Trade accounts payable Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances of $16,807 and $10,672 at July 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, respectively Discount accretion on insurance claims Accrued Income Taxes, Current Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent Income taxes payable Accrued liabilities Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation Unrealized losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes Effective portion of cash flow hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax Accumulated change in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges. Includes an entity's share of an equity investee's Increase or Decrease in deferred hedging gains or losses. Effective portion of cash flow hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes Accumulated appreciation or loss in value of the total of available-for-sale securities at the end of an accounting period. Unrealized losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class Weighted-average amortization period for the acquired intangible assets Acquisition Occurring On Or Prior To June 32012 Member Acquisition occurring on or prior to june 3, 2012 Acquisition Occurring Thereafter June 3 2012 Member Acquisition occurring thereafter june 3, 2012 Additional paid-in capital Total adjustments Total adjustments Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by continuing operating activities: Trade accounts receivable, allowances Amendment Flag Amortization of intangible assets Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Total assets Total assets ASSETS Total current assets Total current assets Current assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Total assets Current assets of discontinued operations Non-current assets of discontinued operations Auction Rate Securities The par value of the available for sale security redeemed during the accounting period. Auction rate securities redeemed at par value Auction rate securities, date redeemed Auction rate securities, maturity range, high Auction rate securities, maturity range, low Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities Investments in auction rate securities Investments in auction rate securities, estimated fair value Balance at ending of the year Balance at beginning of year Investments in auction rate securities Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure Investments in auction rate securities The redemption value of the auction rate security redeemed during the accounting period. Redemption of security by issuer Redemption of security by issuer Unrealized gains Unrealized losses Unrealized losses Available-for-sale Securities Auction Rate Securities Basis of Presentation [Line Items] Basis of Presentation [Line Items] Basis of Presentation [Table] Basis of Presentation [Table] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items] Purchase price: Aggregate purchase price Total cash consideration The total cost of the acquired entity, before working capital adjustments, including the cash paid to shareholders of acquired entities, fair value of debt and equity securities issued to shareholders of acquired entities and the fair value of the liabilities assumed. Aggregate purchase price for all of the outstanding limited liability company interests Business Acquisition [Line Items] Allocated to: Other identifiable intangible assets Net assets acquired Net assets acquired Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents Prepaid expenses and other current assets Trade accounts receivable Accounts payable Accounts payable The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to insurance claim liabilities of the acquired entity. Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities, Insurance Claims Insurance claims The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to investments in unconsolidated affiliates. Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Equity Method Investments Investments in unconsolidated affiliates Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount Goodwill Non-current liabilities Non-current liabilities The amount of aquisition cost of a business combination allocated to accrued expenses and other current liabilities of the acquired entity. Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Noncurrent Assets Other assets Property, plant and equipment The adjustment made to the aggregate purchase price related to working capital adjustments outlined in the purchase agreement. Purchase price reduction in connection with working capital adjustment Direct acquisition costs Acquisitions Cost Basis Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Net cash provided by discontinued operating activities Commitments and contingencies Contingencies Dividends declared per common share Common stock, par value Common stock, shares authorized Common stock, shares issued Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 53,235,408 and 52,635,343 shares issued at July 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, respectively Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income Corporate Corporate Operating Total expenses Total expenses Expenses Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Liabilities Current Liabilities Customer Contracts Debt Instrument Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Fair value as of the balance sheet date of assets held in funded deferred compensation plans. Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes, net Amortization of actuarial loss Amortization of actuarial loss Expected return on plan assets Expected return on plan assets Interest Net expense Net expense Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Service cost Depreciation and amortization Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Description of derivative agreement The effective date of the interest rate derivative. Derivative, effective date Derivative, fixed interest rate Derivative agreement date Derivative Instrument Risk Fair value of derivatives, which was included in retirement plans and other Derivative expiration date Recent Accounting Pronouncements Disclosure - Acquisitions - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Acquisitions - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Assets and Liabilities Required to be Carried at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure - Assets and Liabilities Required to be Carried at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure - Auction Rate Securities - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Auction Rate Securities - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Basis of Presentation - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Basis of Presentation - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Calculation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Calculation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Changes in the Cost Basis and Fair Value of the Auction Rate Securities [Abstract] Disclosure - Changes in the Cost Basis and Fair Value of the Auction Rate Securities [Abstract] Disclosure - Components of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Disclosure - Components of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Disclosure - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost of Defined Benefit Plans and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans [Abstract] Disclosure - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost of Defined Benefit Plans and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans [Abstract] Disclosure - Contingencies - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Contingencies - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Income Taxes - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Income Taxes - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Line Of Credit Facility - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Line Of Credit Facility - Additional Information [Abstract] Share-Based Compensation Plans Disclosure - Preliminary Purchase Price and Related Allocations [Abstract] Disclosure - Preliminary Purchase Price and Related Allocations [Abstract] Disclosure - Reportable Operating Segments [Abstract] Disclosure - Reportable Operating Segments [Abstract] Disclosure - Segment Information - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Segment Information - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Self-Insurance - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Self-Insurance - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation Plans - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation Plans - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Significant Assumptions Used to Determine the Fair Value of Auction Rate Securities [Abstract] Disclosure - Significant Assumptions Used to Determine the Fair Value of Auction Rate Securities [Abstract] Document - Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document - Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Information [Line Items] Document Period End Date Document Type Domestic Country Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Net income per common share Basic Net Income Net income per common share - Basic Earnings Per Share, Diluted Net Income Diluted Net income per common share - Diluted Earnings Per Share Net Income per Common Share Effective tax rates on income from continuing operations Compensation Cash received from exercise of options Engineering Engineering Entities [Table] Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Environmental Matters Environmental Matters Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates Investment in unconsolidated affiliates, net Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, net Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates The potential change in the Company's unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months. Estimated unrecognized tax benefits, over the next twelve months Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, by Asset Class [Domain] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value by Asset Class Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy Fair Value by Measurement Frequency Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $72,543 and $54,889 at July 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, respectively Forward starting swaps Forward starting swaps Gain on sale of assets Gain on sale of assets Gain (loss) related to settlement Goodwill Group 1 Group 1 The total amount of guaranteed energy savings, as of the report date, provided to certain customers related to installed equipment under long-term service and maintenance contracts. Total energy savings guarantees for certain customers Guarantee term for certain customers The credit loss portion of other-than-temporary impairments on debt securities for those securities that meet the criteria to have impairment losses bifurcated between net income (credit loss) and other comprehensive income (noncredit loss). Auction rate security credit loss impairment Noncredit portion of impairment losses on debt securities reclassified to other comprehensive income for those securities that meet the criteria to have impairment losses bifurcated between net income (credit losses) and other comprehensive income (noncredit losses). Impairments recognized in other comprehensive income Impairments recognized in other comprehensive income Incentive Compensation Plan Incentive Compensation Plan Income from continuing operations Income from continuing operations Income from continuing operations Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Income from continuing operations Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Loss from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Loss from discontinued operations Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net Income Statement [Abstract] Income Tax Authority Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Taxes Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Provision for income taxes Provision for income taxes Trade accounts payable and other accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Trade accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Income taxes payable The net change during the reporting period in the amount of known and estimated amounts recoverable as of the balance sheet date from insurance, for claims which exceed the Company's deductibles. Increase (Decrease) in Insurance Recoverables Insurance recoverables Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions Other assets and long-term receivables Other assets and long-term receivables Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Insurance claims payable Self-insurance reserves The net change during the period for liabilities of unfunded pension and postretirement benefit plans (such as medical, dental and life insurance) and other obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Retirement plans and other non-current liabilities Dilutive securities included in the computation of earnings per share, amount Supported Insurance Claim Liabilities Self-Insurance The short-term portion of known and estimated amount recoverable as of the balance sheet date from insurance, for claims which exceed the Company's deductibles (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Insurance Recoverables, Current Insurance recoverables The non-current portion of known and estimated amount recoverable as of the balance sheet date from insurance, for claims which exceed the Company's deductibles. Noncurrent assets are expected to be received after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Insurance Recoverables, Noncurrent Insurance recoverables Interest Expense Interest expense Interest paid on line of credit Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value Interest rate swap Interest Rate Swap Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Janitorial Janitorial Legal Entity Maximum borrowing capacity under the terminated credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility. Syndicated line of credit, terminated Leverage Ratio Leverage ratio Liabilities Total liabilities Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Total current liabilities Total current liabilities Current liabilities Total liabilities Total liabilities Linc C Corporations Linc C Corporations Line of credit, amount outstanding Line of credit, outstanding borrowings Description of amendment to Facility Syndicated line of credit facility, expiration date Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of credit, maximum capacity Syndicated line of credit, maximum capacity The maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility, if the Company elects the increase option, without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility. 