Basis of Presentation Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation Policies (Policies)	Apr. 30, 2014
Basis of Presentation
Principle of Consolidation Policy	The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements include the accounts of HP and other subsidiaries and affiliates in which HP has a controlling financial interest. Non-controlling interests are presented as a separate component within Total stockholder's equity in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets. Net earnings attributable to the non-controlling interests are eliminated within Interest and other, net in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings and are not presented separately as they were not material for any period presented. HP has eliminated all significant intercompany accounts and transactions.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in HP's Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Segment Reorganization	Segment Reorganization HP has implemented certain segment and business unit realignments in order to align its segment financial reporting more closely with its current business structure. Prior year segment and business unit financial information have been conformed to the current-year presentation. None of the changes impacts HP's previously reported consolidated net revenue, earnings from operations, net earnings or net earnings per share. See Note 16 for a further discussion of HP's segment reorganization.
Accounting Pronouncements	Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") amended the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. The amendments are based on the principle that revenue should be recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. HP is required to adopt the amendments in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Early adoption is not permitted. The amendments may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application. HP is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments and the transition alternatives on its Consolidated Financial Statements. In April 2014, the FASB issued guidance which changes the criteria for identifying a discontinued operation. The guidance limits the definition of a discontinued operation to the disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. The guidance is effective in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, with early adoption permitted for transactions that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. In July 2013, the FASB issued a new accounting standard requiring the presentation of certain unrecognized tax benefits as reductions to deferred tax assets rather than as liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. HP will be required to adopt this new standard on a prospective basis in the first quarter of fiscal 2015; however, early adoption is permitted as is retrospective application. HP is currently evaluating the timing, transition method and impact of this new standard on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
Transfers and Servicing Trade Receivables Policy	HP has third-party revolving short-term financing arrangements intended to facilitate the working capital requirements of certain customers. These financing arrangements, which in certain cases provide for partial recourse, result in a transfer of HP's trade receivables and collection risk to third parties. These trade receivables are derecognized from the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets on transfer and when HP receives payment for the transferred trade receivables from the third parties. For the arrangements involving an element of recourse, the recourse obligation is measured using market data from similar transactions and reported as a current liability in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.
Fair Value Policy	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair Value Hierarchy HP uses valuation techniques that are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable or market inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect HP's assumptions about market participant assumptions based on the best information available. Assets and liabilities are classified in the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement: Level 1—Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2—Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3—Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to observable inputs and lowest priority to unobservable inputs. Valuation Techniques Cash Equivalents and Investments: HP holds time deposits, money market funds, mutual funds, other debt securities primarily consisting of corporate and foreign government notes and bonds, and common stock and equivalents. HP values cash equivalents and equity investments using quoted market prices, alternative pricing sources, including net asset value, or models utilizing market observable inputs. The fair value of debt instruments was based on quoted market prices or model-driven valuations using inputs primarily derived from or corroborated by observable market data, and, in certain instances, internally developed valuation models that utilize assumptions which cannot be corroborated with observable market data. Derivative Instruments: HP uses forward contracts, interest rate and total return swaps and option contracts to hedge certain foreign currency and interest rate exposures. When prices in active markets are not available for the identical asset or liability, HP uses industry standard valuation models to measure fair value. Where applicable, these models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to present value using market-based observable inputs, including interest rate curves, HP and counterparty credit risk, foreign exchange rates, and forward and spot prices for currencies and interest rates. See Note 8 for a further discussion of HP's use of derivative instruments. Other Fair Value Disclosures Short- and Long-Term Debt: HP estimates the fair value of its debt primarily using an expected present value technique, which is based on observable market inputs using interest rates currently available to companies of similar credit standing for similar terms and remaining maturities, and considering its own credit risk. The portion of HP's debt that is hedged is reflected in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as an amount equal to the debt's carrying amount and a fair value adjustment representing changes in the fair value of the hedged debt obligations arising from movements in benchmark interest rates.
