SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Assets (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total reportable segments' assets	$ 8,044	$ 7,997
Cash and cash equivalents	2,675	2,351
Prepaid expenses	198	128
Investments	139	109
Long term and other receivables	162	161
Other	(532)	(210)
Total assets	10,686	10,536
Life Sciences and Diagnostics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total reportable segments' assets	4,291	4,072
Chemical Analysis [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total reportable segments' assets	1,756	1,768
Electronic Measurement [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total reportable segments' assets	$ 1,997	$ 2,157