Borrowings (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Notes Payable and Short-Term Borrowings
Amount outstanding	$ 2,705	$ 5,979
Current portion of long-term debt
Notes Payable and Short-Term Borrowings
Short term borrowings	1,888	5,226
Amount outstanding	2,705	5,979
Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)	2.40%	2.80%
Commercial paper
Notes Payable and Short-Term Borrowings
Short term borrowings	332	327
Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)	0.50%	0.40%
Commercial paper | HPFS and its subsidiaries
Notes Payable and Short-Term Borrowings
Short term borrowings	332	327
Notes payable to banks, lines of credit and other
Notes Payable and Short-Term Borrowings
Short term borrowings	485	426
Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)	4.00%	1.70%
Notes payable to banks, lines of credit and other | HPFS and its subsidiaries
Notes Payable and Short-Term Borrowings
Short term borrowings	$ 351	$ 368