Goodwill, Purchased Technology and Other Intangible Assets (Amortization Expense by Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 26, 2014	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$ 184	$ 199	$ 224
Silicon Systems Group [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	173	172	183
Applied Global Services [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	3	5	9
Display [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	2	6	7
Energy and Environmental Solutions [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$ 6	$ 16	$ 25