Supplemental cash flow information (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Equity in loss of non-consolidated affiliates		$ 29	$ 71	$ 50
Dividends from non-consolidated affiliates		7	4	5
Equity in loss of non-consolidated affiliates, net of dividends		36	75	55
Loss on sales of affiliates		3	0	8
Gain on increased equity interest in subsidiary		0	(6)	0
Loss on sale of property and equipment		4	2	1
Loss (gain) on sale of impairment of repossessed collateral		0	(1)	9
Loss on sale of finance receivables		0	0	39
Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost		13	0	4
Gain on settlement of financing arrangement		0	(10)	0
Other Non-cash operating activities		20	(15)	61
Other current assets		1	(28)	(39)
Other noncurrent assets		16	(32)	7
Other current liabilities		198	130	(73)
Postretirement benefits liabilities	15	(79)	9	(40)
Other noncurrent liabilities		292	94	(16)
Other, net		(8)	(9)	1
Changes in other assets and liabilities		420	164	(160)
Interest, net of amounts capitalized		195	208	170
Income taxes, net of refunds		51	9	27
Property and equipment acquired under capital leases		58	0	12
Transfers from inventories to property and equipment for leases to others		$ 37	$ 9	$ 34