Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Tax detriment included in issuance under stock plans	$ (12)	$ (5)	$ (28)

Tax benefits detriment included in issuance under stock plans.

No definition available.

Name:	amat_TaxBenefitsDetrimentIncludedInIssuanceUnderStockPlans
Namespace Prefix:	amat_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration