| **Segment Reporting**            | 9 Months Ended                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |
|----------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
||
| **Segment Reporting [Abstract]** | Â                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| Segment Reporting                | Segment reportingThe following is a description of our four reporting segments:•Our Truck segment manufactures and distributes a full line of Class 4 through 8 trucks, buses and military vehicles under the International and IC Bus (“IC”) brands. Our Truck segment also produces chassis for motor homes and commercial step-van vehicles under the Workhorse brand and recreational vehicles under the Monaco family of brands. In an effort to strengthen and maintain our dealer network, this segment occasionally acquires and operates dealer locations for the purpose of transitioning ownership.•Our Engine segment designs and manufactures diesel engines for use globally, in Class 3 through 8 vehicles, as well as off-road applications.  In North America, these engines primarily go into our Class 6 and 7 medium trucks and buses and Class 8 heavy trucks, and are sold to original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”).  In addition, our Engine segment produces diesel engines in Brazil primarily for distribution in South America under the MWM brand for sale to OEMs. In all other areas of the world, including North America, engines are sold under the MaxxForce brand name.  To control cost and technology, Engine has expanded its operations to included Pure Power Technologies, a components company focused on air, fuel, and aftertreatment systems to meet more stringent Euro and EPA emission standards. Also included in the Engine segment are the operating results of BDP, which manages the sourcing, merchandising, and distribution of certain service parts for vehicles we and Ford sell in North America.•Our Parts segment provides customers with proprietary products needed to support the International commercial and military truck, IC bus, WCC chassis, and MaxxForce engine lines. Our Parts segment also provides a wide selection of other standard truck, trailer, and engine aftermarket parts. At July 31, 2011, this segment operated eleven regional parts distribution centers that provide 24-hour availability and shipment.•Our Financial Services segment provides retail, wholesale, and lease financing of products sold by the Truck and Parts segments and their dealers within the U.S. and Mexico, as well as financing for wholesale accounts and selected retail accounts receivable. Corporate contains those items that are not included in our four segments. Segment Profit (Loss)We define segment profit (loss) as net income (loss) attributable to Navistar International Corporation excluding income tax benefit (expense). Our results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. Selected financial information is as follows:  Truck(A) Engine(B) Parts FinancialServices(C) CorporateandEliminations Total(in millions)            Three Months Ended July 31, 2011            External sales and revenues, net $2,457 $546 $487 $47 $— $3,537Intersegment sales and revenues(D) — 422 29 26 (477) —Total sales and revenues, net $2,457 $968 $516 $73 $(477) $3,537Net income (loss) attributable to NIC $(75) $32 $70 $30 $1,343 $1,400Income tax benefit — — — — 1,463 1,463Segment profit (loss)(D)(E) $(75) $32 $70 $30 $(120) $(63)Depreciation and amortization $37 $32 $2 $8 $5 $84Interest expense — — — 28 34 62Equity in income (loss) of non-consolidated affiliates (22) (1) 1 — — (22)Capital expenditures(F) 15 47 7 1 36 106  Truck Engine Parts FinancialServices(C) CorporateandEliminations Total(in millions)            Three Months Ended July 31, 2010 (Revised)(G)            External sales and revenues, net $2,311 $456 $395 $59 $— $3,221Intersegment sales and revenues — 216 45 23 (284) —Total sales and revenues, net $2,311 $672 $440 $82 $(284) $3,221Net income (loss) attributable to NIC $227 $(1) $52 $33 $(194) $117Income tax expense — — — — (19) (19)Segment profit (loss)(E) $227 $(1) $52 $33 $(175) $136Depreciation and amortization $40 $26 $2 $6 $4 $78Interest expense — — — 24 34 58Equity in income (loss) of non-consolidated affiliates (15) 1 1 — — (13)Capital expenditures(F) 22 47 3 — 12 84  Truck(A) Engine(B) Parts FinancialServices(C) CorporateandEliminations Total(in millions)            Nine Months Ended July 31, 2011            External sales and revenues, net $6,510 $1,526 $1,445 $154 $— $9,635Intersegment sales and revenues(D) 18 1,180 128 75 (1,401) —Total sales and revenues, net $6,528 $2,706 $1,573 $229 $(1,401) $9,635Net income attributable to NIC $49 $26 $200 $102 $1,091 $1,468Income tax benefit — — — — 1,458 1,458Segment profit(D)(E) $49 $26 $200 $102 $(367) $10Depreciation and amortization $112 $91 $7 $21 $14 $245Interest expense — — — 84 103 187Equity in income (loss) of non-consolidated affiliates (57) (3) 5 — — (55)Capital expenditures(F) 53 131 11 1 95 291  Truck Engine Parts FinancialServices(C) CorporateandEliminations Total(in millions)            Nine Months Ended July 31, 2010 (Revised)(G)            External sales and revenues, net $5,874 $1,525 $1,211 $163 $— $8,773Intersegment sales and revenues(D) 1 645 143 70 (859) —Total sales and revenues, net $5,875 $2,170 $1,354 $233 $(859) $8,773Net income attributable to NIC $338 $68 $189 $61 $(477) $179Income tax expense — — — — (17) (17)Segment profit(E) $338 $68 $189 $61 $(460) $196Depreciation and amortization $120 $79 $5 $21 $11 $236Interest expense — — — 85 104 189Equity in income (loss) of non-consolidated affiliates (33) (1) 2 — — (32)Capital expenditures(F) 56 81 7 1 17 162As of July 31, 2011            Segment assets $2,551 $1,876 $721 $3,318 $2,712 $11,178As of October 31, 2010            Segment assets 2,457 1,715 811 3,497 1,250 9,730_______________ (A)Includes impairments of property and equipment and intangible assets.  See Note 2, Restructurings and impairments. (B)In the third quarter of 2011, the Engine segment recognized a $10 million gain on the extinguishment of a liability related to an equipment financing transaction. Previously, such gains were not material and were recorded within Corporate.(C)Total sales and revenues in the Financial Services segment include interest revenues of $72 million and $225 million for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2011, respectively, and $67 million and $197 million for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2010, respectively.(D)Beginning in the second quarter of 2011, certain purchases from the Engine segment by the Parts segment are recorded at market-based pricing.  Allother intersegment purchases from the Truck and Engine segments by the Parts segment continue to be recorded at standard production cost.  The effect of this change did not have a material impact on our segment reporting. (E)In the first quarter of 2011, we began allocating gains and losses on commodities derivatives to the segment to which the underlying commoditiesrelate. Previously, the impacts of commodities derivatives were not material and were recorded within Corporate.(F)Exclusive of purchase of equipment leased to others.(G)Certain amounts have been revised to reflect a retrospective change in accounting principle. See Note 1, Summary of significant accounting policies.Sales of vehicles and service parts to the U.S. government were 11% of consolidated sales and revenues for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 and 24% and 15%, for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2010, respectively, and were recorded in the Truck and Parts segments. |

| X                                                                                                                                                           |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Details**Name:**us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract**Namespace Prefix:**us-gaap**Data Type:**xbrli:stringItemType**Balance Type:**na**Period Type:**duration |
| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 12 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8595-108599Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 10 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8538-108599Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 33 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8971-108599Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 34 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8981-108599Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 29 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8864-108599Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8380-108599Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 35 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8984-108599Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 41 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9038-108599Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8933-108599Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 131 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.  This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 30 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8906-108599Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 26 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8844-108599Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 40 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9031-108599Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 42 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9054-108599Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 31 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8924-108599
+ Details**Name:**us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock**Namespace Prefix:**us-gaap**Data Type:**nonnum:textBlockItemType**Balance Type:**na**Period Type:**duration |