. None of these preferred shares are currently issued.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity, comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, if any, including other comprehensive income (as applicable). Including, but not limited to: (1) balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings; (2) accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and total amount of comprehensive income; (3) amount and nature of changes in separate accounts, including the number of shares authorized and outstanding, number of shares issued upon exercise and conversion, and for other comprehensive income, the adjustments for reclassifications to net income; (4) rights and privileges of each class of stock authorized; (5) basis of treasury stock, if other than cost, and amounts paid and accounting treatment for treasury stock purchased significantly in excess of market; (6) dividends paid or payable per share and in the aggregate for each class of stock for each period presented; (7) dividend restrictions and accumulated preferred dividends in arrears (in aggregate and per share amount); (8) retained earnings appropriations or restrictions, such as dividend restrictions; (9) impact of change in accounting principle, initial adoption of new accounting principle and correction of an error in previously issued financial statements; (10) shares held in trust for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); (11) deferred compensation related to issuance of capital stock; (12) note received for issuance of stock; (13) unamortized discount on shares; (14) description, terms, and number of warrants or rights outstanding; (15) shares under subscription and subscription receivables, effective date of new retained earnings after quasi-reorganization and deficit eliminated by quasi-reorganization and, for a period of at least ten years after the effective date, the point in time from which the new retained dates; and (16) retroactive effective of subsequent change in capital structure.

+ 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.(d),(e))
-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 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21484-112644

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.E)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6228006&loc=d3e74512-122707

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21488-112644

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29-31)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Section S99
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.C)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187143-122770

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 8: 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 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6405834&loc=d3e23285-112656

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Preferred Stock
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521494

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Section 50
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21564-112644

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Section B
-Paragraph 7, 11A
-Chapter 1
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-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 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 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 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph d
-Article 4

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29, 30, 31
-Article 5

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section E

Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Article 4

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

Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

+ Details

Share-Based Compensation Plans

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Share-Based Compensation Plans

14. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

Compensation expense and related income tax benefit in connection with the Company’s share-based compensation plans for the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:


Years Ended October 31,	2012			2011			2010
(in thousands)
Share-based compensation expense recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses before income taxes	$	10,236		$	9,191		$	4,071
Income tax benefit		(4,247	)		(3,805	)		(1,691	)

	$	5,989		$	5,386		$	2,380

The total shares issued upon the exercise of options under all share-based compensation plans was 967,123, 570,425 and 850,855 during the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The total intrinsic value of the shares exercised was $9.8 million, $6.7 million and $8.4 million for the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The total fair value of shares that vested during the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $8.2 million, $2.4 million and $8.1 million, respectively.

The Company has various stock option and stock award plans which provide or provided for the issuance of one or more of the following to key employees and directors: nonqualified stock options, RSUs and performance shares. The Company’s share-based compensation and employee stock purchase plans are described below.

Share-Based Compensation Plans

2006 Equity Incentive Plan

On May 2, 2006, stockholders of the Company approved the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Equity Plan”). The 2006 Equity Plan was amended in March 2009 and 2012 to increase the total shares of common stock authorized for issuance to 10,279,265. At October 31, 2012, 2,420,058 shares of common stock were available for grant for future equity-based compensation awards under the plan.

Prior to the adoption of the 2006 Equity Plan, equity awards were made under the Time-Vested Incentive Stock Option Plan (the “Time-Vested Plan”), the 1996 Price-Vested Performance Stock Option Plan (the “1996 Price-Vested Plan”), and the 2002 Price-Vested Performance Stock Option Plan (the “2002 Price-Vested Plan” and the Executive Stock Option Plan, collectively with the Time-Vested Plan, the 1996 Price-Vested Plan and the 2002 Price-Vested Plan, the “Prior Plans”). No further grants can be made under the Prior Plans.

The terms and conditions governing existing options under the Prior Plans will continue to apply to the options outstanding under those plans. The 2006 Equity Plan is an omnibus plan that provides for a variety of equity and equity-based award vehicles, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, RSUs, performance shares, and other share-based awards. Shares subject to awards that terminate without vesting or exercise are available for future awards under the 2006 Equity Plan. Certain of the awards under the 2006 Equity Plan may qualify as “performance-based” compensation under the Internal Revenue Code.

The status of the stock options, RSUs and performance shares granted under the 2006 Equity Plan as of October 31, 2012 is summarized below.

Stock Options

Compensation expense for stock options is determined based on the grant date fair value of the award calculated using the Black-Scholes options-pricing model. Issued nonqualified stock options generally vest and become exercisable at a rate of 25% per year beginning one year after date of grant. However, terms of stock options can vary, and certain stock options granted on March 31, 2010 and January 10, 2011 will vest on the fifth anniversary of the award. Options expire seven years after the date of grant. Forfeitures are estimated on the date of grant based on historical forfeiture rates. The adjustment of the forfeiture rate may result in a cumulative adjustment in any period in which the forfeiture rate estimate is changed.

Stock option activity in the year ended October 31, 2012 is summarized below:


	Number of Shares (in thousands)			Weighted- Average Exercise Price per Share		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Outstanding at October 31, 2011		1,676		$	20.91
Granted		231			18.31
Forfeitures		(110	)		20.62
Exercised		(104	)		19.23

Outstanding at October 31, 2012		1,693		$	20.68		4.39	$	285

Vested and exercisable at October 31, 2012		712		$	20.27		2.86	$	98

Total unrecognized share-based compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related to unvested stock option awards at October 31, 2012 was $4.3 million. The cost is expected to be expensed ratably over a weighted-average vesting period of 2.29 years.

The assumptions used in the option valuation model for the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are shown in the table below:

2012

2011

2010

Expected life from the date of grant ⁽¹⁾

5.6 years

Expected stock price volatility ⁽²⁾

41.6%

39.2% – 40.4%

38.5% – 39.0%

Expected dividend yield ⁽³⁾

3.0%

2.3% – 2.6%

2.6% – 2.7%

Risk-free interest rate ⁽⁴⁾

0.8%

1.0% – 2.1%

1.7% – 2.6%

Weighted average fair value of option grants

5.25

6.52

6.37

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

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

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

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

RSUs and Dividend Equivalent Rights

The Company awards RSUs to eligible employees and the Company’s directors (each, a “Grantee”) that entitle the Grantee to receive shares of the Company’s common stock as the units vest based on service. In general, the receipt of RSUs is subject to the Grantee’s continuing employment. RSUs granted to eligible employees generally vest with respect to 50% of the underlying award on the second and fourth anniversary of the award. RSUs granted to directors vest over three years. Compensation expense is recognized ratably over the Grantee’s service period.

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

RSU activity in the year ended October 31, 2012 is summarized below:


	Number of Shares (in thousands)			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Outstanding at October 31, 2011		1,107		$	20.38
Granted		430			18.77
Issued (including 63 shares withheld for income taxes)		(224	)		20.68
Forfeited		(82	)		20.55

Outstanding at October 31, 2012		1,231		$	19.74

Vested at October 31, 2012		224		$	20.68

Total unrecognized compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related to RSUs at October 31, 2012 was $14.7 million. The cost is expected to be expensed ratably over a weighted-average vesting period of 2.18 years. The aggregate intrinsic value of the outstanding and vested RSUs as of October 31, 2012 was $23.4 million and $4.6 million, respectively.

Performance Shares

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

Performance share activity in the year ended October 31, 2012 is summarized below:


	Number of Shares (in thousands)			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Outstanding at October 31, 2011		592		$	21.74
Granted		288			23.16
Issued (including 43 shares withheld for income taxes)		(122	)		18.00
Change in units based on performance		(27	)		23.32
Forfeited		(33	)		22.68

Outstanding at October 31, 2012		698		$	22.99

Vested at October 31, 2012		122		$	17.90

Total unrecognized compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related to performance shares at October 31, 2012 was $7.2 million. The cost is expected to be expensed ratably over a weighted-average vesting period of 1.41 years. These costs are based on estimated achievement of performance targets and estimated costs will be reevaluated periodically. The aggregate intrinsic value of the outstanding and vested performance shares as of October 31, 2012 was $13.3 million and $2.3 million, respectively.

During the year ended October 31, 2010, the Company determined that the financial performance targets, which were established in connection with certain performance share grants, were no longer probable of achievement. As a result, the Company reversed approximately $3.4 million ($2.0 million, net of taxes) of previously recorded share-based compensation expense. This adjustment was recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Prior Plans

Time-Vested Plan

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

1996 and 2002 Price-Vested Plans

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

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

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

The combined plan activity for the Time-Vested, Price-Vested and Age-Vested Plans in the year ended October 31, 2012 is summarized below:


	Number of Shares (in thousands)			Weighted- Average Exercise Price per Share		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Outstanding at October 31, 2011		1,650		$	13.70 – $18.79
Exercised		(517	)		15.29 – 17.15
Forfeited or expired		(16	)		5.63 – 19.76

Outstanding at October 31, 2012		1,117		$	13.80 – $19.61		2.30 – 41.75	$	2,354

Vested and exercisable at October 31, 2012		849		$	11.36 – $19.61		2.30 – 42.30	$	1,156

As of October 31, 2012, all outstanding shares under the Time-Vested and Price-Vested Plans are vested and exercisable.

Total unrecognized compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related to unvested stock options under the Age-Vested Plan at October 31, 2012 was $0.4 million. The cost is expected to be expensed ratably over a weighted-average vesting period of 7.26 years.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

On March 9, 2004, the stockholders of the Company approved the 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan”). The 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan was amended in March 2010 to increase the total shares of common stock authorized for issuance to 3,000,000. Effective May 1, 2006, the plan is no longer considered compensatory and the values of the awards are no longer treated as share-based compensation expense. Additionally, as of this date, the purchase price became 95% of the fair value of the Company’s common stock price on the last trading day of the month. Employees may designate up to 10% of their compensation for the purchase of stock, subject to a $25,000 annual limit. Employees are required to hold their shares for a minimum of six months from the date of purchase.

The weighted average fair values of the purchase rights granted in the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 under the new plan were $1.05, $1.16 and $1.03, respectively. During the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, 200,108, 165,455 and 190,340 shares of stock were issued under the plan at a weighted average price of $19.93, $22.02 and $19.65, respectively. The aggregate purchases in the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $4.0 million, $3.6 million and $3.7 million, respectively. At October 31, 2012, 737,271 shares remained unissued under the plan.

- Definition

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

+ References

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

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 40
-Section 50
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6418621&loc=d3e17540-113929

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901

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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5444-113901

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 14

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph 64, 65, A240
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 93-6
-Paragraph 53
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Income Taxes

15. INCOME TAXES

The income taxes provision for continuing operations consists of the following components for each of the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:


(in thousands)	2012			2011		2010
Current
Federal	$	9,700		$	5,539	$	14,394
State		10,459			7,147		8,072
Foreign		—			67		83
Deferred
Federal		11,047			21,642		17,341
State		(1,275	)		2,585		319
Foreign		—			—		(6	)

	$	29,931		$	36,980	$	40,203

Income tax expense attributable to income from continuing operations differs from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. statutory rates to pre-tax income from continuing operations as a result of the following for the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:


	2012			2011			2010
Statutory rate		35.0	%		35.0	%		35.0	%
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit		6.5	%		6.3	%		6.5	%
Federal and state tax credits		(5.5	)%		(5.1	)%		(4.6	)%
Impact of change in state tax rate		1.2	%		(0.4	)%		(0.1	)%
Tax liabilities no longer required		(7.2	)%		(4.0	)%		(0.5	)%
Nondeductible expenses and other, net		2.3	%		3.2	%		2.3	%

		32.3	%		35.0	%		38.6	%

The effective tax rate for the year ended October 31, 2012 is lower than the effective tax rate for the year ended October 31, 2011, primarily due to net nonrecurring favorable federal and state tax benefits recorded in the year ended October 31, 2012. These tax benefits included a $6.9 million re-measurement of certain unrecognized tax benefits and $1.9 million of additional employment based tax credits. Additionally, the effective tax rate decrease for the current year was offset by the expiration of employment based tax credits as of December 31, 2011 and an increase in certain state tax rates in jurisdictions where the Company operates.

