Keysight (KEYS) 10-Q 7 Jun 17 2017 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Jun. 05, 2017
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Keysight Technologies, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,601,046
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-31
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		185,367,946
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Apr. 30, 2017
Trading Symbol	KEYS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Net revenue [Abstract]
Products	$ 634	$ 613	$ 1,240	$ 1,219
Services and other	119	118	239	233
Total net revenue	753	731	1,479	1,452
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products	273	263	527	530
Cost of services and other	67	62	135	124
Total costs	340	325	662	654
Research and development	119	108	227	216
Selling, general and administrative	256	207	469	407
Other Operating Expense (Income), Net	(4)	(4)	(83)	(18)
Total costs and expenses	711	636	1,275	1,259
Income from operations	42	95	204	193
Interest income	2	0	3	1
Interest expense	(24)	(12)	(36)	(24)
Other income (expense), net	2	4	3	1
Income before taxes	22	87	174	171
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(27)	(1)	16	19
Net Income	$ 49	$ 88	$ 158	$ 152
Net income per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.28	$ 0.52	$ 0.91	$ 0.89
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.27	$ 0.51	$ 0.90	$ 0.88
Weighted average shares used in computing net income per share:
Basic (in shares)	177	170	174	171
Diluted (in shares)	179	172	176	172

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net Income	$ 49	$ 88	$ 158	$ 152
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax benefit of $1, zero, zero and $1	0	(1)	4	(7)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of tax benefit (expense) of zero, $1, $(1) and zero	(1)	(2)	1	(1)
Amounts reclassified into earnings related to derivative instruments, net of tax expense of $1, $1, $1 and $2	0	2	1	5
Foreign currency translation, net of tax benefit (expense) of zero	9	56	(15)	31
Net defined benefit pension cost and post retirement plan costs:
Change in actuarial net loss, net of tax expense of $5, $4, $18 and $10	12	10	40	22
Change in net prior service credit, net of tax benefit of $2, $2, $4 and $5	(4)	(5)	(8)	(8)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	16	60	23	42
Total comprehensive income	$ 65	$ 148	$ 181	$ 194

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax, parenthetical disclosures [Abstract]
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, tax	$ 1	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, tax	0	1	(1)	0
Amounts reclassified into earnings related to derivative instruments, tax	(1)	(1)	(1)	(2)
Foreign currency translation, tax	0	0	0	0
Net defined benefit pension cost and post retirement plan costs, tax [Abstract]
Change in actuarial net loss, tax	(5)	(4)	(18)	(10)
Change in net prior service credit, tax	$ 2	$ 2	$ 4	$ 5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 983	$ 783
Short-term Investments	40	0
Accounts receivable, net	518	437
Inventory	585	474
Other current assets	188	160
Total current assets	2,314	1,854
Property, plant and equipment, net	545	512
Goodwill	1,702	736
Other intangible assets, net	918	208
Long-term investments	60	55
Long-term deferred tax assets	345	392
Other assets	130	39
Total assets	6,014	3,796
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	170	0
Accounts payable	180	189
Employee compensation and benefits	212	183
Deferred revenue	235	180
Income and other taxes payable	22	41
Other accrued liabilities	57	51
Total current liabilities	876	644
Long-term debt	2,156	1,093
Retirement and post-retirement benefits	374	405
Long-term deferred revenue	91	72
Other long-term liabilities	345	69
Total liabilities	3,842	2,283
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock; $0.01 par value; 100 million shares authorized; none issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock; $0.01 par value; 1 billion shares authorized; 187 million shares at April 30, 2017 and 172 million shares at October 31, 2016 issued	2	2
Treasury stock at cost; 2.3 million shares at April 30, 2017 and at October 31, 2016	(62)	(62)
Additional paid-in-capital	1,730	1,242
Retained earnings	1,097	949
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(595)	(618)
Total stockholder's equity	2,172	1,513
Total liabilities and equity	$ 6,014	$ 3,796

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares shares in Millions	Apr. 30, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100	100
Preferred stock, issued and outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	1,000	1,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	187	172
Treasury Stock, Shares	2	2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME7

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net Income	$ 158	$ 152
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	73	67
Share-based compensation	31	29
Excess tax benefit from share-based plans	(2)	0
Debt issuance expense	9	0
Deferred taxes	(13)	3
Excess and obsolete inventory related charges	6	11
Gain on sale of land	(8)	(10)
Asset impairment	7	0
Other non-cash expenses, net	1	2
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	10	(3)
Inventory	(10)	(11)
Accounts payable	(17)	(27)
Employee compensation and benefits	0	11
Retirement and post-retirement benefits, net	(74)	(25)
Income tax payable	(7)	2
Other assets and liabilities	(13)	8
Net cash provided by operating activities	151	209
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investments in property, plant and equipment	(33)	(62)
Proceeds from sale of land	8	10
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents, net	1	0
Proceeds from sale of investments	4	0
Acquisition of businesses and intangible assets, net of cash acquired	(1,622)	(10)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,642)	(62)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee stock plans	21	24
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under public offering	444	0
Excess tax benefit from share-based plans	2	0
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	170	0
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	1,069	0
Payment of debt issuance costs	(16)	0
Treasury stock repurchases	0	(40)
Net Cash provided by (used in) financing activities	1,690	(16)
Effect of exchange rate movements	1	6
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	200	137
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	783	483
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 983	$ 620

OVERVIEW, BASIS OF PRESENTATION

OVERVIEW, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
OVERVIEW, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	1. OVERVIEW, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Overview. Keysight Technologies, Inc. ("we," "us," "Keysight" or the "company"), incorporated in Delaware on December 6, 2013, is a measurement company providing electronic design and test solutions to communications and electronics industries. On April 18, 2017, the company completed the acquisition of Ixia. Ixia provides testing, visibility, and security solutions, strengthening applications across physical and virtual networks for enterprises, service providers, and network equipment manufacturers. This acquisition extends our position in communications and enables us to create unique combinations of end-to-end solutions that address fast-growing segments of the communications design and test ecosystem. Our fiscal year-end is October 31, and our fiscal quarters end on January 31, April 30 and July 31. Unless otherwise stated, these dates refer to our fiscal year and fiscal quarters. Basis of Presentation. We have prepared the accompanying financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("GAAP") have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The accompanying financial statements and information should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to state fairly our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of April 30, 2017 and October 31, 2016 , condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the three and six months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016 , condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and six months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016 , and condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the six months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016 . Use of Estimates. The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our condensed 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 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, inventory valuation, share-based compensation, retirement and post-retirement plan assumptions, valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets, warranty, restructuring, and accounting for income taxes. Acquisition of Ixia . On April 18, 2017 we acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Ixia for $1,622 million , net of $72 million of cash acquired. See Note 3 for further discussion of the company's acquisition of Ixia. Land Sale. On April 30, 2014 we entered into a binding contract to sell land in the United Kingdom ("U.K.") that resulted in the transfer of three separate land tracts in May 2014, November 2015 and November 2016 for £21 million . In the six months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016, we recognized gains of $8 million and $10 million , respectively, on the sale of the land tracts in other operating expense (income). Restricted Cash. As of April 30, 2017, restricted cash of approximately $2 million consisted of deposits held as collateral against bank guarantees and is classified within other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. As of October 31, 2016, restricted cash of $2 million consisted of approximately $1 million of deposits held as collateral against bank guarantees and approximately $1 million of deposits primarily held as collateral against foreign currency hedging contracts and is classified within other assets and other current assets, respectively, in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Update to Significant Accounting Policies. There have been no material changes to our significant accounting policies, as compared to the significant accounting policies described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016 .

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	2. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance which will replace numerous requirements in GAAP, including industry-specific requirements, and provide companies with a single revenue recognition model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of the new standard is that a company should recognize revenue to show the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date by one year to December 15, 2017 for annual reporting periods beginning after that date. The FASB also permitted early adoption of the standard, but not before the original effective date of December 15, 2016. During 2016, the FASB issued several amendments to the standard, including clarification to the guidance on reporting revenues as a principal versus an agent, identifying performance obligations, accounting for intellectual property licenses, assessing collectability, presentation of sales taxes, impairment testing for contract costs and disclosure of performance obligations. The two permitted transition methods under the new standard are (1) the full retrospective method, in which case the standard would be applied to each prior reporting period presented, and the cumulative effect of applying the standard would be recognized at the earliest period shown, or (2) the modified retrospective method, in which case the cumulative effect of applying the standard would be recognized at the date of initial application. We currently anticipate adopting the standard on November 1, 2018 and are evaluating the transition methods available. We do not expect the impact of the new standard on the amount and timing of revenue recognition to be material to our consolidated statement of operations; however, we have not performed an assessment to determine the revenue recognition impact of our recent acquisition of Ixia. We expect recognition of revenue for a majority of customer contracts to remain substantially unchanged. While we are continuing to assess all potential impacts of the standard, we currently believe the most significant impact relates to our accounting for software license revenue, as under the new standard we expect to recognize software license revenue at the time of billing rather than over the contractual term. The new standard will also require the deferral of commissions that were previously expensed as incurred and may qualify for capitalization under the new standard and changes to the timing of recognition of revenue and costs related to certain warranty arrangements. In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs , to simplify the presentation of deferred issuance costs by requiring that they be presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We adopted this guidance retrospectively during the first quarter of 2017. As a result, $7 million of unamortized debt issuance costs have been reclassified from other assets to long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheet as of October 31, 2016 (see Note 16). In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance that will require organizations that lease assets to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. Consistent with current GAAP, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. However, unlike current GAAP, which requires only capital leases to be recognized on the balance sheet, the new guidance will require both types of leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance that simplifies the accounting for taxes related to share-based compensation, including adjustments to how excess tax benefits and a company's payments for tax withholdings should be classified. The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 31, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory , that removes the requirement under which the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers are deferred until the assets are ultimately sold to an outside party, except for transfers of inventory. The tax consequences of such transfers would be recognized in tax expense when the transfers occur. The standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. We elected to early adopt this guidance on a modified retrospective basis during the first quarter of 2017. As a result, a $10 million cumulative-effect adjustment was recorded directly to retained earnings as of November 1, 2016, the beginning of the annual period of adoption, with corresponding reductions of $2 million , $6 million and $2 million to other current assets, other assets, and long-term deferred tax assets, respectively. In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance to narrow the definition of a business and provide a framework that gives entities a basis for making reasonable judgments about whether a transaction involves an asset or a business. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect a material impact to our consolidated financial statements due to the adoption of this guidance. In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance that eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value. The standard is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. We do not expect a material impact to our consolidated financial statements due to the adoption of this guidance. In March 2017, the FASB issued guidance that requires the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic post-retirement benefit cost to be included in operating expenses (together with other employee compensation costs) and the other components of the cost to be included in non-operating expenses. The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 31, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements. In May 2017, the FASB issued guidance that clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. Specifically, an entity would not apply modification accounting if the fair value, vesting conditions, and classification of the awards are the same immediately before and after the modification. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements. Other amendments to GAAP 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.

