Agilent (A) 10-K 19 Dec 13 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Dec. 01, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001090872	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--10-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$12,084
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	331,808,500	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Oct-13	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Net revenue:	'	'	'
Products	$5,534	$5,659	$5,482
Services and other	1,248	1,199	1,133
Total net revenue	6,782	6,858	6,615
Costs and expenses:	'	'	'
Cost of products	2,576	2,608	2,473
Cost of services and other	671	646	613
Total costs	3,247	3,254	3,086
Research and development	704	668	649
Selling, general and administrative	1,880	1,817	1,809
Total costs and expenses	5,831	5,739	5,544
Income from operations	951	1,119	1,071
Interest income	7	9	14
Interest expense	-107	-101	-86
Other income (expense), net	8	16	33
Income before taxes	859	1,043	1,032
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	135	-110	20
Net income	$724	$1,153	$1,012
Net income per share:	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$2.12	$3.31	$2.92
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$2.10	$3.27	$2.85
Weighted average shares used in computing net income per share:	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	341	348	347
Diluted (in shares)	345	353	355
Cash dividends declared per common share	$0.46	$0.30	$0

STATEMENT_OF_COMPREHENSIVE_INC

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net income	$724	$1,153	$1,012
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'
Change in unrealized gain on investments, net of tax expense (benefit) of $2, $(8) and $0	7	6	-4
Gain on derivative instruments, net of tax expense of $2, $3 and $0	8	7	0
Amounts reclassified into earnings related to derivative instruments, net of tax benefiti of $(3), $(2) and $(2)	-10	-6	3
Foreign currency translation	1	-28	94
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'
Change in actuarial net loss, net of tax expense (benefit) of $114, $(61) and $(3)	228	-175	-38
Change in net prior service benefit, net of tax benefit of $(16), $(17) and $0	-32	-31	149
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	202	-227	204
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$926	$926	$1,216

STATEMENT_OF_COMPREHENSIVE_INC1

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'	'	'
Change in unrealized gain on investments	$2	($8)	$0
Gain and loss on derivative instruments	2	3	0
Reclassification of (gains) and losses into earnings related to derivative instruments	-3	-2	-2
Net loss	114	-61	-3
Net prior service loss	($16)	($17)	$0

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEET

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$2,675	$2,351
Accounts receivable, net	899	923
Inventory	1,066	1,014
Other current assets	343	341
Total current assets	4,983	4,629
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,134	1,164
Goodwill	3,047	3,025
Other intangible assets, net	916	1,086
Long-term investments	139	109
Other assets	467	523
Total assets	10,686	10,536
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	432	461
Employee compensation and benefits	401	387
Deferred revenue	439	420
Short-term debt	0	250
Other accrued liabilities	330	375
Total current liabilities	1,602	1,893
Long-term debt	2,699	2,112
Retirement and post-retirement benefits	294	554
Other long-term liabilities	802	792
Total liabilities	5,397	5,351
Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock; $0.01 par value; 125 million shares authorized; none issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock; $0.01 par value; 2 billion shares authorized; 602 million shares at October 31, 2013 and 595 million shares at October 31, 2012 issued	6	6
Treasury stock at cost; 269 million shares at October 31, 2013 and 249 million shares at October 31, 2012	-9,607	-8,707
Additional paid-in-capital	8,723	8,489
Retained earnings	6,073	5,505
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	91	-111
Total stockholders' equity	5,286	5,182
Non-controlling interest	3	3
Total equity	5,289	5,185
Total liabilities and equity	$10,686	$10,536

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEET_Par

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock shares authorized (in shares)	125	125
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock shares authorized (in shares)	2,000	2,000
Common stock issued (in shares)	602	595
Treasury stock, at cost (in shares)	269	249

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income	$724	$1,153	$1,012
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	372	301	253
Share-based compensation	85	74	72
Excess tax benefit from share-based plans	-2	0	0
Deferred taxes	31	-158	38
Excess and obsolete inventory and inventory related charges	48	30	30
Non-cash restructuring and asset impairment charges	3	1	10
Net gain on sale of investments	-1	-4	-6
Net (gain) loss on sale of assets and divestitures	3	2	2
Other	3	5	8
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	14	19	11
Inventory	-100	-52	-208
Accounts payable	-27	-31	-35
Employee compensation and benefits	16	-54	24
Interest rate swap proceeds	0	0	65
Other assets and liabilities	-17	-58	-16
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,152	1,228	1,260
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Investments in property, plant and equipment	-195	-194	-188
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment	2	0	18
Proceeds from lease receivable	0	80	0
Proceeds from the sale of investment securities	12	5	16
Proceeds from divestitures	0	0	1
Payment to acquire equity method investment	-21	0	0
Purchase of other investments	-25	0	0
Change in restricted cash, cash equivalents and investments, net	0	0	1,545
Acquisitions of businesses and intangible assets, net of cash acquired	-21	-2,257	-98
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-248	-2,366	1,294
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans	161	100	304
Treasury stock repurchases	-900	-172	-497
Payment of dividends	-156	-104	0
Issuance of senior notes	597	399	0
Debt issuance costs	-5	-3	0
Repayments of Senior notes	-250	-250	0
Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries	-3	-6	0
Repayment of debts and credit facility	0	-1	-1,500
Excess tax benefit from share-based plans	2	0	'
Net cash used in financing activities	-554	-37	-1,693
Effect of exchange rate movements	-26	-1	17
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	324	-1,176	878
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	2,351	3,527	2,649
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$2,675	$2,351	$3,527

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_EQUI

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Total Stockholders Equity [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Oct. 31, 2010	$3,236	$3,228	$6	$7,904	($8,038)	$3,444	($88)	$8
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2010	'	'	578,827	'	-232,683	'	'	'
Components of comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	1,012	1,012	'	'	'	1,012	'	'
Other comprehensive income	204	204	'	'	'	'	204	'
Total comprehensive income (loss)	1,216	1,216	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based awards issued	289	289	'	289	'	'	'	'
Share-based awards issued (in shares)	'	'	11,841	'	'	'	'	'
Repurchase of common stock	-497	-497	'	'	-497	'	'	'
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	'	'	'	'	-11,603	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	72	72	'	72	'	'	'	'
Balance at Oct. 31, 2011	4,316	4,308	6	8,265	-8,535	4,456	116	8
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2011	'	'	590,668	'	-244,286	'	'	'
Components of comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	1,153	1,153	'	'	'	1,153	'	'
Other comprehensive income	-227	-227	'	'	'	'	-227	'
Total comprehensive income (loss)	926	926	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash dividends declared	-104	-104	'	'	'	-104	'	'
Change in non-controlling interest	-5	'	'	'	'	'	'	-5
Share-based awards issued	84	84	'	84	'	'	'	'
Cumulative excess tax benefits realized from share-based awards	66	66	'	66	'	'	'	'
Share-based awards issued (in shares)	'	'	4,591	'	'	'	'	'
Repurchase of common stock	-172	-172	'	'	-172	'	'	'
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	'	'	'	'	-4,500	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	74	74	'	74	'	'	'	'
Balance at Oct. 31, 2012	5,185	5,182	6	8,489	-8,707	5,505	-111	3
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2012	'	'	595,259	'	-248,786	'	'	'
Components of comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	724	724	'	'	'	724	'	'
Other comprehensive income	202	202	'	'	'	'	202	'
Total comprehensive income (loss)	926	926	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash dividends declared	-156	-156	'	'	'	-156	'	'
Share-based awards issued	147	147	'	147	'	'	'	'
Tax benefit from share based awards issued	2	2	'	2	'	'	'	'
Share-based awards issued (in shares)	'	'	6,370	'	'	'	'	'
Repurchase of common stock	-900	-900	'	'	-900	'	'	'
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	'	'	'	'	-20,544	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	85	85	'	85	'	'	'	'
Balance at Oct. 31, 2013	$5,289	$5,286	$6	$8,723	($9,607)	$6,073	$91	$3
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2013	'	'	601,629	'	-269,330	'	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_EQUI1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 22, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Cash Dividends Declared (per common share)	$0.13	$0.46	$0.30	$0

OVERVIEW_AND_SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIF

OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
	1.     OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Overview.    Agilent Technologies, Inc. ("we", "Agilent" or the "company"), incorporated in Delaware in May 1999, is a measurement company, providing core bio-analytical and electronic measurement solutions to the life sciences, diagnostics and genomics, chemical analysis, communications and electronics industries.
	Agilent Separation. On September 19, 2013, Agilent announced plans to separate into two publicly traded companies, one comprising of the life sciences, diagnostics and chemical analysis businesses that will retain the Agilent name,and the other that will be comprised of the electronic measurement business ("EM"). The separation is expected to occur through a tax-free pro rata spin off of the EM company to Agilent shareholders and is expected to be completed early in November 2014.
	New Segment. We formed a new operating segment in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2013. The new life sciences and diagnostics segment was formed by the combination of the life sciences business plus the diagnostics and genomics business. Following this reorganization, Agilent has three business segments comprised of the life sciences and diagnostics business, the chemical analysis business and the electronic measurement business. The historical segment financial information for the life sciences and diagnostics segment has been recast to conform to this new reporting structure in our financial statements.
	Acquisition of Dako A/S. On June 21, 2012, we completed our acquisition of Dako A/S through the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Dako A/S, a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of Denmark (“Dako”), under the share purchase agreement, dated May 16, 2012. Dako provides antibodies, reagents, scientific instruments and software primarily to customers in pathology laboratories. As a result of the acquisition, Dako became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Agilent. The consideration paid was approximately $2,143 million, of which $1,400 million was paid directly to the seller and $743 million was paid to satisfy the outstanding debt of Dako. Agilent funded the acquisition using existing cash. The acquisition has been accounted for in accordance with the authoritative accounting guidance and the results of Dako are included in Agilent's consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. The acquisition of Dako and its portfolio was another step to increase our growth in several rapidly expanding areas of diagnostics, including atomic pathology and molecular diagnostics, as well as strengthen our existing offerings with a focus on product development to help in the fight against cancer. For additional details related to the acquisition of Dako, see Note 3, "Acquisitions".
	Basis of presentation.    The accompanying financial data has been prepared by us pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and is in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Our fiscal year end is October 31. Unless otherwise stated, all years and dates refer to our fiscal year.
	In the first quarter of 2013, we adopted the updated authoritative guidance that increases the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. For additional details related to the updated authoritative guidance, see Note 2, "New Accounting Pronouncements".
	Revisions. The statement of cash flows for the year ended October 31, 2012 has been revised to correct the presentation of the purchase of non-controlling interest from investing to financing activities and is not considered material. There was no impact on previously reported net income or the change in net cash for the year ended October 31, 2012. In Note 10, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets", the presentation of goodwill has been revised as of October 31, 2012 and 2011 to correct the allocation of goodwill between segments and is not considered material. There was no impact to the previously reported total balance of goodwill as of October 31, 2012 and 2011.
	Reclassifications.    Segment disclosure amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation with no impact on previously reported net income.
	Management is responsible for the fair presentation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements, prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and has full responsibility for their integrity and accuracy. In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly our consolidated balance sheet, statement of operations, statement of comprehensive income, statement of cash flows and statement of equity for all periods presented.
	Principles of consolidation.    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and our wholly- and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Use of estimates.    The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable. Although these estimates are based on management's best knowledge of current events and actions that may impact the company in the future, actual results may be different from the estimates. Our critical accounting policies are those that affect our financial statements materially and involve difficult, subjective or complex judgments by management. Those policies are revenue recognition, valuation of goodwill and purchased intangible assets, inventory valuation, share-based compensation, retirement and post-retirement plan assumptions, restructuring and accounting for income taxes.
	Revenue recognition.    We enter into agreements to sell products (hardware and/or software), services and other arrangements (multiple element arrangements) that include combinations of products and services.
	We recognize revenue, net of trade discounts and allowances, provided that (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) delivery has occurred, (3) the price is fixed or determinable and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is considered to have occurred when title and risk of loss have transferred to the customer, for products, or when the service has been provided. We consider the price to be fixed or determinable when the price is not subject to refund or adjustments. We consider arrangements with extended payment terms not to be fixed or determinable, and accordingly we defer revenue until amounts become due. At the time of the transaction, we evaluate the creditworthiness of our customers to determine the appropriate timing of revenue recognition.
	Product revenue.    Our product revenue is generated predominantly from the sales of various types of test equipment. Product revenue, including sales to resellers and distributors, is reduced for estimated returns, when appropriate. For sales or arrangements that include customer-specified acceptance criteria, including those where acceptance is required upon achievement of performance milestones, revenue is recognized after the acceptance criteria have been met. For products that include installation, if the installation meets the criteria to be considered a separate element, product revenue is recognized upon delivery, and recognition of installation revenue is delayed until the installation is complete. Otherwise, neither the product nor the installation revenue is recognized until the installation is complete.
	Where software is licensed separately, revenue is recognized when the software is delivered and has been transferred to the customer or, in the case of electronic delivery of software, when the customer is given access to the licensed software programs.
	We also evaluate whether collection of the receivable is probable, the fee is fixed or determinable and whether any other undelivered elements of the arrangement exist on which a portion of the total fee would be allocated based on vendor-specific objective evidence.
	Service revenue.    Revenue from services includes extended warranty, customer and software support, consulting, training and education. Service revenue is deferred and recognized over the contractual period or as services are rendered and accepted by the customer. For example, customer support contracts are recognized ratably over the contractual period, while training revenue is recognized as the training is provided to the customer. In addition the four revenue recognition criteria described above must be met before service revenue is recognized.
	Revenue Recognition for Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.    Our multiple-element arrangements are generally comprised of a combination of measurement instruments, installation or other start-up services, and/or software and/or support or services. Hardware and software elements are typically delivered at the same time and revenue is recognized upon delivery once title and risk of loss pass to the customer. Delivery of installation, start-up services and other services varies based on the complexity of the equipment, staffing levels in a geographic location and customer preferences, and can range from a few days to a few months. Service revenue is deferred and recognized over the contractual period or as services are rendered and accepted by the customer. Revenue from the sale of software products that are not required to deliver the tangible product's essential functionality are accounted for under software revenue recognition rules which require vendor specific objective evidence ("VSOE") of fair value to allocate revenue in a multiple element arrangement. Our arrangements generally do not include any provisions for cancellation, termination, or refunds that would significantly impact recognized revenue.
	We have evaluated the deliverables in our multiple-element arrangements and concluded that they are separate units of accounting if the delivered item or items have value to the customer on a standalone basis and for an arrangement that includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item(s), delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in our control. We allocate revenue to each element in our multiple-element arrangements based upon their relative selling prices. We determine the selling price for each deliverable based on a selling price hierarchy. The selling price for a deliverable is based on VSOE if available, third-party evidence ("TPE") if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price ("ESP") if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. Revenue allocated to each element is then recognized when the basic revenue recognition criteria for that element have been met.
	We use VSOE of selling price in the selling price allocation in all instances where it exists. VSOE of selling price for products and services is determined when a substantial majority of the selling prices fall within a reasonable range when sold separately. TPE of selling price can be established by evaluating largely interchangeable competitor products or services in standalone sales to similarly situated customers. As our products contain a significant element of proprietary technology and the solution offered differs substantially from that of competitors, it is difficult to obtain the reliable standalone competitive pricing necessary to establish TPE. ESP represents the best estimate of the price at which we would transact a sale if the product or service were sold on a standalone basis. We determine ESP for a product or service by using historical selling prices which reflect multiple factors including, but not limited to customer type, geography, market conditions, competitive landscape, gross margin objectives and pricing practices. The determination of ESP is made through consultation with and approval by management. We may modify or develop new pricing practices and strategies in the future. As these pricing strategies evolve in changes may occur in ESP. The aforementioned factors may result in a different allocation of revenue to the deliverables in multiple element arrangements, which may change the pattern and timing of revenue recognition for these elements but will not change the total revenue recognized for the arrangement.
	Deferred revenue.    Deferred revenue represents the amount that is allocated to undelivered elements in multiple element arrangements. We limit the revenue recognized to the amount that is not contingent on the future delivery of products or services or meeting other specified performance conditions.
	Accounts receivable, net.    Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Such accounts receivable has been reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts, which is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. We determine the allowance based on customer specific experience and the aging of such receivables, among other factors. The allowance for doubtful accounts as of October 31, 2013 and 2012 was not material. We do not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to our customers. Accounts receivable are also recorded net of product returns.
	Share-based compensation.    For the years ended 2013, 2012 and 2011, we accounted for share-based awards made to our employees and directors including employee stock option awards, restricted stock units, employee stock purchases made under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") and performance share awards under Agilent Technologies, Inc. Long-Term Performance Program ("LTPP") using the estimated grant date fair value method of accounting. Under the fair value method, we recorded compensation expense for all share-based awards of $88 million in 2013, $76 million in 2012 and $73 million in 2011.
	Inventory.    Inventory is valued at standard cost, which approximates actual cost computed on a first-in, first-out basis, not in excess of market value. We assess the valuation of our inventory on a periodic basis and make adjustments to the value for estimated excess and obsolete inventory based on estimates about future demand. The excess balance determined by this analysis becomes the basis for our excess inventory charge. Our excess inventory review process includes analysis of sales forecasts, managing product rollovers and working with manufacturing to maximize recovery of excess inventory.
	Warranty.    Our standard warranty terms typically extend for one year from the date of delivery. During the second fiscal quarter of 2013 typical standard warranty arrangements within our electronic measurement business were extended from one year to three years from the date of delivery. Prior to the change in standard warranty terms, we sold extended warranties of more than one year and less than three years which were deferred. Those existing warranties greater than one year and less than three years and previously classified as extended warranties will be amortized over the original period of the warranty. We will continue to sell extended warranties for terms beyond three years within the electronic measurement business. The impact will not be material to the segment or consolidated revenue of Agilent and the anticipated increase to the warranty accrual as a result of the new arrangements will not be material to the consolidated balance sheet of Agilent. No changes were made to the standard and extended warranty terms within our other businesses.We accrue for standard warranty costs based on historical trends in warranty charges as a percentage of net product revenue. The accrual is reviewed regularly and periodically adjusted to reflect changes in warranty cost estimates. Estimated warranty charges are recorded within cost of products at the time products are sold. See Note 16, "Guarantees".
	Taxes on income.    Income tax expense or benefit is based on income or loss before taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized principally for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts.
	Shipping and handling costs.    Our shipping and handling costs charged to customers are included in net revenue, and the associated expense is recorded in cost of products for all periods presented.
	Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets.    In September 2011, the FASB approved changes to the goodwill impairment guidance which are intended to reduce the cost and complexity of the annual impairment test. The changes provide entities an option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. The revised standard gives an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether performing the current two-step test is necessary. If an entity believes, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it is more-likely-than-not (i.e. > 50% chance) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test will be required. Otherwise, no further testing will be required.
	The revised guidance includes examples of events and circumstances that might indicate that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying amount. These include macro-economic conditions such as deterioration in the entity's operating environment or industry or market considerations; entity-specific events such as increasing costs, declining financial performance, or loss of key personnel; or other events such as an expectation that a reporting unit will be sold or a sustained decrease in the stock price on either an absolute basis or relative to peers. Agilent opted to early adopt this guidance for the year ended October 31, 2011.
	If it is determined, as a result of the qualitative assessment, that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the provisions of authoritative guidance require that we perform a two-step impairment test on goodwill. In the first step, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. The second step (if necessary) measures the amount of impairment by applying fair-value-based tests to the individual assets and liabilities within each reporting unit. As defined in the authoritative guidance, a reporting unit is an operating segment, or one level below an operating segment. We aggregated components of operating segments that have similar economic characteristics into our reporting units. In October 2013, we combined the life sciences and diagnostics and genomics segments to form the life sciences and diagnostics segment. As a result, Agilent now has three segments, life sciences and diagnostics, chemical analysis, and electronic measurement segments.
	In fiscal year 2013, we assessed goodwill impairment for our four reporting units which consisted of two segments: chemical analysis and electronic measurement; and two reporting units under the life sciences and diagnostics segment. The first of these two reporting units related to our life sciences business and the second related to our diagnostics business. We performed a qualitative test for goodwill impairment of the following three reporting units, as of September 30, 2013: the chemical analysis segment, the electronic measurement segment, and the reporting unit relating to life sciences. Based on the results of our qualitative testing, we believe that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of these reporting units are greater than their respective carrying values. We performed a quantitative test for goodwill impairment of the reporting unit related to our diagnostics business as of September 30, 2013. Based on the results of our quantitative testing, the fair value was significantly in excess of the carrying value. There was no impairment of goodwill during the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. Each quarter we review the events and circumstances to determine if goodwill impairment is indicated.
	Purchased intangible assets consist primarily of acquired developed technologies, proprietary know-how, trademarks, and customer relationships and are amortized using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives ranging from 6 months to 15 years. In-process research and development ("IPR&D") is initially capitalized at fair value as an intangible asset with an indefinite life and assessed for impairment thereafter. When the IPR&D project is complete, it is reclassified as an amortizable purchased intangible asset and is amortized over its estimated useful life. If an IPR&D project is abandoned, Agilent will record a charge for the value of the related intangible asset to Agilent's consolidated statement of operations in the period it is abandoned.
	In July 2012, the FASB simplified the guidance for testing for impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill. The changes are intended to reduce compliance costs. Agilent's indefinite-lived intangible assets are IPR&D intangible assets. The revised guidance allows a qualitative approach for testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, similar to the impairment testing guidance for goodwill. It allows the option to first assess qualitative factors (events and circumstances) that could affect the significant inputs used in determining the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. The qualitative factors assist in determining whether it is more likely than not (meaning a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. An organization may choose to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to calculating its fair value. The amendments are effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. Early adoption was permitted. Agilent adopted this guidance for the year ended October 31, 2012. Based on the quantitative test, we recorded an impairment of $1 million in 2013 and an impairment of $1 million in 2012, both relating to IPR&D projects that were abandoned. In all other instances we used the qualitative test and concluded that it was more likely than not that all other indefinite-lived intangible assets were not impaired. No impairments were recorded in 2011.
	Advertising.    Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and amounted to $44 million in 2013, $50 million in 2012 and $55 million in 2011.
	Research and development.    Costs related to research, design and development of our products are charged to research and development expense as they are incurred.
	Sales Taxes.    Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are not included in our revenue.
	Net income per share.    Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income - the numerator - by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding - the denominator - during the period excluding the dilutive effect of stock options and other employee stock plans. Diluted net income per share gives effect to all potentially dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the period. The dilutive effect of share-based awards is reflected in diluted net income per share by application of the treasury stock method, which includes consideration of unamortized share-based compensation expense, the tax benefits and shortfalls charged to additional paid-in capital and the dilutive effect of in-the-money options and non-vested restricted stock units. Under the treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options, unamortized share-based compensation expense and tax benefits or shortfalls are assumed proceeds to be used to repurchase hypothetical shares. See Note 6, "Net Income Per Share".
	Cash, cash equivalents and short term investments.    We classify investments as cash equivalents if their original or remaining maturity is three months or less at the date of purchase. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.
	As of October 31, 2013, approximately $2,552 million of our cash and cash equivalents is held outside of the U.S. in our foreign subsidiaries. Under current tax laws, most of the cash could be repatriated to the U.S. but it would be subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes, less applicable foreign tax credits. Our cash and cash equivalents mainly consist of short term deposits held at major global financial institutions, institutional money market funds, and similar short duration instruments with original maturities of 90 days or less. We continuously monitor the creditworthiness of the financial institutions and institutional money market funds in which we invest our funds.
	We classify investments as short-term investments if their original maturities are greater than three months and their remaining maturities are one year or less.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments.    The carrying values of certain of our financial instruments including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued compensation and other accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of their short maturities. The fair value of long-term equity investments is determined using quoted market prices for those securities when available. For those long-term equity investments accounted for under the cost or equity method, their carrying value approximates their estimated fair value. Equity method investments are reported at the amount of the company’s initial investment and adjusted each period for the company’s share of the investee’s income or loss and dividend paid. The fair value of our long-term debt, calculated from quoted prices which are primarily Level 1 inputs under the accounting guidance fair value hierarchy, exceeds the carrying value by approximately $112 million and $210 million as of October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The fair value of foreign currency contracts used for hedging purposes is estimated internally by using inputs tied to active markets. These inputs, for example, interest rate yield curves, foreign exchange rates, and forward and spot prices for currencies are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. See also Note 12, "Fair Value Measurements" for additional information on the fair value of financial instruments.
	Concentration of credit risk.    Financial instruments that potentially subject Agilent to significant concentration of credit risk include money market fund investments, time deposits and demand deposit balances. These investments are categorized as cash and cash equivalents and long-term investments. In addition, Agilent has credit risk from derivative financial instruments used in hedging activities and accounts receivable. We invest in a variety of financial instruments and limit the amount of credit exposure with any one financial institution. We have a comprehensive credit policy in place and credit exposure is monitored on an ongoing basis.
	Credit risk with respect to our accounts receivable is diversified due to the large number of entities comprising our customer base and their dispersion across many different industries and geographies. Credit evaluations are performed on customers requiring credit over a certain amount and we sell the majority of our products through our direct sales force. Credit risk is mitigated through collateral such as letter of credit, bank guarantees or payment terms like cash in advance. Credit evaluation is performed by an independent team to ensure proper segregation of duties. No single customer accounted for more than 10 percent of combined accounts receivable as of October 31, 2013, or 2012.
	Derivative instruments.    Agilent is exposed to global foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate risks in the normal course of business. We enter into foreign exchange hedging contracts, primarily forward contracts and purchased options and, in the past, interest rate swaps to manage financial exposures resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. In the vast majority of cases, these contracts are designated at inception as hedges of the related foreign currency or interest exposures. Foreign currency exposures include committed and anticipated revenue and expense transactions and assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the subsidiary. Interest rate exposures are associated with the company's fixed-rate debt. For option contracts, we exclude time value from the measurement of effectiveness. To qualify for hedge accounting, contracts must reduce the foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate risk otherwise inherent in the amount and duration of the hedged exposures and comply with established risk management policies; foreign exchange hedging contracts generally mature within twelve months and interest rate swaps, if any, mature at the same time as the maturity of the debt. In order to manage foreign currency exposures in a few limited jurisdictions we may enter into foreign exchange contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting. In such circumstances, the local foreign currency exposure is offset by contracts owned by the parent company. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.
	All derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at their fair values. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, changes in value of the derivative are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations in the current period, along with the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedges, changes in the value of the effective portion of the derivative instrument is recognized in accumulated comprehensive income, a component of stockholders' equity. Amounts associated with cash flow hedges are reclassified and recognized in income when either the forecasted transaction occurs or it becomes probable the forecasted transaction will not occur. Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at their fair value and changes in the fair values are recorded in the income statement in the current period. Derivative instruments are subject to master netting arrangements and qualify for net presentation in the balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of the ineffective portion of derivative instruments are recognized in earnings in the current period. Ineffectiveness in 2013, 2012 and 2011 was not material. Cash flows from derivative instruments are classified in the statement of cash flows in the same category as the cash flows from the hedged or economically hedged item, primarily in operating activities.
	Property, plant and equipment.    Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Additions, improvements and major renewals are capitalized; maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred. When assets are retired or disposed of, the assets and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from our general ledger, and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of operations. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over the lesser of their useful lives or the remaining term of the lease and machinery and equipment over three to ten years. We use the straight-line method to depreciate assets.
	Leases.    We lease buildings, machinery and equipment under operating leases for original terms ranging generally from one year to twenty years. Certain leases contain renewal options for periods up to six years. As of October 31, 2013 our life sciences and diagnostics segment has approximately $4 million of lease receivables for capital leases and $35 million of net assets for operating leases.  We depreciate the assets related to the operating leases over their estimated useful lives.
	Capitalized software.    We capitalize certain internal and external costs incurred to acquire or create internal use software. Capitalized software is included in property, plant and equipment and is depreciated over three to five years once development is complete.
	Impairment of long-lived assets.    We continually monitor events and changes in circumstances that could indicate carrying amounts of long-lived assets, including intangible assets, may not be recoverable. When such events or changes in circumstances occur, we assess the recoverability of long-lived assets by determining whether the carrying value of such assets will be recovered through undiscounted expected future cash flows. If the total of the undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of those assets, we recognize an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets.
	Restructuring. The main component of our restructuring plan is related to workforce reductions. Workforce reduction charges are accrued when payment of benefits becomes probable that the employees are entitled to the severance and the amounts can be estimated. If the amounts and timing of cash flows from restructuring activities are significantly different from what we have estimated, the actual amount of restructuring and other related charges could be materially different, either higher or lower, than those we have recorded.
	Employee compensation and benefits.    Amounts owed to employees, such as accrued salary, bonuses and vacation benefits are accounted for within employee compensation and benefits. The total amount of accrued vacation benefit was $158 million and $156 million as of October 31, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Foreign currency translation.    We translate and remeasure balance sheet and income statement items into U.S. dollars. For those subsidiaries that operate in a local currency functional environment, all assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates at the balance sheet date; revenue and expenses are translated using monthly exchange rates which approximate to average exchange rates in effect during each period. Resulting translation adjustments are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders' equity.
	For those subsidiaries that operate in a U.S. dollar functional environment, foreign currency assets and liabilities are remeasured into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates except for nonmonetary assets and capital accounts which are remeasured at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expenses are generally remeasured at monthly exchange rates which approximate average exchange rates in effect during each period. Gains or losses from foreign currency remeasurement are included in consolidated net income. Net gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions, including hedging gains and losses, are reported in other income (expense), net and was $6 million loss for fiscal year 2013, $19 million loss for 2012 and $1 million loss for 2011, respectively. The loss recorded for fiscal year 2012 includes $14 million of loss associated with the settlement of currency contracts entered into for the purchase of Dako.

