Agilent (A) 10-K 22 Dec 14 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Dec. 01, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	1090872
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-21
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$15.60
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		335,321,802
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Oct-14

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Net revenue:
Products	$5,686	$5,534	$5,659
Services and other	1,295	1,248	1,199
Total net revenue	6,981	6,782	6,858
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products	2,673	2,576	2,608
Cost of services and other	715	671	646
Total costs	3,388	3,247	3,254
Research and development	719	704	668
Selling, general and administrative	2,043	1,880	1,817
Total costs and expenses	6,150	5,831	5,739
Income from operations	831	951	1,119
Interest income	9	7	9
Interest expense	-113	-107	-101
Other income (expense), net	-81	8	16
Income before taxes	646	859	1,043
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	142	135	-110
Net income	$504	$724	$1,153
Net income per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.51	$2.12	$3.31
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.49	$2.10	$3.27
Weighted Averge Shares Used In Computing Net Income Loss Per Share [Abstract]
Basic (in shares)	333	341	348
Diluted (in shares)	338	345	353
Cash dividends declared per common share	$0.53	$0.46	$0.30

STATEMENT_OF_COMPREHENSIVE_INC

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$504	$724	$1,153
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Unrealized gain on investments, net of tax (expense) benefit of $(1), $(2) and $8	11	7	6
Amounts reclassified into earnings related to investments, net of tax of $0, $0 and $0	-1	0	0
Gain on derivative instruments, net of tax (expense) of $(5), $(2) and $(3)	8	8	7
Amounts reclassified into earnings related to derivative instruments, net of tax benefit of $0, $3 and $2	1	-10	-6
Foreign currency translation, net of tax benefit of $8, $8 and $0	-269	1	-28
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 $65, $(114) and $61	-143	228	-175
Change in net prior service benefit, net of tax benefit of $16, $16 and $17	-32	-32	-31
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-425	202	-227
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$79	$926	$926

STATEMENT_OF_COMPREHENSIVE_INC1

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Unrealized gain on investments	($1)	($2)	$8
Amounts reclassified into earnings related to investments	0	0	0
Gain on derivative instruments	-5	-2	-3
Amounts reclassified into earnings related to derivative instruments	0	3	2
Foreign currency translation	8	8	0
Change in actuarial net loss	65	-114	61
Change in net prior service benefit	$16	$16	$17

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEET

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$3,028	$2,675
Accounts receivable, net	983	899
Inventory	1,072	1,066
Other current assets	417	343
Total current assets	5,500	4,983
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,101	1,134
Goodwill	2,899	3,047
Other intangible assets, net	667	916
Long-term investments	159	139
Other assets	505	467
Total assets	10,831	10,686
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	475	432
Employee compensation and benefits	395	401
Deferred revenue	435	439
Other accrued liabilities	397	330
Total current liabilities	1,702	1,602
Long-term debt	2,762	2,699
Retirement and post-retirement benefits	422	294
Other long-term liabilities	644	802
Total liabilities	5,530	5,397
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; 608 million shares at October 31, 2014 and 602 million shares at October 31, 2013 issued	6	6
Treasury stock at cost; 273 million shares at October 31, 2014 and 269 million shares at October 31, 2013	-9,807	-9,607
Additional paid-in-capital	8,967	8,723
Retained earnings	6,466	6,073
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-334	91
Total stockholders' equity	5,298	5,286
Non-controlling interest	3	3
Total equity	5,301	5,289
Total liabilities and equity	$10,831	$10,686

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEET_Par

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
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)	608	602
Treasury stock, at cost (in shares)	273	269

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$504	$724	$1,153
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	384	372	301
Accelerated amortization of interest rate swap gain (due to early redemption of debt)	-22	0	0
Share-based compensation	96	85	74
Excess tax benefit from share-based plans	-1	-2	0
Deferred taxes	-132	31	-158
Excess and obsolete inventory and inventory related charges	79	48	30
Non-cash restructuring and asset impairment charges	23	3	1
Net gain on sale of investments	-1	-1	-4
Net (gain) loss on sale of assets and divestitures	-10	3	2
Other	10	3	5
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	-119	14	19
Inventory	-99	-100	-52
Accounts payable	50	-27	-31
Employee compensation and benefits	9	16	-54
Other assets and liabilities	-60	-17	-58
Net cash provided by operating activities	711	1,152	1,228
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investments in property, plant and equipment	-205	-195	-194
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment	14	2	0
Proceeds from lease receivable	0	0	80
Proceeds from the sale of investment securities	1	12	5
Proceeds from divestitures	2	0	0
Payment to acquire equity method investment	-25	-21	0
Purchase of other investments	0	-25	0
Change in restricted cash, cash equivalents and investments, net	-4	0	0
Acquisitions of businesses and intangible assets, net of cash acquired	-13	-21	-2,257
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-230	-248	-2,366
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans	188	161	100
Treasury stock repurchases	-200	-900	-172
Payment of dividends	-176	-156	-104
Issuance of senior notes	1,099	597	399
Debt issuance costs	-9	-5	-3
Repayments of Senior notes	-1,000	-250	-250
Purchase of non-controlling interest	0	-3	-6
Proceeds from Short-term Debt	87	0	0
Repayments of Short-term Debt	87	0	1
Excess tax benefit from share-based plans	1	2	0
Net cash used in financing activities	-97	-554	-37
Effect of exchange rate movements	-31	-26	-1
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	353	324	-1,176
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	2,675	2,351	3,527
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$3,028	$2,675	$2,351

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, 2011	$4,316	$4,308	$6	$8,265		$4,456	$116	$8
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2011			-590,668
Treasury Stock, Number of shares					-248,786
Treasury Stock, Value					-8,707
Components of comprehensive income:
Net income	1,153	1,153				1,153
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-227	-227					-227
Total comprehensive income	926	926
Cash dividends declared	-104	-104				-104
Change in non-controlling interest	-5							-5
Share-based awards issued	84	84		84
Share-based awards issued (in shares)			4,591
Cumulative excess tax benefits realized from share-based awards	66	66		66
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		5,505	-111	3
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2012			-595,259
Treasury Stock, Number of shares	-269,000				-269,330
Treasury Stock, Value	-9,607				-9,607
Components of comprehensive income:
Net income	724	724				724
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	202	202					202
Total comprehensive income	926	926
Cash dividends declared	-156	-156				-156
Change in non-controlling interest	0							0
Share-based awards issued	147	147		147
Share-based awards issued (in shares)			6,370
Cumulative excess tax benefits realized from share-based awards	2	2		2
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		6,073	91	3
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2013			-601,629
Treasury Stock, Number of shares	-273,000				-272,924
Treasury Stock, Value	-9,807				-9,807
Components of comprehensive income:
Net income	504	504				504
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-425	-425					-425
Total comprehensive income	79	79
Cash dividends declared	-176	-176				-176
Adjustment to correct initial application of FIN No 48 see Note 5,Income Taxes	65	65				65
Share-based awards issued	170	170		170
Share-based awards issued (in shares)			6,261
Tax benefit from share based awards issued	1	1		1
Cumulative excess tax benefits realized from share-based awards	-23	-23		-23
Repurchase of common stock	-200	-200			-200
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)					-3,594
Share-based compensation	96	96		96
Balance at Oct. 31, 2014	$5,301	$5,298	$6	$8,967		$6,466	($334)	$3
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2014			-607,890

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_EQUI1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash Dividends Declared (per common share)	$0.53	$0.46	$0.30

OVERVIEW_AND_SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIF

OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
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 one that will be comprised of the electronic measurement business that will be renamed Keysight Technologies, Inc. (“Keysight”). Keysight was incorporated in Delaware as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Agilent on December 6, 2013. On November 1, 2014, we completed the distribution of 100% of the outstanding common shares of Keysight to Agilent stockholders who received one share of Keysight common stock for every two shares of Agilent held as of the close of business on the record date, October 22, 2014. The historical results of operations and the financial position of Keysight are included in the consolidated financial statements of Agilent and will be reported as discontinued operations beginning in the first quarter of 2015.
	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. 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. For additional details related to the acquisition of Dako, see Note 3, "Acquisitions".
	Exit of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Business. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014, we made the decision to cease the manufacture and sale of our nuclear magnetic resonance (“NMR”) product line within our life sciences and diagnostics segment. In connection with the exit from this business, we have recorded approximately $68 million in restructuring and other related costs. For additional details related to the exit of the NMR business see Note 14, "Restructuring and Exit of a Business".
	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.
	We previously recorded certain transaction tax receivables and payables on a gross basis within other current assets and other accrued liabilities, respectively, even though those balances were subject to the right of offset. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014, we began recording transaction tax receivables and payables on a net basis to reflect this right of offset. If we had implemented previously, this change would have resulted in a reduction of other current assets and other accrued liabilities of $50 million from the amounts shown in our October 31, 2013 balance sheet. This correction had no impact on net income, cash flows or equity and is not considered material to our consolidated balance sheet.
	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 U.S. GAAP 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, 2014 and 2013 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 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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 $98 million in 2014, $88 million in 2013 and $76 million in 2012.
	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 to three years 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 are being 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 has not been material to the segment or consolidated revenue of Agilent and the anticipated total 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. Under the authoritative guidance we have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. The accounting standard gives an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether performing the 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. greater than 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 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.
	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 aggregate components of an operating segment that have similar economic characteristics into our reporting units. Agilent has three segments, life sciences and diagnostics, chemical analysis, and electronic measurement segments.
	In fiscal year 2014, 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 four reporting units as of September 30, 2014. 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. Each quarter we review the events and circumstances to determine if goodwill impairment is indicated. There was no impairment of goodwill during the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Purchased intangible assets consist primarily of acquired developed technologies, proprietary know-how, trademarks, and customer relationships and are amortized using the best estimate of the asset's useful life that reflect the pattern in which the economic benefits are consumed or used up or a straight-line method 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 condensed consolidated statement of operations in the period it is abandoned.
	Agilent's indefinite-lived intangible assets are IPR&D intangible assets. The accounting guidance allows a qualitative approach for testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, similar to the issued impairment testing guidance for goodwill and allows the option to first assess qualitative factors (events and circumstances) that could have affected the significant inputs used in determining the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not (i.e. greater than 50% chance) 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. We performed a qualitative test for impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets as of September 30, 2014. Based on the results of our qualitative testing, we believe that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of these indefinite-lived intangible assets is greater than their respective carrying values. Each quarter we review the events and circumstances to determine if impairment of indefinite-lived intangible asset is indicated. In the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recorded an impairment of $4 million, $1 million and $1 million, respectively due to the cancellation of certain IPR&D projects. In addition, in the year ended October 31, 2014, we also recorded $12 million of impairment of other intangibles due to the exit of our NMR business.
	Advertising.    Advertising costs are generally expensed as incurred and amounted to $57 million in 2014, $44 million in 2013 and $50 million in 2012.
	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 potential common shares outstanding during the period unless the effect is anti-dilutive. 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, 2014, approximately $2,397 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 $54 million and $112 million as of October 31, 2014 and 2013, 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. 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, 2014, or 2013.
	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 2014, 2013 and 2012 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. In addition, we lease equipment to customers in connection with our diagnostics business using both capital and operating leases. As of October 31, 2014 and 2013 our life sciences and diagnostics segment has approximately $8 million and $4 million, respectively, of lease receivables related to capital leases and approximately $33 million and $35 million, respectively, 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 and exit of NMR business. The main components of expenses are related to workforce reductions, assets impairments and write-downs and special charges to inventory, which mainly relates to exiting of one of our businesses. Workforce reduction charges are accrued when payment of benefits that the employees are entitled to becomes probable and the amounts can be estimated. We have also assessed the recoverability of our long-lived assets, by determining whether the carrying value of such assets will be recovered through undiscounted future cash flows. Asset impairments primarily consist of property, plant and equipment and are based on an estimate of the amounts and timing of future cash flows related to the expected future remaining use and ultimate sale or disposal of buildings and equipment net of costs to sell. The charges related to inventory include estimated future inventory disposal payments that we are contractually obliged to make to our suppliers and inventory written-down to net realizable value. 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 asset impairment 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 $170 million and $158 million as of October 31, 2014, and 2013, 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 non-monetary 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 $4 million loss for fiscal year 2014, $6 million loss for 2013 and $19 million loss for 2012, 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, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	2.     NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	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 on 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 adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2014. There was no impact to our consolidated financial statements due to the adoption of this guidance.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance for reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The amended 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. We adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2014 and have presented the requisite disclosures in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and in the notes to the financial statements.
	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 periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and interim periods within those years. This guidance is consistent with our current practice.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued amendments to the guidance on discontinued operations. The guidance changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations while enhancing disclosures in this area. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. Those strategic shifts should have a major effect on the organization’s operations and financial results. Examples include a disposal of a major geographic area, a major line of business, or a major equity method investment. Additionally, the new guidance requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, expenses of discontinued operations and of the pre-tax income attributable to a disposal of a significant part of an organization that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. The new guidance is effective prospectively for all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this prospective guidance to our consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance related to revenue recognition. The amendment was the result of a joint project between the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop common revenue standards for U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). To meet those objectives, the FASB is amending the FASB Accounting Standards Codification and creating a new Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and the IASB is issuing IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those years. Early application is not permitted. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance to our consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance relating to share-based compensation to resolve what it saw as diverse accounting treatment of certain awards. With this amendment, the FASB has given explicit guidance to treat a performance target that could be achieved after the requisite service period as a performance condition that affects vesting rather than as a non-vesting condition that affects the grant-date fair value of an award. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and for the interim periods within those annual periods. Earlier adoption is permitted. We have evaluated the impact of adopting this prospective guidance to our consolidated financial statements and we believe this amendment to the accounting guidance is not applicable.
	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, 2014
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. 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
	Net revenue	$	7,100
	Net income	$	1,145
	Net income per share — basic	$	3.29
	Net income per share — diluted	$	3.24
	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.

