Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Oct. 26, 2014	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Tax detriment included in issuance under stock plans	$ 27	$ 14	$ 12

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