NEW_ACCOUNTING_PRONOUNCEMENTS

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	'
	2.     NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance related to the presentation of comprehensive income. The guidance aims to improve the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. In the first quarter of 2013, we adopted the updated authoritative guidance that increases the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. The updated authoritative guidance eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in equity and requires that changes in other comprehensive income be presented either as a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two but consecutive statements. The adoption of the updated authoritative guidance did impact the presentation of comprehensive income, as we have elected to present two separate but consecutive statements, but did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.
	In December 2011, the FASB issued guidance related to the enhanced disclosures that will enable the users of financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements of an entity's financial position. The amendments require improved information about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either offset or subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreement. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. We do not expect a material impact to our consolidated financial statements due to the adoption of this guidance.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued the guidance for reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The revised guidance requires reporting the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures that provide additional detail about these amounts. The amendments do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. The guidance is effective prospectively for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect a material impact to our consolidated financial statements due to the adoption of this guidance.
	In March 2013, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance on foreign currency matters in order to clarify the guidance for the release of cumulative translation adjustment. The guidance requires that a parent deconsolidate a subsidiary or derecognize a group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business (other than a sale of in substance real estate or conveyance of oil and gas mineral rights) if the parent ceases to have a controlling financial interest in that group of assets.  The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013. We do not expect a material impact to our consolidated financial statements due to the adoption of this guidance.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance related to the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists. The guidance requires an unrecognized tax benefit to be presented as a decrease in a deferred tax asset where a net operating loss, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists and certain criteria are met. This guidance is effective prospectively for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and is consistent with our current practice.
	Other amendments to GAAP in the U.S. that have been issued by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
ACQUISITIONS	'
	3.     ACQUISITIONS
	Acquisition of Dako
	On June 21, 2012, we completed the acquisition of Dako through the acquisition of 100% of share capital of Dako, a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of Denmark, under the share purchase agreement, dated May 16, 2012. As a result of the acquisition, Dako has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Agilent. Accordingly, the results of Dako are included in Agilent's consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition. For the period from June 22, 2012 to October 31, 2012, Dako's net revenue was $126 million and net loss was $37 million. The acquisition of Dako and its portfolio is another step to increase our growth in several rapidly expanding areas of diagnostics, including anatomic pathology and molecular diagnostics, as well as strengthen our existing offerings with a focus on product development to help in the fight against cancer.
	The consideration paid was approximately $2,143 million, of which $1,400 million was paid directly to the seller and $743 million was paid to satisfy outstanding debt. Agilent funded the acquisition using existing cash. In connection with the acquisition of Dako, Agilent entered into several foreign currency forward contracts to mitigate the currency exchange risk associated with the payment of the purchase price in Danish Krone and the repayment of debt in multiple currencies. The aggregate notional amount of the currencies hedged was $1.7 billion. These foreign exchange contracts did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and were not designated as hedging instruments. The resulting loss on settlement, on the date of acquisition, was $14 million and was recorded in other income (expense) in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended October 31, 2012.
	The Dako acquisition was accounted for in accordance with the authoritative accounting guidance. The acquired assets and assumed liabilities were recorded by Agilent at their estimated fair values. Agilent determined the estimated fair values with the assistance of appraisals or valuations performed by third party specialists, discounted cash flow analyses, and estimates made by management. We expect to realize revenue synergies, leverage and expand the existing sales channels and product development resources, and utilize the assembled workforce. The company also anticipates opportunities for growth through expanded geographic and customer segment diversity and the ability to leverage additional products and capabilities. These factors, among others, contributed to a purchase price in excess of the estimated fair value of Dako's net identifiable assets acquired (see summary of net assets below), and, as a result, we have recorded goodwill in connection with this transaction.
	All goodwill was allocated to the life sciences and diagnostics segment. We do not expect the goodwill recognized to be deductible for income tax purposes. Any impairment charges made in the future associated with goodwill will not be tax deductible.
	A portion of the overall purchase price was allocated to acquired intangible assets. Amortization expense associated with acquired intangible assets is not deductible for tax purposes. Therefore, approximately $185 million was established as a deferred tax liability for the future amortization of these intangibles and is included in "other long-term liabilities" in the table below.
	The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the closing date of June 21, 2012 (in millions):
	Cash and cash equivalents			$	11
	Accounts receivable			96
	Inventories			90
	Other current assets			5
	Property, plant and equipment			146
	Long term investments			11
	Intangible assets			738
	Other assets			13
	Goodwill			1,382
	Total assets acquired		2,492
	Accounts payable			(24		)
	Employee compensation and benefits			(24		)
	Other accrued liabilities			(47		)
	Long-term debt			(43		)
	Other long-term liabilities			(211		)
	Net assets acquired			$	2,143
	The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other current assets, accounts payable and other accrued liabilities were generally determined using historical carrying values given the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities.
	The fair values for acquired inventory, property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets were determined with the input from third party valuation specialists.
	The fair values of certain other assets, investments, long-term debt, and certain other long-term liabilities were determined internally using historical carrying values and estimates made by management.
	Valuations of intangible assets acquired
	The components of intangible assets acquired in connection with the Dako acquisition were as follows (in millions):
		Fair Value						Estimated
								Useful Life
	Developed product technology		$	287				8 - 9 yrs
	Customer relationships		140					4 years
	Tradenames and trademarks		128					12 years
	Total intangible assets subject to amortization		555
	In-process research and development		183
	Total intangible assets		$	738
	As noted above, the intangible assets, including in-process research and development, were valued with input from valuation specialists. The In-Process Research and Development was valued using the multi-period excess earnings method under the income approach by discounting forecasted cash flows directly related to the products expecting to result from the projects, net of returns on contributory assets. The primary in-process project acquired relates to a major new product platform which was released and amortization began in the second quarter of fiscal 2013. See also Note 10, "Goodwill and other Intangible assets" for additional information. Total costs to complete for all Dako In- Process Research and Development were estimated at approximately $49 million over time as of the close date.
	Acquisition and integration costs directly related to the Dako acquisition totaled $15 million and $15 million for the years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively and were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. Such costs are expensed in accordance with the authoritative accounting guidance.
	The following represents pro forma operating results as if Dako had been included in the company's condensed consolidated statements of operations as of the beginning of fiscal 2011(in millions, except per share amounts):
		2012				2011
	Net revenue	$	7,100			$	6,976
	Net income	$	1,145			$	909
	Net income per share — basic	$	3.29			$	2.62
	Net income per share — diluted	$	3.24			$	2.56
	The pro forma financial information assumes that the companies were combined as of November 1, 2010 and include business combination accounting effects from the acquisition including amortization charges from acquired intangible assets, the impact on cost of sales due to the respective estimated fair value adjustments to inventory, changes to interest income for cash used in the acquisition, interest expense and currency losses associated with debt paid in connection with the acquisition and acquisition related transaction costs and tax related effects. The pro forma information as presented above is for informational purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of fiscal 2011.
	The unaudited pro forma financial information for the year ended October 31, 2012 combines the historical results of Agilent for the year ended October 31, 2012 (which includes Dako after the acquisition date) and for Dako for the six months ended March 31, 2012 and the two months ended May 31, 2012.
	The unaudited pro forma financial information for the year ended October 31, 2011 combines the historical results of Agilent for the year ended October 31, 2011 and for Dako the year ended December 31, 2011 (due to differences in reporting periods).
	The unaudited pro financial information for the years ended October 31, 2012 and 2011 includes the fourth quarter of Dako's calendar reporting period, October 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011, in both years.

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	'
	4.     SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
	Agilent accounts for share-based awards in accordance with the provisions of the revised accounting guidance which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to our employees and directors including employee stock option awards, restricted stock units, employee stock purchases made under our ESPP and performance share awards granted to selected members of our senior management under the LTPP based on estimated fair values.
	Description of Share-Based Plans
	Employee stock purchase plan.    Effective November 1, 2000, we adopted the ESPP. The ESPP allows eligible employees to contribute up to ten percent of their base compensation to purchase shares of our common stock at 85 percent of the closing market price at purchase date. Shares authorized for issuance in connection with the ESPP are subject to an automatic annual increase of the lesser of one percent of the outstanding shares of common stock of Agilent on November 1, or an amount determined by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. Under the terms of the ESPP, in no event shall the number of shares issued under the ESPP exceed 75 million shares.
	Under our ESPP, employees purchased 1,454,724 shares for $48 million in 2013, 1,405,774 shares for $47 million in 2012 and 1,205,431 shares for $43 million in 2011. As of October 31, 2013, the number of shares of common stock authorized and available for issuance under our ESPP was 37,709,692. This excludes the number of shares of common stock to be issued to participants in consideration of the aggregate participant contributions totaling $23 million as of October 31, 2013.
	Incentive compensation plans.    On November 19, 2008 and March 11, 2009, the Compensation Committee of Board of Directors and the stockholders, respectively, approved the Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2009 Stock Plan (the "2009 Stock Plan") to replace the Company's 1999 Stock Plan and 1999 Stock Non-Employee Director Stock Plan and subsequently reserved 25 million shares of Company common stock that may be issued under the 2009 Plan, plus any shares forfeited or cancelled under the 1999 Stock Plan. The 2009 Stock Plan provides for the grant of awards in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), performance shares and performance units with performance-based conditions on vesting or exercisability, and cash awards. The 2009 Plan has a term of ten years. As of October 31, 2013, 12,522,185 shares were available for future awards under the 2009 Stock Plan.
	Stock options granted under the 2009 Stock Plans may be either "incentive stock options", as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, or non-statutory. Options generally vest at a rate of 25 percent per year over a period of four years from the date of grant and generally have a maximum contractual term of ten years. The exercise price for stock options is generally not less than 100 percent of the fair market value of our common stock on the date the stock award is granted.
	Effective November 1, 2003, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved the LTPP, which is a performance stock award program administered under the 2009 Stock Plan, for the company's executive officers and other key employees. Participants in this program are entitled to receive unrestricted shares of the company's stock after the end of a three-year period, if specified performance targets are met. LTPP awards are generally designed to meet the criteria of a performance award with the performance metrics and peer group comparison set at the beginning of the performance period. Based on the performance metrics the final award may vary from zero to 200 percent of the target award. The maximum contractual term for awards under the LTPP program is three years. We consider the dilutive impact of this program in our diluted net income per share calculation only to the extent that the performance conditions are met.
	In March 2007, we began to issue restricted stock units under our share-based plans. The estimated fair value of the restricted stock unit awards granted under the Stock Plans is determined based on the market price of Agilent's common stock on the date of grant adjusted for expected dividend yield. Restricted stock units generally vest, with some exceptions, at a rate of 25 percent per year over a period of four years from the date of grant.
	Impact of Share-based Compensation Awards
	We have recognized compensation expense based on the estimated grant date fair value method under the authoritative guidance. For all share-based awards we have recognized compensation expense using a straight-line amortization method. As the guidance requires that share-based compensation expense be based on awards that are ultimately expected to vest, estimated share-based compensation has been reduced for estimated forfeitures.
	The impact on our results for share-based compensation was as follows:
		Years Ended October 31,
		2013				2012			2011
		(in millions)
	Cost of products and services	$	20			$	16		$	16
	Research and development	12				10			10
	Selling, general and administrative	56				50			47
	Total share-based compensation expense	$	88			$	76		$	73
	At October 31, 2013 and 2012 there was no share-based compensation capitalized within inventory. The windfall income tax benefit realized from the exercised stock options and similar awards recognized was $2 million in 2013 and zero in 2012 and 2011, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of options, granted in 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $12.18, $13.69 and $12.48 per share, respectively.
	Included in the 2013 expense is incremental expense for acceleration of share-based compensation related to the announced workforce reduction plan of $3 million. In 2012 and 2011 the expense for the acceleration of share-based compensation related to the announced workforce reduction plan was immaterial. Upon termination of the employees impacted by workforce reduction, the non-vested Agilent awards held by these employees immediately vests. Employees have a period of up to three months in which to exercise the Agilent options before such options are cancelled.
	Valuation Assumptions
	For all periods presented, the fair value of share based awards for employee stock option awards was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. For all periods presented, shares granted under the LTPP were valued using a Monte Carlo simulation. The estimated fair value of restricted stock unit awards was determined based on the market price of Agilent's common stock on the date of grant adjusted for expected dividend yield. On January 17, 2012, the company's Board of Directors approved the initiation of quarterly cash dividends to the company's shareholders. The fair value of all the awards granted prior to the declaration of quarterly cash dividend was measured based on an expected dividend yield of 0%. The ESPP allows eligible employees to purchase shares of our common stock at 85 percent of the fair market value at the purchase date.
	The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of employee stock options and LTPP grants.
		Years Ended October 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Stock Option Plans:
	Weighted average risk-free interest rate	0.86%		0.88%		1.49%
	Dividend yield	1%		0%		0%
	Weighted average volatility	39%		38%		35%
	Expected life	5.8 years		5.8 years		5.8 years
	LTPP:
	Volatility of Agilent shares	37%		41%		40%
	Volatility of selected peer-company shares	6%-64%		17%-75%		20%-76%
	Price-wise correlation with selected peers	49%		62%		55%
	Both the Black-Scholes and Monte Carlo simulation fair value models require the use of highly subjective and complex assumptions, including the option's expected life and the price volatility of the underlying stock. For all the years presented, the expected stock price volatility assumption was determined using the historical volatility of Agilent's stock options over the most recent historical period equivalent to the expected life.
	For the grants awarded under the 2009 stock plan after November 1, 2010, we increased the period available to retirement eligible employees to exercise their options from three years at retirement date to the full contractual term of ten years. In developing our estimated life of our employee stock options of 5.8 years for 2011 to 2013, we considered the historical option exercise behavior of our executive employees who were granted the majority of the options in the annual grants made which we believe is representative of future behavior.
	Share-based Payment Award Activity
	Employee Stock Options
	The following table summarizes employee stock option award activity made to our employees and directors for 2013:
		Options			Weighted
		Outstanding			Average
					Exercise Price
		(in thousands)
	Outstanding at October 31, 2012	12,077			$	30
	Granted	1,596			$	36
	Exercised	(4,037	)		$	28
	Cancelled/Forfeited/Expired	(27	)		$	17
	Outstanding at October 31, 2013	9,609			$	32
	Forfeited and expired options from total cancellations in 2013 were as follows:
		Options			Weighted
		Cancelled			Average
					Exercise Price
		(in thousands)
	Forfeited	—			$	—
	Expired	27			$	17
	Total Options Cancelled during 2013	27			$	17
	The options outstanding and exercisable for equity share-based payment awards at October 31, 2013 were as follows:
		Options Outstanding										Options Exercisable
	Range of	Number			Weighted		Weighted			Aggregate		Number	Weighted	Weighted		Aggregate
	Exercise Prices	Outstanding			Average		Average			Intrinsic		Exercisable	Average	Average		Intrinsic
					Remaining		Exercise			Value			Remaining	Exercise		Value
					Contractual		Price						Contractual	Price
			Life								Life
	(in thousands)			(in years)					(in thousands)		(in thousands)	(in years)			(in thousands)
$0 - 25	1,507			2.4		$	20		$	45,750	1,507	2.4	$	20	$	45,750
$25.01 - 30	1,051			5.9		$	29		22,418		691	5.8	$	29	14,727
$30.01 - 40	7,045			5.6		$	35		112,829		3,870	3.4	$	34	66,448
$40.01 & over	6			8.4		$	45		33		1	8.4	$	45	8
	9,609			5.1		$	32		$	181,030	6,069	3.4	$	30	$	126,933
The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value, based on the company's closing stock price of $50.76 at October 31, 2013, which would have been received by award holders had all award holders exercised their awards that were in-the-money as of that date. The total number of in-the-money awards exercisable at October 31, 2013 was approximately 6 million.
The following table summarizes the aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised and the fair value of options granted in 2013, 2012 and 2011:
	Aggregate				Weighted			Per Share Value Using
	Intrinsic Value				Average			Black-Scholes
					Exercise			Model
					Price
	(in thousands)
Options exercised in fiscal 2011	$	164,738			$	27
Black-Scholes per share value of options granted during fiscal 2011								$	12
Options exercised in fiscal 2012	$	38,188			$	23
Black-Scholes per share value of options granted during fiscal 2012								$	14
Options exercised in fiscal 2013	$	71,499			$	28
Black-Scholes per share value of options granted during fiscal 2013								$	12
As of October 31, 2013, the unrecognized share-based compensation costs for outstanding stock option awards, net of expected forfeitures, was approximately $13 million which is expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of 2.2 years. The amount of cash received from the exercise of share-based awards granted was $161 million in 2013, $100 million in 2012 and $304 million in 2011. See Note 5, "Income Taxes" for the tax impact on share-based award exercises.
Non-vested Awards
The following table summarizes non-vested award activity in 2013 primarily for our LTPP and restricted stock unit awards:
	Shares			Weighted
				Average
				Grant Price
	(in thousands)
Non-vested at October 31, 2012	3,514			$	35
Granted	1,394			$	38
Vested	(1,251	)		$	35
Forfeited	(76	)		$	38
Change in LTPP shares vested in the year due to performance conditions	(35	)		$	36
Non-vested at October 31, 2013	3,546			$	37
As of October 31, 2013, the unrecognized share-based compensation costs for non-vested restricted stock awards, net of expected forfeitures, was approximately $54 million which is expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of 2.2 years. The total fair value of restricted stock awards vested was $44 million for 2013, $54 million for 2012 and $43 million for 2011.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	'
	5.     INCOME TAXES
	The domestic and foreign components of income before taxes are:
		Years Ended October 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in millions)
	U.S. operations	$	39		$	45		$	88
	Non-U.S. operations	820			998			944
	Total income before taxes	$	859		$	1,043		$	1,032
	The provision (benefit) for income taxes is comprised of:
		Years Ended October 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in millions)
	U.S. federal taxes:
	Current	$	24		$	6		$	(1	)
	Deferred	48			(144		)	—
	Non-U.S. taxes:
	Current	77			41			(6		)
	Deferred	(24		)	(22		)	28
	State taxes, net of federal benefit:
	Current	3			1			(11		)
	Deferred	7			8			10
	Total provision	$	135		$	(110	)	$	20
	The income tax provision does not reflect potential future tax savings resulting from excess deductions associated with our various share-based award plans.
	The significant components of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities included on the consolidated balance sheet are:
		October 31,
		2013						2012
		Deferred			Deferred Tax			Deferred			Deferred Tax
		Tax Assets			Liabilities			Tax Assets			Liabilities
		(in millions)
	Inventory	$	32		$	—		$	24		$	—
	Intangibles	—			214			—			239
	Property, plant and equipment	18			—			11			—
	Warranty reserves	25			—			21			—
	Retiree medical benefits	—			—			5			—
	Pension benefits	42			—			136			—
	Employee benefits, other than retirement	57			—			60			—
	Net operating loss, capital loss, and credit carryforwards	263			—			293			—
	Unrealized gains/losses on investments	24			—			26			—
	Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	—			114			—			88
	Share-based compensation	54			—			57			—
	Deferred revenue	27			—			27			—
	Other	36			3			51			1
	Subtotal	578			331			711			328
	Tax valuation allowance	(85		)	—			(93		)	—
	Total deferred tax assets or deferred tax liabilities	$	493		$	331		$	618		$	328
	The significant decrease in 2013 as compared to 2012 for the deferred tax asset relating to pension benefits is due mainly to the tax effect of changes in post-retirement pension plans recognized in other comprehensive income. The deferred tax liability relating to intangible assets is due primarily to acquired intangible assets from Dako. The amortization expenses associated with acquired intangible assets are not deductible for tax purposes.
	Agilent records U.S. income taxes on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries unless the subsidiaries' earnings are considered indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. As of October 31, 2013 the Company recognized a $114 million deferred tax liability for the overall residual tax expected to be imposed upon the repatriation of unremitted foreign earnings that are not considered permanently reinvested. As of October 31, 2013, the cumulative amount of undistributed earnings considered indefinitely reinvested was $6.1 billion. No deferred tax liability has been recognized on the basis difference created by such earnings since it is our intention to utilize those earnings in the company’s foreign operations. Because of the availability of U.S. foreign tax credits, the determination of the unrecognized deferred tax liability on these earnings is not practicable.
	The breakdown between current and long-term deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities was as follows for the years 2013 and 2012:
		October 31,
		2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Current deferred tax assets (included within other current assets)	$	115		$	95
	Long-term deferred tax assets (included within other assets)	264			400
	Current deferred tax liabilities (included within other accrued liabilities)	(4		)	(2		)
	Long-term deferred tax liabilities (included within other long-term liabilities)	(213		)	(203		)
	Total	$	162		$	290
	Valuation allowances require an assessment of both positive and negative evidence when determining whether it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets are recoverable. Such assessment is required on a jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis. In the fourth quarter of 2012, management concluded that the valuation allowance for most of Agilent's U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets is no longer needed primarily due to the emergence from cumulative losses in recent years, the return to sustainable U.S. operating profits and the expectation of sustainable profitability in future periods. As of October 31, 2012, the cumulative positive evidence outweighed the negative evidence regarding the likelihood that most of the deferred tax asset for Agilent's U.S. consolidated income tax group will be realized. Accordingly, we recognized a non-recurring tax benefit of $280 million relating to the valuation allowance reversal. As of October 31, 2013, we continued to maintain a valuation allowance of $85 million until sufficient positive evidence exists to support reversal. The valuation allowance is mainly related to deferred tax assets for California R&D credits and net operating losses in the Netherlands.
	At October 31, 2013, we had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $22 million and tax credit carryforwards of approximately $113 million. The federal net operating losses expire in years beginning 2021 through 2026, and the federal tax credits begin to expire in 2018, if not utilized. At October 31, 2013, we had state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $161 million which expire in years beginning 2014 through 2031, if not utilized. In addition, we had net state tax credit carryforwards of $26 million that do not expire. All of the federal and some of the state net operating loss carryforwards are subject to change of ownership limitations provided by the Internal Revenue Code and similar state provisions. At October 31, 2013, we also had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $472 million. Of this foreign loss, $237 million will expire in years beginning 2014 through 2022, if not utilized. The remaining $235 million has an indefinite life. Some of the foreign losses are subject to annual loss limitation rules. These annual loss limitations in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions may result in the expiration or reduced utilization of the net operating losses.
	The authoritative guidance prohibits recognition of a deferred tax asset for excess tax benefits related to stock and stock option plans that have not yet been realized through reduction in income taxes payable. Such unrecognized deferred tax benefit totals $150 million as of October 31, 2013 and will be accounted for as a credit to shareholders' equity, if and when realized, through a reduction in income taxes payable. The Company recognized approximately $68 million as a credit to shareholders' equity for cumulative excess tax benefits related to stock and stock option plans that have been realized as of October 31, 2013.
	The differences between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and our effective tax rate are:
		Years Ended October 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in millions)
Profit before tax times statutory rate	$	301		$	365		$	361
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	7			8			(1		)
Non-U.S. income taxed at different rates	(162		)	(144		)	(153		)
Change in unrecognized non-U.S. tax benefits	—			(68		)	(97		)
Valuation allowances	(8		)	(280		)	(84		)
Other, net	(3		)	9			(6		)
Provision for income taxes	$	135		$	(110	)	$	20
Effective tax rate	16		%	(11		)%	2		%
Agilent enjoys tax holidays in several different jurisdictions, most significantly in Singapore. The tax holidays provide lower rates of taxation on certain classes of income and require various thresholds of investments and employment or specific types of income in those jurisdictions. The tax holidays are due for renewal between 2015 and 2023. As a result of the incentives, the impact of the tax holidays decreased income taxes by $127 million, $122 million, and $127 million in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The benefit of the tax holidays on net income per share (diluted) was approximately $0.37, $0.35, and $0.36 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
For 2013, the effective tax rate was 16 percent. The 16 percent effective tax rate is lower than the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to the mix of earnings in non-U.S. jurisdictions taxed at lower statutory rates; in particular Singapore where we enjoy tax holidays. The effective tax rate also included a $12 million out-of-period adjustment to increase tax expense, recognized in the second quarter of 2013, associated with the write off of deferred tax assets related to foreign tax credits incorrectly claimed in prior years.
For 2012, the effective tax was a benefit of 11 percent. The11 percent effective tax rate benefit reflected tax on earnings in jurisdictions that had low effective tax rates and includes a $280 million tax benefit due to the reversal of a valuation allowance for most U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets. Valuation allowances require an assessment of both positive and negative evidence when determining whether it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets are recoverable. Such assessment is required on a jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis. In the fourth quarter of 2012, management concluded that the valuation allowance for most of Agilent's U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets is no longer needed primarily due to the emergence from cumulative losses in recent years, the return to sustainable U.S. operating profits and the expectation of sustainable profitability in future periods. As of October 31, 2012, the cumulative positive evidence outweighed the negative evidence regarding the likelihood that most of the deferred tax asset for Agilent's U.S. consolidated income tax group will be realized. Accordingly, the Company recognized a non-recurring tax benefit of $280 million relating to the valuation allowance reversal. The effective tax rate also included a non-recurring tax expense of $88 million relating to an increase in the overall residual U.S. tax expected to be imposed upon the repatriation of unremitted foreign earnings previously considered permanently reinvested. During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company assessed the forecasted cash needs and the overall financial position of its foreign subsidiaries and determined that a portion of previously permanently reinvested earnings would no longer be reinvested overseas. The effective tax rate was also reduced by a $68 million tax benefit primarily associated with the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits and the reversal of the related interest accruals due to the reassessment of certain uncertain tax positions relating to foreign jurisdictions.
For 2011, the effective tax rate was 2 percent. The 2  percent effective tax rate reflected tax on earnings in jurisdictions that had low effective tax rates and included a $97 million net tax benefit primarily associated with a refund in Canada and the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits and the reversal of the related interest accruals due to the reassessment of certain uncertain tax positions. The income tax provision also included a $26 million out of period adjustment to reduce the carrying value of certain U.K. deferred tax assets for which the majority was recorded in the quarter ended April 30, 2011. The overstatement of these deferred tax assets resulted in an overstatement of the U.K. valuation allowance release in the fourth quarter of 2010. For the full year, this out of period adjustment was substantially offset by other out of period adjustments. The net impact of all out of period adjustments on the effective tax rate was immaterial. Without considering interest and penalties, the effective rate reflected taxes in all jurisdictions except the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions in which income tax expense or benefit continued to be offset by adjustments to valuation allowances.
The breakdown between current and long-term income tax assets and liabilities, excluding deferred tax assets and liabilities, was as follows for the years 2013 and 2012:
	October 31,
	2013			2012
	(in millions)
Current income tax assets (included within other current assets)	$	42		$	65
Long-term income tax assets (included within other assets)	34			49
Current income tax liabilities (included within other accrued liabilities)	(48		)	(115		)
Long-term income tax liabilities (included within other long-term liabilities)	(341		)	(320		)
Total	$	(313	)	$	(321	)
The calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax law and regulations in a multitude of jurisdictions. Although the guidance on the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes prescribes the use of a recognition and measurement model, the determination of whether an uncertain tax position has met those thresholds will continue to require significant judgment by management. In accordance with the guidance on the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, for all U.S. and other tax jurisdictions, we recognize potential liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on our estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes and interest will be due. The ultimate resolution of tax uncertainties may differ from what is currently estimated, which could result in a material impact on income tax expense. If our estimate of income tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate assessment, a further charge to expense would be required. If events occur and the payment of these amounts ultimately proves to be unnecessary, the reversal of the liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period when we determine the liabilities are no longer necessary.
The aggregate changes in the balances of our unrecognized tax benefits including all federal, state and foreign tax jurisdictions are as follows:
	2013			2012			2011
	(in millions)
Balance, beginning of year	$	464		$	469		$	656
Additions for acquisitions	—			—			—
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	53			56			41
Additions for tax positions from prior years	11			40			18
Reductions for tax positions from prior years	(6		)	(90		)	(170		)
Settlements with taxing authorities	(3		)	(2		)	(67		)
Statute of limitations expirations	(3		)	(9		)	(9		)
Balance, end of year	$	516		$	464		$	469
As of October 31, 2013, we had $516 million of unrecognized tax benefits of which $499 million, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate.
We recognized a tax expense of $5 million, a tax benefit of $4 million and a tax expense of $14 million of interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Interest and penalties accrued as of October 31, 2013 and 2012 were $39 million and $34 million, respectively.
In the U.S., tax years remain open back to the year 2006 for federal income tax purposes and the year 2000 for significant states.  Our U.S. federal income tax returns for 2006 through 2007 are currently under audit by the IRS.  During the three months ended July 31, 2012, we received a Revenue Agents Report (“RAR”) for these years and filed a protest to dispute certain adjustments, the most significant of which pertains to the amount of a gain from the disposition of a business that was allocated to the U.S. for income tax purposes. There can be no assurance that the outcome of this dispute will not have a material effect on our operating results or financial condition. In other major jurisdictions where we conduct business, the tax years generally remain open back to the year 2003.  With these jurisdictions and the U.S., it is reasonably possible that there could be significant changes to our unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months due to either the expiration of a statute of limitation or a tax audit settlement.  Given the number of years and numerous matters that remain subject to examination in various tax jurisdictions, we are unable to estimate the range of possible changes to the balance of our unrecognized tax benefits.

