| **Acquisition and disposals of business (Tables) (Blue Diamond Parts [Member])** | 12 Months Ended                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
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| Blue Diamond Parts [Member]                                                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| **Business Acquisition [Line Items]**                                            |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]                   | The unaudited pro forma financial information in the table below summarizes the combined results of operations of Navistar and BDP as though BDP had been combined as of the beginning of the periods presented. The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented 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 the periods, or that may result in the future.  2009(A)  (in millions, except per share data)(Unaudited)Sales and revenue, net$11,702Income before extraordinary gain295Net income343Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest25Net income attributable to Navistar International Corporation318  Pro forma basic earnings per share attributable to Navistar International Corporation: Income attributable to Navistar International Corporation before extraordinary gain$4.15Extraordinary gain, net of tax0.33Net income attributable to Navistar International Corporation$4.48  Pro forma diluted earnings per share attributable to Navistar International Corporation: Income attributable to Navistar International Corporation before extraordinary gain$4.11Extraordinary gain, net of tax0.32Net income attributable to Navistar International Corporation$4.43______________________(A)Effective June 1, 2009, BDP changed its fiscal year from December 31 to October 31. Also effective June 1, 2009, BDP is accounted for as a consolidated subsidiary. The unaudited pro forma financial information for the year ended October 31, 2009, as presented above, reflects the change in fiscal year and is based on the historical unaudited Consolidated Statement of Operations of BDP for the seven months ended May 31, 2009 (through the date of acquisition) and results of operations of BDP from June 1, 2009 through October 31, 2009 are included in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. |

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| - Definition
Tabular disclosure of pro forma results of operations for a material business acquisition or series of individually immaterial business acquisitions that are material in the aggregate.
+ References
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