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Instruments As part of its risk management strategy, HP uses derivative instruments, primarily forward contracts, option contracts, interest rate swaps, and total return swaps, to hedge certain foreign currency, interest rate and, to a lesser extent, equity exposures. HP's objective is to offset gains and losses resulting from these exposures with losses and gains on the derivative contracts used to hedge them, thereby reducing volatility of earnings or protecting the fair value of assets and liabilities. HP does not have any leveraged derivatives and does not use derivative contracts for speculative purposes. HP designates its derivatives as fair value hedges, cash flow hedges or hedges of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation ("net investment hedges"). Additionally, for derivatives not designated as hedging instruments, HP categorizes those economic hedges as other derivatives. HP recognizes all derivative instruments at fair value in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets. HP classifies cash flows from its derivative programs as operating activities in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows. As a result of its use of derivative instruments, HP is exposed to the risk that its counterparties will fail to meet their contractual obligations. To mitigate counterparty credit risk, HP has a policy of only entering into contracts with carefully selected major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors, and HP maintains dollar risk limits that correspond to each institution's credit rating and other factors. HP's established policies and procedures for mitigating credit risk include reviewing and establishing limits for credit exposure and periodically re-assessing the creditworthiness of counterparties. Master netting agreements mitigate credit exposure to counterparties by permitting HP to net amounts due from HP to a counterparty against amounts due to HP from the same counterparty under certain conditions. To further mitigate credit exposure to counterparties, HP has collateral security agreements that allow HP to hold collateral from, or require HP to post collateral to, counterparties when aggregate derivative fair values exceed contractually established thresholds which are generally based on the credit ratings of HP and its counterparties. If HP's or the counterparty's credit rating falls below a specified credit rating, either party has the right to request full collateralization of the derivatives' net liability position. Collateral is generally posted within two business days. Fair Value Hedges HP issues long-term debt in U.S. dollars based on market conditions at the time of financing. HP may enter into fair value hedges, such as interest rate swaps, to reduce the exposure of its debt portfolio to changes in fair value resulting from changes in interest rates by achieving a primarily U.S. dollar LIBOR-based floating interest expense. The swap transactions generally involve principal and interest obligations for U.S. dollar-denominated amounts. Alternatively, HP may choose not to swap fixed for floating interest payments or may terminate a previously executed swap if it believes a larger proportion of fixed-rate debt would be beneficial. When investing in fixed-rate instruments, HP may enter into interest rate swaps that convert the fixed interest payments into variable interest payments and may designate these swaps as fair value hedges. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges, HP recognizes the change in fair value on the derivative instrument, as well as the offsetting change in fair value on the hedged item, in Interest and other, net in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings in the period of change. Cash Flow Hedges HP uses a combination of forward contracts and option contracts designated as cash flow hedges to protect against the foreign currency exchange rate risks inherent in its forecasted net revenue and, to a lesser extent, cost of sales, operating expenses, and intercompany loans denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. HP's foreign currency cash flow hedges mature generally within twelve months; however, certain leasing revenue-related forward contracts and intercompany loan forward contracts extend for the duration of the lease or loan term, which can be up to five years. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, HP initially records changes in fair value for the effective portion of the derivative instrument in Accumulated other comprehensive loss as a separate component of stockholders' equity in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets and subsequently reclassifies these amounts into earnings in the period during which the hedged transaction is recognized in earnings. HP reports the effective portion of its cash flow hedges in the same financial statement line item as changes in the fair value of the hedged item. Net Investment Hedges HP uses forward contracts designated as net investment hedges to hedge net investments in certain foreign subsidiaries whose functional currency is the local currency. As these derivative instruments are designated as net investment hedges, HP records the effective portion of the derivative instrument together with changes in the fair value of the hedged items in Cumulative translation adjustment as a separate component of stockholders' equity in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets. Other Derivatives Other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments consist primarily of forward contracts HP uses to hedge foreign currency-denominated balance sheet exposures. HP also uses total return swaps and, to a lesser extent, interest rate swaps, based on equity or fixed income indices, to hedge its executive deferred compensation plan liability. For derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, HP recognizes changes in fair value in earnings in the period of change. HP recognizes change in fair value on foreign currency forward contracts used to hedge balance sheet exposures in Interest and other, net in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings in the same period as the remeasurement gain or loss of the related foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities. HP recognizes the change in fair value on total return swaps and interest rate swaps in Interest and other, net in the same period as the gain or loss from changes in the amount owed to participants in the executive deferred compensation plan.
Hedge Effectiveness Policy	Hedge Effectiveness For interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges, HP measures effectiveness by offsetting the change in fair value of the hedged instrument with the change in fair value of the derivative. For foreign currency options and forward contracts designated as cash flow or net investment hedges, HP measures effectiveness by comparing the cumulative change in the hedge contract with the cumulative change in the hedged item, both of which are based on forward rates. HP recognizes any ineffective portion of the hedge in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings in the same period in which ineffectiveness occurs. Amounts excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings in the period they arise.
Offsetting Derivative Instruments	Offsetting of Derivative Instruments HP recognizes all derivatives on a gross basis in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets. HP does not offset the fair value of its derivative instruments against the fair value of cash collateral posted under its collateral security agreements.
Credit Quality Indicators	Credit Quality Indicators Due to the homogenous nature of its leasing transactions, HP manages its financing receivables on an aggregate basis when assessing and monitoring credit risk. Credit risk is generally diversified due to the large number of entities comprising HP's customer base and their dispersion across many different industries and geographical regions. HP evaluates the credit quality of an obligor at lease inception and monitors that credit quality over the term of a transaction. HP assigns risk ratings to each lease based on the creditworthiness of the obligor and other variables that augment or mitigate the inherent credit risk of a particular transaction. Such variables include the underlying value and liquidity of the collateral, the essential use of the equipment, the term of the lease, and the inclusion of guarantees, letters of credit, security deposits or other credit enhancements.