ACQUISITION OF IXIA (Notes)

ACQUISITION OF IXIA (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	3. ACQUISITION OF IXIA On April 18, 2017 , pursuant to the terms of an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated January 30, 2017 , between Keysight and Ixia (the "Merger Agreement"), we acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Ixia for $1,622 million , net of $72 million of cash acquired, pursuant to an exchange offer for $19.65 per share (the "Merger Consideration"). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, any outstanding and unexercised Ixia stock options with an exercise price below the Merger Consideration and any outstanding Ixia restricted stock awards were cancelled and converted into the right to receive a cash payment equal to the merger consideration of $19.65 per share (minus the exercise price for the Ixia stock options). The vested portion of the awards associated with prior service of Ixia employees represented approximately $47 million of the total consideration. We funded the acquisition with a combination of cash and proceeds from debt and equity financings. As a result of the acquisition, Ixia has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Keysight. Accordingly, the results of Ixia are included in Keysight's consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition and are reported in the Ixia Solutions Group operating segment. For the period from April 18, 2017 to April 30, 2017, Ixia's net revenue and net profit was $8 million and $1 million , respectively. The Ixia acquisition was accounted for in accordance with the authoritative accounting guidance. The acquired assets and assumed liabilities were recorded by Keysight at their estimated fair values. Keysight determined the estimated fair values with the assistance of appraisals or valuations performed by third party specialists, discounted cash flow analysis, and estimates made by management. We expect to 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 Ixia'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 assigned to the Ixia Solutions Group. We do not expect the goodwill recognized or impairment charges in the future to be deductible for income tax purposes. 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, a deferred tax liability of approximately $186 million was established primarily for the future amortization of these intangibles and is included in "other long-term liabilities" in the table below. The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the closing date of April 18, 2017 (in millions): Cash and cash equivalents $ 72 Short-term investments 44 Accounts receivable 91 Inventory 108 Other current assets 33 Property, plant and equipment 52 Goodwill 977 Other intangible assets 746 Long-term deferred tax assets 1 Other assets 4 Total assets acquired 2,128 Accounts payable (10 ) Employee compensation and benefits (32 ) Deferred revenue (35 ) Income and other taxes payable (1 ) Other accrued liabilities (32 ) Other long-term liabilities (324 ) Net assets acquired $ 1,694 The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term investments, other current assets, accounts payable, employee compensation and benefits, 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, intangible assets, and deferred revenue were determined with the input from third-party valuation specialists. The fair values of certain other assets and certain other liabilities were determined internally using historical carrying values and estimates made by management. As additional information becomes available, we may revise the preliminary purchase price allocation during the remainder of the measurement period (which will not exceed 12 months from the acquisition date). Any such revisions or changes may be material. Valuation of Intangible Assets Acquired The components of intangible assets acquired in connection with the Ixia acquisition were as follows (in millions): Estimated Fair Value Estimated useful life Developed product technology $ 421 4 years Customer relationships 236 7 years Tradenames and trademarks 12 3 years Backlog 10 90 days Total intangible assets subject to amortization 679 In-process research and development 67 Total intangible assets $ 746 As noted above, the intangible assets were valued with input from valuation specialists using the income approach, which includes the discounted cash flow, cost-savings, and relief from royalty methods. 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. A discount rate of 14% was used to value the research and development projects, adjusted to reflect additional risks inherent in the acquired projects. The primary in-process projects acquired relate to next generation products which will be released in the near future. Total costs to complete for all Ixia in-process research and development were estimated at approximately $12 million as of the close date. Acquisition and integration costs directly related to the Ixia acquisition totaled $24 million and $26 million for the three and six months ended April 30, 2017, respectively. For the three months ended April 30, 2017, acquisition and integration costs of $15 million and $9 million were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses and other income (expense), respectively. For the six months ended April 30, 2017, acquisition and integration costs of $17 million and $9 million were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses and other income (expense), respectively. Such costs are expensed in accordance with the authoritative accounting guidance. For the three and six months ended April 30, 2017, we incurred $28 million of acquisition-related compensation expense to redeem certain of Ixia's outstanding unvested stock awards as of the date of the Merger Agreement that were determined to relate to post-merger service periods. The following represents pro forma operating results as if Ixia had been included in the company's consolidated statements of operations as of the beginning of fiscal 2016 (in millions, except per share amounts): Six Months Ended April 30, 2017 2016 Net revenue $ 1,698 $ 1,697 Net income $ 90 $ 95 Net income per share - Basic $ 0.49 $ 0.52 Net income per share - Diluted $ 0.48 $ 0.51 The unaudited pro forma financial information for the three and six months ended April 30, 2016 combines the historical results of Keysight and Ixia for the three and six months ended April 30, 2016, assuming that the companies were combined as of November 1, 2015 and include business combination accounting effects from the acquisition including amortization and depreciation charges from acquired intangible assets, property plant and equipment, interest expense on the financing transactions used to fund 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 2016.

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Keysight accounts for share-based awards in accordance with the provisions of the authoritative 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 ("RSUs"), employee stock purchases made under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) and performance share awards granted to selected members of our senior management under the Long-Term Performance (“LTP”) Program based on estimated fair values. The impact of share-based compensation on our results was as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended April 30, April 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in millions) Cost of products and services $ 3 $ 4 $ 6 $ 7 Research and development 2 2 6 5 Selling, general and administrative 8 7 19 17 Total share-based compensation expense $ 13 $ 13 $ 31 $ 29 At April 30, 2017 and 2016 , there was no share-based compensation capitalized within inventory. For the three and six months ended April 30, 2017, the income tax benefit realized from the exercised stock options and similar awards recognized was zero and $2 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended April 30, 2016, the income tax deficiency realized from the exercised stock options and similar awards was $1 million and zero million, respectively. The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of LTP Program grants. Three Months Ended Six Months Ended April 30, April 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 LTP Program: Volatility of Keysight shares 26 % 25 % 27 % 25 % Volatility of selected index (2017)/peer-company shares (2016) 15 % 14%-54% 15 % 14%-54% Price-wise correlation with selected peers 57 % 38 % 57 % 38 % Shares granted under the LTP Program were valued using a Monte Carlo simulation model. In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the company began awarding an additional type of performance award based on operating margin performance. These awards were valued based on the market price of Keysight’s common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of employee stock option awards granted before October 31, 2015 was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. We did not grant any option awards for the three and six months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016. 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. The estimated fair value of restricted stock awards is determined based on the market price of Keysight’s common stock on the date of grant.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES The company’s effective tax rate was a benefit of 126.1 percent and an expense of 9.0 percent for the three and six months ended April 30, 2017, respectively. Income tax benefit was $27 million and income tax expense was $16 million for the three and six months ended April 30, 2017, respectively. The income tax provision for the three and six months ended April 30, 2017 included a net discrete expense of $8 million and $31 million, respectively. The decrease in the total income tax expense for the three months ended April 30, 2017 is primarily related to additional expenses incurred by Ixia as a result of purchase accounting valuations. The increase in discrete expense for the three months ended April 30, 2017, is primarily related to an increase in the valuation allowance on certain state deferred tax assets and the increase in discrete expense for the six months ended April 30, 2017 is primarily related to $22 million of tax resulting from the transfer of a portion of the Japanese Employees’ Pension Fund (see Note 12). The company’s effective tax rate was a benefit of 1.1 percent and an expense of 11.0 percent for the three and six months ended April 30, 2016, respectively. Income tax recognized was a benefit of $1 million and expense of $19 million for the three and six months ended April 30, 2016, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three months ended April 30, 2016 was a benefit due to tax planning implemented during the quarter. The income tax provision for the three and six months ended April 30, 2016 included a net discrete benefit of $3 million and $2 million, respectively. Keysight benefits from tax incentives in several jurisdictions, most significantly in Singapore, and several jurisdictions have granted us tax incentives that require renewal at various times in the future. The tax incentives provide lower rates of taxation on certain classes of income and require thresholds of investments and employment or specific types of income in those jurisdictions. The impact of tax incentives decreased the income tax provision for the three and six months ended April 30, 2017 by $36 million and $47 million , respectively, resulting in a benefit to net income per share (diluted) of approximately $0.21 and $0.28 for the three and six months ended April 30, 2017, respectively. The impact of tax incentives decreased the income tax provision for the three and six months ended April 30, 2016 by $9 million and $17 million, respectively, resulting in a benefit to net income per share (diluted) of approximately $0.05 and $0.10 for the three and six months ended April 30, 2016, respectively. The Singapore tax incentive is due for renewal in fiscal 2024. For the majority of our entities, the open tax years for the IRS, state and most foreign audit authorities are from August 1, 2014 through the current tax year. For certain foreign entities, the tax years generally remain open back to the year 2006 . Given the number of years and numerous matters that remain subject to examination in various tax jurisdictions, we are unable to estimate the range of possible changes to the balance of our unrecognized tax benefits.

NET INCOME PER SHARE

NET INCOME PER SHARE	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
NET INCOME PER SHARE	NET INCOME PER SHARE The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted net income per share computations for the periods presented below: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended April 30, April 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in millions) Numerator: Net income $ 49 $ 88 $ 158 $ 152 Denominator: Basic weighted-average shares 177 170 174 171 Potential common shares— stock options and other employee stock plans 2 2 2 1 Diluted weighted-average shares 179 172 176 172 The dilutive effect of share-based awards is reflected in diluted net income per share by application of the treasury stock method. 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 the effect would be anti-dilutive. For the three and six months ended April 30, 2017, we excluded zero options, from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. For the three and six months ended April 30, 2016, 1.7 million options to purchase shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. In addition, we excluded stock options, ESPP shares, LTP Program and restricted stock awards, of which the combined exercise price, unamortized fair value and excess tax benefits collectively was greater than the average market price of our common stock because the effect would be anti-dilutive. For the three and six months ended April 30, 2017 , we excluded approximately 10,000 and 42,000 shares, respectively. For the three and six months ended April 30, 2016, we excluded 30,000 and 23,100 shares, respectively. The weighted-average share count for the three and six months ended April 30, 2017 includes the impact of the public offering of our common stock in March 2017 (See Note 17).

SUPPLEMENT CASH FLOW INFORMATIO

SUPPLEMENT CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]	. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Net cash paid for income taxes was $34 million and $8 million for the six months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Cash paid for interest was $22 million each for the six months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The following table summarizes our non-cash investing activities that are not reflected in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows: Six Months Ended April 30, 2017 2016 (in millions) Non-cash investing activities: Capital expenditures in accounts payables $ (5 ) $ (13 ) Capital expenditures in other long-term liabilities 2 — $ (3 ) $ (13 )

INVENTORY

INVENTORY	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
INVENTORY	INVENTORY April 30, October 31, (in millions) Finished goods $ 293 $ 218 Purchased parts and fabricated assemblies 292 256 Total inventory $ 585 $ 474 The increase was primarily driven by acquisition of Ixia (See Note 3).

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE A

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS The following table presents goodwill balances and the movements for each of our reportable segments as of and for the six months ended April 30, 2017 : Communications Solutions Group Electronic Industrial Solutions Group Ixia Solutions Group Services Solutions Group Total (in millions) Goodwill as of October 31, 2016 $ 456 $ 216 $ — $ 64 $ 736 Foreign currency translation impact (11 ) — — — (11 ) Goodwill arising from acquisitions — — 977 — 977 Goodwill as of April 30, 2017 $ 445 $ 216 $ 977 $ 64 $ 1,702 The components of other intangible assets as of April 30, 2017 and October 31, 2016 are shown in the table below: Other Intangible Assets as of April 30, 2017 Other Intangible Assets as of October 31, 2016 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization and Impairments Net Book Value Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization and Impairments Net Book Value (in millions) Developed technology $ 735 $ 180 $ 555 $ 309 $ 159 $ 150 Backlog 14 6 8 4 4 — Trademark/Tradename 32 5 27 20 4 16 Customer relationships 301 40 261 65 35 30 Total amortizable intangible assets 1,082 231 851 398 202 196 In-Process R&D 67 — 67 12 — 12 Total $ 1,149 $ 231 $ 918 $ 410 $ 202 $ 208 During the six months ended April 30, 2017 , we recognized additions to goodwill and other intangible assets of $977 million and $746 million , respectively, based on the preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition of Ixia. During the six months ended April 30, 2017 , there was no foreign exchange translation impact to other intangible assets. During the first quarter of 2017, we transferred $5 million from in-process R&D to developed technology as a project was successfully completed. During the second quarter of 2017, we recorded an impairment charge of $7 million related to the cancellation of an in-process R&D project. Amortization of other intangible assets was $18 million and $29 million for the three and six months ended April 30, 2017 , respectively. Amortization of other intangible assets was $10 million and $22 million for the three and six months ended April 30, 2016, respectively. Future amortization expense related to existing finite-lived purchased intangible assets is estimated to be $100 million for the remainder of 2017, $181 million for 2018, $181 million for 2019, $ 179 million for 2020, $113 million for 2021 and $97 million thereafter.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	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 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 April 30, 2017 and October 31, 2016 were as follows: Fair Value Measurements at April 30, 2017 Fair Value Measurements at October 31, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (in millions) Assets: Short-term Cash equivalents Money market funds $ 549 $ 549 $ — $ — $ 471 $ 471 $ — $ — U.S. Treasury, government and agency debt securities 1 — 1 — — — — — Corporate debt securities 2 — 2 — — — — — Available-for-sale investments U.S. Treasury, government and agency debt securities 26 — 26 — — — — — Corporate debt securities 14 — 14 — — — — — Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts) 5 — 5 — 4 — 4 — Long-term Trading securities 12 12 — — 11 11 — — Available-for-sale investments 32 32 — — 29 29 — — Total assets measured at fair value $ 641 $ 593 $ 48 $ — $ 515 $ 511 $ 4 $ — Liabilities: Short-term Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts) $ 2 $ — $ 2 $ — $ 8 $ — $ 8 $ — Long-term Deferred compensation liability 12 — 12 — 11 — 11 — Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 14 $ — $ 14 $ — $ 19 $ — $ 19 $ — 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 treasury securities, corporate debt securities and deferred compensation liability are classified as Level 2 because, although the values are not directly based on quoted market prices, the inputs used in the calculations are observable. 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. Trading securities (which are earmarked to pay the deferred compensation liability) and deferred compensation liability are reported at fair value, with gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recognized currently in earnings. Treasury securities and corporate debt securities designated as cash equivalents or available-for-sale investments and certain derivative instruments are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Realized gains and losses from the sale of these instruments are recorded in earnings.

