Loss per share attributable to Navistar International Corporation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Numerator [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to Navistar International Corporation	$ 84,000,000	$ 1,400,000,000	$ (241,000,000)	$ 1,468,000,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Basic (in shares)	68,700,000	73,300,000	69,100,000	73,000,000
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	200,000	3,500,000	0	4,100,000
Diluted (in shares)	68,900,000	76,800,000	69,100,000	77,100,000
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.22	$ 19.10	$ (3.49)	$ 20.13
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.22	$ 18.24	$ (3.49)	$ 19.04
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	26,000,000	12,100,000	28,000,000	600,000
Shares related to warrants	11,300,000
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		$ 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