Receivables Financing Allowance and Reserves Policy	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The allowance for doubtful accounts for financing receivables is comprised of a general reserve and a specific reserve. HP maintains general reserve percentages on a regional basis and bases such percentages on several factors, including consideration of historical credit losses and portfolio delinquencies, trends in the overall weighted-average risk rating of the portfolio, current economic conditions and information derived from competitive benchmarking. HP excludes accounts evaluated as part of the specific reserve from the general reserve analysis. HP establishes a specific reserve for leases with identified exposures, such as customer defaults, bankruptcy or other events, that make it unlikely HP will recover its investment in the lease. For individually evaluated receivables, HP determines the expected cash flow for the receivable, which includes consideration of estimated proceeds from disposition of the collateral, and calculates an estimate of the potential loss and the probability of loss. For those accounts where a loss is considered probable, HP records a specific reserve. HP generally records a write-off or specific reserve when an account reaches 180 days past due, or sooner if HP determines that the account is not collectible.
Financing Receivables, Non-Accrual and Past Due Status Policy	Non-Accrual and Past-Due Financing Receivables HP considers a financing receivable to be past due when the minimum payment is not received by the contractually specified due date. HP generally places financing receivables on non-accrual status (suspension of interest accrual) and considers such receivables to be non-performing at the earlier of the time at which full payment of principal and interest becomes doubtful or the receivable becomes contractually 90 days past due. Subsequently, HP may recognize revenue on non-accrual financing receivables as payments are received (i.e., on a cash basis) if HP deems the recorded financing receivable to be fully collectible; however, if there is doubt regarding the ultimate collectability of the recorded financing receivable, all cash receipts are applied to the carrying amount of the financing receivable (i.e., the cost recovery method). In certain circumstances, such as when HP deems a delinquency to be of an administrative nature, financing receivables may accrue interest after they reach 90 days past due. The non-accrual status of a financing receivable may not impact a customer's risk rating. After all of a customer's delinquent principal and interest balances are settled, HP may return the related financing receivable to accrual status.
Warranty Policy	Warranty HP accrues the estimated cost of product warranties at the time it recognizes revenue. HP engages in extensive product quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of its component suppliers; however, contractual warranty terms, repair costs, product call rates, average cost per call, current period product shipments, ongoing product failure rates, as well as specific product class failures outside of HP's baseline experience, affect the estimated warranty obligation.
Employer Contributions and Funding Policy	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. HP's pension and other post-retirement benefit costs and obligations depend on various assumptions. Differences between expected and actual returns on investments and changes in discount rates and other actuarial assumptions are reflected as unrecognized gains or losses, and such gains or losses are amortized to earnings in future periods. A deterioration in the funded status of a plan could result in a need for additional company contributions or an increase in net pension and post-retirement benefit costs in future periods. Actuarial gains or losses are determined at the measurement date and are amortized over the remaining service life for active plans or the life expectancy of plan participants for frozen plans.
Litigation and Contingencies Policy	HP is involved in lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including those identified below, consisting of intellectual property, commercial, securities, employment, employee benefits and environmental matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. HP accrues a liability when management believes that it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. HP reviews these matters at least quarterly and adjusts its accruals to reflect the impact of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and other information and events pertaining to a particular case. Based on its experience, HP believes that any damage amounts claimed in the specific matters discussed below are not a meaningful indicator of HP's potential liability. Litigation is inherently unpredictable. However, HP believes it has valid defenses with respect to legal matters pending against it. Nevertheless, cash flows or results of operations could be materially affected in any particular period by the resolution of one or more of these contingencies.
Segment Reporting Policy	HP derives the results of the business segments directly from its internal management reporting system. The accounting policies HP uses to derive segment results are substantially the same as those the consolidated company uses. Management measures the performance of each segment based on several metrics, including earnings from operations. Management uses these results, in part, to evaluate the performance of, and to assign resources to, each of the segments. Segment revenue includes revenues from sales to external customers and intersegment revenues that reflect transactions between the segments that are carried out at an arm's-length transfer price. Intersegment revenues primarily consist of sales of hardware and software that are sourced internally and, in the majority of the cases, are classified as operating leases within HPFS. HP's consolidated net revenue is derived and reported after the elimination of intersegment revenues from such arrangements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Financing interest in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings reflects interest expense on debt attributable to HPFS. Debt attributable to HPFS consists of intercompany equity that is treated as debt for segment reporting purposes, intercompany debt and borrowing-and funding-related activity associated with HPFS and its subsidiaries. HP does not allocate to its segments certain operating expenses, which it manages at the corporate level. These unallocated costs include certain corporate governance costs, stock-based compensation expense, amortization of intangible assets, restructuring charges and acquisition-related charges.