v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
6 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2011
Jun. 03, 2011
Apr. 30, 2010
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]      
Entity Registrant Name ABM INDUSTRIES INC /DE/    
Entity Central Index Key 0000771497    
Document Type 10-Q    
Document Period End Date Apr. 30, 2011    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --10-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 1,100,912,951
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   53,133,447