Loss per share attributable to Navistar International Corporation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2011
Numerator [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to Navistar International Corporation	$ (153,000,000)	$ (6,000,000)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Basic (in shares)	69,900,000	72,500,000
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	0	0
Diluted (in shares)	69,900,000	72,500,000
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (2.19)	$ (0.08)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (2.19)	$ (0.08)
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	28,000,000	28,300,000
Convertible Debt Securities [Member]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio	19.891
Debt Instrument Convertible Conversion Ratio Basis	$ 1,000
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price	$ 50.27
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	11,300,000
Warrants [Member]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Investment Warrants, Exercise Price	$ 60.14