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	4.     SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
	Agilent accounts for share-based awards in accordance with the provisions of the 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 1,604,406 shares for $73 million in 2014, 1,454,724 shares for $48 million in 2013 and 1,405,774 shares for $47 million in 2012. As of October 31, 2014, the number of shares of common stock authorized and available for issuance under our ESPP was 39,990,573.
	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, 2014, 9,019,407 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.
	In connection with the separation of Keysight Technologies on November 1, 2014 and in accordance with the Employee Matters Agreement we will make certain adjustments to the exercise price and number of our share-based compensation awards with the intention of preserving the intrinsic value of the awards prior to the separation. Exercisable and non-exercisable stock options will be converted to those of the entity where the employee is working post-separation. Restricted stock units awards and long-term performance plan grants will be adjusted to provide holders restricted stock units and long-term performance plan grants in the company that employs such employee following the separation. We believe these adjustments to our stock-based compensation awards will not have a material impact on compensation expense.
	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,
		2014				2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Cost of products and services	$	23			$	20		$	16
	Research and development	14				12			10
	Selling, general and administrative	61				56			50
	Total share-based compensation expense	$	98			$	88		$	76
	At October 31, 2014 and 2013 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 $1 million in 2014, $2 million in 2013 and zero in 2012, respectively. In the third quarter of 2014, an out of period adjustment was recorded to reverse previously recognized windfall tax benefits in the amount of $12 million and was the result of the correction to the computation of a cash tax benefit realized in prior years. The correction is not considered material to current or prior periods. In addition, approximately $11 million of previously recognized windfall tax benefits was reversed due to the favorable settlement of a tax authority examination in first quarter of 2014. The weighted average grant date fair value of options, granted in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $18.73, $12.18 and $13.69 per share, respectively.
	Included in the 2014 and 2013 expense is incremental expense for acceleration of share-based compensation related to the announced workforce reduction plan of $1 million and $3 million, respectively . In 2012, 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,
		2014		2013		2012
	Stock Option Plans:
	Weighted average risk-free interest rate	1.69%		0.86%		0.88%
	Dividend yield	1%		1%		0%
	Weighted average volatility	39%		39%		38%
	Expected life	5.8 years		5.8 years		5.8 years
	LTPP:
	Volatility of Agilent shares	36%		37%		41%
	Volatility of selected peer-company shares	13%-57%		6%-64%		17%-75%
	Price-wise correlation with selected peers	47%		49%		62%
	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.
	In developing our estimated life of our employee stock options of 5.8 years for 2012 to 2014, 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 2014:
		Options			Weighted
		Outstanding			Average
					Exercise Price
		(in thousands)
	Outstanding at October 31, 2013	9,609			$	32
	Granted	1,250			$	54
	Exercised	(3,750	)		$	30
	Cancelled/Forfeited/Expired	(99	)		$	41
	Outstanding at October 31, 2014	7,010			$	36
	Forfeited and expired options from total cancellations in 2014 were as follows:
		Options			Weighted
		Cancelled			Average
					Exercise Price
		(in thousands)
	Forfeited	60			$	49
	Expired	39			$	29
	Total Options Cancelled during 2014	99			$	41
	The options outstanding and exercisable for equity share-based payment awards at October 31, 2014 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	690			1.9		$	20		$	24,240	690	1.9	$	20	$	24,240
$25.01 - 30	466			4.9		$	29		12,032		466	4.9	$	29	12,032
$30.01 - 40	4,646			5.4		$	35		93,664		2,612	3.8	$	34	54,838
$40.01 - 50	6			7.4		$	45		59		3	7.4	$	45	29
$50.01 & over	1,202			9.1		$	54		$	2,054	—	—	$	—	$	—
	7,010			5.7		$	36		$	132,049	3,771	3.6	$	31	$	91,139
The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value, based on the company's closing stock price of $55.28 at October 31, 2014, 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, 2014 was approximately 4 million.
The following table summarizes the aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised and the fair value of options granted in 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	Aggregate				Weighted			Per Share Value Using
	Intrinsic Value				Average			Black-Scholes
					Exercise			Model
					Price
	(in thousands)
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
Options exercised in fiscal 2014	$	98,075			$	30
Black-Scholes per share value of options granted during fiscal 2014								$	19
As of October 31, 2014, the unrecognized share-based compensation costs for outstanding stock option awards, net of expected forfeitures, was approximately $12 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 $188 million in 2014, $161 million in 2013 and $100 million in 2012. 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 2014 primarily for our LTPP and restricted stock unit awards:
	Shares			Weighted
				Average
				Grant Price
	(in thousands)
Non-vested at October 31, 2013	3,546			$	37
Granted	1,358			$	54
Vested	(1,324	)		$	40
Forfeited	(104	)		$	42
Change in LTPP shares vested in the year due to performance conditions	(43	)		$	36
Non-vested at October 31, 2014	3,433			$	44
As of October 31, 2014, the unrecognized share-based compensation costs for non-vested restricted stock awards, net of expected forfeitures, was approximately $56 million which is expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of 2.3 years. The total fair value of restricted stock awards vested was $54 million for 2014, $44 million for 2013 and $54 million for 2012.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
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,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	U.S. operations	$	(117	)	$	39		$	45
	Non-U.S. operations	763			820			998
	Total income before taxes	$	646		$	859		$	1,043
	The provision (benefit) for income taxes is comprised of:
		Years Ended October 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	U.S. federal taxes:
	Current	$	12		$	24		$	6
	Deferred	(11		)	48			(144		)
	Non-U.S. taxes:
	Current	260			77			41
	Deferred	(117		)	(24		)	(22		)
	State taxes, net of federal benefit:
	Current	2			3			1
	Deferred	(4		)	7			8
	Total provision	$	142		$	135		$	(110	)
	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,
		2014						2013
		Deferred			Deferred Tax			Deferred			Deferred Tax
		Tax Assets			Liabilities			Tax Assets			Liabilities
		(in millions)
	Inventory	$	32		$	—		$	32		$	—
	Intangibles	—			154			—			214
	Property, plant and equipment	40			—			18			—
	Warranty reserves	27			—			25			—
	Retiree medical benefits	—			14			—			—
	Pension benefits	166			—			42			—
	Employee benefits, other than retirement	49			—			57			—
	Net operating loss, capital loss, and credit carryforwards	209			—			263			—
	Unrealized gains/losses on investments	—			—			24			—
	Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	—			61			—			114
	Share-based compensation	56			—			54			—
	Deferred revenue	82			—			27			—
	Other	21			13			36			3
	Subtotal	682			242			578			331
	Tax valuation allowance	(134		)	—			(85		)	—
	Total deferred tax assets or deferred tax liabilities	$	548		$	242		$	493		$	331
	The significant increase in 2014 as compared to 2013 for the deferred tax asset relating to pension benefits is due mainly to the tax effect of changes in pension plans recognized in other comprehensive income. The decrease in the deferred tax liability relating to intangible assets is due primarily to amortization of acquired intangible assets from Dako. The amortization expenses associated with acquired intangible assets are not deductible for tax purposes. In the fourth quarter we recorded a deferred tax asset and related full valuation allowance in the amount of $43 million for a previously unrecorded Capital Loss Carryover in Australia. The loss arose in 2001 and may be carried forward indefinitely. A valuation allowance is recorded because the Australian entity has limited ability to generate taxable capital gains. This correction is not considered material to current or prior periods.
	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, 2014 the Company recognized a $61 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, 2014, the cumulative amount of undistributed earnings considered indefinitely reinvested was $5.7 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 2014 and 2013:
		October 31,
		2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Current deferred tax assets (included within other current assets)	$	160		$	115
	Long-term deferred tax assets (included within other assets)	289			264
	Current deferred tax liabilities (included within other accrued liabilities)	(6		)	(4		)
	Long-term deferred tax liabilities (included within other long-term liabilities)	(137		)	(213		)
	Total	$	306		$	162
	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, 2014, we continued to maintain a valuation allowance of $134 million until sufficient positive evidence exists to support reversal. The valuation allowance is mainly related to deferred tax assets for California R&D credits, net operating losses in the Netherlands and capital losses in Australia.
	At October 31, 2014, we had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $8 million and zero tax credit carryforwards. The federal net operating losses expire in years beginning 2022 through 2026. At October 31, 2014, we had state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $202 million which expire in years beginning 2015 through 2031, if not utilized. In addition, we had net state tax credit carryforwards of $31 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, 2014, we also had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $547 million. Of this foreign loss, $227 million will expire in years beginning 2015 through 2022, if not utilized. The remaining $320 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 $194 million as of October 31, 2014 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 $46 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, 2014.
	The differences between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and our effective tax rate are:
		Years Ended October 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Profit before tax times statutory rate	$	226		$	301		$	365
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	(6		)	7			8
Non-U.S. income taxed at different rates	(156		)	(162		)	(144		)
Change in unrecognized non-U.S. tax benefits	—			—			(68		)
Change in unrecognized U.S. tax benefits	(160		)	—			—
Repatriation of foreign earnings	149			—			—
Valuation allowances	49			(8		)	(280		)
Non-deductible costs related to the separation of Keysight	17			—			—
Transfer pricing adjustments for prior years	12			—			—
Other, net	11			(3		)	9
Provision for income taxes	$	142		$	135		$	(110	)
Effective tax rate	22		%	16		%	(11		)%
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. The Keysight entity in Singapore has not obtained a tax holiday to date. Accordingly, income tax expense has been recorded on its fourth quarter earnings at the statutory rate. As a result of the incentives, the impact of the tax holidays decreased income taxes by $76 million, $127 million, and $122 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The benefit of the tax holidays on net income per share (diluted) was approximately $0.23, $0.37, and $0.35 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
For 2014, the effective tax rate was 22 percent .The 22 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. In the fourth quarter we recorded an out of period tax expense of $13 million tax for corrections to U.S. deferred taxes. In the third quarter we recorded out of period adjustments consisting of a $9 million tax benefit related to the correction of the tax basis of land in the UK and a $3 million tax expense to correct tax related balance sheet accounts. In the second quarter we recorded an out of period adjustment to tax expense of approximately $12 million for correction of transfer pricing for tax years 2012 and 2013. These corrections are not considered material to current or prior periods. The effective tax rate increased by 6 percent over the previous year primarily due to lower earnings in non-US jurisdictions taxed a lower statutory rates, the out of period adjustments listed above and the impact of non-deductible costs related to the separation of Keysight of $17 million.
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. The 11 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 was 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.
The breakdown between current and long-term income tax assets and liabilities, excluding deferred tax assets and liabilities, was as follows for the years 2014 and 2013:
	October 31,
	2014			2013
	(in millions)
Current income tax assets (included within other current assets)	$	99		$	42
Long-term income tax assets (included within other assets)	48			34
Current income tax liabilities (included within other accrued liabilities)	(151		)	(48		)
Long-term income tax liabilities (included within other long-term liabilities)	(289		)	(341		)
Total	$	(293	)	$	(313	)
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:
	2014			2013			2012
	(in millions)
Balance, beginning of year	$	516		$	464		$	469
Additions for acquisitions	—			—			—
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	47			53			56
Additions for tax positions from prior years	16			11			40
Reductions for tax positions from prior years	(144		)	(6		)	(90		)
Settlements with taxing authorities	(2		)	(3		)	(2		)
Statute of limitations expirations	(9		)	(3		)	(9		)
Balance, end of year	$	424		$	516		$	464
As of October 31, 2014, we had $424 million of unrecognized tax benefits of which $405 million, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate.
We recognized a tax benefit of $10 million, a tax expense of $5 million and a tax benefit $4 million of interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Interest and penalties accrued as of October 31, 2014 and 2013 were $29 million and $39 million, respectively.
In the U.S., tax years remain open back to the year 2008 for federal income tax purposes and the year 2000 for significant states. On January 29, 2014 we reached an agreement with the IRS for the tax years 2006 through 2007. The settlement resulted in the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits of $160 million, offset by a tax liability on foreign distributions of approximately $148 million principally related to additional foreign earnings that was recognized in conjunction with the settlement. Agilent's U.S. federal income tax returns for 2008 through 2011 are currently under audit by the IRS.
In connection with the settlement of the 2006-2007 IRS audit, we identified during the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 an overstatement of approximately $65 million in our long-term tax liabilities. The overstatement was recorded in 2008 as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle when we adopted Accounting Standard Codification 740-10, Income Taxes. Accordingly, we corrected the error by reducing long-term tax liabilities and increasing retained earnings by $65 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. The correction had no impact on net income or cash flows in any prior period and is not considered material to total liabilities or equity in any prior period.
In other major jurisdictions where the company conducts 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, management is 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, 2014
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,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in millions)
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	504	$	724	$	1,153
	Denominators:
	Basic weighted average shares	333		341		348
	Potential common shares — stock options and other employee stock plans	5		4		5
	Diluted weighted average shares	338		345		353
	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 2014, 2013 and 2012 were 6 million, 6 million and 5 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 2014, 2013 and 2012, options to purchase 1,500, 4,200 and 436,500 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 2014, 2013 and 2012, options to purchase 383,200, 18,300 and 1,544,600 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, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	7.     SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
	Net cash paid for income taxes was $131 million in 2014, $110 million in 2013, and $86 million in 2012. Cash paid for interest was $142 million in 2014, $112 million in 2013 and $111 million in 2012.

INVENTORY

INVENTORY	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORY	8.     INVENTORY
		October 31,
		2014		2013
		(in millions)
	Finished goods	$	585	$	552
	Purchased parts and fabricated assemblies	487		514
	Inventory	$	1,072	$	1,066
	Inventory-related excess and obsolescence charges of $79 million were recorded in total cost of products in 2014, $48 million in 2013 and $30 million in 2012, 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.
	On November 1, 2014 we transferred approximately $498 million of inventory to Keysight.

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_N

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET	9.     PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
		October 31,
		2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Land	$	120		$	131
	Buildings and leasehold improvements	1,341			1,330
	Machinery and equipment	1,054			1,019
	Software	410			398
	Total property, plant and equipment	2,925			2,878
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,824		)	(1,744		)
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	1,101		$	1,134
	Asset impairments other than related to our exit of the NMR business were zero in 2014, $3 million in 2013 and zero in 2012. Asset impairments in connection with the exit of the NMR business were $7 million in 2014. Depreciation expenses were $194 million in 2014, $181 million in 2013 and $171 million in 2012.
	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 fair value. On April 30, 2014, Agilent entered into a binding sales contract with real estate developers to sell land in the U.K. The contract calls for proportionate transfers and payments of three separate land tracts totaling approximately $34 million in May 2014, November 2015 and November 2016. Under the authoritative accounting guidance the full accrual method will be used to account for these transactions and gains on the sales recognized at each sale and payment date. In the year ended October 31, 2014 we recognized $11 million gain on sale of land in respect of the first of three land tracts in selling, general and administrative expenses. The property transfers to Keysight at distribution and the two remaining future payments in November 2015 and November 2016 from the developers will become due to and collected by Keysight.
	On November 1, 2014 approximately $470 million of net book value of property plant and equipment was transferred to Keysight.

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	10.   GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The goodwill balances at October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and the movements in 2014 and 2013 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, 2012	$	1,807		$	751		$	467		$	3,025
	Foreign currency translation impact	63			(10		)	(47		)	6
	Goodwill arising from acquisitions	13			4			(1		)	16
	Goodwill as of October 31, 2013	$	1,883		$	745		$	419		$	3,047
	Foreign currency translation impact	(116		)	(5		)	(32		)	(153		)
	Goodwill arising from acquisitions	—			—			5			5
	Goodwill as of October 31, 2014	$	1,767		$	740		$	392		$	2,899
	As of September 30, 2014, 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, 2014 and 2013 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, 2013:
	Purchased technology	$	1,019		$	460		$	559
	Trademark/Tradename	176			40			136
	Customer relationships	401			215			186
	Total amortizable intangible assets	$	1,596		$	715		$	881
	In-Process R&D	35			—			35
	Total	$	1,631		$	715		$	916
	As of October 31, 2014:
	Purchased technology	$	1,005		$	589		$	416
	Trademark/Tradename	168			53			115
	Customer relationships	400			282			118
	Total amortizable intangible assets	$	1,573		$	924		$	649
	In-Process R&D	18			—			18
	Total	$	1,591		$	924		$	667
	In 2014, we recorded additions to goodwill and intangible assets of $5 million and $6 million, respectively related to the acquisition of one business. During the year, we also recorded $42 million of foreign exchange translation impact decreasing the other intangibles. In addition, we transferred $11 million excluding currency movements from in-process R&D to purchased technology in the year ended October 31, 2014, as projects were completed. In 2014, we recorded $12 million of impairment of other intangibles due to the exit of the NMR business. In addition, we recorded $4 million, $1 million and $1 million of impairments of other intangibles related to the cancellation of in-process research and development projects during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	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.
	Amortization of intangible assets was $197 million in 2014, $199 million in 2013, and $136 million in 2012. Future amortization expense related to finite-lived existing purchased intangible assets is estimated to be $173 million in 2015, $147 million for 2016, $101 million for 2017, $67 million for 2018, $51 million for 2019, and $110 million thereafter.

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Schedule of Investments [Abstract]
INVESTMENTS	11.   INVESTMENTS
	Equity Investments
	The following table summarizes the company's equity investments as of October 31, 2014 and 2013 (net book value):
		October 31,
		2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Long-Term
	Cost method investments	$	40		$	44
	Trading securities	48			51
	Available-for-sale investments	35			25
	Equity method investments	36			19
	Total	$	159		$	139
	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 are 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, 2014 and 2013:
			October 31, 2014										31-Oct-13
			Cost			Gross			Gross		Estimated		Cost		Gross		Gross		Estimated
						Unrealized			Unrealized		Fair				Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
						Gains			Losses		Value				Gains		Losses		Value
		(in millions)
	Equity securities		15			20			—		35		15		10		—		25
			$	15		$	20		$	—	$	35	$	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,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Available-for-sale investments — realized gain	$	1		$	1		$	2
	Equity method investments - share of losses	(7		)	$	(2	)	$	—
	Net unrealized gains on our trading securities portfolio were $3 million in 2014, $8 million in 2013 and $5 million in 2012.
	Realized gains from the sale of cost method securities were zero for 2014, zero for 2013 and $2 million for 2012. Proceeds from the sale of cost method investments were zero in 2014 and $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, 2014
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, 2014 were as follows:
				Fair Value Measurement at
				October 31, 2014 Using
		October 31,		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
		2014		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)	$	1,751	$	1,751	$	—	$	—
	Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)	19		—		19		—
	Long-term
	Trading securities	48		48		—		—
	Available-for-sale investments	35		35		—		—
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	1,853	$	1,834	$	19	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Short-term
	Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)	$	7	$	—	$	7	$	—
	Long-term
	Deferred compensation liability	48		—		48		—
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	55	$	—	$	55	$	—
	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	$	—
	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, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Years Ended
		October 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in millions)
	Long-lived assets held and used	$	23	$	2	$	1
Long-lived assets held for sale	$	—	$	1	$	—
Long-lived assets held and used with a carrying amount of $23 million were written down to their fair value of zero, resulting in an impairment charge of $23 million, which was included in net income for 2014. The impairment charge for 2014 includes $19 million relating to the exit of a business and $4 million related to various IPR&D projects that were written down to their fair value of zero. 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.
There were no impairments of long-lived assets held for sale in 2014. 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. There were no impairments of long-lived assets held for sale in 2012.
Fair values for the impaired long-lived assets were measured using level 2 and level 3 inputs.

DERIVATIVES

DERIVATIVES	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
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, 2014, 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, 2014 was $3 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, 2014 was $22 million. All deferred gains from terminated interest rate swaps are being amortized over the remaining life of the respective senior notes. On July 14, 2014 we prepaid our 2015 senior notes and amortized the remaining $8 million of deferred gain on the terminated interest rate swap related to those senior notes to other income (expense), net. On October 20, 2014 we prepaid $500 million out of $600 million principal of our 2017 senior notes and amortized $14 million of the total $17 million deferred gain on the terminated interest rate swap related to those senior notes to other income (expense), net. For more information see Note 19, "Long-term debt".
	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 fair 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 other income (expense) 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 2014, 2013 and 2012 was not significant. For the year ended October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 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, 2014, was $2 million. The credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements had not been triggered as of October 31, 2014.
	There were 127 foreign exchange forward contracts and 7 foreign exchange option contracts open as of October 31, 2014 and designated as cash flow hedges. There were 220 foreign exchange forward contracts open as of October 31, 2014 not designated as hedging instruments. The aggregated U.S. Dollar notional amounts by currency and designation as of October 31, 2014 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		$	(37	)		$	—			$	207
	British Pound		(20		)		—				48
	Canadian Dollar		(34		)		—				(1		)
	Australian Dollars		6				—				18
	Malaysian Ringgit		91				—				15
	Japanese Yen		(140		)		(50		)		(5		)
	Other		(27		)		—				45
			$	(161	)		$	(50	)		$	327
	Derivative instruments are subject to master netting arrangements and are disclosed gross in the balance sheet in accordance with the authoritative guidance. The gross fair values and balance sheet location of derivative instruments held in the consolidated balance sheet as of October 31, 2014 and 2013 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,
			2014				2013						2014		2013
	(in millions)
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Cash flow hedges
	Foreign exchange contracts
	Other current assets		$	16			$	4			Other accrued liabilities		$	2	$	4
			$	16			$	4					$	2	$	4
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts
	Other current assets		$	3			$	3			Other accrued liabilities		$	5	$	2
	Total derivatives		$	19			$	7					$	7	$	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:
		2014				2013				2012
		(in millions)
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Fair Value Hedges
	Gain on interest rate swap contracts, including interest accrual, recognized in interest expense	$	—			$	—			$	—
	Gain (loss) on hedged item, recognized in interest expense	$	—			$	—			$	3
	Cash Flow Hedges
	Gain recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	$	13			$	10			$	7
	Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into cost of sales	$	(1	)		$	13			$	8
	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	$	(19	)		$	7			$	(34	)
	The estimated net amount of existing loss at October 31, 2014 that is expected to be reclassified from other comprehensive income to the cost of sales within the next twelve months is $13 million.

