Segment Information (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2011
Apr. 30, 2010
Apr. 30, 2011
Apr. 30, 2010
Oct. 31, 2010
Segment Information [Abstract]          
Number of operating segments     3    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total segment revenue $ 1,679 $ 1,271 $ 3,203 $ 2,484  
Varian acquisition deferred revenue fair value adjustment (2)   (7)    
Total net revenue 1,677 1,271 3,196 2,484  
Total reportable segments' income from operations 324 205 593 385  
Assets 5,779   5,779   5,444
Total reportable segments' income from operations 324 205 593 385  
Restructuring related costs and asset impairments (3) (16) (5) (64)  
Transformational initiatives (11) (6) (22) (15)  
Interest income 3 3 7 6  
Interest expense (20) (22) (43) (45)  
Other income (expense), net 11 4 17 13  
Acquisition and integration costs (13) (10) (28) (27)  
Varian acquisition related fair value adjustments (3) 0 (7) 0  
Amortization of Intangibles and Other (28) (19) (54) (31)  
Income before taxes 260 139 458 222  
Life Sciences [Member]
          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total segment revenue 464 334 868 674  
Varian acquisition deferred revenue fair value adjustment (1)   (4)    
Total net revenue 463   864    
Total reportable segments' income from operations 61 48 109 103  
Assets 1,852   1,852   1,564
Total reportable segments' income from operations 61 48 109 103  
Chemical Analysis [Member]
          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total segment revenue 381 238 730 482  
Varian acquisition deferred revenue fair value adjustment (1)   (3)    
Total net revenue 380   727    
Total reportable segments' income from operations 72 57 137 124  
Assets 1,756   1,756   1,635
Total reportable segments' income from operations 72 57 137 124  
Electronic Measurement [Member]
          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total segment revenue 834 699 1,605 1,328  
Varian acquisition deferred revenue fair value adjustment 0   0    
Total net revenue 834   1,605    
Total reportable segments' income from operations 191 100 347 158  
Assets 2,171   2,171   2,245
Total reportable segments' income from operations $ 191 $ 100 $ 347 $ 158 Â