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

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at October 31, 2012 and 2011 are presented below:


(in thousands)	2012			2011
Deferred tax assets:
Self-insurance claims (net of recoverables)	$	109,516		$	103,125
Deferred and other compensation		30,221			28,897
Accounts receivable allowances		3,967			3,822
Settlement liabilities		3,288			1,999
State taxes		727			908
Federal net operating loss carryforwards		—			15,485
State net operating loss carryforwards		8,596			8,348
Tax credits		7,802			6,480
Other		7,758			8,220

		171,875			177,284
Less: Valuation allowance		6,026			5,784

Total deferred tax assets		165,849			171,500

Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment		(2,767	)		(8,579	)
Goodwill and other acquired intangibles		(101,801	)		(91,408	)

Total deferred tax liabilities		(104,568	)		(99,987	)

Net deferred tax assets	$	61,281		$	71,513

State net operating loss carryforwards will expire between the years 2013 and 2032.

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

Changes to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance for the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:


(in thousands)	2012		2011			2010
Valuation allowance at the beginning of the year	$	5,784	$	6,290		$	6,147
Acquisition of Linc		—		290			—
Other, net		242		(796	)		143

Valuation allowance at the end of the year	$	6,026	$	5,784		$	6,290

In the year ended October 31, 2012, the valuation allowance increased through an increase of the tax provision by $0.5 million for state net operating losses that were not expected to be ultimately realized and decreased by $0.3 million on the write-off of acquired federal net operating loss carryforwards of a liquidated subsidiary. In the year ended October 31, 2011, the valuation allowance decreased through a reduction of the tax provision by $0.8 million for state net operating losses that became more-likely-than-not realizable based on updated assessments of future taxable income and increased by a goodwill adjustment of $0.3 million as a result of the acquisition of Linc. In the year ended October 31, 2010, $0.1 million of the increase in valuation allowance was charged to income tax expense for deferred tax assets that were not expected to be ultimately realized.

At October 31, 2012, we had unrecognized tax benefits of $88.4 million, all of which, if recognized in the future, would impact the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company includes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of October 31, 2012, the Company had accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions of $1.1 million. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:


(in thousands)	2012			2011
Balance at beginning of year	$	95,956		$	101,681
Additions for tax positions related to the current year		590			760
Additions for tax positions related to prior years		865			—
Reductions for tax positions related to prior years		(7,328	)		(5,743	)
Reductions for expiration of statute of limitations		(66	)		(356	)
Settlements		(1,569	)		(386	)

Balance as of October 31	$	88,448		$	95,956

The Company’s major tax jurisdiction is the United States. The U.S. federal income tax returns for ABM, OneSource Services Inc., and Linc entities that are taxable as corporations remain open for examination for the periods ending October 31, 2006 through October 31, 2012, March 31, 2000 through November 14, 2007, and December 31, 2009 through December 31, 2010, respectively. The examination by the Internal Revenue Service for the tax years 2006-2008 was completed during the year. 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 2008-2012 remain open and subject to examination by the appropriate tax authorities. The Company is currently being examined by the state taxing authorities in Illinois, Utah, New Jersey, and by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The Company estimates that a decrease in unrecognized tax benefits of up to approximately $0.5 million is reasonably possible over the next 12 months.

- 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

+ Details

Segment Information

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Segment Information

16. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company has four reportable operating segments: Janitorial, Facility Solutions, Parking and Security. These reportable segments were determined based on the evaluation of business performance and allocation of resources by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”). While our CEO evaluates results in a number of different ways, the line of business management structure is the primary basis for the assessment of results.

The accounting policies for the segments are the same as those disclosed within the Company’s significant accounting policies. Management evaluates the performance of each operating segment based on its respective operating income results, which include the allocation of certain centrally incurred costs.

Included in Corporate expenses not allocated to segments, among other items are:

•

Certain CEO and other finance and human resource departmental costs

•

Certain information technology costs

•

Share based compensation costs

•

Certain legal costs and settlements

•

Current actuarial developments of self insurance reserves related to claims incurred in prior years

•

Direct acquisition costs

Financial information for each segment is summarized below.


	Years ended October 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2010
Revenues
Janitorial	$	2,394,344		$	2,380,195		$	2,306,098
Facility Solutions		924,415			899,381			382,629
Parking		615,132			615,679			469,398
Security		365,926			350,377			336,249
Corporate		448			1,210			1,373

		4,300,265			4,246,842			3,495,747

Operating profit
Janitorial		135,967			140,621			140,007
Facility Solutions		31,965			33,384			22,931
Parking		26,189			24,257			22,738
Security		7,835			7,968			7,487
Corporate		(105,390	)		(88,662	)		(84,324	)

Operating profit		96,566			117,568			108,839

Other-than-temporary impairment credit losses on auction rate security recognized in earnings		(313	)		—			(127	)
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net		6,395			3,915			—
Interest expense		(9,999	)		(15,805	)		(4,639	)

Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	92,649		$	105,678		$	104,073

During the year ended October 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 solutions services, building operation and maintenance, and bundled energy solutions services provided to its clients.

Included in Corporate expenses for the year ended October 31, 2011, is a net benefit of $2.7 million related to the settlement on May 17, 2011 of a dispute with the former owners of the acquired assets of Five Star Parking, Network Parking Company Ltd., and System Parking, Inc. (acquired by the Company in fiscal 2010). Such amount was recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as a reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses.


	Years ended October 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Total Assets *
Janitorial	$	863,831	$	859,318	$	902,541
Facility Solutions		464,729		469,807		68,710
Parking		153,593		149,052		145,801
Security		111,293		111,304		112,194
Corporate		275,406		287,909		313,772

	$	1,868,852	$	1,877,390	$	1,543,018

Depreciation and Amortization
Janitorial	$	18,010	$	19,035	$	18,356
Facility Solutions		13,731		15,214		549
Parking		3,512		3,644		2,797
Security		1,218		1,441		1,443
Corporate		14,426		13,324		13,170

	$	50,897	$	52,658	$	36,315

Capital Expenditures
Janitorial	$	12,367	$	10,048	$	12,503
Facility Solutions		851		1,280		79
Parking		2,219		2,023		1,265
Security		203		141		451
Corporate		12,412		8,632		9,644

	$	28,052	$	22,124	$	23,942

*	Excludes assets of discontinued operations of $0.4 million, $2.2 million and $5.7 million as of October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

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

+ Details

Subsequent Events

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Subsequent Events

17. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On November 1, 2012, the Company completed the acquisitions of Air Serv Corporation (“Air Serv”), HHA Services, Inc. (“HHA”) and Calvert-Jones Company, Inc. (“Calvert-Jones”).

The Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Air Serv, a provider of integrated facility solutions services for airlines and freight companies at airports throughout the United States and United Kingdom, for a cash purchase price of $157.5 million, subject to certain closing adjustments.

The Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of HHA, a provider of food and facility solutions services to hospitals, healthcare systems, long-term care facilities and retirement communities, for a cash purchase price of $34.0 million, subject to certain closing adjustments.

The Company acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Calvert-Jones, a provider of mechanical and energy efficient products and solutions in the Washington, D.C. area, for a cash purchase price of $6.3 million, subject to certain closing adjustments.

The Company used its Facility to fund these acquisitions. The accounting for these acquisitions was incomplete at the time the Financial Statements were issued. Accordingly, it is impracticable for the Company to make certain business combination disclosures such as the acquisition date fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, assets or liabilities arising from contingencies, the amount of goodwill and intangibles acquired, and the amount of goodwill expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

Quarterly Information (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Quarterly Information (Unaudited)

18. QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)


	Fiscal Quarter
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	First			Second			Third			Fourth
Year ended October 31, 2012
Revenues	$	1,073,785		$	1,057,244		$	1,079,235		$	1,090,001
Gross profit		107,365			109,328			107,607			121,585

Income from continuing operations		10,640			11,747			12,626			27,705
Loss from discontinued operations		(10	)		(35	)		(49	)		(42	)

Net income	$	10,630		$	11,712		$	12,577		$	27,663

Net income per common share—Basic
Income from continuing operations	$	0.20		$	0.22		$	0.23		$	0.50
Loss from discontinued operations		—			—			—			—

Net income per common share—Basic	$	0.20		$	0.22		$	0.23		$	0.50

Net income per common share—Diluted
Income from continuing operations	$	0.20		$	0.21		$	0.23		$	0.50
Loss from discontinued operations		—			—			—			—

Net income per common share—Diluted	$	0.20		$	0.21		$	0.23		$	0.50

Year ended October 31, 2011
Revenues	$	1,029,169		$	1,060,083		$	1,076,247		$	1,081,343
Gross profit		104,864			115,560			123,403			121,751

Income from continuing operations		8,405			14,200			27,911			18,182
Loss from discontinued operations		(15	)		(8	)		(36	)		(134	)

Net income	$	8,390		$	14,192		$	27,875		$	18,048

Net income per common share—Basic
Income from continuing operations	$	0.16		$	0.27		$	0.52		$	0.34
Loss from discontinued operations		—			—			—			—

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

Net income per common share—Diluted
Income from continuing operations	$	0.16		$	0.26		$	0.51		$	0.33
Loss from discontinued operations		—			—			—			—

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

- Definition

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

+ References + Details

Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

Revenue Recognition

Trade Accounts Receivable Allowances

Energy Savings Guarantees

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates

Insurance Reserves

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Investments in Auction Rate Securities

Property, Plant and Equipment


		Years
Computer equipment and software		3-5
Machinery and other equipment		3-5
Buildings		25-40
Furniture and fixtures		5
Transportation equipment		1.5-5

Acquisitions

Acquisitions. The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for acquired businesses, which requires, among other things, that most assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. The operating results generated by businesses acquired have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred. Any excess purchase price of acquired businesses over fair values attributed to underlying net tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets is recorded as goodwill.

Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill

Goodwill

Other Accrued Liabilities

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

Share-Based Compensation

Advertising Costs

Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Agencies

Income Taxes

Contingencies and Litigation

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment

Depreciation and amortization is determined for financial reporting purposes by using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:


		Years
Computer equipment and software		3-5
Machinery and other equipment		3-5
Buildings		25-40
Furniture and fixtures		5
Transportation equipment		1.5-5

Net Income Per Common Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Calculations of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share

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


	Years Ended October 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2012			2011			2010
Income from continuing operations	$	62,718		$	68,698		$	63,870
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of taxes		(136	)		(194	)		251

Net income	$	62,582		$	68,504		$	64,121

Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding—Basic		53,987			53,121			52,117
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options		277			468			446
Restricted stock units		369			293			261
Performance shares		281			221			84

Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding—Diluted		54,914			54,103			52,908

Net income per common share
Basic	$	1.16		$	1.29		$	1.23
Diluted	$	1.14		$	1.27		$	1.21

Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share

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


	Years Ended October 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Stock options		1,317		879		744
Restricted stock units		90		60		29
Performance shares		—		17		—

Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Preliminary Purchase Price and Related Allocations

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


(in thousands)
Purchase price:
Total cash consideration	$	5,667

Allocated to:
Cash	$	160
Other intangible assets		2,200
Software technology		2,100
Goodwill		1,937
Other assets		1,199
Accrued liabilities and other		(1,929	)

Net assets acquired	$	5,667

Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information

The unaudited pro forma financial information for the year ended October 31, 2011 noted below has not been provided since the amounts are not significantly different from actual results.


