Equity [Abstract] Class of Treasury Stock Common Stock Repurchase Activity [Table Text Block] [Table Text Block] for Common Stock Repurchase Activity [Table] Insurance [Abstract] Schedule of Other Liabilities [Table] Schedule Of Other Liabilities [Table] Schedule of Other Liabilities [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Assets Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Range Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Insurance Policies [Axis] Insurance Policies [Axis] Insurance Policies [Axis] Insurance Policies [Domain] Insurance Policies [Domain] Insurance Policies [Domain] Medical and Dental Self Insurance Program Medical And Dental Self Insurance Program [Member] Medical and Dental Self Insurance Program [Member] Schedule of Other Liabilities Schedule Of Other Liabilities [Line Items] Schedule of Other Liabilities [Line Items] Self insurance retention amount per-claim Self Insured Retention Amount Per Occurrence Self Insured Retention Amount Per Occurrence Primary policy limit Workers Compensation General Liability and Other Insurable Risks Insurance Policy Limit Represents the policy limit provided by the insurance program for workers' compensation, general liability, and other insurable risks. Insurance policy coverage, general liability losses Insurance Policy Coverage, General Liability Losses Represents commercial insurance umbrella policies that cover general liability losses above ABM's primary limits. Insurance policy coverage, property damage Property Damage Policy Limit Represents the policy limit provided by the insurance program for property damage risks. Change in insurance claims Increase in Total Reserve Claims Increase in Total Reserve Claims Self insurance retention amount per-claim Self Insured Retention Amount Per Participant Per Year For Certain Employee Medical And Dental Programs Self Insured Retention Amount Per Participant Per Year For Certain Employee Medical And Dental Programs Insurance claim reserves Self Insurance Reserve Insurance recoverables Estimated Insurance Recoveries Insurance Disclosure Table Insurance Disclosure [Table Text Block] Insurance Disclosure Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Mechanical Solutions Inc Mechanical Solutions Inc [Member] Mechanical Solutions Inc [Member] OFJ Connections Ltd OFJ Connections Ltd [Member] OFJ Connections Ltd [Member] 8 Solutions Ltd 8 Solutions Ltd [Member] 8 Solutions Ltd [Member] Westway Services Holdings Westway Services Holdings [Member] Westway Services Holdings [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Purchase price Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Contingent consideration liability Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Goodwill Goodwill Intangible assets, other than goodwill Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net (loss) income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net loss (income) from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash used in operating activities of continuing operations Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Share-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Provision for bad debt Provision for Doubtful Accounts Discount accretion on insurance claims Accretion Expense Gain on sale of assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Trade accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Other noncurrent assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets Trade accounts payable and other accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Insurance claims Increase (Decrease) in Self Insurance Reserve Income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Other noncurrent liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Liabilities Total adjustments Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash used in operating activities of continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash used in operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Additions to property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sale of assets Proceeds from Sale of Other Assets, Investing Activities Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] (Taxes withheld) and proceeds from issuance of share-based compensation awards, net Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Incremental tax benefit from share-based compensation awards Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Repurchases of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Deferred financing costs paid Payments of Financing Costs Borrowings from line of credit Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit Repayment of borrowings from line of credit Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Changes in book cash overdrafts Proceeds from (Repayments of) Bank Overdrafts Financing of energy savings performance contracts Proceeds from Construction Loans Payable Repayment of capital lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Change in cash related to assets held for sale Cash and Cash Equivalents, Held For Sale, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and Cash Equivalents, Held For Sale, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] External Support Fees External Support Fees [Member] External Support Fees [Member] Employee Severance Employee Severance [Member] Other Project Fees Other Project Fees [Member] Other Project Fees [Member] Lease Exit Lease Exit [Member] Lease Exit [Member] Asset Impairment Asset Impairment [Member] Asset Impairment [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Balance, at beginning of period Restructuring Reserve Cost recognized Restructuring Charges Payments Payments for Restructuring Balance, at end of period Cumulative Charges Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share repurchase program approved September 2, 2015 2015 Share Repurchase Program [Member] 2015 Share Repurchase Program [Member] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Share repurchase program authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Remaining authorized repurchase amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Auction Rate Securities Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Business & Industry Business and Industry [Member] Business and Industry [Member] Aviation Aviation [Member] Aviation [Member] Emerging Industries Group Emerging Industries Group [Member] Emerging Industries Group [Member] Technical Solutions Technical Solutions [Member] Technical Solutions [Member] Government Services Government Services [Member] Government Services [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Corporate Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Segment Reconciling Items Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reporting Information Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenues Sales Revenue, Services, Net Operating profit Operating Income (Loss) Adjustment for income from unconsolidated affiliates, net, included in Aviation and Government Services Adjustment for tax deductions for energy efficient government buildings, included in Technical Solutions Energy Efficient Government Buildings Tax Credits, Amount Energy Efficient Government Buildings Tax Credits, Amount Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net Interest expense Interest Expense Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Restructuring and Related Costs Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Prior Year Reclassifications Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale Discontinued Operations, Policy [Policy Text Block] Management Reimbursement Revenue Presentation Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Letters Of Credit [Table] Letters Of Credit [Table] Letters Of Credit [Table] Instruments