Document And Entity Information - USD ($)
$ in Billions
12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2017
Dec. 01, 2017
Apr. 30, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]      
Entity Registrant Name AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0001090872    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --10-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 12.6
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   323,018,027  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Oct. 31, 2017