(in thousands, except per share data)	Year ended October 31, 2010
Revenues	$	4,062,610
Operating profit		111,788
Net income	$	62,109
Net income per common share
Basic	$	1.19
Diluted	$	1.17

Linc

Final Purchase Price and Related Allocations

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


(in thousands)
Purchase price:
Total cash consideration	$	298,720

Allocated to:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	8,467
Trade accounts receivable		86,277
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		7,494
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates		12,645
Property, plant and equipment		9,462
Other intangible assets		87,000
Other assets		24,837
Goodwill		154,487
Trade accounts payable		(38,541	)
Accrued liabilities		(25,888	)
Insurance claims		(4,161	)
Non-current liabilities		(23,359	)

Net assets acquired	$	298,720

Diversco

Final Purchase Price and Related Allocations

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


(in thousands)
Purchase price:
Total cash consideration	$	30,390

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

Net assets acquired	$	30,390

L&R Group

Final Purchase Price and Related Allocations

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


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

Total consideration	$	34,664

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

Net assets acquired	$	34,664

- Definition

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

+ References + Details

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Fair Value Measurements


			October 31, 2012				October 31, 2011
(in thousands)	Fair Value Hierarchy		Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan		1	$	5,029	$	5,029	$	4,717	$	4,717
Investments in auction rate securities		3		17,780		17,780		15,670		15,670

				22,809		22,809		20,387		20,387

Other select financial asset
Cash and cash equivalents		1		43,459		43,459		26,467		26,467

Total			$	66,268	$	66,268	$	46,854	$	46,854

Financial liability measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Interest rate swap		2	$	214	$	214	$	253	$	253
Other select financial liability
Line of credit		2		215,000		215,000		300,000		300,000

Total			$	215,214	$	215,214	$	300,253	$	300,253

Auction Rate Securities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 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 October 31, 2012 and 2011:


Assumption	October 31, 2012	October 31, 2011
Discount rates	L + 1.37% - L + 6.86%	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 tables present the changes in the cost basis and fair value of the Company’s auction rate securities for the years ended October 31, 2012 and 2011:


(in thousands)	Cost Basis			Fair Value (Level 3)
Balance at November 1, 2011	$	18,307		$	15,670
Unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss		—			2,110
Other-than-temporary credit loss recognized in earnings		(313	)		—

Balance at October 31, 2012	$	17,994		$	17,780


(in thousands)	Cost Basis			Fair Value (Level 3)
Balance at November 1, 2010	$	23,307		$	20,171
Unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss		—			499
Redemption of security by issuer		(5,000	)		(5,000	)

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

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment at October 31, 2012 and 2011 consisted of the following:


(in thousands)	2012		2011
Computer equipment and software	$	73,309	$	77,585
Machinery and other equipment		49,236		45,131
Leasehold improvements		20,266		17,176
Buildings		12,046		5,319
Furniture and fixtures		8,355		8,149
Transportation equipment		2,907		3,561
Land		1,561		907

		167,680		157,828
Less: Accumulated depreciation		107,771		97,819

Total	$	59,909	$	60,009

Goodwill and Other Intangibles Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Changes in Carrying Amounts of Goodwill by Segment

The following table shows the changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment:


(in thousands)	Janitorial		Facility Solutions			Parking		Security		Total
Balance at October 31, 2010 ⁽¹⁾	$	468,476	$	6,401		$	69,168	$	49,938	$	593,983
Acquisitions ⁽²⁾		—		156,134			—		—		156,134
Contingent Amounts and Other		755		—			—		—		755

Balance at October 31, 2011	$	469,231	$	162,535		$	69,168	$	49,938	$	750,872
Acquisitions ⁽²⁾		—		1,937			—		—		1,937
Contingent Amounts and Other		448		(1,647	)		—		—		(1,199	)

Balance at October 31, 2012	$	469,679	$	162,825		$	69,168	$	49,938	$	751,610

(1)

(2)	Refer to Note 4, “Acquisitions”, for additional discussions regarding acquisitions the Company made in the years ended October 31, 2012 and 2011.

Other Intangible Assets, Net

Other intangible assets, net at October 31, 2012 and 2011 consisted of the following:


(in thousands)	Customer contracts and relationships			Trademarks and trade names			Contract rights and other			Total
As of October 31, 2012
Other intangible assets, gross	$	201,922		$	5,250		$	2,146		$	209,318
Accumulated amortization		(94,150	)		(4,428	)		(1,602	)		(100,180	)

Other intangible assets, net	$	107,772		$	822		$	544		$	109,138


(in thousands)	Customer contracts and relationships			Trademarks and trade names			Contract rights and other			Total
As of October 31, 2011
Other intangible assets, gross	$	199,822		$	5,150		$	2,691		$	207,663
Accumulated amortization		(72,607	)		(4,224	)		(1,838	)		(78,669	)

Other intangible assets, net	$	127,215		$	926		$	853		$	128,994

Estimated Annual Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets


	Weighted average remaining lives (Years)
	Customer contracts and relationships		Trademarks and trade names		Contract rights and other		Total
October 31, 2012		10.6		4.3		2.4		10.6


	Estimated Amortization Expense
(in thousands)	Customer contracts and relationships		Trademarks and trade names		Contract rights and other		Total
Years ending:
October 31, 2013	$	19,434	$	150	$	214	$	19,798
October 31, 2014		17,311		150		173		17,634
October 31, 2015		15,224		150		27		15,401
October 31, 2016		13,152		150		27		13,329
October 31, 2017		11,185		86		27		11,298

Total	$	76,306	$	686	$	468	$	77,460

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of goodwill by reportable segment and in total which includes a rollforward schedule.

+ References + Details

Insurance (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Standby Letters of Credit, Surety Bonds and Restricted Insurance Deposits Outstanding to Ccollateralize Self-Insurance Obligations

The Company had the following standby letters of credit, surety bonds and restricted insurance deposits outstanding at October 31, 2012 and 2011, to collateralize its self-insurance obligations.


(in thousands)	October 31,
	2012		2011
Standby Letters of Credit	$	104,968	$	96,776
Surety Bonds		34,933		30,929
Restricted Insurance Deposits		31,720		35,974

Total	$	171,621	$	163,679

Line Of Credit (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Effect Of Company's Interest Rate Swap

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


(in thousands)	Amount of loss recognized in AOCI on derivative (effective portion)
	Years Ended October 31,
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging relationships	2012			2011
Interest rate swap	$	(125	)	$	(245	)

(in thousands)	Amount of loss reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)
	October 31,
Location of loss reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)	2012			2011
Interest expense	$	(164	)	$	(436	)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

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

The significant components of the above mentioned plans as of and for the years ended October 31, 2012 and 2011 are summarized as follows:


	Defined Benefit Plans at October 31,						Post-Retirement Benefit Plan at October 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	12,075		$	12,018		$	5,595		$	5,297
Service cost		48			46			12			13
Interest cost		495			569			246			256
Actuarial loss		1,233			944			322			329
Benefits and expenses paid		(1,137	)		(1,502	)		(339	)		(300	)

Benefit obligation at end of year	$	12,714		$	12,075		$	5,836		$	5,595

Change in Plan Assets*
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	5,917		$	5,589		$	—		$	—
Actual return on plan assets		384			176			—			—
Employer contributions		1,490			1,654			339			300
Benefits and expenses paid		(1,137	)		(1,502	)		(339	)		(300	)

Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	6,654		$	5,917		$	—		$	—

Unfunded status at end of year	$	(6,060	)	$	(6,158	)	$	(5,836	)	$	(5,595	)

Current liabilities	$	(1,288	)	$	(1,001	)	$	(250	)	$	(301	)
Non-current liabilities		(4,772	)		(5,157	)		(5,586	)		(5,294	)

Net obligation	$	(6,060	)	$	(6,158	)	$	(5,836	)	$	(5,595	)

Total affecting retained earnings	$	(2,535	)	$	(3,765	)	$	(5,232	)	$	(5,315	)
Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income		(3,525	)		(2,393	)		(604	)		(280	)

Net obligation	$	(6,060	)	$	(6,158	)	$	(5,836	)	$	(5,595	)

*	Amounts relate to the OneSource Pension Plan which is the only Company funded defined benefit pension plan.

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

The components of net periodic benefit cost of the defined benefit and other post-retirement benefit plans for the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:


(in thousands)	2012			2011			2010
Defined Benefit Plans
Service cost	$	48		$	46		$	44
Interest		495			569			592
Expected return on assets		(486	)		(373	)		(399	)
Amortization of actuarial loss		97			114			66
Settlement loss recognized		107			126			91

Net expense	$	261		$	482		$	394

Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Service cost	$	12		$	13		$	15
Interest		246			256			281

Net expense	$	258		$	269		$	296

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

The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost for the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:

Defined Benefit Plans

Post-Retirement Benefit Plan

Assumptions to measure

net periodic cost

2012

2011

2010

2012

2011

2010

Discount rate

4.12% – 4.51%

4.50% – 4.98%

5.50%

4.04% – 4.56%

4.31% – 5.02%

5.50%

Rate of health care cost increase

N/A*

4.50% – 7.80%

4.50% – 8.00%

5.50%

Rate of compensation increase

3.50%

Rate of return on plan assets

6.00%

8.00%

N/A*

Assumptions to measure
obligation at year end

Discount rate

2.84% – 3.50%

4.12% – 4.51%

4.50% – 4.98%

3.15% – 3.58%

4.04% – 4.56%

4.31% – 5.02%

*	Not Applicable

Expected Future Benefit Payments


(in thousands)	Defined Benefit Plans		Post-Retirement Benefit Plan
2013	$	1,288	$	250
2014		846		265
2015		906		279
2016		754		293
2017		709		307
2018 through 2022	$	3,930	$	1,705

Pension Plans

For plans that are not individually significant to us, the total amount of contributions is presented in the aggregate.

(in thousands)

Pension Protection Act

Zone Status

FIP/RP Status

Contributions by the Company

Expiration
Dates of
Collective
Bargaining
Agreements

Pension Fund

EIN/PN

2012

2011

Pending/

Implemented

2012

2011

2010

Surcharge
Imposed

Building Service 32BJ Pension Fund

13-1879376 /

001

Red

6/30/2011

Yellow 6/30/2010

Implemented

14,439

13,720

12,065

Yes

4/20/2014 and 12/31/2015

Central pension fund of the IUOE & Participating Employers

36-6052390 /

001

Green

1/31/2012

Green 1/31/2011

N/A*

9,176

8,339

7,631

N/A*

2/28/2013 –9/30/2015

Local 25 SEIU & Participating Employers Pension Trust

36-6486542 /

001

Green

9/30/2011

Green

9/30/2010

N/A*

7,453

7,059

6,137

N/A*

4/5/2015

IUOE Stationary Engineers Local 39 Pension Fund

94-6118939 /

001

Green 12/31/2011

Red

12/31/2010

Implemented

5,342

6,972

6,723

8/31/2017

S.E.I.U. National Industry Pension Fund

52-6148540 /

001

Red

12/31/2011

Red

12/31/2010

Implemented

3,136

2,929

2,678

Yes

6/30/2016

Local 68 Engineers Union Pension Plan

51-0176618 /

001

Green 6/30/2011

Red 6/30/2010

N/A*

3,426

3,435

3,671

8/31/2014

Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, District 36 Building Operators Pension Trust Fund

23-6546776 /

001

Yellow

12/31/2012

Yellow

12/31/2011

Implemented

2,175

2,414

2,297

N/A*

10/15/2015

IUOE Local 30 Pension Fund

51-6045848 /

001

Green 12/31/2011

Green

12/31/2010

N/A*

1,459

1,230

1,127

N/A*

2/28/2014

Other Plans

12,948

11,782

7,448

Total Contributions

59,554

57,880

49,777

*	Not applicable

The Company was listed in the Forms 5500 of the following plans as providing more than 5 percent of total contributions for the plan years presented below.


