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Retirement and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Retirement and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Retirement and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans
HP sponsors a number of defined benefit pension plans worldwide. The most significant defined benefit plan, the HP Inc. Pension Plan (“Pension Plan”) is a frozen plan in the United States.
HP reduces the benefit payable to certain U.S. employees under the Pension Plan for service before 1993, if any, by any amounts due to the employee under HP’s frozen defined contribution Deferred Profit-Sharing Plan (“DPSP”). At October 31, 2020 and 2019, the fair value of plan assets of the DPSP was $463 million and $543 million, respectively. The DPSP obligations are equal to the plan assets and are recognized as an offset to the Pension Plan when HP calculates its defined benefit pension cost and obligations. The Pension Plan and the DPSP both remain entirely with HP post-Separation.
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
HP sponsors retiree health and welfare benefit plans, of which the most significant are in the United States. Under the HP Inc. Retiree Welfare Benefits Plan, certain pre-2003 retirees and grandfathered participants with continuous service to HP since 2002 are eligible to receive partially subsidized medical coverage based on years of service at retirement. HP’s share of the premium cost is capped for all subsidized medical coverage provided under the HP Inc. Retiree Welfare Benefits Plan. HP currently leverages the employer group waiver plan process to provide HP Inc. Retiree Welfare Benefits Plan post-65 prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D, thereby giving HP access to federal subsidies to help pay for retiree benefits. 
Certain employees not grandfathered for partially subsidized medical coverage under the above programs, and employees hired after 2002 but before August 2008, are eligible for credits under the HP Inc. Retiree Welfare Benefits Plan. Credits offered after September 2008 are provided in the form of matching credits on employee contributions made to a voluntary employee beneficiary association upon attaining age 45 or as part of early retirement programs. On retirement, former employees may use these credits for the reimbursement of certain eligible medical expenses, including premiums required for coverage.
Defined Contribution Plans
HP offers various defined contribution plans for U.S. and non-U.S. employees. Total defined contribution expense was $108 million in fiscal year 2020, $107 million in fiscal year 2019 and $110 million in fiscal year 2018.
U.S. employees are automatically enrolled in the HP Inc. 401(k) Plan when they meet eligibility requirements, unless they decline participation. The employer matching contributions in the HP Inc. 401(k) Plan is 100% of the first 4% of eligible compensation contributed by employees, and the employer match is vested after three years of employee service. Generally, an employee must be employed by HP Inc. on the last day of the calendar year to receive a match.
Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Expense 
The components of HP’s pension and post-retirement (credit) benefit cost recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings were as follows:
 For the fiscal years ended October 31
 202020192018202020192018202020192018
 U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		Non-U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		Post-Retirement
Benefit Plans
 In millions
Service cost$— $— $— $64 $57 $55 $1 $1 $1 
Interest cost412 491 452 17 24 24 11 17 15 
Expected return on plan assets(700)(581)(717)(43)(37)(39)(23)(22)(23)
Amortization and deferrals:      
Actuarial loss (gain)64 59 58 43 31 28 (10)(31)(17)
Prior service benefit— — — (2)(3)(3)(12)(13)(18)
Net periodic (credit) benefit cost(224)(31)(207)79 72 65 (33)(48)(42)
Curtailment gain— — — — (22)— — — — 
Settlement loss217 2 2 1 1 5 — — — 
Special termination benefit cost— — — — — — 44 6 — 
Total (credit) benefit cost$(7)$(29)$(205)$80 $51 $70 $11 $(42)$(42)
The components of net periodic benefit costs other than the service cost component are included in Interest and other, net in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
The weighted-average assumptions used to calculate the total periodic (credit) benefit cost were as follows: 
 For the fiscal years ended October 31
 202020192018202020192018202020192018
 U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		Non-U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		Post-Retirement
Benefit Plans
Discount rate3.2 %4.5 %3.8 %1.3 %2.0 %2.1 %2.9 %4.4 %3.5 %
Expected increase in compensation levels2.0 %2.0 %2.0 %2.5 %2.5 %2.5 %— %— %— %
Expected long-term return on plan assets6.0 %6.0 %6.9 %4.4 %4.4 %4.5 %5.9 %6.0 %7.1 %
Funded Status
The funded status of the defined benefit and post-retirement benefit plans was as follows:
 As of October 31
 202020192020201920202019
 U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		Non-U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		Post-Retirement
Benefit Plans
 In millions
Change in fair value of plan assets:      
Fair value of assets — beginning of year$12,017 $10,018 $969 $850 $404 $388 
Acquisition/ deletion of plan— — — (1)— — 
Actual return on plan assets1,260 2,499 22 85 107 44 
Employer contributions34 32 45 44 4 5 
Participant contributions— — 18 17 45 36 
Benefits paid(422)(523)(33)(28)(79)(69)
Settlement(2,426)(9)(7)(4)— — 
