ORGANIZATION AND CONSOLIDATION (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
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
Gain (loss) from deconsolidation	0
Variable Interest Entities
Cash and cash equivalents	3,504.0	4,652.2	3,647.2	3,790.6
Inventories	4,934.7	5,170.0
Property and equipment - net	5,466.9	5,011.9	4,352.0
Other assets	1,274.7	1,465.3
Total Assets	59,521.3	56,265.8	48,207.0
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	8,973.6	8,988.9
Total liabilities	49,253.6	49,403.8
Fertilizer and Lawn Care Products Variable Interest Entity
Variable Interest Entities
Cash and cash equivalents		26.0
Intercompany receivables		7
Inventories		25.0
Property and equipment - net		2.0
Other assets		5.0
Total Assets		65.0
Short-term borrowings		5
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		48.0
Total liabilities		$ 53.0