NET_INCOME_LOSS_PER_SHARE

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE	'
	6.     NET INCOME PER SHARE
	The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted net income per share computations for the periods presented below.
		Years Ended October 31,
		2013		2012		2011
		(in millions)
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	724	$	1,153	$	1,012
	Denominators:
	Basic weighted average shares	341		348		347
	Potentially dilutive common stock equivalents — stock options and other employee stock plans	4		5		8
	Diluted weighted average shares	345		353		355
	The dilutive effect of share-based awards is reflected in diluted net income per share by application of the treasury stock method, which includes consideration of unamortized share-based compensation expense, the tax benefits or shortfalls charged to additional paid-in capital and the dilutive effect of in-the-money options and non-vested restricted stock units. Under the treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options and unamortized share-based compensation expense and tax benefits or shortfalls collectively are assumed proceeds to be used to repurchase hypothetical shares. An increase in the fair market value of the company's common stock can result in a greater dilutive effect from potentially dilutive awards. The total number of share-based awards issued in 2013, 2012 and 2011 were 6 million, 5 million and 12 million, respectively.
	We exclude stock options with exercise prices greater than the average market price of our common stock from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive. For 2013, 2012 and 2011, options to purchase 4,200, 436,500 and 554,000 shares respectively were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. In addition, we also exclude from the calculation of diluted earnings per share, stock options, ESPP, LTPP and restricted stock awards whose combined exercise price, unamortized fair value and excess tax benefits or shortfalls collectively were greater than the average market price of our common stock because their effect would also be anti-dilutive.  For the year ended 2013, 2012 and 2011, options to purchase 18,300, 1,544,600 and 115,200 shares respectively were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	'
	7.     SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
	Net cash paid for income taxes was $110 million in 2013, $86 million in 2012, and $22 million in 2011. Cash paid for interest was $112 million in 2013, $111 million in 2012 and $95 million in 2011.

INVENTORY

INVENTORY	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Inventory, Net [Abstract]	'
INVENTORY	'
	8.     INVENTORY
		October 31,
		2013		2012
		(in millions)
	Finished goods	$	552	$	509
	Purchased parts and fabricated assemblies	514		505
	Inventory	$	1,066	$	1,014
	Inventory-related excess and obsolescence charges of $48 million were recorded in total cost of products in 2013, and $30 million each in 2012 and 2011, respectively. We record excess and obsolete inventory charges for both inventory on our site as well as inventory at our contract manufacturers and suppliers where we have non-cancellable purchase commitments.

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_N

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]	'
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET	'
	9.     PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
		October 31,
		2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Land	$	131		$	142
	Buildings and leasehold improvements	1,330			1,475
	Machinery and equipment	1,019			882
	Software	398			383
	Total property, plant and equipment	2,878			2,882
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,744		)	(1,718		)
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	1,134		$	1,164
	Asset impairments other than restructuring were $3 million in 2013, zero in 2012 and $7 million in 2011. Depreciation expenses were $181 million in 2013, $171 million in 2012 and $142 million in 2011. For the year ended October 31, 2012 we recorded $15 million of accelerated depreciation related to a building classified as held and used. In accordance with the accounting guidance, it was determined that the building had been abandoned and an assessment was made of the remaining useful life of the building. The building was written down to its appropriate fair value.

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	'
	10.   GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The goodwill balances at October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 and the movements in 2013 and 2012 for each of our reportable segments are shown in the table below:
		Life Sciences and Diagnostics		Chemical			Electronic			Total
				Analysis			Measurement
		(in millions)
	Goodwill as of October 31, 2011	$	363	$	760		$	444		$	1,567
	Foreign currency translation impact	25		(10		)	(9		)	6
	Goodwill arising from acquisitions	1,419		1			32			1,452
	Goodwill as of October 31, 2012	$	1,807	$	751		$	467		$	3,025
	Foreign currency translation impact	63		(10		)	(47		)	6
	Goodwill arising from acquisitions and other adjustments	13		4			(1		)	16
	Goodwill as of October 31, 2013	$	1,883	$	745		$	419		$	3,047
	We formed a new operating segment in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2013. The new life sciences and diagnostics segment was formed by the combination of the life sciences business plus the diagnostics and genomics business. The historical segment information for the life sciences and diagnostics segment has been recast to conform to this new reporting structure. The goodwill balance as of October 31, 2011 has been revised due to miscategorization at acquisition. $4 million of goodwill from the life sciences and diagnostics segment and $5 million of goodwill from the chemical analysis segment has been reallocated to the electronic measurement segment. As of September 30, 2013, we assessed goodwill impairment for our reporting units and no impairment of goodwill was indicated.
	The component parts of other intangible assets at October 31, 2013 and 2012 are shown in the table below:
		Other Intangible Assets
		Gross		Accumulated			Net Book
		Carrying		Amortization			Value
		Amount		and Impairments
		(in millions)
	As of October 31, 2012:
	Purchased technology	$	849	$	333		$	516
	Backlog	14		14			—
	Trademark/Tradename	168		27			141
	Customer relationships	391		155			236
	Total amortizable intangible assets	$	1,422	$	529		$	893
	In-Process R&D	193		—			193
	Total	$	1,615	$	529		$	1,086
	As of October 31, 2013:
	Purchased technology	$	1,019	$	460		$	559
	Backlog	14		14			—
	Trademark/Tradename	176		40			136
	Customer relationships	401		215			186
	Total amortizable intangible assets	$	1,610	$	729		$	881
	In-Process R&D	35		—			35
	Total	$	1,645	$	729		$	916
	In 2013, we recorded additions to goodwill of $16 million related to the acquisition of four businesses. During the year, we also recorded $5 million of additions and adjustments to other intangibles mostly related to the same four businesses. We recorded $25 million of foreign exchange translation impact to other intangibles in 2013. The $158 million decrease in in-process R&D was largely due to the completion of projects in our life sciences and diagnostics segment.
	In 2012, we recorded additions to goodwill of $1,452 million related to ten businesses including the Dako acquisition discussed in Note 3, "Acquisitions". During the year, we also recorded additions to other intangibles of $786 million including $183 million of Dako in-process research and development, related to the same ten businesses. We recorded $8 million of foreign exchange translation impact to other intangibles in 2012.
	Amortization of intangible assets was $199 million in 2013, $136 million in 2012, and $111 million in 2011. In addition, we recorded $1 million of impairments of other intangibles related to the cancellation of an in-process research and development project during 2013. Future amortization expense related to finite-lived existing purchased intangible assets is estimated to be $194 million in 2014, $181 million for 2015, $154 million for 2016, $106 million for 2017, $70 million for 2018, and $176 million thereafter.

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Schedule of Investments [Abstract]	'
INVESTMENTS	'
	11.   INVESTMENTS
	Equity Investments
	The following table summarizes the company's equity investments as of October 31, 2013 and 2012 (net book value):
		October 31,
		2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Short-Term
	Cost method investments	$	—		11
	Long-Term
	Cost method investments	$	44		$	59
	Trading securities	51			50
	Available-for-sale investments	25			—
	Equity method investments	19			—
	Total	$	139		$	109
	Cost method investments consist of non-marketable equity securities and two funds and are accounted for at historical cost. Trading securities are reported at fair value, with gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recognized currently in earnings. Investments designated as available-for-sale were reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, included in stockholders' equity. Equity method investments are reported at the amount of the company’s initial investment and adjusted each period for the company’s share of the investee’s income or loss and dividend paid.
	Investments in available-for-sale securities at estimated fair value were as follows as of October 31, 2013:
			31-Oct-13
			Cost			Gross			Gross		Estimated
						Unrealized			Unrealized		Fair
						Gains			Losses		Value
		(in millions)
	Equity securities		15			10			—		25
			$	15		$	10		$	—	$	25
	All of our investments, excluding trading securities, are subject to periodic impairment review. The impairment analysis requires significant judgment to identify events or circumstances that would likely have significant adverse effect on the future value of the investment. We consider various factors in determining whether an impairment is other-than-temporary, including the severity and duration of the impairment, forecasted recovery, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee, and our ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value.
	Amounts included in other income (expense), net for realized gains on the sale of available-for-sale securities and the appropriate share of loss on equity method investments were as follows:
		Years Ended October 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in millions)
	Available-for-sale investments — realized gain	$	1		$	2		$	6
	Equity method investments - share of losses	(2		)	$	—		$	—
	Net unrealized gains and losses on our trading securities portfolio were $8 million of unrealized gains in 2013, $5 million of unrealized gains in 2012 and $1 million of unrealized gains in 2011.
	Realized gains from the sale of cost method securities were zero for 2013, $2 million for 2012 and zero for 2011. Proceeds from the sale of cost method investments were $11 million in 2013.
	Investments in Leases
	In February 2001, we sold a parcel of surplus land in San Jose, California for $287 million in cash. In August 2001, we acquired a long-term leasehold interest in several municipal properties in southern California. In 2002, we received $237 million in non-refundable prepaid rent related to the leasehold interests described above.
	In December 2011, we terminated our leasehold interest in the municipal properties, received $80 million in cash and recognized a loss of approximately $2 million.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
	12.   FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	The authoritative guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, we consider the principal or most advantageous market and assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability.
	Fair Value Hierarchy
	The guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the use of inputs used in valuation techniques into three levels. A financial instrument's categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
	Level 1 — applies to assets or liabilities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2 — applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for the asset or liability such as: quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in less active markets; or other inputs that can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.
	Level 3 — applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
	Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
	Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 31, 2013 were as follows:
				Fair Value Measurement at
				October 31, 2013 Using
		October 31,		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
		2013		in Active		Other		Unobservable
				Markets for		Observable		Inputs
				Identical Assets		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)
		(in millions)
	Assets:
	Short-term
	Cash equivalents (money market funds)	$	1,968	$	1,968	$	—	$	—
	Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)	7		—		7		—
	Long-term
	Trading securities	51		51		—		—
	Available-for-sale investments	25		25		—		—
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	2,051	$	2,044	$	7	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Short-term
	Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)	$	6	$	—	$	6	$	—
	Long-term
	Deferred compensation liability	51		—		51		—
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	57	$	—	$	57	$	—
	Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 31, 2012 were as follows:
				Fair Value Measurement at
				October 31, 2012 Using
		October 31,		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
		2012		in Active		Other		Unobservable
				Markets for		Observable		Inputs
				Identical Assets		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)
		(in millions)
	Assets:
	Short-term
	Cash equivalents (money market funds)	$	1,834	$	1,834	$	—	$	—
	Derivative instruments (foreign exchange and interest rate swap contracts)	7		—		7		—
	Long-term
	Trading securities	50		50		—		—
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	1,891	$	1,884	$	7	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Short-term
	Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)	$	6	$	—	$	6	$	—
	Long-term
	Deferred compensation liability	48		—		48		—
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	54	$	—	$	54	$	—
	Our money market funds, trading securities, and available-for-sale investments are generally valued using quoted market prices and therefore are classified within level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Our derivative financial instruments are classified within level 2, as there is not an active market for each hedge contract, but the inputs used to calculate the value of the instruments are tied to active markets. Our deferred compensation liability is classified as level 2 because although the values are not directly based on quoted market prices, the inputs used in the calculations are observable.
	Trading securities and deferred compensation liability are reported at fair value, with gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recognized currently in net income. Investments designated as available-for-sale and certain derivative instruments are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, included in stockholders' equity. Realized gains and losses from the sale of these instruments are recorded in net income.
	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
	Long-Lived Assets
	For assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, the following table summarizes the impairments included in net income for the years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Years Ended
		October 31,
		2013		2012
		(in millions)
	Long-lived assets held and used	$	2	$	1
Long-lived assets held for sale	$	1	$	—
Long-lived assets held and used with a carrying amount of $2 million were written down to their fair value of zero, resulting in an impairment charge of $2 million, which was included in net income for 2013. Long-lived assets held and used with a carrying amount of $1 million were written down to their fair value of zero, resulting in an impairment charge of $1 million, which was included in net income for 2012.
Long-lived assets held for sale with a carrying amount of $3 million were written down to their fair value of $2 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $1 million which was included in net income for 2013.
Fair values for the impaired long-lived assets were measured using level 2 inputs.

DERIVATIVES

DERIVATIVES	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
DERIVATIVES	'
	13.   DERIVATIVES
	We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and interest rate changes in the normal course of our business. As part of risk management strategy, we use derivative instruments, primarily forward contracts, purchased options, and interest rate swaps, to hedge economic and/or accounting exposures resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.
	Fair Value Hedges
	We are exposed to interest rate risk due to the mismatch between the interest expense we pay on our loans at fixed rates and the variable rates of interest we receive from cash, cash equivalents and other short-term investments. We have issued long-term debt in U.S. dollars at fixed interest rates based on the market conditions at the time of financing. The fair value of our fixed rate debt changes when the underlying market rates of interest change, and, in the past, we have used interest rate swaps to change our fixed interest rate payments to U.S. dollar LIBOR-based variable interest expense to match the floating interest income from our cash, cash equivalents and other short term investments. As of October 31, 2013, all interest rate swap contracts had either been terminated or had expired.
	On November 25, 2008, we terminated two interest rate swap contracts associated with our 2017 senior notes that represented the notional amount of $400 million. The asset value, including interest receivable, upon termination was approximately $43 million and the amount to be amortized at October 31, 2013 was $22 million. On June 6, 2011, we also terminated five interest rate swap contracts associated with our 2015 senior notes that represented the notional amount of $500 million. The asset value, including interest receivable, upon termination was approximately $31 million and the amount to be amortized at October 31, 2013 was $12 million. On August 9, 2011, we terminated five interest rate swap contracts related to our 2020 senior notes that represented the notional amount of $500 million. The asset value, including interest receivable, upon termination for these contracts was approximately $34 million and the amount to be amortized at October 31, 2013 was $26 million. The proceeds from all such terminated interest rate swaps are recorded as operating cash flows and the gain is being deferred and amortized over the remaining life of the respective senior notes.
	Cash Flow Hedges
	We enter into foreign exchange contracts to hedge our forecasted operational cash flow exposures resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These foreign exchange contracts, carried at fair value, have maturities between one and twelve months. These derivative instruments are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges under the criteria prescribed in the authoritative guidance. The changes in the value of the effective portion of the derivative instrument are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. Amounts associated with cash flow hedges are reclassified to cost of sales in the consolidated statement of operations when the forecasted transaction occurs. If it becomes probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur, the hedge relationship will be de-designated and amounts accumulated in other comprehensive income will be reclassified to other income (expense) in the current period. Changes in the fair value of the ineffective portion of derivative instruments are recognized in earnings in the consolidated statement of operations in the current period. We record the premium paid (time value) of an option on the date of purchase as an asset. For options designated as cash flow hedges, changes in the time value are excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and are recognized in other income (expense) over the life of the option contract. Ineffectiveness in 2013, 2012 and 2011 was not significant. For the year ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 gains and losses recognized in earnings due to de-designation of cash flow hedge contracts were not significant.
	In July 2012, Agilent executed treasury lock agreements for $400 million in connection with future interest payments to be made on our 2022 senior notes issued on September 10, 2012. We designated the treasury lock as a cash flow hedge. The treasury lock contracts were terminated on September 10, 2012 and we recognized a deferred gain in accumulated other comprehensive income of $3 million to be amortized to interest expense over the life of the 2022 senior notes.
	Other Hedges
	Additionally, we enter into foreign exchange contracts to hedge monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of our subsidiaries. These foreign exchange contracts are carried at fair value and do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and are not designated as hedging instruments. Changes in value of the derivative are recognized in other income (expense) in the consolidated statement of operations, in the current period, along with the offsetting foreign currency gain or loss on the underlying assets or liabilities.
	In connection with the acquisition of Dako, Agilent entered into several foreign currency forward contracts to mitigate the currency exchange risk associated with the payment of the purchase price in Danish Krone and the repayment of debt in multiple currencies. The aggregate notional amount of the currencies hedged was $1.7 billion. These foreign exchange contracts did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and were not designated as hedging instruments. The resulting loss on settlement, on the date of acquisition, was $14 million and was recorded in other income (expense) in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended October 31, 2012.
	Our use of derivative instruments exposes us to credit risk to the extent that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreement. We do, however, seek to mitigate such risks by limiting our counterparties to major financial institutions which are selected based on their credit ratings and other factors. We have established policies and procedures for mitigating credit risk that include establishing counterparty credit limits, monitoring credit exposures, and continually assessing the creditworthiness of counterparties.
	A number of our derivative agreements contain threshold limits to the net liability position with counterparties and are dependent on our corporate credit rating determined by the major credit rating agencies. The counterparties to the derivative instruments may request collateralization, in accordance with derivative agreements, on derivative instruments in net liability positions.
	The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a net liability position as of October 31, 2013, was $3 million. The credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements had not been triggered as of October 31, 2013.
	There were 151 foreign exchange forward contracts and 19 foreign exchange option contracts open as of October 31, 2013 and designated as cash flow hedges. There were 170 foreign exchange forward contracts open as of October 31, 2013 not designated as hedging instruments. The aggregated U.S. Dollar notional amounts by currency and designation as of October 31, 2013 were as follows:
			Derivatives in								Derivatives
			Cash Flow								Not
			Hedging Relationships								Designated
											as Hedging
											Instruments
			Forward				Option				Forward
			Contracts				Contracts				Contracts
	Currency		Buy/(Sell)				Buy/(Sell)				Buy/(Sell)
			(in millions)
	Euro		$	(23	)		$	—			$	243
	British Pound		(17		)		—				2
	Canadian Dollar		(37		)		—				—
	Australian Dollars		11				—				9
	Malaysian Ringgit		113				—				14
	Japanese Yen		(56		)		(97		)		3
	Other		(9		)		—				(10		)
			$	(18	)		$	(97	)		$	261
	The notional amounts within derivatives not designated as hedging instruments include forward cross currency contracts of Danish Krone equivalent of $70 million to sell Euro, $6 million to sell Japanese Yen and $5 million to buy other currencies.
	Derivative instruments are subject to master netting arrangements and are disclosed gross in the balance sheet. The gross fair values and balance sheet location of derivative instruments held in the consolidated balance sheet as of October 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
	Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
	Asset Derivatives										Liability Derivatives
			Fair Value										Fair Value
	Balance Sheet Location		October 31,				October 31,				Balance Sheet Location		October 31,		October 31,
			2013				2012						2013		2012
	(in millions)
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Fair value hedges
	Interest rate contracts
	Other current assets		$	—			$	—			Other accrued liabilities		$	—	$	—
	Other assets		$	—			$	—			Other long-term liabilities		$	—	$	—
	Cash flow hedges
	Foreign exchange contracts
	Other current assets		$	4			$	4			Other accrued liabilities		$	4	$	2
			$	4			$	4					$	4	$	2
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts
	Other current assets		$	3			$	3			Other accrued liabilities		$	2	$	4
	Total derivatives		$	7			$	7					$	6	$	6
	The effect of derivative instruments for interest rate swap contracts and for foreign exchange contracts designated as hedging instruments and not designated as hedging instruments in our consolidated statement of operations were as follows:
		2013				2012				2011
		(in millions)
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Fair Value Hedges
	Gain on interest rate swap contracts, including interest accrual, recognized in interest expense	$	—			$	—			$	27
	Gain (loss) on hedged item, recognized in interest expense	$	—			$	3			$	(3	)
	Cash Flow Hedges
	Gain recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	$	10			$	7			$	—
	Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into cost of sales	$	13			$	8			$	(5	)
Treasury Lock Agreements
Gain recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	$	—			$	3			$	—
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Gain (loss) recognized in other income (expense), net	$	7			$	(34	)		$	13
The estimated net amount of existing loss at October 31, 2013 that is expected to be reclassified from other comprehensive income to the cost of sales within the next twelve months is $1 million.

RESTRUCTURING

RESTRUCTURING	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
RESTRUCTURING	'
	14.   RESTRUCTURING
	In the second quarter of 2013, in response to slow revenue growth due to macroeconomic conditions, we accrued for a targeted restructuring program that is expected to reduce Agilent's total headcount by approximately 450 regular employees, representing approximately 2 percent of our global workforce. The timing and scope of workforce reductions will vary based on local legal requirements. When completed, the restructuring program is expected to result in a reduction in annual cost of sales and operating expenses.
	As previously announced, we are streamlining our manufacturing operations. As part of this action, we anticipate the reduction of approximately 250 positions to reduce our annual cost of sales.
	Total headcount reductions from targeted restructuring and manufacturing streamlining will be approximately 700 positions. Within the U.S, we have substantially completed these restructuring activities.  Internationally, we expect to complete the majority of these restructuring activities by the end of the second half of fiscal 2014. As of October 31, 2013, approximately 250 employees were terminated under the targeted restructuring program and 100 employees were terminated under the streamlining of manufacturing.
	A summary of total restructuring accrual activity is shown in the table below:
		Workforce
		Reduction
		(in millions)
	Balance as of October 31, 2012	$	—
	Income statement expense	53
	Cash payments	(29		)
	Balance as of October 31, 2013	$	24
	The restructuring accruals, which totaled $24 million at October 31, 2013, are recorded in other accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. These balances reflect estimated future cash outlays.
	A summary of the charges in the consolidated statement of operations resulting from all restructuring plans is shown below:
		Year Ended
		October 31,
		2013
		(in millions)
	Cost of products and services	$	19
	Research and development	9
	Selling, general and administrative	25
	Total restructuring, asset impairments and other special charges	$	53