RESTRUCTURING_AND_EXIT_OF_NMR_

RESTRUCTURING AND EXIT OF NMR BUSINESS	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
RESTRUCTURING	14.   RESTRUCTURING AND EXIT OF NMR BUSINESS
	Exit of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ("NMR") Business. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014, we made the decision to cease the manufacture and sale of our NMR product line within our life sciences and diagnostics segment. The exit of the NMR business was primarily due to the lack of growth and profitability of the product line. In connection with the business exit, we have recorded approximately $68 million in restructuring and other related costs associated with the closure of NMR. These costs are comprised of severance and other personnel costs related to the workforce reduction of approximately 300 employees primarily located in the United Kingdom and California and non-cash charges related to intangible asset impairments and other asset write-downs including inventory. We expect to substantially complete these restructuring activities by the end of fiscal 2016. As of October 31, 2014, substantially all employees are pending termination under the above actions.
	A summary of total “NMR” restructuring activity and other special charges is shown in the table below:
		Workforce			Impairments of Building and Other Assets			Special Charges Related to Inventory and Others			Total
		Reduction
		(in millions)
	Balance as of October 31, 2013	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Income statement expense	16			19			33			68
	Asset impairments/inventory charges	—			(19		)	(30		)	(49		)
	Cash payments	(2		)	—			—			(2		)
	Balance as of October 31, 2014	$	14		$	—		$	3		$	17
	The restructuring and other special accruals related to the NMR closure, which totaled $17 million at October 31, 2014, are recorded in other accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. These balances reflect estimated future cash outlays.
	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. In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013, Agilent announced plans to separate the electronic measurement business from Agilent which was completed on November 1, 2014. As a result, approximately 50 employees from the targeted restructuring plan have been redeployed within the company, reducing the total headcount under this plan to 400 employees. 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 650 positions. Within the U.S., we have substantially completed these restructuring activities. Internationally, we expect to complete these restructuring activities by the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2015. As of October 31, 2014, approximately 70 employees, including Keysight employees, are pending termination under the above actions.
	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
	Income statement reversal	(4		)
	Cash payments	(17		)
	Balance as of October 31, 2014	$	3
	The restructuring reversal of 4 million recorded during fiscal year 2014 related to approximately 50 employees that had been redeployed within the company as a result of the separation announcement. The restructuring accruals, which totaled $3 million at October 31, 2014, 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 the NMR closure and restructuring plan is shown below:
		Year Ended				Year Ended
		October 31,				October 31,
		2014				2013
		(in millions)
	Cost of products and services	$	45			$	19
	Research and development	4				9
	Selling, general and administrative	15				25
	Total restructuring, asset impairments and other special charges	$	64			$	53

RETIREMENT_PLANS_AND_POST_RETI

RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
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 or the Keysight Technologies, Inc. Retirement Plan (together, the "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 and Keysight Retirement Plans is reduced by any amounts due to the eligible employee under the Agilent and Keysight defined contribution Deferred Profit-Sharing Plans (together, the "DPSP"), which were closed to new participants as of November 1993.
	As of October 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair value of plan assets of the DPSP was $520 million and $552 million, respectively. Note that the projected benefit obligation for the DPSP equals the fair value of plan assets.
	In addition to the DPSP, in the U.S., Agilent and Keysight each maintain a Supplemental Benefits Retirement Plan ("SBRP"), supplemental unfunded non-qualified defined benefit plans 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" in the tables below.
	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 Agilent U.S. employees may participate in the Agilent Technologies, Inc. 401(k) Plan. Beginning on August 1, 2014, Keysight U.S. employees became eligible to participate in the Keysight Technologies, Inc. 401(k) Plan. Enrollment in the Agilent or Keysight 401(k) Plans 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. Effective November 1, 2014, new employees, new transfers to the U.S. payroll and rehires will be eligible for an enhanced 6 percent employer match in the Agilent 401(k) Plan (see Plan Amendments below). 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 $27 million in 2014, $25 million in 2013 and $25 million in 2012.
	Post-retirement medical benefit plans.    In addition to receiving retirement benefits, Agilent U.S. employees who meet eligibility requirements as of their termination date may participate in the Agilent Technologies, Inc. Health Plan for Retirees. Beginning on August 1, 2014, Keysight U.S. employees may participate in the Keysight 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 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.   Effective November 1, 2014, Agilent’s U.S. defined benefit retirement plan will be closed to new entrants including new employees, new transfers to the U.S. payroll and rehires. These employees will instead be eligible for an enhanced 6% employer match in the Agilent 401(k) plan.   In addition, any new employee hired on or after November 1, 2014, will not be eligible to participate in the retiree medical plans upon retiring. Current eligible employees will continue to participate in the U.S. defined benefit retirement plan and retiree medical programs in place today and will remain eligible for the 401(k) plan with the current 4 percent employer match.  Retirees will maintain the retirement benefits and retiree medical benefits they are eligible for today.
	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.
	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, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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
		2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)
	Service cost — benefits earned during the period	$	46		$	44		$	40		$	36		$	36		$	33		$	3		$	4		$	3
	Interest cost on benefit obligation	34			24			27			74			68			74			12			12			15
	Expected return on plan assets	(64		)	(51		)	(46		)	(118		)	(97		)	(92		)	(22		)	(20		)	(19		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	1			13			7			48			55			42			14			18			16
	Amortization of prior service benefit	(12		)	(12		)	(12		)	(1		)	(1		)	(1		)	(35		)	(35		)	(35		)
	Total periodic benefit cost (benefit)	$	5		$	18		$	16		$	39		$	61		$	56		$	(28	)	$	(21	)	$	(20	)
	Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss
	Net actuarial (gain) loss	$	86		$	(122	)	$	69		$	173		$	(85	)	$	214		$	12		$	(57	)	$	22
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	(1		)	(13		)	(7		)	(48		)	(55		)	(42		)	(14		)	(18		)	(16		)
	Prior service cost (benefit)	—			—			—			(2		)	—			—			—			—			—
	Amortization of prior service benefit	12			12			12			1			1			1			35			35			35
	Foreign currency	—			—			—			(28		)	2			(5		)	—			—			—
	Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss	$	97		$	(123	)	$	74		$	96		$	(137	)	$	168		$	33		$	(40	)	$	41
	Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (benefit) and other comprehensive (income) loss	$	102		$	(105	)	$	90		$	135		$	(76	)	$	224		$	5		$	(61	)	$	21
	Funded status.    As of October 31, 2014 and 2013, 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
		2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Change in fair value of plan assets:
	Fair value — beginning of year	$	782		$	654		$	2,045		$	1,801		$	288		$	261
	Actual return on plan assets	64			133			180			267			18			47
	Employer contributions	30			30			72			89			1			1
	Participants' contributions	—			—			3			1			—			—
	Benefits paid	(39		)	(35		)	(62		)	(49		)	(23		)	(21		)
	Currency impact	—			—			(130		)	(64		)	—			—
	Fair value — end of year	$	837		$	782		$	2,108		$	2,045		$	284		$	288
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation — beginning of year	$	763		$	771		$	2,199		$	2,117		$	307		$	343
	Service cost	46			44			36			36			3			4
	Interest cost	34			24			74			68			12			12
	Participants' contributions	—			—			3			1			—			—
	Plan amendment	—			—			(2		)	—			—			—
	Actuarial (gain) loss	85			(41		)	236			85			10			(31		)
	Benefits paid	(39		)	(35		)	(62		)	(49		)	(23		)	(21		)
	Currency impact	—			—			(140		)	(59		)	—			—
	Benefit obligation — end of year	$	889		$	763		$	2,344		$	2,199		$	309		$	307
	Overfunded (underfunded) status of PBO	$	(52	)	$	19		$	(236	)	$	(154	)	$	(25	)	$	(19	)
	Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of:
	Other assets	$	—		$	34		$	70		$	60		$	—		$	—
	Employee compensation and benefits	(2		)	(2		)	—			—			—			—
	Retirement and post-retirement benefits	(50		)	(13		)	(306		)	(214		)	(25		)	(19		)
	Net asset (liability)	$	(52	)	$	19		$	(236	)	$	(154	)	$	(25	)	$	(19	)
	Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss):
	Actuarial (gains) losses	$	77		$	(8	)	$	621		$	525		$	118		$	119
	Prior service costs (benefits)	(55		)	(67		)	(4		)	(4		)	(149		)	(183		)
	Total	$	22		$	(75	)	$	617		$	521		$	(31	)	$	(64	)
In connection with the separation of Keysight Technologies on November 1, 2014, Agilent transferred certain liabilities and assets of the U.S. and Non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans, and U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plans to similar plans created for Keysight Technologies employees as follows:
	U.S. Defined			Non-U.S. Defined			U.S. Post-Retirement
	Benefit Plans			Benefit Plans			Benefit Plans
	(in millions)
Fair value of plan assets transferred to Keysight	$	491		$	1,318		$	187
Benefit obligation transferred to Keysight	$	514		$	1,429		$	206
The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized by Agilent (excluding Keysight plans) as components of net expense during 2015 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)	$	(5	)	$	—		$	(12	)
Amortization of actuarial net loss (gain)	$	3		$	27		$	6
Investment policies and strategies as of October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.    In the U.S., target asset allocations for our retirement and post-retirement benefit plans 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, 2014 and 2013 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, 2014 and 2013.
				Fair Value Measurement
				at October 31, 2014 Using
	October 31,			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
	2014			in Active			Other			Unobservable
				Markets for			Observable			Inputs
				Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
				(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	(in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	9		$	2		$	7		$	—
Equity	668			156			512			—
Fixed Income	145			40			105			—
Other Investments	15			1			—			14
Total assets measured at fair value	$	837		$	199		$	624		$	14
				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
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 2014 and 2013:
	Years Ended
	October 31.
	2014			2013
Balance, beginning of year	$	17		$	21
Realized gains/(losses)	(1		)	4
Unrealized gains/(losses)	2			(2		)
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements	(4		)	(6		)
Transfers in (out)	—			—
Balance, end of year	$	14		$	17
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, 2014 and 2013.
				Fair Value Measurement at
				October 31, 2014 Using
	October 31,			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
	2014			in Active			Other			Unobservable
				Markets for			Observable			Inputs
				Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
				(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	(in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	6		$	3		$	3		$	—
Equity	217			51			166			—
Fixed Income	53			14			39			—
Other Investments	8			—			—			8
Total assets measured at fair value	$	284		$	68		$	208		$	8
				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
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 2014 and 2013:
	Years Ended
	October 31,
	2014			2013
Balance, beginning of year	$	10		$	12
Realized gains/(losses)	(1		)	2
Unrealized gains/(losses)	1			(1		)
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements	(2		)	(3		)
Transfers in (out)	—			—
Balance, end of year	$	8		$	10
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, 2014 and 2013:
				Fair Value Measurement at
				October 31, 2014 Using
	October 31,			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
	2014			in Active			Other			Unobservable
				Markets for			Observable			Inputs
				Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
				(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	(in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	10		$	3		$	7		$	—
Equity	1,078			335			743			—
Fixed Income	974			37			937			—
Other Investments	46			—			25			21
Total assets measured at fair value	$	2,108		$	375		$	1,712		$	21
				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		$	—
For non-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 2014. 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.
	Years Ended
	October 31,
	2014			2013
Balance, beginning of year	$	—		$	—
Realized gains/(losses)	—			—
Unrealized gains/(losses)	1			—
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements	—			—
Transfers in (out)	20			—
Balance, end of year	$	21		$	—
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, 2014 or 2013.
	2014						2013
	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	$	889		$	837		$	15		$	—
U.S. defined benefit plans where fair value of plan assets exceeds PBO	—			—			748			782
Total	$	889		$	837		$	763		$	782
Non-U.S. defined benefit plans where PBO exceeds or is equal to the fair value of plan assets	$	1,865		$	1,559		$	1,697		$	1,482
Non-U.S. defined benefit plans where fair value of plan assets exceeds PBO	479			549			502			563
Total	$	2,344		$	2,108		$	2,199		$	2,045
	ABO						ABO
U.S. defined benefit plans where ABO exceeds the fair value of plan assets	$	14		$	—		$	14		$	—
U.S. defined benefit plans where the fair value of plan assets exceeds ABO	812			837			716			782
Total	$	826		$	837		$	730		$	782
Non-U.S. defined benefit plans where ABO exceeds or is equal to the fair value of plan assets	$	1,795		$	1,559		$	1,533		$	1,380
Non-U.S. defined benefit plans where fair value of plan assets exceeds ABO	468			549			590			665
Total	$	2,263		$	2,108		$	2,123		$	2,045
Contributions and estimated future benefit payments.    During fiscal year 2015, we expect to contribute $15 million to the U.S. defined benefit plans, $25 million to plans outside the U.S., and $1 million to the Post-retirement Medical Plans. The following table presents expected future benefit payments for the next 10 years for the Agilent plans only.
	U.S. Defined			Non-U.S. Defined			U.S. Post-Retirement
	Benefit Plans			Benefit Plans			Benefit Plans
	(in millions)
2015	$	30		$	23		$	8
2016	$	23		$	24		$	8
2017	$	26		$	27		$	8
2018	$	28		$	28		$	8
2019	$	30		$	29		$	8
2020 - 2024	$	177		$	185		$	39
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, 2014 and 2013 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,
	2014		2013	2012
U.S. defined benefit plans:
Discount rate	4.00-4.50%		3.25%	4.50%
Average increase in compensation levels	3.50%		3.50%	3.50%
Expected long-term return on assets	8.00%		8.00%	8.00%
Non-U.S. defined benefit plans:
Discount rate	1.50-4.00%		1.50-4.50%	2.00-5.50%
Average increase in compensation levels	2.50-3.25%		2.50-3.00%	2.50-3.25%
Expected long-term return on assets	4.00-6.50%		4.00-6.50%	4.00-6.50%
U.S. post-retirement benefits plans:
Discount rate	4.00-4.25%		3.50%	4.75%
Expected long-term return on assets	8.00%		8.00%	8.00%
Current medical cost trend rate	8.00-9.00%		9.00%	9.00%
Ultimate medical cost trend rate	3.50%		3.50%	4.50%
Medical cost trend rate decreases to ultimate rate in year	2028		2027	2026
Assumptions used to calculate the benefit obligation were as follows:
	As of the Years Ending October 31,
	2014		2013
U.S. defined benefit plans:
Discount rate	4.00%		4.50%
Average increase in compensation levels	3.50%		3.50%
Non-U.S. defined benefit plans:
Discount rate	1.50-4.00%		1.75-4.25%
Average increase in compensation levels	2.50-3.25%		2.50-3.25%
U.S. post-retirement benefits plans:
Discount rate	3.75-4.00%		4.25%
Current medical cost trend rate	8.00%		9.00%
Ultimate medical cost trend rate	3.50%		3.50%
Medical cost trend rate decreases to ultimate rate in year	2028		2028
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, 2014.

GUARANTEES

GUARANTEES	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
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,
		2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Balance as of October 31, 2013 and 2012	$	69		$	60
	Accruals for warranties including change in estimates	90			92
	Settlements made during the period	(78		)	(83		)
	Balance as of October 31, 2014 and 2013	$	81		$	69
	Accruals for warranties due within one year	60			48
	Accruals for warranties due after one year	21			21
	Balance as of October 31, 2014 and 2013	$	81		$	69
	Indemnifications to Keysight
	In connection with the separation of Keysight from Agilent on November 1, 2014 we agreed to indemnify Keysight and its affiliates against certain damages and expenses that might occur in the future.  These indemnifications cover a variety of liabilities, including, but not limited to, employee, tax and environmental matters.  The agreements containing these indemnifications have been previously disclosed as exhibits to our current report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2014. In our opinion, the fair value of these indemnification obligations was not material as of October 31, 2014.
	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 connection with the separation of Keysight from Agilent, Keysight assumed the indemnification obligations to Avago. In our opinion, the fair value of these indemnification obligations was not material as of October 31, 2014.
	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 connection with the separation of Keysight from Agilent, Keysight assumed the indemnification obligations to Verigy. In our opinion, the fair value of these indemnification obligations was not material as of October 31, 2014.
	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, 2014.
	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, 2014.
	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, 2014.
	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, 2014.
	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, 2014.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
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, 2014 were $57 million for 2015, $47 million for 2016, $34 million for 2017, $22 million for 2018, $13 million for 2019 and $33 million thereafter. Future minimum sublease income under leases at October 31, 2014 was $7 million for 2015, $5 million for 2016, $3 million for 2017, and $0 million thereafter. We expect that with the separation of Keysight from Agilent on November 1, 2014 that future minimum lease payments will reduced by approximately $52 million and sub-lease income will increase by approximately $50 million over the periods presented above. Certain leases require us to pay property taxes, insurance and routine maintenance, and include escalation clauses. Total rent expense was $93 million in 2014, $90 million in 2013 and $84 million in 2012.
	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 conducted an investigation with the assistance of outside counsel and approached the DOD IG with a proposed methodology for resolving possible overcharges to U.S. government purchasers resulting from these sales and discussed the matter with the Department of Justice (“DOJ”). On October 31, 2014, the Company resolved the matter with the DOJ with a settlement for an amount that was not material to Agilent's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	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 included 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 (“SEC”) and United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”) to advise both agencies of this internal investigation.  On September 15, 2014, the Company received a letter from the SEC’s Division of Enforcement stating that its investigation had been completed and that the Division of Enforcement did not intend to recommend any enforcement action against the Company by the SEC. On September 24, 2014, the Company received a letter from DOJ stating that DOJ had closed its inquiry into the matter, citing the Company’s voluntary disclosure and thorough investigation.

SHORTTERM_DEBT

SHORT-TERM DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Short-term Debt [Abstract]
SHORT-TERM DEBT	18.   SHORT-TERM DEBT
	Credit Facilities
	On September 15, 2014, Agilent entered into a credit agreement with a financial institution which provides for a $400 million five-year unsecured credit facility (the “Agilent Facility”) that will expire on September 15, 2019.  The Agilent Facility replaced the previous credit facility (“old credit facility”) and provides for amounts to be borrowed for general corporate purposes. For the year ended October 31, 2014, we borrowed $50 million under the old credit facility and repaid $50 million by October 31, 2014. As of October 31, 2014 the company has no borrowings outstanding under the Agilent facility. We were in compliance with the covenants for the credit facilities during the year ended October 31, 2014.
	On September 15, 2014, Keysight, a wholly owned subsidiary of Agilent, entered into a credit agreement with a financial institution which provides for a $300 million five-year unsecured credit facility (the “Keysight Facility”) that will expire on November 1, 2019 and provides for amounts to be borrowed for general corporate purposes. The credit agreement was initially guaranteed by Agilent. The guarantee terminated upon the completion of the separation of Keysight from Agilent on November 1, 2014. As of October 31, 2014 the company has no borrowings outstanding under the Keysight facility. We were in compliance with the covenants for the credit facility during the year ended October 31, 2014.
	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, 2014 the company had no borrowings outstanding under the facility.
	Short- Term Loan
	On July 10, 2014, a wholly owned subsidiary of Agilent in India entered into a short-term loan agreement with a financial institution, which provides up to $50 million of unsecured borrowings. On July 25, 2014, we borrowed $35 million against the loan agreement at an interest rate of 9.95 percent per annum. The loan was repaid during the year and as of October 31, 2014, no balance was outstanding against this loan agreement.

