Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Oct. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Hewlett-Packard Company ("HP") and the subsidiaries and affiliates in which HP has a controlling financial interest or is the primary beneficiary. HP accounts for investments in companies over which HP has the ability to exercise significant influence but does not hold a controlling interest under the equity method, and HP records its proportionate share of income or losses in Interest and other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. HP presents non-controlling interests as a separate component within Total stockholder's equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Net earnings attributable to the non-controlling interests are eliminated within Interest and other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings and are not presented separately as they were not material for any period presented. HP has eliminated all intercompany accounts and transactions.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications HP has made certain segment and business unit realignments in order to optimize its operating structure. Reclassifications of certain prior-year segment and business unit financial information have been made to conform 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 ("EPS"). See Note 2 for a further discussion of HP's segment reorganization.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with United States ("U.S.") generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in HP's Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation HP predominately uses the U.S. dollar as its functional currency. Assets and liabilities denominated in non-U.S. dollars are remeasured into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates for monetary assets and liabilities and at historical exchange rates for nonmonetary assets and liabilities. Net revenue, costs and expenses denominated in non-U.S. dollars are recorded in U.S. dollars at monthly average exchange rates prevailing during the period. HP includes gains or losses from foreign currency remeasurement in Interest and other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Certain non-U.S. subsidiaries designate the local currency as their functional currency, and HP records the translation of their assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars at the balance sheet date as translation adjustments and includes them as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
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. HP is required to adopt the guidance 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 is 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 will adopt the new standard in the first fiscal quarter of 2015 on a prospective basis. Adoption of the new standard is not expected to have a material effect on HP's Consolidated Financial Statements.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition General HP recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services are rendered, the sales price or fee is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Additionally, HP recognizes hardware revenue on sales to channel partners, including resellers, distributors or value-added solution providers at the time of delivery when the channel partners have economic substance apart from HP, and HP has completed its obligations related to the sale. HP generally recognizes revenue for its standalone software sales to channel partners on receipt of evidence that the software has been sold to a specific end user. HP limits the amount of revenue recognized for delivered elements to the amount that is not contingent on the future delivery of products or services, future performance obligations or subject to customer-specified refund or return rights. HP reduces revenue for customer and distributor programs and incentive offerings, including price protection, rebates, promotions, other volume-based incentives and expected returns. Future market conditions and product transitions may require HP to take actions to increase customer incentive offerings, possibly resulting in an incremental reduction of revenue at the time the incentive is offered. For certain incentive programs, HP estimates the number of customers expected to redeem the incentive based on historical experience and the specific terms and conditions of the incentive. In instances when revenue is derived from sales of third-party vendor products or services, HP records revenue on a gross basis when HP is a principal to the transaction and on a net basis when HP is acting as an agent between the customer and the vendor. HP considers several factors to determine whether it is acting as a principal or an agent, most notably whether HP is the primary obligor to the customer, has established its own pricing and has inventory and credit risks. HP reports revenue net of any taxes collected from customers and remitted to government authorities, with the collected taxes recorded as current liabilities until remitted to the relevant government authority. Multiple element arrangements When a sales arrangement contains multiple elements or deliverables, such as hardware and software products, and/or services, HP allocates revenue to each element based on a selling price hierarchy. The selling price for a deliverable is based on its vendor specific objective evidence ("VSOE") of selling price, if available, third party evidence ("TPE") if VSOE of selling price is not available, or estimated selling price ("ESP") if neither VSOE of selling price nor TPE is available. HP establishes VSOE of selling price using the price charged for a deliverable when sold separately and, in rare instances, using the price established by management having the relevant authority. HP establishes TPE of selling price by evaluating largely similar and interchangeable competitor products or services in standalone sales to similarly situated customers. HP establishes ESP based on management judgment considering internal factors such as margin objectives, pricing practices and controls, customer segment pricing strategies and the product life cycle. Consideration is also given to market conditions, such as competitor pricing strategies and technology life cycles. In arrangements with multiple elements, HP allocates the transaction price to