Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions Excluding Impairments of Goodwill and Intangible Assets

No definition available.

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Namespace Prefix:	amat_
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- Definition

Amount of costs incurred to date for the specified type of restructuring cost.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 420

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 420

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.4(b))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140904-122747

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 5

-Section P

-Subsection 3, 4

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
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- Definition

The number of positions eliminated during the period as a result of restructuring activities.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
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Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Carrying amount (including both current and noncurrent portions of the accrual) as of the balance sheet date pertaining to a specified type of cost associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructuring pursuant to a duly authorized plan.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 420

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.4(b))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140904-122747

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 5

-Section P

-Subsection 3, 4

+ Details

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Period Type:	instant

- Details

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Restructuring Charges and Asset Impairments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	16 Months Ended	18 Months Ended
	Oct. 26, 2014	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 03, 2012 positions	Jan. 26, 2014	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 30, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and asset impairments	$ 5	$ 63	$ 168
Restructuring reserve	9us-gaap_RestructuringReserve	39us-gaap_RestructuringReserve	133us-gaap_RestructuringReserve			39us-gaap_RestructuringReserve	11us-gaap_RestructuringReserve
2012 Global Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of positions eliminated				1,300
2012 Global Restructuring Plan [Member] \| Severance and other employee-related costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and asset impairments	5	39	106
Cost incurred to date					150
Restructuring reserve	4	26	106			26	0
2012 EES Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and asset impairments		26	48
Cost incurred to date						87
2012 EES Restructuring Plan [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of positions eliminated						300
2012 EES Restructuring Plan [Member] \| Severance and other employee-related costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve	0	5	16			5	0
2012 EES Restructuring Plan [Member] \| Inventory-related Charges [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Cost incurred to date						13
Others [Member] \| Severance and other employee-related costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and asset impairments		2	14
Restructuring reserve	$ 0	$ 2	$ 5			$ 2	$ 6