LONGTERM_DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
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, 2014						October 31, 2013
		Amortized		Swap		Total		Amortized		Swap		Total
		Principal						Principal
		(in millions)
	2015 Senior Notes	$	—			$	—	$	500	$	12	$	512
	2017 Senior Notes	100		3		103		599		22		621
	2019 Senior Notes	500		—		500		—		—		—
	2020 Senior Notes	499		22		521		498		26		524
	2022 Senior Notes	399		—		399		399		—		399
	2023 Senior Notes	598		—		598		597		—		597
	2024 Senior Notes	599		—		599		—		—		—
	Total	$	2,695	$	25	$	2,720	$	2,593	$	60	$	2,653
	2015 Senior Notes
	On July 14, 2014, we settled the redemption of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of our 5.5% senior notes (“2015 senior notes”) due September 14, 2015, that had been called for redemption on June 12, 2014. The redemption price of approximately $528 million included the $500 million principal amount and a $28 million prepayment penalty, computed in accordance with the terms of the 2015 senior notes as the present value of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and unpaid interest. The prepayment penalty less full amortization of previously deferred interest rate swap gain of approximately $8 million together with $1 million of amortization of debt issuance costs and discount was disclosed in other income (expense), net in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. We also paid accrued and unpaid interest of $9 million on the 2015 senior notes up to but not including the redemption date.
	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, 2014 was $3 million. The gain is being deferred and amortized to interest expense over the remaining life of the 2017 senior notes.
	On October 20, 2014, we settled the redemption of $500 million of the $600 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of our 2017 senior notes due November 1, 2017 that had been called for redemption on September 19, 2014. The redemption price of approximately $580 million included a $80 million prepayment penalty computed in accordance with the terms of the 2017 senior notes as the present value of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and unpaid interest related to $500 million partial redemption. The prepayment penalty less partial amortization of previously deferred interest rate swap gain of approximately $14 million together with $2 million of amortization of debt issuance costs and discount was disclosed in other income (expense), net in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. We also paid accrued and unpaid interest of $15 million on the 2017 senior notes up to but not including the redemption date.
	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, 2014 was $22 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.
	Keysight 2019 and 2024 Senior Notes
	On October 6, 2014 Keysight announced that it had agreed to sell $500 million of 3.30% senior notes due 2019 ("2019 senior notes") and $600 million of 4.55% senior notes due 2024 ("2024 senior notes"). The transaction closed on October 15, 2014. Each series of notes initially were guaranteed on an unsecured, unsubordinated basis by Agilent. The guarantees terminated upon the completion of the separation of Keysight from Agilent on November 1, 2014.
	All notes issued are unsecured and rank equally in right of payment with all of Agilent's other senior unsecured indebtedness.
	Other debt
	As of October 31, 2014, and as a result of the Dako acquisition, we have mortgage debts, secured on buildings in Denmark, in Danish Krone equivalent of $42 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, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY	20.   STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Stock Repurchase Program
	On January 16, 2013, our board of directors approved a 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. 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. As of October 31, 2014, there were no remaining amounts to be repurchased under the 2013 program.
	On November 22, 2013 we announced that our board of directors had authorized a new share repurchase program effective upon the conclusion of the company's $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 target maintaining a weighted average share count of approximately 335 million diluted shares.
	For the year ended October 31, 2014, we repurchased 4 million shares for $200 million. For the year ended October 31, 2013 we repurchased approximately 20 million shares for $900 million. For the year ended October 31, 2012 we repurchased 5 million shares for $172 million. All such shares and related costs are held as treasury stock and accounted for using the cost method.
	Cash Dividends on Shares of Common Stock
	During the year ended October 31, 2014, cash dividends of $0.528 per share, or $176 million were declared and paid on the company's outstanding 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. On November 20, 2014, we declared a quarterly dividend of $0.10per share of common stock, or approximately $34 million which will be paid on January 28, 2015 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on January 6, 2015. The timing and amounts of any future dividends are subject to determination and approval by our board of directors.
	Accumulated other comprehensive income
	The following table summarizes the components of our accumulated other comprehensive income as of October 31, 2014 and 2013, net of tax effect:
		October 31,
		2014				2013
		(in millions)
	Unrealized gain on equity securities, net of $(3) and $(2) of tax expense for 2014 and 2013, respectively	$	17			$	7
	Foreign currency translation, net of $(86) and $(94) of tax expense for 2014 and 2013, respectively	156				425
	Unrealized losses on defined benefit plans, net of tax benefit of $145 and $64 for 2014 and 2013, respectively	(516		)		(341		)
	Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net of tax expense of $(7) and $(2) for 2014 and 2013, respectively	9				—
	Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(334	)		$	91
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component and related tax effects for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in millions):
										Net defined benefit pension cost and post retirement plan costs
			Unrealized gain on investments				Foreign currency translation			Prior service credits			Actuarial Losses			Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives			Total
			(in millions)
	As of October 31, 2012		$	—			$	424		$	319		$	(856	)	$	2		$	(111	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		9				(7		)	—			256			10			268
	Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income		—				—			(48		)	86			(13		)	25
	Tax (expense) benefit		(2		)		8			16			(114		)	1			(91		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		7				1			(32		)	228			(2		)	202
	As of October 31, 2013		$	7			$	425		$	287		$	(628	)	$	—		$	91
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		12				(277		)	—			(273		)	13			(525		)
	Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income		(1		)		—			(48		)	65			1			17
	Tax (expense) benefit		(1		)		8			16			65			(5		)	83
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		10				(269		)	(32		)	(143		)	9			(425		)
	As of October 31, 2014		$	17			$	156		$	255		$	(771	)	$	9		$	(334	)
	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in millions):
	Details about accumulated other		Amounts Reclassified							Affected line item in
	comprehensive income components		from other comprehensive income							statement of operations
			2014				2013
	Unrealized gain on equity securities		$	1			$	—		Other income (expense), net
			1				—			Total before income tax
			—				—			Provision for income tax
			1				—			Total net of income tax
	Unrealized gains and (losses) on derivatives		(1		)		13			Cost of products
			(1		)		13			Total before income tax
			—				(3		)	(Provision)/benefit for income tax
			(1		)		10			Total net of income tax
	Net defined benefit pension cost and post retirement plan costs:
	Actuarial net loss		(65		)		(86		)
	Prior service benefit		48				48
			(17		)		(38		)	Total before income tax
			(2		)		7			(Provision)/benefit for income tax
			(19		)		(31		)	Total net of income tax
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	(19	)		$	(21	)
	Amounts in parentheses indicate reductions to income and increases to other comprehensive income.
	Reclassifications of prior service benefit and actuarial net loss in respect of retirement plans and post retirement pension plans are included in the computation of net periodic cost (see Note 15 "Retirement Plans and Post Retirement Pension Plans").

SEGMENT_INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
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. Agilent has three business segments comprised of the life sciences and diagnostics business, the chemical analysis business and the electronic measurement business. 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.
	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 2014, we created the order fulfillment and supply chain organization (“OFS”) to centralize all order fulfillment and supply chain operations in our life sciences and diagnostics and chemicals analysis businesses.  Similarly we created the order fulfillment and infrastructure (“OFI”) organization to centralize all order fulfillment and supply organizations and operations within our electronic measurement business. Both OFS and OFI provide resources for manufacturing, engineering and strategic sourcing to our respective businesses. In general, OFS and OFI employees are dedicated to specific businesses and the associated costs are directly allocated to those 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, 2014:
	Total net revenue	$	2,372		$	1,676		$	2,933		$	6,981
	Income from operations	$	376		$	387		$	559		$	1,322
	Depreciation expense	$	74		$	31		$	89		$	194
	Share-based compensation expense	$	33		$	23		$	42		$	98
	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
	The following table reconciles reportable segments' income from operations to Agilent's total enterprise income before taxes:
		Years Ended October 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Total reportable segments' income from operations	$	1,322		$	1,276		$	1,384
	Restructuring and business exit related costs	(64		)	(53		)	—
	Acceleration of depreciation for held and used assets	—			—			(15		)
	Asset Impairments	(4		)	(3		)	(1		)
	Transformational programs	(29		)	(19		)	(25		)
	Amortization of intangibles	(197		)	(199		)	(136		)
	Acquisition and integration costs	(12		)	(29		)	(74		)
	Acceleration of share-based compensation expense related to workforce reduction	(1		)	(3		)	—
	One-time and pre-separation costs	(191		)	(5		)	—
	Other	7			(14		)	(14		)
	Interest Income	9			7			9
	Interest Expense	(113		)	(107		)	(101		)
	Other income (expense), net	(81		)	8			16
	Income before taxes, as reported	$	646		$	859		$	1,043
	Major customers.    No customer represented 10 percent or more of our total net revenue in 2014, 2013 or 2012.
	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, 2014:
	Assets	$	4,312		$	1,815		$	1,976		$	8,103
	Capital expenditures	$	77		$	33		$	95		$	205
	As of October 31, 2013:
	Assets	$	4,291		$	1,756		$	1,997		$	8,044
	Capital expenditures	$	77		$	30		$	88		$	195
	The following table reconciles segment assets to Agilent's total assets:
		October 31,
		2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Total reportable segments' assets	$	8,103		$	8,044
	Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	3,028			2,675
	Prepaid expenses	241			198
	Investments	159			139
Long-term and other receivables	124			162
Other	(824		)	(532		)
Total assets	$	10,831		$	10,686
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, 2014	$	2,070		$	1,133		$	595		$	3,183	$	6,981
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
	United			Japan			Rest of the			Total
	States						World
	(in millions)
Long-lived assets:
October 31, 2014	$	597		$	180		$	656		$	1,433
31-Oct-13	$	601		$	187		$	658		$	1,446

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [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)
	2014
	Tax valuation allowance	$	85	$	49	$	—		$	134
	2013
	Tax valuation allowance	$	93	$	—	$	(8	)	$	85
	2012
	Tax valuation allowance	$	369	$	4	$	(280	)	$	93
	* 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. The addition in FY2014 is primarily related to capital losses in Australia against which a valuation allowance was set up.
	** 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, 2014
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 U.S. GAAP 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, 2014 and 2013 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 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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 $98 million in 2014, $88 million in 2013 and $76 million in 2012.
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 to three years 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 are being 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 has not been material to the segment or consolidated revenue of Agilent and the anticipated total 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. Under the authoritative guidance we have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. The accounting standard gives an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether performing the 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. greater than 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 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.
	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 aggregate components of an operating segment that have similar economic characteristics into our reporting units. Agilent has three segments, life sciences and diagnostics, chemical analysis, and electronic measurement segments.
	In fiscal year 2014, 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 four reporting units as of September 30, 2014. 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. Each quarter we review the events and circumstances to determine if goodwill impairment is indicated. There was no impairment of goodwill during the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Purchased intangible assets consist primarily of acquired developed technologies, proprietary know-how, trademarks, and customer relationships and are amortized using the best estimate of the asset's useful life that reflect the pattern in which the economic benefits are consumed or used up or a straight-line method 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 condensed consolidated statement of operations in the period it is abandoned.
	Agilent's indefinite-lived intangible assets are IPR&D intangible assets. The accounting guidance allows a qualitative approach for testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, similar to the issued impairment testing guidance for goodwill and allows the option to first assess qualitative factors (events and circumstances) that could have affected the significant inputs used in determining the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not (i.e. greater than 50% chance) 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. We performed a qualitative test for impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets as of September 30, 2014. Based on the results of our qualitative testing, we believe that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of these indefinite-lived intangible assets is greater than their respective carrying values. Each quarter we review the events and circumstances to determine if impairment of indefinite-lived intangible asset is indicated. In the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recorded an impairment of $4 million, $1 million and $1 million, respectively due to the cancellation of certain IPR&D projects. In addition, in the year ended October 31, 2014, we also recorded $12 million of impairment of other intangibles due to the exit of our NMR business.
Advertising	Advertising.    Advertising costs are generally expensed as incurred and amounted to $57 million in 2014, $44 million in 2013 and $50 million in 2012.
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 potential common shares outstanding during the period unless the effect is anti-dilutive. 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, 2014, approximately $2,397 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 $54 million and $112 million as of October 31, 2014 and 2013, 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. 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, 2014, or 2013.
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 2014, 2013 and 2012 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. In addition, we lease equipment to customers in connection with our diagnostics business using both capital and operating leases. As of October 31, 2014 and 2013 our life sciences and diagnostics segment has approximately $8 million and $4 million, respectively, of lease receivables related to capital leases and approximately $33 million and $35 million, respectively, of net assets for operating leases.  We depreciate the assets related to the operating leases over their estimated useful lives.
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 and exit of NMR business. The main components of expenses are related to workforce reductions, assets impairments and write-downs and special charges to inventory, which mainly relates to exiting of one of our businesses. Workforce reduction charges are accrued when payment of benefits that the employees are entitled to becomes probable and the amounts can be estimated. We have also assessed the recoverability of our long-lived assets, by determining whether the carrying value of such assets will be recovered through undiscounted future cash flows. Asset impairments primarily consist of property, plant and equipment and are based on an estimate of the amounts and timing of future cash flows related to the expected future remaining use and ultimate sale or disposal of buildings and equipment net of costs to sell. The charges related to inventory include estimated future inventory disposal payments that we are contractually obliged to make to our suppliers and inventory written-down to net realizable value. 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 asset impairment 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 $170 million and $158 million as of October 31, 2014, and 2013, 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 non-monetary 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 $4 million loss for fiscal year 2014, $6 million loss for 2013 and $19 million loss for 2012, 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, 2014
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
	Net revenue	$	7,100
	Net income	$	1,145
	Net income per share — basic	$	3.29
	Net income per share — diluted	$	3.24

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
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,
		2014				2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Cost of products and services	$	23			$	20		$	16
	Research and development	14				12			10
	Selling, general and administrative	61				56			50
	Total share-based compensation expense	$	98			$	88		$	76
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,
		2014		2013		2012
	Stock Option Plans:
	Weighted average risk-free interest rate	1.69%		0.86%		0.88%
	Dividend yield	1%		1%		0%
	Weighted average volatility	39%		39%		38%
	Expected life	5.8 years		5.8 years		5.8 years
	LTPP:
	Volatility of Agilent shares	36%		37%		41%
	Volatility of selected peer-company shares	13%-57%		6%-64%		17%-75%
	Price-wise correlation with selected peers	47%		49%		62%
Summary of stock option award activity	The following table summarizes employee stock option award activity made to our employees and directors for 2014:
		Options			Weighted
		Outstanding			Average
					Exercise Price
		(in thousands)
	Outstanding at October 31, 2013	9,609			$	32
	Granted	1,250			$	54
	Exercised	(3,750	)		$	30
	Cancelled/Forfeited/Expired	(99	)		$	41
	Outstanding at October 31, 2014	7,010			$	36
	Forfeited and expired options from total cancellations in 2014 were as follows:
		Options			Weighted
		Cancelled			Average
					Exercise Price
		(in thousands)
	Forfeited	60			$	49
	Expired	39			$	29
	Total Options Cancelled during 2014	99			$	41
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, 2014 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	690			1.9		$	20		$	24,240	690	1.9	$	20	$	24,240
	$25.01 - 30	466			4.9		$	29		12,032		466	4.9	$	29	12,032
	$30.01 - 40	4,646			5.4		$	35		93,664		2,612	3.8	$	34	54,838
	$40.01 - 50	6			7.4		$	45		59		3	7.4	$	45	29
	$50.01 & over	1,202			9.1		$	54		$	2,054	—	—	$	—	$	—
		7,010			5.7		$	36		$	132,049	3,771	3.6	$	31	$	91,139
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 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Aggregate				Weighted			Per Share Value Using
		Intrinsic Value				Average			Black-Scholes
						Exercise			Model
						Price
		(in thousands)
	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
	Options exercised in fiscal 2014	$	98,075			$	30
	Black-Scholes per share value of options granted during fiscal 2014								$	19
Non-vested award activity disclosure	The following table summarizes non-vested award activity in 2014 primarily for our LTPP and restricted stock unit awards:
		Shares			Weighted
					Average
					Grant Price
		(in thousands)
	Non-vested at October 31, 2013	3,546			$	37
	Granted	1,358			$	54
	Vested	(1,324	)		$	40
	Forfeited	(104	)		$	42
	Change in LTPP shares vested in the year due to performance conditions	(43	)		$	36
	Non-vested at October 31, 2014	3,433			$	44

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
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,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	U.S. operations	$	(117	)	$	39		$	45
	Non-U.S. operations	763			820			998
	Total income before taxes	$	646		$	859		$	1,043
Provision for income taxes from operations	The provision (benefit) for income taxes is comprised of:
		Years Ended October 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	U.S. federal taxes:
	Current	$	12		$	24		$	6
	Deferred	(11		)	48			(144		)
	Non-U.S. taxes:
	Current	260			77			41
	Deferred	(117		)	(24		)	(22		)
	State taxes, net of federal benefit:
	Current	2			3			1
	Deferred	(4		)	7			8
	Total provision	$	142		$	135		$	(110	)
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,
		2014						2013
		Deferred			Deferred Tax			Deferred			Deferred Tax
		Tax Assets			Liabilities			Tax Assets			Liabilities
		(in millions)
	Inventory	$	32		$	—		$	32		$	—
	Intangibles	—			154			—			214
	Property, plant and equipment	40			—			18			—
	Warranty reserves	27			—			25			—
	Retiree medical benefits	—			14			—			—
	Pension benefits	166			—			42			—
	Employee benefits, other than retirement	49			—			57			—
	Net operating loss, capital loss, and credit carryforwards	209			—			263			—
	Unrealized gains/losses on investments	—			—			24			—
	Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	—			61			—			114
	Share-based compensation	56			—			54			—
	Deferred revenue	82			—			27			—
	Other	21			13			36			3
	Subtotal	682			242			578			331
	Tax valuation allowance	(134		)	—			(85		)	—
	Total deferred tax assets or deferred tax liabilities	$	548		$	242		$	493		$	331
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 2014 and 2013:
		October 31,
		2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Current deferred tax assets (included within other current assets)	$	160		$	115
	Long-term deferred tax assets (included within other assets)	289			264
	Current deferred tax liabilities (included within other accrued liabilities)	(6		)	(4		)
	Long-term deferred tax liabilities (included within other long-term liabilities)	(137		)	(213		)
	Total	$	306		$	162
Tax rate reconciliation, U.S. federal statutory rate to effective tax rate from operations
		Years Ended October 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Profit before tax times statutory rate	$	226		$	301		$	365
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit	(6		)	7			8
	Non-U.S. income taxed at different rates	(156		)	(162		)	(144		)
	Change in unrecognized non-U.S. tax benefits	—			—			(68		)
	Change in unrecognized U.S. tax benefits	(160		)	—			—
	Repatriation of foreign earnings	149			—			—
	Valuation allowances	49			(8		)	(280		)
	Non-deductible costs related to the separation of Keysight	17			—			—
	Transfer pricing adjustments for prior years	12			—			—
	Other, net	11			(3		)	9
	Provision for income taxes	$	142		$	135		$	(110	)
	Effective tax rate	22		%	16		%	(11		)%
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 2014 and 2013:
		October 31,
		2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Current income tax assets (included within other current assets)	$	99		$	42
	Long-term income tax assets (included within other assets)	48			34
	Current income tax liabilities (included within other accrued liabilities)	(151		)	(48		)
	Long-term income tax liabilities (included within other long-term liabilities)	(289		)	(341		)
	Total	$	(293	)	$	(313	)
Income tax contingencies rollforward	tax benefits including all federal, state and foreign tax jurisdictions are as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Balance, beginning of year	$	516		$	464		$	469
	Additions for acquisitions	—			—			—
	Additions for tax positions related to the current year	47			53			56
	Additions for tax positions from prior years	16			11			40
	Reductions for tax positions from prior years	(144		)	(6		)	(90		)
	Settlements with taxing authorities	(2		)	(3		)	(2		)
	Statute of limitations expirations	(9		)	(3		)	(9		)
	Balance, end of year	$	424		$	516		$	464

NET_INCOME_LOSS_PER_SHARE_Tabl

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
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,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in millions)
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	504	$	724	$	1,153
	Denominators:
	Basic weighted average shares	333		341		348
	Potential common shares — stock options and other employee stock plans	5		4		5
	Diluted weighted average shares	338		345		353

INVENTORY_Tables

INVENTORY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory
		October 31,
		2014		2013
		(in millions)
	Finished goods	$	585	$	552
	Purchased parts and fabricated assemblies	487		514
	Inventory	$	1,072	$	1,066

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_N1

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment
		October 31,
		2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Land	$	120		$	131
	Buildings and leasehold improvements	1,341			1,330
	Machinery and equipment	1,054			1,019
	Software	410			398
	Total property, plant and equipment	2,925			2,878
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,824		)	(1,744		)
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	1,101		$	1,134

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_1

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill balances and movements for each reportable segments during the period	The goodwill balances at October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and the movements in 2014 and 2013 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, 2012	$	1,807		$	751		$	467		$	3,025
	Foreign currency translation impact	63			(10		)	(47		)	6
	Goodwill arising from acquisitions	13			4			(1		)	16
	Goodwill as of October 31, 2013	$	1,883		$	745		$	419		$	3,047
	Foreign currency translation impact	(116		)	(5		)	(32		)	(153		)
	Goodwill arising from acquisitions	—			—			5			5
	Goodwill as of October 31, 2014	$	1,767		$	740		$	392		$	2,899
Components of other intangibles during the period	The component parts of other intangible assets at October 31, 2014 and 2013 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, 2013:
	Purchased technology	$	1,019		$	460		$	559
	Trademark/Tradename	176			40			136
	Customer relationships	401			215			186
	Total amortizable intangible assets	$	1,596		$	715		$	881
	In-Process R&D	35			—			35
	Total	$	1,631		$	715		$	916
	As of October 31, 2014:
	Purchased technology	$	1,005		$	589		$	416
	Trademark/Tradename	168			53			115
	Customer relationships	400			282			118
	Total amortizable intangible assets	$	1,573		$	924		$	649
	In-Process R&D	18			—			18
	Total	$	1,591		$	924		$	667