DERIVATIVES

DERIVATIVES	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVES	DERIVATIVES We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and interest rate changes in the normal course of our business. As part of our risk management strategy, we use derivative instruments, primarily forward contracts and purchased options, to hedge economic and/or accounting exposures resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. 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. Ineffectiveness in the three and six months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016 was not significant . 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. 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 that 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 April 30, 2017 was $1 million . The credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements had not been triggered as of April 30, 2017 . There were 137 foreign exchange forward contracts open as of April 30, 2017 that were designated as cash flow hedges. There were 63 foreign exchange forward contracts as of April 30, 2017 that were not designated as hedging instruments. The aggregated notional amounts by currency and designation as of April 30, 2017 were as follows: Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Forward Contracts Forward Contracts Currency Buy/(Sell) Buy/(Sell) (in millions) Euro $ — $ 46 British Pound — (1 ) Singapore Dollar 9 1 Malaysian Ringgit 71 (7 ) Japanese Yen (78 ) (40 ) Other currencies (15 ) 4 Total $ (13 ) $ 3 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 condensed consolidated balance sheet as of April 30, 2017 and October 31, 2016 were as follows: Fair Values of Derivative Instruments Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Fair Value Fair Value Balance Sheet Location April 30, October 31, Balance Sheet Location April 30, October 31, (in millions) Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Cash flow hedges Foreign exchange contracts Other current assets $ 4 $ 2 Other accrued liabilities $ 2 $ 4 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts Other current assets 1 2 Other accrued liabilities — 4 Total derivatives $ 5 $ 4 $ 2 $ 8 The effect of derivative instruments for foreign exchange contracts designated as hedging instruments and not designated as hedging instruments in our condensed consolidated statement of operations was as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended April 30, April 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in millions) Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Cash Flow Hedges Foreign exchange contracts: Gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income $ (1 ) $ (3 ) $ 2 $ (1 ) Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into cost of sales $ (1 ) $ (3 ) $ (2 ) $ (7 ) Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Gain (loss) recognized in other income (expense), net $ — $ — $ 2 $ (2 ) The estimated amount of existing net gain at April 30, 2017 expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to cost of sales within the next twelve months is $1 million .

RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIR

RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS	RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS For the three and six months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016 , our net pension and post-retirement benefit cost (benefit) were comprised of the following: Pensions U.S. Defined Benefit Plans Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plan Three Months Ended April 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in millions) Service cost—benefits earned during the period $ 6 $ 5 $ 4 $ 4 $ — $ — Interest cost on benefit obligation 5 6 5 8 2 2 Expected return on plan assets (9 ) (9 ) (18 ) (18 ) (3 ) (4 ) Amortization: Net actuarial losses 3 2 8 7 6 5 Prior service credit (1 ) (2 ) (1 ) — (4 ) (4 ) Total periodic benefit cost (benefit) $ 4 $ 2 $ (2 ) $ 1 $ 1 $ (1 ) Pensions U.S. Defined Benefit Plans Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plan Six Months Ended April 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in millions) Service cost—benefits earned during the period $ 11 $ 10 $ 8 $ 8 $ — $ — Interest cost on benefit obligation 10 12 11 16 4 4 Expected return on plan assets (17 ) (18 ) (37 ) (37 ) (6 ) (7 ) Amortization: Net actuarial losses 7 4 17 14 11 10 Prior service credit (3 ) (4 ) (1 ) — (8 ) (8 ) Settlement gain — — (68 ) — — — Total periodic benefit cost (benefit) $ 8 $ 4 $ (70 ) $ 1 $ 1 $ (1 ) We did not contribute to our U.S. Defined Benefit Plans and U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plan during the three and six months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016 . We contributed $8 million and $15 million to our Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans during the three and six months ended April 30, 2017, respectively, and contributed $9 million and $19 million to our Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans during the three and six months ended April 30, 2016, respectively. During the remainder of 2017 , we do not expect to contribute to our U.S. Defined Benefit Plans, and we expect to contribute $17 million to our Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans. On December 15, 2016, we transferred a portion of the assets and obligations of our Japanese Employees’ Pension Fund ("EPF") to the Japanese government. The remaining portion of the EPF was transferred to a new Keysight Japan corporate defined benefit pension plan. The difference between the obligations settled with the government of $142 million and the assets transferred to the government of $51 million resulted in an increase in the funded status of the new defined benefit pension plan of $91 million . The settlement resulted in a gain of $68 million which is included in other operating expense (income) in the consolidated statement of operations. Previously accrued salary progression of $4 million was derecognized at the time of settlement.

INVESTMENTS INVESTMENTS (Notes)

INVESTMENTS INVESTMENTS (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]	INVESTMENTS Net book value of investments is as follows: April 30, October 31, (in millions) Short-Term Available-for-sale investments $ 40 $ — Total $ 40 $ — Long-Term Cost method investments $ 16 $ 15 Trading securities 12 11 Available-for-sale investments 32 29 Total $ 60 $ 55 Cost method investments consist of non-marketable equity securities 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 consists of U.S. Treasury, government, agency debt, corporate debt and equity securities and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Investments in available-for-sale securities at fair value were as follows: April 30, 2017 October 31, 2016 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (in millions) Short-Term U.S. Treasury, government and agency debt securities $ 26 $ — $ — $ 26 $ — $ — $ — $ — Corporate debt securities 14 — — 14 — — — — Total short-term $ 40 $ — $ — $ 40 $ — $ — $ — $ — Long-Term Equity securities $ 15 $ 17 $ — $ 32 $ 15 $ 14 $ — $ 29 Total long-term $ 15 $ 17 $ — $ 32 $ 15 $ 14 $ — $ 29 The company intends to sell the short-term available-for-sale investments within the next 12 months. The amortized cost and fair value of our short-term available-for-sale investments at April 30, 2017, by contractual years-to-maturity, are as follows: Amortized Cost Fair Value (in millions) Due within 1 year $ 20 $ 20 Due after 1 year through 5 years 19 19 Due after 5 years 1 1 $ 40 $ 40 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 a 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. There was no impairment recognized in the three and six months ended April 30, 2017. There was no impairment recognized in the three months ended April 30, 2016. For the six months ended April 30, 2016, cost method investments 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 is included in other income (expense). As of April 30, 2017, unrealized losses on our short-term investments in available-for-sale securities were insignificant. Unrealized losses related to these investments are due to interest rate fluctuations as opposed to changes in credit quality. There is no other-than-temporary impairment for these investments at April 30, 2017. Realized gains or losses on the sale of available-for-sale or cost method securities were zero for the three and six months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016. Net unrealized gains on our trading securities portfolio were zero and $1 million for the three and six months ended April 30, 2017, respectively. Net unrealized gains on our trading securities portfolio were $1 million and zero for the three and six months ended April 30, 2016, respectively.

RESTRUCTURING (Notes)

RESTRUCTURING (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	14. RESTRUCTURING We initiated a targeted workforce reduction program in November 2016 that is expected to reduce Keysight's total headcount by between 60 to 200 employees. The timing and scope of workforce reductions will vary based on local legal requirements. This targeted workforce management program was designed to support our site consolidation strategy, align with our new industry segment structure and improve efficiency. As of April 30, 2017, approximately 50 employees exited under the workforce reduction program. A summary of balances and restructuring activity is shown in the table below: Workforce reduction (in millions) Balance as of October 31, 2016 $ — Income statement expense 2 Cash payments — Balance as of January 31, 2017 $ 2 Income statement expense 1 Cash payments (2 ) Balance as of April 30, 2017 $ 1 The restructuring accrual of $1 million at April 30, 2017 relating to workforce reduction is recorded in other accrued liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. A summary of the charges in the consolidated statement of operations resulting from all restructuring plans is shown below: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended April 30, April 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in millions) Cost of products and services $ — $ — $ 1 $ — Research and development 1 — 1 — Selling, general and administrative — — 1 — Total restructuring and other related costs $ 1 $ — $ 3 $ —

WARRANTY, COMMITMENTS AND CONTI

WARRANTY, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
WARRANTY, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	WARRANTY, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Standard Warranty Our standard warranty term for most of our products from the date of delivery is typically three years. We accrue for standard warranty costs based on historical trends in warranty charges. 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 related product revenue is recognized. Activity related to the standard warranty accrual, which is included in other accrued and other long-term liabilities in our condensed consolidated balance sheet, is as follows: Six Months Ended April 30, 2017 2016 (in millions) Beginning balance $ 44 $ 53 Accruals for warranties including change in estimate 15 14 Settlements made during the period (15 ) (16 ) Ending balance $ 44 $ 51 Accruals for warranties due within one year $ 23 $ 33 Accruals for warranties due after one year 21 18 Ending balance $ 44 $ 51 Commitments Operating Lease Commitments. We lease certain real and personal property from unrelated third parties under non-cancellable operating leases. Future minimum lease payments under operating leases as of April 30, 2017 were $24 million for the remainder of 2017, $45 million in 2018, $36 million in 2019, $24 million in 2020, $17 million in 2021 and $37 million thereafter. Future minimum sublease income under leases as of April 30, 2017 was $1 million for the remainder of 2017, $1 million in 2018, $1 million in 2019, $1 million in 2020, $1 million in 2021 and $1 million thereafter. Certain leases require us to pay property taxes, insurance and routine maintenance, and include escalation clauses. Total rent expense was $11 million and $23 million for the three and six months ended April 30, 2017, respectively, and was $12 million and $23 million for the three and six months ended April 30, 2016, respectively. Capital Lease Commitments. We had capital lease obligations of $4 million and $1 million as of April 30, 2017 and October 31, 2016, respectively. Future minimum lease payments under capital leases as of April 30, 2017 were zero for the remainder of 2017, zero in 2018, $1 million in 2019, zero in 2020, $1 million in 2021 and $2 million thereafter. Assets held under capital leases are included in net property, plant, and equipment on the consolidated balance sheet. 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.

