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Fair Value Measurements
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Fair Value Measurements  
Fair Value Measurements

3. Fair Value Measurements

        We classify and disclose assets and liabilities carried at fair value in one of the following three categories:

  • Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;

    Level 2—observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data; and

    Level 3—significant unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

        The following table summarizes the fair values and levels within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall for assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2011 (in thousands):

 
   
  Fair Value Measurements at
Reporting Date Using
 
 
  Total   Quoted Prices In
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 50,101   $ 50,101   $   $  

Contingent earn-out obligation

  $ 6,977   $   $   $ 6,977  

        Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of highly rated money market funds at a variety of well-known institutions with original maturities of three months or less. The original cost of these assets approximates fair value due to their short term maturity.

        As of December 31, 2010, our marketable securities consisted of $2.0 million of auction rate securities, which are variable rate debt instruments, having long-term maturities (with final maturities up to June 2032). We sold the entire $2.0 million of these auction rate securities (Level 2) during the first quarter of 2011 at face value.

        The valuation of the Company's contingent earn-out obligation is determined using a probability weighted discounted cash flow method. This fair value measurement is based on significant unobservable inputs in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the purchase agreements (e.g., minimum and maximum payments, length of earn-out periods, manner of calculating any amounts due, etc.) and utilizes assumptions with regard to future cash flows, probabilities of achieving such future cash flows and a discount rate. The contingent earn-out obligation is measured at fair value each reporting period and changes in estimates of fair value are recognized in earnings in "Other income (expense)".

        The table below presents a reconciliation of the fair value of our contingent earn-out obligations that use significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

Balance at beginning of year

  $ 7,466  
 

Issuances

     
 

Adjustments to fair value

    (489 )
       

Balance at end of period

  $ 6,977  
       

        We measure certain assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These assets are recognized at fair value when they are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired. We did not recognize any impairments on those assets required to be measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.