the individual units of accounting at inception of the arrangement based on their relative selling price. In multiple element arrangements that include software that is more-than-incidental, HP allocates the transaction price to the individual units of accounting for the non-software deliverables and to the software deliverables as a group using the relative selling price of each of the deliverables in the arrangement based on the selling price hierarchy. If the arrangement contains more than one software deliverable, the transaction price allocated to the group of software deliverables is then allocated to each component software deliverable. HP evaluates each deliverable in an arrangement to determine whether it represents a separate unit of accounting. A deliverable constitutes a separate unit of accounting when it has standalone value to the customer. For elements with no standalone value, HP recognizes revenue consistent with the pattern of the associated deliverables. If the arrangement includes a customer-negotiated refund or return right or other contingency relative to the delivered items, and the delivery and performance of the undelivered items is considered probable and substantially within HP's control, the delivered element constitutes a separate unit of accounting. In arrangements with combined units of accounting, changes in the allocation of the transaction price between elements may impact the timing of revenue recognition for the contract but will not change the total revenue recognized for the contract. Product revenue Hardware Under HP's standard terms and conditions of sale, HP transfers title and risk of loss to the customer at the time product is delivered to the customer and recognizes revenue accordingly, unless customer acceptance is uncertain or significant obligations to the customer remain. HP reduces revenue for estimated customer returns, price protection, rebates and other programs offered under sales agreements established by HP with its distributors and resellers. HP records revenue from the sale of equipment under sales-type leases as product revenue at the inception of the lease. HP accrues the estimated cost of post-sale obligations, including standard product warranties, based on historical experience at the time HP recognizes revenue. Software HP recognizes revenue from perpetual software licenses at the inception of the license term, assuming all revenue recognition criteria have been satisfied. Term-based software license revenue is generally recognized ratably over the term of the license. HP uses the residual method to allocate revenue to software licenses at inception of the arrangement when VSOE of fair value for all undelivered elements, such as post-contract support, exists and all other revenue recognition criteria have been satisfied. HP recognizes revenue from maintenance and unspecified upgrades or updates provided on a when-and-if-available basis ratably over the period during which such items are delivered. HP recognizes revenue for hosting or software-as-a-service ("SaaS") arrangements as the service is delivered, generally on a straight-line basis, over the contractual period of performance. In hosting arrangements where software licenses are sold, HP recognizes the license revenue according to whether perpetual or term licenses are sold, when all other revenue recognition criteria are satisfied. In hosting arrangements that include software licenses, HP considers the rights provided to the customer (e.g., ownership of a license, contract termination provisions and the feasibility of the customer to operate the software) in determining when to recognize revenue for the licenses. Services revenue HP recognizes revenue from fixed-price support or maintenance contracts, including extended warranty contracts and software post-contract customer support agreements, ratably over the contract period and recognizes the costs associated with these contracts as incurred. For time and material contracts, HP recognizes revenue as services are rendered and recognizes costs as they are incurred. HP recognizes revenue from certain fixed-price contracts, such as consulting arrangements, as work progresses over the contract period on a proportional performance basis, as determined by the percentage of labor costs incurred to date compared to the total estimated contract labor costs of a contract. HP recognizes revenue on fixed-price contracts for design and build projects (to design, develop and construct software and systems) using the percentage-of-completion method. HP uses the cost-to-cost method to measure progress toward completion as determined by the percentage of cost incurred to date compared to the total estimated costs of the project. Estimates of total project costs for fixed-price contracts are regularly revised during the life of a contract. Provisions for estimated losses on fixed-priced contracts are recognized in the period when such losses become known. If reasonable and reliable cost estimates for a project cannot be made, HP uses the completed contract method and recognizes revenue and costs upon service completion. HP generally recognizes outsourcing services revenue in the period when the service is provided and the amount earned is not contingent on the occurrence of any future event. HP recognizes revenue using an objective measure of output for unit-priced contracts. Revenue for fixed-price outsourcing contracts with periodic billings is recognized on a straight-line basis if the service is provided evenly during the contract term. Provisions for estimated losses on outsourcing arrangements are recognized in the period when such losses become probable and estimable. HP recognizes revenue from operating leases on a straight-line basis as service revenue over the rental period. Financing income Sales-type and direct-financing leases produce financing income, which HP recognizes at consistent rates of return over the lease term. Deferred revenue and deferred costs HP records amounts invoiced to customers in excess of revenue recognized as deferred revenue until the revenue recognition criteria are satisfied. HP records revenue that is earned and recognized in excess of amounts invoiced on services contracts as trade receivables. Deferred revenue represents amounts invoiced in advance for product support contracts, software customer support contracts, outsourcing