Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Expected life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Expected stock price volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Risk free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Stock price (usd per share) Share Price Weighted average fair value of option grants (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Depreciation expense Depreciation Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] 2015 Share Repurchase Program 2015 Share Repurchase Program [Member] 2015 Share Repurchase Program [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Maximum Maximum [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Stock repurchase program, authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance Rollforward [Roll Forward] Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance Rollforward [Roll Forward] Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance Rollforward [Roll Forward] Valuation allowance at the beginning of the year Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance Sale of Security business Operation Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance, Sale of Security Business Operation Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance, Sale of Security Business Other, net Operation Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance, Other Operation Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance, Other Valuation allowance at the end of the year Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segment Operating Segments [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Number of reporting segments Number of Reportable Segments Insurance claims Increase (Decrease) in Self Insurance Reserve Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Derivative Instrument Risk Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Federal Funds Rate Federal Funds Rate [Member] Federal Funds Rate [Member] One Month Eurodollar Rate One Month Eurodollar Rate [Member] One Month Eurodollar Rate [Member] Base Rate Base Rate [Member] Eurodollar Eurodollar [Member] Minimum Minimum [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Standby letters of credit Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Swing Line Loan Swing Line Loan [Member] Swing Line Loan [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Credit agreement term Debt Instrument, Term 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 Maximum 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 Adjusted Tangible 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 Aggregate Amount of Addbacks Debt Instrument, Covenant, Aggregate Amount of Addbacks to Consolidated EBITDA, Maximum Debt Instrument, Covenant, Aggregate Amount of Addbacks to Consolidated EBITDA, Maximum Line of credit, amount outstanding Long-term Line of Credit Standby letters of credit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Line of credit, borrowing capacity currently available Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, fixed interest rate Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Effective portion of cash flow hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax Amount Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss from Cash Flow Hedges Effect Gross Amount Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss from Cash Flow Hedges Effect Gross Effective portion of cash flow hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax Amount Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss from Cash Flow Hedges Effect Net Of Tax Amount Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss from Cash Flow Hedges Effect Net Of Tax Unrealized net loss related to the interest rate swap contract Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Defined Benefit Pension And Other Postretirement Plans [Member] Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Multiemployer contributions Multiemployer Plans, Plan Contributions Contributions by the Company Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions Accounting Policies [Abstract] Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Stock options Performance Shares [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Percentage of awards originally granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Total unrecognized compensation cost Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Weighted-average vesting period Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Service period Employee Service Share-based Compensation, TSR Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Employee Service Share-based Compensation, TSR Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Fair value per share of awards granted (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Total fair value of RSUs vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Preferred and Common Stock Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Transportation equipment Transportation Equipment [Member] Machinery and other equipment Machinery and Equipment [Member] Furniture and fixtures Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Computer equipment and software Computer Equipment And Software [Member] Computer Equipment And Software [Member] Assets Held under Capital Leases Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Capital leased assets, gross Capital Leased Assets, Gross Less: Accumulated depreciation Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Accumulated Depreciation Total Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net 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] Employee severance Employee Severance [Member] External support fees External Support Fees [Member] External Support Fees [Member] Asset Impairment Asset Impairment [Member] Asset Impairment [Member] Other Other Restructuring [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Balance, November 1, 2014 Restructuring Reserve Cost recognized during the period Restructuring Charges Payments Payments for Restructuring Non-cash charges Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash Balance, October 31, 2015 Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Advances to Joint Ventures Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] The Company and Nature of Operations Nature of Operations [Text Block] Insurance [Abstract] Letters Of Credit [Table] Letters Of Credit [Table] Letters Of Credit [Table] Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral by Type [Axis] Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral by Type [Axis] Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral, Type [Domain] Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral, Type [Domain] Surety bonds Surety Bond [Member] Restricted insurance deposits Deposits [Member] Letters Of Credit [Line Items] 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 Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangibles Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Changes in Carrying Amounts of Goodwill by Segment Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Other Intangible Assets, Net Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Estimated Annual Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Geographic Information [Table] Geographic Information [Table] Geographic Information [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States UNITED STATES All other countries All Other Countries [Member] All Other Countries [Member] Geographic Information [Line Items] Geographic Information [Line Items] Geographic Information [Line Items] Revenues Sales Revenue, Services, Net Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Net Income Per Common Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Expenses Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Operating Cost of Services Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Total