Financial Instruments (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Contractual maturities of short-term and long-term investments in available-for-sale debt securities, Cost
Due in one to five years	$ 14
Due in more than five years	357
Total debt securities, at cost	371
Contractual maturities of short-term and long-term investments in available-for-sale debt securities, Fair value
Due in one to five years	14
Due in more than five years	431
Total debt securities, at estimated fair value	445
Equity securities in privately held companies
Investment Holdings
Included in long-term financing receivables and other assets	$ 52	$ 51