Industry Segment Operations (Details 4) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Reconciliation of segment assets to Applied's consolidated totals
Consolidated total assets	$ 12,102	$ 13,861
Allowance for bad debts	(87)	(73)
Deferred income taxes	598	774
Other current assets	304	299
Property, plant and equipment	910	866
Operating Segments [Member]
Reconciliation of segment assets to Applied's consolidated totals
Consolidated total assets	7,932	5,270	5,423
Unallocated Amount to Segment [Member]
Reconciliation of segment assets to Applied's consolidated totals
Cash and investments	2,992	7,174
Allowance for bad debts	(87)	(73)
Deferred income taxes	420	658
Other current assets	98	90
Property, plant and equipment	588	620
Other assets	$ 159	$ 122

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