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) Line of credit, borrowing capacity currently available Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of credit Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss contingency amount accrued for probable losses The proposed settlement amount related to a litigation claim. Proposed settlement claim, anticipated payment Aggregate range of reasonably possible losses Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Maximum amount of reasonably possible losses Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Maximum Guarantees Minimum Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net cash used in investing activities Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net cash provided by operating activities Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from operating activities: Net cash provided by continuing operating activities Net cash provided by continuing operating activities Net income Net income Other investments and long-term receivables Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract] Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract] Notional amount of derivatives The number of different issuers of the auction rate securities held by the Company. Number of different issuers the Company held investments in for auction rate securities Number of states in which entity operates One Source Services Inc One Source Services Inc Income tax returns open for examination Operating profit Operating profit Basis of Presentation Other Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Actuarial gains - adjustments to pension and other post-retirement plans Actuarial gains - adjustments to pension and other post-retirement plans Foreign currency translation Other comprehensive income (loss): Income tax benefit (expense) related to other comprehensive income (loss) Income tax benefit (expense) related to other comprehensive income (loss) Reclass adjustment for credit losses recognized in earnings Reclass adjustment for credit losses recognized in earnings Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swap agreements Unrealized (losses) gains on auction rate securities Other Liabilities [Line Items] Other Liabilities [Line Items] Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Prepaid expenses Other-than-temporary impairment losses on auction rate security: Gross impairment losses Gross impairment losses Parking Parking Dividends paid Dividends paid Deferred financing costs paid Deferred financing costs paid Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Investments in unconsolidated affiliates Additions to property, plant and equipment Additions to property, plant and equipment Benefit Plans Defined Benefit Plans Performance Based Awards Performance Based Awards Performance Based Shares Performance shares Portion at Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure Preferred stock, par value Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000 shares authorized; none issued Prepaid income taxes Collection of an outstanding accounts receivable Borrowings from line of credit Proceeds from redemption of auction rate securities Changes in book cash overdrafts Proceeds from sale of assets and other Proceeds from exercises of stock options (including income tax benefit) Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $111,790 and $98,884 at July 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, respectively Provision for bad debt Range Range [Domain] Notes receivable and other Reclassifications Reclassifications Reportable Operating Segments Revenues related solely to the reimbursement of expenses Repayment of borrowings from line of credit Repayment of borrowings from line of credit Insurance deposits Restricted insurance deposits Restricted stock units Retained earnings This represents the noncurrent liability for unfunded pension and other postretirement benefit plans (such as medical, dental and life insurance) and other noncurrent obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Noncurrent liabilities are expected to be paid after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Retirement plans and other Revenue Recognition Revenues Sales Revenue, Services, Net Revenues Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities, Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities Changes in the Cost Basis and Fair Value of the Auction Rate Securities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions by Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Components of Comprehensive Income Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost of Defined Benefit Plans and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Table] Calculation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share Assets and Liabilities Required to be Carried at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Line Of Credit Facility Schedule of Other Liabilities [Table] Schedule of Other Liabilities [Table] Summary of Preliminary Purchase Price and Related Allocations Schedule of significant assumptions used to determine the fair value of auction rate securities. Significant Assumptions Used to Determine the Fair Value of Auction Rate Securities Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] The average expected life assumptions used to determine the fair value of auction rate securities. Average expected lives The discount rate assumptions used to determine the fair value of auction rate securities. Discount rates The yields over the London Interbank Offered Rates (LIBOR) assumptions used to determine the fair value of auction rate securities. Yields Security Security Segment [Domain] Segment Information Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Self Insurance Reserve Insurance claims Self Insurance Reserve, Current Insurance claims Selling, general and administrative Settlement of Litigation Share-based compensation expense Expiration date Period in which awards are earned Vesting period The amount of the reversal of previously recorded compensation expense, related to certain performance shares issued, due to the change in the assessment of the probability of achieving the financial performance targets established. Share-based compensation expense, reversal Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Number of shares granted Expected dividend yield Expected life from date of grant Expected stock price volatility Risk-free interest rate The fair value of the share options (or share units) granted during the period. Fair value of the awards granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Number of shares granted Fair value of stock options granted per share The vesting terms of the the share options (or share units) granted during the period. Percentage of the awards that vest on the fifth anniversary of the grant Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Domain] Single Issuer Investment Single Issuer Investment The amount of letters issued by a bank to serve as a guarantee for payments made to a specified person under specified conditions. This amount decreases the available balance under the line of credit. Standby letters of credit State and Local Jurisdiction Statement, Business Segments Statement [Line Items] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Total stockholders' equity Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' equity Stock Options And Restricted Stock Units Stock Options And Restricted Stock Units Stock options Supplemental Data: The amount of bonds, as of the end of the accounting period, issued by a second party, guaranteeing the fulfillment of the Company's obligations to a third party. In the event that the Company does not meet its obligations, the third party will recover its losses via the bond. Surety Bonds Tax effect from exercise of options Taxes by Nature Taxes by Nature Taxes by Nature [Domain] Taxes by Nature [Domain] Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable for payroll, sales, use, real, property and other taxes. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Taxes - other than income The Linc Group LLC The Linc Group LLC Trademarks Trading Symbol Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized tax benefits, accrued interest The total amount of tax benefits, included in the effective tax rates, related to re-measurements of certain unrecognized tax benefits. Unrecognized tax benefits, related to re-measurement Increase (decrease) in unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized in the future would affect its effective tax rate Unusual or Infrequent Item Unusual or Infrequent Item [Domain] Effect of dilutive securities: Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Diluted Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Diluted Diluted Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Basic Basic