Pension Fund		Contributions to the plan exceeded more than 5% of total contributions (as of the Plan’s year end)
Building Service 32BJ Pension Fund		6/30/2011
Local 25 SEIU & Participating Employers Pension Trust		9/30/2011 and 9/30/2010
IUOE Stationary Engineers Local 39 Pension Fund		12/31/2011 and 12/31/2010
Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, District 36 Building Operators Pension Trust Fund		12/31/2011 and 12/31/2010
IUOE Local 30 Pension Fund		12/31/2011 and 12/31/2010

Plan Assets

Summary of OneSource Pension Plan


	October 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,716	$	1,276
Equity
Large-Cap Growth		1,260		1,090
Large-Cap Value		727		1,090
Small/Mid-Cap Growth		334		140
Small/Mid-Cap Value		163		140
International Equity		558		464
Equities Blend		53		—
Fixed Income
Long-Term Bond		777		157
Intermediate Bond		503		789
Short-Term Bond		541		771
Fixed Income Blend		16		—
Other		6		—

	$	6,654	$	5,917

Target Allocation and Asset Allocation

Summary of OneSource Pension Plan

The target allocation ranges and asset allocations for the year ended October 31, 2012 were:


	Target Allocation		Percentage of Plan Assets
Asset Category	2012		2012
U.S. Equity		43%-63%		55	%
Fixed Income		27%-47%		37	%
International Equity		0% - 20%		8	%

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Future Minimum Lease Commitments

As of October 31, 2012, future minimum lease commitments (excluding contingent rentals) under non-cancelable operating leases for the fiscal years ending October 31 are as follows:


(in thousands)
2013	$	69,069
2014		54,261
2015		33,135
2016		19,983
2017		14,629
Thereafter		27,758

Total minimum lease commitments	$	218,835

Rental Expense for Continuing Operations

Rental expense for continuing operations for the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was as follows:


(in thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Minimum rentals	$	123,212	$	101,640	$	69,571
Contingent rentals		10,760		31,767		36,631

Total	$	133,972	$	133,407	$	106,202

Future Commitments Related to Other Commitments

As of October 31, 2012, future commitments related to these agreements for succeeding fiscal years were as follows:


(in thousands)
2013	$	5,671
2014		1,937
2015		133
2016		—
2017		—
Thereafter		—

Total	$	7,741

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Compensation Expense and Related Income Tax Benefit in Connection with Share-Based Compensation Plans

Compensation expense and related income tax benefit in connection with the Company’s share-based compensation plans for the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:


Years Ended October 31,	2012			2011			2010
(in thousands)
Share-based compensation expense recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses before income taxes	$	10,236		$	9,191		$	4,071
Income tax benefit		(4,247	)		(3,805	)		(1,691	)

	$	5,989		$	5,386		$	2,380

Assumptions Used in Option Valuation Model

The assumptions used in the option valuation model for the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are shown in the table below:

2012

2011

2010

Expected life from the date of grant ⁽¹⁾

5.6 years

Expected stock price volatility ⁽²⁾

41.6%

39.2% – 40.4%

38.5% – 39.0%

Expected dividend yield ⁽³⁾

3.0%

2.3% – 2.6%

2.6% – 2.7%

Risk-free interest rate ⁽⁴⁾

0.8%

1.0% – 2.1%

1.7% – 2.6%

Weighted average fair value of option grants

5.25

6.52

6.37

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

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

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

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

RSU Activity

RSU activity in the year ended October 31, 2012 is summarized below:


	Number of Shares (in thousands)			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Outstanding at October 31, 2011		1,107		$	20.38
Granted		430			18.77
Issued (including 63 shares withheld for income taxes)		(224	)		20.68
Forfeited		(82	)		20.55

Outstanding at October 31, 2012		1,231		$	19.74

Vested at October 31, 2012		224		$	20.68

Performance Share Activity

Performance share activity in the year ended October 31, 2012 is summarized below:


	Number of Shares (in thousands)			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Outstanding at October 31, 2011		592		$	21.74
Granted		288			23.16
Issued (including 43 shares withheld for income taxes)		(122	)		18.00
Change in units based on performance		(27	)		23.32
Forfeited		(33	)		22.68

Outstanding at October 31, 2012		698		$	22.99

Vested at October 31, 2012		122		$	17.90

Employee Stock Options

Stock Option Activity

Stock option activity in the year ended October 31, 2012 is summarized below:


	Number of Shares (in thousands)			Weighted- Average Exercise Price per Share		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Outstanding at October 31, 2011		1,676		$	20.91
Granted		231			18.31
Forfeitures		(110	)		20.62
Exercised		(104	)		19.23

Outstanding at October 31, 2012		1,693		$	20.68		4.39	$	285

Vested and exercisable at October 31, 2012		712		$	20.27		2.86	$	98

Time Vested, Price Vested, Age Vested

Stock Option Activity

The combined plan activity for the Time-Vested, Price-Vested and Age-Vested Plans in the year ended October 31, 2012 is summarized below:


	Number of Shares (in thousands)			Weighted- Average Exercise Price per Share		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Outstanding at October 31, 2011		1,650		$	13.70 – $18.79
Exercised		(517	)		15.29 – 17.15
Forfeited or expired		(16	)		5.63 – 19.76

Outstanding at October 31, 2012		1,117		$	13.80 – $19.61		2.30 – 41.75	$	2,354

Vested and exercisable at October 31, 2012		849		$	11.36 – $19.61		2.30 – 42.30	$	1,156

- Definition

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

+ References + Details

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Income Taxes Provision for Continuing Operations

The income taxes provision for continuing operations consists of the following components for each of the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:


(in thousands)	2012			2011		2010
Current
Federal	$	9,700		$	5,539	$	14,394
State		10,459			7,147		8,072
Foreign		—			67		83
Deferred
Federal		11,047			21,642		17,341
State		(1,275	)		2,585		319
Foreign		—			—		(6	)

	$	29,931		$	36,980	$	40,203

Income Tax Expense Attributable to Income from Continuing Operations


	2012			2011			2010
Statutory rate		35.0	%		35.0	%		35.0	%
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit		6.5	%		6.3	%		6.5	%
Federal and state tax credits		(5.5	)%		(5.1	)%		(4.6	)%
Impact of change in state tax rate		1.2	%		(0.4	)%		(0.1	)%
Tax liabilities no longer required		(7.2	)%		(4.0	)%		(0.5	)%
Nondeductible expenses and other, net		2.3	%		3.2	%		2.3	%

		32.3	%		35.0	%		38.6	%

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

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at October 31, 2012 and 2011 are presented below:


(in thousands)	2012			2011
Deferred tax assets:
Self-insurance claims (net of recoverables)	$	109,516		$	103,125
Deferred and other compensation		30,221			28,897
Accounts receivable allowances		3,967			3,822
Settlement liabilities		3,288			1,999
State taxes		727			908
Federal net operating loss carryforwards		—			15,485
State net operating loss carryforwards		8,596			8,348
Tax credits		7,802			6,480
Other		7,758			8,220

		171,875			177,284
Less: Valuation allowance		6,026			5,784

Total deferred tax assets		165,849			171,500

Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment		(2,767	)		(8,579	)
Goodwill and other acquired intangibles		(101,801	)		(91,408	)

Total deferred tax liabilities		(104,568	)		(99,987	)

Net deferred tax assets	$	61,281		$	71,513

Changes to Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance

Changes to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance for the years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:


(in thousands)	2012		2011			2010
Valuation allowance at the beginning of the year	$	5,784	$	6,290		$	6,147
Acquisition of Linc		—		290			—
Other, net		242		(796	)		143

Valuation allowance at the end of the year	$	6,026	$	5,784		$	6,290

Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits

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


(in thousands)	2012			2011
Balance at beginning of year	$	95,956		$	101,681
Additions for tax positions related to the current year		590			760
Additions for tax positions related to prior years		865			—
Reductions for tax positions related to prior years		(7,328	)		(5,743	)
Reductions for expiration of statute of limitations		(66	)		(356	)
Settlements		(1,569	)		(386	)

Balance as of October 31	$	88,448		$	95,956

- Definition

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

+ References + Details

- Definition

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

+ References + Details

Segment Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Reportable Operating Segments

Financial information for each segment is summarized below.


	Years ended October 31,
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2010
Revenues
Janitorial	$	2,394,344		$	2,380,195		$	2,306,098
Facility Solutions		924,415			899,381			382,629
Parking		615,132			615,679			469,398
Security		365,926			350,377			336,249
Corporate		448			1,210			1,373

		4,300,265			4,246,842			3,495,747

Operating profit
Janitorial		135,967			140,621			140,007
Facility Solutions		31,965			33,384			22,931
Parking		26,189			24,257			22,738
Security		7,835			7,968			7,487
Corporate		(105,390	)		(88,662	)		(84,324	)

Operating profit		96,566			117,568			108,839

Other-than-temporary impairment credit losses on auction rate security recognized in earnings		(313	)		—			(127	)
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net		6,395			3,915			—
Interest expense		(9,999	)		(15,805	)		(4,639	)

Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	92,649		$	105,678		$	104,073

Summary of Reportable Operating Segments

Years ended October 31,
(in thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Total Assets *
Janitorial	$	863,831	$	859,318	$	902,541
Facility Solutions		464,729		469,807		68,710
Parking		153,593		149,052		145,801
Security		111,293		111,304		112,194
Corporate		275,406		287,909		313,772

	$	1,868,852	$	1,877,390	$	1,543,018

Depreciation and Amortization
Janitorial	$	18,010	$	19,035	$	18,356
Facility Solutions		13,731		15,214		549
Parking		3,512		3,644		2,797
Security		1,218		1,441		1,443
Corporate		14,426		13,324		13,170

	$	50,897	$	52,658	$	36,315

Capital Expenditures
Janitorial	$	12,367	$	10,048	$	12,503
Facility Solutions		851		1,280		79
Parking		2,219		2,023		1,265
Security		203		141		451
Corporate		12,412		8,632		9,644

	$	28,052	$	22,124	$	23,942

*	Excludes assets of discontinued operations of $0.4 million, $2.2 million and $5.7 million as of October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

- Definition

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

+ References + Details

Quarterly Information (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Quarterly Information


	Fiscal Quarter
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	First			Second			Third			Fourth
Year ended October 31, 2012
Revenues	$	1,073,785		$	1,057,244		$	1,079,235		$	1,090,001
Gross profit		107,365			109,328			107,607			121,585

Income from continuing operations		10,640			11,747			12,626			27,705
Loss from discontinued operations		(10	)		(35	)		(49	)		(42	)

Net income	$	10,630		$	11,712		$	12,577		$	27,663

Net income per common share—Basic
Income from continuing operations	$	0.20		$	0.22		$	0.23		$	0.50
Loss from discontinued operations		—			—			—			—

Net income per common share—Basic	$	0.20		$	0.22		$	0.23		$	0.50

Net income per common share—Diluted
Income from continuing operations	$	0.20		$	0.21		$	0.23		$	0.50
Loss from discontinued operations		—			—			—			—

Net income per common share—Diluted	$	0.20		$	0.21		$	0.23		$	0.50

Year ended October 31, 2011
Revenues	$	1,029,169		$	1,060,083		$	1,076,247		$	1,081,343
Gross profit		104,864			115,560			123,403			121,751

Income from continuing operations		8,405			14,200			27,911			18,182
Loss from discontinued operations		(15	)		(8	)		(36	)		(134	)

Net income	$	8,390		$	14,192		$	27,875		$	18,048

Net income per common share—Basic
Income from continuing operations	$	0.16		$	0.27		$	0.52		$	0.34
Loss from discontinued operations		—			—			—			—

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

Net income per common share—Diluted
Income from continuing operations	$	0.16		$	0.26		$	0.51		$	0.33
Loss from discontinued operations		—			—			—			—

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

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012 USD ($) Customer	Oct. 31, 2011 USD ($) Customer	Oct. 31, 2010 USD ($) Customer
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Additional information about Entity's	Equity investments in which the Company does not have control, but which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies (generally 20% to 50% ownership), are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.
Costs directly reimbursed from parking lot client	$ 305,700	$ 299,400	$ 231,500
Number of client accounted for more than 10% of consolidated revenues \| Customer	0	0	0
Total energy savings guarantees for certain customers	$ 45,600
Guarantee term for certain customers	Through 2026
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, net	$ 14,863	$ 14,423
Advertising expense	$ 2,600	$ 2,300	$ 800
Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership percentage	20.00%
Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership percentage	50.00%

Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012
Computer equipment and software \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	3 years
Computer equipment and software \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	5 years
Machinery and other equipment \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	3 years
Machinery and other equipment \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	5 years
Buildings \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	25 years
Buildings \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	40 years
Furnitures and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	5 years
Transportation equipment \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	1 year 6 months
Transportation equipment \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	5 years