expenses Costs and Expenses Operating profit Operating Income (Loss) Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Interest expense Interest Expense Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [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, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Other, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Net income per common share — Basic: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Income from continuing operations (in usd per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Income from discontinued operations (in usd per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Net income per common share-Basic (in usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Net income per common share — Diluted: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Income from continuing operations (in usd per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Income from discontinued operations (in usd per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Net income per common share-Diluted (in usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Dividends declared per common share (in usd per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant, and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives [Table Text Block] Property, Plant, and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives [Table Text Block] 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 Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Assets Other Assets [Member] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Joint Venture Corporate Joint Venture [Member] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Advances to Provide Working Capital Advances to Provide Working Capital [Member] Advances to Provide Working Capital [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Aggregate amount of advances Due from Joint Ventures, Noncurrent Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Noncurrent Other intangible assets, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets, Noncurrent Goodwill Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill, Noncurrent Other noncurrent assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Noncurrent Noncurrent assets of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Noncurrent Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Trade accounts payable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable, Current Accrued compensation Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Compensation Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Compensation Accrued taxes—other than income Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Taxes Other than Income Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Taxes Other than Income Other accrued liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Current Current liabilities of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current [Abstract] Trade accounts receivable, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net Prepaid expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Prepaid and Other Assets, Current Other current assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Current Current assets of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] Revenues Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Operating Expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense Selling, general and administrative Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, General and Administrative Expense Amortization of intangible assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Depreciation and Amortization Total Expense Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Total Expense Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Total Expense Operating profit Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) Gain on sale before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Income from discontinued operations before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Provision for income taxes Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Domain] Operating Activities [Domain] Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances of $8.6 and $9.2 at October 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Current Current assets of discontinued operations Total current assets Assets, Current Other investments Other Investments Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $148.7 and $137.1 at October 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $149.4 and $132.2 at October 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Goodwill Goodwill Other noncurrent assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Noncurrent assets of discontinued operations 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 Current liabilities of discontinued operations Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Noncurrent income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent Line of credit Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent 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 Other noncurrent liabilities 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; 56,105,761 and 55,691,350 shares issued and outstanding at October 31, 2015 and 2014, 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 Restructuring Charges Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Table] Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Table] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Rabbi Trust Rabbi Trust [Member] Rabbi Trust [Member] Other Postretirement Benefits, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Axis] Other Postretirement Benefits, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Axis] Other Postretirement Benefits, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Domain] Other Postretirement Benefits, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Domain] Deferred Compensation Plans Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, by Type of Compensation, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items] Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items] Total liability of deferred compensation Deferred Compensation Liability, Current and Noncurrent Fair value deferred compensation plan assets Deferred Compensation Plan Assets Compensation expense Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense Selected Quarterly Financial Data Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table 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] Assets, liabilities and results of operations for discontinued operations Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block] Estimated Amortization Expense 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Estimated Amortization Expense 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Estimated Amortization Expense 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Estimated Amortization Expense 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Estimated Amortization Expense 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Unrecognized Tax Benefits Additions for tax positions related to the current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Reductions for tax positions related to the current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Additions for tax positions related to prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Reductions for tax positions related to prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Reductions for expiration of statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Ending Balance 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. Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Trade Accounts Receivable Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Sales Allowance Revenue Recognition, Allowances [Policy Text Block] Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments in Auction Rate Securities Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Leases Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block] Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Acquisitions Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block] Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations, Policy [Policy Text Block] Insurance Reserves Insurance And Self Insurance Policy [Policy Text Block] Insurance And Self Insurance Policy [Policy Text Block] Other Accrued Liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities Policy [Policy Text Block] Other Accrued Liabilities Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Exit and Disposal Activities Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities or Restructurings, Policy [Policy Text Block] Advertising Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-Based Compensation Compensation Related Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Taxes Collected from Clients and Remitted to Governmental Agencies Taxes Collected From Customers Policy [Policy Text Block] Taxes Collected From Customers Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Net Income Per Common Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Contingencies and Litigation Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule Of Activity Related To Performance Share Units [Table] Schedule Of Activity Related To Performance Share Units [Table] Schedule Of Activity Related To Performance Share Units [Table] Schedule Of Activity Related To Performance Share Units [Line Items] Schedule Of Activity Related To Performance Share Units [Line Items] Schedule Of Activity Related To Performance Share Units [Line Items] Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Beginning balance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Change in units based on performance (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Other In Period The change in the number of shares made during period on other than stock (or unit) options, as a result of the change in the probability of achieving the performance targets established under the plan. Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Ending balance (in shares) Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Beginning balance (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (usd per share) Vested (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Change in units based on performance (usd per share) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Other In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value The weighted average fair value as of the grant date of equity-based award plans other than stock (unit) option plans that have fluctuated as a result of the change in the probability of achieving the performance targets established under the plan. Forfeited (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Ending balance (usd per share) Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation 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 Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Table] Award Type [Axis] RSUs Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Performance shares Employee Stock Option [Member] 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 [Line Items] Income from continuing operations Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding—Basic (in shares) Effect of dilutive securities: Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract] Effect of dilutive securities Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding—Diluted (in shares) Deferred tax assets: Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract] Self-insurance claims (net of recoverables) Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Self Insurance Deferred and other compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits Accounts receivable allowances Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Settlement liabilities Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Legal Settlements Other accruals Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Other Other comprehensive income Deferred Tax Assets, Other Comprehensive Loss State taxes Deferred Tax Assets, State Taxes State net operating loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local Tax credits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Total Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Goodwill and other acquired intangibles Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Net deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net 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 (usd per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value (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 Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Employee Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Basis of Presentation [Table] Basis Of Presentation [Table] Basis of Presentation [Table] Basis of Presentation [Line Items] Basis Of Presentation [Line Items] Basis of Presentation [Line Items] Number of client accounted for more than 10% of consolidated revenues Number Of Customers Accounted For More Than Ten Percent Of Revenue Number Of Customers Accounted For More Than Ten Percent Of Revenue Impairment loss Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment Ownership percentages Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Investments Investments Costs directly reimbursed from parking lot client Reimbursement Revenue Advertising expense Advertising Expense Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Exercisable rate Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures Continuing Operations Continuing Operations [Member] Statement, Business Segments Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Janitorial Janitorial [Member] Janitorial Facility Services Facility Services [Member] Facility Services [Member] Parking Parking [Member] Parking [Member] Building & Energy Solutions Building And Energy Solutions [Member] Building And Energy Solutions [Member] Other Other Segment [Member] Other Segment [Member] Corporate segment Corporate Segment [Member] Assets Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Capital Expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Repurchase Activity Class of Treasury Stock [Table Text Block] Financial Instruments [Table] Financial Instruments [Table] Financial Instruments [Table] Fair Value by Measurement Frequency Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis 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 [Line Items] Financial Instruments [Line Items] Financial Instruments [Line Items] Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan Investments in auction rate securities Available-for-sale Securities Fair value of recurring assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Insurance deposits Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Other Select Financial Assets Fair Value Disclosure Other Select Financial Assets Fair Value Disclosure Other Select Financial Assets Fair Value Disclosure Total Financial Assets Financial Assets Financial Assets Interest rate swaps Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value Contingent consideration liability Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Fair value of recurring liabilities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring Line of credit Lines of Credit, Fair Value Disclosure Total Fair Value of Financial Liabilities Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Beginning balance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Forfeited or expired (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Ending balance (in shares) Exercisable (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Number Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Beginning