Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Navistar International Corporation Table (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Net income (loss) attributable to Navistar International Corporation	$ (2,769)	$ 84	$ (172)	$ (153)	$ 255	$ 1,400	$ 74	$ (6)	$ (3,010)	$ 1,723	$ 223
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic									69.1	72.8	71.7
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment									0	3.3	1.5
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted									69.1	76.1	73.2
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ (40.13)	$ 1.22	$ (2.50)	$ (2.19)	$ 3.52	$ 19.10	$ 1.01	$ (0.08)	$ (43.56)	$ 23.66	$ 3.11
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ (40.13)	$ 1.22	$ (2.50)	$ (2.19)	$ 3.48	$ 18.24	$ 0.93	$ (0.08)	$ (43.56)	$ 22.64	$ 3.05
Retained Earnings [Member]
Net income (loss) attributable to Navistar International Corporation										$ 1,723	$ 223