Calculations of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations	$ 27,705	$ 12,626	$ 11,747	$ 10,640	$ 18,182	$ 27,911	$ 14,200	$ 8,405	$ 62,718	$ 68,698	$ 63,870
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(42)	(49)	(35)	(10)	(134)	(36)	(8)	(15)	(136)	(194)	251
Net income	$ 27,663	$ 12,577	$ 11,712	$ 10,630	$ 18,048	$ 27,875	$ 14,192	$ 8,390	$ 62,582	$ 68,504	$ 64,121
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding-Basic									53,987	53,121	52,117
Effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding-Diluted									54,914	54,103	52,908
Net income per common share
Basic	$ 0.50	$ 0.23	$ 0.22	$ 0.20	$ 0.34	$ 0.52	$ 0.27	$ 0.16	$ 1.16	$ 1.29	$ 1.23
Diluted	$ 0.50	$ 0.23	$ 0.21	$ 0.20	$ 0.33	$ 0.51	$ 0.26	$ 0.16	$ 1.14	$ 1.27	$ 1.21
Stock options
Effect of dilutive securities:
Effect of dilutive securities									277	468	446
Restricted stock units
Effect of dilutive securities:
Effect of dilutive securities									369	293	261
Performance shares
Effect of dilutive securities:
Effect of dilutive securities									281	221	84

Antidilutive Shares Excluded from Calculation of Net Income Per Common Share (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	1,317	879	744
Restricted stock units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	90	60	29
Performance shares
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount		17

- 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	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	May 31, 2012	Dec. 01, 2010	Oct. 01, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets									10 years 7 months 6 days
Revenues	$ 1,090,001	$ 1,079,235	$ 1,057,244	$ 1,073,785	$ 1,081,343	$ 1,076,247	$ 1,060,083	$ 1,029,169	$ 4,300,265	$ 4,246,842	$ 3,495,747
Operating profit									96,566	117,568	108,839
Goodwill and intangibles assets expected to be amortizable for income tax purposes	131,000								131,000
Contingent consideration payments related to acquisition	500								500
Janitorial
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues									2,394,344	2,380,195	2,306,098
Operating profit									135,967	140,621	140,007
Security
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues									365,926	350,377	336,249
Operating profit									$ 7,835	7,968	$ 7,487
Customer Contracts
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets									14 years
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, net
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets									10 years
Trademarks
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets									4 years
Customer contracts and relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets									10 years 7 months 6 days
TEGG
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition initial aggregate purchase price												$ 5,500
Business acquisition working capital adjustment	100								$ 100
Business acquisition indemnification hold back amount	500								500
Direct acquisition cost	200								200
Purchase price allocation goodwill												1,900
Revenues from acquired business									$ 3,900
Business acquisition aggregate purchase price												5,667
Purchase price allocated to goodwill												$ 1,937
TEGG \| Other Identifiable Intangibles \| Customer Contracts And Relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets									14 years
The Linc Group LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Direct acquisition cost													$ 5,200
Business acquisition aggregate purchase price													298,720
Revenues										512,900
Operating profit										$ 11,100
Purchase price allocated to intangible assets													87,000
Purchase price allocated to goodwill													$ 154,487
Diversco
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition initial aggregate purchase price															$ 30,600
Direct acquisition cost															200
Business acquisition aggregate purchase price															30,390
Goodwill and intangibles assets expected to be amortizable for income tax purposes															13,100
Purchase price allocated to intangible assets															10,800
Purchase price allocated to goodwill															13,106
Diversco \| Janitorial
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price allocated to intangible assets															9,200
Purchase price allocated to goodwill															11,100
Diversco \| Security
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price allocated to intangible assets															1,600
Purchase price allocated to goodwill															$ 2,000
Diversco \| Customer contracts and relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets									11 years
L&R Group
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition aggregate purchase price														$ 34,664
Goodwill and intangibles assets expected to be amortizable for income tax purposes	$ 30,200								$ 30,200
Purchase price allocated to intangible assets														6,200
Purchase price allocated to goodwill														30,160
Assets distributed as consideration														$ 164
L&R Group \| Customer Contracts
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets									11 years
L&R Group \| Favorable Leases and Other
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets									4 years
L&R Group \| Other Consumer Loans and Leases
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets									6 years
L&R Group \| Noncompete Agreements
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets									10 years

Preliminary Purchase Price and Related Allocations (Detail) - TEGG $ in Thousands	May 31, 2012 USD ($)
Purchase price:
Total cash consideration	$ 5,667
Allocated to:
Cash	160
Goodwill	1,937
Other assets	1,199
Accrued liabilities and other	(1,929)
Net assets acquired	5,667
Other Identifiable Intangibles
Allocated to:
Intangible assets other than goodwill	2,200
Software technology
Allocated to:
Intangible assets other than goodwill	$ 2,100

Final Purchase Price And Related Allocations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 01, 2010	Oct. 01, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010
The Linc Group LLC
Purchase price:
Total cash consideration	$ 298,720
Allocated to:
Cash and cash equivalents	8,467
Trade accounts receivable	86,277
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	7,494
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	12,645
Property, plant and equipment	9,462
Intangible assets (including favorable leases)	87,000
Other assets	24,837
Goodwill	154,487
Trade accounts payable	(38,541)
Accrued liabilities	(25,888)
Insurance claims	(4,161)
Non-current liabilities	(23,359)
Net assets acquired	$ 298,720
Diversco
Purchase price:
Total cash consideration			$ 30,390
Allocated to:
Cash and cash equivalents			2,758
Trade accounts receivable			9,884
Property, plant and equipment			3,063
Intangible assets (including favorable leases)			10,800
Other assets			1,244
Goodwill			13,106
Trade accounts payable			(1,327)
Accrued liabilities			(7,366)
Insurance claims			(1,322)
Other liabilities			(450)
Net assets acquired			$ 30,390
L&R Group
Purchase price:
Cash		$ 34,500
Fair value of assets distributed		164
Total cash consideration		34,664
Allocated to:
Property, plant and equipment		762
Intangible assets (including favorable leases)		6,200
Other assets		142
Goodwill		30,160
Unfavorable leases		(2,600)
Net assets acquired		$ 34,664

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

- Definition

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

+ References + Details

- Definition

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

+ References + Details

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan	$ 5,029	$ 4,717
Investments in auction rate securities	17,780	15,670
Total carrying amounts of Financial Assets	22,809	20,387
Cash and cash equivalents	43,459	26,467	$ 39,446	$ 34,153
Total Financial Assets	66,268	46,854
Interest rate swap	214	253
Line of credit	215,000	300,000
Total Financial Liabilities	215,214	300,253
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Total Fair Value of Financial Assets	22,809	20,387
Total Fair Value of Other Financial Assets	66,268	46,854
Total Fair Value of Financial Liabilities	215,214	300,253
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan	5,029	4,717
Cash and cash equivalents	43,459	26,467
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Investments in auction rate securities	17,780	15,670
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Interest rate swap	214	253
Line of credit	$ 215,000	$ 300,000

Auction Rate Securities - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 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
Investments in auction rate securities	$ 20,000
Interest rate revising interval	30 days
Auction rate securities, earliest maturity period	2033
Auction rate securities, latest maturity period	2050
Investments in auction rate securities, estimated fair value	$ 17,780	$ 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, fair value	7,800
Other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) credit loss recognized	300
Unrealized losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax	200	2,600
Unrealized losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	100	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	10,000	$ 5,000
Single Issuer Investment
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in auction rate securities	$ 5,000

Significant Assumptions Used to Determine Fair Value of Auction Rate Securities (Detail) - yr	Oct. 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	1.37%	3.21%
Yields	2.00%	2.00%
Average expected lives	4	4
Maximum
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Discount rates	6.86%	17.50%
Yields	3.50%	3.50%
Average expected lives	10	10

Changes in Cost Basis and Fair Value of Auction Rate Securities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 15,670
Balance at ending of year	17,780	$ 15,670
Cost Basis \| Auction Rate Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	18,307	23,307
Other-than-temporary credit loss recognized in earnings	(313)
Redemption of security by issuer		(5,000)
Balance at ending of year	17,994	18,307
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 \| Auction Rate Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	15,670	20,171
Unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss	2,110	499
Redemption of security by issuer		(5,000)
Balance at ending of year	$ 17,780	$ 15,670

- 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

Property, Plant And Equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Computer equipment and software	$ 73,309	$ 77,585
Machinery and other equipment	49,236	45,131
Leasehold improvements	20,266	17,176
Buildings	12,046	5,319
Furniture and fixtures	8,355	8,149
Transportation equipment	2,907	3,561
Land	1,561	907
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	167,680	157,828
Less: Accumulated depreciation	107,771	97,819
Total	$ 59,909	$ 60,009

Property, Plant And Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment	$ 29.4	$ 29.4	$ 24.9

Changes in Carrying Amounts of Goodwill by Segment (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

Goodwill [Line Items]

Beginning Balance

$ 750,872

$ 593,983

^[1]

Acquisitions

^[2]

1,937

156,134

Contingent Amounts and Other

(1,199)

755

Ending Balance

751,610

750,872

Janitorial

Goodwill [Line Items]

Beginning Balance

469,231

468,476

^[1]

Acquisitions

^[2]

Contingent Amounts and Other

448

755

Ending Balance

469,679

469,231

Engineering

Goodwill [Line Items]

Beginning Balance

162,535

6,401

^[1]

Acquisitions

^[2]

1,937

156,134

Contingent Amounts and Other

(1,647)

Ending Balance

162,825

162,535

Parking

Goodwill [Line Items]

Beginning Balance

69,168

^[1]

Acquisitions

^[2]

Contingent Amounts and Other

Ending Balance

69,168

Security

Goodwill [Line Items]

Beginning Balance

49,938

^[1]

Acquisitions

^[2]

Contingent Amounts and Other

Ending Balance

$ 49,938

[1]

[2]

Refer to Note 4, "Acquisitions", for additional discussions regarding acquisitions the Company made in the years ended October 31, 2012 and 2011.

- Definition

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

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=14024403&loc=d3e13816-109267

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13770-109266

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 43
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 72
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-Clause 1
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 68
-Subparagraph l
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Changes in Carrying Amounts of Goodwill by Segment (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Goodwill
Goodwill [Line Items]
Reclassification adjustment	$ 2.9

Other Intangible Assets, Net (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, gross	$ 209,318	$ 207,663
Accumulated amortization	(100,180)	(78,669)
Other intangible assets, net	109,138	128,994
Customer contracts and relationships
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, gross	201,922	199,822
Accumulated amortization	(94,150)	(72,607)
Other intangible assets, net	107,772	127,215
Trademarks and Trade Names
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, gross	5,250	5,150
Accumulated amortization	(4,428)	(4,224)
Other intangible assets, net	822	926
Contract Rights and Other
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, gross	2,146	2,691
Accumulated amortization	(1,602)	(1,838)
Other intangible assets, net	$ 544	$ 853

Weighted Average Remaining Lives (Detail)	12 Months Ended
Weighted Average Remaining Lives (Detail)	Oct. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years)	10 years 7 months 6 days
Customer contracts and relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years)	10 years 7 months 6 days
Trademarks and Trade Names
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years)	4 years 3 months 18 days
Contract Rights and Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years)	2 years 4 months 24 days

Estimated Annual Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets (Detail) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Amortization Expense 2013	$ 19,798
Estimated Amortization Expense 2014	17,634
Estimated Amortization Expense 2015	15,401
Estimated Amortization Expense 2016	13,329
Estimated Amortization Expense 2017	11,298
Total	77,460
Customer contracts and relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Amortization Expense 2013	19,434
Estimated Amortization Expense 2014	17,311
Estimated Amortization Expense 2015	15,224
Estimated Amortization Expense 2016	13,152
Estimated Amortization Expense 2017	11,185
Total	76,306
Trademarks and Trade Names
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Amortization Expense 2013	150
Estimated Amortization Expense 2014	150
Estimated Amortization Expense 2015	150
Estimated Amortization Expense 2016	150
Estimated Amortization Expense 2017	86
Total	686
Contract Rights and Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Amortization Expense 2013	214
Estimated Amortization Expense 2014	173
Estimated Amortization Expense 2015	27
Estimated Amortization Expense 2016	27
Estimated Amortization Expense 2017	27
Total	$ 468