balance (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited or expired (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Ending balance (usd per share) Exercisable (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercisable (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract] Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Aggregate Intrinsic Value Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Tax Authority Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] State and Local Jurisdiction State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Tax Credits, Work Opportunity Tax Credit Tax Credits, Work Opportunity Tax Credit Tax Credits, Work Opportunity Tax Credit Tax benefit, deductions for energy efficient government buildings Effective Income Tax Reconciliation, Deduction, Energy Efficient Government Buildings, Amount Effective Income Tax Reconciliation, Deduction, Energy Efficient Government Buildings, Amount Re-measurement of certain unrecognized tax benefits Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Re-Measurement of Certain Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Amount Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Re-Measurement of Certain Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Amount Tax Credits, State Employment-based Tax Credits, State Employment-based Tax Credits, State Employment-based Operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Valuation Allowance, Increase of tax provision Operating loss carryforward from sale of security Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Maximum decrease in unrecognized tax benefits that is reasonably possible Significant (Increase) Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Estimated Range of Change, Upper Bound Uncertain tax positions, interest and penalties accrued Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Uncertain tax positions, interest and penalties recognized and expensed Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Number of states in which entity operates Number of States in which Entity Operates Schedule of Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Customer contracts and relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Trademarks and trade names Trade Names And Trademarks [Member] Trade Names And Trademarks [Member] Contract rights and other Contract Rights And Other [Member] Contract Rights and Other [Member] Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Total Intangible assets weighted average useful life Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Compensation Expense by Type of Award and Related Income Tax Benefit Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] RSU Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block] Stock Options Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Performance Share Activity Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity [Table Text Block] Assumptions Used in Option Valuation Model Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Employee Stock Purchase Plan Schedule of Employee Stock Purchase Plan Shares Issued [Table Text Block] Schedule of Employee Stock Purchase Plan Shares Issued [Table Text Block] Components of Income Tax Provision Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of US Statutory Tax Rate to Annual Effective Tax Rate Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Valuation Allowance Rollforward Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance Rollforward [Table Text Block] Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance Rollforward [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Total Unrecognized Tax Benefits Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Summary of Income Tax Examinations Summary of Income Tax Examinations [Table Text Block] United States Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Foreign Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Total income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Current: Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred: Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provision for income taxes Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Buildings Building [Member] Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Capital Leases Included in Property, Plant and Equipment Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning of year (in shares) Shares, Outstanding Balance, beginning of year Stock issued under employee stock purchase and share-based compensation plans (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Stock issued under employee stock purchase and share-based compensation plans Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Stock repurchased, number of shares Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Repurchase of common stock Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Share-based compensation expense(1) Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Other comprehensive (loss) income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Dividends: Dividends [Abstract] Balance, end of year (in shares) Common stock Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Stock issued under share-based compensation plans Dividends, Share-based Compensation, Stock Balance, end of year Insurance Insurance Disclosure [Text Block] Pension Plans Schedule of Multiemployer Plans [Table Text Block] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Auction rate securities Auction Rate Securities [Member] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Number of different issuers the Company held investments in for auction rate securities Number Of Financial Institution The number of different issuers of the auction rate securities held by the Company. Investments in auction rate securities, original principal amount Available For Sale Debt Securities Original Principal Amount This item represents the original cost of debt securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, excluding adjustments such as accretion, amortization, collection of cash, previous other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings (less any cumulative-effect adjustments recognized, as defined), and fair value hedge accounting adjustments, if any. Investments in auction rate securities, amortized cost basis Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent Unrealized losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Unrealized gains recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before 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 Standby Letters of Credit, Surety Bonds and Restricted Insurance Deposits Outstanding to Collateralize Self-Insurance Obligations Insurance Disclosure Table [Table Text Block] A tabular summary of letters of credit, surety bonds and restricted insurance deposits outstanding to collateralize self-insurance obligations. Reportable Operating Segments 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. Schedule of Segment Operating Profit Impact from Discontinued Operations Schedule of Segment Impact from Adjustments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Segment Impact from Adjustments [Table Text Block] Summary of Reportable Operating Segments Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Summary of Revenues by Geographic Region Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Restructuring and Related Costs Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Cash proceeds of assets sold Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Segment and Geographic Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Computer equipment and software Computer Hardware And Software Gross Gross amount, at the balance sheet date, of long-lived, depreciable assets that include computer equipment and software, not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. Machinery