Restructuring Costs, Asset Impairments and Other Special Charges (Tables)
 6 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2011
Restructuring Costs, Asset Impairments and Other Special Charges - (Tables) [Abstract]  
Summary of total restructuring activity and other special charges
A summary of total restructuring activity and other special charges is shown in the table below:
 
 
 
Workforce
Reduction
  
Consolidation
of Excess
Facilities
  
Special
Charges
related to
Inventory
  
Total
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
Balance as of October 31, 2010
 $8  $26  $1  $35 
Income statement expense
  -   -   -   - 
Asset impairments/inventory charges
  -   -   -   - 
Cash payments
  (7)  (4)  (1)  (12)
Balance as of April 30, 2011
 $1  $22  $-  $23 
 
Restructuring charges reporting location in condensed consolidated statement of operations
A summary of the charges in the condensed consolidated statement of operations resulting from all restructuring plans is shown below:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
April 30,
  
Six Months Ended
April 30,
 
 
 
2011
  
2010
  
2011
  
2010
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
Cost of products and services
 $-  $3  $-  $6 
Research and development
  -   -   -   1 
Selling, general and administrative
  (2)  13   -   43 
Total restructuring, asset impairments and other special charges
 $(2) $16  $-  $50