Supplemental cash flow information (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Equity in income of affiliated companies, net of dividends
Equity in (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates		$ 71	$ 50	$ (46)
Dividends from non-consolidated affiliates		4	5	59
Equity in loss of non-consolidated affiliates, net of dividends		(75)	(55)	(13)
Other non-cash operating activities
Loss on sales of affiliates		0	8	1
Extraordinary gain on acquisition of subsidiary		0	0	(23)
Gain on increased equity interest in subsidiary		(6)	0	(23)
Loss on sale of property and equipment		2	1	8
Loss (gain) on sale and impairment of repossessed collateral		(1)	9	32
Loss on sale of finance receivables		0	39	48
Write-off of debt issuance cost		0	4	11
Gain on sale of leaseback settlement		(10)	0	0
Other non-cash operating activities		(15)	61	54
Changes in other assets and liabilities
Other current assets		(28)	(39)	(34)
Other noncurrent assets		(32)	7	(10)
Other current liabilities		130	(73)	(85)
Postretirement benefits liabilities	15	9	(40)	97
Other noncurrent liabilities		94	(16)	(102)
Other, net		(9)	1	(8)
Changes in other assets and liabilities		(164)	160	142
Cash paid during the year
Interest, net of amounts capitalized		208	170	211
Income taxes, net of refunds		9	27	(5)
Non-cash investing and financing activities
Property and equipment acquired under capital leases		0	12	6
Transfers from inventories to property and equipment for leases to others		$ 9	$ 34	$ 32