Retirement and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions			12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2017	Jan. 01, 2016	Oct. 31, 2018	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total defined contribution expense			$ 158	$ 157	$ 213
HPE 401(k) Plan
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percent of equal 401(k) match to employees effective during the period	50.00%	100.00%
Percentage of maximum matching contribution	6.00%	4.00%