EXIT OF NMR BUSINESS
 3 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]  
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]
11.   EXIT OF NMR BUSINESS

During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014, we made the decision to cease the manufacture and sale of our NMR product line within our life sciences and applied markets segment. The exit of the NMR business was primarily due to the lack of growth and profitability of the product line. These actions involved severance and other personnel costs related to the workforce reduction of approximately 300 employees primarily located in the United Kingdom and California and non-cash charges related to intangible asset impairments and other asset write-downs including inventory. We expect to substantially complete these restructuring activities by the end of fiscal 2016. As of January 31, 2015, approximately 200 employees are pending termination under the above actions.

A summary of total “NMR” restructuring activity and other special charges is shown in the table below:

 
Workforce
Reduction
Special Charges Related to Inventory and Others
Total
 
(in millions)
Balance as of October 31, 2014
$
14

$
3

$
17

Income statement expense
1

2

3

Inventory charges
—

(1
)
(1
)
Cash payments
(3
)
—

(3
)
Balance as of January 31, 2015
$
12

$
4

$
16



The restructuring and other special accruals related to the NMR closure, which totaled $16 million at January 31, 2015, are recorded in other accrued liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. These balances reflect estimated future cash outlays.