RETIREMENT_PLANS_AND_POST_RETI

RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS	'
	15.   RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS
	General.    Substantially all of our employees are covered under various defined benefit and/or defined contribution retirement plans. Additionally, we sponsor post-retirement health care benefits for our eligible U.S. employees.
	Agilent provides U.S. employees, who meet eligibility criteria under the Agilent Technologies, Inc. Retirement Plan ("RP"), defined benefits which are based on an employee's base or target pay during the years of employment and on length of service. For eligible service through October 31, 1993, the benefit payable under the Agilent Retirement Plan is reduced by any amounts due to the eligible employee under our defined contribution Deferred Profit-Sharing Plan ("DPSP"), which was closed to new participants as of November 1993.
	In addition, in the U.S., Agilent maintains the Supplemental Benefits Retirement Plan ("SBRP"), a supplemental unfunded non-qualified defined benefit plan to provide benefits that would be provided under the RP but for limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. The RP and the SBRP comprise the "U.S. Plans".
	As of October 31, 2013 and 2012, the fair value of plan assets of the DPSP for U.S. Agilent Employees was $552 million and $534 million, respectively. Note that the projected benefit obligation for the DPSP equals the fair value of plan assets.
	Eligible employees outside the U.S. generally receive retirement benefits under various retirement plans based upon factors such as years of service and/or employee compensation levels. Eligibility is generally determined in accordance with local statutory requirements.
	401(k) defined contribution plan.    Eligible U.S. employees may participate in the Agilent Technologies, Inc. 401(k) Plan (the "401(k) Plan"). Enrollment in the 401(k) Plan is automatic for employees who meet eligibility requirements unless they decline participation. Under the 401(k) Plan, we provide matching contributions to employees up to a maximum of 4 percent of an employee's annual eligible compensation. The maximum contribution to the 401(k) Plan is 50 percent of an employee's annual eligible compensation, subject to regulatory limitations. The 401(k) Plan employer expense included in income from operations was $25 million in 2013, $25 million in 2012 and $24 million in 2011.
	Post-retirement medical benefit plans.    In addition to receiving retirement benefits, U.S. employees who meet eligibility requirements as of their termination date may participate in the Agilent Technologies, Inc. Health Plan for Retirees. Eligible retirees who were less than age 50 as of January 1, 2005 and who retire after age 55 with 15 or more years of service are eligible for a fixed amount which can be utilized to pay for either Agilent sponsored plans and/or individual medicare plans. Eligible retirees who were at least age 50 as of January 1, 2005 and who retire after age 55 with 15 or more years of service currently choose from managed-care, indemnity options or individual medicare plans, with the company subsidization level or stipend dependent on a number of factors including eligibility and length of service. See Plan Amendments below for changes to these benefits.
	Plan Amendments.   On April 1, 2011, changes to the Agilent Technologies, Inc. Health Plan for Retirees were approved. Effective January 1, 2012, employees who were at least age 50 as of January 1, 2005 and who retire after age 55 with 15 or more years of service are eligible for fixed dollar subsidies and stipends. Grandfathered retirees receive a fixed monthly subsidy toward pre-65 premium costs (subsidy capped at 2011 levels) and a fixed monthly stipend post-65. The subsidy amounts will not increase. In connection with these changes, we reduced our Accumulated Prospective Benefit Obligation by $194 million with the offset going to accumulated other comprehensive income.
	Components of net periodic cost.    The company uses alternate methods of amortization as allowed by the authoritative guidance which amortizes the actuarial gains and losses on a consistent basis for the years presented. For U.S. Plans, gains and losses are amortized over the average future working lifetime. For most Non-U.S. Plans and U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plans, gains and losses are amortized using a separate layer for each year's gains and losses. For the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income were comprised of:
		Pensions																		U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
		U.S. Plans									Non-U.S. Plans
		2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
		(in millions)
	Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)
	Service cost — benefits earned during the period	$	44		$	40		$	42		$	36		$	33		$	32		$	4		$	3		$	3
	Interest cost on benefit obligation	24			27			28			68			74			72			12			15			21
	Expected return on plan assets	(51		)	(46		)	(44		)	(97		)	(92		)	(94		)	(20		)	(19		)	(21		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	13			7			4			55			42			40			18			16			14
	Amortization of prior service benefit	(12		)	(12		)	(12		)	(1		)	(1		)	(1		)	(35		)	(35		)	(26		)
	Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)	18			16			18			61			56			49			(21		)	(20		)	(9		)
	Curtailments and settlements	—			—			(1		)	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Total periodic benefit cost (benefit)	$	18		$	16		$	17		$	61		$	56		$	49		$	(21	)	$	(20	)	$	(9	)
	Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss
	Net actuarial (gain) loss	$	(122	)	$	69		$	31		$	(85	)	$	214		$	40		$	(57	)	$	22		$	12
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	(13		)	(7		)	(4		)	(55		)	(42		)	(40		)	(18		)	(16		)	(14		)
	Prior service cost (benefit)	—			—			—			—			—			6			—			—			(194		)
	Amortization of prior service benefit	12			12			12			1			1			1			35			35			26
	Foreign currency	—			—			—			2			(5		)	11			—			—			—
	Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss	$	(123	)	$	74		$	39		$	(137	)	$	168		$	18		$	(40	)	$	41		$	(170	)
	Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (benefit) and other comprehensive (income) loss	$	(105	)	$	90		$	56		$	(76	)	$	224		$	67		$	(61	)	$	21		$	(179	)
	In 2011, due to payments exceeding the sum of service cost plus interest cost in the U.S. Supplemental Benefits Retirement Plan, we recorded a $1 million settlement gain in the income statement as required by authoritative guidance.
	Funded status.    As of October 31, 2013 and 2012, the funded status of the defined benefit and post-retirement benefit plans was:
		U.S. Defined						Non-U.S. Defined						U.S.
		Benefit Plans						Benefit Plans						Post-Retirement
														Benefit Plans
		2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Change in fair value of plan assets:
	Fair value — beginning of year	$	654		$	578		$	1,801		$	1,684		$	261		$	258
	Actual return on plan assets	132			65			267			158			47			25
	Employer contributions	30			30			89			54			1			—
	Participants' contributions	—			—			1			—			—			—
	Benefits paid	(34		)	(19		)	(49		)	(46		)	(21		)	(22		)
	Currency impact	—			—			(64		)	(49		)	—			—
	Fair value — end of year	$	782		$	654		$	2,045		$	1,801		$	288		$	261
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation — beginning of year	$	771		$	637		$	2,117		$	1,830		$	343		$	319
	Service cost	44			40			36			33			4			3
	Interest cost	24			27			68			74			12			15
	Participants' contributions	—			—			1			—			—			—
	Plan amendment	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Actuarial (gain) loss	(41		)	87			85			280			(31		)	28
	Benefits paid	(35		)	(20		)	(49		)	(46		)	(21		)	(22		)
	Curtailments	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Currency impact	—			—			(59		)	(54		)	—			—
	Benefit obligation — end of year	$	763		$	771		$	2,199		$	2,117		$	307		$	343
	Overfunded (underfunded) status of PBO	$	19		$	(117	)	$	(154	)	$	(316	)	$	(19	)	$	(82	)
	Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of:
	Other assets	$	34		$	—		$	60		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Employee compensation and benefits	(2		)	(2		)	—			—			—			—
	Retirement and post-retirement benefits	(13		)	(115		)	(214		)	(316		)	(19		)	(82		)
	Net asset (liability)	$	19		$	(117	)	$	(154	)	$	(316	)	$	(19	)	$	(82	)
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss):
Actuarial (gains) losses	$	(8	)	$	127		$	525		$	683		$	119		$	194
Prior service costs (benefits)	(67		)	(79		)	(4		)	(8		)	(183		)	(218		)
Total	$	(75	)	$	48		$	521		$	675		$	(64	)	$	(24	)
The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net expense during 2014 are as follows:
	U.S. Defined			Non-U.S. Defined			U.S. Post-Retirement
	Benefit Plans			Benefit Plans			Benefit Plans
	(in millions)
Amortization of net prior service cost (benefit)	$	(12	)	$	(1	)	$	(35	)
Amortization of actuarial net loss (gain)	$	(1	)	$	45		$	14
Investment policies and strategies as of October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.    In the U.S., our Agilent Retirement Plan and post-retirement benefit target asset allocations are approximately 80 percent to equities and approximately 20 percent to fixed income investments. Our DPSP target asset allocation is approximately 60 percent to equities and approximately 40 percent to fixed income investments. Approximately, 5 percent of our U.S. equity portfolio consists of limited partnerships. The general investment objective for all our plan assets is to obtain the optimum rate of investment return on the total investment portfolio consistent with the assumption of a reasonable level of risk. Specific investment objectives for the plans' portfolios are to: maintain and enhance the purchasing power of the plans' assets; achieve investment returns consistent with the level of risk being taken; and earn performance rates of return in accordance with the benchmarks adopted for each asset class. Outside the U.S., our target asset allocation is from 37 to 60 percent to equities, from 40 to 60 percent to fixed income investments, and from zero to 6 percent to real estate investments and from zero to 7 percent to cash, depending on the plan. All plans' assets are broadly diversified. Due to fluctuations in equity markets, our actual allocations of plan assets at October 31, 2013 and 2012 differ from the target allocation. Our policy is to bring the actual allocation in line with the target allocation.
Equity securities include exchange-traded common stock and preferred stock of companies from broadly diversified industries. Fixed income securities include a global portfolio of corporate bonds of companies from diversified industries, government securities, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, derivative instruments and other. Other investments include a group trust consisting primarily of private equity partnerships as well as other investments. Portions of the cash and cash equivalent, equity, and fixed income investments are held in commingled funds.
Fair Value.    The measurement of the fair value of pension and post-retirement plan assets uses the valuation methodologies and the inputs as described in Note 12.
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents consist of short-term investment funds. The funds also invest in short-term domestic fixed income securities and other securities with debt-like characteristics emphasizing short-term maturities and quality. Cash and cash equivalents are classified as Level 1 investments except when the cash and cash equivalents are held in commingled funds, which have a daily net value derived from quoted prices for the underlying securities in active markets; these are classified as Level 2 investments.
Equity - Some equity securities consisting of common and preferred stock are held in commingled funds, which have daily net asset values derived from quoted prices for the underlying securities in active markets; these are classified as Level 2 investments. Commingled funds which have quoted prices in active markets are classified as Level 1 investments.
Fixed Income - Some of the fixed income securities are held in commingled funds, which have daily net asset values derived from the underlying securities; these are classified as Level 2 investments. Commingled funds which have quoted prices in active markets are classified as Level 1 investments.
Other Investments - Other investments includes property based pooled vehicles which invest in real estate. Market net asset values are regularly published in the financial press or on corporate websites and so these investments are classified as Level 2. Other investments also includes partnership investments where, due to their private nature, pricing inputs are not readily observable. Asset valuations are developed by the general partners that manage the partnerships. These valuations are based on proprietary appraisals, application of public market multiples to private company cash flows, utilization of market transactions that provide valuation information for comparable companies and other methods. Holdings of limited partnerships are classified as Level 3.
The following tables present the fair value of U.S. Defined Benefit Plans assets classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2013 and 2012.
				Fair Value Measurement
				at October 31, 2013 Using
	October 31,			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
	2013			in Active			Other			Unobservable
				Markets for			Observable			Inputs
				Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
				(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	(in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	8		$	1		$	7		$	—
Equity	616			191			425			—
Fixed Income	139			17			122			—
Other Investments	19			2			—			17
Total assets measured at fair value	$	782		$	211		$	554		$	17
				Fair Value Measurement
				at October 31, 2012 Using
	October 31,			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
	2012			in Active			Other			Unobservable
				Markets for			Observable			Inputs
				Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
				(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	(in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	8		$	1		$	7		$	—
Equity	486			134			352			—
Fixed Income	137			15			122			—
Other Investments	23			2			—			21
Total assets measured at fair value	$	654		$	152		$	481		$	21
For U.S. Defined Benefit Plans assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (level 3), the following table summarizes the change in balances during 2013 and 2012:
	Years Ended
	October 31.
	2013			2012
Balance, beginning of year	$	21		$	26
Realized gains	4			3
Unrealized gains/(losses)	(2		)	(2		)
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements	(6		)	(6		)
Transfers in (out)	—			—
Balance, end of year	$	17		$	21
The following tables present the fair value of U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plans assets classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2013 and 2012.
				Fair Value Measurement at
				October 31, 2013 Using
	October 31,			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
	2013			in Active			Other			Unobservable
				Markets for			Observable			Inputs
				Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
				(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	(in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	5		$	2		$	3		$	—
Equity	220			68			152			—
Fixed Income	52			6			46			—
Other Investments	11			1			—			10
Total assets measured at fair value	$	288		$	77		$	201		$	10
				Fair Value Measurement
				at October 31, 2012 Using
	October 31,			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
	2012			in Active			Other			Unobservable
				Markets for			Observable			Inputs
				Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
				(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	(in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	5		$	2		$	3		$	—
Equity	189			52			137			—
Fixed Income	54			6			48			—
Other Investments	13			1			—			12
Total assets measured at fair value	$	261		$	61		$	188		$	12
For U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plans assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (level 3), the following table summarizes the change in balances during 2013 and 2012:
	Years Ended
	October 31,
	2013			2012
Balance, beginning of year	$	12		$	15
Realized gains	2			2
Unrealized gains/(losses)	(1		)	(1		)
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements	(3		)	(4		)
Transfers in (out)	—			—
Balance, end of year	$	10		$	12
The following tables present the fair value of non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans assets classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2013 and 2012:
				Fair Value Measurement at
				October 31, 2013 Using
	October 31,			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
	2013			in Active			Other			Unobservable
				Markets for			Observable			Inputs
				Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
				(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	(in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	10		$	10		$	—		$	—
Equity	1,078			296			782			—
Fixed Income	919			24			895			—
Other Investments	38			—			38			—
Total assets measured at fair value	$	2,045		$	330		$	1,715		$	—
				Fair Value Measurement
				at October 31, 2012 Using
	October 31,			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
	2012			in Active			Other			Unobservable
				Markets for			Observable			Inputs
				Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
				(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	(in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	3		$	3		$	—		$	—
Equity	861			226			635			—
Fixed Income	900			19			881			—
Other Investments	37			—			37			—
Total assets measured at fair value	$	1,801		$	248		$	1,553		$	—
For non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans, there was no activity relating to assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (level 3) during fiscal year 2013 and 2012.
The table below presents the combined projected benefit obligation ("PBO"), accumulated benefit obligation ("ABO") and fair value of plan assets, grouping plans using comparisons of the PBO and ABO relative to the plan assets as of October 31, 2013 or 2012.
	2013						2012
	Benefit						Benefit
	Obligation			Fair Value of			Obligation			Fair Value of
	PBO			Plan Assets			PBO			Plan Assets
	(in millions)
U.S. defined benefit plans where PBO exceeds the fair value of plan assets	$	15		$	—		$	771		$	654
U.S. defined benefit plans where fair value of plan assets exceeds PBO	748			782			—			—
Total	$	763		$	782		$	771		$	654
Non-U.S. defined benefit plans where PBO exceeds or is equal to the fair value of plan assets	$	1,697		$	1,482		$	2,117		$	1,801
Non-U.S. defined benefit plans where fair value of plan assets exceeds PBO	502			563			—			—
Total	$	2,199		$	2,045		$	2,117		$	1,801
	ABO						ABO
U.S. defined benefit plans where ABO exceeds the fair value of plan assets	$	14		$	—		$	749		$	654
U.S. defined benefit plans where the fair value of plan assets exceeds ABO	716			782			—			—
Total	$	730		$	782		$	749		$	654
Non-U.S. defined benefit plans where ABO exceeds or is equal to the fair value of plan assets	$	1,533		$	1,380		$	2,034		$	1,801
Non-U.S. defined benefit plans where fair value of plan assets exceeds ABO	590			665			—			—
Total	$	2,123		$	2,045		$	2,034		$	1,801
Contributions and estimated future benefit payments.    During fiscal year 2014, we expect to contribute $30 million to the U.S. defined benefit plans, $71 million to plans outside the U.S., and $2 million to the Post-retirement Medical Plans. The following table presents expected future benefit payments for the next 10 years.
	U.S. Defined			Non-U.S. Defined			U.S. Post-Retirement
	Benefit Plans			Benefit Plans			Benefit Plans
	(in millions)
2014	$	41		$	51		$	24
2015	$	44		$	56		$	24
2016	$	49		$	60		$	25
2017	$	56		$	62		$	24
2018	$	57		$	70		$	24
2019 - 2023	$	362		$	448		$	116
Assumptions.    The assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations and expense for our defined benefit and post-retirement benefit plans are presented in the tables below. The expected long-term return on assets below represents an estimate of long-term returns on investment portfolios consisting of a mixture of equities, fixed income and alternative investments in proportion to the asset allocations of each of our plans. We consider long-term rates of return, which are weighted based on the asset classes (both historical and forecasted) in which we expect our pension and post-retirement funds to be invested. Discount rates reflect the current rate at which pension and post-retirement obligations could be settled based on the measurement dates of the plans - October 31. The U.S. discount rates at October 31, 2013 and 2012 were determined based on the results of matching expected plan benefit payments with cash flows from a hypothetically constructed bond portfolio. The non-U.S. rates were generally based on published rates for high-quality corporate bonds. The range of assumptions that were used for the non-U.S. defined benefit plans reflects the different economic environments within various countries.
Assumptions used to calculate the net periodic cost in each year were as follows:
	For years ended October 31,
	2013		2012	2011
U.S. defined benefit plans:
Discount rate	3.25%		4.50%	5.00%
Average increase in compensation levels	3.50%		3.50%	3.50%
Expected long-term return on assets	8.00%		8.00%	8.25%
Non-U.S. defined benefit plans:
Discount rate	1.50-4.50%		2.00-5.50%	2.00-5.25%
Average increase in compensation levels	2.50-3.00%		2.50-3.25%	2.50-3.75%
Expected long-term return on assets	4.00-6.50%		4.00-6.50%	4.00-6.75%
U.S. post-retirement benefits plans:
Discount rate	3.50%		4.75%	5.50%
Expected long-term return on assets	8.00%		8.00%	8.25%
Current medical cost trend rate	9.00%		9.00%	10.00%
Ultimate medical cost trend rate	3.50%		4.50%	4.75%
Medical cost trend rate decreases to ultimate rate in year	2027		2026	2025
Assumptions used to calculate the benefit obligation were as follows:
	As of the Years Ending October 31,
	2013		2012
U.S. defined benefit plans:
Discount rate	4.50%		3.25%
Average increase in compensation levels	3.50%		3.50%
Non-U.S. defined benefit plans:
Discount rate	1.75-4.25%		1.50-4.50%
Average increase in compensation levels	2.50-3.25%		2.50-3.00%
U.S. post-retirement benefits plans:
Discount rate	4.25%		3.50%
Current medical cost trend rate	9.00%		9.00%
Ultimate medical cost trend rate	3.50%		3.50%
Medical cost trend rate decreases to ultimate rate in year	2028		2027
Health care trend rates do not have a significant effect on the total service and interest cost components or on the post-retirement benefit obligation amounts reported for the U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plan for the year ended October 31, 2013.

GUARANTEES

GUARANTEES	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
GUARANTEES	'
	16.   GUARANTEES
	Standard Warranty
	We accrue for standard warranty costs based on historical trends in warranty charges as a percentage of net product shipments. The accrual is reviewed regularly and periodically adjusted to reflect changes in warranty cost estimates. Estimated warranty charges are recorded within cost of products at the time products are sold. The standard warranty accrual balances are held in other accrued and other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. Our standard warranty terms typically extend between one and three years from the date of delivery, depending on the product.
	A summary of the standard warranty accrual activity is shown in the table below. The standard warranty accrual balances are held in other accrued and other long-term liabilities.
		October 31,
		2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Balance as of October 31, 2012 and 2011	$	60		$	50
	Reserve acquired upon close of Dako acquisition	—			1
	Accruals for warranties including change in estimates	92			87
	Settlements made during the period	(83		)	(78		)
	Balance as of October 31, 2013 and 2012	$	69		$	60
	Accruals for warranties due within one year	48			51
	Accruals for warranties due after one year	21			9
	Balance as of October 31, 2013 and 2012	$	69		$	60
	Indemnifications to Avago
	In connection with the sale of our semiconductor products business in December 2005, we agreed to indemnify Avago, its affiliates and other related parties against certain damages and expenses that it might incur in the future. The continuing indemnifications primarily cover damages and expenses relating to liabilities of the businesses that Agilent retained and did not transfer to Avago, as well as pre-closing taxes and other specified items. In our opinion, the fair value of these indemnification obligations was not material as of October 31, 2013.
	Indemnifications to Verigy
	In connection with the spin-off of Verigy, we agreed to indemnify Verigy and its affiliates against certain damages which it might incur in the future. These indemnifications primarily cover damages relating to liabilities of the businesses that Agilent did not transfer to Verigy, liabilities that might arise under limited portions of Verigy's IPO materials that relate to Agilent, and costs and expenses incurred by Agilent or Verigy to effect the IPO, arising out of the distribution of Agilent's remaining holding in Verigy ordinary shares to Agilent's stockholders, or incurred to effect the separation of the semiconductor test solutions business from Agilent to the extent incurred prior to the separation on June 1, 2006. On July 4, 2011, Verigy announced the completion by Advantest Corporation of its acquisition of Verigy. Verigy will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Advantest and our indemnification obligations to Verigy should be unaffected. In our opinion, the fair value of these indemnification obligations was not material as of October 31, 2013.
	Indemnifications to Hewlett-Packard
	We have given multiple indemnities to Hewlett-Packard in connection with our activities prior to our spin-off from HP for the businesses that constituted Agilent prior to the spin-off. These indemnifications cover a variety of aspects of our business, including, but not limited to, employee, tax, intellectual property and environmental matters. The agreements containing these indemnifications have been previously disclosed as exhibits to our registration statement on Form S-1 filed on August 16, 1999. In our opinion, the fair value of these indemnification obligations was not material as of October 31, 2013.
	Indemnifications to Varian Medical Systems and Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates
	In connection with our acquisition of Varian, we are subject to certain indemnification obligations to Varian Medical Systems (formerly Varian Associates, Inc. ("VAI")) and Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates ("VSEA") in connection with the Instruments business as conducted by VAI prior to the Distribution (as described in Note 1 of Varian's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on November 25, 2009). These indemnification obligations cover a variety of aspects of our business, including, but not limited to, employee, tax, intellectual property, litigation and environmental matters. Certain of the agreements containing these indemnification obligations are disclosed as exhibits to Varian's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on November 25, 2009. On November 10, 2011, Applied Materials announced that it had completed the acquisition of VSEA, which is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Applied Materials; our indemnification obligations to VSEA should be unaffected. In our opinion, the fair value of these indemnification obligations was not material as of October 31, 2013.
	Indemnifications to Officers and Directors
	Our corporate by-laws require that we indemnify our officers and directors, as well as those who act as directors and officers of other entities at our request, against expenses, judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any proceedings arising out of their services to Agilent and such other entities, including service with respect to employee benefit plans. In addition, we have entered into separate indemnification agreements with each director and each board-appointed officer of Agilent which provide for indemnification of these directors and officers under similar circumstances and under additional circumstances. The indemnification obligations are more fully described in the by-laws and the indemnification agreements. We purchase standard insurance to cover claims or a portion of the claims made against our directors and officers. Since a maximum obligation is not explicitly stated in our by-laws or in our indemnification agreements and will depend on the facts and circumstances that arise out of any future claims, the overall maximum amount of the obligations cannot be reasonably estimated. Historically, we have not made payments related to these obligations, and the fair value for these indemnification obligations was not material as of October 31, 2013.
	Other Indemnifications
	As is customary in our industry and as provided for in local law in the U.S. and other jurisdictions, many of our standard contracts provide remedies to our customers and others with whom we enter into contracts, such as defense, settlement, or payment of judgment for intellectual property claims related to the use of our products. From time to time, we indemnify customers, as well as our suppliers, contractors, lessors, lessees, companies that purchase our businesses or assets and others with whom we enter into contracts, against combinations of loss, expense, or liability arising from various triggering events related to the sale and the use of our products and services, the use of their goods and services, the use of facilities and state of our owned facilities, the state of the assets and businesses that we sell and other matters covered by such contracts, usually up to a specified maximum amount. In addition, from time to time we also provide protection to these parties against claims related to undiscovered liabilities, additional product liability or environmental obligations. In our experience, claims made under such indemnifications are rare and the associated estimated fair value of the liability was not material as of October 31, 2013.
	In connection with the sale of several of our businesses, we have agreed to indemnify the buyers of such business, their respective affiliates and other related parties against certain damages that they might incur in the future. The continuing indemnifications primarily cover damages relating to liabilities of the businesses that Agilent retained and did not transfer to the buyers, as well as other specified items. In our opinion, the fair value of these indemnification obligations was not material as of October 31, 2013.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	17.   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Operating Lease Commitments:    We lease certain real and personal property from unrelated third parties under non-cancelable operating leases. Future minimum lease payments under operating leases at October 31, 2013 were $56 million for 2014, $47 million for 2015, $31 million for 2016, $21 million for 2017, $12 million for 2018 and $6 million thereafter. Future minimum sublease income under leases at October 31, 2013 was $6 million for 2014, $5 million for 2015, $3 million for 2016, $2 million for 2017 and zero thereafter. Certain leases require us to pay property taxes, insurance and routine maintenance, and include escalation clauses. Total rent expense was $90 million in 2013, $84 million in 2012 and $82 million in 2011.
	Contingencies: We are involved in lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including, but not limited to, patent, commercial and environmental matters, which arise in the ordinary course of business. There are no matters pending that we currently believe are reasonably possible of having a material impact to our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	On March 4, 2013, we made a report to the Inspector General of the Department of Defense (“DOD IG”) regarding pricing irregularities relating to certain sales of electronic measurement products to U.S. government agencies.  We have conducted a thorough investigation with the help of external counsel, and we have approached the DOD IG with a proposed methodology for resolving possible overcharges to U.S. government purchasers resulting from these sales.  Based on our investigation and our interactions with the DOD IG, we do not believe that this matter is reasonably possible of having a material impact on Agilent's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.  As of October 31, 2013, we have accrued for this matter based on our current understanding.
	As part of routine internal audit activities, the Company determined that certain employees of Agilent's subsidiaries in China did not comply with the Company's Standards of Business Conduct and other policies.  Based on those findings, the Company has initiated an internal investigation, with the assistance of outside counsel, relating to certain sales of our products through third party intermediaries in China.  The internal investigation includes a review of compliance by our employees in China with the requirements of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other applicable laws and regulations.  On September 5, 2013, the Company voluntarily contacted the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and United States Department of Justice to advise both agencies of this internal investigation.  We will cooperate with any government investigation of this matter.  At this point, we cannot predict or estimate the duration, scope, cost, or result of this matter, or whether the government will commence any legal action, which could result in possible fines and penalties, criminal or civil sanctions, or other consequences.  Accordingly, no provision with respect to these matters has been made in the Company's consolidated financial statements.  Adverse findings or other negative outcomes from any governmental proceedings could have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements in future periods.

SHORTTERM_DEBT

SHORT-TERM DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Short-term Debt [Abstract]	'
SHORT-TERM DEBT	'
	18.   SHORT-TERM DEBT
	Credit Facility
	On October 20, 2011, we entered into a five-year credit agreement, which provides for a $400 million unsecured credit facility that will expire on October 20, 2016. The company may use amounts borrowed under the facility for general corporate purposes. As of October 31, 2013 the company has no borrowings outstanding under the facility. We were in compliance with the covenants for the credit facilities during the year ended October 31, 2013.
	As a result of the Dako acquisition, we have a credit facility in Danish Krone equivalent of $9 million with a Danish financial institution. As of October 31, 2013 the company had no borrowings outstanding under the facility.
	2013 Senior Notes
	On July 13, 2010, the company issued an aggregate principal amount of $250 million in senior notes ("2013 senior notes"). The 2013 senior notes matured on July 15, 2013 and were paid in full.
	2012 Senior Notes
	On September 9, 2009, the company issued an aggregate principal amount of $250 million in senior notes ("2012 senior notes"). The 2012 senior notes matured on September 14, 2012 and were paid in full.

LONGTERM_DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
LONG-TERM DEBT	'
	19.   LONG-TERM DEBT
	Senior Notes
	The following table summarizes the company's long-term senior notes and the related interest rate swaps:
		October 31, 2013						October 31, 2012
		Amortized		Swap		Total		Amortized		Swap		Total
		Principal						Principal
		(in millions)
	2015 Senior Notes	500		12		512		499		18		517
	2017 Senior Notes	599		22		621		599		26		625
	2020 Senior Notes	498		26		524		498		29		527
	2022 Senior Notes	399		—		399		399		—		399
	2023 Senior Notes	597		—		597		—		—		—
	Total	$	2,593	$	60	$	2,653	$	1,995	$	73	$	2,068
	2015 Senior Notes
	In September 2009, the company issued an aggregate principal amount of $500 million in senior notes ("2015 senior notes"). The 2015 senior notes were issued at 99.69% of their principal amount. The notes will mature on September 14, 2015, and bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.50% per annum. The interest is payable semi-annually on March 14th and September 14th of each year, payments commenced on March 14, 2010.
	On June 6, 2011, we terminated our interest rate swap contracts related to our 2015 senior notes that represented the notional amount of $500 million. The asset value, including interest receivable, upon termination for these contracts was approximately $31 million and the amount to be amortized at October 31, 2013 was $12 million. The gain is being deferred and amortized to interest expense over the remaining life of the 2015 senior notes.
	2017 Senior Notes
	In October 2007, the company issued an aggregate principal amount of $600 million in senior notes ("2017 senior notes"). The 2017 senior notes were issued at 99.60% of their principal amount. The notes will mature on November 1, 2017, and bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.50% per annum. The interest is payable semi-annually on May 1st and November 1st of each year and payments commenced on May 1, 2008.
	On November 25, 2008, we terminated two interest rate swap contracts associated with our 2017 senior notes that represented the notional amount of $400 million. The asset value, including interest receivable, upon termination was approximately $43 million and the amount to be amortized at October 31, 2013 was $22 million. The gain is being deferred and amortized to interest expense over the remaining life of the 2017 senior notes.
	2020 Senior Notes
	In July 2010, the company issued an aggregate principal amount of $500 million in senior notes ("2020 senior notes"). The 2020 senior notes were issued at 99.54% of their principal amount. The notes will mature on July 15, 2020, and bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.00% per annum. The interest is payable semi-annually on January 15th and July 15th of each year, payments commenced on January 15, 2011.
	On August 9, 2011, we terminated our interest rate swap contracts related to our 2020 senior notes that represented the notional amount of $500 million. The asset value, including interest receivable, upon termination for these contracts was approximately $34 million and the amount to be amortized at October 31, 2013 was $26 million. The gain is being deferred and amortized to interest expense over the remaining life of the 2020 senior notes.
	2022 Senior Notes
	In September 2012, the company issued an aggregate principal amount of $400 million in senior notes ("2022 senior notes"). The 2022 senior notes were issued at 99.80% of their principal amount. The notes will mature on October 1, 2022, and bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.20% per annum. The interest is payable semi-annually on April 1st and October 1st of each year, payments commenced on April 1, 2013.
	2023 Senior Notes
	In June 2013, the company issued aggregate principal amount of $600 million in senior notes ("2023 senior notes"). The 2023 senior notes were issued at 99.544% of their principal amount. The notes will mature on July 15, 2023 and bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.875% per annum. The interest is payable semi annually on January 15th and July 15th of each year and payments will commence January 15, 2014.
	All notes issued are unsecured and rank equally in right of payment with all of Agilent's other senior unsecured indebtedness. The company incurred issuance costs of $5 million each in connection with the 2017 and 2023 senior notes and incurred $3 million each in connection with the 2015, 2020 and 2022 senior notes. These costs were capitalized in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet and the costs are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the senior notes.
	Other debt
	As of October 31, 2013, and as a result of the Dako acquisition, we have mortgage debts, secured on buildings in Denmark, in Danish Krone equivalent of $46 million aggregate principal outstanding with a Danish financial institution. The loans have a variable interest rate based on 3 months Copenhagen Interbank Rate ("Cibor") and will mature on September 30, 2027. Interest payments are made in March, June, September and December of each year.

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY	'
	20.   STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Stock Repurchase Program
	On November 19, 2009 our board of directors approved a share-repurchase program to reduce or eliminate dilution of basic outstanding shares in connection with issuances of stock under the company's equity incentive plans (the "2009 repurchase program"). The 2009 repurchase program did not require the company to acquire a specific number of shares and could be suspended or discontinued at any time. There was no fixed termination date for the 2009 repurchase program.
	On January 16, 2013, our board of directors terminated the 2009 repurchase program and approved a new share-repurchase program (the "2013 repurchase program"). The 2013 repurchase program authorized the use of up to $500 million to repurchase shares of the company's common stock in open market transactions, inclusive of any amounts repurchased since November 1, 2012. On May 14, 2013 we announced that our board of directors authorized an increase of $500 million to the 2013 repurchase program bringing the cumulative authorization to $1 billion. Unless terminated earlier by the board of directors, the 2013 repurchase program is designed to cover purchases until the end of the calendar year 2013 and any unused portion may be used in the calendar year 2014. The 2013 repurchase program does not require the company to acquire a specific number of shares and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. As of October 31, 2013, the remaining amount to be repurchased under the 2013 program is $100 million. We repurchased the remaining $100 million worth of shares under the 2013 repurchase program in November 2013.
	For the year ended October 31, 2013, we repurchased 20 million shares for $900 million. For the year ended October 31, 2012 we repurchased approximately 5 million shares for $172 million. For the year ended October 31, 2011 we repurchased 12 million shares for $497 million. All such shares and related costs are held as treasury stock and accounted for using the cost method.
	On November 22, 2013 we announced that our board of directors has authorized a new share repurchase program effective upon the conclusion of the company's existing $1 billion repurchase program. The new program is designed to reduce or eliminate dilution resulting from issuance of stock under the company's employee equity incentive programs to maintain a weighted average share count of approximately 335 million diluted shares.
	Cash Dividends on Shares of Common Stock
	During the year ended October 31, 2013, cash dividends of $0.46 per share, or $156 million were declared and paid on the company's outstanding common stock. During the year ended October 31, 2012, cash dividends of $0.30 per share, or $104 million were declared and paid on the company's outstanding common stock. The timing and amounts of any future dividends are subject to determination and approval by our board of directors.
	On November 22, 2013 we announced that our board of directors has authorized a 10 percent increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.132 per share. The dividend was declared on November 22, 2013 and will be paid on January 22, 2014 to all stockholders of record as of close of business on December 31, 2013.
	Accumulated other comprehensive income
	The following table summarizes the components of our accumulated other comprehensive income as of October 31, 2013 and 2012, net of tax effect:
		October 31,
		2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Unrealized gain on equity securities, net of $2 of tax expense for 2013	$	7		$	—
	Foreign currency translation, net of $102 of tax expense for 2013 and 2012	425			424
	Unrealized losses on defined benefit plans, net of tax benefit of $(64) and $(162) for 2013 and 2012, respectively	(341		)	(537		)
	Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net of tax expense of $2 and $3 for 2013 and 2012, respectively	—			2
	Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	91		$	(111	)

