v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information
6 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2012
Jun. 01, 2012
Document Information [Line Items]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Apr. 30, 2012  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Trading Symbol ABM  
Entity Registrant Name ABM INDUSTRIES INC /DE/  
Entity Central Index Key 0000771497  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --10-31  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   54,074,312