ORGANIZATION AND CONSOLIDATION (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
ORGANIZATION AND CONSOLIDATION
Investment in unconsolidated affiliated company recorded at cost, percent ownership, less than	20.00%
Variable Interest Entities
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 4,652.2	$ 3,647.2	$ 3,790.6	$ 4,651.7
Inventories	5,170.0	4,370.6
Other assets	1,465.3	1,180.5
Total Assets	56,265.8	48,207.4	43,267.0
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	8,988.9	7,804.8
Total liabilities	49,403.8	41,392.5
Maximum
Equity Method Investments
Investment in unconsolidated affiliated company (as a percent)	50.00%
Minimum
Equity Method Investments
Investment in unconsolidated affiliated company (as a percent)	20.00%
Fertilizer and Lawn Care Products Variable Interest Entity
Variable Interest Entities
Cash and cash equivalents	26.0	11.0
Intercompany receivables	7	14
Inventories	25.0	30.0
Property and equipment - net	2	3
Other assets	5.0	3.0
Total Assets	65.0	61.0
Short-term borrowings	5
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	48.0	56.0
Total liabilities	$ 53.0	$ 56.0