Insurance - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Schedule of Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Self insurance retention amount per-claim	$ 1,000
Commercial insurance policies coverage	150,000
Insurance claim reserves	343,800	$ 341,400
Insurance recoverables	64,500	70,600
Self-insurance reserve adjustments	1,688	(11,950)	$ (247)
Corporate segment
Schedule of Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Self-insurance reserve adjustments	7,300	$ 2,100	$ 1,200
Minimum
Schedule of Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Insurance deductibles per occurrence	1,000
Maximum
Schedule of Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Insurance deductibles per occurrence	5,000
Medical and Dental Self Insurance Program
Schedule of Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Insurance claim reserves	13,000
Medical and Dental Self Insurance Program \| Maximum
Schedule of Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Self insurance retention amount per-claim	400
OneSource Services Inc
Schedule of Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Commercial insurance policies coverage	$ 75,000

Standby Letters of Credit, Surety Bonds and Restricted Insurance Deposits Outstanding to Ccollateralize Self-Insurance Obligations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Letters Of Credit [Line Items]
Surety Bonds	$ 297,500
Self Insurance Programs
Letters Of Credit [Line Items]
Standby Letters of Credit	104,968	$ 96,776
Surety Bonds	34,933	30,929
Restricted Insurance Deposits	31,720	35,974
Total	$ 171,621	$ 163,679

Line of Credit - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2010 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Terminated existing line of credit borrowing capacity	$ 450.0
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	650.0
Syndicated line of credit, optional maximum capacity at any time prior to the expiration (subject to receipt of commitments for the increased amount from existing and new lenders)	$ 850.0
Description of covenants under the Facility			The New Credit Agreement contains certain leverage and liquidity covenants which requires us to maintain a maximum leverage ratio of 3.25x at the end of each fiscal quarter, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.50x at any time, and a consolidated net worth in an amount of not less than the sum of (i) $570.0 million, (ii) 50% of our consolidated net income (with no deduction for net loss) and (iii) 100% of our aggregate increases in stockholder’s equity, beginning on November 30, 2010, each as further described in the New Credit Agreement as amended. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of October 31, 2012.
Fixed charge coverage ratio			3.25
Leverage ratio			1.50
Consolidated net worth			$ 570.0
Consolidated net income earned			50.00%
Aggregate increases in stockholders' equity			100.00%
Line of credit, amount outstanding		$ 215.0	$ 300.0
Standby letters of credit under the credit facility		105.0	96.8
Line of credit, borrowing capacity currently available		$ 330.0	253.2
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
Derivative, maturity date		Feb. 24, 2014
Interest Rate Swap
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Derivative agreement date		Feb. 19, 2009
Description of derivative agreement		On February 19, 2009, the Company entered into a two-year interest rate swap agreement with an underlying notional amount of $100.0 million, pursuant to which the Company received variable interest payments based on LIBOR and paid fixed interest at a rate of 1.47%. This interest rate swap expired on February 19, 2011.
Notional amount of derivatives		$ 100.0
Derivative fixed interest rate		1.47%
Derivative, maturity date		Feb. 19, 2011
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
Standby Letters of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity		300.0
Swing Line Loan
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity		50.0
Second Amendment
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Syndicated line of credit facility, expiration date			Sep. 08, 2016
Line of credit, interest rate terms	The Facility borrowings bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at the Company’s option, either (a) a eurodollar rate (generally LIBOR rate), or (b) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (1) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (2) the prime rate announced by Bank of America, N.A. from time to time and (3) the eurodollar rate plus 1.00%. The applicable margin is a percentage per annum varying from 0.00% to 0.75% for base rate loans and 1.00% to 1.75% for eurodollar loans, based upon the Company’s leverage ratio. The Company also pays a commitment fee, based on the leverage ratio, payable quarterly, in arrears, ranging from 0.225% to 0.300% on the average daily unused portion of the Facility. For purposes of this calculation, irrevocable standby letters of credit issued primarily in conjunction with the Company’s self-insurance program and cash borrowings are included as usage of the Facility.
Second Amendment \| Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Percentage of commitment fee on the unused portion of the Facility	0.225%
Second Amendment \| Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Percentage of commitment fee on the unused portion of the Facility	0.30%
Second Amendment \| Federal Funds Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable rate	0.50%
Second Amendment \| Eurodollar Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable rate	1.00%
Second Amendment \| Base Rate Loans \| Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable rate	0.00%
Second Amendment \| Base Rate Loans \| Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable rate	0.75%
Second Amendment \| Eurodollar Loans \| Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable rate	1.00%
Second Amendment \| Eurodollar Loans \| Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable rate	1.75%
Unrealized Loss On Derivatives
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unrealized net losses related to the interest rate swap contract		$ 0.2

Company's Interest Rate Swap Contract on Consolidated Financial Statements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 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	$ (164)	$ (436)
Interest Rate Swap
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in AOCI on derivative	$ (125)	$ (245)

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2008	Oct. 31, 2012 USD ($) CompensationPlan	Oct. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Compensation Plan [Line Items]
Net actuarial losses		$ 100,000
Defined benefit plan expected rate of return on plan assets, description		The Company has analyzed the expected rates of return on assets and determined that an estimated long-term rate of return of 6.0% is reasonable based on (1) the current and expected asset allocations; (2) the plan's historical investment performance; and (3) best estimates for future investment performance.
Defined benefit plan expected rate of return on plan assets		6.00%
Defined Contribution Pension Plan 401k
Compensation Plan [Line Items]
Contributions paid for plans		$ 7,900,000	$ 8,300,000	$ 6,200,000
Number of 401(k) savings plans \| CompensationPlan		6
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans
Compensation Plan [Line Items]
Contributions paid for plans		$ 193,100,000	$ 177,000,000	$ 163,700,000
Minimum
Compensation Plan [Line Items]
Green Zone Multiemployer Plan Funded Percentage		80.00%	80.00%
Maximum
Compensation Plan [Line Items]
Red Zone Multiemployer Plans Funded Percentage		65.00%	65.00%
Yellow Zone Multiemployer Plans Funded Percentage		80.00%	80.00%
Rabbi Trust
Compensation Plan [Line Items]
Fair value of the assets held in the Rabbi Trust		$ 5,000,000	$ 4,700,000
Director Deferred Compensation Plan
Compensation Plan [Line Items]
Average rate of interest earned		3.01%	3.25%	3.25%
Director Deferred Compensation Plan, interest rate terms		If the prime rate exceeds 6%, the interest rate is equal to 6% plus one half of the excess over 6%. Interest earned under both deferred compensation plans is capped at 120% of the long-term applicable federal rate as discussed in the plans.
Employee Deferred Compensation Plan
Compensation Plan [Line Items]
Minimum required annual base salary to qualify under employee deferred compensation plan		$ 140,000
Average rate of interest earned		3.01%	3.25%	3.25%
Employee Deferred Compensation Plan \| Minimum
Compensation Plan [Line Items]
Percentage of deferred pre-tax compensation		1.00%
Employee Deferred Compensation Plan \| Maximum
Compensation Plan [Line Items]
Percentage of deferred pre-tax compensation		50.00%
Deferred Compensation Plan \| OneSource Services Inc
Compensation Plan [Line Items]
Company contributions to participant deferred compensation	50.00%
Participant's compensation for the contribution allocation period	5.00%
Aggregate expense recognized under deferred compensation plans		$ 400,000	$ 400,000	$ 400,000
Total long-term liability of all deferred compensation plans		$ 16,400,000	$ 15,500,000
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Compensation Plan [Line Items]
Number of years that the retirement benefit plan provide a monthly payment		10 years
Death Benefit Plan
Compensation Plan [Line Items]
Death benefit that the employee entitled to prior to retirement		$ 150,000
Death benefit plan coverage percentage		50.00%

Significant Components of Benefit Obligation and Net Obligation Recognized in Financial Statements (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2010

Defined Benefit Plans

Change in benefit obligation

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

$ 12,075

$ 12,018

Service cost

$ 44

Interest cost

495

569

592

Actuarial loss

1,233

944

Benefits and expenses paid

^[1]

(1,137)

(1,502)

Benefit obligation at end of year

12,714

12,075

12,018

Change in Plan Assets

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

^[1]

5,917

5,589

Actual return on plan assets

^[1]

384

176

Employer contributions

^[1]

1,490

1,654

Benefits and expenses paid

^[1]

(1,137)

(1,502)

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

^[1]

6,654

5,917

5,589

Unfunded status at end of year

(6,060)

(6,158)

Current liabilities

(1,288)

(1,001)

Non-current liabilities

(4,772)

(5,157)

Net obligation

(6,060)

(6,158)

Net obligation recognized in Balance Sheet

(6,060)

(6,158)

Defined Benefit Plans | Retained Earnings

Change in Plan Assets

Net obligation recognized in Balance Sheet

(2,535)

(3,765)

Defined Benefit Plans | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Change in Plan Assets

Net obligation recognized in Balance Sheet

(3,525)

(2,393)

Post-Retirement Benefit Plans

Change in benefit obligation

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

5,595

5,297

Service cost

Interest cost

246

256

281

Actuarial loss

322

329

Benefits and expenses paid

^[1]

(339)

(300)

Benefit obligation at end of year

5,836

5,595

$ 5,297

Change in Plan Assets

Employer contributions

^[1]

339

300

Benefits and expenses paid

^[1]

(339)

(300)

Unfunded status at end of year

(5,836)

(5,595)

Current liabilities

(250)

(301)

Non-current liabilities

(5,586)

(5,294)

Net obligation

(5,836)

(5,595)

Net obligation recognized in Balance Sheet

(5,836)

(5,595)

Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Retained Earnings

Change in Plan Assets

Net obligation recognized in Balance Sheet

(5,232)

(5,315)

Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Change in Plan Assets

Net obligation recognized in Balance Sheet

$ (604)

$ (280)

[1]	Amounts relate to the OneSource Pension Plan which is the only Company funded defined benefit pension plan.

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost of Defined Benefit Plans and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 48	$ 46	$ 44
Interest	495	569	592
Expected return on assets	(486)	(373)	(399)
Amortization of actuarial loss	97	114	66
Settlement loss recognized	107	126	91
Net expense	261	482	394
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	12	13	15
Interest	246	256	281
Net expense	$ 258	$ 269	$ 296

- 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

Weighted Average Assumptions Used To Determine Benefit Obligations And Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Defined Benefit Plans
Assumptions to measure net periodic cost
Discount rate			5.50%
Rate of compensation increase	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%
Rate of return on plan assets	6.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Assumptions to measure net periodic cost
Discount rate			5.50%
Rate of health care cost increase			5.50%
Rate of compensation increase	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%
Minimum \| Defined Benefit Plans
Assumptions to measure net periodic cost
Discount rate	4.12%	4.50%
Assumptions to measure obligation at year end
Discount rate	2.84%	4.12%	4.50%
Minimum \| Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Assumptions to measure net periodic cost
Discount rate	4.04%	4.31%
Rate of health care cost increase	4.50%	4.50%
Assumptions to measure obligation at year end
Discount rate	3.15%	4.04%	4.31%
Maximum \| Defined Benefit Plans
Assumptions to measure net periodic cost
Discount rate	4.51%	4.98%
Assumptions to measure obligation at year end
Discount rate	3.50%	4.51%	4.98%
Maximum \| Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Assumptions to measure net periodic cost
Discount rate	4.56%	5.02%
Rate of health care cost increase	7.80%	8.00%
Assumptions to measure obligation at year end
Discount rate	3.58%	4.56%	5.02%

Expected Future Benefit Payments (Detail) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
2013	$ 1,288
2014	846
2015	906
2016	754
2017	709
2018 through 2022	3,930
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
2013	250
2014	265
2015	279
2016	293
2017	307
2018 through 2022	$ 1,705

