Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Feb. 02, 2013

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Intangibles-Goodwill and Other

Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis on the first day of the fourth quarter (on or about August 4) or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. The impairment test involves the comparison of the fair values of the intangible assets with their carrying values. No impairment of intangible assets resulted from the impairment tests in any of the fiscal years presented.

Intangible assets, excluding in-process research and development (IPR&D), are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives or on an accelerated method of amortization that is expected to reflect the estimated pattern of economic use. IPR&D assets are considered indefinite-lived intangible assets until completion or abandonment of the associated R&D efforts. Upon completion of the projects, the IPR&D assets will be amortized over their estimated useful lives.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually as well as whenever events or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. The Company tests goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating segment or one level below an operating segment) on an annual basis on the first day of the fourth quarter (on or about August 4) or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. For the Company’s latest annual impairment assessment that occurred on August 5, 2012, the Company identified its reporting units to be its five operating segments, which meet the aggregation criteria for one reportable segment. The performance of the test involves a two-step process. The first step of the impairment test involves comparing the fair values of the applicable reporting units with their aggregate carrying values, including goodwill. The Company determines the fair value of its reporting units using the income approach methodology of valuation that includes the discounted cash flow method as well as other generally accepted valuation methodologies. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, the Company performs the second step of the goodwill impairment test to determine the amount of impairment loss. The second step of the goodwill impairment test involves comparing the implied fair value of the affected reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying value of that goodwill. No impairment of goodwill resulted in any of the fiscal years presented. The Company’s next annual impairment assessment will be performed as of the first day of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, unless indicators arise that would require the Company to reevaluate at an earlier date.

Intangible Assets