Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments (Details Textuals) (USD $) In Millions	Jul. 31, 2011
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments (Textuals) [Abstract]
Gross unrealized loss due to a decrease in the fair value of certain fixed income securities	$ 1

Name:

amat_GrossUnrealizedLossDueToDecreaseInFairValueOfCertainFixedIncomeSecurities

Namespace Prefix:

amat

Data Type:

xbrli:monetaryItemType

Balance Type:

debit

Period Type:

instant