DEBT (Notes)

DEBT (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
DEBT	DEBT Short-Term Debt Revolving Credit Facility On February 15, 2017 , we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) that replaced our existing $450 million unsecured credit facility dated September 15, 2014. The Revolving Credit Facility provides for a $450 million , five -year unsecured revolving credit facility that will expire on February 15, 2022 and bears interest at an annual rate of LIBOR + 1.30% . In addition, the Revolving Credit Facility permits us to increase the total commitments under this credit facility by up to $150 million in the aggregate on one or more occasions upon request. We may use amounts borrowed under the facility for general corporate purposes. As of April 30, 2017, we had $140 million of borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. We were in compliance with the covenants of the Revolving Credit Facility during the six months ended April 30, 2017. Bridge Facility On January 30, 2017 , we entered into a commitment letter, pursuant to which certain lenders agreed to provide a senior unsecured 364 -day bridge loan facility of up to $1.684 billion (“the Bridge Facility”) for the purpose of providing the financing to support Keysight's acquisition of Ixia. Under the terms of commitment letter, the Bridge Facility was automatically terminated upon the Ixia acquisition on April 18, 2017 . For the three months ended April 30, 2017, we incurred costs in connection with the Bridge Facility of $9 million that were amortized to interest expense. Long-Term Debt The following table summarizes the components of our long-term debt: April 30, 2017 October 31, 2016 (in millions) 3.30% Senior Notes due 2019 ($500 face amount less unamortized costs of $2 and $3) $ 498 $ 497 4.55% Senior Notes due 2024 ($600 face amount less unamortized costs of $4 and $4) 596 596 4.60% Senior Notes due 2027 ($700 face amount less unamortized costs of $7 and zero) 693 — Term loan ($400 face amount less unamortized costs of $1 and zero) 399 — 2,186 1,093 Less: Long-term debt currently due 30 — Total $ 2,156 $ 1,093 2027 Senior Notes In April 2017 , the company issued an aggregate principal amount of $700 million in senior notes ("2027 Senior Notes"). The 2027 Senior Notes were issued at 99.873 percent of their principal amount. The notes will mature on April 6, 2027 and bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.60 percent per annum. The interest is payable semi-annually on April 6 and October 6 of each year, commencing on October 6, 2017. We incurred issuance costs of $6 million in connection with the 2027 Senior Notes that, along with the debt discount of $1 million , are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the senior notes. The 2027 Senior Notes are unsecured and rank equally in right of payment with all of our other senior unsecured indebtedness. There were no changes to the principal, maturity, interest rates and interest payment terms of the senior notes due in 2019 and 2024 during the six months ended April 30, 2017 as compared to the senior notes described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016. Senior Unsecured Term Loan On February 15, 2017 , we entered into a term credit agreement that provides for a three -year $400 million senior unsecured term loan that bears interest at an annual rate of LIBOR + 1.50% . The term loan was drawn upon the closing of the Ixia acquisition. As of April 30, 2017, we had borrowings outstanding under the term loan of $400 million, of which $30 million is due in the next twelve months. In connection with the term loan, we incurred issuance costs of $1 million that are being amortized to interest expense over the term of loan. As of April 30, 2017 and October 31, 2016, we had $20 million and $18 million , respectively, of outstanding letters of credit unrelated to the credit facility that were issued by various lenders. The fair value of our long-term debt, calculated from quoted prices that are primarily Level 1 inputs under the accounting guidance fair value hierarchy, was above the carrying value by approximately $67 million and $30 million as of April 30, 2017 and October 31, 2016, respectively.

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY	STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Issuance of Common Stock In March 2017 , we completed a public offering of our common stock and issued 13,142,856 shares for total cash proceeds of $444 million , net of underwriting discounts and offering costs. Stock Repurchase Program On February 18, 2016, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the purchase of up to $200 million of the company’s common stock. Under the program, shares may be purchased from time to time, subject to general business and market conditions and other investment opportunities, through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or other means. All such shares and related costs are held as treasury stock and accounted for at trade date using the cost method. The stock repurchase program may be commenced, suspended or discontinued at any time at the company’s discretion and does not have an expiration date. For the three and six months ended April 30, 2017, we did not repurchase any shares of common stock under the stock repurchase program. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component and related tax effects for the three and six months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: Unrealized gain on equity securities Foreign currency translation Net defined benefit pension cost and post retirement plan costs Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives Total Actuarial losses Prior service credits (in millions) As of January 31, 2017 $ 14 $ (53 ) $ (618 ) $ 46 $ — $ (611 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1 ) 9 — — (1 ) 7 Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss — — 17 (6 ) 1 12 Tax (expense) benefit 1 — (5 ) 2 (1 ) (3 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) — 9 12 (4 ) (1 ) 16 As of April 30, 2017 $ 14 $ (44 ) $ (606 ) $ 42 $ (1 ) $ (595 ) As of October 31, 2016 $ 10 $ (29 ) $ (646 ) $ 50 $ (3 ) $ (618 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 4 (15 ) 24 — 2 15 Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss — — 34 (12 ) 2 24 Tax (expense) benefit — — (18 ) 4 (2 ) (16 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 4 (15 ) 40 (8 ) 2 23 As of April 30, 2017 $ 14 $ (44 ) $ (606 ) $ 42 $ (1 ) $ (595 ) As of January 31, 2016 $ 15 $ (73 ) $ (499 ) $ 62 $ (2 ) $ (497 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1 ) 56 — — (3 ) 52 Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss — — 14 (7 ) 3 10 Tax (expense) benefit — — (4 ) 2 — (2 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) $ (1 ) $ 56 $ 10 $ (5 ) $ — $ 60 As of April 30, 2016 $ 14 $ (17 ) $ (489 ) $ 57 $ (2 ) $ (437 ) As of October 31, 2015 $ 21 $ (48 ) $ (511 ) $ 65 $ (6 ) $ (479 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (8 ) 31 4 — (1 ) 26 Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss — — 28 (13 ) 7 22 Tax (expense) benefit 1 — (10 ) 5 (2 ) (6 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) (7 ) 31 22 (8 ) 4 42 As of April 30, 2016 $ 14 $ (17 ) $ (489 ) $ 57 $ (2 ) $ (437 ) Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Affected Line Item in Statement of Operations Three Months Ended Six Months Ended April 30, April 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in millions) Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives $ (1 ) $ (3 ) $ (2 ) $ (7 ) Cost of sales 1 1 1 2 Provision for income taxes — (2 ) (1 ) (5 ) Net of income tax Net defined benefit pension cost and post retirement plan costs: Actuarial net loss (17 ) (14 ) (34 ) (28 ) Prior service credits 6 7 12 13 (11 ) (7 ) (22 ) (15 ) Total before income tax 3 2 6 5 Provision for income taxes (8 ) (5 ) (16 ) (10 ) Net of income tax Total reclassifications for the period $ (8 ) $ (7 ) $ (17 ) $ (15 ) An amount in parentheses indicates a reduction to income and an increase to the accumulated other comprehensive loss. 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 12, "Retirement Plans and Post-Retirement Pension Plans").

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	SEGMENT INFORMATION We provide electronic design and test instruments and systems and related software, software design tools, and related services that are used in the design, development, manufacture, installation, deployment and operation of electronics equipment. Related services include start-up assistance, instrument productivity and application services and instrument calibration and repair. Additionally, we provide test, security and visibility solutions that validate, secure and optimize networks and applications from engineering concept to live deployment. We also offer customization, consulting and optimization services throughout the customer's product life cycle. In fiscal 2016, we completed an organizational change to align our organization with the industries we serve which resulted in three reportable operating segments, Communications Solutions Group (“CSG”), Electronic Industrial Solutions Group (“EISG”), and Services Solutions Group (“SSG”). CSG and EISG are from our previous Measurement Solutions segment, while SSG was formerly reported as the company's Customer Support and Services segment. On April 18, 2017, we completed the acquisition of Ixia, which became our fourth reportable segment, the Ixia Solutions Group (“ISG”). The new organizational structure continues to include centralized enterprise functions that provide support across the groups. Prior period amounts were revised to conform to the current presentation. Our operating segments were determined based primarily on how the chief operating decision maker views and evaluates our operations. Segment operating results are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to each segment and to assess 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. Descriptions of our four reportable segments are as follows: The Communications Solutions Group serves customers spanning the worldwide commercial communications end market, which includes internet infrastructure, and the aerospace, defense and government end market. The group provides electronic design and test software, instruments, and systems used in the simulation, design, validation, manufacturing, installation and optimization of electronic equipment. The Electronic Industrial Solutions Group provides test and measurement solutions across a broad set of electronic industrial end markets, focusing on high-growth applications in the automotive and energy industry and measurement solutions for semiconductor design and manufacturing, consumer electronics, education and general electronics manufacturing. The group provides electronic design and test software, instruments, and systems used in the simulation, design, validation, manufacturing, installation and optimization of electronic equipment. The Ixia Solutions Group helps customers validate the performance and security resilience of their networks and associated applications. The test, visibility and security products help organizations and their customers strengthen their physical and virtual networks. Enterprises, service providers, network equipment manufacturers, and governments worldwide rely on the group's solutions to validate new products before shipping and secure ongoing operation of their networks with better visibility and security. The group’s product solutions consist of high-performance hardware platforms, software applications, and services, including warranty and maintenance offerings. The Services Solutions Group provides repair, calibration and consulting services, and remarkets used Keysight equipment. In addition to providing repair and calibration support for Keysight equipment, we also calibrate non-Keysight equipment. The group serves the same markets as Keysight’s Communications Solutions and Electronic Industrial Solutions Groups, providing industry-specific services to deliver complete Keysight solutions and help customers reduce their total cost of ownership for their design and test equipment. A significant portion of the segments' expenses, other than the Ixia Solutions Group 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. The Ixia Solutions Group will not be allocated these charges until integrated. The following tables reflect the results of our reportable segments under our management reporting system. These results are not necessarily in conformity with GAAP. The performance of each segment is measured based on several metrics, including 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 share-based compensation expense, restructuring and asset impairment charges, investment gains and losses, interest income, interest expense, acquisition and integration costs, separation and related costs, acquisition-related fair value adjustments, non-cash amortization and other items as noted in the reconciliations below. Communications Solutions Group Electronic Industrial Solutions Group Ixia Solutions Group Services Solutions Group Total Segments (in millions) Three Months Ended April 30, 2017: Total segment revenue $ 424 $ 220 $ 12 $ 102 $ 758 Acquisition-related fair value adjustments (1 ) — (4 ) — (5 ) Total net revenue $ 423 $ 220 $ 8 $ 102 $ 753 Segment income (loss) from operations $ 75 $ 57 $ (2 ) $ 17 $ 147 Three Months Ended April 30, 2016: Total segment revenue $ 446 $ 193 $ — $ 96 $ 735 Acquisition-related fair value adjustments (4 ) — — — (4 ) Total net revenue $ 442 $ 193 $ — $ 96 $ 731 Segment income (loss) from operations $ 84 $ 40 $ — $ 11 $ 135 Communications Solutions Group Electronic Industrial Solutions Group Ixia Solutions Group Services Solutions Group Total Segments (in millions) Six Months Ended April 30, 2017: Total segment revenue $ 858 $ 412 $ 12 $ 202 $ 1,484 Acquisition-related fair value adjustments (1 ) — (4 ) — (5 ) Total net revenue $ 857 $ 412 $ 8 $ 202 $ 1,479 Segment income (loss) from operations $ 147 $ 99 $ (2 ) $ 31 $ 275 Six Months Ended April 30, 2016: Total segment revenue $ 886 $ 384 $ — $ 191 $ 1,461 Acquisition-related fair value adjustments (9 ) — — — (9 ) Total net revenue $ 877 $ 384 $ — $ 191 $ 1,452 Segment income (loss) from operations $ 162 $ 78 $ — $ 24 $ 264 The following table reconciles reportable segments’ income from operations to our total enterprise income before taxes: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended April 30, April 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in millions) Total reportable segments' income from operations $ 147 $ 135 $ 275 $ 264 Share-based compensation expense (13 ) (13 ) (31 ) (29 ) Restructuring and related costs (1 ) — (3 ) — Amortization of intangibles (18 ) (11 ) (28 ) (22 ) Acquisition and integration costs (21 ) (5 ) (27 ) (7 ) Acquisition-related compensation expense (28 ) — (28 ) — Separation and related costs (8 ) (5 ) (14 ) (10 ) Acquisition-related fair value adjustments (8 ) (4 ) (8 ) (9 ) Japan pension settlement gain — — 68 — Other (8 ) (2 ) — 6 Income from operations, as reported 42 95 204 193 Interest income 2 — 3 1 Interest expense (24 ) (12 ) (36 ) (24 ) Other income (expense), net 2 4 3 1 Income before taxes, as reported $ 22 $ 87 $ 174 $ 171 The following table presents assets directly managed by each segment. Unallocated assets primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, investments and other assets. Communications Solutions Group Electronic Industrial Solutions Group Ixia Solutions Group Services Solutions Group Total Segments (in millions) Assets: As of April 30, 2017 $ 1,674 $ 764 $ 1,953 $ 270 $ 4,661 As of October 31, 2016 $ 1,805 $ 773 $ — $ 273 $ 2,851