Used to Collateralize Insurance Obligations by Type [Axis] Instruments Used to Collateralize Insurance Obligations by Type [Axis] Instruments Used to Collateralize Insurance Obligations by Type [Axis] Instruments Used to Collateralize Insurance Obligations, Type [Domain] Instruments Used to Collateralize Insurance Obligations, Type [Domain] Instruments Used to Collateralize Insurance Obligations, Type [Domain] Standby Letters of Credit Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Surety Bond Surety Bond [Member] Rejected insurance deposits Deposits [Member] Letters Of Credit Letters Of Credit [Line Items] Letters Of Credit [Line Items] Instruments Used To Collateralize Insurance Obligations Instruments Used To Collateralize Insurance Obligations Instruments Used To Collateralize Insurance Obligations Total Instruments Used To Collateralize Insurance Obligations Total Instruments Used To Collateralize Insurance Obligations Total Instruments Used To Collateralize Insurance Obligations Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Net (Loss) Income Per Common Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Management Revenue Management Revenue [Table Text Block] Management Revenue [Table Text Block] Average price paid per share (in dollars per share) Stock Repurchase Average Cost Per Share Stock repurchase average cost per share. Total number of shares repurchased (in shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Total cash paid for share repurchases Stock Repurchased During Period, Value The Company and Nature of Operations Nature of Operations [Text Block] Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Held For Sale Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Net (loss) income from discontinued operations Loss from discontinued operations pretax Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Favorable tax impact of vesting share-based compensation awards Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Work Opportunity Tax Credit Tax Credits, Work Opportunity Tax Credit Tax Credits, Work Opportunity Tax Credit Calculations of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Discount rates Securities Discount Rate Over London Interbank Offered Rate The discount rate over London Interbank Offered Rate assumptions used to determine the fair value of auction rate securities. Libor plus stated yield Securities Yields Over London Interbank Offered Rate The fixed yield over London Interbank Offered Rate used as an input in determining the fair value for the one of the Company's auction rate securities. Yields Securities Yields The fixed yield used as an input in determining the fair value for one of the Company's auction rate securities. Average expected lives Average Expected Life, Auction Rate Securities The average expected life assumptions used to determine the fair value of auction rate securities. Common Stock Common Stock Repurchases [Text Block] The entire disclosure for common stock repurchases, including, but not limited to, average cost per share, description of share repurchase program, shares repurchased. Management reimbursement revenues Reimbursement Revenue Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustment Restatement [Table] Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustment Restatement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Reclassification adjustment Restatement Adjustment [Member] Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items] Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items] Operating expenses Cost of Services Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted By Common Class [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted stock units Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Stock options Employee Stock Option [Member] Performance shares Performance Shares [Member] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class 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] Net (loss) income from discontinued operations Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding-Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Effect of dilutive securities Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract] Effect of dilutive securities (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding-Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Net (loss) income per common share — Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share (Loss) income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Net (loss) income (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Net (loss) income per common share — Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Loss from discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Net (loss) income (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Anti-dilutive (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Discontinued Operations Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Auction Rate Securities Auction Rate Securities [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Number of financial institution Number Of Financial Institution The number of different issuers of the auction rate securities held by the Company. Debt securities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities Amortized cost basis Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Interest rate reset interval Interest Rate Reset Interval The period of time in which the interest rates for auction rate securities reset through auctions. Unrealized holding gain (loss) on securities Available-for-sale Securities, Change in Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss), Net of Tax Total amount of other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) credit loss recognized Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Credit Losses on Debt Securities Held Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Swing Line Loan Swing Line Loan [Member] Swing Line Loan [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Base Rate Base Rate [Member] Eurodollar Eurodollar [Member] Federal Funds Rate Federal Funds Rate [Member] Federal Funds Rate [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] Line of Credit Facility Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Syndicated line of credit, increased capacity Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Percentage of commitment fee on the unused portion of the Facility Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Debt covenant leverage ratio Debt Instrument Covenant Total Leverage Ratio Debt Instrument Covenant Total Leverage Ratio Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio Debt Instrument Covenant Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Minimum Debt Instrument Covenant, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, Minimum Consolidated net worth Debt Covenant Minimum Consolidated Net Worth The financial covenant pertaining to the minimum consolidated net worth. Consolidated net income earned Percentage Of Consolidated Net Income The financial covenant pertaining to the minimum consolidated net worth, as it relates to net income earned each full fiscal quarter. Aggregate increases in stockholders' equity Percentage Of Capital Surplus The financial covenant pertaining to the minimum consolidated net worth, as it relates to stockholders equity. Covenants maximum leverage ratio Debt Instrument Covenant Total Leverage Ratio Maximum Debt Instrument Covenant, Total Leverage Ratio, Maximum Notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Number of instruments held Derivative, Number of Instruments Held Derivative, fixed interest rate Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), cumulative changes in net gain (loss) from cash flow hedges, effect net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Interest