Target Allocation Ranges And Asset Allocations (Detail)	12 Months Ended
Target Allocation Ranges And Asset Allocations (Detail)	Oct. 31, 2012
Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Target Allocation Equity, minimum	43.00%
Target Allocation Equity, maximum	63.00%
Target Allocation Equity	55.00%
Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Target Allocation Equity, minimum	27.00%
Target Allocation Equity, maximum	47.00%
Target Allocation Equity	37.00%
International Equity
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Target Allocation Equity, minimum	0.00%
Target Allocation Equity, maximum	20.00%
Target Allocation Equity	8.00%

Assets Associated with OneSource Pension Plan Measured at Fair Value (Detail) - Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	$ 6,654	$ 5,917
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	1,716	1,276
Equity Securities \| Large-Cap Growth
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	1,260	1,090
Equity Securities \| Large-Cap Value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	727	1,090
Equity Securities \| Small/Mid-Cap Growth
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	334	140
Equity Securities \| Small/Mid-Cap Value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	163	140
Equity Securities \| International Equity
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	558	464
Equity Securities \| Us Blended Equity
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	53
Debt Securities \| Us Blended Equity
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	16
Debt Securities \| Long-Term Bond
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	777	157
Debt Securities \| Intermediate Bond
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	503	789
Debt Securities \| Short-Term Bond
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	541	$ 771
Other securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets	$ 6

Multiemployer Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2010

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

Contributions by the Company

$ 59,554

$ 57,880

$ 49,777

Building Service 32BJ Pension Fund

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

Contributions by the Company

$ 14,439

$ 13,720

12,065

Building Service 32BJ Pension Fund | Period 1

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

EIN/PN

13-1879376 / 001

Pension Protection Act Zone Status

Red

Yellow

Pension Protection Act Zone Status Date

Jun. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2010

FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented

Implemented

Surcharge Imposed

Yes

Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements

Apr. 20, 2014

Building Service 32BJ Pension Fund | Period 2

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

Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements

Dec. 31, 2015

Central pension fund of the IUOE & Participating employers

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

Contributions by the Company

$ 9,176

$ 8,339

7,631

Central pension fund of the IUOE & Participating employers | Minimum

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

EIN/PN

36-6052390 /001

Pension Protection Act Zone Status

Green

Pension Protection Act Zone Status Date

Jan. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2011

FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented

^[1]

Surcharge Imposed

^[1]

Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements

Feb. 28, 2013

Central pension fund of the IUOE & Participating employers | Maximum

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

Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements

Sep. 30, 2015

Local 25 SEIU & Participating Employers Pension Trust

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

EIN/PN

36-6486542 / 001

Pension Protection Act Zone Status

Green

Pension Protection Act Zone Status Date

Sep. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2010

FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented

^[1]

Surcharge Imposed

^[1]

Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements

Apr. 05, 2015

Contributions by the Company

$ 7,453

$ 7,059

6,137

IUOE Stationary Engineers Local 39 Pension Fund

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

EIN/PN

94-6118939 / 001

Pension Protection Act Zone Status

Green

Red

Pension Protection Act Zone Status Date

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented

Implemented

Surcharge Imposed

Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements

Aug. 31, 2017

Contributions by the Company

$ 5,342

$ 6,972

6,723

S.E.I.U National Industry Pension Fund

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

EIN/PN

52-6148540 / 001

Pension Protection Act Zone Status

Red

Pension Protection Act Zone Status Date

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented

Implemented

Surcharge Imposed

Yes

Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements

Jun. 30, 2016

Contributions by the Company

$ 3,136

$ 2,929

2,678

Local Sixty Eight Engineers Union Pension Plan

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

EIN/PN

51-0176618 / 001

Pension Protection Act Zone Status

Green

Red

Pension Protection Act Zone Status Date

Jun. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2010

FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented

^[1]

Surcharge Imposed

Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements

Aug. 31, 2014

Contributions by the Company

$ 3,426

$ 3,435

3,671

Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, District 36 Building Operators Pension Trust Fund

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

EIN/PN

23-6546776 / 001

Pension Protection Act Zone Status

Yellow

Pension Protection Act Zone Status Date

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented

Implemented

Surcharge Imposed

^[1]

Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements

Oct. 15, 2015

Contributions by the Company

$ 2,175

$ 2,414

2,297

IUOE Local 30 Pension Fund

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

EIN/PN

51-6045848 / 001

Pension Protection Act Zone Status

Green

Pension Protection Act Zone Status Date

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented

^[1]

Surcharge Imposed

^[1]

Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements

Feb. 28, 2014

Contributions by the Company

$ 1,459

$ 1,230

1,127

Other Plans

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

Contributions by the Company

$ 12,948

$ 11,782

$ 7,448

[1]	Not Applicable

Multiemployer Defined Benefit Pension Plans Year End for Contributions (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012
Building Service 32BJ Pension Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions to the plan exceeded more than 5% of total contributions (as of the Plan's year end)	6/30/2011
Local 25 SEIU & Participating Employers Pension Trust
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions to the plan exceeded more than 5% of total contributions (as of the Plan's year end)	9/30/2011 and 9/30/2010
IUOE Stationary Engineers Local 39 Pension Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions to the plan exceeded more than 5% of total contributions (as of the Plan's year end)	12/31/2011 and 12/31/2010
Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, District 36 Building Operators Pension Trust Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions to the plan exceeded more than 5% of total contributions (as of the Plan's year end)	12/31/2011 and 12/31/2010
IUOE Local 30 Pension Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions to the plan exceeded more than 5% of total contributions (as of the Plan's year end)	12/31/2011 and 12/31/2010

Future Minimum Lease Commitments (Detail) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
2013	$ 69,069
2014	54,261
2015	33,135
2016	19,983
2017	14,629
Thereafter	27,758
Total minimum lease commitments	$ 218,835

Rental Expense for Continuing Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Minimum rentals	$ 123,212	$ 101,640	$ 69,571
Contingent rentals	10,760	31,767	36,631
Total	$ 133,972	$ 133,407	$ 106,202

- Definition

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

+ References

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

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 840
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 40
-Subparagraph (Note 3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584154&loc=d3e38371-112697

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Contingent Rentals
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6508509

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 840
-SubTopic 10
-Section 25
-Paragraph 35
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7579899&loc=d3e35050-112683

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 840
-SubTopic 10
-Section 40
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6452616&loc=d3e36728-112689

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 840
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6452660&loc=d3e36991-112694

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 98-9
-Paragraph 17
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 13
-Paragraph 16
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 13
-Paragraph 106, 122
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

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

+ References + Details

Future Commitments Related to Other Commitments (Detail) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
2013	$ 5,671
2014	1,937
2015	133
2016
2017
Thereafter
Total	$ 7,741

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Oct. 17, 2012 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2012 USD ($) Claim	May 17, 2012 USD ($)	Feb. 08, 2012 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Surety Bonds					$ 297.5
Total letters of credit					105.2
Loss contingency amount accrued for probable losses					8.0
Amount of reasonably possible losses, Minimum					0.0
Amount of reasonably possible losses, Maximum					104.0
Payment to other party for settlement					1.8
Maximum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Deductible directors' and officers' insurance					5.0
Claims Incurred After November 1, 2002 \| Maximum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Deductible directors' and officers' insurance					1.0
Effective date starting after October 31,2012
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Surety Bonds					40.4
Bojorquez
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages sought amount	$ 4.8
Payment awarded to plaintiffs			$ 0.8
Augustus
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, estimate of possible loss					$ 101.4
Damages sought amount				$ 103.1
Payment awarded to plaintiffs		$ 89.7
Number of claim suit filed \| Claim		3
Augustus \| Motion against others
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages sought amount		$ 11.7

Preferred and Common Stock - Additional information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 05, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Treasury stock acquired		$ 0
Preferred stock, shares authorized		500,000	500,000
Preferred stock, shares issued		0	0
Maximum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount	$ 50

- Definition

Equity impact of the cost of common and preferred stock that were repurchased during the period. Recorded using the cost method.

+ References + Details

Compensation Expense and Related Income Tax Benefit in Connection with Share- Based Compensation Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses before income taxes	$ 10,236	$ 9,191	$ 4,071
Income tax benefit	(4,247)	(3,805)	(1,691)
Total share-based compensation expense after income taxes	$ 5,989	$ 5,386	$ 2,380

Share-Based Compensation Plans - Additional Information (Detail)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 09, 2004 USD ($) shares	Oct. 31, 2012 USD ($) EquityPlan $ / shares shares	Oct. 31, 2011 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Oct. 31, 2010 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Authorized for issuance \| shares		10,279,265
Shares available for award \| shares		2,420,058
Total shares exercised for share-based compensation plans \| shares		967,123	570,425	850,855
Total intrinsic value of shares exercised		$ 9,800,000	$ 6,700,000	$ 8,400,000
Total fair value of shares vested		$ 8,200,000	$ 2,400,000	8,100,000
Reversal of share-based compensation expense				3,400,000
Reversal of share-based compensation expense, net of taxes				$ 2,000,000
Restricted stock units
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Vesting period		3 years
Total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures		$ 14,700,000
Weighted-average vesting period		2 years 2 months 5 days
Percentage of the awards that vest on the second anniversary of the grant		50.00%
Percentage of the awards that vest on the fourth anniversary of the grant		50.00%
Aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding		$ 23,400,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of vested		$ 4,600,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Authorized for issuance \| shares	3,000,000
Shares available for award \| shares		737,271
Percentage of purchase price of fair market value of the Company's common stock on the last trading day of the month	95.00%
Percentage of compensation to purchase	10.00%
Annual limit on purchase of stock	$ 25,000
Weighted average fair values of the purchase rights granted \| $ / shares		$ 1.05	$ 1.16	$ 1.03
Shares of stock issued under the plan \| shares		200,108	165,455	190,340
Weighted average price \| $ / shares		$ 19.93	$ 22.02	$ 19.65
Aggregate purchases		$ 4,000,000	$ 3,600,000	$ 3,700,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan \| Minimum
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Vesting period	6 months
Performance Based Shares
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures		$ 7,200,000
Weighted-average vesting period		1 year 4 months 28 days
Aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding		$ 13,300,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of vested		$ 2,300,000
Performance Based Shares \| Minimum
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of performance share award vesting based on actual performance		0.00%
Performance Based Shares \| Maximum
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of performance share award vesting based on actual performance		150.00%
Employee Stock Options
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of the awards that vest per year		25.00%
Options expire after the date of grant		7 years
Total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures		$ 4,300,000
Weighted-average vesting period		2 years 3 months 15 days
Employee Stock Options \| Minimum
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Vesting period		1 year
Employee Stock Options \| Maximum
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Vesting period		5 years
Time-Vested Plan
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of the awards that vest per year		20.00%
Vesting period		1 year
Options expire after the date of grant		121 months
1996 and 2002 Price-Vested Plans
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Options expire after the date of grant		10 years
Number of plans \| EquityPlan		2
1996 and 2002 Price-Vested Plans \| Minimum
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Vesting period		4 years
1996 and 2002 Price-Vested Plans \| Maximum
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Vesting period		8 years
Executive Stock Option Plan (Age-Vested Plan)
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Vesting period		1 year
Total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures		$ 400,000
Weighted-average vesting period		7 years 3 months 4 days
Executive Stock Option Plan (Age-Vested Plan) \| Option Holders Reaching Their 61st Birthday
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of the awards that vest per year		50.00%
Executive Stock Option Plan (Age-Vested Plan) \| Option Holders Reaching Their 64th Birthday
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of the awards that vest per year		50.00%