startup services work, consulting and integration projects, product sales or leasing income. HP recognizes costs associated with outsourcing contracts as incurred, unless such costs are considered direct and incremental to the startup phase of the contract, in which case HP defers these costs during the startup phase and subsequently amortizes such costs over the period that outsourcing services are provided, once those services commence. HP amortizes deferred contract costs on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the contract unless facts and circumstances of the contract indicate a shorter period is more appropriate. Based on actual and projected contract financial performance indicators, HP analyzes the recoverability of deferred contract costs using the undiscounted estimated cash flows of the contract over its remaining term. If such undiscounted cash flows are insufficient to recover the carrying amount of deferred contract costs and long-lived assets directly associated with the contract, the deferred contract costs are first impaired. If a cash flow deficiency remains after reducing the carrying amount of the deferred contract costs to zero, HP evaluates any remaining long-lived assets related to that contract for impairment.
Shipping and handling	Shipping and Handling HP includes costs related to shipping and handling in cost of sales.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation HP determines stock-based compensation expense based on the measurement date fair value of the award. HP recognizes compensation cost only for those awards expected to meet the service and performance vesting conditions on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. HP determines compensation costs at the aggregate grant level for service-based awards and at the individual vesting tranche level for awards with performance and/or market conditions. HP estimates the forfeiture rate based on its historical experience. HP utilizes the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing formula to estimate the fair value of stock options subject to service-based vesting conditions. HP estimates the fair value of stock options subject to performance-contingent vesting conditions using a combination of a Monte Carlo simulation model and a lattice model as these awards contain market conditions.
Retirement and Post-Retirement Plans	Retirement and Post-Retirement Plans HP has various defined benefit, other contributory and noncontributory retirement and post-retirement plans. HP generally amortizes unrecognized actuarial gains and losses on a straight-line basis over the average remaining estimated service life of participants. In some cases, HP amortizes actuarial gains and losses using the corridor approach. See Note 4 for a full description of these plans and the accounting and funding policies.
Advertising	Advertising Costs to produce advertising are expensed as incurred during production. Costs to communicate advertising are expensed when the advertising is first run. Such costs totaled approximately $784 million in fiscal 2014, $878 million in fiscal 2013 and $1.0 billion in fiscal 2012.
Restructuring	Restructuring HP records charges associated with management-approved restructuring plans to reorganize one or more of HP's business segments, to remove duplicative headcount and infrastructure associated with business acquisitions or to simplify business processes and accelerate innovation. Restructuring charges can include severance costs to eliminate a specified number of employees, infrastructure charges to vacate facilities and consolidate operations, and contract cancellation costs. HP records restructuring charges based on estimated employee terminations and site closure and consolidation plans. HP accrues for severance and other employee separation costs under these actions when it is probable that benefits will be paid and the amount is reasonably estimable. The rates used in determing severance accruals are based on existing plans, historical experiences and negotiated settlements.
Taxes on Earnings	Taxes on Earnings HP recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts using enacted tax rates in effect for the year the differences are expected to reverse. HP records a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. HP records accruals for uncertain tax positions when HP believes that it is not more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. HP makes adjustments to these accruals when facts and circumstances change, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. The provision for income taxes includes the effects of adjustments for uncertain tax positions, as well as any related interest and penalties. HP recognizes interest income from favorable settlements and interest expense and penalties accrued on unrecognized tax benefits in Provision for taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings HP adjusts its uncertain tax positions to reflect the impact of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and other information and events pertaining to a particular audit. When the local tax treatment of the intercompany licensing arrangements differs from their U.S. GAAP treatment, deferred taxes are recognized.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable HP establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts for accounts receivable. HP records a specific reserve for individual accounts when HP becomes aware of specific customer circumstances, such as in the case of a bankruptcy filing or deterioration in the customer's operating results or financial position. If there are additional changes in circumstances related to the specific customer, HP further adjusts estimates of the recoverability of receivables. HP maintains bad debt reserves for all other customers based on a variety of factors, including the use of third-party credit risk models that generate quantitative measures of default probabilities based on market factors, the financial condition of customers, the length of time receivables are past due, trends in the weighted-average risk rating for the portfolio, macroeconomic conditions, information derived from competitive benchmarking, significant one-time events and historical experience. The past due or delinquency status of a receivable is based on the contractual payment terms of the receivable.
