Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013		Jul. 31, 2012		Jul. 31, 2013 segments		Jul. 31, 2012		Oct. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number Of Segments					4
Increase in Net income (loss)	$ 247		$ (84)		$ 744		$ 241
Net decrease in Sales of manufactured products, net	(2,820)		(3,204)		(7,905)		(9,387)
Net decrease in Cost of products sold	(2,547)		(2,800)		(7,196)		(8,350)
Depreciation and amortization	88	[1]	86	[1]	330	[1]	246	[1]
Interest expense	76		59		240		182
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	29	[1],[2]	74	[1],[2]	136	[1],[2]	250	[1],[2]
Proceeds from finance lease obligations					276		0
Goodwill	255				255				280
Percentage of fair value in excess of carrying Amount	6.00%				6.00%
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Adjustment for Changes in Estimate to Preexisting Warranty	10
Number Of Employees Hourly Workers [Member] | Unionized Employees Concentration Risk [Member]
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Concentration Risk Number Of Employees	4,800				4,800
concentration risk number of employees percentage	55.00%				55.00%
Number of Employees Salaried Workers [Member] | Unionized Employees Concentration Risk [Member]
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Concentration Risk Number Of Employees	400				400
concentration risk number of employees percentage	6.00%				6.00%
G E Operating Agreement [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Increase in Net income (loss)					(8)
Net decrease in Sales of manufactured products, net					113
Net decrease in Cost of products sold					113
Depreciation and amortization					37
Interest expense					8
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment					184
Proceeds from finance lease obligations					201
Reporting Unit [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 140				$ 140

[1] The segment assets as of October 31, 2012 includes amounts related to discontinued operations. For more information, see Note 2, Discontinued Operations and Other Divestitures.

[2] Exclusive of purchases of equipment leased to others.