Loss Per Share Attributable to Navistar International Corporation - Basic & Diluted Loss per Share (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Loss from continuing operations, net of tax									$ (622)	$ (857)	$ (2,939)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax									3	(41)	(71)
Net loss attributable to Navistar International Corporation									$ (619)	$ (898)	$ (3,010)
Basic (in shares)	40.17	39.41	0	0	39.79	38.81	0	0	81,400,000.00	80,400,000.00	69,100,000.00
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment									0	0	0
Diluted (in shares)	29.54	32.45	0	0	31.88	25.56	0	0	81,400,000.00	80,400,000.00	69,100,000.00
Basic: Loss from Continuing Operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.88)	$ (0.04)	$ (3.66)	$ (3.07)	$ (1.90)	$ (2.94)	$ (4.39)	$ (1.42)	$ (7.64)	$ (10.66)	$ (42.53)
Basic: Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.00	$ 0.02	$ 0.01	$ 0.02	$ (0.01)	$ (0.12)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.11)	$ 0.04	$ (0.51)	$ (1.03)
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.88)	$ (0.02)	$ (3.65)	$ (3.05)	$ (1.91)	$ (3.06)	$ (4.65)	$ (1.53)	$ (7.60)	$ (11.17)	$ (43.56)
Diluted: Loss from Continuing Operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.88)	$ (0.04)	$ (3.66)	$ (3.07)	$ (1.90)	$ (2.94)	$ (4.39)	$ (1.42)	$ (7.64)	$ (10.66)	$ (42.53)
Diluted: Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.00	$ 0.02	$ 0.01	$ 0.02	$ (0.01)	$ (0.12)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.11)	$ 0.04	$ (0.51)	$ (1.03)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.88)	$ (0.02)	$ (3.65)	$ (3.05)	$ (1.91)	$ (3.06)	$ (4.65)	$ (1.53)	$ (7.60)	$ (11.17)	$ (43.56)