INVESTMENTS_Tables

INVESTMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Schedule of Investments [Abstract]
Equity Investments	The following table summarizes the company's equity investments as of October 31, 2014 and 2013 (net book value):
		October 31,
		2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Long-Term
	Cost method investments	$	40		$	44
	Trading securities	48			51
	Available-for-sale investments	35			25
	Equity method investments	36			19
	Total	$	159		$	139
Available-for-sale Securities	Investments in available-for-sale securities at estimated fair value were as follows as of October 31, 2014 and 2013:
			October 31, 2014										31-Oct-13
			Cost			Gross			Gross		Estimated		Cost		Gross		Gross		Estimated
						Unrealized			Unrealized		Fair				Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
						Gains			Losses		Value				Gains		Losses		Value
		(in millions)
	Equity securities		15			20			—		35		15		10		—		25
			$	15		$	20		$	—	$	35	$	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,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Available-for-sale investments — realized gain	$	1		$	1		$	2
	Equity method investments - share of losses	(7		)	$	(2	)	$	—

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
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, 2014 were as follows:
				Fair Value Measurement at
				October 31, 2014 Using
		October 31,		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
		2014		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)	$	1,751	$	1,751	$	—	$	—
	Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)	19		—		19		—
	Long-term
	Trading securities	48		48		—		—
	Available-for-sale investments	35		35		—		—
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	1,853	$	1,834	$	19	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Short-term
	Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)	$	7	$	—	$	7	$	—
	Long-term
	Deferred compensation liability	48		—		48		—
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	55	$	—	$	55	$	—
	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	$	—
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, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Years Ended
		October 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in millions)
	Long-lived assets held and used	$	23	$	2	$	1
	Long-lived assets held for sale	$	—	$	1	$	—

DERIVATIVES_Tables

DERIVATIVES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
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, 2014 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		$	(37	)		$	—			$	207
	British Pound		(20		)		—				48
	Canadian Dollar		(34		)		—				(1		)
	Australian Dollars		6				—				18
	Malaysian Ringgit		91				—				15
	Japanese Yen		(140		)		(50		)		(5		)
	Other		(27		)		—				45
			$	(161	)		$	(50	)		$	327
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, 2014 and 2013 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,
			2014				2013						2014		2013
	(in millions)
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Cash flow hedges
	Foreign exchange contracts
	Other current assets		$	16			$	4			Other accrued liabilities		$	2	$	4
			$	16			$	4					$	2	$	4
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts
	Other current assets		$	3			$	3			Other accrued liabilities		$	5	$	2
	Total derivatives		$	19			$	7					$	7	$	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:
		2014				2013				2012
		(in millions)
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Fair Value Hedges
	Gain on interest rate swap contracts, including interest accrual, recognized in interest expense	$	—			$	—			$	—
	Gain (loss) on hedged item, recognized in interest expense	$	—			$	—			$	3
	Cash Flow Hedges
	Gain recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	$	13			$	10			$	7
	Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into cost of sales	$	(1	)		$	13			$	8
	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	$	(19	)		$	7			$	(34	)

RESTRUCTURING_AND_EXIT_OF_NMR_1

RESTRUCTURING AND EXIT OF NMR BUSINESS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve
Restructuring And Related Charges By Statement Of Operations Caption [Text Block]	A summary of the charges in the consolidated statement of operations resulting from the NMR closure and restructuring plan is shown below:
		Year Ended				Year Ended
		October 31,				October 31,
		2014				2013
		(in millions)
	Cost of products and services	$	45			$	19
	Research and development	4				9
	Selling, general and administrative	15				25
	Total restructuring, asset impairments and other special charges	$	64			$	53
NMR Business Exit Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	A summary of total “NMR” restructuring activity and other special charges is shown in the table below:
		Workforce			Impairments of Building and Other Assets			Special Charges Related to Inventory and Others			Total
		Reduction
		(in millions)
	Balance as of October 31, 2013	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Income statement expense	16			19			33			68
	Asset impairments/inventory charges	—			(19		)	(30		)	(49		)
	Cash payments	(2		)	—			—			(2		)
	Balance as of October 31, 2014	$	14		$	—		$	3		$	17
2013 Targeted Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	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
	Income statement reversal	(4		)
	Cash payments	(17		)
	Balance as of October 31, 2014	$	3

RETIREMENT_PLANS_AND_POST_RETI1

RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of net pension and post-retirement benefit costs	For the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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
		2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)
	Service cost — benefits earned during the period	$	46		$	44		$	40		$	36		$	36		$	33		$	3		$	4		$	3
	Interest cost on benefit obligation	34			24			27			74			68			74			12			12			15
	Expected return on plan assets	(64		)	(51		)	(46		)	(118		)	(97		)	(92		)	(22		)	(20		)	(19		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	1			13			7			48			55			42			14			18			16
	Amortization of prior service benefit	(12		)	(12		)	(12		)	(1		)	(1		)	(1		)	(35		)	(35		)	(35		)
	Total periodic benefit cost (benefit)	$	5		$	18		$	16		$	39		$	61		$	56		$	(28	)	$	(21	)	$	(20	)
	Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss
	Net actuarial (gain) loss	$	86		$	(122	)	$	69		$	173		$	(85	)	$	214		$	12		$	(57	)	$	22
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	(1		)	(13		)	(7		)	(48		)	(55		)	(42		)	(14		)	(18		)	(16		)
	Prior service cost (benefit)	—			—			—			(2		)	—			—			—			—			—
	Amortization of prior service benefit	12			12			12			1			1			1			35			35			35
	Foreign currency	—			—			—			(28		)	2			(5		)	—			—			—
	Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss	$	97		$	(123	)	$	74		$	96		$	(137	)	$	168		$	33		$	(40	)	$	41
	Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (benefit) and other comprehensive (income) loss	$	102		$	(105	)	$	90		$	135		$	(76	)	$	224		$	5		$	(61	)	$	21
Change in fair value of plan assets	Funded status.    As of October 31, 2014 and 2013, 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
		2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Change in fair value of plan assets:
	Fair value — beginning of year	$	782		$	654		$	2,045		$	1,801		$	288		$	261
	Actual return on plan assets	64			133			180			267			18			47
	Employer contributions	30			30			72			89			1			1
	Participants' contributions	—			—			3			1			—			—
	Benefits paid	(39		)	(35		)	(62		)	(49		)	(23		)	(21		)
	Currency impact	—			—			(130		)	(64		)	—			—
	Fair value — end of year	$	837		$	782		$	2,108		$	2,045		$	284		$	288
Change in benefit obligation
		U.S. Defined						Non-U.S. Defined						U.S.
		Benefit Plans						Benefit Plans						Post-Retirement
														Benefit Plans
		2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation — beginning of year	$	763		$	771		$	2,199		$	2,117		$	307		$	343
	Service cost	46			44			36			36			3			4
	Interest cost	34			24			74			68			12			12
	Participants' contributions	—			—			3			1			—			—
	Plan amendment	—			—			(2		)	—			—			—
	Actuarial (gain) loss	85			(41		)	236			85			10			(31		)
	Benefits paid	(39		)	(35		)	(62		)	(49		)	(23		)	(21		)
	Curtailments	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Currency impact	—			—			(140		)	(59		)	—			—
	Benefit obligation — end of year	$	889		$	763		$	2,344		$	2,199		$	309		$	307
	Overfunded (underfunded) status of PBO	$	(52	)	$	19		$	(236	)	$	(154	)	$	(25	)	$	(19	)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet
		U.S. Defined						Non-U.S. Defined						U.S.
		Benefit Plans						Benefit Plans						Post-Retirement
														Benefit Plans
		2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of:
	Other assets	$	—		$	34		$	70		$	60		$	—		$	—
	Employee compensation and benefits	(2		)	(2		)	—			—			—			—
	Retirement and post-retirement benefits	(50		)	(13		)	(306		)	(214		)	(25		)	(19		)
	Net asset (liability)	$	(52	)	$	19		$	(236	)	$	(154	)	$	(25	)	$	(19	)
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
		2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss):
	Actuarial (gains) losses	$	77		$	(8	)	$	621		$	525		$	118		$	119
	Prior service costs (benefits)	(55		)	(67		)	(4		)	(4		)	(149		)	(183		)
	Total	$	22		$	(75	)	$	617		$	521		$	(31	)	$	(64	)
Fair value of plan assets and Benefit obligation transferred to Keysight [Table Text Block]	In connection with the separation of Keysight Technologies on November 1, 2014, Agilent transferred certain liabilities and assets of the U.S. and Non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans, and U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plans to similar plans created for Keysight Technologies employees as follows:
		U.S. Defined			Non-U.S. Defined			U.S. Post-Retirement
		Benefit Plans			Benefit Plans			Benefit Plans
		(in millions)
	Fair value of plan assets transferred to Keysight	$	491		$	1,318		$	187
	Benefit obligation transferred to Keysight	$	514		$	1,429		$	206
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 by Agilent (excluding Keysight plans) as components of net expense during 2015 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)	$	(5	)	$	—		$	(12	)
	Amortization of actuarial net loss (gain)	$	3		$	27		$	6
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, 2014 and 2013.
					Fair Value Measurement
					at October 31, 2014 Using
		October 31,			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
		2014			in Active			Other			Unobservable
					Markets for			Observable			Inputs
					Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)
		(in millions)
	Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	9		$	2		$	7		$	—
	Equity	668			156			512			—
	Fixed Income	145			40			105			—
	Other Investments	15			1			—			14
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	837		$	199		$	624		$	14
					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
	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, 2014 and 2013.
	.
					Fair Value Measurement at
					October 31, 2014 Using
		October 31,			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
		2014			in Active			Other			Unobservable
					Markets for			Observable			Inputs
					Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)
		(in millions)
	Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	6		$	3		$	3		$	—
	Equity	217			51			166			—
	Fixed Income	53			14			39			—
	Other Investments	8			—			—			8
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	284		$	68		$	208		$	8
					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
	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, 2014 and 2013:
					Fair Value Measurement
					at October 31, 2014 Using
		October 31,			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
		2014			in Active			Other			Unobservable
					Markets for			Observable			Inputs
					Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)
		(in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	10		$	3		$	7		$	—
Equity	1,078			335			743			—
Fixed Income	974			37			937			—
Other Investments	46			—			25			21
Total assets measured at fair value	$	2,108		$	375		$	1,712		$	21
				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		$	—
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 2014 and 2013:
		Years Ended
		October 31.
		2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of year	$	17		$	21
	Realized gains	(1		)	4
	Unrealized gains/(losses)	2			(2		)
	Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements	(4		)	(6		)
	Transfers in (out)	—			—
	Balance, end of year	$	14		$	17
	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 2014 and 2013:
		Years Ended
		October 31,
		2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of year	$	10		$	12
	Realized gains	(1		)	2
	Unrealized gains/(losses)	1			(1		)
	Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements	(2		)	(3		)
	Transfers in (out)	—			—
	Balance, end of year	$	8		$	10
	For non-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 2014. 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.
		Years Ended
		October 31,
		2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of year	$	—		$	—
	Realized gains/(losses)	—			—
	Unrealized gains/(losses)	1			—
	Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements	—			—
	Transfers in (out)	20			—
	Balance, end of year	$	21		$	—
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, 2014 or 2013.
		2014						2013
		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	$	889		$	837		$	15		$	—
	U.S. defined benefit plans where fair value of plan assets exceeds PBO	—			—			748			782
	Total	$	889		$	837		$	763		$	782
	Non-U.S. defined benefit plans where PBO exceeds or is equal to the fair value of plan assets	$	1,865		$	1,559		$	1,697		$	1,482
	Non-U.S. defined benefit plans where fair value of plan assets exceeds PBO	479			549			502			563
	Total	$	2,344		$	2,108		$	2,199		$	2,045
		ABO						ABO
	U.S. defined benefit plans where ABO exceeds the fair value of plan assets	$	14		$	—		$	14		$	—
	U.S. defined benefit plans where the fair value of plan assets exceeds ABO	812			837			716			782
	Total	$	826		$	837		$	730		$	782
	Non-U.S. defined benefit plans where ABO exceeds or is equal to the fair value of plan assets	$	1,795		$	1,559		$	1,533		$	1,380
	Non-U.S. defined benefit plans where fair value of plan assets exceeds ABO	468			549			590			665
	Total	$	2,263		$	2,108		$	2,123		$	2,045
Schedule of expected benefit payments	The following table presents expected future benefit payments for the next 10 years for the Agilent plans only.
		U.S. Defined			Non-U.S. Defined			U.S. Post-Retirement
		Benefit Plans			Benefit Plans			Benefit Plans
		(in millions)
	2015	$	30		$	23		$	8
	2016	$	23		$	24		$	8
	2017	$	26		$	27		$	8
	2018	$	28		$	28		$	8
	2019	$	30		$	29		$	8
	2020 - 2024	$	177		$	185		$	39
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,
		2014		2013	2012
	U.S. defined benefit plans:
	Discount rate	4.00-4.50%		3.25%	4.50%
	Average increase in compensation levels	3.50%		3.50%	3.50%
	Expected long-term return on assets	8.00%		8.00%	8.00%
	Non-U.S. defined benefit plans:
	Discount rate	1.50-4.00%		1.50-4.50%	2.00-5.50%
	Average increase in compensation levels	2.50-3.25%		2.50-3.00%	2.50-3.25%
	Expected long-term return on assets	4.00-6.50%		4.00-6.50%	4.00-6.50%
	U.S. post-retirement benefits plans:
	Discount rate	4.00-4.25%		3.50%	4.75%
	Expected long-term return on assets	8.00%		8.00%	8.00%
	Current medical cost trend rate	8.00-9.00%		9.00%	9.00%
	Ultimate medical cost trend rate	3.50%		3.50%	4.50%
	Medical cost trend rate decreases to ultimate rate in year	2028		2027	2026
	Assumptions used to calculate the benefit obligation were as follows:
		As of the Years Ending October 31,
		2014		2013
	U.S. defined benefit plans:
	Discount rate	4.00%		4.50%
	Average increase in compensation levels	3.50%		3.50%
	Non-U.S. defined benefit plans:
	Discount rate	1.50-4.00%		1.75-4.25%
	Average increase in compensation levels	2.50-3.25%		2.50-3.25%
	U.S. post-retirement benefits plans:
	Discount rate	3.75-4.00%		4.25%
	Current medical cost trend rate	8.00%		9.00%
	Ultimate medical cost trend rate	3.50%		3.50%
	Medical cost trend rate decreases to ultimate rate in year	2028		2028

GUARANTEES_Tables

GUARANTEES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
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,
		2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Balance as of October 31, 2013 and 2012	$	69		$	60
	Accruals for warranties including change in estimates	90			92
	Settlements made during the period	(78		)	(83		)
	Balance as of October 31, 2014 and 2013	$	81		$	69
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability classification [Table Text Block]
	Accruals for warranties due within one year	60			48
	Accruals for warranties due after one year	21			21
	Balance as of October 31, 2014 and 2013	$	81		$	69

LONGTERM_DEBT_Tables

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
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, 2014						October 31, 2013
		Amortized		Swap		Total		Amortized		Swap		Total
		Principal						Principal
		(in millions)
	2015 Senior Notes	$	—			$	—	$	500	$	12	$	512
	2017 Senior Notes	100		3		103		599		22		621
	2019 Senior Notes	500		—		500		—		—		—
	2020 Senior Notes	499		22		521		498		26		524
	2022 Senior Notes	399		—		399		399		—		399
	2023 Senior Notes	598		—		598		597		—		597
	2024 Senior Notes	599		—		599		—		—		—
	Total	$	2,695	$	25	$	2,720	$	2,593	$	60	$	2,653

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Tables

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	The following table summarizes the components of our accumulated other comprehensive income as of October 31, 2014 and 2013, net of tax effect:
		October 31,
		2014				2013
		(in millions)
	Unrealized gain on equity securities, net of $(3) and $(2) of tax expense for 2014 and 2013, respectively	$	17			$	7
	Foreign currency translation, net of $(86) and $(94) of tax expense for 2014 and 2013, respectively	156				425
	Unrealized losses on defined benefit plans, net of tax benefit of $145 and $64 for 2014 and 2013, respectively	(516		)		(341		)
	Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net of tax expense of $(7) and $(2) for 2014 and 2013, respectively	9				—
	Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(334	)		$	91
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component and related tax effects for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in millions):
										Net defined benefit pension cost and post retirement plan costs
			Unrealized gain on investments				Foreign currency translation			Prior service credits			Actuarial Losses			Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives			Total
			(in millions)
	As of October 31, 2012		$	—			$	424		$	319		$	(856	)	$	2		$	(111	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		9				(7		)	—			256			10			268
	Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income		—				—			(48		)	86			(13		)	25
	Tax (expense) benefit		(2		)		8			16			(114		)	1			(91		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		7				1			(32		)	228			(2		)	202
	As of October 31, 2013		$	7			$	425		$	287		$	(628	)	$	—		$	91
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		12				(277		)	—			(273		)	13			(525		)
	Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income		(1		)		—			(48		)	65			1			17
	Tax (expense) benefit		(1		)		8			16			65			(5		)	83
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		10				(269		)	(32		)	(143		)	9			(425		)
	As of October 31, 2014		$	17			$	156		$	255		$	(771	)	$	9		$	(334	)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in millions):
	Details about accumulated other		Amounts Reclassified							Affected line item in
	comprehensive income components		from other comprehensive income							statement of operations
			2014				2013
	Unrealized gain on equity securities		$	1			$	—		Other income (expense), net
			1				—			Total before income tax
			—				—			Provision for income tax
			1				—			Total net of income tax
	Unrealized gains and (losses) on derivatives		(1		)		13			Cost of products
			(1		)		13			Total before income tax
			—				(3		)	(Provision)/benefit for income tax
			(1		)		10			Total net of income tax
	Net defined benefit pension cost and post retirement plan costs:
	Actuarial net loss		(65		)		(86		)
	Prior service benefit		48				48
			(17		)		(38		)	Total before income tax
			(2		)		7			(Provision)/benefit for income tax
			(19		)		(31		)	Total net of income tax
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	(19	)		$	(21	)

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Tables

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
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, 2014:
	Total net revenue	$	2,372		$	1,676		$	2,933		$	6,981
	Income from operations	$	376		$	387		$	559		$	1,322
	Depreciation expense	$	74		$	31		$	89		$	194
	Share-based compensation expense	$	33		$	23		$	42		$	98
	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
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,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Total reportable segments' income from operations	$	1,322		$	1,276		$	1,384
	Restructuring and business exit related costs	(64		)	(53		)	—
	Acceleration of depreciation for held and used assets	—			—			(15		)
	Asset Impairments	(4		)	(3		)	(1		)
	Transformational programs	(29		)	(19		)	(25		)
	Amortization of intangibles	(197		)	(199		)	(136		)
	Acquisition and integration costs	(12		)	(29		)	(74		)
	Acceleration of share-based compensation expense related to workforce reduction	(1		)	(3		)	—
	One-time and pre-separation costs	(191		)	(5		)	—
	Other	7			(14		)	(14		)
	Interest Income	9			7			9
	Interest Expense	(113		)	(107		)	(101		)
	Other income (expense), net	(81		)	8			16
	Income before taxes, as reported	$	646		$	859		$	1,043
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, 2014:
	Assets	$	4,312		$	1,815		$	1,976		$	8,103
	Capital expenditures	$	77		$	33		$	95		$	205
	As of October 31, 2013:
	Assets	$	4,291		$	1,756		$	1,997		$	8,044
	Capital expenditures	$	77		$	30		$	88		$	195
	The following table reconciles segment assets to Agilent's total assets:
		October 31,
		2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Total reportable segments' assets	$	8,103		$	8,044
	Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	3,028			2,675
	Prepaid expenses	241			198
	Investments	159			139
	Long-term and other receivables	124			162
	Other	(824		)	(532		)
	Total assets	$	10,831		$	10,686
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, 2014	$	2,070		$	1,133		$	595		$	3,183	$	6,981
	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
		United			Japan			Rest of the			Total
		States						World
		(in millions)
	Long-lived assets:
	October 31, 2014	$	597		$	180		$	656		$	1,433
	31-Oct-13	$	601		$	187		$	658		$	1,446

