Industry Segment Operations (Detail 1) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 29, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 29, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Reconciliations of total segment operating income to Applied's consolidated operating income (loss)
Corporate and unallocated costs	$ (135)	$ (120)	$ (465)	$ (371)
Restructuring charges and asset impairments	0	0	0	21
Gain on sale of facilities, net	0	28	0	27
Income from operations	322	687	910	2,037
Operating Segments [Member]
Reconciliations of total segment operating income to Applied's consolidated operating income (loss)
Income from operations	$ 457	$ 779	$ 1,375	$ 2,360