Currency impact— — 50 — — — 
Transfers— — — 6 — — 
Fair value of assets — end of year$10,463 $12,017 $1,064 $969 $481 $404 
Change in benefits obligation      
Projected benefit obligation — beginning of year$13,191 $11,167 $1,457 $1,227 $390 $397 
Acquisition/ deletion of plan— — 3 — — — 
Service cost— — 64 57 1 1 
Interest cost412 491 17 24 11 17 
Participant contributions— — 18 17 45 36 
Actuarial loss (gain)589 2,065 78 219 (10)35 
Benefits paid(422)(523)(33)(28)(79)(69)
Plan amendments— — — 4 (8)(33)
Curtailment— — — (63)— — 
Settlement(2,426)(9)(7)(4)— — 
Special termination benefits— — — — 44 6 
  Transfers— — — 7 — — 
Currency impact— — 67 (3)— — 
Projected benefit obligation — end of year$11,344 $13,191 $1,664 $1,457 $394 $390 
Funded status at end of year$(881)$(1,174)$(600)$(488)$87 $14 
Accumulated benefit obligation$11,344 $13,191 $1,515 $1,320 
The weighted-average assumptions used to calculate the projected benefit obligations for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
 For the fiscal years ended October 31
 202020192020201920202019
 U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		Non-U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		Post-Retirement
Benefit Plans
Discount rate2.8 %3.2 %1.1 %1.3 %2.3 %2.9 %
Expected increase in compensation levels2.0 %2.0 %2.4 %2.5 %— %— %
The net amounts of non-current assets and current and non-current liabilities for HP’s defined benefit and post-retirement benefit plans recognized on HP’s Consolidated Balance Sheet were as follows:
 As of October 31
 202020192020201920202019
 U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		Non-U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		Post-Retirement
Benefit Plans
 In millions
Other non-current assets$— $— $20 $14 $93 $21 
Other current liabilities(35)(36)(8)(7)(5)(6)
Other non-current liabilities(846)(1,138)(612)(495)(1)(1)
Funded status at end of year$(881)$(1,174)$(600)$(488)$87 $14 
The following table summarizes the pre-tax net actuarial loss (gain) and prior service benefit recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss for the defined benefit and post-retirement benefit plans.
 As of October 31, 2020
 U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		Non-U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		Post-Retirement
Benefit Plans
 In millions
Net actuarial loss (gain)$1,119 $475 $(220)
Prior service benefit— (10)(90)
Total recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (gain)$1,119 $465 $(310)
 
The following table summarizes HP’s pre-tax net actuarial loss (gain) and prior service benefit that are expected to be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive loss and recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) during the next fiscal year.
As of October 31, 2020
 U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		Non-U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		Post-Retirement
Benefit Plans
 In millions
Net actuarial loss (gain)$59 $54 $(17)
Prior service benefit— (2)(11)
Total expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost (credit)$59 $52 $(28)
Defined benefit plans with projected benefit obligations exceeding the fair value of plan assets were as follows:
 As of October 31
 2020201920202019
 U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		Non-U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans
 In millions
Aggregate fair value of plan assets$10,463 $12,017 $998 $905 
Aggregate projected benefit obligation$11,344 $13,191 $1,620 $1,410 
Defined benefit plans with accumulated benefit obligations exceeding the fair value of plan assets were as follows:
 As of October 31
 2020201920202019
 U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		Non-U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans
 In millions
Aggregate fair value of plan assets$10,463 $12,017 $920 $838 
Aggregate accumulated benefit obligation$11,344 $13,191 $1,419 $1,226 

Fair Value of Plan Assets
The table below sets forth the fair value of plan assets by asset category within the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2020. Refer to Note 9, “Fair Value” for details on fair value hierarchy. Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the Net Asset Value (“NAV”) per share as a practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy.  The fair value amounts presented in this table provide a reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the total value of plan assets.
 As of October 31, 2020
 U.S. Defined Benefit PlansNon-U.S. Defined Benefit PlansPost-Retirement Benefit Plans
 Level 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total
 In millions
Asset Category:   
Equity securities(1)
$283 $51 $— $334 $7 $75 $— $82 $1 $1 $2 
Debt securities(2)
Corporate
— 5,891 — 5,891 — 124 — 124 — 53 — 53 
Government
— 1,758 — 1,758 — 4 — 4 — 136 — 136 
Real Estate Funds— — — — 1 28 — 29 — — — — 
Insurance Contracts— — — — — 90 — 90 — — — — 
Common Collective Trusts and 103-12 Investments Entities(3)
— — — — — 7 — 7 — — — — 
Investment Funds(4)
348 — — 348 — 329 — 329 63 — 63 
Cash and Cash Equivalents(5)
11 61 — 72 25 — — 25 — 1 — 1 
Other(6)
(466)(19)— (485)1 19 — 20 (16)— (16)
Net plan assets subject to leveling$176 $7,742 $— $7,918 $34 $676 $— $710 $48 $191 $— $239 
Investments using NAV as a Practical Expedient(7)
2,545 354 242 
Investments at Fair Value$10,463 $1,064 $481 
     The table below sets forth the fair value of plan assets by asset category within the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019.