Stock Option Activity (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Number of Shares
Exercised	(967,123)	(570,425)	(850,855)
Time Vested, Price Vested, Age Vested
Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of period	1,650,000
Exercised	(517,000)
Forfeited or expired	(16,000)
Outstanding at end of period	1,117,000	1,650,000
Vested and exercisable at end of period	849,000
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at end of period	$ 2,354
Vested and exercisable at end of period	$ 1,156
Time Vested, Price Vested, Age Vested \| Minimum
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share
Outstanding at beginning of period	$ 13.70
Exercised	15.29
Forfeited or expired	5.63
Outstanding at end of period	13.80	$ 13.70
Vested and exercisable at end of period	$ 11.36
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)
Outstanding at end of period	2 years 3 months 18 days
Vested and exercisable at end of period	2 years 3 months 18 days
Time Vested, Price Vested, Age Vested \| Maximum
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share
Outstanding at beginning of period	$ 18.79
Exercised	17.15
Forfeited or expired	19.76
Outstanding at end of period	19.61	$ 18.79
Vested and exercisable at end of period	$ 19.61
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)
Outstanding at end of period	41 years 9 months
Vested and exercisable at end of period	42 years 3 months 18 days
Employee Stock Options
Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of period	1,676,000
Granted	231,000
Forfeitures	(110,000)
Exercised	(104,000)
Outstanding at end of period	1,693,000	1,676,000
Vested and exercisable at end of period	712,000
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share
Outstanding at beginning of period	$ 20.91
Granted	18.31
Forfeitures	20.62
Exercised	19.23
Outstanding at end of period	20.68	$ 20.91
Vested and exercisable at end of period	$ 20.27
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)
Outstanding at end of period	4 years 4 months 21 days
Vested and exercisable at end of period	2 years 10 months 10 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at end of period	$ 285
Vested and exercisable at end of period	$ 98

Assumption Used in Option Valuation Model (Detail) - $ / shares

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2010

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

Expected life from the date of grant

^[1]

5 years 7 months 6 days

Expected stock price volatility, minimum

^[2]

41.60%

39.20%

38.50%

Expected stock price volatility, maximum

^[2]

40.40%

39.00%

Risk-free interest rate, minimum

^[3]

0.80%

1.00%

1.70%

Risk-free interest rate, maximum

^[3]

2.10%

2.60%

Weighted average fair value of option grants

$ 5.25

$ 6.52

$ 6.37

Minimum

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

Expected dividend yield

^[4]

3.00%

2.30%

2.60%

Maximum

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

Expected dividend yield

^[4]

2.60%

2.70%

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

RSU Activity (Detail) - Restricted stock units shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012 $ / shares shares
Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of the year \| shares	1,107
Granted \| shares	430
Issued (including 36 shares withheld for income taxes) \| shares	(224)
Forfeited \| shares	(82)
Outstanding at end of period \| shares	1,231
Vested at end of period \| shares	224
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Outstanding at beginning of the year \| $ / shares	$ 20.38
Granted \| $ / shares	18.77
Issued (including 63 shares withheld for income taxes) \| $ / shares	20.68
Forfeited \| $ / shares	20.55
Outstanding at end of period \| $ / shares	19.74
Vested at end of period \| $ / shares	$ 20.68

RSU Activity (Parenthetical) (Detail) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
RSU Activity (Parenthetical) (Detail) shares in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2012 shares
Restricted stock units
Reconciliation of Restricted Stock Activity [Line Items]
Issued, shares withheld for income taxes	63

Performance Share Activity (Detail) - Performance Share Program shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012 $ / shares shares
Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of the year \| shares	592
Granted \| shares	288
Issued (including 43 shares withheld for income taxes) \| shares	(122)
Change in units based on performance \| shares	(27)
Forfeited \| shares	(33)
Outstanding at end of period \| shares	698
Vested at end of period \| shares	122
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Outstanding at beginning of the year \| $ / shares	$ 21.74
Granted \| $ / shares	23.16
Issued (including 43 shares withheld for income taxes) \| $ / shares	18.00
Change in units based on performance \| $ / shares	23.32
Forfeited \| $ / shares	22.68
Outstanding at end of period \| $ / shares	22.99
Vested at end of period \| $ / shares	$ 17.90

Performance Share Activity (Parenthetical) (Detail) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012 shares
Performance Share Program
Schedule Of Activity Related To Performance Share Units [Line Items]
Issued, shares withheld for income taxes	43

Income Taxes Provision for Continuing Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Current
Federal	$ 9,700	$ 5,539	$ 14,394
State	10,459	7,147	8,072
Foreign		67	83
Deferred
Federal	11,047	21,642	17,341
State	(1,275)	2,585	319
Foreign			(6)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Total	$ 29,931	$ 36,980	$ 40,203

- Definition

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

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

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

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 6.I.7)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6889476&loc=d3e330036-122817

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Current Tax Expense (or Benefit)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509736

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

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

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

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

+ Details

- Definition

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

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

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

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Deferred Tax Expense (or Benefit)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510177

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
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-Article 4

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

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 6
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

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

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Deferred Tax Expense (or Benefit)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510177

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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Paragraph 8, 16, 17, 289
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

+ Details

- Definition

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

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
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-Paragraph 9
-Subparagraph (a),(b)
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Number 210
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Income Tax Expense Attributable to Income from Continuing Operations (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Reconciliation of Statutory Federal Tax Rate [Line Items]
Statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	6.50%	6.30%	6.50%
Federal and state tax credits	(5.50%)	(5.10%)	(4.60%)
Impact of change in state tax rate	1.20%	(0.40%)	(0.10%)
Tax liabilities no longer required	(7.20%)	(4.00%)	(0.50%)
Nondeductible expenses and other, net	2.30%	3.20%	2.30%
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Total	32.30%	35.00%	38.60%

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012 USD ($) Location	Oct. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits, related to re-measurement	$ 6,900	$ 4,700
Additional employment based tax credits	1,900
Discrete tax costs		1,900
Other, net	242	(796)	$ 143
Decrease in valuation allowance for a goodwill adjustment		300
Unrecognized tax benefits	88,448	$ 95,956	$ 101,681
Unrecognized tax benefits, accrued interest	$ 1,100
Number of states in which entity operates \| Location	50
Maximum decrease in unrecognized tax benefits that is reasonably possible	$ 500
Domestic Country
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax returns open for examination	October 31, 2006 through October 31, 2012
Domestic Country \| OneSource Services Inc
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax returns open for examination	March 31, 2000 through November 14, 2007
Domestic Country \| Linc
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax returns open for examination	December 31, 2009 through December 31, 2010
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Other, net	$ (300)
Income tax returns open for examination	2006-2008
State and Local Jurisdiction
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Other, net	$ 500
Income tax returns open for examination	2008-2012

Tax Effects of Temporary Differences that Give Rise to Significant Portions of Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Deferred tax assets:
Self-insurance claims (net of recoverables)	$ 109,516	$ 103,125
Deferred and other compensation	30,221	28,897
Accounts receivable allowances	3,967	3,822
Settlement liabilities	3,288	1,999
State taxes	727	908
Federal net operating loss carryforwards		15,485
State net operating loss carryforwards	8,596	8,348
Tax credits	7,802	6,480
Other	7,758	8,220
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Total	171,875	177,284
Less: Valuation allowance	6,026	5,784	$ 6,290	$ 6,147
Total deferred tax assets	165,849	171,500
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment	(2,767)	(8,579)
Goodwill and other acquired intangibles	(101,801)	(91,408)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(104,568)	(99,987)
Net deferred tax assets	$ 61,281	$ 71,513

Changes to Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Valuation allowance at the beginning of the year	$ 5,784	$ 6,290	$ 6,147
Acquisition of Linc		290
Other, net	242	(796)	143
Valuation allowance at the end of the year	$ 6,026	$ 5,784	$ 6,290

Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 95,956	$ 101,681
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	590	760
Additions for tax positions related to prior years	865
Reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(7,328)	(5,743)
Reductions for expiration of statue of limitations	(66)	(356)
Settlements	(1,569)	(386)
Ending Balance	$ 88,448	$ 95,956

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012 Segment	Oct. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Reportable operating segments \| Segment	4
Corporate
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Gain related to settlement \| $		$ 2.7

Reportable Operating Segments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,090,001	$ 1,079,235	$ 1,057,244	$ 1,073,785	$ 1,081,343	$ 1,076,247	$ 1,060,083	$ 1,029,169	$ 4,300,265	$ 4,246,842	$ 3,495,747
Operating profit									96,566	117,568	108,839
Other-than-temporary impairment credit losses on auction rate security recognized in earnings									(313)		(127)
Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net									6,395	3,915
Interest expense									(9,999)	(15,805)	(4,639)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									92,649	105,678	104,073
Janitorial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									2,394,344	2,380,195	2,306,098
Operating profit									135,967	140,621	140,007
Engineering
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									924,415	899,381	382,629
Operating profit									31,965	33,384	22,931
Parking
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									615,132	615,679	469,398
Operating profit									26,189	24,257	22,738
Security
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									365,926	350,377	336,249
Operating profit									7,835	7,968	7,487
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									448	1,210	1,373
Operating profit									$ (105,390)	$ (88,662)	$ (84,324)

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

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2010

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Total Identifiable Assets

$ 1,869,251

$ 1,879,598

Depreciation and Amortization

50,897

52,658

$ 36,315

Capital Expenditures

28,052

22,124

23,942

Segment, Continuing Operations

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Total Identifiable Assets

^[1]

1,868,852

1,877,390

1,543,018

Janitorial

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Depreciation and Amortization

18,010

19,035

18,356

Capital Expenditures

12,367

10,048

12,503

Janitorial | Segment, Continuing Operations

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Total Identifiable Assets

^[1]

863,831

859,318

902,541

Engineering

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Depreciation and Amortization

13,731

15,214

549

Capital Expenditures

851

1,280

Engineering | Segment, Continuing Operations

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Total Identifiable Assets

^[1]

464,729

469,807

68,710

Parking

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Depreciation and Amortization

3,512

3,644

2,797

Capital Expenditures

2,219

2,023

1,265

Parking | Segment, Continuing Operations

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Total Identifiable Assets

^[1]

153,593

149,052

145,801

Security

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Depreciation and Amortization

1,218

1,441

1,443

Capital Expenditures

203

141

451

Security | Segment, Continuing Operations

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Total Identifiable Assets

^[1]

111,293

111,304

112,194

Corporate

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Depreciation and Amortization

14,426

13,324

13,170

Capital Expenditures

12,412

8,632

9,644

Corporate | Segment, Continuing Operations

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Total Identifiable Assets

^[1]

$ 275,406

$ 287,909

$ 313,772

[1]	Excludes assets of discontinued operations of $0.4 million, $2.2 million and $5.7 million as of October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Summary of Reportable Operating Segments (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets of discontinued operations	$ 0.4	$ 2.2	$ 5.7

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) - Subsequent Event $ in Millions	Nov. 01, 2012 USD ($)
Air Serv
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Business acquisition aggregate purchase price	$ 157.5
HHA
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Business acquisition aggregate purchase price	34.0
Calvert-Jones
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Business acquisition aggregate purchase price	$ 6.3

Quarterly Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,090,001	$ 1,079,235	$ 1,057,244	$ 1,073,785	$ 1,081,343	$ 1,076,247	$ 1,060,083	$ 1,029,169	$ 4,300,265	$ 4,246,842	$ 3,495,747
Gross profit	121,585	107,607	109,328	107,365	121,751	123,403	115,560	104,864
Income from continuing operations	27,705	12,626	11,747	10,640	18,182	27,911	14,200	8,405	62,718	68,698	63,870
Loss from discontinued operations	(42)	(49)	(35)	(10)	(134)	(36)	(8)	(15)	(136)	(194)	251
Net income	$ 27,663	$ 12,577	$ 11,712	$ 10,630	$ 18,048	$ 27,875	$ 14,192	$ 8,390	$ 62,582	$ 68,504	$ 64,121
Net income per common share-Basic
Income from continuing operations	$ 0.50	$ 0.23	$ 0.22	$ 0.20	$ 0.34	$ 0.52	$ 0.27	$ 0.16	$ 1.16	$ 1.29	$ 1.23
Loss from discontinued operations
Net income per common share-Basic	0.50	0.23	0.22	0.20	0.34	0.52	0.27	0.16	1.16	1.29	1.23
Net income per common share-Diluted
Income from continuing operations	0.50	0.23	0.21	0.20	0.33	0.51	0.26	0.16	1.14	1.27	1.21
Loss from discontinued operations
Net income per common share-Diluted	$ 0.50	$ 0.23	$ 0.21	$ 0.20	$ 0.33	$ 0.51	$ 0.26	$ 0.16	$ 1.14	$ 1.27	$ 1.21