Financial Instruments (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Contractual maturities of short-term and long-term investments in available-for-sale debt securities, Cost
Due in less than one year	$ 423
Due in one to five years	18
Due in more than five years	368
Total debt securities, at cost	809
Contractual maturities of short-term and long-term investments in available-for-sale debt securities, Fair value
Due in less than one year	423
Due in one to five years	18
Due in more than five years	447
Total debt securities, at estimated fair value	888
Equity securities in privately held companies
Investment Holdings
Included in long-term financing receivables and other assets	$ 51	$ 51