Capital Stock (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Capital Stock
Number of shares of preferred stock authorized, but not issued	10,000	10,000
Par value of preferred stock (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Amount of increased investment by Deere & Co. in JDFS	$ 160.0
Capital investment from JDFS	$ 160.0