Industry Segment Operations (Details 1) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Reconciliations of total segment operating income to Applied's consolidated operating income (loss)
Income (loss) from operations	$ 411	$ 2,398	$ 1,384
Operating Segments [Member]
Reconciliations of total segment operating income to Applied's consolidated operating income (loss)
Income (loss) from operations	1,102	2,846	2,030
Unallocated Amount to Segment [Member]
Reconciliations of total segment operating income to Applied's consolidated operating income (loss)
Corporate and unallocated costs	(580)	(496)	(553)
Restructuring charges and asset impairments	(111)	21	(93)
Gain on sale of facility	$ 0	$ 27	$ 0