ORGANIZATION AND CONSOLIDATION (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Variable Interest Entities
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,019.8	$ 3,647.2	$ 3,949.8	$ 3,790.6
Inventories	6,112.4	4,370.6	4,687.0
Other assets	1,326.5	1,180.5	1,020.9
Total Assets	51,405.3	48,207.4	46,585.5
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	7,631.4	7,804.8	6,777.2
Total liabilities	44,009.3	41,392.5	39,151.9
Fertilizer and Lawn Care Products Variable Interest Entity
Variable Interest Entities
Cash and cash equivalents	17.0	11.0
Intercompany receivables	18	14	19
Inventories	42.0	30.0	52.0
Property and equipment - net	3	3	4
Other assets	9.0	3.0	9.0
Total Assets	89.0	61.0	84.0
Short-term borrowings	3		3
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	78.0	56.0	80.0
Total liabilities	$ 81.0	$ 56.0	$ 83.0