v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2011
Dec. 09, 2011
Apr. 29, 2011
Document Information [Line Items]      
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Oct. 31, 2011    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011    
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   53,353,511  
Entity Public Float     $ 1,271,361,902