and other equipment Machinery and Equipment, Gross Leasehold improvements Leasehold Improvements, Gross Transportation equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Gross Furniture and fixtures Furniture and Fixtures, Gross Buildings Buildings and Improvements, Gross Land Land Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less: Accumulated depreciation Total Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] October 31, 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months October 31, 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years October 31, 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years October 31, 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years October 31, 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total minimum lease commitments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Capital Lease Commitments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] October 31, 2016 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months October 31, 2017 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years October 31, 2018 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years October 31, 2019 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years October 31, 2020 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years Thereafter Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter Total minimum lease commitments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Westway Services Holdings Westway Services Holdings [Member] Westway Services Holdings [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Pension Plan Pension Plan [Member] Equity Securities Equity Securities [Member] Fixed Income Funds Fixed Income Funds [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Aggregate net obligations Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet Aggregate projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Projected Benefit Obligation Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Target plan asset allocations Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Expected return on assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Expected future benefit payments Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Aggregate Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Aggregate Schedule of Multiemployer Plans [Table] Schedule of Multiemployer Plans [Table] Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Domain] Building Service 32BJ Pension Fund Building Service Thirty Two B J Pension Fund [Member] Building Service Thirty Two BJ Pension Fund [Member] Central Pension Fund of the IUOE & Participating Employers Central Pension Fund Of The I U O E And Participating Employers [Member] Central Pension Fund Of The IUOE And Participating Employers [Member] Local 25 SEIU & Participating Employers Pension Trust Local Twenty Five S E I U And Participating Employers Pension Trust [Member] Local Twenty Five SEIU And Participating Employers Pension Trust [Member] S.E.I.U. National Industry Pension Fund S E I U National Industry Pension Fund [Member] SEIU National Industry Pension Fund [Member] IUOE Stationary Engineers Local 39 Pension Fund I U O E Stationary Engineers Local Thirty Nine Pension Fund [Member] IUOE Stationary Engineers Local Thirty Nine Pension Fund [Member] Local 68 Engineers Union Pension Plan Local Sixty Eight Engineers Union Pension Plan [Member] Local Sixty Eight Engineers Union Pension Plan [Member] Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, District 36 Building Operators Pension Trust Fund Service Employees International Union Local Thirty Two B J District Thirty Six Building Operators Pension Trust Fund [Member] Service Employees International Union Local Thirty Two BJ District Thirty Six Building Operators Pension Trust Fund [Member] Other Plans Other Plans [Member] Other Plans [Member] Multiemployer Plans [Line Items] Multiemployer Plans [Line Items] Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Multiemployer Plan Number Multiemployer Plan Number Multiemployer Plans, Certified Zone Status, Date Multiemployer Plans, Certified Zone Status, Date Multiemployer Plans, Collective-Bargaining Arrangement, Expiration Date, First Multiemployer Plans, Collective-Bargaining Arrangement, Expiration Date, First Multiemployer Plans, Collective-Bargaining Arrangement, Expiration Date, Last Multiemployer Plans, Collective-Bargaining Arrangement, Expiration Date, Last Multiemployer Plans, Certified Zone Status Multiemployer Plans, Certified Zone Status FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented Multiemployer Plans, Funding Improvement Plan and Rehabilitation Plan Surcharge Imposed Multiemployer Plans, Surcharge Green Zone Multiemployer Plan - Minimum Green Zone Multiemployer Plan Funded Percentage Green Zone Multiemployer Plan Funded Percentage Yellow Zone Multiemployer Plan - Maximum Yellow Zone Multiemployer Plans Funded Percentage Yellow Zone Multiemployer Plans Funded Percentage Red Zone Multiemployer Plan - Maximum Red Zone Multiemployer Plans Funded Percentage Red Zone Multiemployer Plans Funded Percentage Segment Reconciling Items Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Operating profit Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions Statutory rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Federal and state tax credits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Percent Impact of foreign operations Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent Changes in uncertain tax positions Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Nondeductible expenses and other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Percent Annual effective tax rate Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] CTS Services/Facility Support Services CTS Services/Facility Support Services [Member] CTS Services/Facility Support Services [Member] Air Serv Air Serv [Member] Air Serv [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business acquisition aggregate purchase price Contingent consideration Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Contingent Consideration, Payable Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Payable Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Payable Other intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Contingent Consideration change in amount Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Anti-dilutive Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block] Future Minimum Lease Payments for Operating Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Rental Expense for Continuing Operations Schedule of Rent Expense [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Number of Defined Contribution Plans Number of Defined Contribution Plans Number of Defined Contribution Plans Cost Recognized Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Equity-Based Arrangements, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Axis] Equity-Based Arrangements, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Axis] Equity-Based Arrangements, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Domain] Equity-Based Arrangements, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Domain] Employee Stock Purchase Plan Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] Weighted average fair value of granted purchase rights per share (usd per share) Weighted Average Fair Value of Stock Purchase Right Under Employee Stock Purchase Plan This element represents the weighted average fair value of each purchase right under the employee stock purchase plan. Common stock issued Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Fair value of common stock issued per share (usd per share) Stock Issued During Period Weighted Average Price Per Share Employee Stock Purchase Plans Weighted average price per share of common stock issued during the period