Loss per share attributable to Navistar International Corporation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Numerator [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to Navistar International Corporation	$ (172,000,000)	$ 74,000,000	$ (325,000,000)	$ 68,000,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Basic (in shares)	68,700,000	73,000,000	69,300,000	72,800,000
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	0	5,600,000	0	4,500,000
Diluted (in shares)	68,700,000	78,600,000	69,300,000	77,300,000
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (2.5)	$ 1.01	$ (4.69)	$ 0.93
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (2.5)	$ 0.93	$ (4.69)	$ 0.87
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount		600,000	28,000,000	500,000
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		$ 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