OVERVIEW_AND_SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIF2

OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jun. 21, 2012	16-May-12
	Y
	segment
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Sales and Excise Tax Payable, Current		$50
Value Added Tax Receivable		-50
Share-based compensation	98	88	76
Advertising costs expensed as incurred	57	44	50
Cash and cash equivalents held outside the U.S.	2,397
Maximum percentage of accounts receivable a single customer accounts for	less than 10 percent	less than 10 percent
Employee compensation and benefits accrued	170	158
Hedging contracts general maturity	12 months
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation net gain (Ioss)	-4	-6	-19
Long -Lived Assets [Abstract]
Lease renewal options	6
Financing Receivable, Net	8	4
operating lease net assets	33	35
Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges	64	53	0
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Impairment of other intangibles related to cancellation of IPRD project	4	1	1
Number of operating segments	3
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0	0	0
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value of our long-term debt exceeeds the carrying value	54	112
Dako [Member]
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)			-14
Minimum [Member]
Long -Lived Assets [Abstract]
Operating Lease Term Range Minimum	1
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Useful Life	0 years 6 months
Minimum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Long -Lived Assets [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Software Development [Member]
Long -Lived Assets [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Long -Lived Assets [Abstract]
Operating Lease Term Range Maximum	20
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Useful Life	15 years
Maximum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Long -Lived Assets [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Software Development [Member]
Long -Lived Assets [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
NMR Asset impairment
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	12
NMR [Member]
Long -Lived Assets [Abstract]
Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges	$68

ACQUISITIONS_Acquisition_of_Da

ACQUISITIONS Acquisition of Dako (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		4 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 21, 2012	16-May-12	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Loss on settlement recorded in other income (expense)				$14
Purchase Price Allocations [Abstract]
Goodwill			3,025	2,899	3,047
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
Loss on settlement recorded in other income (expense)				14
Deferred tax liability for future amortization of intangibles	185
Estimated cost to complete in process research and development	49
Acquisition and integration costs directly related to the Dako acquisition				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	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
Net income				1,145
Net income per share - basic				$3.29
Net income per share - diluted				$3.24
Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Dako [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	$1,700

ACQUISITIONS_Dako_Acquired_Int

ACQUISITIONS Dako Acquired Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	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/Tradename [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)	0 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, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
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)	1,604,406	1,454,724	1,405,774
ESPP employee purchases	$73	$48	$47
Common stock shares authorized and available for issuance under our ESPP (in shares)	39,990,573
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)	9,019,407
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 $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]
Share-based compensation expense			$98	$88	$76
Share-based compensation disclosures
Out of period tax adjustment windfall tax benefits reversal	12
Windfall tax benefit reversal due to IRS settlement		11
Windfall income tax benifit realized from excercised from stock options and similar awards			1	2	0
Incremental expense for the acceleration of share-based compensation related to the announced workforce reduction plan			1	3	0
Time period which employees have to exercise options related to the workforce reduction before such options are cancelled (in months)			3 months
Weighted per share average grant date fair value of options granted (per share)			$18.73	$12.18	$13.69
Cost of Products and Services [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]
Share-based compensation expense			23	20	16
Research and Development
Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]
Share-based compensation expense			14	12	10
Selling, General and Administrative
Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]
Share-based compensation expense			$61	$56	$50

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Fair_V

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Fair Value Assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average risk-free interest rate (in hundredths)	1.69%	0.86%	0.88%
Dividend yield (in hundredths)	1.00%	1.00%	0.00%
Weighted average volatility (in hundredths)	39.00%	39.00%	38.00%
Expected life (in years)	5 years 9 months 19 days	5 years 9 months 19 days	5 years 9 months 19 days
LTPP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Volatility of Agilent shares (in hundredths)	36.00%	37.00%	41.00%
Volatility of selected peer-company shares minimum (in hundredths)	13.00%	6.00%	17.00%
Volatility of selected peer-company shares maximum (in hundredths)	57.00%	64.00%	75.00%
Price-wise correlation with selected peers (in hundredths)	47.00%	49.00%	62.00%

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, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning balance (in shares)	9,609
Granted (in shares)	1,250
Exercised (in shares)	-3,750
Options Cancelled/Forfeited/Expired (in shares)	-99
Outstanding, ending balance (in shares)	7,010	9,609
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)	$32
Weighted-average exercise price per share, granted (in dollars per share)	$54
Weighted-average exercise price per share, exercised (in dollars per share)	$30	$28	$23
Weighted-average exercise price per share, cancelled, expired and forfeited (in dollars per shares)	$41
Weighted-average exercise price per share, end of period (in dollars per share)	$36
Forfeited and expired options from total cancellations [Abstract]
Forfeited (in shares)	60
Expired (in shares)	39
Options Cancelled/Forfeited/Expired (in shares)	99
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)	$49
Weighted-average exercise price per share, expired (in dollars per share)	$29
Weighted-average exercise price per share, total options cancelled (in dollars per share)	$41

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Shares

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Shares Authorized by Exercise Price Range (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
	Y
Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]
Number Outstanding (in shares)	7,010,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	5 years 8 months
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$36
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$132,049,000
Number Exercisable (in shares)	3,771,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	3 years 7 months
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$31
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	91,139,000
Closing stock price basis for aggregate intrinsic value (in dollars per share)	$55.28
In-the-money awards exercisable (in shares)	4,000,000
Aggregate instrinsic value of options [Abstract]
Options exercised in period aggregate intrinsic value	98,075,000	71,499,000	38,188,000
Options exercised in period aggregate weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$30	$28	$23
Black-Scholes valuation of options granted in the period (in dollars per share)	$18.73	$12.18	$13.69
Unrecognized share-based compensation costs for outstanding stock option awards, net of expected foreitures	12,000,000
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	188,000,000	161,000,000	100,000,000
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)	690,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	1 year 11 months
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$20
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	24,240,000
Number Exercisable (in shares)	690,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	1 year 11 months
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$20
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	24,240,000
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)	466,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	4 years 11 months
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$29
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	12,032,000
Number Exercisable (in shares)	466,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	4 years 11 months
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$29
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	12,032,000
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)	4,646,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	5 years 5 months
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$35
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	93,664,000
Number Exercisable (in shares)	2,612,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	3 years 10 months
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$34
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	54,838,000
Range of Exercise Prices $40.01 - $50 [Member]
Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]
Minimum price of options outstanding, end of the period (in dollars per share)	$40.01
Maximum price of options outstanding, end of the period (in dollars per share)	$50
Number Outstanding (in shares)	6,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	7 years 5 months
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$45
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	59,000
Number Exercisable (in shares)	3,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	7 years 5 months
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$45
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	29,000
Range of exercise prices $50.01 & over [Member]
Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]
Minimum price of options outstanding, end of the period (in dollars per share)	$50.01
Number Outstanding (in shares)	1,202,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	9 years 1 month
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$54
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	2,054,000
Number Exercisable (in shares)	0
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	0 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$0
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$0

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, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
	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)	3,546
Granted (in shares)	1,358
Vested (in shares)	-1,324
Forfeited (in shares)	-104
Change in LTPP shares vested in the year due to performance conditions	-43
Non-vested ending (in shares)	3,433	3,546
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)	$37
Granted - Weighted Average Grant Price (in dollars per share)	$54
Vested- Weighted Average Grant Price (in dollars per share)	$40
Foreited- Weighted Average Grant Price (in dollars per share)	$42
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)	$44
Unrecognized share-based compensation costs for non-vested restricted stock awards, net of expected forfeitures	$56
Weighted-average period non-vested restricted stock awards are expected to be amortized over (in years)	2.3
Total fair value of restricted stock awards vested	$54	$44	$54

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Capital Loss Carryforwards	$43,000,000				$43,000,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, decrease resulting from error in adoption of Fin 48					65,000,000
Income tax expense (benefit)					142,000,000	135,000,000	-110,000,000
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes [Abstract]
U.S. operations					-117,000,000	39,000,000	45,000,000
Non-U.S. operations					763,000,000	820,000,000	998,000,000
Income before taxes					646,000,000	859,000,000	1,043,000,000
Provision (benefit) for income taxes [Abstract]
U.S. federal taxes - current					12,000,000	24,000,000	6,000,000
U.S. federal taxes - deferred					-11,000,000	48,000,000	-144,000,000
Non-U.S. taxes - current					260,000,000	77,000,000	41,000,000
Non-U.S. taxes - deferred					-117,000,000	-24,000,000	-22,000,000
State taxes, net of federal benefit - current					2,000,000	3,000,000	1,000,000
State taxes, net of federal benefit - deferred					-4,000,000	7,000,000	8,000,000
Total provision					142,000,000	135,000,000	-110,000,000
Deferred tax assets: [Abstract]
Inventory	32,000,000				32,000,000	32,000,000
Intangibles	0				0	0
Property, plant and equipment	40,000,000				40,000,000	18,000,000
Warranty reserves	27,000,000				27,000,000	25,000,000
Retiree medical benefits	0				0	0
Pension benefits	166,000,000				166,000,000	42,000,000
Employee benefits, other than retirement	49,000,000				49,000,000	57,000,000
Net operating loss capital loss and credit carryforwards	209,000,000				209,000,000	263,000,000
Unrealized gains/losses on investments	0				0	24,000,000
Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	0				0	0
Share-based compensation	56,000,000				56,000,000	54,000,000
Deferred revenue	82,000,000				82,000,000	27,000,000
Other	21,000,000				21,000,000	36,000,000
Subtotal	682,000,000				682,000,000	578,000,000
Tax valuation allowance	-134,000,000				-134,000,000	-85,000,000
Total deferred tax assets	548,000,000				548,000,000	493,000,000
Deferred tax liabilities: [Abstract]
Inventory	0				0	0
Intangibles	154,000,000				154,000,000	214,000,000
Property, plant and equipment	0				0	0
Warranty reserves	0				0	0
Retiree medical benefits	14,000,000				14,000,000	0
Pension benefits						0
Employee benefits, other than retirement	0				0	0
Net operating loss capital loss and credit carryforwards	0				0	0
Unrealized gains/loss on investments	0				0	0
Unremmitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	61,000,000				61,000,000	114,000,000	88,000,000
Share-based compensation	0				0	0
Deferred revenue	0				0	0
Other	13,000,000				13,000,000	3,000,000
Subtotal	242,000,000				242,000,000	331,000,000
Tax valuation allowance	0				0	0
Total deferred tax liabilities	242,000,000				242,000,000	331,000,000
The cumulative amount of undistributed earnings considered indefinitely reinvested	5,700,000,000				5,700,000,000
Current and long term Deferred tax assets and liabilities [Abstract]
Current deferred tax assets (included within other current assets)	160,000,000				160,000,000	115,000,000
Long-term deferred tax assets (included within other assets)	289,000,000				289,000,000	264,000,000
Current deferred tax liabilities (included within other accrued liabilities)	-6,000,000				-6,000,000	-4,000,000
Long-term deferred tax liabilities (included within other long-term liabilities)	-137,000,000				-137,000,000	-213,000,000
Total	306,000,000				306,000,000	162,000,000
Federal net operating loss carryforwards	8,000,000				8,000,000
Tax credit carryforwards	0				0
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Date Range					beginning 2022 through 2026
State net operating loss carryforwards	202,000,000				202,000,000
State Operating Loss Carryforward, Expiration Dates					beginning 2015 through 2031
State tax credit carryforwards that do not expire	31,000,000				31,000,000
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards	547,000,000				547,000,000
Portion of this foreign loss which will expire in years beginning 2013 through 2022	227,000,000				227,000,000
Balance of this foreign loss with an indefinite life	320,000,000				320,000,000
Unrecognized deferred tax benefits	194,000,000				194,000,000
Cumulative excess tax benefits realized from share-based awards	46,000,000				46,000,000
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]
Profit before tax times statutory rate					226,000,000	301,000,000	365,000,000
State income taxes, net of federal benefit					-6,000,000	7,000,000	8,000,000
Non-U.S. income taxed at different rates					-156,000,000	-162,000,000	-144,000,000
Change in previously unrecognized non-US tax benefits					0	0	-68,000,000
Change in unrecognized U.S. tax benefits					-160,000,000
Repatriation of foreign earnings					149,000,000
Valuation allowances					49,000,000	-8,000,000	-280,000,000
Non Deductible Costs Related to the Separation of Keysight					17,000,000
Transfer pricing corrections tax			12,000,000		12,000,000
Other, net					11,000,000	-3,000,000	9,000,000
Total provision					142,000,000	135,000,000	-110,000,000
Effective tax rate (in hundredths)					22.00%	16.00%	-11.00%
Out of period adjustment to tax expense	13,000,000	3,000,000
Out of period adjustment to tax benefit		9,000,000
Out of period adjustment to tax expense			12,000,000
Impact of the tax holidays decreased in income taxes					76,000,000	127,000,000	122,000,000
The benefit of the tax holidays on net income per share (diluted)					$0.23	$0.37	$0.35
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes					6.00%
Income Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Current income tax assets (included within other current assets)	99,000,000				99,000,000	42,000,000
Long-term income tax assets (included within other assets)	48,000,000				48,000,000	34,000,000
Current income tax liabilities (included within other accrued liabilities)	-151,000,000				-151,000,000	-48,000,000
Long-term income tax liabilities ( included within other long-term liabilities	-289,000,000				-289,000,000	-341,000,000
Total	-293,000,000				-293,000,000	-313,000,000
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year				516,000,000	516,000,000	464,000,000	469,000,000
Additions for acquisitions					0	0	0
Additions for tax positions related to the current year					47,000,000	53,000,000	56,000,000
Additions for tax positions from prior years					16,000,000	11,000,000	40,000,000
Reductions for tax positions from prior years				-160,000,000	-144,000,000	-6,000,000	-90,000,000
Settlements with taxing authorities					-2,000,000	-3,000,000	-2,000,000
Statute of limitations expirations					-9,000,000	-3,000,000	-9,000,000
Balance, end of year	424,000,000				424,000,000	516,000,000	464,000,000
Tax liability on foreign earnings distributions				148,000,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	405,000,000				405,000,000
Interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits accrued and reported	29,000,000				29,000,000	39,000,000
Tax Interest and Penalties [Member]
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Income tax expense (benefit)					-10,000,000	5,000,000	-4,000,000
Provision (benefit) for income taxes [Abstract]
Total provision					-10,000,000	5,000,000	-4,000,000
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]
Total provision					-10,000,000	5,000,000	-4,000,000
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits, decrease resulting from error in adoption of Fin 48				$65,000,000

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, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Numerator:
Net income	$504	$724	$1,153
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares	333,000,000	341,000,000	348,000,000
Potential common shares - stock options and other employeee stock plans	5,000,000	4,000,000	5,000,000
Diluted weighted average shares	338,000,000	345,000,000	353,000,000
Total number of share-based awards issued (in shares)	6,000,000	6,000,000	5,000,000
Options with exercise price greater than average market price [Member]
Antidilutive securities excluded from EPS computation
Antidilutive shares excluded from EPS computation (in shares)	1,500	4,200	436,500
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)	383,200	18,300	1,544,600

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA1

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Net cash paid for income taxes	$131	$110	$86
Cash paid for interest	$142	$112	$111

INVENTORY_Details

INVENTORY (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Nov. 01, 2014
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross	$585	$552
Inventory, Work in Process and Raw Materials	487	514
Inventory, Net	1,072	1,066
Inventory-related excess and obsolescence charges	79	48	30
Keysight Spin-off [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory, Net				$498

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_N2

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Nov. 01, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Land		$120	$131
Buildings and leasehold improvements		1,341	1,330
Machinery and equipment		1,054	1,019
Software		410	398
Total property, plant and equipment		2,925	2,878
Accumulated depreciation and amortization		-1,824	-1,744
Property, plant and equipment, net		1,101	1,134
Asset impairments other than restructuring		0	3	0
Depreciation expense		194	181	171
Accelerated depreciation related to building classified for held and used assets		0	0	15
Total Proceeds Expected From Land Sale		34
Gain on sale of land in respect of the first of three land tracts	11
NMR [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Asset impairments other than restructuring		7
Keysight Spin-off [Member] | Keysight [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net					$470

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Roll forward (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Goodwill - Rollforward
Beginning Balance	$3,047	$3,025
Foreign currency translation impact	-153	6
Goodwill arising from acquisitions	5	16
Ending Balance	2,899	3,047
Life Sciences and Diagnostics [Member]
Goodwill - Rollforward
Beginning Balance	1,883	1,807
Foreign currency translation impact	-116	63
Goodwill arising from acquisitions	0	13
Ending Balance	1,767	1,883
Chemical Analysis [Member]
Goodwill - Rollforward
Beginning Balance	745	751
Foreign currency translation impact	-5	-10
Goodwill arising from acquisitions	0	4
Ending Balance	740	745
Electronic Measurement [Member]
Goodwill - Rollforward
Beginning Balance	419	467
Foreign currency translation impact	-32	-47
Goodwill arising from acquisitions	5
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)		-1
Ending Balance	$392	$419

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_3

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Disclosures and Components of Other Intangibles (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	$1,573	$1,596
Accumulated Amortization	924	715
Total amortizable intangible assets	649	881
Gross Book Value	1,591	1,631
In-Process R&D	18	35
Net Book Value	667	916
Purchased technology
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,005	1,019
Accumulated Amortization	589	460
Net Book Value	416	559
Trademarks/Tradename [Member]
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	168	176
Accumulated Amortization	53	40
Net Book Value	115	136
Customer Relationships [Member]
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	400	401
Accumulated Amortization	282	215
Net Book Value	$118	$186

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, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
	acquisition	acquisition
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$0	$0	$0
Goodwill arising from acquisitions	5	16
Number of acquisitions or business purchases	1	4
Additions and adjustments to other intangibles	6	5
Foreign exchange translation impact to other intangible assets	42	-25
In-process research and development decrease	11	158
Impairment of other intangibles related to cancellation of IPRD project	4	1	1
Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets during the period	197	199	136
Future amortization expense for 2015	173
Future amortization expense for 2016	147
Future amortization expense for 2017	101
Future amortization expense for 2018	67
Future amortization expense for 2019	51
Future amortization thereafter	110
NMR Asset impairment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment of other intangible assets, NMR business	$12

INVESTMENTS_Details

INVESTMENTS (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2001	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2002
		funds
Long-Term [Abstract]
Cost method investments		$40	$44
Trading securities		48	51
Available-for-sale investments		35	25
Equity Method Investments		36	19
Total		159	139
Number of special funds included in cost method investments		2
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost		15	15
Gross Unrealized Gains		20
Gross Unrealized Losses		0	0
Estimated Fair Value		35	25
Amounts included in other income (expense), net [Abstract]
Available-for-sale investments - realized gain		1	1	2
Equity method investments - share of losses		-7	-2	0
Net unrealized gains and losses on trading securities		3	8	5
Realized gains from the sale of cost method securities		0	0	2
Proceeds from Sale of cost method investments		0
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	15
Gross Unrealized Gains		20	10
Gross Unrealized Losses		0	0
Estimated Fair Value		$35	$25

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Fair_v

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS, Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Assets, Long-term [Abstract]
Available-for-sale investments	$35	$25
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	23	2	1
Liabilities, Long-term [Abstract]
Impairment of Long Lived Assets Held For Sale	0	1	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets, Short-term [Abstract]
Cash equivalents (money market funds)	1,751	1,968
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange and interest rate swap contracts)	19	7
Assets, Long-term [Abstract]
Trading securities	48	51
Available-for-sale investments	35	25
Total assets measured at fair value	1,853	2,051
Liabilities, Short-term [Abstract]
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)	7	6
Liabilities, Long-term [Abstract]
Deferred compensation liability	48	51
Total liabilities measured at fair value	55	57
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Assets, Short-term [Abstract]
Cash equivalents (money market funds)	1,751	1,968
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange and interest rate swap contracts)	0	0
Assets, Long-term [Abstract]
Trading securities	48	51
Available-for-sale investments	35	25
Total assets measured at fair value	1,834	2,044
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
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | 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)	19	7
Assets, Long-term [Abstract]
Trading securities	0	0
Available-for-sale investments	0	0
Total assets measured at fair value	19	7
Liabilities, Short-term [Abstract]
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)	7	6
Liabilities, Long-term [Abstract]
Deferred compensation liability	48	51
Total liabilities measured at fair value	55	57
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | 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	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, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Long -Lived Assets [Abstract]
Long-lived assets held and used		$2
Long-lived assets held for sale second reporting period	3
Carrying amount [Member]
Long -Lived Assets [Abstract]
Long-lived assets held and used	23	2
Fair value [Member]
Long -Lived Assets [Abstract]
Long-lived assets held and used	0	0	1
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Long -Lived Assets [Abstract]
Impairment of long-lived assets held and used	23	2	1
Impairment of long-lived assets held for sale	$0	$1	$0

DERIVATIVES_Details

DERIVATIVES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 09, 2014	Oct. 20, 2014	Jul. 01, 2012	Nov. 25, 2008	Aug. 09, 2011	Jun. 21, 2012	Jul. 13, 2010	Oct. 24, 2007
	contracts
Terminated Interest Rate Swaps
Accelerated amortization of interest rate swap gain	$22	$0	$0
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	50
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Loss on settlement recorded in other income (expense)	14
Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value	2
Derivative Contracts [Abstract]
Number Of Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts Designated As Cash Flow Hedge	127
Number Of Foreign Exchange Option Contracts Designated As Cash Flow Hedge	7
Number Of Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts Not Designated As Hedges	220
Treasury Lock [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount						400
Senior Notes 2022 [Member]
Terminated Interest Rate Swaps
Terminated Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Asset Unamortized Amount	3
Senior Notes 2017 [Member]
Terminated Interest Rate Swaps
Notional Amount of Terminated Interest Rate Swaps							400
Asset Value of Terminated Interest Rate Swaps							43
Terminated Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Asset Unamortized Amount	3
Senior Notes 2020 [Member]
Terminated Interest Rate Swaps
Notional Amount of Terminated Interest Rate Swaps								500
Asset Value of Terminated Interest Rate Swaps								34
Terminated Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Asset Unamortized Amount	22
Dako [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Loss on settlement recorded in other income (expense)	14
Dako [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount									1,700
Senior Notes 2020 [Member]
Terminated Interest Rate Swaps
Number of Interest Rate Swap Contracts Designated as Fair Value Hedges Terminated								5
Notional Amount of Terminated Interest Rate Swaps								500
Asset Value of Terminated Interest Rate Swaps								34
Debt Instrument, Face Amount										500
Senior Notes 2015 [Member]
Terminated Interest Rate Swaps
Accelerated amortization of interest rate swap gain	8			8
Senior Notes 2017 [Member]
Terminated Interest Rate Swaps
Number of Interest Rate Swap Contracts Designated as Fair Value Hedges Terminated							2
Notional Amount of Terminated Interest Rate Swaps							400
Asset Value of Terminated Interest Rate Swaps							43
Accelerated amortization of interest rate swap gain	17				14
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount					500
Debt Instrument, Face Amount					$600						$600

DERIVATIVES_Disclosures_and_de

DERIVATIVES, Disclosures and derivative instrument aggregated notional amounts by currency and designations (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Buy | Forward Contracts Buy/(Sell) [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	($327)
Buy | Euro Member Countries, Euro | Forward Contracts Buy/(Sell) [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	-207
Buy | United Kingdom, Pounds | Forward Contracts Buy/(Sell) [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	-48
Buy | Australia, Dollars | Forward Contracts Buy/(Sell) [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	-18
Buy | Australia, Dollars | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Forward Contracts Buy/(Sell) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	-6
Buy | Malaysia, Ringgits | Forward Contracts Buy/(Sell) [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	-15
Buy | Malaysia, Ringgits | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Forward Contracts Buy/(Sell) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	-91
Buy | Other Currency [Member] | Forward Contracts Buy/(Sell) [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	-45
Sell | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Forward Contracts Buy/(Sell) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	-161
Sell | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Option Contracts Buy/(Sell) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	-50
Sell | Euro Member Countries, Euro | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Forward Contracts Buy/(Sell) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	-37
Sell | United Kingdom, Pounds | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Forward Contracts Buy/(Sell) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	-20
Sell | Canada, Dollars | Forward Contracts Buy/(Sell) [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	-1
Sell | Canada, Dollars | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Forward Contracts Buy/(Sell) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	-34
Sell | Japan, Yen | Forward Contracts Buy/(Sell) [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	-5
Sell | Japan, Yen | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Forward Contracts Buy/(Sell) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	-140
Sell | Japan, Yen | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Option Contracts Buy/(Sell) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	-50
Sell | Other Currency [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Forward Contracts Buy/(Sell) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	($27)

DERIVATIVES_Fair_value_of_deri

DERIVATIVES, Fair value of derivative instruments and Consolidated Balance Sheet location (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value	$19	$7
Derivative Liability, Fair Value	7	6
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value	16	4
Derivative Liability, Fair Value	2	4
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	5	2
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	16	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	$2	$4

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, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	$13	$10
Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months	13
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Other income (expense) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in income statement	-19	7	-34
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	0	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	0
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	-1	13	8
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	13	10	7
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	$0	$3

RESTRUCTURING_AND_EXIT_OF_NMR_2

RESTRUCTURING AND EXIT OF NMR BUSINESS - Exit of NMR Business (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Restructuring Reserve [Abstract]
Income statement expense	$64	$53	$0
Ending Balance	3
NMR [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve
Expected Number of Positions Eliminated	300
Restructuring Reserve [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	0
Income statement expense	68
Asset impairment/inventory charges	-49
Cash payments	-2
Ending Balance	17
Workforce Reduction | NMR [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	0
Income statement expense	16
Asset impairment/inventory charges	0
Cash payments	-2
Ending Balance	14
Impairments of building and other assets | NMR [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	0
Income statement expense	19
Asset impairment/inventory charges	-19
Cash payments	0
Ending Balance	0
Special charges related to inventory and other | NMR [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	0
Income statement expense	33
Asset impairment/inventory charges	-30
Cash payments	0
Ending Balance	$3

RESTRUCTURING_AND_EXIT_OF_NMR_3

RESTRUCTURING AND EXIT OF NMR BUSINESS -Targeted Restructuring (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Income statement expense	$64	$53	$0
Ending Balance	3
Manufacturing Streamlining Plan
Restructuring and Related Cost, Positions Eliminated [Abstract]
Expected Number of Positions Eliminated	250
Manufacturing Streamline and Targeted Restructuring Plans [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Positions Eliminated [Abstract]
Expected Number of Positions Eliminated	650
Number of Employees Pending Termination	70
2013 Targeted Restructuring Plan
Restructuring and Related Cost, Positions Eliminated [Abstract]
Percentage of global workforce positions eliminated		2.00%
Initial expected number of positions to be eliminated		450
Reduction in the expected number of positions to be eliminated		50
Expected Number of Positions Eliminated		400
2013 Targeted Restructuring Plan | Workforce Reduction
Beginning Balance	24	0
Income statement expense		53
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	-4
Cash payments	17	29
Ending Balance	$3	$24

RESTRUCTURING_AND_EXIT_OF_NMR_4

RESTRUCTURING AND EXIT OF NMR BUSINESS-Summary of restructuring by income statement location (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Income statement expense	$64	$53	$0
Cost of Sales [Member]
Income statement expense	45	19
Research and Development
Income statement expense	4	9
Selling, General and Administrative
Income statement expense	$15	$25

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, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets of the DPSP for US employees	$520	$552
Defined benefit obligation for DPSP for US Employees	520	552
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	27	25	25
Maximum contribution percentage of an employee's annual eligible compensation (in hundredths)	50.00%
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss [Abstract]
Net actuarial (gain) loss	273	-256
Amortization of net actuarial loss	-65	-86
Prior service cost (benefit)	0	0
Amortization of prior service benefit	-48	-48
United States Defined Benefit Plans
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit) [Abstract]
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	46	44	40
Interest cost on benefit obligation	34	24	27
Expected return on plan assets	-64	-51	-46
Amortization of net actuarial loss	1	13	7
Amortization of prior service benefit	-12	-12	-12
Total periodic benefit cost (benefit)	5	18	16
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss [Abstract]
Net actuarial (gain) loss	86	-122	69
Amortization of net actuarial loss	-1	-13	-7
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	97	-123	74
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (benefit) and other comprehensive (income) loss	102	-105	90
Change in fair value of plan assets: [Roll Forward]
Actual return on plan assets	64	133
Employer contributions	30	30
Participants' contributions	0	0
Benefits paid	-39	-35
Currency impact	0	0
Balance, end of year	837	782	654
Change in benefit obligation: [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	763	771
Service cost	46	44	40
Interest cost	34	24	27
Participants' contributions	0	0
Plan amendment	0	0
Actuarial (gain) loss	85	-41
Benefits paid	-39	-35
Currency impact	0	0
Balance, end of year	889	763	771
Funded status of plan [Abstract]
Funded status of plan	-52	19
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit) [Abstract]
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	36	36	33
Interest cost on benefit obligation	74	68	74
Expected return on plan assets	-118	-97	-92
Amortization of net actuarial loss	48	55	42
Amortization of prior service benefit	-1	-1	-1
Total periodic benefit cost (benefit)	39	61	56
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss [Abstract]
Net actuarial (gain) loss	173	-85	214
Amortization of net actuarial loss	-48	-55	-42
Prior service cost (benefit)	-2	0	0
Amortization of prior service benefit	1	1	1
Foreign currency	-28	2	-5
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss	96	-137	168
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (benefit) and other comprehensive (income) loss	135	-76	224
Change in fair value of plan assets: [Roll Forward]
Actual return on plan assets	180	267
Employer contributions	72	89
Participants' contributions	3	1
Benefits paid	-62	-49
Currency impact	-130	-64
Balance, end of year	2,108	2,045	1,801
Change in benefit obligation: [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	2,199	2,117
Service cost	36	36	33
Interest cost	74	68	74
Participants' contributions	3	1
Plan amendment	-2	0
Actuarial (gain) loss	236	85
Benefits paid	-62	-49
Currency impact	-140	-59
Balance, end of year	2,344	2,199	2,117
Funded status of plan [Abstract]
Funded status of plan	-236	-154
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit) [Abstract]
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	3	4	3
Interest cost on benefit obligation	12	12	15
Expected return on plan assets	-22	-20	-19
Amortization of net actuarial loss	14	18	16
Amortization of prior service benefit	-35	-35	-35
Total periodic benefit cost (benefit)	-28	-21	-20
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss [Abstract]
Net actuarial (gain) loss	12	-57	22
Amortization of net actuarial loss	-14	-18	-16
Prior service cost (benefit)	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service benefit	35	35	35
Foreign currency	0	0	0
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss	33	-40	41
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (benefit) and other comprehensive (income) loss	5	-61	21
Change in fair value of plan assets: [Roll Forward]
Actual return on plan assets	18	47
Employer contributions	1	1
Participants' contributions	0	0
Benefits paid	-23	-21
Currency impact	0	0
Balance, end of year	284	288	261
Change in benefit obligation: [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	307	343
Service cost	3	4	3
Interest cost	12	12	15
Participants' contributions	0	0
Plan amendment	0	0
Actuarial (gain) loss	10	-31
Benefits paid	-23	-21
Currency impact	0	0
Balance, end of year	309	307	343
Funded status of plan [Abstract]
Funded status of plan	($25)	($19)

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, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
United States Defined Benefit Plans
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet [Abstract]
Other assets	$0	$34
Employee compensation and benefits	-2	-2
Retirement and post-retirement benefits	-50	-13
Net asset (liability)	-52	19
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial (gains) losses	-77	8
Prior service costs (benefits)	-55	-67
Total	22	-75
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)	-5
Amortization of actuarial net loss (gain)	3
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet [Abstract]
Other assets	70	60
Employee compensation and benefits	0	0
Retirement and post-retirement benefits	-306	-214
Net asset (liability)	-236	-154
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial (gains) losses	-621	-525
Prior service costs (benefits)	-4	-4
Total	617	521
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)	0
Amortization of actuarial net loss (gain)	27
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet [Abstract]
Other assets	0	0
Employee compensation and benefits	0	0
Retirement and post-retirement benefits	-25	-19
Net asset (liability)	-25	-19
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss): [Abstract]
Actuarial (gains) losses	-118	-119
Prior service costs (benefits)	-149	-183
Total	-31	-64
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)	$6

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, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans | 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%
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans | 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%
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans | 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%
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans | 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 Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Us Portfolio Equity Securities Percentage Of Alternative Investments	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Discount rate (in hundredths)		3.25%	4.50%
United States Defined Benefit Plans | Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets	20.00%	20.00%	20.00%
United States Defined Benefit Plans | 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 Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Us Portfolio Equity Securities Percentage Of Alternative Investments	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Discount rate (in hundredths)		3.50%	4.75%
Current medical cost trend rate (in hundredths)		9.00%	9.00%
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans | 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 Plans | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets	80.00%	80.00%	80.00%
Minimum [Member] | Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	1.50%	1.50%	2.00%
Minimum [Member] | United States Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	4.00%
Minimum [Member] | United States Postretirement Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	4.00%
Current medical cost trend rate (in hundredths)	8.00%
Maximum [Member] | Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	4.00%	4.50%	5.50%
Maximum [Member] | United States Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	4.50%
Maximum [Member] | United States Postretirement Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	4.25%
Current medical cost trend rate (in hundredths)	9.00%

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, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$284	$288	$261
Defined Benefit plan, change in fair value of plan assets, significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	10	12
Realized gains	-1	-2
Unrealized gains/(losses)	-1	-1
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements	-2	-3
Transfers in (out)	0	0
Balance, end of year	8	10
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	284	288
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	309	307	343
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	6	5
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	217	220
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans | Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	53	52
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans | Other Plan Assets [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	8	11
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	68	77
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans | 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	3	2
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans | 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	51	68
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans | 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	14	6
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans | 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	1
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	208	201
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans | 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 Plans | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	166	152
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	39	46
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans | 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 Plans | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	8	10
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans | 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 Plans | 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 Plans | 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 Plans | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other Plan Assets [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	8	10
United States Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	837	782	654
Defined Benefit plan, change in fair value of plan assets, significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	17	21
Realized gains	-1	-4
Unrealized gains/(losses)	-2	-2
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements	-4	-6
Transfers in (out)	0	0
Balance, end of year	14	17
Projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets - aggregate benefit obligation	889	15
Fair value of plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation - aggregate benefit obligation	0	748
Total projected benefit obligation - aggregate benefit obligation	889	763
Accumulated benefit obligation in excess of fair value of plan assets - aggregate benefit obligation	14	14
Fair value of plan assets in excess of accumulated benefit obligation - aggregate benefit obligation	812	716
Total accumulated benefit obligation - aggregate benefit obligation	826	730
Projected benefit obligation in excess of fair value of plan assets - aggregate fair value of plan assets	837	0
Fair value of plan assets in excess of benefit obligation - aggregate fair value of plan assets	0	782
Total projected benefit obligation - aggregate fair value of plan assets	837	782
Accumulated benefit obligation in excess of accumulated benefit obligation - aggregate fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair value of plan assets in excess of accumulated benefit obligation - aggregate fair value of plan assets	837	782
Total accumulated benefit obligation - aggregate fair value of plan assets	837	782
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	837	782
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	889	763	771
United States Defined Benefit Plans | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	9	8
United States Defined Benefit Plans | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	668	616
United States Defined Benefit Plans | Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	145	139
United States Defined Benefit Plans | Other Plan Assets [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	15	19
United States Defined Benefit Plans | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	199	211
United States Defined Benefit Plans | 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	1
United States Defined Benefit Plans | 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	156	191
United States Defined Benefit Plans | 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	40	17
United States Defined Benefit Plans | 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	2
United States Defined Benefit Plans | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	624	554
United States Defined Benefit Plans | 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 Defined Benefit Plans | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	512	425
United States Defined Benefit Plans | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	105	122
United States Defined Benefit Plans | 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 Defined Benefit Plans | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	14	17
United States Defined Benefit Plans | 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 Defined Benefit Plans | 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 Defined Benefit Plans | 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 Defined Benefit Plans | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other Plan Assets [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	14	17
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	2,108	2,045	1,801
Defined Benefit plan, change in fair value of plan assets, significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	0	0
Realized gains	0	0
Unrealized gains/(losses)	-1	0
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements	0	0
Transfers in (out)	20	0
Balance, end of year	21	0
Projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets - aggregate benefit obligation	1,865	1,697
Fair value of plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation - aggregate benefit obligation	479	502
Total projected benefit obligation - aggregate benefit obligation	2,344	2,199
Accumulated benefit obligation in excess of fair value of plan assets - aggregate benefit obligation	1,795	1,533
Fair value of plan assets in excess of accumulated benefit obligation - aggregate benefit obligation	468	590
Total accumulated benefit obligation - aggregate benefit obligation	2,263	2,123
Projected benefit obligation in excess of fair value of plan assets - aggregate fair value of plan assets	1,559	1,482
Fair value of plan assets in excess of benefit obligation - aggregate fair value of plan assets	549	563
Total projected benefit obligation - aggregate fair value of plan assets	2,108	2,045
Accumulated benefit obligation in excess of accumulated benefit obligation - aggregate fair value of plan assets	1,559	1,380
Fair value of plan assets in excess of accumulated benefit obligation - aggregate fair value of plan assets	549	665
Total accumulated benefit obligation - aggregate fair value of plan assets	2,108	2,045
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	2,108	2,045
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	2,344	2,199	2,117
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	10	10
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	1,078	1,078
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans | Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	974	919
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans | Other Plan Assets [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	46	38
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	375	330
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans | 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	3	10
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans | 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	335	296
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans | 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	37	24
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans | 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
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	1,712	1,715
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans | 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	0
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	743	782
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	937	895
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other Plan Assets [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	25	38
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	21	0
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans | 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
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans | 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
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other Plan Assets [Member]
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	21	0
Electronic Measurement [Member] | United States Postretirement Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	187
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	206
Electronic Measurement [Member] | United States Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	491
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	514
Electronic Measurement [Member] | Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,318
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	$1,429