ACQUISITION OF IXIA ACQUISITION

ACQUISITION OF IXIA ACQUISITION OF IXIA - PURCHASE PRICE ALLOCATION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the closing date of April 18, 2017 (in millions): Cash and cash equivalents $ 72 Short-term investments 44 Accounts receivable 91 Inventory 108 Other current assets 33 Property, plant and equipment 52 Goodwill 977 Other intangible assets 746 Long-term deferred tax assets 1 Other assets 4 Total assets acquired 2,128 Accounts payable (10 ) Employee compensation and benefits (32 ) Deferred revenue (35 ) Income and other taxes payable (1 ) Other accrued liabilities (32 ) Other long-term liabilities (324 ) Net assets acquired $ 1,694

ACQUISITION OF IXIA ACQUISITI27

ACQUISITION OF IXIA ACQUISITION OF IXIA - FINITE AND INFINITE LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS ACQUIRED (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]	The components of intangible assets acquired in connection with the Ixia acquisition were as follows (in millions): Estimated Fair Value Estimated useful life Developed product technology $ 421 4 years Customer relationships 236 7 years Tradenames and trademarks 12 3 years Backlog 10 90 days Total intangible assets subject to amortization 679 In-process research and development 67 Total intangible assets $ 746

ACQUISITION OF IXIA ACQUISITI28

ACQUISITION OF IXIA ACQUISITION OF IXIA - PROFORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	The following represents pro forma operating results as if Ixia had been included in the company's consolidated statements of operations as of the beginning of fiscal 2016 (in millions, except per share amounts): Six Months Ended April 30, 2017 2016 Net revenue $ 1,698 $ 1,697 Net income $ 90 $ 95 Net income per share - Basic $ 0.49 $ 0.52 Net income per share - Diluted $ 0.48 $ 0.51

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Table

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Allocated Share-based compensation expense disclosure	The impact of share-based compensation on our results was as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended April 30, April 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in millions) Cost of products and services $ 3 $ 4 $ 6 $ 7 Research and development 2 2 6 5 Selling, general and administrative 8 7 19 17 Total share-based compensation expense $ 13 $ 13 $ 31 $ 29
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 LTP Program grants. Three Months Ended Six Months Ended April 30, April 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 LTP Program: Volatility of Keysight shares 26 % 25 % 27 % 25 % Volatility of selected index (2017)/peer-company shares (2016) 15 % 14%-54% 15 % 14%-54% Price-wise correlation with selected peers 57 % 38 % 57 % 38 % Shares granted under the LTP Program were valued using a Monte Carlo simulation model. In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the company began awarding an additional type of performance award based on operating margin performance. These awards were valued based on the market price of Keysight’s common stock on the date of grant.

NET INCOME PER SHARE (Tables)

NET INCOME PER SHARE (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
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 numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted net income per share computations for the periods presented below: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended April 30, April 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in millions) Numerator: Net income $ 49 $ 88 $ 158 $ 152 Denominator: Basic weighted-average shares 177 170 174 171 Potential common shares— stock options and other employee stock plans 2 2 2 1 Diluted weighted-average shares 179 172 176 172

SUPPLEMENT CASH FLOW INFORMAT31

SUPPLEMENT CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]	Six Months Ended April 30, 2017 2016 (in millions) Non-cash investing activities: Capital expenditures in accounts payables $ (5 ) $ (13 ) Capital expenditures in other long-term liabilities 2 — $ (3 ) $ (13 )

INVENTORY (Tables)

INVENTORY (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
INVENTORY	April 30, October 31, (in millions) Finished goods $ 293 $ 218 Purchased parts and fabricated assemblies 292 256 Total inventory $ 585 $ 474 The increase was primarily driven by acquisition of Ixia (See Note 3).

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE33

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill balances and movements for each reportable segments during the period	The following table presents goodwill balances and the movements for each of our reportable segments as of and for the six months ended April 30, 2017 : Communications Solutions Group Electronic Industrial Solutions Group Ixia Solutions Group Services Solutions Group Total (in millions) Goodwill as of October 31, 2016 $ 456 $ 216 $ — $ 64 $ 736 Foreign currency translation impact (11 ) — — — (11 ) Goodwill arising from acquisitions — — 977 — 977 Goodwill as of April 30, 2017 $ 445 $ 216 $ 977 $ 64 $ 1,702
Components of other intangibles during the period	The components of other intangible assets as of April 30, 2017 and October 31, 2016 are shown in the table below: Other Intangible Assets as of April 30, 2017 Other Intangible Assets as of October 31, 2016 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization and Impairments Net Book Value Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization and Impairments Net Book Value (in millions) Developed technology $ 735 $ 180 $ 555 $ 309 $ 159 $ 150 Backlog 14 6 8 4 4 — Trademark/Tradename 32 5 27 20 4 16 Customer relationships 301 40 261 65 35 30 Total amortizable intangible assets 1,082 231 851 398 202 196 In-Process R&D 67 — 67 12 — 12 Total $ 1,149 $ 231 $ 918 $ 410 $ 202 $ 208

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
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 April 30, 2017 and October 31, 2016 were as follows: Fair Value Measurements at April 30, 2017 Fair Value Measurements at October 31, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (in millions) Assets: Short-term Cash equivalents Money market funds $ 549 $ 549 $ — $ — $ 471 $ 471 $ — $ — U.S. Treasury, government and agency debt securities 1 — 1 — — — — — Corporate debt securities 2 — 2 — — — — — Available-for-sale investments U.S. Treasury, government and agency debt securities 26 — 26 — — — — — Corporate debt securities 14 — 14 — — — — — Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts) 5 — 5 — 4 — 4 — Long-term Trading securities 12 12 — — 11 11 — — Available-for-sale investments 32 32 — — 29 29 — — Total assets measured at fair value $ 641 $ 593 $ 48 $ — $ 515 $ 511 $ 4 $ — Liabilities: Short-term Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts) $ 2 $ — $ 2 $ — $ 8 $ — $ 8 $ — Long-term Deferred compensation liability 12 — 12 — 11 — 11 — Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 14 $ — $ 14 $ — $ 19 $ — $ 19 $ —

DERIVATIVES (Tables)

DERIVATIVES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Aggregated notional amounts by currency and designation	The aggregated notional amounts by currency and designation as of April 30, 2017 were as follows: Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Forward Contracts Forward Contracts Currency Buy/(Sell) Buy/(Sell) (in millions) Euro $ — $ 46 British Pound — (1 ) Singapore Dollar 9 1 Malaysian Ringgit 71 (7 ) Japanese Yen (78 ) (40 ) Other currencies (15 ) 4 Total $ (13 ) $ 3
Gross fair values and balance sheet location of derivative instruments held in the consolidated balance sheet	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 condensed consolidated balance sheet as of April 30, 2017 and October 31, 2016 were as follows: Fair Values of Derivative Instruments Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Fair Value Fair Value Balance Sheet Location April 30, October 31, Balance Sheet Location April 30, October 31, (in millions) Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Cash flow hedges Foreign exchange contracts Other current assets $ 4 $ 2 Other accrued liabilities $ 2 $ 4 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts Other current assets 1 2 Other accrued liabilities — 4 Total derivatives $ 5 $ 4 $ 2 $ 8
Effect of derivative instruments for foreign exchange contracts in the consolidated statement of operations	The effect of derivative instruments for foreign exchange contracts designated as hedging instruments and not designated as hedging instruments in our condensed consolidated statement of operations was as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended April 30, April 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in millions) Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Cash Flow Hedges Foreign exchange contracts: Gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income $ (1 ) $ (3 ) $ 2 $ (1 ) Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into cost of sales $ (1 ) $ (3 ) $ (2 ) $ (7 ) Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Gain (loss) recognized in other income (expense), net $ — $ — $ 2 $ (2 )

RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RET36

RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of net pension and post-retirement benefit costs	For the three and six months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016 , our net pension and post-retirement benefit cost (benefit) were comprised of the following: Pensions U.S. Defined Benefit Plans Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plan Three Months Ended April 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in millions) Service cost—benefits earned during the period $ 6 $ 5 $ 4 $ 4 $ — $ — Interest cost on benefit obligation 5 6 5 8 2 2 Expected return on plan assets (9 ) (9 ) (18 ) (18 ) (3 ) (4 ) Amortization: Net actuarial losses 3 2 8 7 6 5 Prior service credit (1 ) (2 ) (1 ) — (4 ) (4 ) Total periodic benefit cost (benefit) $ 4 $ 2 $ (2 ) $ 1 $ 1 $ (1 ) Pensions U.S. Defined Benefit Plans Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plan Six Months Ended April 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in millions) Service cost—benefits earned during the period $ 11 $ 10 $ 8 $ 8 $ — $ — Interest cost on benefit obligation 10 12 11 16 4 4 Expected return on plan assets (17 ) (18 ) (37 ) (37 ) (6 ) (7 ) Amortization: Net actuarial losses 7 4 17 14 11 10 Prior service credit (3 ) (4 ) (1 ) — (8 ) (8 ) Settlement gain — — (68 ) — — — Total periodic benefit cost (benefit) $ 8 $ 4 $ (70 ) $ 1 $ 1 $ (1 )

INVESTMENTS (Tables)

INVESTMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities [Table Text Block]	Net book value of investments is as follows: April 30, October 31, (in millions) Short-Term Available-for-sale investments $ 40 $ — Total $ 40 $ — Long-Term Cost method investments $ 16 $ 15 Trading securities 12 11 Available-for-sale investments 32 29 Total $ 60 $ 55

INVESTMENTS AVAILABLE FOR SALE

INVESTMENTS AVAILABLE FOR SALE INVESTMENTS DEBT - CONTRACTUAL YEARS TO MATURITY (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]	The amortized cost and fair value of our short-term available-for-sale investments at April 30, 2017, by contractual years-to-maturity, are as follows: Amortized Cost Fair Value (in millions) Due within 1 year $ 20 $ 20 Due after 1 year through 5 years 19 19 Due after 5 years 1 1 $ 40 $ 40

INVESTMENTS INVESTMENTS FAIR VA

INVESTMENTS INVESTMENTS FAIR VALUE (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]	Investments in available-for-sale securities at fair value were as follows: April 30, 2017 October 31, 2016 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value (in millions) Short-Term U.S. Treasury, government and agency debt securities $ 26 $ — $ — $ 26 $ — $ — $ — $ — Corporate debt securities 14 — — 14 — — — — Total short-term $ 40 $ — $ — $ 40 $ — $ — $ — $ — Long-Term Equity securities $ 15 $ 17 $ — $ 32 $ 15 $ 14 $ — $ 29 Total long-term $ 15 $ 17 $ — $ 32 $ 15 $ 14 $ — $ 29

RESTRUCTURING (Tables)

RESTRUCTURING (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	A summary of balances and restructuring activity is shown in the table below: Workforce reduction (in millions) Balance as of October 31, 2016 $ — Income statement expense 2 Cash payments — Balance as of January 31, 2017 $ 2 Income statement expense 1 Cash payments (2 ) Balance as of April 30, 2017 $ 1
Restructuring And Related Charges By Statement Of Operations Caption [Table Text Block]	A summary of the charges in the consolidated statement of operations resulting from all restructuring plans is shown below: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended April 30, April 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in millions) Cost of products and services $ — $ — $ 1 $ — Research and development 1 — 1 — Selling, general and administrative — — 1 — Total restructuring and other related costs $ 1 $ — $ 3 $ —

WARRANTY, COMMITMENTS AND CON41

WARRANTY, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Standard warranty	Activity related to the standard warranty accrual, which is included in other accrued and other long-term liabilities in our condensed consolidated balance sheet, is as follows: Six Months Ended April 30, 2017 2016 (in millions) Beginning balance $ 44 $ 53 Accruals for warranties including change in estimate 15 14 Settlements made during the period (15 ) (16 ) Ending balance $ 44 $ 51 Accruals for warranties due within one year $ 23 $ 33 Accruals for warranties due after one year 21 18 Ending balance $ 44 $ 51

DEBT (Tables)

DEBT (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	The following table summarizes the components of our long-term debt: April 30, 2017 October 31, 2016 (in millions) 3.30% Senior Notes due 2019 ($500 face amount less unamortized costs of $2 and $3) $ 498 $ 497 4.55% Senior Notes due 2024 ($600 face amount less unamortized costs of $4 and $4) 596 596 4.60% Senior Notes due 2027 ($700 face amount less unamortized costs of $7 and zero) 693 — Term loan ($400 face amount less unamortized costs of $1 and zero) 399 — 2,186 1,093 Less: Long-term debt currently due 30 — Total $ 2,156 $ 1,093

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component and related tax effects for the three and six months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: Unrealized gain on equity securities Foreign currency translation Net defined benefit pension cost and post retirement plan costs Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives Total Actuarial losses Prior service credits (in millions) As of January 31, 2017 $ 14 $ (53 ) $ (618 ) $ 46 $ — $ (611 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1 ) 9 — — (1 ) 7 Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss — — 17 (6 ) 1 12 Tax (expense) benefit 1 — (5 ) 2 (1 ) (3 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) — 9 12 (4 ) (1 ) 16 As of April 30, 2017 $ 14 $ (44 ) $ (606 ) $ 42 $ (1 ) $ (595 ) As of October 31, 2016 $ 10 $ (29 ) $ (646 ) $ 50 $ (3 ) $ (618 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 4 (15 ) 24 — 2 15 Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss — — 34 (12 ) 2 24 Tax (expense) benefit — — (18 ) 4 (2 ) (16 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 4 (15 ) 40 (8 ) 2 23 As of April 30, 2017 $ 14 $ (44 ) $ (606 ) $ 42 $ (1 ) $ (595 ) As of January 31, 2016 $ 15 $ (73 ) $ (499 ) $ 62 $ (2 ) $ (497 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1 ) 56 — — (3 ) 52 Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss — — 14 (7 ) 3 10 Tax (expense) benefit — — (4 ) 2 — (2 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) $ (1 ) $ 56 $ 10 $ (5 ) $ — $ 60 As of April 30, 2016 $ 14 $ (17 ) $ (489 ) $ 57 $ (2 ) $ (437 ) As of October 31, 2015 $ 21 $ (48 ) $ (511 ) $ 65 $ (6 ) $ (479 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (8 ) 31 4 — (1 ) 26 Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss — — 28 (13 ) 7 22 Tax (expense) benefit 1 — (10 ) 5 (2 ) (6 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) (7 ) 31 22 (8 ) 4 42 As of April 30, 2016 $ 14 $ (17 ) $ (489 ) $ 57 $ (2 ) $ (437 )
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Affected Line Item in Statement of Operations Three Months Ended Six Months Ended April 30, April 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in millions) Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives $ (1 ) $ (3 ) $ (2 ) $ (7 ) Cost of sales 1 1 1 2 Provision for income taxes — (2 ) (1 ) (5 ) Net of income tax Net defined benefit pension cost and post retirement plan costs: Actuarial net loss (17 ) (14 ) (34 ) (28 ) Prior service credits 6 7 12 13 (11 ) (7 ) (22 ) (15 ) Total before income tax 3 2 6 5 Provision for income taxes (8 ) (5 ) (16 ) (10 ) Net of income tax Total reclassifications for the period $ (8 ) $ (7 ) $ (17 ) $ (15 )

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting, Description of All Other Segments	Communications Solutions Group Electronic Industrial Solutions Group Ixia Solutions Group Services Solutions Group Total Segments (in millions) Three Months Ended April 30, 2017: Total segment revenue $ 424 $ 220 $ 12 $ 102 $ 758 Acquisition-related fair value adjustments (1 ) — (4 ) — (5 ) Total net revenue $ 423 $ 220 $ 8 $ 102 $ 753 Segment income (loss) from operations $ 75 $ 57 $ (2 ) $ 17 $ 147 Three Months Ended April 30, 2016: Total segment revenue $ 446 $ 193 $ — $ 96 $ 735 Acquisition-related fair value adjustments (4 ) — — — (4 ) Total net revenue $ 442 $ 193 $ — $ 96 $ 731 Segment income (loss) from operations $ 84 $ 40 $ — $ 11 $ 135 Communications Solutions Group Electronic Industrial Solutions Group Ixia Solutions Group Services Solutions Group Total Segments (in millions) Six Months Ended April 30, 2017: Total segment revenue $ 858 $ 412 $ 12 $ 202 $ 1,484 Acquisition-related fair value adjustments (1 ) — (4 ) — (5 ) Total net revenue $ 857 $ 412 $ 8 $ 202 $ 1,479 Segment income (loss) from operations $ 147 $ 99 $ (2 ) $ 31 $ 275 Six Months Ended April 30, 2016: Total segment revenue $ 886 $ 384 $ — $ 191 $ 1,461 Acquisition-related fair value adjustments (9 ) — — — (9 ) Total net revenue $ 877 $ 384 $ — $ 191 $ 1,452 Segment income (loss) from operations $ 162 $ 78 $ — $ 24 $ 264

SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Pro

SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Profitability (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	The following table reconciles reportable segments’ income from operations to our total enterprise income before taxes: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended April 30, April 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in millions) Total reportable segments' income from operations $ 147 $ 135 $ 275 $ 264 Share-based compensation expense (13 ) (13 ) (31 ) (29 ) Restructuring and related costs (1 ) — (3 ) — Amortization of intangibles (18 ) (11 ) (28 ) (22 ) Acquisition and integration costs (21 ) (5 ) (27 ) (7 ) Acquisition-related compensation expense (28 ) — (28 ) — Separation and related costs (8 ) (5 ) (14 ) (10 ) Acquisition-related fair value adjustments (8 ) (4 ) (8 ) (9 ) Japan pension settlement gain — — 68 — Other (8 ) (2 ) — 6 Income from operations, as reported 42 95 204 193 Interest income 2 — 3 1 Interest expense (24 ) (12 ) (36 ) (24 ) Other income (expense), net 2 4 3 1 Income before taxes, as reported $ 22 $ 87 $ 174 $ 171

SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Ass

SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	The following table presents assets directly managed by each segment. Unallocated assets primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, investments and other assets. Communications Solutions Group Electronic Industrial Solutions Group Ixia Solutions Group Services Solutions Group Total Segments (in millions) Assets: As of April 30, 2017 $ 1,674 $ 764 $ 1,953 $ 270 $ 4,661 As of October 31, 2016 $ 1,805 $ 773 $ — $ 273 $ 2,851

OVERVIEW, BASIS OF PRESENTATI47

OVERVIEW, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Land Sale (Details) £ in Millions, $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2014GBP (£)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Date of Land Sale Agreeement	Apr. 30, 2014
Binding contract to sell land | £			£ 21
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment | $	$ 8	$ 10

OVERVIEW, BASIS OF PRESENTATI48

OVERVIEW, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	$ 2	$ 2
Other Assets [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	$ 2	1
Other Current Assets [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents		$ 1

OVERVIEW, BASIS OF PRESENTATI49

OVERVIEW, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Acquisition of Ixia (Details) - Ixia [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 18, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition		Apr. 18, 2017
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	$ 1,622
Cash and Equivalents acquired	$ 72

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS A

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (Details) $ in Millions	Oct. 31, 2016USD ($)
Long-term Debt [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs, Net	$ 7
Other Assets [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs, Net	$ (7)

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS51

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS ASU 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (Details) $ in Millions	Nov. 01, 2016USD ($)
Offsetting [Abstract]
Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets	$ (2)
Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets	(6)
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Tax Asset, Non-Current	(2)
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets	$ 10

ACQUISITION OF IXIA (Details)

ACQUISITION OF IXIA (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Apr. 18, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	100.00%
Acquisition related compensation expense paid in cash		$ 28	$ 0	$ 28	$ 0
Ixia [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition				Apr. 18, 2017
Business Acquisition, Date of Acquisition Agreement				Jan. 30, 2017
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	$ 1,622
Cash and Equivalents acquired	72
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Other	$ 47
Business Acquisition, Share Price	$ 19.65
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual				$ 8
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual				1
Estimated cost to complete in process research and development	$ 12
Acquisition and integration costs		24		26
Acquisition related compensation expense paid in cash		28
Ixia [Member] | Selling, general and administrative
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition and integration costs		15		17
Ixia [Member] | Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition and integration costs		$ 9		$ 9

ACQUISITION OF IXIA Purchase Pr

ACQUISITION OF IXIA Purchase Price Allocation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 18, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 1,702		$ 736
Ixia [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 72
Short-term investments		44
Accounts receivable		91
Inventory		108
Other current assets		33
Property, plant and equipment		52
Goodwill		977
Other intangible assets		746
Long-term deferred tax assets		1
Other assets		4
Total assets acquired		2,128
Accounts payable		(10)
Employee compensation and benefits		(32)
Deferred revenue		(35)
Income and other taxes payable		(1)
Other accrued liabilities		(32)
Other long-term liabilities		(324)
Net assets acquired		$ 1,694

ACQUISITION OF IXIA Intangible

ACQUISITION OF IXIA Intangible assets acquired by class (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 18, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$ 746
Ixia [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 679
Other intangible assets	746
Ixia [Member] | Developed technology
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 421
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	4 years
Ixia [Member] | Customer relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 236
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	7 years
Ixia [Member] | Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 12
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	3 years
Ixia [Member] | Backlog
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 10
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	90 days
Ixia [Member] | In Process Research and Development [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 67

ACQUISITION OF IXIA Proforma fi

ACQUISITION OF IXIA Proforma financial information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Description	The unaudited pro forma financial information for the three and six months ended April 30, 2016 combines the historical results of Keysight and Ixia for the three and six months ended April 30, 2016, assuming that the companies were combined as of November 1, 2015 and include business combination accounting effects from the acquisition including amortization and depreciation charges from acquired intangible assets, property plant and equipment, interest expense on the financing transactions used to fund 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 2016.
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue	$ 1,698	$ 1,697
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)	$ 90	$ 95
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 0.49	$ 0.52
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 0.48	$ 0.51

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Alloca

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Allocated Share-based compensation expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Capitalized within inventory	$ 0	$ 0
Income tax benefit realized from exercised stock options and similar awards	0	(1)	$ 2	$ 0
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	13	13	31	29
Cost of products and services
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	3	4	6	7
Research and development
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	2	2	6	5
Selling, general and administrative
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 8	$ 7	$ 19	$ 17

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Fair V

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Fair Value Assumptions (Details) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	0	0	0	0
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used			The fair value of employee stock option awards granted before October 31, 2015 was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
LTPP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used			Shares granted under the LTP Program were valued using a Monte Carlo simulation model. In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the company began awarding an additional type of performance award based on operating margin performance. These awards were valued based on the market price of Keysight’s common stock on the date of grant.
Volatility of Keysight shares (in hundredths)	26.00%	25.00%	27.00%	25.00%
Volatility of selected index (2017)/peer-company shares(2016) minimum (in hundredths)	15.00%	14.00%	15.00%	14.00%
Volatility of selected index (2017)/peer-company shares (2016) maximum (in hundredths)	15.00%	54.00%	15.00%	54.00%
Price-wise correlation with selected peers (in hundredths)	57.00%	38.00%	57.00%	38.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used			The estimated fair value of restricted stock awards is determined based on the market price of Keysight’s common stock on the date of grant.

INCOME TAXES (Details)

INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ (27)	$ (1)	$ 16	$ 19
Increase in tax resulting from transfer of a portion of Japanese employees pension fund			$ 22
Income Tax Holiday, Aggregate Dollar Amount	$ 36	$ 47
Income Tax Holiday, Income Tax Benefits Per Share	$ 0.21	$ 0.28
Majority of company's entities [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Tax Year			2,014
Certain foreign entities [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Tax Year			2,006
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate, Percent	(126.10%)	(1.10%)	9.00%	11.00%
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ (27)	$ (1)	$ 16	$ 19
Net Discrete Tax expense (Benefit)	$ 8	$ (3)	$ 31	$ (2)
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income Tax Holiday, Description			Keysight benefits from tax incentives in several jurisdictions, most significantly in Singapore, and several jurisdictions have granted us tax incentives that require renewal at various times in the future. The tax incentives provide lower rates of taxation on certain classes of income and require thresholds of investments and employment or specific types of income in those jurisdictions.
Income Tax Holiday, Termination Date			The Singapore tax incentive is due for renewal in fiscal 2024.

NET INCOME PER SHARE NET INCOME

NET INCOME PER SHARE NET INCOME PER SHARE - COMPUTATIONS (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Numerator:
Net Income	$ 49	$ 88	$ 158	$ 152
Denominators:
Basic weighted-average shares (in shares)	177	170	174	171
Potentially dilutive common shares equivalents - stock options and other employee stock plans (in shares)	2	2	2	1
Diluted weighted average shares (in shares)	179	172	176	172

NET INCOME PER SHARE (Details)

NET INCOME PER SHARE (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from EPS Computation
Document Period End Date			Apr. 30, 2017
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from EPS Computation
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Number	0	1,700,000	0	1,700,000
Stock Options, ESPP, LTPP and restricted stock combined exercise price, unamortized fair value, excess tax benefits or shortfalls greater than average market price [Member] [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from EPS Computation
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Number	10,000	30,000	42,000	23,100

SUPPLEMENT CASH FLOW INFORMAT61

SUPPLEMENT CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	$ (3)	$ (13)
Accounts Payable [Member]
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	(5)	(13)
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	$ 2	$ 0

SUPPLEMENT CASH FLOW INFORMAT62

SUPPLEMENT CASH FLOW INFORMATION Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Income Taxes Paid, Net [Abstract]
Income Taxes Paid, Net	$ 34	$ 8

SUPPLEMENT CASH FLOW INFORMAT63

SUPPLEMENT CASH FLOW INFORMATION Interest paid (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Cash paid for interest	$ 22	$ 22

INVENTORY (Details)

INVENTORY (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Finished goods	$ 293	$ 218
Purchased parts and fabricated assemblies	292	256
Inventory	$ 585	$ 474

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE65

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill Roll forward (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill beginning balance	$ 736
Foreign currency translation impact	(11)
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	977
Goodwill ending balance	1,702
Communications Solutions Group [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill beginning balance	456
Foreign currency translation impact	(11)
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0
Goodwill ending balance	445
Electronic Industrial Solutions Group [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill beginning balance	216
Foreign currency translation impact	0
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0
Goodwill ending balance	216
Ixia Solutions Group [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill beginning balance	0
Foreign currency translation impact	0
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	977
Goodwill ending balance	977
Services Solutions Group [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill beginning balance	64
Foreign currency translation impact	0
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0
Goodwill ending balance	$ 64

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE66

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Disclosures and Components of Purchased Other Intangibles (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 1,082	$ 398
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	231	202
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	851	196
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	67	12
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)	0	0
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill)	1,149	410
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	918	208
Developed technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	735	309
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	180	159
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	555	150
Backlog
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	14	4
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	6	4
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	8	0
Trademark/Tradename
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	32	20
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	5	4
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	27	16
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	301	65
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	40	35
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 261	$ 30

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE67

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Jan. 31, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill arising from acquisitions and other adjustments				$ 977
Additions to other intangible assets				746
Impact to other intangibles due to Translation				0
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Period Increase (Decrease)		$ 5
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Period Increase (Decrease)	$ (7)
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 18		$ 10	$ 29	$ 22

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE68

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Finite-Lived Assets Future Amortization Expense (Details) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2017USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of 2017	$ 100
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, 2018	181
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, 2019	181
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, 2020	179
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, 2021	113
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, 2022 and thereafter	$ 97

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS, Fair v

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS, Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	$ 40	$ 0
Assets, Long-term [Abstract]
Trading securities	12	11
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)	5	4
Assets, Long-term [Abstract]
Trading securities	12	11
Available-for-sale investments	32	29
Total assets measured at fair value	641	515
Liabilities, Short-term [Abstract]
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)	2	8
Liabilities Long-term [Abstract]
Deferred compensation liability	12	11
Total liabilities measured at fair value	14	19
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)	0	0
Assets, Long-term [Abstract]
Trading securities	12	11
Available-for-sale investments	32	29
Total assets measured at fair value	593	511
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 | Level 2
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)	5	4
Assets, Long-term [Abstract]
Trading securities	0	0
Available-for-sale investments	0	0
Total assets measured at fair value	48	4
Liabilities, Short-term [Abstract]
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange contracts)	2	8
Liabilities Long-term [Abstract]
Deferred compensation liability	12	11
Total liabilities measured at fair value	14	19
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Derivative instruments (foreign exchange 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
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	549	471
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	549	471
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	0	0
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	0	0
US Treasury and Government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	1	0
US Treasury and Government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	0	0
US Treasury and Government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	1	0
US Treasury and Government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	0	0
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	2	0
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	0	0
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	2	0
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	0	0
US Treasury and Government [Member]
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	26	0
US Treasury and Government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	26	0
US Treasury and Government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
US Treasury and Government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	26	0
US Treasury and Government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	14	0
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	14	0
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	14	0
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Assets Short - term [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	$ 0	$ 0

DERIVATIVES, Disclosures and de

DERIVATIVES, Disclosures and derivative instrument aggregated notional amounts by currency and designations (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017USD ($)contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness is Immaterial	not significant
Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value	$ 1
Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of Foreign Currency Derivatives Held | contracts	137
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of Foreign Currency Derivatives Held | contracts	63
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Sell | British Pound
Derivative [Line Items]
Total notional amount	$ (1)
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Sell | Malaysian Ringgit
Derivative [Line Items]
Total notional amount	(7)
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Sell | Japanese Yen
Derivative [Line Items]
Total notional amount	(40)
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Buy
Derivative [Line Items]
Total notional amount	(3)
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Buy | Euro
Derivative [Line Items]
Total notional amount	(46)
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Buy | Singapore Dollar
Derivative [Line Items]
Total notional amount	(1)
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Buy | Other Currency [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Total notional amount	(4)
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instruments | Sell | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Total notional amount	(13)
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instruments | Sell | Japanese Yen | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Total notional amount	(78)
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instruments | Sell | Other Currency [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Total notional amount	(15)
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instruments | Buy | Euro | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Total notional amount	0
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instruments | Buy | British Pound | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Total notional amount	0
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instruments | Buy | Singapore Dollar | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Total notional amount	(9)
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instruments | Buy | Malaysian Ringgit | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Total notional amount	$ (71)

DERIVATIVES, Fair value of deri

DERIVATIVES, Fair value of derivative instruments and Consolidated Balance Sheet location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Derivative Fair Value by Balance Sheet Location [Abstract]
Total derivatives Asset	$ 5	$ 4
Total derivatives Liabilities	2	8
Designated as Hedging Instruments | Cash Flow Hedging | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivative Fair Value by Balance Sheet Location [Abstract]
Total derivatives Asset	4	2
Designated as Hedging Instruments | Cash Flow Hedging | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivative Fair Value by Balance Sheet Location [Abstract]
Total derivatives Liabilities	2	4
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivative Fair Value by Balance Sheet Location [Abstract]
Total derivatives Asset	1	2
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivative Fair Value by Balance Sheet Location [Abstract]
Total derivatives Liabilities	$ 0	$ 4

DERIVATIVES, Effect of derivati

DERIVATIVES, Effect of derivative instruments on Consolidated Statement of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash Flow Hedge (Gain) Loss to be Reclassified within Twelve Months			$ 1
Designated as Hedging Instruments | Cash Flow Hedging | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	$ (1)	$ (3)	2	$ (1)
Designated as Hedging Instruments | Cash Flow Hedging | Foreign Exchange Contracts | Cost of products and services
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into cost of sales	(1)	(3)	(2)	(7)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other (income) expense, net
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in other income (expense),net	$ 0	$ 0	$ 2	$ (2)

RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RET73

RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
U.S. Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Service cost—benefits earned during the period	$ 6	$ 5	$ 11	$ 10
Interest cost on benefit obligation	5	6	10	12
Expected return on plan assets	(9)	(9)	(17)	(18)
Amortization:
Net actuarial losses	3	2	7	4
Prior service credit	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
Settlement gain			0	0
Total periodic benefit cost (benefit)	4	2	8	4
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Service cost—benefits earned during the period	4	4	8	8
Interest cost on benefit obligation	5	8	11	16
Expected return on plan assets	(18)	(18)	(37)	(37)
Amortization:
Net actuarial losses	8	7	17	14
Prior service credit	(1)	0	(1)	0
Settlement gain			(68)	0
Total periodic benefit cost (benefit)	(2)	1	(70)	1
U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Service cost—benefits earned during the period	0	0	0	0
Interest cost on benefit obligation	2	2	4	4
Expected return on plan assets	(3)	(4)	(6)	(7)
Amortization:
Net actuarial losses	6	5	11	10
Prior service credit	(4)	(4)	(8)	(8)
Settlement gain			0	0
Total periodic benefit cost (benefit)	$ 1	$ (1)	$ 1	$ (1)

RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RET74

RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS (Details) (Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Document Period End Date			Apr. 30, 2017
U.S. Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions by employer	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Estimated future employer contributions in remainder of current fiscal year			0
Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions by employer	$ 8	$ 9	15	$ 19
Estimated future employer contributions in remainder of current fiscal year			$ 17

RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RET75

RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS JAPAN PENSION FUND SETTLEMENT (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 15, 2016USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Decrease in Pension Plan Obligations due to transfer of substitutional portion to Japanese government	$ (142)
Assets (substitutional portion) Transferred to Japanese government	(51)
Increase in funded status	91
Japanese Welfare Pension Insurance Law, Previously Accrued Salary Progression Derecognition	4
Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Settlement gain	$ 68

INVESTMENTS (Details)

INVESTMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Short-term Investments [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Current	$ 40	$ 0
Short-term Investments	40	0
Long-term Investments [Abstract]
Cost Method Investments	16	15
Trading securities	12	11
Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent	32	29
Long-term Investments	$ 60	$ 55

INVESTMENTS Available for sal77

INVESTMENTS Available for sale investments fair value reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Short-term Investments [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 40	$ 0
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	0	0
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	40	0
Long-term Investments [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	15	15
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	17	14
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	32	29
US Treasury and Government [Member]
Short-term Investments [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	26	0
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	0	0
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	26	0
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Short-term Investments [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	14	0
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	0	0
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	14	0
Equity Securities [Member]
Long-term Investments [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	15	15
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	17	14
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	$ 32	$ 29

INVESTMENTS Available for sal78

INVESTMENTS Available for sale investments by contractual years to maturity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 20
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value	20
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Amortized Cost Basis	19
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value	19
Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Five Years Amortized Cost	1
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, After Fifth year, Fair Value	1
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	40	$ 0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	$ 40	$ 0

INVESTMENTS Narratives (Details

INVESTMENTS Narratives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Cost-method Investments, Other than Temporary Impairment	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 2
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains (Losses), Sale Proceeds	0	0	0	0
Cost-method Investments, Realized Gain (Loss)	0	0	0	0
Trading Securities, Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss)	$ 0	$ 1	$ 1	$ 0

RESTRUCTURING (Details)

RESTRUCTURING (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2016USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Activities, Description				We initiated a targeted workforce reduction program in November 2016 that is expected to reduce Keysight's total headcount by between 60 to 200 employees. The timing and scope of workforce reductions will vary based on local legal requirements. This targeted workforce management program was designed to support our site consolidation strategy, align with our new industry segment structure and improve efficiency.
Restructuring and Related Cost Expected Number of Positions Eliminated Minimum				60
Restructuring And Related Cost Expected Number Of Positions Eliminated Maximum				200
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated				50
Restructuring Reserve	$ 1	$ 2		$ 1		$ 0
Payments for Restructuring	(2)	0
Restructuring Charges	1	$ 2	$ 0	3	$ 0
Cost of products and services
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0		0	1	0
Research and development
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	1		0	1	0
Selling, general and administrative
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0		$ 0	$ 1	$ 0
WORKFORCE REDUCTION [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Activities, Initiation Date				Nov. 30, 2016
Other accrued liabilities [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	$ 1			$ 1

WARRANTIES AND CONTINGENCIES (D

WARRANTIES AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance at beginning of period	$ 44	$ 53
Accruals for warranties including change in estimate	15	14
Settlements made during the period	(15)	(16)
Ending balance at end of period	44	51
Standard Product Warranty Disclosure [Abstract]
Accruals for warranties due within one year	23	33
Accruals for warranties due after one year	21	18
Ending balance at end of period	$ 44	$ 51

WARRANTY, COMMITMENTS AND CON82

WARRANTY, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS - FUTURE LEASE PAYMENTS (Details) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of 2017	$ 24
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in 2018	45
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in 2019	36
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in 2020	24
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in 2021	17
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	$ 37

WARRANTY, COMMITMENTS AND CON83

WARRANTY, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS - FUTURE MINIMUM SUBLEASE INCOME (Details) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Remainder of 2017	$ 1
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in 2018	1
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in 2019	1
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in 2020	1
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in 2021	1
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Thereafter	$ 1

WARRANTY, COMMITMENTS AND CON84

WARRANTY, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS - RENT EXPENSE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 11	$ 12	$ 23	$ 23

WARRANTY, COMMITMENTS AND CON85

WARRANTY, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Capital Lease Obligations	$ 4	$ 1
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of 2017	0
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in 2018	0
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in 2019	1
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in 2020	0
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in 2021	1
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter	$ 2

DEBT Facility (Details)

DEBT Facility (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 15, 2017	Jan. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.30%
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs			$ 9	$ 0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Term	5 years
Facility, Description	On February 15, 2017, we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) that replaced our existing $450 million unsecured credit facility dated September 15, 2014. The Revolving Credit Facility provides for a $450 million, five-year unsecured revolving credit facility that will expire on February 15, 2022 and bears interest at an annual rate of LIBOR + 1.30%. In addition, the Revolving Credit Facility permits us to increase the total commitments under this credit facility by up to $150 million in the aggregate on one or more occasions upon request. We may use amounts borrowed under the facility for general corporate purposes. As of April 30, 2017, we had $140 million of borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. We were in compliance with the covenants of the Revolving Credit Facility during the six months ended April 30, 2017.
Facility, Initiation Date			Feb. 15, 2017
Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 450
Facility, Expiration Date			Feb. 15, 2022
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR + 1.30%
Additional drawings on credit facility	$ 150
Facility, Outstanding			$ 140
Facility, Covenant Compliance			We were in compliance with the covenants of the Revolving Credit Facility during the six months ended April 30, 2017.
Bridge Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Facility, Description		On January 30, 2017, we entered into a commitment letter, pursuant to which certain lenders agreed to provide a senior unsecured 364-day bridge loan facility of up to $1.684 billion (“the Bridge Facility”) for the purpose of providing the financing to support Keysight's acquisition of Ixia. Under the terms of commitment letter, the Bridge Facility was automatically terminated upon the Ixia acquisition on April 18, 2017. For the three months ended April 30, 2017, we incurred costs in connection with the Bridge Facility of $9 million that were amortized to interest expense.
Facility, Initiation Date			Jan. 30, 2017
Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 1,684
Facility, Expiration Date			Apr. 18, 2017
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Period		364 days
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs			$ 9

DEBT Long Term Debt (Details)

DEBT Long Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 15, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Document Period End Date		Apr. 30, 2017
Long-term Debt		$ 2,186	$ 1,093
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities		30	0
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities		2,156	1,093
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount		20	18
Long Term Debt Fair Value above carrying Value		67	30
3.30% Senior Notes due 2019 ($500 face amount less unamortized costs of $2 and $3)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt		498	497
4.55% Senior Notes due 2024 ($600 face amount less unamortized costs of $4 and $4)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt		596	596
4.60% Senior Notes due 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt		693	0
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt		$ 399	$ 0
Debt Instrument, Term	3 years

DEBT LONG TERM DEBT - 2027 SENI

DEBT LONG TERM DEBT - 2027 SENIOR NOTES (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	Apr. 30, 2017
4.60% Senior Notes due 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Issuance Date	Apr. 30, 2017
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 700
Percentage Of Face Amount Of Debt Instrument Issued	99.873%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Apr. 6, 2027
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	4.60%
Debt Issuance Costs, Gross	$ 6
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	$ 1

DEBT LONG TERM DEBT - SENIOR UN

DEBT LONG TERM DEBT - SENIOR UNSECURED TERM LOAN (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 15, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities		$ 30	$ 0
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.30%
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Issuance Date		Feb. 15, 2017
Debt Instrument, Term	3 years
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 400
Debt Issuance Costs, Gross	$ 1
Term Loan [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR + 1.50%
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities		$ 30
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Term	5 years
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR + 1.30%

DEBT LONG TERM DEBT - UNAMORTIZ

DEBT LONG TERM DEBT - UNAMORTIZED COSTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Senior Notes 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	$ 2	$ 3
Senior Notes 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	4	4
Senior Notes 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	7	0
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	$ 1	$ 0

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY STOCKHOLDE

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - ISSUANCE OF COMMON STOCK (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	13,142,856
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock	$ 444	$ 444	$ 0

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Stock Repu

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Stock Repurchase (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017	Feb. 18, 2016
Treasury Stock Transactions, Excluding Value of Shares Reissued [Abstract]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount			$ 200
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	0	0

STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY - Accumula

STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (611)	$ (497)	$ (618)	$ (479)
OCI, before Reclassifications, before Tax, Attributable to Parent	7	52	15	26
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, before Tax, Attributable to Parent	12	10	24	22
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	(3)	(2)	(16)	(6)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	16	60	23	42
Ending balance	(595)	(437)	(595)	(437)
Unrealized gain on equity securities [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	14	15	10	21
OCI, before Reclassifications, before Tax, Attributable to Parent	(1)	(1)	4	(8)
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, before Tax, Attributable to Parent	0	0	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	1	0	0	1
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	0	(1)	4	(7)
Ending balance	14	14	14	14
Foreign currency translation [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(53)	(73)	(29)	(48)
OCI, before Reclassifications, before Tax, Attributable to Parent	9	56	(15)	31
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, before Tax, Attributable to Parent	0	0	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	0	0	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	9	56	(15)	31
Ending balance	(44)	(17)	(44)	(17)
Net defined benefit pension cost and post retirement plan costs, actuarial losses [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(618)	(499)	(646)	(511)
OCI, before Reclassifications, before Tax, Attributable to Parent	0	0	24	4
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, before Tax, Attributable to Parent	17	14	34	28
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	(5)	(4)	(18)	(10)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	12	10	40	22
Ending balance	(606)	(489)	(606)	(489)
Net defined benefit pension cost and post retirement plan costs, prior service credits [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	46	62	50	65
OCI, before Reclassifications, before Tax, Attributable to Parent	0	0	0	0
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, before Tax, Attributable to Parent	(6)	(7)	(12)	(13)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	2	2	4	5
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	(4)	(5)	(8)	(8)
Ending balance	42	57	42	57
Unrealized gain (losses) on derivatives [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	0	(2)	(3)	(6)
OCI, before Reclassifications, before Tax, Attributable to Parent	(1)	(3)	2	(1)
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, before Tax, Attributable to Parent	1	3	2	7
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	(1)	0	(2)	(2)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	(1)	0	2	4
Ending balance	$ (1)	$ (2)	$ (1)	$ (2)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - Reclassi

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - Reclassifications out of accumulated comprehensive income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Cost of Goods Sold	$ 273	$ 263	$ 527	$ 530
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	27	1	(16)	(19)
Net Income	49	88	158	152
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	22	87	174	171
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Net Income	(8)	(7)	(17)	(15)
Unrealized gain (losses) on derivatives [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Cost of Goods Sold	(1)	(3)	(2)	(7)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	1	1	1	2
Net Income	0	(2)	(1)	(5)
Net defined benefit pension cost and post retirement plan costs, actuarial losses [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	(17)	(14)	(34)	(28)
Net defined benefit pension cost and post retirement plan costs, prior service credits [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	6	7	12	13
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	3	2	6	5
Net Income	(8)	(5)	(16)	(10)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	$ (11)	$ (7)	$ (22)	$ (15)

SEGMENT INFORMATION Profitabili

SEGMENT INFORMATION Profitability (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments			4
Number of Reportable Segments			4
Segment Reporting, Factors Used to Identify Entity's Reportable Segments			Our operating segments were determined based primarily on how the chief operating decision maker views and evaluates our operations. Segment operating results are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to each segment and to assess 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.
Segment Reporting, Additional Information about Entity's Reportable Segments			The Communications Solutions Group serves customers spanning the worldwide commercial communications end market, which includes internet infrastructure, and the aerospace, defense and government end market. The group provides electronic design and test software, instruments, and systems used in the simulation, design, validation, manufacturing, installation and optimization of electronic equipment. The Electronic Industrial Solutions Group provides test and measurement solutions across a broad set of electronic industrial end markets, focusing on high-growth applications in the automotive and energy industry and measurement solutions for semiconductor design and manufacturing, consumer electronics, education and general electronics manufacturing. The group provides electronic design and test software, instruments, and systems used in the simulation, design, validation, manufacturing, installation and optimization of electronic equipment. The Ixia Solutions Group helps customers validate the performance and security resilience of their networks and associated applications. The test, visibility and security products help organizations and their customers strengthen their physical and virtual networks. Enterprises, service providers, network equipment manufacturers, and governments worldwide rely on the group's solutions to validate new products before shipping and secure ongoing operation of their networks with better visibility and security. The group’s product solutions consist of high-performance hardware platforms, software applications, and services, including warranty and maintenance offerings. The Services Solutions Group provides repair, calibration and consulting services, and remarkets used Keysight equipment. In addition to providing repair and calibration support for Keysight equipment, we also calibrate non-Keysight equipment. The group serves the same markets as Keysight’s Communications Solutions and Electronic Industrial Solutions Groups, providing industry-specific services to deliver complete Keysight solutions and help customers reduce their total cost of ownership for their design and test equipment.
Revenues	$ 758	$ 735	$ 1,484	$ 1,461
Business Combination Acquisition Related Fair Value Adjustments	(5)	(4)	(5)	(9)
Total net revenue	753	731	1,479	1,452
Segment income from operations	42	95	204	193
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	147	135	275	264
Communications Solutions Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	424	446	858	886
Business Combination Acquisition Related Fair Value Adjustments	(1)	(4)	(1)	(9)
Total net revenue	423	442	857	877
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	75	84	147	162
Electronic Industrial Solutions Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	220	193	412	384
Business Combination Acquisition Related Fair Value Adjustments	0	0	0	0
Total net revenue	220	193	412	384
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	57	40	99	78
Ixia Solutions Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	12	0	12	0
Business Combination Acquisition Related Fair Value Adjustments	(4)	0	(4)	0
Total net revenue	8	0	8	0
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	(2)	0	(2)	0
Services Solutions Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	102	96	202	191
Business Combination Acquisition Related Fair Value Adjustments	0	0	0	0
Total net revenue	102	96	202	191
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	$ 17	$ 11	$ 31	$ 24

SEGMENT INFORMATION Reconciliat

SEGMENT INFORMATION Reconciliation of Reportable Results (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Jan. 31, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract]
Total reportable segments' income from operations	$ 147		$ 135	$ 275	$ 264
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost	(13)		(13)	(31)	(29)
Restructuring Charges	(1)	$ (2)	0	(3)	0
Business Combination Acquisition Related Fair Value Adjustments	(8)		(4)	(8)	(9)
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements	0		0	68	0
Amortization of Intangibles	(18)		(11)	(28)	(22)
Acquisition and integration costs	(21)		(5)	(27)	(7)
Acquisition related compensation expense paid in cash	(28)		0	(28)	0
Separation and related costs	(8)		(5)	(14)	(10)
Segment Reporting Other reconciling items for operating profit loss segment to consolidated	(8)		(2)	0	6
Income from operations	42		95	204	193
Investment Income, Nonoperating	2		0	3	1
Interest expense	(24)		(12)	(36)	(24)
Other Nonoperating Gains (Losses)	2		4	3	1
Income before taxes	$ 22		$ 87	$ 174	$ 171

SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment A97

SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 6,014	$ 3,796
Communications Solutions Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,674	1,805
Electronic Industrial Solutions Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	764	773
Ixia Solutions Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,953	0
Services Solutions Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	270	273
Segment Total [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 4,661	$ 2,851