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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Product Warranty Liability
Accrued product warranty and deferred warranty revenue activity is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended January 31,
(in millions)
2013
 
2012
Balance at beginning of period
$
1,118

 
$
598

Costs accrued and revenues deferred
111

 
111

Adjustments to pre-existing warranties(A)(B)
40

 
123

Payments and revenues recognized
(161
)
 
(106
)
Balance at end of period
1,108

 
726

Less: Current portion
559

 
324

Noncurrent accrued product warranty and deferred warranty revenue
$
549

 
$
402

_________________________
(A)
Adjustments to pre-existing warranties reflect changes in our estimate of warranty costs for products sold in prior periods. Such adjustments typically occur when claims experience deviates from historic and expected trends. Our warranty liability is generally affected by component failure rates, repair costs, and the timing of failures. Future events and circumstances related to these factors could materially change our estimates and require adjustments to our liability. In addition, new product launches require a greater use of judgment in developing estimates until historical experience becomes available. In the first quarter of 2013, we recorded adjustments for changes in estimates of $40 million or $0.50 per diluted share. In the first quarter of 2012, we recorded adjustments for changes in estimates of $123 million, or $1.76 per diluted share. Net of tax, the first quarter of 2012 adjustments for changes in estimates amounted to $81 million, or $1.16 per diluted share.
(B)
In the first quarter of 2013, we recognized $13 million of charges for adjustments to pre-existing warranties for a specific warranty issue related to component parts from a supplier. Also during the quarter, we reached agreement for reimbursement from this supplier for this amount and other costs previously accrued. As a result of this agreement, we recognized a recovery of $27 million within Costs of products sold and recorded a receivable within Other current assets.