Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)
In Millions, except Per Share data
 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2011
Apr. 30, 2010
Apr. 30, 2011
Apr. 30, 2010
Net revenue:        
Products $ 1,389 $ 1,029 $ 2,647 $ 2,005
Services and other 288 242 549 479
Total net revenue 1,677 1,271 3,196 2,484
Costs and expenses:        
Cost of products 622 431 1,179 852
Cost of services and other 155 129 301 261
Total costs 777 560 1,480 1,113
Research and development 165 150 324 299
Selling, general and administrative 469 407 915 824
Total costs and expenses 1,411 1,117 2,719 2,236
Income from operations 266 154 477 248
Interest income 3 3 7 6
Interest expense (20) (22) (43) (45)
Other income (expense), net 11 4 17 13
Income before taxes 260 139 458 222
Provision for income taxes 60 31 65 35
Net income $ 200 $ 108 $ 393 $ 187
Net income per share:        
Basic (in dollars per share) $ 0.58 $ 0.31 $ 1.13 $ 0.54
Diluted (in dollars per share) $ 0.56 $ 0.31 $ 1.11 $ 0.53
Weighted average shares used in computing net income per share:        
Basic (in shares) 347 348 347 348
Diluted (in shares) 355 354 355 354