Stockholders' Equity - Change in HPE's Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			$ 31,518
Everett Transaction			(1,218)
Net loss			(182)
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes	$ 184	$ (10)	660	$ (162)
Comprehensive income			478
Repurchase of common stock			(1,965)
Cash dividends declared			(429)
Stock-based compensation expense			506
Other			160
Balance at end of period	29,050		29,050
Net loss attributable to parent	$ (165)	$ (2,272)	180	$ (2,859)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests			2
Retained Earnings
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Everett Transaction			(3,800)
Noncontrolling Interest
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Everett Transaction			(30)
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Everett Transaction			2,600
Unallocated
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation expense			316
Income From Discontinued Operations
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation expense			100
Separation Costs
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation expense			40
Restructuring Charges
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation expense			29
Acquisition-related Costs
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation expense			$ 21