SEGMENT_INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
SEGMENT INFORMATION	'
	21.   SEGMENT INFORMATION
	Description of segments. We are a measurement company providing core bio-analytical and electronic measurement solutions to the life sciences, diagnostics and genomics, chemical analysis, communications and electronics industries. In the fourth fiscal quarter of 2013, we formed a new operating segment from our existing businesses. The new life sciences and diagnostics segment was formed by the combination of the life sciences business plus the diagnostics and genomics business. Following this reorganization, Agilent has three business segments comprised of the life sciences and diagnostics business, the chemical analysis business and the electronic measurement business. The historical segment financial information for the life sciences and diagnostics segment has been recast to conform to this new reporting structure in our financial statements. The three operating segments were determined based primarily on how the chief operating decision maker views and evaluates our operations. Operating results are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and to assess its performance. Other factors, including market separation and customer specific applications, go-to-market channels, products and services and manufacturing are considered in determining the formation of these operating segments.
	A description of our three reportable segments is as follows:
	Our life sciences and diagnostics business provides application-focused solutions that include reagents, instruments, software, consumables, and services that enable customers to identify, quantify and analyze the physical and biological properties of substances and products, as well as enable customers in the clinical and life sciences research areas to interrogate samples at the molecular level. Key product categories include: liquid chromatography systems, columns and components; liquid chromatography mass spectrometry systems; laboratory software and informatics systems; laboratory automation and robotic systems; dissolution testing; nucleic acid solutions; Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and X-Ray Diffraction systems; services and support for the aforementioned products; immunohistochemistry ; In Situ Hybridization;  Hematoxylin and Eosin staining; special staining, DNA mutation detection; genotyping; gene copy number determination; identification of gene rearrangements; DNA methylation profiling; gene expression profiling; next generation sequencing target enrichment; and automated gel electrophoresis-based sample analysis systems. We also collaborate with a number of major pharmaceutical companies to develop new potential pharmacodiagnostics, also called companion diagnostics, with the potential of identifying patients most likely to benefit from a specific targeted therapy.
	Our chemical analysis business provides application-focused solutions that include instruments, software, consumables, and services that enable customers to identify, quantify and analyze the physical and biological properties of substances and products. Key product categories in chemical analysis include: gas chromatography (GC) systems, columns and components; gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) systems; inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) instruments; atomic absorption (AA) instruments; inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) instruments; molecular spectroscopy instruments; software and data systems; vacuum pumps and measurement technologies; services and support for our products.
	Our electronic measurement business provides electronic measurement instruments and systems, software design tools and related services that are used in the design, development, manufacture, installation, deployment and operation of electronics equipment, and microscopy products. Related services include start-up assistance, instrument productivity and application services and instrument calibration and repair. We also offer customization, consulting and optimization services throughout the customer's product lifecycle.
	The historical segment numbers for the life sciences and diagnostics segment has been recast to conform to this new reporting structure in our financial statements.
	A significant portion of the segments' expenses arise from shared services and infrastructure that we have historically provided to the segments in order to realize economies of scale and to efficiently use resources. These expenses, collectively called corporate charges, include costs of centralized research and development, legal, accounting, real estate, insurance services, information technology services, treasury and other corporate infrastructure expenses. Charges are allocated to the segments, and the allocations have been determined on a basis that we consider to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided to or benefits received by the segments. Beginning in fiscal year 2012, we created the Agilent Order Fulfillment ("AOF") organization to centralize all order fulfillment and supply organizations and operations. AOF provides resources for manufacturing, engineering, strategic sourcing and logistics to life sciences, chemical analysis and electronic measurement businesses. In general, AOF employees are dedicated to specific businesses and the associated costs are directly allocated to businesses.
	The following tables reflect the results of our reportable segments under our management reporting system. These results are not necessarily in conformity with U.S. GAAP. The performance of each segment is measured based on several metrics, including adjusted income from operations. These results are used, in part, by the chief operating decision maker in evaluating the performance of, and in allocating resources to, each of the segments.
	The profitability of each of the segments is measured after excluding restructuring and asset impairment charges, investment gains and losses, interest income, interest expense, acquisition and integration costs, one-time and pre-separation costs, non-cash amortization and other items as noted in the reconciliations below.
		Life Sciences and Diagnostics			Chemical			Electronic			Total
					Analysis			Measurement			Segments
		(in millions)
	Year ended October 31, 2013:
	Total net revenue	$	2,300		$	1,594		$	2,888		$	6,782
	Income from operations	$	377		$	355		$	544		$	1,276
	Depreciation expense	$	71		$	27		$	83		$	181
	Share-based compensation expense	$	26		$	21		$	38		$	85
	Year ended October 31, 2012:
	Total net revenue	$	1,984		$	1,559		$	3,315		$	6,858
	Income from operations	$	295		$	338		$	751		$	1,384
	Depreciation expense	$	57		$	31		$	83		$	171
	Share-based compensation expense	$	21		$	18		$	37		$	76
	Year ended October 31, 2011:
	Total segment revenue	$	1,792		$	1,518		$	3,316		$	6,626
	Varian acquisition deferred revenue fair value adjustment	$	(4	)	$	(7	)	—			$	(11	)
	Total net revenue	$	1,788		$	1,511		$	3,316		$	6,615
	Income from operations	$	237		$	313		$	760		$	1,310
	Depreciation expense	$	39		$	28		$	75		$	142
	Share-based compensation expense	$	20		$	17		$	36		$	73
	The following table reconciles reportable segments' income from operations to Agilent's total enterprise income before taxes:
		Years Ended October 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in millions)
	Total reportable segments' income from operations	$	1,276		$	1,384		$	1,310
	Restructuring related costs	(53		)	—			(2		)
	Acceleration of depreciation for held and used assets	—			(15		)	—
	Asset Impairments	(3		)	(1		)	(9		)
	Transformational programs	(19		)	(25		)	(51		)
	Amortization of intangibles	(199		)	(136		)	(113		)
	Acquisition and integration costs	(29		)	(74		)	(54		)
	Acceleration of share-based compensation expense related to workforce reduction	(3		)	—			—
	One-time and pre-separation costs	(5		)	—			—
	Varian acquisition related fair value adjustments	—			—			(9		)
	Other	(14		)	(14		)	(1		)
	Interest Income	7			9			14
	Interest Expense	(107		)	(101		)	(86		)
	Other income (expense), net	8			16			33
	Income before taxes, as reported	$	859		$	1,043		$	1,032
	Major customers.    No customer represented 10 percent or more of our total net revenue in 2013, 2012 or 2011.
	The following table presents assets and capital expenditures directly managed by each segment. Unallocated assets primarily consist of cash, cash equivalents, accumulated amortization of other intangibles and other assets.
		Life Sciences and Diagnostics			Chemical			Electronic			Total
					Analysis			Measurement			Segments
		(in millions)
	As of October 31, 2013:
	Assets	$	4,291		$	1,756		$	1,997		$	8,044
	Capital expenditures	$	77		$	30		$	88		$	195
	As of October 31, 2012:
	Assets	$	4,072		$	1,768		$	2,157		$	7,997
	Capital expenditures	$	56		$	32		$	106		$	194
	The following table reconciles segment assets to Agilent's total assets:
		October 31,
		2013			2012
	(in millions)
Total reportable segments' assets	$	8,044		$	7,997
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	2,675			2,351
Prepaid expenses	198			128
Investments	139			109
Long-term and other receivables	162			161
Other	(532		)	(210		)
Total assets	$	10,686		$	10,536
The other category primarily represents the difference between how segments report deferred taxes and intangible assets at the initial purchased amount.
The following table presents summarized information for net revenue and long-lived assets by geographic region. Revenues from external customers are generally attributed to countries based upon the location of the Agilent sales representative. Long lived assets consist of property, plant, and equipment, long-term receivables and other long-term assets excluding intangible assets. The rest of the world primarily consists of rest of Asia and Europe.
	United			China			Japan			Rest of the			Total
	States									World
	(in millions)
Net revenue:
Year ended October 31, 2013	$	2,043		$	1,131		$	628		$	2,980		$	6,782
Year ended October 31, 2012	$	2,218		$	1,078		$	716		$	2,846		$	6,858
Year ended October 31, 2011	$	2,016		$	1,035		$	700		$	2,864		$	6,615
	United			Japan			Rest of the			Total
	States						World
	(in millions)
Long-lived assets:
October 31, 2013	$	601		$	130		$	715		$	1,446
31-Oct-12	$	550		$	167		$	645		$	1,362

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Schedule To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	'
	SCHEDULE II
	VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	Column A	Column B		Column C		Column D			Column E
	Description	Balance at		Additions Charged to		Deductions Credited to Expenses or Other Accounts**			Balance at
		Beginning		Expenses or					End of
		of Period		Other Accounts*					Period
		(in millions)
	2013
	Tax valuation allowance	$	93	$	—	$	(8	)	$	85
	2012
	Tax valuation allowance	$	369	$	4	$	(280	)	$	93
	2011
	Tax valuation allowance	$	527	$	3	$	(161	)	$	369
	* Additions include current year additions charged to expenses and current year build due to increases in net deferred tax assets, return to provision true-ups, other adjustments and OCI impact to deferred taxes.
	** Deductions include current year releases credited to expenses and current year reductions due to decreases in net deferred tax assets, return to provision true-ups, other adjustments and OCI impact to deferred taxes. For 2012, the amount reflects the reversal of the valuation allowance for most of our U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets since management concluded that it is more likely than not that these deferred tax assets will be realized primarily due to the emergence from cumulative losses in recent years, the return to sustainable U.S. operating profits and the expectation of sustainable profitability in future periods.

OVERVIEW_AND_SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIF1

OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Principles of consolidation	'
	Principles of consolidation.    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and our wholly- and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of estimates	'
	Use of estimates.    The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable. Although these estimates are based on management's best knowledge of current events and actions that may impact the company in the future, actual results may be different from the estimates. Our critical accounting policies are those that affect our financial statements materially and involve difficult, subjective or complex judgments by management. Those policies are revenue recognition, valuation of goodwill and purchased intangible assets, inventory valuation, share-based compensation, retirement and post-retirement plan assumptions, restructuring and accounting for income taxes.
Revenue recognition	'
	Revenue recognition.    We enter into agreements to sell products (hardware and/or software), services and other arrangements (multiple element arrangements) that include combinations of products and services.
	We recognize revenue, net of trade discounts and allowances, provided that (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) delivery has occurred, (3) the price is fixed or determinable and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is considered to have occurred when title and risk of loss have transferred to the customer, for products, or when the service has been provided. We consider the price to be fixed or determinable when the price is not subject to refund or adjustments. We consider arrangements with extended payment terms not to be fixed or determinable, and accordingly we defer revenue until amounts become due. At the time of the transaction, we evaluate the creditworthiness of our customers to determine the appropriate timing of revenue recognition.
	Product revenue.    Our product revenue is generated predominantly from the sales of various types of test equipment. Product revenue, including sales to resellers and distributors, is reduced for estimated returns, when appropriate. For sales or arrangements that include customer-specified acceptance criteria, including those where acceptance is required upon achievement of performance milestones, revenue is recognized after the acceptance criteria have been met. For products that include installation, if the installation meets the criteria to be considered a separate element, product revenue is recognized upon delivery, and recognition of installation revenue is delayed until the installation is complete. Otherwise, neither the product nor the installation revenue is recognized until the installation is complete.
	Where software is licensed separately, revenue is recognized when the software is delivered and has been transferred to the customer or, in the case of electronic delivery of software, when the customer is given access to the licensed software programs.
	We also evaluate whether collection of the receivable is probable, the fee is fixed or determinable and whether any other undelivered elements of the arrangement exist on which a portion of the total fee would be allocated based on vendor-specific objective evidence.
	Service revenue.    Revenue from services includes extended warranty, customer and software support, consulting, training and education. Service revenue is deferred and recognized over the contractual period or as services are rendered and accepted by the customer. For example, customer support contracts are recognized ratably over the contractual period, while training revenue is recognized as the training is provided to the customer. In addition the four revenue recognition criteria described above must be met before service revenue is recognized.
	Revenue Recognition for Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.    Our multiple-element arrangements are generally comprised of a combination of measurement instruments, installation or other start-up services, and/or software and/or support or services. Hardware and software elements are typically delivered at the same time and revenue is recognized upon delivery once title and risk of loss pass to the customer. Delivery of installation, start-up services and other services varies based on the complexity of the equipment, staffing levels in a geographic location and customer preferences, and can range from a few days to a few months. Service revenue is deferred and recognized over the contractual period or as services are rendered and accepted by the customer. Revenue from the sale of software products that are not required to deliver the tangible product's essential functionality are accounted for under software revenue recognition rules which require vendor specific objective evidence ("VSOE") of fair value to allocate revenue in a multiple element arrangement. Our arrangements generally do not include any provisions for cancellation, termination, or refunds that would significantly impact recognized revenue.
	We have evaluated the deliverables in our multiple-element arrangements and concluded that they are separate units of accounting if the delivered item or items have value to the customer on a standalone basis and for an arrangement that includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item(s), delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in our control. We allocate revenue to each element in our multiple-element arrangements based upon their relative selling prices. We determine the selling price for each deliverable based on a selling price hierarchy. The selling price for a deliverable is based on VSOE if available, third-party evidence ("TPE") if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price ("ESP") if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. Revenue allocated to each element is then recognized when the basic revenue recognition criteria for that element have been met.
	We use VSOE of selling price in the selling price allocation in all instances where it exists. VSOE of selling price for products and services is determined when a substantial majority of the selling prices fall within a reasonable range when sold separately. TPE of selling price can be established by evaluating largely interchangeable competitor products or services in standalone sales to similarly situated customers. As our products contain a significant element of proprietary technology and the solution offered differs substantially from that of competitors, it is difficult to obtain the reliable standalone competitive pricing necessary to establish TPE. ESP represents the best estimate of the price at which we would transact a sale if the product or service were sold on a standalone basis. We determine ESP for a product or service by using historical selling prices which reflect multiple factors including, but not limited to customer type, geography, market conditions, competitive landscape, gross margin objectives and pricing practices. The determination of ESP is made through consultation with and approval by management. We may modify or develop new pricing practices and strategies in the future. As these pricing strategies evolve in changes may occur in ESP. The aforementioned factors may result in a different allocation of revenue to the deliverables in multiple element arrangements, which may change the pattern and timing of revenue recognition for these elements but will not change the total revenue recognized for the arrangement.
	Deferred revenue.    Deferred revenue represents the amount that is allocated to undelivered elements in multiple element arrangements. We limit the revenue recognized to the amount that is not contingent on the future delivery of products or services or meeting other specified performance conditions.
Accounts receivable, net	'
	Accounts receivable, net.    Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Such accounts receivable has been reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts, which is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. We determine the allowance based on customer specific experience and the aging of such receivables, among other factors. The allowance for doubtful accounts as of October 31, 2013 and 2012 was not material. We do not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to our customers. Accounts receivable are also recorded net of product returns.
Share-based compensation	'
	Share-based compensation.    For the years ended 2013, 2012 and 2011, we accounted for share-based awards made to our employees and directors including employee stock option awards, restricted stock units, employee stock purchases made under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") and performance share awards under Agilent Technologies, Inc. Long-Term Performance Program ("LTPP") using the estimated grant date fair value method of accounting. Under the fair value method, we recorded compensation expense for all share-based awards of $88 million in 2013, $76 million in 2012 and $73 million in 2011.
Inventory	'
	Inventory.    Inventory is valued at standard cost, which approximates actual cost computed on a first-in, first-out basis, not in excess of market value. We assess the valuation of our inventory on a periodic basis and make adjustments to the value for estimated excess and obsolete inventory based on estimates about future demand. The excess balance determined by this analysis becomes the basis for our excess inventory charge. Our excess inventory review process includes analysis of sales forecasts, managing product rollovers and working with manufacturing to maximize recovery of excess inventory.
Warranty	'
	Warranty.    Our standard warranty terms typically extend for one year from the date of delivery. During the second fiscal quarter of 2013 typical standard warranty arrangements within our electronic measurement business were extended from one year to three years from the date of delivery. Prior to the change in standard warranty terms, we sold extended warranties of more than one year and less than three years which were deferred. Those existing warranties greater than one year and less than three years and previously classified as extended warranties will be amortized over the original period of the warranty. We will continue to sell extended warranties for terms beyond three years within the electronic measurement business. The impact will not be material to the segment or consolidated revenue of Agilent and the anticipated increase to the warranty accrual as a result of the new arrangements will not be material to the consolidated balance sheet of Agilent. No changes were made to the standard and extended warranty terms within our other businesses.We accrue for standard warranty costs based on historical trends in warranty charges as a percentage of net product revenue. The accrual is reviewed regularly and periodically adjusted to reflect changes in warranty cost estimates. Estimated warranty charges are recorded within cost of products at the time products are sold. See Note 16, "Guarantees".
Taxes on income	'
	Taxes on income.    Income tax expense or benefit is based on income or loss before taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized principally for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts.
Shipping and handling costs	'
	Shipping and handling costs.    Our shipping and handling costs charged to customers are included in net revenue, and the associated expense is recorded in cost of products for all periods presented.
Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets.    In September 2011, the FASB approved changes to the goodwill impairment guidance which are intended to reduce the cost and complexity of the annual impairment test. The changes provide entities an option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. The revised standard gives an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether performing the current two-step test is necessary. If an entity believes, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it is more-likely-than-not (i.e. > 50% chance) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test will be required. Otherwise, no further testing will be required.
	The revised guidance includes examples of events and circumstances that might indicate that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying amount. These include macro-economic conditions such as deterioration in the entity's operating environment or industry or market considerations; entity-specific events such as increasing costs, declining financial performance, or loss of key personnel; or other events such as an expectation that a reporting unit will be sold or a sustained decrease in the stock price on either an absolute basis or relative to peers. Agilent opted to early adopt this guidance for the year ended October 31, 2011.
	If it is determined, as a result of the qualitative assessment, that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the provisions of authoritative guidance require that we perform a two-step impairment test on goodwill. In the first step, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. The second step (if necessary) measures the amount of impairment by applying fair-value-based tests to the individual assets and liabilities within each reporting unit. As defined in the authoritative guidance, a reporting unit is an operating segment, or one level below an operating segment. We aggregated components of operating segments that have similar economic characteristics into our reporting units. In October 2013, we combined the life sciences and diagnostics and genomics segments to form the life sciences and diagnostics segment. As a result, Agilent now has three segments, life sciences and diagnostics, chemical analysis, and electronic measurement segments.
	In fiscal year 2013, we assessed goodwill impairment for our four reporting units which consisted of two segments: chemical analysis and electronic measurement; and two reporting units under the life sciences and diagnostics segment. The first of these two reporting units related to our life sciences business and the second related to our diagnostics business. We performed a qualitative test for goodwill impairment of the following three reporting units, as of September 30, 2013: the chemical analysis segment, the electronic measurement segment, and the reporting unit relating to life sciences. Based on the results of our qualitative testing, we believe that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of these reporting units are greater than their respective carrying values. We performed a quantitative test for goodwill impairment of the reporting unit related to our diagnostics business as of September 30, 2013. Based on the results of our quantitative testing, the fair value was significantly in excess of the carrying value. There was no impairment of goodwill during the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. Each quarter we review the events and circumstances to determine if goodwill impairment is indicated.
	Purchased intangible assets consist primarily of acquired developed technologies, proprietary know-how, trademarks, and customer relationships and are amortized using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives ranging from 6 months to 15 years. In-process research and development ("IPR&D") is initially capitalized at fair value as an intangible asset with an indefinite life and assessed for impairment thereafter. When the IPR&D project is complete, it is reclassified as an amortizable purchased intangible asset and is amortized over its estimated useful life. If an IPR&D project is abandoned, Agilent will record a charge for the value of the related intangible asset to Agilent's consolidated statement of operations in the period it is abandoned.
	In July 2012, the FASB simplified the guidance for testing for impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill. The changes are intended to reduce compliance costs. Agilent's indefinite-lived intangible assets are IPR&D intangible assets. The revised guidance allows a qualitative approach for testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, similar to the impairment testing guidance for goodwill. It allows the option to first assess qualitative factors (events and circumstances) that could affect the significant inputs used in determining the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. The qualitative factors assist in determining whether it is more likely than not (meaning a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. An organization may choose to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to calculating its fair value. The amendments are effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. Early adoption was permitted. Agilent adopted this guidance for the year ended October 31, 2012. Based on the quantitative test, we recorded an impairment of $1 million in 2013 and an impairment of $1 million in 2012, both relating to IPR&D projects that were abandoned. In all other instances we used the qualitative test and concluded that it was more likely than not that all other indefinite-lived intangible assets were not impaired. No impairments were recorded in 2011.
Advertising	'
	Advertising.    Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and amounted to $44 million in 2013, $50 million in 2012 and $55 million in 2011.
Research and development	'
	Research and development.    Costs related to research, design and development of our products are charged to research and development expense as they are incurred.
Sales Taxes	'
	Sales Taxes.    Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are not included in our revenue.
Net income (loss) per share	'
	Net income per share.    Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income - the numerator - by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding - the denominator - during the period excluding the dilutive effect of stock options and other employee stock plans. Diluted net income per share gives effect to all potentially dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the period. The dilutive effect of share-based awards is reflected in diluted net income per share by application of the treasury stock method, which includes consideration of unamortized share-based compensation expense, the tax benefits and shortfalls charged to additional paid-in capital and the dilutive effect of in-the-money options and non-vested restricted stock units. Under the treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options, unamortized share-based compensation expense and tax benefits or shortfalls are assumed proceeds to be used to repurchase hypothetical shares. See Note 6, "Net Income Per Share".
Cash, cash equivalents and short term investments	'
	Cash, cash equivalents and short term investments.    We classify investments as cash equivalents if their original or remaining maturity is three months or less at the date of purchase. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.
	As of October 31, 2013, approximately $2,552 million of our cash and cash equivalents is held outside of the U.S. in our foreign subsidiaries. Under current tax laws, most of the cash could be repatriated to the U.S. but it would be subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes, less applicable foreign tax credits. Our cash and cash equivalents mainly consist of short term deposits held at major global financial institutions, institutional money market funds, and similar short duration instruments with original maturities of 90 days or less. We continuously monitor the creditworthiness of the financial institutions and institutional money market funds in which we invest our funds.
	We classify investments as short-term investments if their original maturities are greater than three months and their remaining maturities are one year or less.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments.    The carrying values of certain of our financial instruments including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued compensation and other accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of their short maturities. The fair value of long-term equity investments is determined using quoted market prices for those securities when available. For those long-term equity investments accounted for under the cost or equity method, their carrying value approximates their estimated fair value. Equity method investments are reported at the amount of the company’s initial investment and adjusted each period for the company’s share of the investee’s income or loss and dividend paid. The fair value of our long-term debt, calculated from quoted prices which are primarily Level 1 inputs under the accounting guidance fair value hierarchy, exceeds the carrying value by approximately $112 million and $210 million as of October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The fair value of foreign currency contracts used for hedging purposes is estimated internally by using inputs tied to active markets. These inputs, for example, interest rate yield curves, foreign exchange rates, and forward and spot prices for currencies are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. See also Note 12, "Fair Value Measurements" for additional information on the fair value of financial instruments.
Concentration of credit risk	'
	Concentration of credit risk.    Financial instruments that potentially subject Agilent to significant concentration of credit risk include money market fund investments, time deposits and demand deposit balances. These investments are categorized as cash and cash equivalents and long-term investments. In addition, Agilent has credit risk from derivative financial instruments used in hedging activities and accounts receivable. We invest in a variety of financial instruments and limit the amount of credit exposure with any one financial institution. We have a comprehensive credit policy in place and credit exposure is monitored on an ongoing basis.
	Credit risk with respect to our accounts receivable is diversified due to the large number of entities comprising our customer base and their dispersion across many different industries and geographies. Credit evaluations are performed on customers requiring credit over a certain amount and we sell the majority of our products through our direct sales force. Credit risk is mitigated through collateral such as letter of credit, bank guarantees or payment terms like cash in advance. Credit evaluation is performed by an independent team to ensure proper segregation of duties. No single customer accounted for more than 10 percent of combined accounts receivable as of October 31, 2013, or 2012.
Derivative instruments	'
	Derivative instruments.    Agilent is exposed to global foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate risks in the normal course of business. We enter into foreign exchange hedging contracts, primarily forward contracts and purchased options and, in the past, interest rate swaps to manage financial exposures resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. In the vast majority of cases, these contracts are designated at inception as hedges of the related foreign currency or interest exposures. Foreign currency exposures include committed and anticipated revenue and expense transactions and assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the subsidiary. Interest rate exposures are associated with the company's fixed-rate debt. For option contracts, we exclude time value from the measurement of effectiveness. To qualify for hedge accounting, contracts must reduce the foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate risk otherwise inherent in the amount and duration of the hedged exposures and comply with established risk management policies; foreign exchange hedging contracts generally mature within twelve months and interest rate swaps, if any, mature at the same time as the maturity of the debt. In order to manage foreign currency exposures in a few limited jurisdictions we may enter into foreign exchange contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting. In such circumstances, the local foreign currency exposure is offset by contracts owned by the parent company. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.
	All derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at their fair values. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, changes in value of the derivative are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations in the current period, along with the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedges, changes in the value of the effective portion of the derivative instrument is recognized in accumulated comprehensive income, a component of stockholders' equity. Amounts associated with cash flow hedges are reclassified and recognized in income when either the forecasted transaction occurs or it becomes probable the forecasted transaction will not occur. Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at their fair value and changes in the fair values are recorded in the income statement in the current period. Derivative instruments are subject to master netting arrangements and qualify for net presentation in the balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of the ineffective portion of derivative instruments are recognized in earnings in the current period. Ineffectiveness in 2013, 2012 and 2011 was not material. Cash flows from derivative instruments are classified in the statement of cash flows in the same category as the cash flows from the hedged or economically hedged item, primarily in operating activities.
Property, plant and equipment	'
	Property, plant and equipment.    Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Additions, improvements and major renewals are capitalized; maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred. When assets are retired or disposed of, the assets and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from our general ledger, and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of operations. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over the lesser of their useful lives or the remaining term of the lease and machinery and equipment over three to ten years. We use the straight-line method to depreciate assets.
Leases	'
	Leases.    We lease buildings, machinery and equipment under operating leases for original terms ranging generally from one year to twenty years. Certain leases contain renewal options for periods up to six years.
Capitalized software	'
	Capitalized software.    We capitalize certain internal and external costs incurred to acquire or create internal use software. Capitalized software is included in property, plant and equipment and is depreciated over three to five years once development is complete.
Impairment of long-lived assets	'
	Impairment of long-lived assets.    We continually monitor events and changes in circumstances that could indicate carrying amounts of long-lived assets, including intangible assets, may not be recoverable. When such events or changes in circumstances occur, we assess the recoverability of long-lived assets by determining whether the carrying value of such assets will be recovered through undiscounted expected future cash flows. If the total of the undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of those assets, we recognize an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets.
Restructuring and asset impairments	'
	Restructuring. The main component of our restructuring plan is related to workforce reductions. Workforce reduction charges are accrued when payment of benefits becomes probable that the employees are entitled to the severance and the amounts can be estimated. If the amounts and timing of cash flows from restructuring activities are significantly different from what we have estimated, the actual amount of restructuring and other related charges could be materially different, either higher or lower, than those we have recorded.
Employee compensation and benefits	'
	Employee compensation and benefits.    Amounts owed to employees, such as accrued salary, bonuses and vacation benefits are accounted for within employee compensation and benefits. The total amount of accrued vacation benefit was $158 million and $156 million as of October 31, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
Foreign currency translation	'
	Foreign currency translation.    We translate and remeasure balance sheet and income statement items into U.S. dollars. For those subsidiaries that operate in a local currency functional environment, all assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates at the balance sheet date; revenue and expenses are translated using monthly exchange rates which approximate to average exchange rates in effect during each period. Resulting translation adjustments are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders' equity.
	For those subsidiaries that operate in a U.S. dollar functional environment, foreign currency assets and liabilities are remeasured into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates except for nonmonetary assets and capital accounts which are remeasured at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expenses are generally remeasured at monthly exchange rates which approximate average exchange rates in effect during each period. Gains or losses from foreign currency remeasurement are included in consolidated net income. Net gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions, including hedging gains and losses, are reported in other income (expense), net and was $6 million loss for fiscal year 2013, $19 million loss for 2012 and $1 million loss for 2011, respectively. The loss recorded for fiscal year 2012 includes $14 million of loss associated with the settlement of currency contracts entered into for the purchase of Dako.

ACQUISITIONS_Tables

ACQUISITIONS (Tables) (Dako [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Dako [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Business Acquisition	'
	The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the closing date of June 21, 2012 (in millions):
	Cash and cash equivalents			$	11
	Accounts receivable			96
	Inventories			90
	Other current assets			5
	Property, plant and equipment			146
	Long term investments			11
	Intangible assets			738
	Other assets			13
	Goodwill			1,382
	Total assets acquired		2,492
	Accounts payable			(24		)
	Employee compensation and benefits			(24		)
	Other accrued liabilities			(47		)
	Long-term debt			(43		)
	Other long-term liabilities			(211		)
	Net assets acquired			$	2,143
Schedule of valuations of intangible assets acquired	'
	The components of intangible assets acquired in connection with the Dako acquisition were as follows (in millions):
		Fair Value						Estimated
								Useful Life
	Developed product technology		$	287				8 - 9 yrs
	Customer relationships		140					4 years
	Tradenames and trademarks		128					12 years
	Total intangible assets subject to amortization		555
	In-process research and development		183
	Total intangible assets		$	738
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	'
	The following represents pro forma operating results as if Dako had been included in the company's condensed consolidated statements of operations as of the beginning of fiscal 2011(in millions, except per share amounts):
		2012				2011
	Net revenue	$	7,100			$	6,976
	Net income	$	1,145			$	909
	Net income per share — basic	$	3.29			$	2.62
	Net income per share — diluted	$	3.24			$	2.56

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Allocated Share-based compensation expense disclosure	'
	The impact on our results for share-based compensation was as follows:
		Years Ended October 31,
		2013				2012			2011
		(in millions)
	Cost of products and services	$	20			$	16		$	16
	Research and development	12				10			10
	Selling, general and administrative	56				50			47
	Total share-based compensation expense	$	88			$	76		$	73
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award fair value assumptions and methodology schedule	'
	The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of employee stock options and LTPP grants.
		Years Ended October 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Stock Option Plans:
	Weighted average risk-free interest rate	0.86%		0.88%		1.49%
	Dividend yield	1%		0%		0%
	Weighted average volatility	39%		38%		35%
	Expected life	5.8 years		5.8 years		5.8 years
	LTPP:
	Volatility of Agilent shares	37%		41%		40%
	Volatility of selected peer-company shares	6%-64%		17%-75%		20%-76%
	Price-wise correlation with selected peers	49%		62%		55%
Summary of stock option award activity	'
	The following table summarizes employee stock option award activity made to our employees and directors for 2013:
		Options			Weighted
		Outstanding			Average
					Exercise Price
		(in thousands)
	Outstanding at October 31, 2012	12,077			$	30
	Granted	1,596			$	36
	Exercised	(4,037	)		$	28
	Cancelled/Forfeited/Expired	(27	)		$	17
	Outstanding at October 31, 2013	9,609			$	32
	Forfeited and expired options from total cancellations in 2013 were as follows:
		Options			Weighted
		Cancelled			Average
					Exercise Price
		(in thousands)
	Forfeited	—			$	—
	Expired	27			$	17
	Total Options Cancelled during 2013	27			$	17
Schedule of share-based compensation, shares authorized under stock option plans, by exercise price range	'
	The options outstanding and exercisable for equity share-based payment awards at October 31, 2013 were as follows:
		Options Outstanding										Options Exercisable
	Range of	Number			Weighted		Weighted			Aggregate		Number	Weighted	Weighted		Aggregate
	Exercise Prices	Outstanding			Average		Average			Intrinsic		Exercisable	Average	Average		Intrinsic
					Remaining		Exercise			Value			Remaining	Exercise		Value
					Contractual		Price						Contractual	Price
					Life								Life
		(in thousands)			(in years)					(in thousands)		(in thousands)	(in years)			(in thousands)
	$0 - 25	1,507			2.4		$	20		$	45,750	1,507	2.4	$	20	$	45,750
	$25.01 - 30	1,051			5.9		$	29		22,418		691	5.8	$	29	14,727
	$30.01 - 40	7,045			5.6		$	35		112,829		3,870	3.4	$	34	66,448
	$40.01 & over	6			8.4		$	45		33		1	8.4	$	45	8
		9,609			5.1		$	32		$	181,030	6,069	3.4	$	30	$	126,933
Schedule of intrinsic value of options exercised and the fair value of options granted	'
	The following table summarizes the aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised and the fair value of options granted in 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Aggregate				Weighted			Per Share Value Using
		Intrinsic Value				Average			Black-Scholes
						Exercise			Model
						Price
		(in thousands)
	Options exercised in fiscal 2011	$	164,738			$	27
	Black-Scholes per share value of options granted during fiscal 2011								$	12
	Options exercised in fiscal 2012	$	38,188			$	23
	Black-Scholes per share value of options granted during fiscal 2012								$	14
	Options exercised in fiscal 2013	$	71,499			$	28
	Black-Scholes per share value of options granted during fiscal 2013								$	12
Non-vested award activity disclosure	'
	The following table summarizes non-vested award activity in 2013 primarily for our LTPP and restricted stock unit awards:
		Shares			Weighted
					Average
					Grant Price
		(in thousands)
	Non-vested at October 31, 2012	3,514			$	35
	Granted	1,394			$	38
	Vested	(1,251	)		$	35
	Forfeited	(76	)		$	38
	Change in LTPP shares vested in the year due to performance conditions	(35	)		$	36
	Non-vested at October 31, 2013	3,546			$	37