rate cash flow hedge gain (loss) to be reclassified during next 12 months, net Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Schedule of Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Expenses Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Operating Restructuring and related Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Total expenses Costs and Expenses Operating profit Income tax (provision) benefit Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income from continuing operations Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other Other Comprehensive Income Loss Other Adjustment After Tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Other Adjustment, after Tax Comprehensive (loss) income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Diluted (in shares) Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities Held For Sale at Estimated Fair Value Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Trade accounts receivable, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net Investments in unconsolidated affiliates Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Investments Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Investments Other assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets Assets held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Trade accounts payable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable Other accrued liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Liabilities Liabilities held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances of $16.9 and $15.9 at January 31, 2017 and October 31, 2016, respectively Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Current Assets held for sale Total current assets Assets, Current Other investments Other Long-term Investments Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $168.8 and $163.4 at January 31, 2017 and October 31, 2016, respectively Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $162.7 and $157.0 at January 31, 2017 and October 31, 2016, respectively Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Other noncurrent assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Trade accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued taxes—other than income Accrual for Taxes Other than Income Taxes, Current Insurance claims Self Insurance Reserve, Current Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current Other accrued liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Liabilities held for sale Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Noncurrent income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent Line of credit Long-term Line of Credit Deferred income tax liability, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Noncurrent insurance claims Self Insurance Reserve, Noncurrent Other noncurrent liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000 shares authorized; none issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 55,653,715 and 55,599,322 shares issued and outstanding at January 31, 2017 and October 31, 2016, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Significant Assumptions Used to Determine Fair Value of Auction Rate Securities Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Table Text Block] Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Financial Instruments [Table] Financial Instruments [Table] Financial Instruments [Table] Other Noncurrent Assets Other Investments Other Investments [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Fair Value by Measurement Frequency Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Financial Instruments Financial Instruments [Line Items] Financial Instruments [Line Items] Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan Deferred Compensation Plan Assets Investments in auction rate securities Available-for-sale Securities Interest rate swaps Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Insurance deposits Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Line of credit Lines of Credit, Fair Value Disclosure Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Type [Axis] Type [Axis] Type of Guarantee [Axis] Type [Domain] Type [Domain] [Domain] for Type of Guarantee [Axis] Parental Parental [Member] Parental Guarantee [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Payroll Taxes Payroll Taxes [Member] Payroll Taxes [Member] Other Probable Litigation Other Probable Litigation Losses [Member] Other Probable Litigation Losses [Member] Augustus and Karapetyan Augustus and Karapetyan [Member] Augustus and Karapetyan [Member] Augustus Augustus [Member] Augustus [Member] Augustus Settlement Agreement Augustus Settlement Agreement [Member] Augustus Settlement Agreement [Member] Karapetyan Karapetyan [Member] Karapetyan [Member] Loss Contingencies Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Standby letters of credit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Surety bonds Surety Bonds 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. Guarantee obligation Guarantee Obligation The total amount of guaranteed energy savings. Subsidiary ownership interest percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Total guarantees Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Loss contingency amount accrued for probable losses Loss Contingency Accrual Amount of reasonably possible loss Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Payment awarded to plaintiffs Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Percentage of damages awarded Loss Contingency Damages Awarded Percent Percentage of total damages awarded to the plaintiff in the legal matter. Reversal of initial award Initial Award To Plaintiff Reversal This element represents the amount of damages awarded to plaintiff reversed by the court. Settlement interest Litigation Settlement Interest Settlement agreement amount Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Settlement amount Litigation Settlement, Amount Reconciliation of Revenues and Operating Profit Loss from Segments to Consolidated Table Reconciliation Of Revenues And Operating Profit Loss From Segments To Consolidated [Table Text Block] Reconciliations of: (1) total revenues from reportable segments to the entity's consolidated revenues, and (2) total profit or loss from reportable segments, to the entity's consolidated income or loss from operations before income taxes, extraordinary items, and discontinued operations. Restructuring and Related Costs Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Line of Credit Debt And Derivative Instruments Disclosure [Text Block] The entire disclosure for the entity's debt and derivative instruments. Includes information about the amount of borrowings under the entity's line of credit and other matters important to the users of the financial statements and describes an entity's risk management strategies, derivatives in hedging activities and non-hedging derivative instruments, the assets, obligations, liabilities, revenues and expenses arising there from, and the amounts of and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts of such items. Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Cash borrowings Borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Borrowing capacity after covenant restrictions Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity After Covenant Restrictions Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity After Covenant Restrictions Insurance Insurance Disclosure [Text Block] Trade accounts receivable, allowance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Preferred stock, par value (in usd per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Common stock, par value (in usd per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding