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Taxes on Earnings (Details 4) (USD $)
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2012
Oct. 31, 2011
Oct. 31, 2010
Differences between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and HP's effective tax rate      
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate (as a percent) 35.00% 35.00% 35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit (as a percent) 0.50% 0.50% 1.30%
Lower rates in other jurisdictions, net (as a percent) 13.80% (24.00%) (18.30%)
Research and development credit (as a percent) 0.10% (0.60%) (0.10%)
Valuation allowance (as a percent) (14.00%) 5.20% 0.80%
Nondeductible goodwill (as a percent) (40.30%) 3.40%  
Other, net (as a percent) (1.10%) 1.70% 1.50%
Valuation allowance (as a percent) (6.00%) 21.20% 20.20%
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items unique to the year   $ (325) $ 26
Income tax benefits for adjustments to prior year foreign income tax accruals 26 78  
Income tax benefit, prior period liability   63  
Tax charges for increases to foreign and state valuation allowances   468  
Net tax benefit associated with miscellaneous prior period items   2  
Income tax benefits, reduced rates for subsidiaries in certain countries $ 900 $ 1,300 $ 966
Income tax benefits, reduced rates for subsidiaries in certain countries (in dollars per share) $ 0.46 $ 0.62 $ 0.41