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income before income taxes domestic and foreign	'
	The domestic and foreign components of income before taxes are:
		Years Ended October 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in millions)
	U.S. operations	$	39		$	45		$	88
	Non-U.S. operations	820			998			944
	Total income before taxes	$	859		$	1,043		$	1,032
Provision for income taxes from operations	'
	The provision (benefit) for income taxes is comprised of:
		Years Ended October 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in millions)
	U.S. federal taxes:
	Current	$	24		$	6		$	(1	)
	Deferred	48			(144		)	—
	Non-U.S. taxes:
	Current	77			41			(6		)
	Deferred	(24		)	(22		)	28
	State taxes, net of federal benefit:
	Current	3			1			(11		)
	Deferred	7			8			10
	Total provision	$	135		$	(110	)	$	20
Significant components of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities	'
	The significant components of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities included on the consolidated balance sheet are:
		October 31,
		2013						2012
		Deferred			Deferred Tax			Deferred			Deferred Tax
		Tax Assets			Liabilities			Tax Assets			Liabilities
		(in millions)
	Inventory	$	32		$	—		$	24		$	—
	Intangibles	—			214			—			239
	Property, plant and equipment	18			—			11			—
	Warranty reserves	25			—			21			—
	Retiree medical benefits	—			—			5			—
	Pension benefits	42			—			136			—
	Employee benefits, other than retirement	57			—			60			—
	Net operating loss, capital loss, and credit carryforwards	263			—			293			—
	Unrealized gains/losses on investments	24			—			26			—
	Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	—			114			—			88
	Share-based compensation	54			—			57			—
	Deferred revenue	27			—			27			—
	Other	36			3			51			1
	Subtotal	578			331			711			328
	Tax valuation allowance	(85		)	—			(93		)	—
	Total deferred tax assets or deferred tax liabilities	$	493		$	331		$	618		$	328
Current and Long Term Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
	The breakdown between current and long-term income tax assets and liabilities, excluding deferred tax assets and liabilities, was as follows for the years 2013 and 2012:
		October 31,
		2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Current income tax assets (included within other current assets)	$	42		$	65
	Long-term income tax assets (included within other assets)	34			49
	Current income tax liabilities (included within other accrued liabilities)	(48		)	(115		)
	Long-term income tax liabilities (included within other long-term liabilities)	(341		)	(320		)
	Total	$	(313	)	$	(321	)
Tax rate reconciliation, U.S. federal statutory rate to effective tax rate from operations	'
		Years Ended October 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in millions)
	Profit before tax times statutory rate	$	301		$	365		$	361
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit	7			8			(1		)
	Non-U.S. income taxed at different rates	(162		)	(144		)	(153		)
	Change in unrecognized non-U.S. tax benefits	—			(68		)	(97		)
	Valuation allowances	(8		)	(280		)	(84		)
	Other, net	(3		)	9			(6		)
	Provision for income taxes	$	135		$	(110	)	$	20
	Effective tax rate	16		%	(11		)%	2		%
Current and long-term deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities	'
	The breakdown between current and long-term deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities was as follows for the years 2013 and 2012:
		October 31,
		2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Current deferred tax assets (included within other current assets)	$	115		$	95
	Long-term deferred tax assets (included within other assets)	264			400
	Current deferred tax liabilities (included within other accrued liabilities)	(4		)	(2		)
	Long-term deferred tax liabilities (included within other long-term liabilities)	(213		)	(203		)
	Total	$	162		$	290
Income tax contingencies rollforward	'
	tax benefits including all federal, state and foreign tax jurisdictions are as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
		(in millions)
	Balance, beginning of year	$	464		$	469		$	656
	Additions for acquisitions	—			—			—
	Additions for tax positions related to the current year	53			56			41
	Additions for tax positions from prior years	11			40			18
	Reductions for tax positions from prior years	(6		)	(90		)	(170		)
	Settlements with taxing authorities	(3		)	(2		)	(67		)
	Statute of limitations expirations	(3		)	(9		)	(9		)
	Balance, end of year	$	516		$	464		$	469

NET_INCOME_LOSS_PER_SHARE_Tabl

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted net income per share	'
	The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted net income per share computations for the periods presented below.
		Years Ended October 31,
		2013		2012		2011
		(in millions)
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	724	$	1,153	$	1,012
	Denominators:
	Basic weighted average shares	341		348		347
	Potentially dilutive common stock equivalents — stock options and other employee stock plans	4		5		8
	Diluted weighted average shares	345		353		355

INVENTORY_Tables

INVENTORY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Inventory, Net [Abstract]	'
Inventory	'
		October 31,
		2013		2012
		(in millions)
	Finished goods	$	552	$	509
	Purchased parts and fabricated assemblies	514		505
	Inventory	$	1,066	$	1,014

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_N1

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
		October 31,
		2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Land	$	131		$	142
	Buildings and leasehold improvements	1,330			1,475
	Machinery and equipment	1,019			882
	Software	398			383
	Total property, plant and equipment	2,878			2,882
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,744		)	(1,718		)
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	1,134		$	1,164

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_1

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill balances and movements for each reportable segments during the period	'
	The goodwill balances at October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 and the movements in 2013 and 2012 for each of our reportable segments are shown in the table below:
		Life Sciences and Diagnostics		Chemical			Electronic			Total
				Analysis			Measurement
		(in millions)
	Goodwill as of October 31, 2011	$	363	$	760		$	444		$	1,567
	Foreign currency translation impact	25		(10		)	(9		)	6
	Goodwill arising from acquisitions	1,419		1			32			1,452
	Goodwill as of October 31, 2012	$	1,807	$	751		$	467		$	3,025
	Foreign currency translation impact	63		(10		)	(47		)	6
	Goodwill arising from acquisitions and other adjustments	13		4			(1		)	16
	Goodwill as of October 31, 2013	$	1,883	$	745		$	419		$	3,047
Components of other intangibles during the period	'
	The component parts of other intangible assets at October 31, 2013 and 2012 are shown in the table below:
		Other Intangible Assets
		Gross		Accumulated			Net Book
		Carrying		Amortization			Value
		Amount		and Impairments
		(in millions)
	As of October 31, 2012:
	Purchased technology	$	849	$	333		$	516
	Backlog	14		14			—
	Trademark/Tradename	168		27			141
	Customer relationships	391		155			236
	Total amortizable intangible assets	$	1,422	$	529		$	893
	In-Process R&D	193		—			193
	Total	$	1,615	$	529		$	1,086
	As of October 31, 2013:
	Purchased technology	$	1,019	$	460		$	559
	Backlog	14		14			—
	Trademark/Tradename	176		40			136
	Customer relationships	401		215			186
	Total amortizable intangible assets	$	1,610	$	729		$	881
	In-Process R&D	35		—			35
	Total	$	1,645	$	729		$	916

INVESTMENTS_Tables

INVESTMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Schedule of Investments [Abstract]	'
Equity Investments	'
	The following table summarizes the company's equity investments as of October 31, 2013 and 2012 (net book value):
		October 31,
		2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Short-Term
	Cost method investments	$	—		11
	Long-Term
	Cost method investments	$	44		$	59
	Trading securities	51			50
	Available-for-sale investments	25			—
	Equity method investments	19			—
	Total	$	139		$	109
Available-for-sale Securities	'
	Investments in available-for-sale securities at estimated fair value were as follows as of October 31, 2013:
			31-Oct-13
			Cost			Gross			Gross		Estimated
						Unrealized			Unrealized		Fair
						Gains			Losses		Value
		(in millions)
	Equity securities		15			10			—		25
			$	15		$	10		$	—	$	25
Realized gains and losses on sale of available-for-sale securities and other than temporary impairments Included in Other income (expense)	'
	Amounts included in other income (expense), net for realized gains on the sale of available-for-sale securities and the appropriate share of loss on equity method investments were as follows:
		Years Ended October 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in millions)
	Available-for-sale investments — realized gain	$	1		$	2		$	6
	Equity method investments - share of losses	(2		)	$	—		$	—

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis	'
	Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 31, 2013 were as follows:
				Fair Value Measurement at
				October 31, 2013 Using
		October 31,		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
		2013		in Active		Other		Unobservable
				Markets for		Observable		Inputs
				Identical Assets		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)
		(in millions)
	Assets:
	Short-term
	Cash equivalents (money market funds)	$	1,968	$	1,968	$	—	$	—
	Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)	7		—		7		—
	Long-term
	Trading securities	51		51		—		—
	Available-for-sale investments	25		25		—		—
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	2,051	$	2,044	$	7	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Short-term
	Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)	$	6	$	—	$	6	$	—
	Long-term
	Deferred compensation liability	51		—		51		—
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	57	$	—	$	57	$	—
	Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 31, 2012 were as follows:
				Fair Value Measurement at
				October 31, 2012 Using
		October 31,		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
		2012		in Active		Other		Unobservable
				Markets for		Observable		Inputs
				Identical Assets		Inputs		(Level 3)
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)
		(in millions)
	Assets:
	Short-term
	Cash equivalents (money market funds)	$	1,834	$	1,834	$	—	$	—
	Derivative instruments (foreign exchange and interest rate swap contracts)	7		—		7		—
	Long-term
	Trading securities	50		50		—		—
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	1,891	$	1,884	$	7	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Short-term
	Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)	$	6	$	—	$	6	$	—
	Long-term
	Deferred compensation liability	48		—		48		—
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	54	$	—	$	54	$	—
Impairment of Long-lived assets included in net income	'
	For assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, the following table summarizes the impairments included in net income for the years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Years Ended
		October 31,
		2013		2012
		(in millions)
	Long-lived assets held and used	$	2	$	1
	Long-lived assets held for sale	$	1	$	—

DERIVATIVES_Tables

DERIVATIVES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Aggregated notional amounts by currency and designation	'
	The aggregated U.S. Dollar notional amounts by currency and designation as of October 31, 2013 were as follows:
			Derivatives in								Derivatives
			Cash Flow								Not
			Hedging Relationships								Designated
											as Hedging
											Instruments
			Forward				Option				Forward
			Contracts				Contracts				Contracts
	Currency		Buy/(Sell)				Buy/(Sell)				Buy/(Sell)
			(in millions)
	Euro		$	(23	)		$	—			$	243
	British Pound		(17		)		—				2
	Canadian Dollar		(37		)		—				—
	Australian Dollars		11				—				9
	Malaysian Ringgit		113				—				14
	Japanese Yen		(56		)		(97		)		3
	Other		(9		)		—				(10		)
			$	(18	)		$	(97	)		$	261
Gross fair values and balance sheet location of derivative instruments held in the consolidated balance sheet	'
	The gross fair values and balance sheet location of derivative instruments held in the consolidated balance sheet as of October 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
	Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
	Asset Derivatives										Liability Derivatives
			Fair Value										Fair Value
	Balance Sheet Location		October 31,				October 31,				Balance Sheet Location		October 31,		October 31,
			2013				2012						2013		2012
	(in millions)
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Fair value hedges
	Interest rate contracts
	Other current assets		$	—			$	—			Other accrued liabilities		$	—	$	—
	Other assets		$	—			$	—			Other long-term liabilities		$	—	$	—
	Cash flow hedges
	Foreign exchange contracts
	Other current assets		$	4			$	4			Other accrued liabilities		$	4	$	2
			$	4			$	4					$	4	$	2
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts
	Other current assets		$	3			$	3			Other accrued liabilities		$	2	$	4
	Total derivatives		$	7			$	7					$	6	$	6
Effect of derivative instruments for foreign exchange contracts in the consolidated statement of operations	'
	The effect of derivative instruments for interest rate swap contracts and for foreign exchange contracts designated as hedging instruments and not designated as hedging instruments in our consolidated statement of operations were as follows:
		2013				2012				2011
		(in millions)
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Fair Value Hedges
	Gain on interest rate swap contracts, including interest accrual, recognized in interest expense	$	—			$	—			$	27
	Gain (loss) on hedged item, recognized in interest expense	$	—			$	3			$	(3	)
	Cash Flow Hedges
	Gain recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	$	10			$	7			$	—
	Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into cost of sales	$	13			$	8			$	(5	)
	Treasury Lock Agreements
	Gain recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	$	—			$	3			$	—
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Gain (loss) recognized in other income (expense), net	$	7			$	(34	)		$	13

RESTRUCTURING_Tables

RESTRUCTURING (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Summary of total restructuring activity	'
		Workforce
		Reduction
		(in millions)
	Balance as of October 31, 2012	$	—
	Income statement expense	53
	Cash payments	(29		)
	Balance as of October 31, 2013	$	24
Restructuring charges reporting location in consolidated statement of operations	'
	A summary of the charges in the consolidated statement of operations resulting from all restructuring plans is shown below:
		Year Ended
		October 31,
		2013
		(in millions)
	Cost of products and services	$	19
	Research and development	9
	Selling, general and administrative	25
	Total restructuring, asset impairments and other special charges	$	53

RETIREMENT_PLANS_AND_POST_RETI1

RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of net pension and post-retirement benefit costs	'
	October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income were comprised of:
		Pensions																		U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
		U.S. Plans									Non-U.S. Plans
		2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
		(in millions)
	Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)
	Service cost — benefits earned during the period	$	44		$	40		$	42		$	36		$	33		$	32		$	4		$	3		$	3
	Interest cost on benefit obligation	24			27			28			68			74			72			12			15			21
	Expected return on plan assets	(51		)	(46		)	(44		)	(97		)	(92		)	(94		)	(20		)	(19		)	(21		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	13			7			4			55			42			40			18			16			14
	Amortization of prior service benefit	(12		)	(12		)	(12		)	(1		)	(1		)	(1		)	(35		)	(35		)	(26		)
	Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)	18			16			18			61			56			49			(21		)	(20		)	(9		)
	Curtailments and settlements	—			—			(1		)	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Total periodic benefit cost (benefit)	$	18		$	16		$	17		$	61		$	56		$	49		$	(21	)	$	(20	)	$	(9	)
	Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss
	Net actuarial (gain) loss	$	(122	)	$	69		$	31		$	(85	)	$	214		$	40		$	(57	)	$	22		$	12
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	(13		)	(7		)	(4		)	(55		)	(42		)	(40		)	(18		)	(16		)	(14		)
	Prior service cost (benefit)	—			—			—			—			—			6			—			—			(194		)
	Amortization of prior service benefit	12			12			12			1			1			1			35			35			26
	Foreign currency	—			—			—			2			(5		)	11			—			—			—
	Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss	$	(123	)	$	74		$	39		$	(137	)	$	168		$	18		$	(40	)	$	41		$	(170	)
	Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (benefit) and other comprehensive (income) loss	$	(105	)	$	90		$	56		$	(76	)	$	224		$	67		$	(61	)	$	21		$	(179	)
Change in fair value of plan assets	'
	Funded status.    As of October 31, 2013 and 2012, the funded status of the defined benefit and post-retirement benefit plans was:
		U.S. Defined						Non-U.S. Defined						U.S.
		Benefit Plans						Benefit Plans						Post-Retirement
														Benefit Plans
		2013			2012			2013			2011			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Change in fair value of plan assets:
	Fair value — beginning of year	$	654		$	578		$	1,801		$	1,684		$	261		$	258
	Actual return on plan assets	132			65			267			158			47			25
	Employer contributions	30			30			89			54			1			—
	Participants' contributions	—			—			1			—			—			—
	Benefits paid	(34		)	(19		)	(49		)	(46		)	(21		)	(22		)
	Currency impact	—			—			(64		)	(49		)	—			—
	Fair value — end of year	$	782		$	654		$	2,045		$	1,801		$	288		$	261
Change in benefit obligation	'
		U.S. Defined						Non-U.S. Defined						U.S.
		Benefit Plans						Benefit Plans						Post-Retirement
														Benefit Plans
		2012			2011			2012			2011			2012			2011
		(in millions)
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation — beginning of year	$	771		$	637		$	2,117		$	1,830		$	343		$	319
	Service cost	44			40			36			33			4			3
	Interest cost	24			27			68			74			12			15
	Participants' contributions	—			—			1			—			—			—
	Plan amendment	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Actuarial (gain) loss	(41		)	87			85			280			(31		)	28
	Benefits paid	(35		)	(20		)	(49		)	(46		)	(21		)	(22		)
	Curtailments	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Currency impact	—			—			(59		)	(54		)	—			—
	Benefit obligation — end of year	$	763		$	771		$	2,199		$	2,117		$	307		$	343
	Overfunded (underfunded) status of PBO	$	19		$	(117	)	$	(154	)	$	(316	)	$	(19	)	$	(82	)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet	'
		U.S. Defined						Non-U.S. Defined						U.S.
		Benefit Plans						Benefit Plans						Post-Retirement
														Benefit Plans
		2012			2011			2012			2011			2012			2011
		(in millions)
	Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of:
	Other assets	$	34		$	—		$	60		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Employee compensation and benefits	(2		)	(2		)	—			—			—			—
	Retirement and post-retirement benefits	(13		)	(115		)	(214		)	(316		)	(19		)	(82		)
	Net asset (liability)	$	19		$	(117	)	$	(154	)	$	(316	)	$	(19	)	$	(82	)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'
		U.S. Defined						Non-U.S. Defined						U.S.
		Benefit Plans						Benefit Plans						Post-Retirement
														Benefit Plans
		2012			2011			2012			2011			2012			2011
	Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss):
	Actuarial (gains) losses	$	(8	)	$	127		$	525		$	683		$	119		$	194
	Prior service costs (benefits)	(67		)	(79		)	(4		)	(8		)	(183		)	(218		)
	Total	$	(75	)	$	48		$	521		$	675		$	(64	)	$	(24	)
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net expense during the next fiscal year	'
	The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net expense during 2014 are as follows:
		U.S. Defined			Non-U.S. Defined			U.S. Post-Retirement
		Benefit Plans			Benefit Plans			Benefit Plans
		(in millions)
	Amortization of net prior service cost (benefit)	$	(12	)	$	(1	)	$	(35	)
	Amortization of actuarial net loss (gain)	$	(1	)	$	45		$	14
Defined benefit plan assets by fair value hierarchy	'
	The following tables present the fair value of U.S. Defined Benefit Plans assets classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2013 and 2012.
	:
					Fair Value Measurement at
					October 31, 2013 Using
		October 31,			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
		2013			in Active			Other			Unobservable
					Markets for			Observable			Inputs
					Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)
		(in millions)
	Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	8		$	1		$	7		$	—
	Equity	616			191			425			—
	Fixed Income	139			17			122			—
	Other Investments	19			2			—			17
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	782		$	211		$	554		$	17
					Fair Value Measurement
					at October 31, 2012 Using
		October 31,			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
		2012			in Active			Other			Unobservable
					Markets for			Observable			Inputs
					Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)
		(in millions)
	Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	8		$	1		$	7		$	—
	Equity	486			134			352			—
	Fixed Income	137			15			122			—
	Other Investments	23			2			—			21
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	654		$	152		$	481		$	21
	The following tables present the fair value of U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plans assets classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2013 and 2012.
	.
					Fair Value Measurement at
					October 31, 2013 Using
		October 31,			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
		2013			in Active			Other			Unobservable
					Markets for			Observable			Inputs
					Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)
		(in millions)
	Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	5		$	2		$	3		$	—
	Equity	220			68			152			—
	Fixed Income	52			6			46			—
	Other Investments	11			1			—			10
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	288		$	77		$	201		$	10
					Fair Value Measurement
					at October 31, 2012 Using
		October 31,			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
		2012			in Active			Other			Unobservable
					Markets for			Observable			Inputs
					Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)
		(in millions)
	Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	5		$	2		$	3		$	—
	Equity	189			52			137			—
	Fixed Income	54			6			48			—
	Other Investments	13			1			—			12
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	261		$	61		$	188		$	12
	The following tables present the fair value of non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans assets classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2013 and 2012:
					Fair Value Measurement at
					October 31, 2013 Using
		October 31,			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
		2013			in Active			Other			Unobservable
					Markets for			Observable			Inputs
					Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
			(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	(in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	10		$	10		$	—		$	—
Equity	1,078			296			782			—
Fixed Income	919			24			895			—
Other Investments	38			—			38			—
Total assets measured at fair value	$	2,045		$	330		$	1,715		$	—
				Fair Value Measurement
				at October 31, 2012 Using
	October 31,			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
	2012			in Active			Other			Unobservable
				Markets for			Observable			Inputs
				Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
				(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	(in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	3		$	3		$	—		$	—
Equity	861			226			635			—
Fixed Income	900			19			881			—
Other Investments	37			—			37			—
Total assets measured at fair value	$	1,801		$	248		$	1,553		$	—
Defined benefit plans assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (level 3)	'
	For U.S. Defined Benefit Plans assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (level 3), the following table summarizes the change in balances during 2013 and 2012:
		Years Ended
		October 31.
		2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of year	$	21		$	26
	Realized gains	4			3
	Unrealized gains/(losses)	(2		)	(2		)
	Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements	(6		)	(6		)
	Transfers in (out)	—			—
	Balance, end of year	$	17		$	21
	For U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plans assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (level 3), the following table summarizes the change in balances during 2013 and 2012:
		Years Ended
		October 31,
		2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of year	$	12		$	15
	Realized gains	2			2
	Unrealized gains/(losses)	(1		)	(1		)
	Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements	(3		)	(4		)
	Transfers in (out)	—			—
	Balance, end of year	$	10		$	12
Combined projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets	'
	The table below presents the combined projected benefit obligation ("PBO"), accumulated benefit obligation ("ABO") and fair value of plan assets, grouping plans using comparisons of the PBO and ABO relative to the plan assets as of October 31, 2013 or 2012.
		2013						2012
		Benefit						Benefit
		Obligation			Fair Value of			Obligation			Fair Value of
		PBO			Plan Assets			PBO			Plan Assets
		(in millions)
	U.S. defined benefit plans where PBO exceeds the fair value of plan assets	$	15		$	—		$	771		$	654
	U.S. defined benefit plans where fair value of plan assets exceeds PBO	748			782			—			—
	Total	$	763		$	782		$	771		$	654
	Non-U.S. defined benefit plans where PBO exceeds or is equal to the fair value of plan assets	$	1,697		$	1,482		$	2,117		$	1,801
	Non-U.S. defined benefit plans where fair value of plan assets exceeds PBO	502			563			—			—
	Total	$	2,199		$	2,045		$	2,117		$	1,801
		ABO						ABO
	U.S. defined benefit plans where ABO exceeds the fair value of plan assets	$	14		$	—		$	749		$	654
	U.S. defined benefit plans where the fair value of plan assets exceeds ABO	716			782			—			—
	Total	$	730		$	782		$	749		$	654
	Non-U.S. defined benefit plans where ABO exceeds or is equal to the fair value of plan assets	$	1,533		$	1,380		$	2,034		$	1,801
	Non-U.S. defined benefit plans where fair value of plan assets exceeds ABO	590			665			—			—
	Total	$	2,123		$	2,045		$	2,034		$	1,801
Schedule of expected benefit payments	'
	The following table presents expected future benefit payments for the next 10 years.
		U.S. Defined			Non-U.S. Defined			U.S. Post-Retirement
		Benefit Plans			Benefit Plans			Benefit Plans
		(in millions)
	2014	$	41		$	51		$	24
	2015	$	44		$	56		$	24
	2016	$	49		$	60		$	25
	2017	$	56		$	62		$	24
	2018	$	57		$	70		$	24
	2019 - 2023	$	362		$	448		$	116
Assumptions used to calculate the net periodic cost and benefit obligation	'
	Assumptions used to calculate the net periodic cost in each year were as follows:
		For years ended October 31,
		2013		2012	2011
	U.S. defined benefit plans:
	Discount rate	3.25%		4.50%	5.00%
	Average increase in compensation levels	3.50%		3.50%	3.50%
	Expected long-term return on assets	8.00%		8.00%	8.25%
	Non-U.S. defined benefit plans:
	Discount rate	1.50-4.50%		2.00-5.50%	2.00-5.25%
	Average increase in compensation levels	2.50-3.00%		2.50-3.25%	2.50-3.75%
	Expected long-term return on assets	4.00-6.50%		4.00-6.50%	4.00-6.75%
	U.S. post-retirement benefits plans:
	Discount rate	3.50%		4.75%	5.50%
	Expected long-term return on assets	8.00%		8.00%	8.25%
	Current medical cost trend rate	9.00%		9.00%	10.00%
	Ultimate medical cost trend rate	3.50%		4.50%	4.75%
	Medical cost trend rate decreases to ultimate rate in year	2027		2026	2025
	Assumptions used to calculate the benefit obligation were as follows:
		As of the Years Ending October 31,
		2013		2012
	U.S. defined benefit plans:
	Discount rate	4.50%		3.25%
	Average increase in compensation levels	3.50%		3.50%
	Non-U.S. defined benefit plans:
	Discount rate	1.75-4.25%		1.50-4.50%
	Average increase in compensation levels	2.50-3.25%		2.50-3.00%
	U.S. post-retirement benefits plans:
	Discount rate	4.25%		3.50%
	Current medical cost trend rate	9.00%		9.00%
	Ultimate medical cost trend rate	3.50%		3.50%
	Medical cost trend rate decreases to ultimate rate in year	2028		2027

GUARANTEES_Tables

GUARANTEES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Standard Warranty	'
	A summary of the standard warranty accrual activity is shown in the table below. The standard warranty accrual balances are held in other accrued and other long-term liabilities.
		October 31,
		2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Balance as of October 31, 2012 and 2011	$	60		$	50
	Reserve acquired upon close of Dako acquisition	—			1
	Accruals for warranties including change in estimates	92			87
	Settlements made during the period	(83		)	(78		)
	Balance as of October 31, 2013 and 2012	$	69		$	60
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability classification [Table Text Block]	'
	Accruals for warranties due within one year	48			51
	Accruals for warranties due after one year	21			9
	Balance as of October 31, 2013 and 2012	$	69		$	60

LONGTERM_DEBT_Tables

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Interest Rate Swaps pertaining to Senior Notes offered	'
	The following table summarizes the company's long-term senior notes and the related interest rate swaps:
		October 31, 2013						October 31, 2012
		Amortized		Swap		Total		Amortized		Swap		Total
		Principal						Principal
		(in millions)
	2015 Senior Notes	500		12		512		499		18		517
	2017 Senior Notes	599		22		621		599		26		625
	2020 Senior Notes	498		26		524		498		29		527
	2022 Senior Notes	399		—		399		399		—		399
	2023 Senior Notes	597		—		597		—		—		—
	Total	$	2,593	$	60	$	2,653	$	1,995	$	73	$	2,068

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Tables

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	'
	The following table summarizes the components of our accumulated other comprehensive income as of October 31, 2013 and 2012, net of tax effect:
		October 31,
		2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Unrealized gain on equity securities, net of $2 of tax expense for 2013	$	7		$	—
	Foreign currency translation, net of $102 of tax expense for 2013 and 2012	425			424
	Unrealized losses on defined benefit plans, net of tax benefit of $(64) and $(162) for 2013 and 2012, respectively	(341		)	(537		)
	Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net of tax expense of $2 and $3 for 2013 and 2012, respectively	—			2
	Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	91		$	(111	)

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Tables

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment profitability	'
	The profitability of each of the segments is measured after excluding restructuring and asset impairment charges, investment gains and losses, interest income, interest expense, acquisition and integration costs, one-time and pre-separation costs, non-cash amortization and other items as noted in the reconciliations below.
		Life Sciences and Diagnostics			Chemical			Electronic			Total
					Analysis			Measurement			Segments
		(in millions)
	Year ended October 31, 2013:
	Total net revenue	$	2,300		$	1,594		$	2,888		$	6,782
	Income from operations	$	377		$	355		$	544		$	1,276
	Depreciation expense	$	71		$	27		$	83		$	181
	Share-based compensation expense	$	26		$	21		$	38		$	85
	Year ended October 31, 2012:
	Total net revenue	$	1,984		$	1,559		$	3,315		$	6,858
	Income from operations	$	295		$	338		$	751		$	1,384
	Depreciation expense	$	57		$	31		$	83		$	171
	Share-based compensation expense	$	21		$	18		$	37		$	76
	Year ended October 31, 2011:
	Total segment revenue	$	1,792		$	1,518		$	3,316		$	6,626
	Varian acquisition deferred revenue fair value adjustment	$	(4	)	$	(7	)	—			$	(11	)
	Total net revenue	$	1,788		$	1,511		$	3,316		$	6,615
	Income from operations	$	237		$	313		$	760		$	1,310
	Depreciation expense	$	39		$	28		$	75		$	142
	Share-based compensation expense	$	20		$	17		$	36		$	73
Reconciliation of segment results to total enterprise results	'
	The following table reconciles reportable segments' income from operations to Agilent's total enterprise income before taxes:
		Years Ended October 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in millions)
	Total reportable segments' income from operations	$	1,276		$	1,384		$	1,310
	Restructuring related costs	(53		)	—			(2		)
	Acceleration of depreciation for held and used assets	—			(15		)	—
	Asset Impairments	(3		)	(1		)	(9		)
	Transformational programs	(19		)	(25		)	(51		)
	Amortization of intangibles	(199		)	(136		)	(113		)
	Acquisition and integration costs	(29		)	(74		)	(54		)
	Acceleration of share-based compensation expense related to workforce reduction	(3		)	—			—
	One-time and pre-separation costs	(5		)	—			—
	Varian acquisition related fair value adjustments	—			—			(9		)
	Other	(14		)	(14		)	(1		)
	Interest Income	7			9			14
	Interest Expense	(107		)	(101		)	(86		)
	Other income (expense), net	8			16			33
	Income before taxes, as reported	$	859		$	1,043		$	1,032
Assets and capital expenditures directly managed by each segment	'
	The following table presents assets and capital expenditures directly managed by each segment. Unallocated assets primarily consist of cash, cash equivalents, accumulated amortization of other intangibles and other assets.
		Life Sciences and Diagnostics			Chemical			Electronic			Total
					Analysis			Measurement			Segments
		(in millions)
	As of October 31, 2013:
	Assets	$	4,291		$	1,756		$	1,997		$	8,044
	Capital expenditures	$	77		$	30		$	88		$	195
	As of October 31, 2012:
	Assets	$	4,072		$	1,768		$	2,157		$	7,997
	Capital expenditures	$	56		$	32		$	106		$	194
	The following table reconciles segment assets to Agilent's total assets:
		October 31,
		2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Total reportable segments' assets	$	8,044		$	7,997
	Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	2,675			2,351
	Prepaid expenses	198			128
	Investments	139			109
	Long-term and other receivables	162			161
	Other	(532		)	(210		)
	Total assets	$	10,686		$	10,536
Revenue and assets by geographic areas	'
	The following table presents summarized information for net revenue and long-lived assets by geographic region. Revenues from external customers are generally attributed to countries based upon the location of the Agilent sales representative. Long lived assets consist of property, plant, and equipment, long-term receivables and other long-term assets excluding intangible assets. The rest of the world primarily consists of rest of Asia and Europe.
		United			China			Japan			Rest of the			Total
		States									World
		(in millions)
	Net revenue:
	Year ended October 31, 2013	$	2,043		$	1,131		$	628		$	2,980		$	6,782
	Year ended October 31, 2012	$	2,218		$	1,078		$	716		$	2,846		$	6,858
	Year ended October 31, 2011	$	2,016		$	1,035		$	700		$	2,864		$	6,615
		United			Japan			Rest of the			Total
		States						World
		(in millions)
	Long-lived assets:
	October 31, 2013	$	601		$	130		$	715		$	1,446
	31-Oct-12	$	550		$	167		$	645		$	1,362

OVERVIEW_AND_SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIF2

OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

Jun. 21, 2012

16-May-12

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Y

Dako [Member]

Dako [Member]

Dako [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

segment

Y

Machinery and Equipment [Member]

Software Development [Member]

Y

Machinery and Equipment [Member]

Software Development [Member]

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based compensation

$88

$76

$73

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Advertising costs expensed as incurred

44

50

55

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents held outside the U.S.