Factoring-Financing Arrangements	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 the transfer of HP's trade receivables to a third party. HP reflects amounts transferred to, but not yet collected from, the third party in accounts receivable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For arrangements involving an element of recourse, the fair value of the recourse obligation is measured using market data from similar transactions and reported as a current liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Concentrations of Risk	Concentrations of Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject HP to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, investments, receivables from trade customers and contract manufacturers, financing receivables and derivatives. HP maintains cash and cash equivalents, investments, derivatives and certain other financial instruments with various financial institutions. These financial institutions are located in many different geographic regions, and HP's policy is designed to limit exposure from any particular institution. As part of its risk management processes, HP performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of these financial institutions. HP has not sustained material credit losses from instruments held at these financial institutions. HP utilizes derivative contracts to protect against the effects of foreign currency and interest rate exposures. Such contracts involve the risk of non-performance by the counterparty, which could result in a material loss. HP sells a significant portion of its products through third-party distributors and resellers and, as a result, maintains individually significant receivable balances with these parties. If the financial condition or operations of these distributors' and resellers' aggregated business deteriorates substantially, HP's operating results could be adversely affected. The ten largest distributor and reseller receivable balances, which were concentrated primarily in North America and Europe, collectively represented approximately 20% and 21% of gross accounts receivable at October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. No single customer accounts for more than 10% of gross accounts receivable. Credit risk with respect to other accounts receivable and financing receivables is generally diversified due to the large number of entities comprising HP's customer base and their dispersion across many different industries and geographic regions. HP performs ongoing credit evaluations of the financial condition of its third-party distributors, resellers and other customers and may require collateral, such as letters of credit and bank guarantees, in certain circumstances. HP utilizes outsourced manufacturers around the world to manufacture HP-designed products. HP may purchase product components from suppliers and sell those components to its outsourced manufacturers thereby creating receivable balances from the outsourced manufacturers. The three largest outsourced manufacturer receivable balances collectively represented 90% and 82% of HP's supplier receivables of $1.0 billion and $1.0 billion at October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. HP includes the supplier receivables in Other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets on a gross basis. HP's credit risk associated with these receivables is mitigated wholly or in part, by the amount HP owes to these outsourced manufacturers, as HP generally has the legal right to offset its payables to the outsourced manufacturers against these receivables. HP does not reflect the sale of these components in revenue and does not recognize any profit on these component sales until the related products are sold by HP, at which time any profit is recognized as a reduction to cost of sales. HP obtains a significant number of components from single source suppliers due to technology, availability, price, quality or other considerations. The loss of a single source supplier, the deterioration of HP's relationship with a single source supplier, or any unilateral modification to the contractual terms under which HP is supplied components by a single source supplier could adversely affect HP's revenue and gross margins.
Inventory	Inventory HP values inventory at the lower of cost or market. Cost is computed using standard cost which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis. Adjustments to reduce the cost of inventory to its net realizable value are made, if required, for estimated excess, obsolete or impaired balances.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment HP states property, plant and equipment at cost less accumulated depreciation. HP capitalizes additions and improvements and expenses maintenance and repairs as incurred. Depreciation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated useful lives are five to 40 years for buildings and improvements and three to 15 years for machinery and equipment. HP depreciates leasehold improvements over the life of the lease or the asset, whichever is shorter. HP depreciates equipment held for lease over the initial term of the lease to the equipment's estimated residual value. The estimated useful lives of assets used solely to support a customer services contract generally do not exceed the term of the customer contract. On retirement or disposition, the asset cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the Consolidated Balance Sheets with any gain or loss recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. HP capitalizes certain internal and external costs incurred to acquire or create internal use software, principally related to software coding, designing system interfaces and installation and testing of the software. HP amortizes capitalized internal use software costs using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the software, generally from three to five years.