as a result of an employee stock purchase plan. Aggregate purchases Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Type [Axis] Type [Axis] Type of Guarantee [Axis] Type [Domain] Type [Domain] [Domain] for Type of Guarantee [Axis] Parental [Member] Parental [Member] Parental Guarantee [Member] Litigation Claim Name [Axis] Litigation Claim Name [Axis] Litigation Claim Name [Axis] Litigation Claim Name [Domain] Litigation Claim Name [Domain] Litigation Claim Name [Domain] Augustus Augustus [Member] Augustus [Member] Bojorquez Bojorquez [Member] Bojorquez [Member] Period [Axis] Period [Axis] Period [Axis] Period [Domain] Period [Domain] Period [Domain] Effective date starting after October 31, 2013 Future Period Two [Member] Future Period Two [Member] 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. Total letters of credit Total guarantees Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Loss contingency amount accrued for probable losses Loss Contingency Accrual Amount of reasonably possible losses, Minimum Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Minimum Amount of reasonably possible losses, Maximum Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum Payment awarded to plaintiffs Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Percent of plaintiff payment awards Loss Contingency Damages Awarded Percent Percentage of total damages awarded to the plaintiff in the legal matter. Share-Based Compensation Plans Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Acquisitions Goodwill, Acquired During Period Foreign Currency Translation Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Ending Balance Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Certain Overhead Functions Certain Overhead Functions [Member] Certain Overhead Functions [Member] Discontinued Operations Allocations Discontinued Operations Allocations [Member] Discontinued Operations Allocations [Member] Costs and Expenses Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment Share-based compensation expense before income taxes Share-based Compensation Income tax benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax Minimum rentals Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Minimum Rentals Contingent rentals Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Contingent Rentals Total Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Accounts receivable allowances Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Valuation allowance of deferred tax assets Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Balance Beginning of Year Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Charges to Costs and Expenses Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense Write-offs/Allowance Taken Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Balance End of Year Libor plus the stated discount rate 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. Securities Average Life Securities Average Life The average expected life assumptions used to determine the fair value of auction rate securities. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Total number of shares repurchased, number of shares Average price paid per share, usd per share Stock Repurchase Average Cost Per Share Stock repurchase average cost per share. Total cash paid for share repurchase 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] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by continuing operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 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 Property Plant Equipment Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net 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 Operating Assets Trade accounts payable and other accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities 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 provided by continuing operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by discontinued operating activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by 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 Proceeds from sale of assets Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Investments in unconsolidated affiliates Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Proceeds from redemption of auction rate security Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Available-for-sale Securities Net cash used in continuing investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued investing activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by (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] Proceeds from issuance of share-based compensation awards, net of taxes withheld Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised 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 Repayment of capital lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Other Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year Supplemental data: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received Income Taxes Paid, Net Interest paid on line of credit Interest Paid Significant Assumptions Used to Determine Fair Value of Auction Rate Securities Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Table Text Block] Expiration period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Weighted average intrinsic value share granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Grant Date Intrinsic Value Intrinsic value vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Weighted Average Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Weighted Average Intrinsic Value Restructuring and Related Costs Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Liabilities [Table] Schedule Of Other Liabilities [Table] Schedule of Other Liabilities [Table] 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 [Line Items] Schedule Of Other Liabilities [Line Items] Schedule of Other Liabilities [Line Items] Self insurance retention amount per-claim Self Insured Retention Amount Per Claim Self Insured Retention Amount Per Claim Insurance deductibles per occurrence Insurance Deductibles The deductible amount related to claims under the commercial insurance policy coverage related to workers' compensation, general liability, automobile and property damage. Commercial insurance policies coverage 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 Insurance Policy Coverage, Property Damage Insurance Policy Coverage, Property Damage Self-insurance reserve adjustments 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 Self Insured Retention Amount Per Participant Per Year For Certain Employee Medical And Dental Programs Insurance claim reserves Self Insurance Reserve Estimated Insurance Recoveries Estimated Insurance Recoveries TSR award earned basis period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Total Shareholder Return Awards, Earned Basis Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Total Shareholder Return Awards, Earned Basis Period Number of shares authorized (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Number of shares available for grant (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Fair value percentage of common stock price Share Based Compensation Fair Value Percentage of Common Stock Price Share Based Compensation Fair Value Percentage of Common Stock Price Employee contribution percentage Stock Based Compensation Maximum Employee Contribution Percentage Stock Based Compensation Maximum Employee Contribution Percentage Maximum employee contribution Stock Based Compensation Maximum Employee Contribution Stock Based Compensation Maximum Employee Contribution Number of shares unissued (in shares) Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Number of Shares Available for Issue This element represents the remaining balance of shares originally authorized for issue under the employee stock purchase plan. Gross profit Gross Profit