Retirement and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans (Details)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
HP 401(k) Plan
Net pension and post-retirement benefit costs
Maximum percent 401(k) match to employees (as a percent)		4.00%
Percent of maximum matching contribution during the period (as a percent)		100.00%
Percent of equal 401(k) match to employees effective during the period (as a percent)	100.00%
Maximum percent 401(k) match to employees effective during the period (as a percent)	4.00%
EDS 401(k) Plan through Dec 2010
Net pension and post-retirement benefit costs
Maximum percent 401(k) match to employees (as a percent)		4.00%
Percent of maximum matching contribution during the period (as a percent)		100.00%
Percent of equal 401(k) match to employees effective during the period (as a percent)	100.00%
Maximum percent 401(k) match to employees effective during the period (as a percent)	4.00%