Software Development Costs	Software Development Costs HP capitalizes costs incurred to acquire or develop software for resale subsequent to establishing technological feasibility for the software, if significant. HP amortizes capitalized software development costs using the greater of the straight-line amortization method or the ratio that current gross revenues for a product bear to the total current and anticipated future gross revenues for that product. The estimated useful life for capitalized software for resale is generally three years or less. Software development costs incurred subsequent to establishing technological feasibility are generally not significant.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations HP includes the results of operations of acquired businesses in HP's consolidated results prospectively from the date of acquisition. HP allocates the fair value of purchase consideration to the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and non-controlling interests in the acquired entity generally based on their fair values at the acquisition date. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair value of these assets acquired, liabilities assumed and non-controlling interests in the acquired entity is recorded as goodwill. The primary items that generate goodwill include the value of the synergies between the acquired company and HP and the value of the acquired assembled workforce, neither of which qualifies for recognition as an intangible asset. Acquisition-related expenses and post-acquisition restructuring costs are recognized separately from the business combination and are expensed as incurred.
Goodwill	Goodwill HP reviews goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of goodwill may not be recoverable. While HP is permitted to conduct a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform a two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test, for its annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, HP performed a quantitative test for all of its reporting units. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. At the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal 2014, HP made a change to its reporting units. In connection with continued operational synergies and interdependencies between the Enterprise Servers, Storage and Networking reporting unit and the Technology Services ("TS") reporting unit within the Enterprise Group ("EG") segment, HP combined these reporting units to create the EG reporting unit. As of October 31, 2014, HP's reporting units are consistent with the reportable segments identified in Note 2, except for Enterprise Services ("ES"), which consists of two reporting units: MphasiS Limited and the remainder of ES. In the first step of the impairment test, HP compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount. HP estimates the fair value of its reporting units using a weighting of fair values derived most significantly from the income approach, and to a lesser extent, the market approach. Under the income approach, HP estimates the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. HP bases cash flow projections on management's estimates of revenue growth rates and operating margins, taking into consideration industry and market conditions. HP bases the discount rate on the weighted-average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with business-specific characteristics and the uncertainty related to the reporting unit's ability to execute on the projected cash flows. Under the market approach, HP estimates fair value based on market multiples of revenue and earnings derived from comparable publicly-traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit. HP weights the fair value derived from the market approach depending on the level of comparability of these publicly-traded companies to the reporting unit. When market comparables are not meaningful or not available, HP estimates the fair value of a reporting unit using only the income approach. For the MphasiS Limited reporting unit, HP utilized the quoted market price in an active market to estimate fair value. In order to assess the reasonableness of the estimated fair value of HP's reporting units, HP compares the aggregate reporting unit fair value to HP's market capitalization and calculates an implied control premium (the excess of the sum of the reporting units' fair value over HP's market capitalization). HP evaluates the control premium by comparing it to observable control premiums from recent comparable transactions. If the implied control premium is not believed to be reasonable in light of these recent transactions, HP reevaluates reporting unit fair values, which may result in an adjustment to the discount rate and/or other assumptions. This reevaluation could result in a change to the estimated fair value for certain or all reporting units. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying amount of the net assets assigned to that reporting unit, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then HP performs the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. In the second step, HP measures the reporting unit's assets, including any unrecognized intangible assets, liabilities and non-controlling interests at fair value in a hypothetical analysis to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill for the reporting unit in the same manner as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill is less than its carrying amount, the difference is recorded as an impairment loss. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. HP will continue to evaluate goodwill on an annual basis as of the beginning of its fourth fiscal quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate there may be a potential impairment.
Intangible Assets and Long-Lived Assets	Intangible Assets and Long-Lived Assets HP reviews intangible assets with finite lives and long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. HP assesses the recoverability of assets based on the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If the undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying amount, the asset is impaired. HP measures the amount of impairment loss, if any, as the difference between the carrying amount of the asset and its fair value using an income approach or, when available and appropriate, using a market approach. HP amortizes intangible assets with finite lives using the straight-line method over the estimated economic lives of the assets, ranging from one to ten years.
Debt and Marketable Equity Securities	Debt and Marketable Equity Securities Investments Debt and marketable equity securities are generally considered available-for-sale and are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable taxes, in Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Realized gains and losses for available-for-sale securities are calculated based on the specific identification method and included in Interest and other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. HP monitors its investment portfolio for potential impairment on a quarterly basis. When the carrying amount of an investment in debt securities exceeds its fair value and the decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary (i.e., when HP does not intend to sell the debt securities and it is not more likely than not that HP will be required to sell the debt securities prior to anticipated recovery of its amortized cost basis), HP records an impairment charge to Interest and other, net in the amount of the credit loss and the balance, if any, is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Derivatives	Derivatives HP uses derivative financial instruments, primarily forwards, swaps, and options, to hedge certain foreign currency and interest rate exposures. HP also may use other derivative instruments not designated as hedges, such as forwards used to hedge foreign currency balance sheet exposures. HP does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. See Note 11 for a full description of HP's derivative financial instrument activities and related accounting policies Equity securities in privately held companies include cost basis and equity method investments and are included in Long-term financing receivables and other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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 may designate its derivative contracts 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 Balance Sheets. HP classifies cash flows from its derivative programs as operating activities in the Consolidated 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 derivative contracts with carefully selected major financial institutions based on their credit ratings and other factors, and HP maintains dollar risk limits that correspond to each financial 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 its counterparties. Master netting agreements further mitigate credit exposure to counterparties by permitting HP to net amounts due from HP to 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. The fair value of derivatives with credit contingent features in a net liability position was $38 million and $207 million at October 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, respectively, all of which were fully collateralized within two business days. Under HP's derivative contracts, the counterparty can terminate all outstanding trades following a covered change of control event affecting HP that results in the surviving entity being rated below a specified credit rating. This credit contingent provision did not affect HP's financial position or cash flows as of October 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013. 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 of the derivative instrument, as well as the offsetting change in the fair value of the hedged item, in Interest and other, net in the Consolidated 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, hedges related to longer term procurement arrangements extend several years and forward contracts associated with sales-type and direct-financing leases and intercompany loans extend for the duration of the lease or loan term, which typically range from two 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 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. HP records the effective portion of such derivative instruments 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 Balance Sheets. Other Derivatives Other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments consist primarily of forward contracts used 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 of the derivative instrument, as well as the offsetting change in the fair value of the hedged item, in Interest and other net in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the period of change. Hedge Effectiveness For interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges, HP measures hedge 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 hedge effectiveness by comparing the cumulative change in fair value of the hedge contract with the cumulative change in fair value of the hedged item, both of which are based on forward rates. HP recognizes any ineffective portion of the hedge in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the same period in which ineffectiveness occurs. Amounts excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the period they arise.
Loss Contingencies	Loss Contingencies HP is involved in various lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. HP records a liability for contingencies when it believes it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. See Note 15 for a full description of HP's loss contingencies and related accounting policies HP is involved in lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including those identified below, consisting of IP, 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 believes it has recorded adequate provisions for any such matters and, as of October 31, 2014, it was not reasonably possible that a material loss had been incurred in excess of the amounts recognized in HP's financial statements. 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 Policy	Segment 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 allocate resources to, each of the segments. Segment revenue includes revenues from sales to external customers and intersegment revenues that reflect transactions between the segments on an arm's-length basis. Intersegment revenues primarily consist of sales of hardware and software that are sourced internally and, in the majority of the cases, are financed as operating leases by HPFS. HP's consolidated net revenue is derived and reported after the elimination of intersegment revenues from such arrangements. HP periodically engages in intercompany licensing arrangements that may result in advance payments between subsidiaries. Revenues from intercompany licensing arrangements are deferred and recognized ratably over the term of the arrangement by the legal entities involved in such transactions; however, these payments are eliminated from revenues as reported by HP and its business segments. As disclosed in Note 6, during fiscal 2014, HP executed a multi-year intercompany licensing arrangement on which advanced royalty payments of $10.4 billion were received in the U.S. from a foreign consolidated affiliate. Deferred intercompany royalty revenues of $9.9 billion will be recognized over the life of the arrangement through 2029 in the respective legal entities, but eliminated from both HP consolidated and segment revenues. Financing interest in the Consolidated 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, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, restructuring charges and acquisition-related charges.
