Taxes on Earnings (Details 7) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Taxes on Earnings
Capital loss carryforwards	$ 272	$ 286
Valuation allowance
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	11,390	10,223	9,100
Operating loss carryforwards | State
Valuation allowance
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	162
Operating loss carryforwards | Federal and state
Valuation allowance
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		166
Operating loss carryforwards | Foreign
Valuation allowance
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	8,900	7,600
Capital loss carryforwards
Valuation allowance
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	$ 104	$ 104