2,552

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum percentage of accounts receivable a single customer accounts for

'less than 10 percent

'less than 10 percent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee compensation and benefits accrued

158

156

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Hedging contracts general maturity

'12 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business acquisition completion date

'

'

'

21-Jun-12

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business acquisition agreement date

'

'

'

'

16-May-12

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total purchase price

'

'

'

2,143

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash Paid, Directly to Seller

'

'

'

1,400

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash Paid, Settlement of Debt

'

'

'

743

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign currency translation net gain (Ioss)

-6

-19

-1

'

'

-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long -Lived Assets [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Lease Term Range Minimum

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Lease Term Range Maximum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20

'

'

Lease renewal options

6

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'3 years

'

'10 years

'5 years

Financing Receivable, Net

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

operating lease net assets

35

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finite Lived Intangible Assets Useful Life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'6 months

'

'

'15 years

'

'

Number of operating segments

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill, Impairment Loss

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived

1

1

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of our long-term debt exceeeds the carrying value

$112

$210

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ACQUISITIONS_Acquisition_of_Da

ACQUISITIONS Acquisition of Dako (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended		4 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Jun. 21, 2012	16-May-12	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jun. 21, 2012
				Dako [Member]	Dako [Member]	Dako [Member]	Dako [Member]	Dako [Member]	Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
									Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
									Dako [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business acquisition completion date	'	'	'	21-Jun-12	'	'	'	'	'
Business acquisition agreement date	'	'	'	'	16-May-12	'	'	'	'
Net Revenue of Dako since Acquisition Date	'	'	'	'	'	$126	'	'	'
Net Loss of Dako since Acquisition Date	'	'	'	'	'	37	'	'	'
Total purchase price	'	'	'	2,143	'	'	'	'	'
Cash Paid, Directly to Seller	'	'	'	1,400	'	'	'	'	'
Cash Paid, Settlement of Debt	'	'	'	743	'	'	'	'	'
Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,700
Loss on settlement recorded in other income (expense)	14	'	'	'	'	'	14	'	'
Deferred tax liability for future amortization of intangibles	'	'	'	185	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated cost to complete in process research and development	'	'	'	49	'	'	'	'	'
Total Purchase Price	'	'	'	'	'	'	15	15	'
Purchase Price Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'	11	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	'	'	'	96	'	'	'	'	'
Inventories	'	'	'	90	'	'	'	'	'
Other current assets	'	'	'	5	'	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'	146	'	'	'	'	'
Long term investments	'	'	'	11	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets	'	'	'	738	'	'	'	'	'
Other assets	'	'	'	13	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	3,047	3,025	1,567	1,382	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets acquired	'	'	'	2,492	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	'	'	'	-24	'	'	'	'	'
Employee compensation and benefits	'	'	'	-24	'	'	'	'	'
Other accrued liabilities	'	'	'	-47	'	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'	-43	'	'	'	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	'	'	'	-211	'	'	'	'	'
Net assets acquired	'	'	'	2,143	'	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,100	6,976	'
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,145	$909	'
Net income per share - basic	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3.29	$2.62	'
Net income per share - diluted	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3.24	$2.56	'

ACQUISITIONS_Dako_Acquired_Int

ACQUISITIONS Dako Acquired Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Jun. 21, 2012
Dako [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Total intangible assets subject to amortization	'	$555
In-process research and development	'	183
Intangible Assets	'	738
Developed product technology | Dako [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Total intangible assets subject to amortization	'	287
Customer Relationships [Member] | Dako [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Total intangible assets subject to amortization	'	140
Estimated useful life (years)	'4 years	'
Trademarks/Trade Name [Member] | Dako [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Total intangible assets subject to amortization	'	$128
Estimated useful life (years)	'12 years	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated useful life (years)	'6 months	'
Minimum [Member] | Developed product technology | Dako [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated useful life (years)	'8 years	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated useful life (years)	'15 years	'
Maximum [Member] | Developed product technology | Dako [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated useful life (years)	'9 years	'

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Genera

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION General Disclosures (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Employee stock purchase plan [Abstract]	'	'	'
Compensation percentage maximum eligible contribution to purchase shares of common stock	10.00%	'	'
ESPP eligible employee common stock purchase price ratio	85.00%	'	'
Automatic annual increase in shares authorized for issuance in ESPP, without the Board of Directors determined amount, percentage (in hundredths)	1.00%	'	'
Maximum number of shares issued under the ESPP (in shares)	75,000,000	'	'
ESPP Employee purchased shares (in shares)	1,454,724	1,405,774	1,205,431
ESPP employee purchases	$48	$47	$43
Common stock shares authorized and available for issuance under our ESPP (in shares)	37,709,692	'	'
Aggregate participant contributions	$23	'	'
Incentive compensation plans [Abstract]	'	'	'
Common stock issuable under the 2009 Plan (in shares)	25,000,000	'	'
Term of the 2009 Stock Plan (in years)	'ten years	'	'
Common stock available for future awards under the 2009 Stock Plan (in shares)	12,522,185	'	'
Percentage which rate options generally vest per year (in hundredths)	25.00%	'	'
Number of years from the date of grant generally vest (in years)	'4 years	'	'
Maximum contractual term (in years)	'10 years	'	'
Percentage market value of the common stock option exercise price is generally not less than (in hundredths)	100.00%	'	'
Minimum final share award percentage of the target award based on performance metrics (in hundredths)	0.00%	'	'
Maximum final share award percentage of the target award based on performance metrics (in hundredths)	200.00%	'	'
Time period after which participants of the performance stock award plan are entitled to receive unrestricted share of the company's stock, if specified performance targets are met	'3 years	'	'
Percentage rate restricted stock units generally vest per year (in hundredths)	25.00%	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vesting Period By Year	'4 years	'	'

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Alloca

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Allocated Share-based compensation expense (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	$88	$76	$73
Windfall income tax benifit realized from excercised from stock options and similar awards	2	0	0
Weighted per share average grant date fair value of options granted (per share)	$12.18	$13.69	$12.48
Incremental expense for the acceleration of share-based compensation related to the announced workforce reduction plan	3	0	0
Time period which employees have to exercise options related to the workforce reduction before such options are cancelled (in months)	'3 months	'	'
Cost of Products and Services [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	20	16	16
Research and Development [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	12	10	10
Selling, General, and Administrative [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	$56	$50	$47

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Fair_V

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Fair Value Assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted average risk-free interest rate (in hundredths)	0.86%	0.88%	1.49%
Dividend yield (in hundredths)	1.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Weighted average volatility (in hundredths)	39.00%	38.00%	35.00%
Expected life (in years)	'5 years 9 months 18 days	'5 years 9 months 18 days	'5 years 9 months 18 days
Prior maximum exercise period, retirement eligible employees (in years)	'3 years	'	'
New maximum exercise period, retirement eligible employees (in years)	'10 years	'	'
LTPP [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Volatility of Agilent shares (in hundredths)	37.00%	41.00%	40.00%
Volatility of selected peer-company shares minimum (in hundredths)	6.00%	17.00%	20.00%
Volatility of selected peer-company shares maximum (in hundredths)	64.00%	75.00%	76.00%
Price-wise correlation with selected peers (in hundredths)	49.00%	62.00%	55.00%

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Stock_

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Stock Option Activity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Outstanding, beginning balance (in shares)	12,077	'	'
Granted (in shares)	1,596	'	'
Exercised (in shares)	-4,037	'	'
Options Cancelled/Forfeited/Expired (in shares)	-27	'	'
Outstanding, ending balance (in shares)	9,609	12,077	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Weighted-average exercise price per share, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$30	'	'
Weighted-average exercise price per share, granted (in dollars per share)	$36	'	'
Weighted-average exercise price per share, exercised (in dollars per share)	$28	$23	$27
Weighted-average exercise price per share, cancelled, expired and forfeited (in dollars per shares)	$17	'	'
Weighted-average exercise price per share, end of period (in dollars per share)	$32	'	'
Forfeited and expired options from total cancellations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Forfeited (in shares)	0	'	'
Expired (in shares)	27	'	'
Options Cancelled/Forfeited/Expired (in shares)	27	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options forfeited and expired, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Weighted-average exercise price per share, forfeited (in dollars per share)	$0	'	'
Weighted-average exercise price per share, expired (in dollars per share)	$17	'	'
Weighted-average exercise price per share, total options cancelled (in dollars per share)	$17	'	'

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Shares

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Shares Authorized by Exercise Price Range (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
	Y
Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	9,609,000	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'5 years 1 month 6 days	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$32	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$181,030,000	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	6,069,000	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'3 years 4 months 24 days	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$30	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	126,933,000	'	'
Closing stock price basis for aggregate intrinsic value (in dollars per share)	$50.76	'	'
In-the-money awards exercisable (in shares)	6,000,000	'	'
Aggregate instrinsic value of options [Abstract]	'	'	'
Options exercised in period aggregate intrinsic value	71,499,000	38,188,000	164,738,000
Options exercised in period aggregate weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$28	$23	$27
Black-Scholes valuation of options granted in the period (in dollars per share)	$12.18	$13.69	$12.48
Unrecognized share-based compensation costs for outstanding stock option awards, net of expected foreitures	13,000,000	'	'
Weighted-average period unrecognized share-based compensation costs for outstanding stock option awards, expected amortization period (in years)	2.2	'	'
Amount of cash received from the exercise of share-based awards granted	161,000,000	100,000,000	304,000,000
Range of Exercise Prices - $0 - $25 [Member]	'	'	'
Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]	'	'	'
Minimum price of options outstanding, end of the period (in dollars per share)	$0	'	'
Maximum price of options outstanding, end of the period (in dollars per share)	$25	'	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	1,507,000	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'2 years 4 months 24 days	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$20	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	45,750,000	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	1,507,000	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'2 years 4 months 24 days	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$20	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	45,750,000	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices - $25.01 - $30 [Member]	'	'	'
Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]	'	'	'
Minimum price of options outstanding, end of the period (in dollars per share)	$25.01	'	'
Maximum price of options outstanding, end of the period (in dollars per share)	$30	'	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	1,051,000	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'5 years 10 months 24 days	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$29	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	22,418,000	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	691,000	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'5 years 9 months 18 days	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$29	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	14,727,000	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices - $30.01 - $40 [Member]	'	'	'
Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]	'	'	'
Minimum price of options outstanding, end of the period (in dollars per share)	$30.01	'	'
Maximum price of options outstanding, end of the period (in dollars per share)	$40	'	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	7,045,000	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'5 years 7 months 6 days	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$35	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	112,829,000	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	3,870,000	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'3 years 4 months 24 days	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$34	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	66,448,000	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices $40.01 & over [Member]	'	'	'
Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]	'	'	'
Minimum price of options outstanding, end of the period (in dollars per share)	$40.01	'	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	6,000	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'8 years 4 months 24 days	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$45	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	33,000	'	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	1,000	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'8 years 4 months 24 days	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$45	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$8,000	'	'

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Nonves

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Non-vested award activity disclosure (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
	Y
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Non-vested beginning (in shares)	3,514	'	'
Granted (in shares)	1,394	'	'
Vested (in shares)	-1,251	'	'
Forfeited (in shares)	-76	'	'
Change in LTPP shares vested in the year due to performance conditions	-35	'	'
Non-vested ending (in shares)	3,546	3,514	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Non-vested at October 31, 2012 -Weighted Average Grant Price (in dollars per share)	$35	'	'
Granted - Weighted Average Grant Price (in dollars per share)	$38	'	'
Vested- Weighted Average Grant Price (in dollars per share)	$35	'	'
Foreited- Weighted Average Grant Price (in dollars per share)	$38	'	'
Change in LTPP shares vested in the year due to performance conditions Fair Value	$36	'	'
Non-vested at October 31, 2013 -Weighted Average Grant Price (in dollars per share)	$37	'	'
Unrecognized share-based compensation costs for non-vested restricted stock awards, net of expected forfeitures	$54	'	'
Weighted-average period non-vested restricted stock awards are expected to be amortized over (in years)	2.2	'	'
Total fair value of restricted stock awards vested	$44	$54	$43

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
U.S. operations	'	$39,000,000	$45,000,000	$88,000,000
Non-U.S. operations	'	820,000,000	998,000,000	944,000,000
Income before taxes	'	859,000,000	1,043,000,000	1,032,000,000
Provision (benefit) for income taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
U.S. federal taxes - current	'	24,000,000	6,000,000	-1,000,000
U.S. federal taxes - deferred	'	48,000,000	-144,000,000	0
Non-U.S. taxes - current	'	77,000,000	41,000,000	-6,000,000
Non-U.S. taxes - deferred	'	-24,000,000	-22,000,000	28,000,000
State taxes, net of federal benefit - current	'	3,000,000	1,000,000	-11,000,000
State taxes, net of federal benefit - deferred	'	7,000,000	8,000,000	10,000,000
Total provision	'	135,000,000	-110,000,000	20,000,000
Deferred tax assets: [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Inventory	'	32,000,000	24,000,000	'
Intangibles	'	0	0	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	18,000,000	11,000,000	'
Warranty reserves	'	25,000,000	21,000,000	'
Retiree medical benefits	'	0	5,000,000	'
Pension benefits	'	42,000,000	136,000,000	'
Employee benefits, other than retirement	'	57,000,000	60,000,000	'
Net operating loss capital loss and credit carryforwards	'	263,000,000	293,000,000	'
Unrealized gains/losses on investments	'	24,000,000	26,000,000	'
Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	'	0	0	'
Share-based compensation	'	54,000,000	57,000,000	'
Deferred revenue	'	27,000,000	27,000,000	'
Other	'	36,000,000	51,000,000	'
Subtotal	'	578,000,000	711,000,000	'
Tax valuation allowance	'	-85,000,000	-93,000,000	'
Total deferred tax assets	'	493,000,000	618,000,000	'
Deferred tax liabilities: [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Inventory	'	0	0	'
Intangibles	'	214,000,000	239,000,000	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	0	0	'
Warranty reserves	'	0	0	'
Retiree medical benefits	'	0	0	'
Pension benefits	'	'	0	'
Employee benefits, other than retirement	'	0	0	'
Net operating loss capital loss and credit carryforwards	'	0	0	'
Unrealized gains/loss on investments	'	0	0	'
Unremmitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	'	114,000,000	88,000,000	'
Share-based compensation	'	0	0	'
Deferred revenue	'	0	0	'
Other	'	3,000,000	1,000,000	'
Subtotal	'	331,000,000	328,000,000	'
Tax valuation allowance	'	0	0	'
Total deferred tax liabilities	'	331,000,000	328,000,000	'
The cumulative amount of undistributed earnings considered indefinitely reinvested	'	6,100,000,000	'	'
Current and long term Deferred tax assets and liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Current deferred tax assets (included within other current assets)	'	115,000,000	95,000,000	'
Long-term deferred tax assets (included within other assets)	'	264,000,000	400,000,000	'
Current deferred tax liabilities (included within other accrued liabilities)	'	-4,000,000	-2,000,000	'
Long-term deferred tax liabilities (included within other long-term liabilities)	'	-213,000,000	-203,000,000	'
Total	'	162,000,000	290,000,000	'
Federal net operating loss carryforwards	'	22,000,000	'	'
Tax credit carryforwards	'	113,000,000	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Date Range	'	'beginning 2021 through 2026	'	'
Tax credit carryforward expiration date	'	'begin to expire in 2018	'	'
State net operating loss carryforwards	'	161,000,000	'	'
State Operating Loss Carryforward, Expiration Dates	'	'beginning 2014 through 2031	'	'
State tax credit carryforwards that do not expire	'	26,000,000	'	'
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards	'	472,000,000	'	'
Portion of this foreign loss which will expire in years beginning 2013 through 2022	'	237,000,000	'	'
Balance of this foreign loss with an indefinite life	'	235,000,000	'	'
Unrecognized deferred tax benefits	'	150,000,000	'	'
Cumulative excess tax benefits realized from share-based awards	'	68,000,000	'	'
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Profit before tax times statutory rate	'	-301,000,000	-365,000,000	-361,000,000
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	'	7,000,000	8,000,000	-1,000,000
Non-U.S. income taxed at different rates	'	-162,000,000	-144,000,000	-153,000,000
Change in previously unrecognized non-US tax benefits	'	0	-68,000,000	-97,000,000
Valuation allowances	'	-8,000,000	-280,000,000	-84,000,000
Other, net	'	-3,000,000	9,000,000	-6,000,000
Total provision	'	135,000,000	-110,000,000	20,000,000
Effective tax rate (in hundredths)	'	16.00%	-11.00%	2.00%
Out of period adjustment to tax expense	12,000,000	'	'	'
Impact of the tax holidays decreased in income taxes	'	127,000,000	122,000,000	127,000,000
The benefit of the tax holidays on net income per share (diluted)	'	$0.37	$0.35	$0.36
Net tax benefit primarily associated with refund in Canada	'	'	'	97,000,000
Net tax benefit includes adjustment to reduce carry value for certain UK deferred tax assets	'	'	'	26,000,000
Income Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Current income tax assets (included within other current assets)	'	42,000,000	65,000,000	'
Long-term income tax assets (included within other assets)	'	34,000,000	49,000,000	'
Current income tax liabilities (included within other accrued liabilities)	'	-48,000,000	-115,000,000	'
Long-term income tax liabilities ( included within other long-term liabilities	'	-341,000,000	-320,000,000	'
Total	'	-313,000,000	-321,000,000	'
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	'	464,000,000	469,000,000	656,000,000
Additions for acquisitions	'	0	0	0
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	'	53,000,000	56,000,000	41,000,000
Additions for tax positions from prior years	'	11,000,000	40,000,000	18,000,000
Reductions for tax positions from prior years	'	-6,000,000	-90,000,000	-170,000,000
Settlements with taxing authorities	'	-3,000,000	-2,000,000	-67,000,000
Statute of limitations expirations	'	-3,000,000	-9,000,000	-9,000,000
Balance, end of year	'	516,000,000	464,000,000	469,000,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	'	499,000,000	'	'
Interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits recognized	'	5,000,000	-4,000,000	14,000,000
Interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits accrued and reported	'	$39,000,000	$34,000,000	'
Tax years still open to audit in US	'	'2006	'	'

NET_INCOME_LOSS_PER_SHARE_Deta

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Numerator: [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net income	$724	$1,153	$1,012
Denominators: [Abstract]	'	'	'
Basic weighted average shares	341,000,000	348,000,000	347,000,000
Potentially dilutive common stock equivalents - stock options and other employeee stock plans	4,000,000	5,000,000	8,000,000
Diluted weighted average shares	345,000,000	353,000,000	355,000,000
Total number of share-based awards issued (in shares)	6,000,000	5,000,000	12,000,000
Options with exercise price greater than average market price [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from EPS computation	'	'	'
Antidilutive shares excluded from eps computation (in shares)	4,200	436,500	554,000
Stock Options, LTPP and restricted stock combined exercise price, unamortized fair value, excess tax benefits or shortfalls greater than average market price [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from EPS computation	'	'	'
Antidilutive shares excluded from eps computation (in shares)	18,300	1,544,600	115,200

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA1

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net cash paid for income taxes	$110	$86	$22
Cash paid for interest	$112	$111	$95

INVENTORY_Details

INVENTORY (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Inventory, Net [Abstract]	'	'	'
Finished goods	$552	$509	'
Purchased parts and fabricated assemblies	514	505	'
Inventory	1,066	1,014	'
Inventory-related excess and obsolescence charges	$48	$30	$30

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_N2

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acceleration of depreciation for held and used assets	$0	$15	$0
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Land	131	142	'
Buildings and leasehold improvements	1,330	1,475	'
Machinery and equipment	1,019	882	'
Software	398	383	'
Total property, plant and equipment	2,878	2,882	'
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-1,744	-1,718	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,134	1,164	'
Asset impairments other than restructuring	3	0	7
Depreciation expense	$181	$171	$142

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Roll forward (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Goodwill - Rollforward	'	'
Beginning Balance	$3,025	$1,567
Foreign currency translation impact	6	6
Goodwill arising from acquisitions	16	1,452
Ending Balance	3,047	3,025
Life Sciences and Diagnostics [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
goodwill transferred from one segment to other	4	'
Goodwill - Rollforward	'	'
Beginning Balance	1,807	363
Foreign currency translation impact	63	25
Goodwill arising from acquisitions	13	1,419
Ending Balance	1,883	1,807
Chemical Analysis [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
goodwill transferred from one segment to other	5	'
Goodwill - Rollforward	'	'
Beginning Balance	751	760
Foreign currency translation impact	-10	-10
Goodwill arising from acquisitions	4	1
Ending Balance	745	751
Electronic Measurement [Member]	'	'
Goodwill - Rollforward	'	'
Beginning Balance	467	444
Foreign currency translation impact	-47	-9
Goodwill arising from acquisitions	-1	32
Ending Balance	$419	$467

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_3

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Disclosures and Components of Other Intangibles (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	$1,610	$1,422
Accumulated Amortization	729	529
Total amortizable intangible assets	881	893
Gross Book Value	1,645	1,615
In-Process R&D	35	193
Net Book Value	916	1,086
Purchased technology	'	'
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	1,019	849
Accumulated Amortization	460	333
Net Book Value	559	516
Backlog [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	14	14
Accumulated Amortization	14	14
Net Book Value	0	0
Trademarks/Trade Name [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	176	168
Accumulated Amortization	40	27
Net Book Value	136	141
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	401	391
Accumulated Amortization	215	155
Net Book Value	$186	$236

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_4

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Finite-Lived Assets and Future Amortization Expense (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
	acquisition	acquisition
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$0	$0	$0
Goodwill arising from acquisitions	16	1,452	'
Number of acquisitions or business purchases	4	10	'
Additions and adjustments to other intangibles	5	786	'
Foreign exchange translation impact to other intangible assets	25	8	'
In-process research and development decrease	158	183	'
Impairment of other intangibles related to cancellation of IPRD project	1	'	'
Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]	'	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets during the period	199	136	111
Future amortization expense for 2014	194	'	'
Future amortization expense for 2015	181	'	'
Future amortization expense for 2016	154	'	'
Future amortization expense for 2017	106	'	'
Future amortization expense for 2018	70	'	'
Future amortization thereafter	$176	'	'

INVESTMENTS_Details

INVESTMENTS (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2001	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2002
		funds
Short-Term [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Cost method investments	'	$0	$11	'	'
Long-Term [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Cost method investments	'	44	59	'	'
Trading securities	'	51	50	'	'
Available-for-sale investments	'	25	0	'	'
Equity Method Investments	'	19	0	'	'
Total	'	139	109	'	'
Number of special funds included in cost method investments	'	2	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	0	'	'	'
Amounts included in other income (expense), net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale investments - realized gain	'	1	2	6	'
Equity method investments - share of losses	'	-2	0	0	'
Net unrealized gains and losses on trading securities	'	8	5	1	'
Realized gains from the sale of cost method securities	'	0	2	0	'
Proceeds from Sale of cost method investments	'	11	'	'	'
Investments in Leases [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Initial proceeds from sale of land	287	'	'	'	'
Prepaid rent received, leasehold interest	'	'	'	'	237
Terminated leasehold interest in municipal properties	'	80	'	'	'
Recognized loss from termination of leashold interests in municipal properties	'	2	'	'	'
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Cost	'	15	'	'	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	'	10	'	'	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	0	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	'	$25	'	'	'

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Fair_v

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS, Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets, Short-term [Abstract]	'	'
Cash equivalents (money market funds)	$1,968	$1,834
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange and interest rate swap contracts)	7	7
Assets, Long-term [Abstract]	'	'
Trading securities	51	50
Available-for-sale investments	25	'
Total assets measured at fair value	2,051	1,891
Liabilities, Short-term [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)	6	6
Liabilities, Long-term [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred compensation liability	51	48
Total liabilities measured at fair value	57	54
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Assets, Short-term [Abstract]	'	'
Cash equivalents (money market funds)	1,968	1,834
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange and interest rate swap contracts)	0	0
Assets, Long-term [Abstract]	'	'
Trading securities	51	50
Available-for-sale investments	25	'
Total assets measured at fair value	2,044	1,884
Liabilities, Short-term [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)	0	0
Liabilities, Long-term [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred compensation liability	0	0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Assets, Short-term [Abstract]	'	'
Cash equivalents (money market funds)	0	0
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange and interest rate swap contracts)	7	7
Assets, Long-term [Abstract]	'	'
Trading securities	0	0
Available-for-sale investments	0	'
Total assets measured at fair value	7	7
Liabilities, Short-term [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)	6	6
Liabilities, Long-term [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred compensation liability	51	48
Total liabilities measured at fair value	57	54
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Assets, Short-term [Abstract]	'	'
Cash equivalents (money market funds)	0	0
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange and interest rate swap contracts)	0	0
Assets, Long-term [Abstract]	'	'
Trading securities	0	0
Available-for-sale investments	0	'
Total assets measured at fair value	0	0
Liabilities, Short-term [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)	0	0
Liabilities, Long-term [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred compensation liability	0	0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$0	$0

Recovered_Sheet1

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS, Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Carrying amount [Member]	'	'
Long -Lived Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Long-lived assets held and used	$2	$1
Long-lived assets held for sale	3	'
Fair value [Member]	'	'
Long -Lived Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Long-lived assets held and used	0	0
Long-lived assets held for sale	2	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]	'	'
Long -Lived Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Impairment of long-lived assets held and used	2	1
Impairment of long-lived assets held for sale	$1	$0

DERIVATIVES_Details

DERIVATIVES (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 01, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Jun. 06, 2011

Oct. 31, 2013

Nov. 25, 2008

Oct. 31, 2013

Aug. 09, 2011

Oct. 31, 2013

Jun. 21, 2012

Aug. 09, 2011

Jun. 06, 2011

Nov. 25, 2008

contracts

Forward Contracts Buy/(Sell) [Member]

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]

Treasury Lock [Member]

Senior Notes 2015 [Member]

Senior Notes 2015 [Member]

Senior Notes 2017 [Member]

Senior Notes 2017 [Member]

Senior Notes 2020 [Member]

Senior Notes 2020 [Member]

Dako [Member]

Dako [Member]

Senior Notes 2020 [Member]

Senior Notes 2015 [Member]

Senior Notes 2017 [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Forward Contracts Buy/(Sell) [Member]

Option Contracts Buy/(Sell) [Member]

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]

contracts

contracts

contracts

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Terminated Interest Rate Swaps

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Interest Rate Swap Contracts Designated as Fair Value Hedges Terminated

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5

5

2

Notional Amount of Terminated Interest Rate Swaps

'

'

'

'

'

'

$500

'

$400

'

$500

'

'

$500

$500

$400

Asset Value of Terminated Interest Rate Swaps

'

'

'

'

'

'

31

'

43

'

34

'

'

34

31

43

Terminated Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Asset Unamortized Amount

'

'

'

'

'

12

'

22

'

26

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative, Notional Amount

'

261

-18

-97

400

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,700

'

'

'

Loss on settlement recorded in other income (expense)

14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14

'

'

'

'

Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value

$3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Contracts [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number Of Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts Designated As Cash Flow Hedge

151

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number Of Foreign Exchange Option Contracts Designated As Cash Flow Hedge

19

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number Of Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts Not Designated As Hedges

170

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

DERIVATIVES_Disclosures_and_de

DERIVATIVES, Disclosures and derivative instrument aggregated notional amounts by currency and designations (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Forward Contracts Buy/(Sell) [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Euro - Buy	$243
British Pound - Buy	2
Canadian Dollar - Buy	0
Australian Dollar - Buy	9
Malaysian Ringgit - Buy	14
Japanese Yen - Buy	3
Other Currency - Sell	-10
Derivative, Notional Amount	261
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Forward Contracts Buy/(Sell) [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Euro - Sell	70
Japanese Yen - Sell	6
Other Currency - Buy	5
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Forward Contracts Buy/(Sell) [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Euro - Sell	-23
British Pound - Sell	-17
Canadian Dollar - Sell	-37
Australian Dollar - Buy	11
Malaysian Ringgit - Buy	113
Japanese Yen - Sell	-56
Other Currency - Sell	-9
Derivative, Notional Amount	-18
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Option Contracts Buy/(Sell) [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Euro - Buy	0
British Pound - Buy	0
Canadian Dollar - Buy	0
Australian Dollar - Buy	0
Malaysian Ringgit - Buy	0
Japanese Yen - Sell	-97
Other Currency - Buy	0
Derivative, Notional Amount	($97)

