ORGANIZATION AND CONSOLIDATION (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Deconsolidation of Variable Interest Entity, effect on the financial statements
Decrease in assets from deconsolidation	$ 26
Decrease in liabilities from deconsolidation	15
Decrease in noncontrolling interests from deconsolidation	10.6	10.6
Gain (loss) from deconsolidation	0
Variable Interest Entities
Cash and cash equivalents		3,651.4	4,652.2	3,019.8	3,647.2
Inventories		6,173.0	5,170.0	6,112.4
Other assets		1,452.1	1,465.3	1,326.5
Total Assets		58,155.1	56,265.8	51,405.3
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		8,132.8	8,988.9	7,631.4
Total liabilities		49,888.3	49,403.8	44,009.3
Fertilizer and Lawn Care Products Variable Interest Entity
Variable Interest Entities
Cash and cash equivalents			26.0	17.0
Intercompany receivables			7	18
Inventories			25.0	42.0
Property and equipment - net			2	3
Other assets			5.0	9.0
Total Assets			65.0	89.0
Short-term borrowings			5	3
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			48.0	78.0
Total liabilities			$ 53.0	$ 81.0