 As of October 31, 2019
 U.S. Defined Benefit PlansNon-U.S. Defined Benefit PlansPost-Retirement Benefit Plans
 Level 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total
 In millions
Asset Category:   
Equity securities(1)
$697 $58 $— $755 $132 $8 $— $140 $— $1 $— $1 
Debt securities(2)
Corporate
— 6,098 — 6,098 — 139 — 139 — 40 — 40 
Government
— 2,979 — 2,979 — 19 — 19 — 61 — 61 
Real Estate Funds— — — — 1 69 — 70 — — — — 
Insurance Contracts— — — — — 78 — 78 — — — — 
Common Collective Trusts and 103-12s(3)
— — — — — 7 — 7 — — — — 
Investment Funds(4)
324 — — 324 — 311 — 311 57 — — 57 
Cash and Cash Equivalents(5)
4 62 — 66 18 — — 18 — 2 — 2 
Other(6)
(517)(488)— (1,005)1 16 — 17 (16)— — (16)
Net plan assets subject to leveling$508 $8,709 $— $9,217 $152 $647 $— $799 $41 $104 $— $145 
Investments using NAV as a Practical Expedient(7)
2,800 170 259 
Investments at Fair Value$12,017 $969 $404 
(1)Investments in publicly traded equity securities are valued using the closing price on the measurement date as reported on the stock exchange on which the individual securities are traded.
(2)The fair value of corporate, government and asset-backed debt securities is based on observable inputs of comparable market transactions. Also included in this category is debt issued by national, state and local governments and agencies.
(3)Department of Labor 103-12 IE (Investment Entity) designation is for plan assets held by two or more unrelated employee benefit plans which includes limited partnerships and venture capital partnerships. Certain common collective trusts and interests in 103-12 entities are valued using NAV as a practical expedient.
(4)Includes publicly traded funds of investment companies that are registered with the SEC, funds that are not publicly traded and a non-U.S. fund-of-fund arrangement. The non-U.S. fund-of-fund arrangement is a custom portfolio valued at NAV consisting primarily of fixed income and common contractual funds.
(5)Includes cash and cash equivalents such as short-term marketable securities. Cash and cash equivalents include money market funds, which are valued based on NAV. Other assets were classified in the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input (e.g., quoted prices and observable inputs) that is significant to the fair value measure in its entirety.
(6)Includes primarily reverse repurchase agreements, unsettled transactions, and derivative instruments.
(7)These investments include alternative investments, which primarily consist of private equities and hedge funds. The valuation of alternative investments, such as limited partnerships and joint ventures, may require significant management judgment. For alternative investments, valuation is based on NAV as reported by the asset manager or investment company and adjusted for cash flows, if necessary. In making such an assessment, a variety of factors are reviewed by management, including but not limited to the timeliness of NAV as reported by the asset manager and changes in general economic and market conditions subsequent to the last NAV reported by the asset manager.
•Private equities include limited partnerships such as equity, buyout, venture capital, real estate and other similar funds that invest in the United States and internationally where foreign currencies are hedged.
•Hedge funds include limited partnerships that invest both long and short primarily in common stocks and credit, relative value, event-driven equity, distressed debt and macro strategies. Management of the hedge funds has the ability to shift investments from value to growth strategies, from small to large capitalization stocks and bonds, and from a net long position to a net short position.
In addition, these investments include the Common Contractual Fund, which is an investment arrangement in which
institutional investors pool their assets. Units may be acquired in different sub-funds focused on equities, fixed income, alternative investments and emerging markets. Each sub-fund is invested in accordance with the fund’s investment objective and units are issued in relation to each sub-fund. While the sub-funds are not publicly traded, the custodian strikes a NAV either once or twice a month, depending on the sub-fund. These assets are valued using NAV as a practical expedient. These investments also include Common Collective Trusts and 103-12 Investment Entities as defined in note (3) above and Investment Funds as defined in note (4) above.