DERIVATIVES_Fair_value_of_deri

DERIVATIVES, Fair value of derivative instruments and Consolidated Balance Sheet location (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value	$7	$7
Derivative Liability, Fair Value	6	6
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value	4	4
Derivative Liability, Fair Value	4	2
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value	3	3
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Other Accrued Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value	2	4
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value	4	4
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Other Accrued Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value	4	2
Fair Value Hedges [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member] | Other Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value Hedges [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value Hedges [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member] | Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value Hedges [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member] | Other Accrued Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value	$0	$0

DERIVATIVES_Effect_of_derivati

DERIVATIVES, Effect of derivative instruments on Consolidated Statement of Operations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months	$1	'	'
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Other income (expense) [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain (loss) recognized in income statement	7	-34	13
Fair Value Hedges [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	0	3	-3
Fair Value Hedges [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap Contracts [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	0	0	27
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	13	8	-5
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	10	7	0
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Treasury Lock [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	$0	$3	$0

RESTRUCTURING_Details

RESTRUCTURING (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
		Employee
A summary of the charges in the consolidated statement of operations resulting from all restructuring plans	'	'	'	'
Income statement expense	'	$53	$0	$2
Ending Balance	'	24	'	'
Restructuring and Related Cost, Positions Eliminated [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated, Period Percent	2.00%	'	'	'
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated	'	700	'	'
Summary Of Charges Income Resulting From All Restructuring Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Cost of products and services	'	19	'	'
Research and development	'	9	'	'
Selling, general and administrative	'	25	'	'
Total restructuring	'	53	'	'
Targeted Restructuring Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and Related Cost, Positions Eliminated [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated	'	250	'	'
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated	'	450	'	'
Manufacturing Streamlining [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and Related Cost, Positions Eliminated [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated	'	100	'	'
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated	'	250	'	'
Workforce Reduction [Member]	'	'	'	'
A summary of the charges in the consolidated statement of operations resulting from all restructuring plans	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	0	'	'
Income statement expense	'	53	'	'
Cash payments	'	-29	'	'
Ending Balance	'	$24	'	'

RETIREMENT_PLANS_AND_POST_RETI2

RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS, Components (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets of the DPSP for US employees	$552	$534	'
Defined benefit obligation for DPSP for US Employees	552	534	'
Percentage maximum of an employees annual eligible compensation in the 401(k) plan (in hundredths)	4.00%	'	'
The amount of 401(k) plan expense included in income from operations	25	25	24
Maximum contribution percentage of an employee's annual eligible compensation (in hundredths)	50.00%	'	'
Accumulated Prospective Benefit Obligation	194	'	'
United States Pension Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	44	40	42
Interest cost on benefit obligation	24	27	28
Expected return on plan assets	-51	-46	-44
Amortization of net actuarial loss	13	7	4
Amortization of prior service benefit	-12	-12	-12
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)	18	16	18
Curtailments and settlements	0	0	-1
Total periodic benefit cost (benefit)	18	16	17
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net actuarial (gain) loss	-122	69	31
Amortization of net actuarial loss	-13	-7	-4
Prior service cost (benefit)	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service benefit	12	12	12
Foreign currency	0	0	0
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss	-123	74	39
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (benefit) and other comprehensive (income) loss	-105	90	56
Change in fair value of plan assets: [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	654	578	'
Actual return on plan assets	132	65	'
Employer contributions	30	30	'
Participants' contributions	0	0	'
Benefits paid	-34	-19	'
Currency impact	0	0	'
Balance, end of year	782	654	578
Change in benefit obligation: [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	771	637	'
Service cost	44	40	'
Interest cost	24	27	28
Participants' contributions	0	0	'
Plan amendment	0	0	'
Actuarial (gain) loss	-41	87	'
Benefits paid	-35	-20	'
Curtailments	0	0	'
Currency impact	0	0	'
Balance, end of year	763	771	637
Funded status of plan [Abstract]	'	'	'
Funded status of plan	19	-117	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	36	33	32
Interest cost on benefit obligation	68	74	72
Expected return on plan assets	-97	-92	-94
Amortization of net actuarial loss	55	42	40
Amortization of prior service benefit	-1	-1	-1
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)	61	56	49
Curtailments and settlements	0	0	0
Total periodic benefit cost (benefit)	61	56	49
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net actuarial (gain) loss	-85	214	40
Amortization of net actuarial loss	-55	-42	-40
Prior service cost (benefit)	0	0	6
Amortization of prior service benefit	1	1	1
Foreign currency	2	-5	11
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss	-137	168	18
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (benefit) and other comprehensive (income) loss	-76	224	67
Change in fair value of plan assets: [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	1,801	1,684	'
Actual return on plan assets	267	158	'
Employer contributions	89	54	'
Participants' contributions	1	0	'
Benefits paid	-49	-46	'
Currency impact	-64	-49	'
Balance, end of year	2,045	1,801	1,684
Change in benefit obligation: [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	2,117	1,830	'
Service cost	36	33	'
Interest cost	68	74	72
Participants' contributions	1	0	'
Plan amendment	0	0	'
Actuarial (gain) loss	85	280	'
Benefits paid	-49	-46	'
Curtailments	0	0	'
Currency impact	-59	-54	'
Balance, end of year	2,199	2,117	1,830
Funded status of plan [Abstract]	'	'	'
Funded status of plan	-154	-316	'
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	4	3	3
Interest cost on benefit obligation	12	15	21
Expected return on plan assets	-20	-19	-21
Amortization of net actuarial loss	18	16	14
Amortization of prior service benefit	-35	-35	-26
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)	-21	-20	-9
Curtailments and settlements	0	0	0
Total periodic benefit cost (benefit)	-21	-20	-9
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net actuarial (gain) loss	-57	22	12
Amortization of net actuarial loss	-18	-16	-14
Prior service cost (benefit)	0	0	-194
Amortization of prior service benefit	35	35	26
Foreign currency	0	0	0
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss	-40	41	-170
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (benefit) and other comprehensive (income) loss	-61	21	-179
Change in fair value of plan assets: [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	261	258	'
Actual return on plan assets	47	25	'
Employer contributions	1	0	'
Participants' contributions	0	0	'
Benefits paid	-21	-22	'
Currency impact	0	0	'
Balance, end of year	288	261	258
Change in benefit obligation: [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	343	319	'
Service cost	4	3	'
Interest cost	12	15	21
Participants' contributions	0	0	'
Plan amendment	0	0	'
Actuarial (gain) loss	-31	28	'
Benefits paid	-21	-22	'
Curtailments	0	0	'
Currency impact	0	0	'
Balance, end of year	307	343	319
Funded status of plan [Abstract]	'	'	'
Funded status of plan	($19)	($82)	'

RETIREMENT_PLANS_AND_POST_RETI3

RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS, Financial Statement Location (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
United States Pension Plans [Member]	'	'
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet [Abstract]	'	'
Other assets	$34	$0
Employee compensation and benefits	-2	-2
Retirement and post-retirement benefits	-13	-115
Net asset (liability)	19	-117
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss): [Abstract]	'	'
Actuarial (gains) losses	8	-127
Prior service costs (benefits)	-67	-79
Total	-75	48
Accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net expense during the next fiscal year [Abstract]	'	'
Amortization of net prior service cost (benefit)	-12	'
Amortization of actuarial net loss (gain)	-1	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member]	'	'
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet [Abstract]	'	'
Other assets	60	0
Employee compensation and benefits	0	0
Retirement and post-retirement benefits	-214	-316
Net asset (liability)	-154	-316
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss): [Abstract]	'	'
Actuarial (gains) losses	-525	-683
Prior service costs (benefits)	-4	-8
Total	521	675
Accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net expense during the next fiscal year [Abstract]	'	'
Amortization of net prior service cost (benefit)	-1	'
Amortization of actuarial net loss (gain)	45	'
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet [Abstract]	'	'
Other assets	0	0
Employee compensation and benefits	0	0
Retirement and post-retirement benefits	-19	-82
Net asset (liability)	-19	-82
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss): [Abstract]	'	'
Actuarial (gains) losses	-119	-194
Prior service costs (benefits)	-183	-218
Total	-64	-24
Accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net expense during the next fiscal year [Abstract]	'	'
Amortization of net prior service cost (benefit)	-35	'
Amortization of actuarial net loss (gain)	$14	'

RETIREMENT_PLANS_AND_POST_RETI4

RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS, Target Allocations (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Real Estate Investment [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets, minimum range	0.00%	'	'
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets, maximum range	6.00%	'	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Cash [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets, minimum range	0.00%	'	'
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets, maximum range	7.00%	'	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets, minimum range	40.00%	'	'
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets, maximum range	60.00%	'	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets, minimum range	37.00%	'	'
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets, maximum range	60.00%	'	'
Deferred Profit Sharing [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets	40.00%	40.00%	40.00%
Deferred Profit Sharing [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets	60.00%	60.00%	60.00%
United States Pension Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Us Portfolio Equity Securities Percentage Of Alternative Investments	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
United States Pension Plans [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets	20.00%	20.00%	20.00%
United States Pension Plans [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets	80.00%	80.00%	80.00%
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Us Portfolio Equity Securities Percentage Of Alternative Investments	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets	20.00%	20.00%	20.00%
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets	80.00%	80.00%	80.00%

RETIREMENT_PLANS_AND_POST_RETI5

RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS, Fair Value of Plan Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
United States Pension Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$782	$654	$578
Defined Benefit plan, change in fair value of plan assets, significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	21	26	'
Realized gains	4	3	'
Unrealized gains/(losses)	-2	-2	'
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements	-6	-6	'
Transfers in (out)	0	0	'
Balance, end of year	17	21	'
Projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets - aggregate benefit obligation	15	771	'
Fair value of plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation - aggregate benefit obligation	748	0	'
Total projected benefit obligation - aggregate benefit obligation	763	771	'
Accumulated benefit obligation in excess of fair value of plan assets - aggregate benefit obligation	14	749	'
Fair value of plan assets in excess of accumulated benefit obligation - aggregate benefit obligation	716	0	'
Total accumulated benefit obligation - aggregate benefit obligation	730	749	'
Projected benefit obligation in excess of fair value of plan assets - aggregate fair value of plan assets	0	654	'
Fair value of plan assets in excess of benefit obligation - aggregate fair value of plan assets	782	0	'
Total projected benefit obligation - aggregate fair value of plan assets	782	654	'
Accumulated benefit obligation in excess of accumulated benefit obligation - aggregate fair value of plan assets	0	654	'
Fair value of plan assets in excess of accumulated benefit obligation - aggregate fair value of plan assets	782	0	'
Total accumulated benefit obligation - aggregate fair value of plan assets	782	654	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	782	654	'
United States Pension Plans [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	8	8	'
United States Pension Plans [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	616	486	'
United States Pension Plans [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	139	137	'
United States Pension Plans [Member] | Other Plan Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	19	23	'
United States Pension Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	211	152	'
United States Pension Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	1	1	'
United States Pension Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	191	134	'
United States Pension Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	17	15	'
United States Pension Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Other Plan Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	2	2	'
United States Pension Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	554	481	'
United States Pension Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	7	7	'
United States Pension Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	425	352	'
United States Pension Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	122	122	'
United States Pension Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other Plan Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0	'
United States Pension Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	17	21	'
United States Pension Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0	'
United States Pension Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0	'
United States Pension Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0	'
United States Pension Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other Plan Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	17	21	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	2,045	1,801	1,684
Projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets - aggregate benefit obligation	1,697	2,117	'
Fair value of plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation - aggregate benefit obligation	502	0	'
Total projected benefit obligation - aggregate benefit obligation	2,199	2,117	'
Accumulated benefit obligation in excess of fair value of plan assets - aggregate benefit obligation	1,533	2,034	'
Fair value of plan assets in excess of accumulated benefit obligation - aggregate benefit obligation	590	0	'
Total accumulated benefit obligation - aggregate benefit obligation	2,123	2,034	'
Projected benefit obligation in excess of fair value of plan assets - aggregate fair value of plan assets	1,482	1,801	'
Fair value of plan assets in excess of benefit obligation - aggregate fair value of plan assets	563	0	'
Total projected benefit obligation - aggregate fair value of plan assets	2,045	1,801	'
Accumulated benefit obligation in excess of accumulated benefit obligation - aggregate fair value of plan assets	1,380	1,801	'
Fair value of plan assets in excess of accumulated benefit obligation - aggregate fair value of plan assets	665	0	'
Total accumulated benefit obligation - aggregate fair value of plan assets	2,045	1,801	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	2,045	1,801	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	10	3	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	1,078	861	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	919	900	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Other Plan Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	38	37	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	330	248	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	10	3	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	296	226	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	24	19	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Other Plan Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	1,715	1,553	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	782	635	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	895	881	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other Plan Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	38	37	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other Plan Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0	'
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	288	261	258
Defined Benefit plan, change in fair value of plan assets, significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	12	15	'
Realized gains	2	2	'
Unrealized gains/(losses)	-1	-1	'
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements	-3	-4	'
Transfers in (out)	0	0	'
Balance, end of year	10	12	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	288	261	'
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	5	5	'
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	220	189	'
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	52	54	'
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Other Plan Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	11	13	'
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	77	61	'
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	2	2	'
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	68	52	'
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	6	6	'
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Other Plan Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	1	1	'
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	201	188	'
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	3	3	'
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	152	137	'
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	46	48	'
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other Plan Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0	'
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	10	12	'
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0	'
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0	'
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0	'
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other Plan Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	$10	$12	'

RETIREMENT_PLANS_AND_POST_RETI6

RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS, Expected Benefit Payments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
United States Pension Plans [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	$30	'
Future benefit payments [Abstract]	'	'
2014	'	41
2015	'	44
2016	'	49
2017	'	56
2018	'	57
2019 - 2023	'	362
Foreign Pension Plans [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	71	'
Future benefit payments [Abstract]	'	'
2014	'	51
2015	'	56
2016	'	60
2017	'	62
2018	'	70
2019 - 2023	'	448
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	2	'
Future benefit payments [Abstract]	'	'
2014	'	24
2015	'	24
2016	'	25
2017	'	24
2018	'	24
2019 - 2023	'	$116

RETIREMENT_PLANS_AND_POST_RETI7

RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS, Assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
United States Pension Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Weighted average assumptions used in calculating net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rate - net periodic rate (in hundredths)	3.25%	4.50%	5.00%
Average increasee in compensation levels - net periodic costs (in hundredths)	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%
Expected long-term return on assets - net periodic costs (in hundredths)	8.00%	8.00%	8.25%
Weighted average assumptions used in calculating benefit obligation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rate - benefit obligation (in hundredths)	4.50%	3.25%	'
Average increase in compensation levels - net periodic costs (in hundredths)	3.50%	3.50%	'
Foreign Pension Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Weighted average assumptions used in calculating net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rate minimum - net periodic cost (in hundredths)	1.50%	2.00%	2.00%
Discount rate maximum - net periodic costs (in hundredths)	4.50%	5.50%	5.25%
Average increase in compensation levels - net periodic costs - minimum (in hundredths)	2.50%	2.50%	2.50%
Average increase in compensation levels - net periodic costs - maximum (in hundredths)	3.00%	3.25%	3.75%
Expected long-term return on assets - net periodic costs - minimum (in hundredths)	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Expected long-term return on assets - net periodic costs - maximum (in hundredths)	6.50%	6.50%	6.75%
Weighted average assumptions used in calculating benefit obligation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rate minimum - benefit obligation (in hundredths)	1.75%	1.50%	'
Discount rate maximum - benefit obligation (in hundredths)	4.25%	4.50%	'
Average increase in compensation levels minimum - benefit obligation (in hundredths)	2.50%	2.50%	'
Average increase in compensation levels maximum - benefit obligation (in hundredths)	3.25%	3.00%	'
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Weighted average assumptions used in calculating net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rate - net periodic rate (in hundredths)	3.50%	4.75%	5.50%
Expected long-term return on assets - net periodic costs (in hundredths)	8.00%	8.00%	8.25%
Current medical cost trend rate (in hundredths)	9.00%	9.00%	10.00%
Ultimate medical cost trend rate (in hundredths)	3.50%	4.50%	4.75%
Medical cost trend rate decreases to ultimate rate in year	'2027	'2026	'2025
Weighted average assumptions used in calculating benefit obligation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rate - benefit obligation (in hundredths)	4.25%	3.50%	'
Current medical cost trend rate - benefit obligation (in hundredths)	9.00%	9.00%	'
Ultimate medical cost trend rate - benefit obligation (in hundredths)	3.50%	3.50%	'
Medical cost trend rate decreases to ultimate rate in year - benefit obligation	'2028	'2027	'

GUARANTEES_Details

GUARANTEES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Summary of standard warranty accrual activity	'	'
Beginning balance	$60	$50
Reserve acquired upon close of Dako acquisition	0	1
Accruals for warranties including change in estimates	92	87
Settlements made during the period	-83	-78
Ending balance	69	60
Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Balance Sheet Classification [Abstract]	'	'
Accruals for warranties due within one year	48	51
Accruals for warranties due after one year	21	9
Balance as of October 31,2013 and 2012	$69	$60

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Future minimum lease payments 2014	$56	'	'
Future minimum lease payments 2015	47	'	'
Future minimum lease payments 2016	31	'	'
Future minimum lease payments 2017	21	'	'
Future minimum lease payments 2018	12	'	'
Future minimum lease payments thereafter	6	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract]	'	'	'
Future minimum sublease income 2014	6	'	'
Future minimum sublease income 2015	5	'	'
Future minimum sublease income 2016	3	'	'
Future minimum sublease income 2017	2	'	'
Future minimum sublease income thereafter	0	'	'
Total rent expense	$90	$84	$82

SHORTTERM_DEBT_Credit_Facility

SHORT-TERM DEBT - Credit Facility (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2027	Oct. 20, 2011	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 20, 2011	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 13, 2010	Jul. 01, 2010	Sep. 09, 2009
				Line of Credit Facility - Primary Agreement [Member]	Dako [Member]	Senior Notes 2013 [Member]	Senior Notes 2013 [Member]	Senior Notes 2012 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Credit facility initiation date	'	20-Oct-11	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line of credit facility, revolving credit, description	'	'	'On OctoberB 20, 2011, we entered into a five-year credit agreement, which provides for a $400 million unsecured credit facility that will expire on OctoberB 20, 2016. The company may use amounts borrowed under the facility for general corporate purposes. As of OctoberB 31, 2013 the company has no borrowings outstanding under the facility. We were in compliance with the covenants for the credit facilities during the year ended OctoberB 31, 2013.	'	'	'	'	'
Credit facility - initial borrowing capacity	'	'	'	$400	'	'	'	'
Line of credit facility expiration date	'	20-Oct-16	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	'	'	'	'	9	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Issuance Date	'	'	'	'	'	13-Jul-10	'	9-Sep-09
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	$250	$250
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	30-Sep-27	'	'	'	'	15-Jul-13	'	14-Sep-12

SHORTTERM_DEBT_Senior_Notes_De

SHORT-TERM DEBT - Senior Notes (Details)	0 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2027	Sep. 09, 2009	Jul. 13, 2010
		Senior Notes 2012 [Member]	Senior Notes 2013 [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'
Issuance date of Debt	'	9-Sep-09	13-Jul-10
Maturity date	30-Sep-27	14-Sep-12	15-Jul-13

LONGTERM_DEBT_Carrying_Value_D

LONG-TERM DEBT - Carrying Value (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Principal	$2,593	$1,995
Interest Rate Swap	60	73
Total	2,653	2,068
Senior Notes 2015 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Principal	500	499
Interest Rate Swap	12	18
Total	512	517
Senior Notes 2017 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Principal	599	599
Interest Rate Swap	22	26
Total	621	625
Senior Notes 2020 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Principal	498	498
Interest Rate Swap	26	29
Total	524	527
Senior Notes 2022 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Principal	399	399
Interest Rate Swap	0	0
Total	399	399
Senior Notes 2023 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Principal	597	0
Interest Rate Swap	0	0
Total	$597	$0

LONGTERM_DEBT_Components_and_A

LONG-TERM DEBT - Components and Additional Disclosures (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2027	Oct. 31, 2013	Sep. 09, 2009	Oct. 24, 2007	Jul. 13, 2010	Sep. 10, 2012	Jun. 18, 2013	Sep. 30, 2027
			Senior Notes 2015 [Member]	Senior Notes 2017 [Member]	Senior Notes 2020 [Member]	Senior Notes 2022 [Member]	Senior Notes 2023 [Member]	Other Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance date of Debt	'	'	9-Sep-09	24-Oct-07	13-Jul-10	10-Sep-12	18-Jun-13	'
Aggregate face amount of debt	'	'	$500	$600	$500	$400	$600	'
Issue rate percentage of principal amount	'	'	99.69%	99.60%	99.54%	99.80%	99.54%	'
Maturity date	30-Sep-27	'	14-Sep-15	1-Nov-17	15-Jul-20	1-Oct-22	15-Jul-23	'
Fixed interest rate per annum (in hundredths)	'	'	5.50%	6.50%	5.00%	3.20%	3.88%	'
Interest payment frequency	'	'	' semi-annually	'semi-annually	'semi-annually	'semi-annually	'semi annually	' March, June, September and December of each year
Date payments commenced	'	'	14-Mar-10	1-May-08	15-Jan-11	1-Apr-13	15-Jan-14	'
Issuance cost incurred on Senior Notes offered	'	'	3	5	3	3	5	'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	'	$46	'	'	'	'	'	'

LONGTERM_DEBT_Other_Details

LONG-TERM DEBT - Other (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2027	Jun. 06, 2011	Oct. 31, 2013	Aug. 09, 2011	Oct. 31, 2013	Jun. 06, 2011	Oct. 31, 2013	Nov. 25, 2008
			Senior Notes 2020 [Member]	Senior Notes 2020 [Member]	Senior Notes 2015 [Member]	Senior Notes 2015 [Member]	Senior Notes 2017 [Member]	Senior Notes 2017 [Member]
								contracts
Schedule Of Interest Rate Swaps Regarding Senior Notes Offered [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	30-Sep-27	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate swaps terminated date	'	'JuneB 6, 2011	'	'AugustB 9, 2011	'	'	'	'NovemberB 25, 2008
Number of interest swaps terminated on specified date	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2
Notional Amount of Terminated Interest Rate Swaps	'	'	'	$500	'	$500	'	$400
Asset Value of Terminated Interest Rate Swaps	'	'	'	34	'	31	'	43
Amount to be amortized on terminated interest rate swaps associated with senior notes	'	'	$26	'	$12	'	$22	'

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Nov. 22, 2013

14-May-13

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

Jan. 16, 2013

Nov. 19, 2009

14-May-13

Jan. 16, 2013

Nov. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

2009 Share Repurchase Program [Member]

2009 Share Repurchase Program [Member]

2009 Share Repurchase Program [Member]

2009 Share Repurchase Program [Member]

2013 Share Repurchase Program [Member]

2013 Share Repurchase Program [Member]

2013 Share Repurchase Program [Member]

2013 Share Repurchase Program [Member]

Share Repurchase Program [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$500,000,000

'

'

Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Increase Amount

'

500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Repurchase Program, New Authorized Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000,000

'

'

'

Share repurchase program approval date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'NovemberB 19, 2009

'

'

'

'

Share Repurchase Program Termination date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'January 16, 2013

'

'

'

'

'

Period over which the stock will be purchased

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'until the end of the calendar year 2013 and any unused portion may be used in the calendar year 2014

'

'

Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

Number of shares of common stock repurchased under share repurchase program

'

'

'

'

'

5

12

'

'

'

'

'

20

Cost to repurchase shares of common stock under share repurchase program

'

'

900,000,000

172,000,000

497,000,000

172,000,000

497,000,000

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

900,000,000

Weighted average count of diluted shares

335

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash Dividends Declared (per common share)

$0.13

'

$0.46

$0.30

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

percentage increase in quarterly dividend

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate cash dividends declared

'

'

156,000,000

104,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate cash dividends paid ( per common share)

'

'

$0.46

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate cash dividends paid

'

'

156,000,000

104,000,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends declaration date

22-Nov-13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends date of record

31-Dec-13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends payment date

22-Jan-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized gain on equity securities, net of $2 of tax expense for 2013

'

'

7,000,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign currency translation, net of $102 of tax expense for 2013 and 2012

'

'

425,000,000

424,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized losses on defined benefit plans, net of tax benefit of $(64) and $(162) for 2013 and 2012, respectively

'

'

-341,000,000

-537,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net of tax expense of $2 and $3 for 2013 and 2012, respectively

'

'

0

2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

91,000,000

-111,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized gain on equity securities, tax

'

'

-2,000,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign currency translation, tax

'

'

-102,000,000

-102,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized losses on defined benefit plans, tax

'

'

64,000,000

162,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, tax

'

'

($2,000,000)

($3,000,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Profitabil

SEGMENT INFORMATION Profitability (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
	segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of operating segments	3	'	'
Select income statement components (Loss) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total net revenue	$6,782	$6,858	$6,615
Income from operations	951	1,119	1,071
Depreciation expense	181	171	142
Life Sciences and Diagnostics [Member]	'	'	'
Select income statement components (Loss) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total segment revenue	'	'	1,792
Varian acquisition deferred revenue fair value adjustment	'	'	-4
Total net revenue	2,300	1,984	1,788
Income from operations	377	295	237
Depreciation expense	71	57	39
Share-based compensation expense	26	21	20
Chemical Analysis [Member]	'	'	'
Select income statement components (Loss) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total segment revenue	'	'	1,518
Varian acquisition deferred revenue fair value adjustment	'	'	-7
Total net revenue	1,594	1,559	1,511
Income from operations	355	338	313
Depreciation expense	27	31	28
Share-based compensation expense	21	18	17
Electronic Measurement [Member]	'	'	'
Select income statement components (Loss) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total segment revenue	'	'	3,316
Varian acquisition deferred revenue fair value adjustment	'	'	0
Total net revenue	2,888	3,315	3,316
Income from operations	544	751	760
Depreciation expense	83	83	75
Share-based compensation expense	38	37	36
Segment Total [Member]	'	'	'
Select income statement components (Loss) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total segment revenue	'	'	6,626
Varian acquisition deferred revenue fair value adjustment	'	'	-11
Total net revenue	6,782	6,858	6,615
Income from operations	1,276	1,384	1,310
Depreciation expense	181	171	142
Share-based compensation expense	$85	$76	$73

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Reconcilia

SEGMENT INFORMATION Reconciliation of Reportable Results (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Reconcilitation between statement results and enterprise results [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total reportable segments' income from operations	$1,276	$1,384	$1,310
Restructuring related costs	-53	0	-2
Acceleration of depreciation for held and used assets	0	-15	0
Asset impairments	-3	-1	-9
Transformational programs	-19	-25	-51
Amortization of intangibles	-199	-136	-113
Acquisition and integration costs	-29	-74	-54
Acceleration of sharebased compensation expense related to workforce reduction	-3	0	0
One time and pre separation costs	-5	0	0
Varian acquisition related fair value adjustments	0	0	-9
Other	-14	-14	-1
Interest income	7	9	14
Interest Expense	-107	-101	-86
Other income (expense), net	8	16	33
Income before taxes	859	1,043	1,032
Segment assets and capital expenditures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Assets	8,044	7,997	'
Capital expenditures	195	194	188
Life Sciences and Diagnostics [Member]	'	'	'
Segment assets and capital expenditures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Assets	4,291	4,072	'
Capital expenditures	77	56	'
Chemical Analysis [Member]	'	'	'
Segment assets and capital expenditures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Assets	1,756	1,768	'
Capital expenditures	30	32	'
Electronic Measurement [Member]	'	'	'
Segment assets and capital expenditures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Assets	1,997	2,157	'
Capital expenditures	$88	$106	'

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_EntityWide

SEGMENT INFORMATION Entity-Wide Disclosures on Geographic Areas (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Entity Wide Disclosure On Geographic Areas Attributed To Individual Foreign Countries [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue, Net	$6,782	$6,858	$6,615
Concentration Risk, Customer	'No customer represented 10 percent or more of our total net revenue in 2013, 2012 or 2011	'	'
Long-Lived Assets	1,446	1,362	'
United States [Member]	'	'	'
Entity Wide Disclosure On Geographic Areas Attributed To Individual Foreign Countries [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue, Net	2,043	2,218	2,016
Long-Lived Assets	601	550	'
China [Member]	'	'	'
Entity Wide Disclosure On Geographic Areas Attributed To Individual Foreign Countries [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue, Net	1,131	1,078	1,035
Japan [Member]	'	'	'
Entity Wide Disclosure On Geographic Areas Attributed To Individual Foreign Countries [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue, Net	628	716	700
Long-Lived Assets	130	167	'
Rest Of World [Member]	'	'	'
Entity Wide Disclosure On Geographic Areas Attributed To Individual Foreign Countries [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue, Net	2,980	2,846	2,864
Long-Lived Assets	$715	$645	'

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Segment_As

SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Assets (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total reportable segments' assets	$8,044	$7,997
Cash and cash equivalents	2,675	2,351
Prepaid expenses	198	128
Investments	139	109
Long term and other receivables	162	161
Other	-532	-210
Total assets	10,686	10,536
Life Sciences and Diagnostics [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total reportable segments' assets	4,291	4,072
Chemical Analysis [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total reportable segments' assets	1,756	1,768
Electronic Measurement [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total reportable segments' assets	$1,997	$2,157

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Movement in valuation and qualifying accounts [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Period	$93	$369	$527
Additions Charged to Costs, Expenses or Other Accounts	0	4	3
Deductions Credited to Expenses or Other Accounts	-8	-280	-161
Balance at End of Period	$85	$93	$369