v3.6.0.2
Balance Sheet Details (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2016
Oct. 31, 2015
Oct. 31, 2014
Oct. 31, 2016
Oct. 31, 2015
Accounts Receivable, Net          
Unbilled receivable       $ 1,086 $ 1,396
Accounts receivable       5,907 7,251
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ (109) $ (126) $ (150) (84) (109)
Accounts receivable, net       6,909 8,538
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]          
Balance at beginning of year 109 126 150    
Provision for doubtful accounts 52 27 50    
Deductions, net of recoveries (77) (44) (74)    
Balance at end of year 84 109 126    
Trade receivables sold and cash received          
Balance at beginning of period 68 188 70    
Trade receivables sold 3,015 4,221 3,947    
Cash receipts (2,931) (4,327) (3,815)    
Foreign currency and other (7) (14) (14)    
Balance at end of period $ 145 $ 68 $ 188    
Inventory          
Finished goods       1,202 1,518
Purchased parts and fabricated assemblies       572 680
Inventory, net       1,774 2,198
Other Current Assets          
Value-added taxes receivable       1,060 1,538
Manufacturer and other receivables       1,057 1,992
Prepaid and other current assets       2,207 2,938
Other current assets, total       4,324 6,468
Long-Term Financing Receivables and Other Assets          
Financing receivables, net       3,938 3,642
Deferred tax assets—long-term       4,430 3,925
Deferred costs—long-term       822 715
Other       4,026 2,593
Long-Term Financing Receivables and Other Assets, total       13,216 10,875
Other Accrued Liabilities          
Accrued taxes—other       1,297 1,364
Warranty       258 276
Sales and marketing programs       858 908
Other       2,578 3,766
Other Accrued Liabilities, total       4,991 6,314
Other Liabilities          
Pension, post-retirement, and post-employment liabilities       4,230 3,432
Deferred revenue—long-term       3,408 3,565
Deferred tax liability—long-term       143 41
Tax liability—long-term       4,057 778
Other long-term liabilities       1,184 1,086
Other Liabilities, total       13,022 $ 8,902
H3C          
Inventory          
Inventory, net       $ 200