 Plan Asset Allocations 
Refer to the fair value hierarchy table above for actual assets allocations across the benefit plans. The weighted-average target asset allocations across the benefit plans represented in the fair value tables above were as follows:
2020 Target Allocation
Asset CategoryU.S. Defined Benefit PlansNon-U.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		Post-Retirement
Benefit Plans
Equity-related investments29.4 %35.4 %39.6 %
Debt securities70.6 %33.1 %48.4 %
Real estate— %12.1 %— %
Cash and cash equivalents— %3.1 %12.0 %
Other— %16.3 %— %
Total100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %
Investment Policy 
HP’s investment strategy is to seek a competitive rate of return relative to an appropriate level of risk depending on the funded status of each plan and the timing of expected benefit payments. The majority of the plans’ investment managers employ active investment management strategies with the goal of outperforming the broad markets in which they invest. Risk management practices include diversification across asset classes and investment styles and periodic rebalancing toward asset allocation targets. A number of the plans’ investment managers are authorized to utilize derivatives for investment or liability exposures, and HP may utilize derivatives to affect asset allocation changes or to hedge certain investment or liability exposures.
The target asset allocation selected for each U.S. plan (pension and post-retirement) reflects a risk/return profile HP believes is appropriate relative to each plan’s liability structure and return goals. HP conducts periodic asset-liability studies for U.S. plans to model various potential asset allocations in comparison to each plan’s forecasted liabilities and liquidity needs and to develop a policy glide path which adjusts the asset allocation with funded status. A 2021 asset-liability study is planned to reconfirm the current policy glide path for the U.S. Pension Plan. Due to the strong funded status for the U.S. Pension Plan and the high level of liability hedging in the pension assets, no material changes are anticipated other than additional movement to fixed-income investments in the 401(h) account with the U.S. Pension Plan. HP invests a portion of the U.S. defined benefit plan assets and post-retirement benefit plan assets in private market securities such as private equity funds to provide diversification and a higher expected return on assets. 
Outside the United States, asset allocation decisions are typically made by an independent board of trustees for the specific plan. As in the United States, investment objectives are designed to generate returns that will enable the plan to meet its future obligations. In some countries, local regulations may restrict asset allocations, typically leading to a higher percentage of investment in fixed-income securities than would otherwise be deployed. HP reviews the investment strategy and where appropriate, can offer some assistance in the selection of investment managers, with final decisions on asset allocation and investment managers made by the board of trustees for the specific plan.
Basis for Expected Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets reflects the expected returns for each major asset class in which the plan invests and the weight of each asset class in the target mix. Expected asset returns reflect the current yield on government bonds, risk premiums for each asset class and expected real returns which considers each country’s specific inflation outlook. Because HP’s investment policy is to employ primarily active investment managers who seek to outperform the broader market, the expected returns are adjusted to reflect the expected additional returns net of fees.
 Retirement Incentive Program
As part of the Fiscal 2020 Plan, HP announced the voluntary EER program for its U.S. employees in October 2019. Voluntary participation in the EER program was limited to those employees who were at least 50 years old with 20 or more years of service at HP. Employees accepted into the EER program left HP on dates ranging from December 31, 2019 to September 30, 2020. The EER benefit was a cash lump sum payment which was calculated based on years of service at HP at the time of the retirement and ranging from 13 to 52 weeks of pay.
All employees participating in the EER program were offered the opportunity to continue health care coverage at the active employee contribution rates for up to 36 months following retirement. In addition, HP provided up to $12,000 in employer credits under the Retirement Medical Savings Account (“RMSA”) program. In relation to the continued health care coverage and employer credits under the RMSA program, HP recognized special termination benefit costs of $44 million as restructuring and other charges for the twelve months ended October 31, 2020.
Lump Sum Program
    HP offered a lump sum program during the third quarter of fiscal year 2020. Certain terminated vested participants in the HP Inc. Pension Plan (“Pension Plan”) could elect to take a one-time voluntary lump sum payment equal to the present value of future benefits. Approximately 12,000 participants elected the lump sum option. Payments of $2.2 billion were made from plan assets to the participants in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020. A non-cash settlement expense of $214 million arising from the accelerated recognition of previously deferred actuarial losses was recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020.
Future Contributions and Funding Policy
In fiscal year 2021, HP expects to contribute approximately $77 million to its non-U.S. pension plans, $34 million to cover benefit payments to U.S. non-qualified plan participants and $5 million to cover benefit claims for HP’s post-retirement benefit plans. HP’s policy is to fund its pension plans so that it makes at least the minimum contribution required by local government, funding and taxing authorities.
Estimated Future Benefits Payments
As of October 31, 2020, HP estimates that the future benefits payments for the retirement and post-retirement plans are as follows:
Fiscal yearU.S. Defined
Benefit Plans		Non-U.S.
Defined
Benefit Plans		Post-Retirement
Benefit Plans
 In millions
2021$680 $43 $47 
2022680 41 44 
2023682 45 33 
2024690 50 27 
2025699 55 27 
Next five fiscal years to October 31, 20303,306 323 131