| Document and Entity Information | Dec. 30, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | APPLIED MATERIALS INC /DE |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000006951 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Dec. 30, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 000-06920 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 94-1655526 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3050 Bowers Avenue |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | P.O. Box 58039 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Santa Clara |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 95052-8039 |
| City Area Code | (408) |
| Local Phone Number | 727-5555 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, par value $.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | AMAT |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