Fair Value Of Pension Plan Assets Policy	Investments in publicly-traded equity securities are valued using the closing price on the measurement date as reported on the stock exchange on which the individual securities are traded. For corporate, government and asset-backed debt securities, fair value is based on observable inputs of comparable market transactions. For corporate and government debt securities traded on active exchanges, fair value is based on observable quoted prices. The valuation of alternative investments, such as limited partnerships and joint ventures, may require significant management judgment. For alternative investments, valuation is based on net asset value ("NAV") as reported by the Asset Manager and adjusted for cash flows, if necessary. In making such an assessment, a variety of factors are reviewed by management, including, but not limited to, the timeliness of NAV as reported by the asset manager and changes in general economic and market conditions subsequent to the last NAV reported by the asset manager. Depending on the amount of management judgment, the lack of near-term liquidity, and the absence of quoted market prices, these assets are classified in Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Further, depending on how quickly HP can redeem its hedge fund investments, and the extent of any adjustments to NAV, hedge funds are classified in either Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Common collective trusts, interests in 103-12 entities and registered investment companies are valued at NAV. The valuation for some of these assets requires judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, and these assets are generally classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Cash and cash equivalents includes money market funds, which are valued based on NAV. Other assets, including insurance group annuity contracts, were classified in the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input (e.g., quoted prices and observable inputs) that is significant to the fair value measure in its entirety.
Financing Receivables Allowance for Credit Loss and Reserves Policy	HP includes the current portion in Financing receivables and amounts due after one year, net in Long-term financing receivables and other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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 geographic 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 credit enhancements, such as guarantees, letters of credit or security deposits. 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 financing receivables with identified exposures, such as customer defaults, bankruptcy or other events, that make it unlikely HP will recover its investment. 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 writes off a receivable or records a specific reserve when a receivable becomes 180 days past due, or sooner if HP determines that the receivable 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, which is 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 90 days past due. Subsequently, HP may recognize revenue on non-accrual financing receivables as payments are received, which is 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, which is 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 becoming 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.
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 inputs are developed using market data such as publicly available information and reflect the assumptions market participants would use, while unobservable inputs are developed using the best information available about the assumptions market participants would use. 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 for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and market-corroborated inputs. 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 NAV, or models utilizing market observable inputs. The fair value of debt investments 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, 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. 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 11 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 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 Other Financial Instruments: For the balance of HP's financial instruments, primarily accounts receivable, accounts payable and financial liabilities included in other accrued liabilities, the carrying amounts approximate fair value due to their short maturities. If measured at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, these other financial instruments would be classified in Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Non-Marketable Equity Investments and Non-Financial Assets: HP's non-marketable equity investments and non-financial assets, such as intangible assets, goodwill and property, plant and equipment, are recorded at fair value in the period an impairment charge is recognized. If measured at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, these would generally be classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
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 and ongoing product failure rates, as well as specific product class failures outside of HP's baseline experience, affect the estimated warranty obligation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Policy	All highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition are considered cash equivalents.
Offsetting of Derivatives Policy	Offsetting of Derivative Instruments HP recognizes all derivative instruments on a gross basis in the Consolidated 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
Earnings Per Share Policy	HP calculates basic net EPS using net earnings (loss) and the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted net EPS includes any dilutive effect of restricted stock awards, stock options, performance-based awards and shares purchased under the 2011 ESPP. HP excludes options where the assumed proceeds exceed the average market price from the calculation of diluted net EPS, because their effect would be anti-dilutive. The assumed proceeds of an option include the sum of its exercise price, average unrecognized compensation cost and excess tax benefits.