RETIREMENT_PLANS_AND_POST_RETI6

RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS, Expected Benefit Payments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
United States Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	$15
Future benefit payments [Abstract]
2015		30
2016		23
2017		26
2018		28
2019		30
2020 - 2024		177
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	25
Future benefit payments [Abstract]
2015		23
2016		24
2017		27
2018		28
2019		29
2020 - 2024		185
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	1
Future benefit payments [Abstract]
2015		8
2016		8
2017		8
2018		8
2019		8
2020 - 2024		$39

RETIREMENT_PLANS_AND_POST_RETI7

RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS, Assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
United States Defined Benefit Plans
Assumptions used to calculate the net periodic cost
Discount rate (in hundredths)		3.25%	4.50%
Average increase in compensation levels (in hundredths)	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%
Expected long-term return on assets (in hundredths)	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Assumptions used to calculate the benefit obligation
Discount rate (in hundredths)	4.00%	4.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase	3.50%	3.50%
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans
Assumptions used to calculate the net periodic cost
Discount rate (in hundredths)		3.50%	4.75%
Expected long-term return on assets (in hundredths)	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Current medical cost trend rate (in hundredths)		9.00%	9.00%
Ultimate medical cost trend rate (in hundredths)	3.50%	3.50%	4.50%
Medical cost trend rate decreases to ultimate rate in year	2028	2027	2026
Assumptions used to calculate the benefit obligation
Discount rate (in hundredths)		4.25%
Current medical cost trend rate - benefit obligation (in hundredths)	8.00%	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	2028
Minimum [Member] | United States Defined Benefit Plans
Assumptions used to calculate the net periodic cost
Discount rate (in hundredths)	4.00%
Minimum [Member] | Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans
Assumptions used to calculate the net periodic cost
Discount rate (in hundredths)	1.50%	1.50%	2.00%
Average increase in compensation levels (in hundredths)	2.50%	2.50%	2.50%
Expected long-term return on assets (in hundredths)	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Assumptions used to calculate the benefit obligation
Discount rate (in hundredths)	1.50%	1.75%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase	2.50%	2.50%
Minimum [Member] | United States Postretirement Benefit Plans
Assumptions used to calculate the net periodic cost
Discount rate (in hundredths)	4.00%
Current medical cost trend rate (in hundredths)	8.00%
Assumptions used to calculate the benefit obligation
Discount rate (in hundredths)	3.75%
Maximum [Member] | United States Defined Benefit Plans
Assumptions used to calculate the net periodic cost
Discount rate (in hundredths)	4.50%
Maximum [Member] | Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans
Assumptions used to calculate the net periodic cost
Discount rate (in hundredths)	4.00%	4.50%	5.50%
Average increase in compensation levels (in hundredths)	3.25%	3.00%	3.25%
Expected long-term return on assets (in hundredths)	6.50%	6.50%	6.50%
Assumptions used to calculate the benefit obligation
Discount rate (in hundredths)	4.00%	4.25%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase	3.25%	3.25%
Maximum [Member] | United States Postretirement Benefit Plans
Assumptions used to calculate the net periodic cost
Discount rate (in hundredths)	4.25%
Current medical cost trend rate (in hundredths)	9.00%
Assumptions used to calculate the benefit obligation
Discount rate (in hundredths)	4.00%

GUARANTEES_Details

GUARANTEES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Summary of standard warranty accrual activity
Beginning balance	$69	$60
Accruals for warranties including change in estimates	90	92
Settlements made during the period	-78	-83
Ending balance	81	69
Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Balance Sheet Classification [Abstract]
Accruals for warranties due within one year	60	48
Accruals for warranties due after one year	21	21
Balance as of October 31,2013 and 2012	$81	$69

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Future minimum lease payments 2015	$57
Future minimum lease payments 2016	47
Future minimum lease payments 2017	34
Future minimum lease payments 2018	22
Future minimum lease payments 2019	13
Future minimum lease payments thereafter	33
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract]
Future minimum sublease income 2015	7
Future minimum sublease income 2016	5
Future minimum sublease income 2017	3
Total rent expense	$93	$90	$84

SHORTTERM_DEBT_Credit_Facility

SHORT-TERM DEBT - Credit Facility (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Repayments of Lines of Credit	$50
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	50
Agilent Credit Faciity [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Credit facility initiation date	15-Sep-14
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	400
Short-term Debt, Terms	five-year
Line of credit facility expiration date	15-Sep-19
Line of credit outstanding balance	0
Keysight Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Credit facility initiation date	15-Sep-14
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	300
Short-term Debt, Terms	five-year
Line of credit facility expiration date	1-Nov-19
Line of credit outstanding balance	0
Dako [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	9
Line of credit outstanding balance	$0

SHORTTERM_DEBT_ShortTermLoan_D

SHORT-TERM DEBT - Short-Term-Loan (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Issuance date of Debt	10-Jul-14
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$50
Fixed interest rate per annum (in hundredths)	9.95%
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	$35

LONGTERM_DEBT_Carrying_Value_D

LONG-TERM DEBT - Carrying Value (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 09, 2014	Oct. 20, 2014	Oct. 24, 2007	Oct. 06, 2014	Jul. 13, 2010	Sep. 10, 2012	Jun. 18, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance date of Debt	10-Jul-14
Amortized Principal	$2,695	$2,593
Interest Rate Swap	25	60
Total	2,720	2,653
Repayments of Senior Debt	1,000	250	250
Accelerated amortization of interest rate swap gain	22	0	0
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	50
Fixed interest rate per annum (in hundredths)	9.95%
Senior Notes 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount	528
Amortized Principal	0	500
Interest Rate Swap		12
Total	0	512
Repayments of Senior Debt	500
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	28
Accelerated amortization of interest rate swap gain	8			8
Amortization of Financing Costs	1
Interest Paid	9
Senior Notes 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance date of Debt						24-Oct-07
Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount	580
Amortized Principal	100	599
Interest Rate Swap	3	22
Total	103	621
Repayments of Senior Debt	500
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	80
Accelerated amortization of interest rate swap gain	17				14
Amortization of Financing Costs	2
Interest Paid	15
Debt Instrument, Face Amount					600	600
Fixed interest rate per annum (in hundredths)						6.50%
Senior Notes 2019 [Member] [Domain]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance date of Debt							6-Oct-14
Amortized Principal	500	0
Interest Rate Swap	0	0
Total	500	0
Debt Instrument, Face Amount							500
Fixed interest rate per annum (in hundredths)							3.30%
Senior Notes 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance date of Debt								13-Jul-10
Amortized Principal	499	498
Interest Rate Swap	22	26
Total	521	524
Debt Instrument, Face Amount								500
Fixed interest rate per annum (in hundredths)								5.00%
Senior Notes 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance date of Debt									10-Sep-12
Amortized Principal	399	399
Interest Rate Swap	0	0
Total	399	399
Debt Instrument, Face Amount									400
Fixed interest rate per annum (in hundredths)									3.20%
Senior Notes 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance date of Debt										18-Jun-13
Amortized Principal	598	597
Interest Rate Swap	0	0
Total	598	597
Debt Instrument, Face Amount										600
Fixed interest rate per annum (in hundredths)										3.88%
Senior Notes 2024 [Member] [Domain]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amortized Principal	599	0
Interest Rate Swap	0	0
Total	599	0
Debt Instrument, Face Amount							$600
Fixed interest rate per annum (in hundredths)							4.55%

LONGTERM_DEBT_Components_and_A

LONG-TERM DEBT - Components and Additional Disclosures (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 24, 2007	Jul. 13, 2010	Sep. 10, 2012	Jun. 18, 2013	Sep. 30, 2027	Sep. 09, 2009	Oct. 20, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance date of Debt		10-Jul-14
Aggregate face amount of debt		$50
Maturity date	30-Sep-27
Fixed interest rate per annum (in hundredths)		9.95%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate		42
Senior Notes 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance cost incurred on Senior Notes offered								3
Senior Notes 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance date of Debt			24-Oct-07
Aggregate face amount of debt			600						600
Issue rate percentage of principal amount			99.60%
Maturity date			1-Nov-17
Fixed interest rate per annum (in hundredths)			6.50%
Interest payment frequency			semi-annually
Date payments commenced			1-May-08
Issuance cost incurred on Senior Notes offered			5
Senior Notes 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance date of Debt				13-Jul-10
Aggregate face amount of debt				500
Issue rate percentage of principal amount				99.54%
Maturity date				15-Jul-20
Fixed interest rate per annum (in hundredths)				5.00%
Interest payment frequency				semi-annually
Date payments commenced				15-Jan-11
Issuance cost incurred on Senior Notes offered				3
Senior Notes 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance date of Debt					10-Sep-12
Aggregate face amount of debt					400
Issue rate percentage of principal amount					99.80%
Maturity date					1-Oct-22
Fixed interest rate per annum (in hundredths)					3.20%
Interest payment frequency					semi-annually
Date payments commenced					1-Apr-13
Issuance cost incurred on Senior Notes offered					3
Senior Notes 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance date of Debt						18-Jun-13
Aggregate face amount of debt						600
Issue rate percentage of principal amount						99.54%
Maturity date						15-Jul-23
Fixed interest rate per annum (in hundredths)						3.88%
Interest payment frequency						semi annually
Date payments commenced						15-Jan-14
Issuance cost incurred on Senior Notes offered						$5
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Other Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest payment frequency							March, June, September and December of each year

LONGTERM_DEBT_Other_Details

LONG-TERM DEBT - Other (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Aug. 09, 2011	Nov. 25, 2008	Oct. 31, 2014
			contracts
Schedule Of Interest Rate Swaps Regarding Senior Notes Offered [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	30-Sep-27
Senior Notes 2020 [Member]
Schedule Of Interest Rate Swaps Regarding Senior Notes Offered [Line Items]
Interest Rate Derivatives Terminated Date		AugustB 9, 2011
Notional Amount of Terminated Interest Rate Swaps		$500
Asset Value of Terminated Interest Rate Swaps		34
Amount to be amortized on terminated interest rate swaps associated with senior notes				22
Senior Notes 2017 [Member]
Schedule Of Interest Rate Swaps Regarding Senior Notes Offered [Line Items]
Interest Rate Derivatives Terminated Date			NovemberB 25, 2008
Number of interest swaps terminated on specified date			2
Notional Amount of Terminated Interest Rate Swaps			400
Asset Value of Terminated Interest Rate Swaps			43
Amount to be amortized on terminated interest rate swaps associated with senior notes				$3

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Nov. 22, 2013	Nov. 20, 2014	14-May-13	Jan. 16, 2013
Share Repurchase Program [Line Items]
Unrealized gains and (losses) on sale of securities reclassified to other income (expense)	$1,000,000	$0
Number of shares of common stock repurchased under share repurchase program	4	20	5
Cost to repurchase shares of common stock under share repurchase program	200,000,000	900,000,000	172,000,000
Dividends [Abstract]
Cash Dividends Declared (per common share)	$0.53	$0.46	$0.30
Cash dividends declared	176,000,000	156,000,000	104,000,000
Aggregate cash dividends paid ( per common share)	$0.53	$0.46	$0.30
Aggregate cash dividends paid	176,000,000	156,000,000	104,000,000
Foreign currency translation, tax	-86,000,000	-94,000,000
2013 Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Share Repurchase Program [Line Items]
Share Repurchase Program Approval Date		JanuaryB 16, 2013
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
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	0
2014 Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Share Repurchase Program [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount				1,000,000,000
Weighted average count of diluted shares				335
Dividend Declared [Member]
Dividends [Abstract]
Cash Dividends Declared (per common share)					$0.10
Cash dividends declared					$34,000,000
Dividends date of record					6-Jan-15
Dividends payment date					28-Jan-15

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Accumulate

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY -Accumulated other comprehensive income (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Unrealized gain on equity securities, net of $(3) adn $(2) of tax expense for 2014 and 2013, respectively	$17	$7	$0
Foreign currency translation, net of $(86) and $(94) of tax expense for 2014 and 2013, respectively	156	425	424
Unrealized losses on defined benefit plans, net of tax benefit of $145 and $64 for 2014 and 2013, respectively	-516	-341
Unrealized gains and (losses) on derivative instruments, net of tax expense of $(7) adn $(2) for 2014 and 2013, respectively	9	0	2
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-334	91	-111
Accumulated other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Unrealized gain on equity securities, tax	-3	-2
Foreign currency translation, tax	-86	-94
Unrealized losses on defined benefit plans, tax	145	64
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, tax	($7)	($2)

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_STOCKHOLDE

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Unrealized gains and (losses) on sale of securities reclassified to other income (expense)	$1	$0
Total reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on equity securities before tax	1	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax	0	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax	1	0	0
Derivative Instruments, Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion	-1
Derivative Instruments, Gain Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion		13
Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives reclassified to cost of products, before tax	-1	13
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Tax	0	-3	-2
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	-1	10	6
Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plan Amortization Of Net Actuarial Loss	-65	-86
Amortization of prior service benefit	-48	-48
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, before Tax	-17	-38
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax	-2	7
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax	-19	-31
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	($19)	($21)

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Changes_in

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Beginning Balance	$91	($111)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications	-525	268
Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	17	25
Tax (expense) benefit	83	-91
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-425	202	-227
Ending Balance	-334	91	-111
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	7	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications	12	9
Amounts Reclassified out of Other Comprehensive Income	-1	0
Tax (expense) benefit	-1	-2
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	10	7
Ending Balance	17	7	0
Foreign Currency Translation [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	425	424
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications	-277	-7
Amounts Reclassified out of Other Comprehensive Income	0	0
Tax (expense) benefit	8	8	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-269	1
Ending Balance	156	425	424
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	287	319
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Reclassifications	0	0
Amounts Reclassified out of Other Comprehensive Income	-48	-48
Tax (expense) benefit	16	16	17
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss	-32	-32	-31
Ending Balance	255	287	319
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Actuarial Gain (Loss), before Tax [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	-628	-856
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications	-273	256
Amounts Reclassified out of Other Comprehensive Income	65	86
Tax (expense) benefit	65	-114
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-143	228	-175
Ending Balance	-771	-628	-856
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivatives, Net, before Tax [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	0	2
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications	13	10
Amounts Reclassified out of Other Comprehensive Income	1	-13
Tax (expense) benefit	-5	1
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	9	-2
Ending Balance	$9	$0	$2

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Profitabil

SEGMENT INFORMATION Profitability (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
	segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	3
Select income statement components (Loss) [Abstract]
Total net revenue	$6,981	$6,782	$6,858
Income from operations	831	951	1,119
Depreciation expense	194	181	171
Share-based compensation	96	85	74
Life Sciences and Diagnostics [Member]
Select income statement components (Loss) [Abstract]
Total net revenue	2,372	2,300	1,984
Income from operations	376	377	295
Depreciation expense	74	71	57
Share-based compensation	33	26	21
Chemical Analysis [Member]
Select income statement components (Loss) [Abstract]
Total net revenue	1,676	1,594	1,559
Income from operations	387	355	338
Depreciation expense	31	27	31
Share-based compensation	23	21	18
Electronic Measurement [Member]
Select income statement components (Loss) [Abstract]
Total net revenue	2,933	2,888	3,315
Income from operations	559	544	751
Depreciation expense	89	83	83
Share-based compensation	42	38	37
Segment Total [Member]
Select income statement components (Loss) [Abstract]
Total net revenue	6,981	6,782	6,858
Income from operations	1,322	1,276	1,384
Depreciation expense	194	181	171
Share-based compensation	$98	$85	$76

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Reconcilia

SEGMENT INFORMATION Reconciliation of Reportable Results (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Reconcilitation between statement results and enterprise results [Abstract]
Total reportable segments' income from operations	$1,322	$1,276	$1,384
Restructuring and business exit related costs	-64	-53	0
Acceleration of depreciation for held and used assets	0	0	-15
Asset impairments	-4	-3	-1
Transformational programs	-29	-19	-25
Amortization of intangibles	-197	-199	-136
Acquisition and integration costs	-12	-29	-74
Acceleration of sharebased compensation expense related to workforce reduction	-1	-3	0
One time and pre separation costs	-191	-5	0
Other	7	-14	-14
Interest income	9	7	9
Interest Expense	-113	-107	-101
Other income (expense), net	-81	8	16
Income before taxes	646	859	1,043
Segment assets and capital expenditures [Abstract]
Assets	8,103	8,044
Capital expenditures	205	195	194
Life Sciences and Diagnostics [Member]
Segment assets and capital expenditures [Abstract]
Assets	4,312	4,291
Capital expenditures	77	77
Chemical Analysis [Member]
Segment assets and capital expenditures [Abstract]
Assets	1,815	1,756
Capital expenditures	33	30
Electronic Measurement [Member]
Segment assets and capital expenditures [Abstract]
Assets	1,976	1,997
Capital expenditures	$95	$88

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_EntityWide

SEGMENT INFORMATION Entity-Wide Disclosures on Geographic Areas (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Entity Wide Disclosure On Geographic Areas Attributed To Individual Foreign Countries [Line Items]
Revenue, Net	$6,981	$6,782	$6,858
Long-Lived Assets	1,433	1,446
Concentration Risk, Customer	No customer represented 10 percent or more of our total net revenue in 2013, 2012 or 2011
UNITED STATES
Entity Wide Disclosure On Geographic Areas Attributed To Individual Foreign Countries [Line Items]
Revenue, Net	2,070	2,043	2,218
Long-Lived Assets	597	601
Rest Of World [Member]
Entity Wide Disclosure On Geographic Areas Attributed To Individual Foreign Countries [Line Items]
Revenue, Net	3,183	2,980	2,846
Long-Lived Assets	656	658
JAPAN
Entity Wide Disclosure On Geographic Areas Attributed To Individual Foreign Countries [Line Items]
Revenue, Net	595	628	716
Long-Lived Assets	180	187
CHINA
Entity Wide Disclosure On Geographic Areas Attributed To Individual Foreign Countries [Line Items]
Revenue, Net	$1,133	$1,131	$1,078

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Segment_As

SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Assets (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total reportable segments' assets	$8,103	$8,044
Cash and cash equivalents	3,028	2,675
Prepaid expenses	241	198
Investments	159	139
Long term and other receivables	124	162
Other	-824	-532
Total assets	10,831	10,686
Life Sciences and Diagnostics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total reportable segments' assets	4,312	4,291
Chemical Analysis [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total reportable segments' assets	1,815	1,756
Electronic Measurement [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total reportable segments' assets	$1,976	$1,997

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, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2010
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Movement in valuation and qualifying accounts [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$85	$93		$369
Additions Charged to Costs, Expenses or Other Accounts	49	0	4
Deductions Credited to Expenses or Other Accounts	0	-8	-280
Balance at End of Period	$134	$85	$93	$369

Uncategorized_Items

Uncategorized Items
[us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares]	244,286,000
[us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue]		8,535,000,000