Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details Textuals)	9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Textuals) [Abstract]
Time period over which majority of after tax gain loss related to derivatives to be reclassified into earnings	12 months
Time period for hedging of foreign currency transactions	24 months

Name:

amat_TimePeriodOverWhichMajorityOfAfterTaxGainLossRelatedToDerivativesToBeReclassifiedIntoEarnings

Namespace Prefix:

amat

Data Type:

xbrli:durationItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

duration