Financial Instruments (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Contractual maturities of short-term and long-term investments in available-for-sale debt securities
Due in one to five years, cost	$ 80
Due in one to five years, fair value	59
Due in more than five years, cost	319
Due in more than five years, fair value	385
Total debt securities, at cost	399
Total debt securities, at fair value	444
Investment Holdings
Included in Other current assets		5
Included in long-term financing receivables and other assets	618	607
Total investments	618	612
Available-for-sale debt securities
Investment Holdings
Included in Other current assets		5
Included in long-term financing receivables and other assets	444	435
Available-for-sale equity securities
Investment Holdings
Included in long-term financing receivables and other assets	118	9
Equity securities in privately-held companies
Investment Holdings
Included in long-term financing receivables and other assets	48	154
Other investments
Investment Holdings
Included in long-term financing receivables and other assets	$ 8	$ 9