Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Description of Business. RealNetworks, Inc. and subsidiaries (RealNetworks or Company) is a leading global provider of network-delivered digital media applications and services that make it easy to manage, play and share digital media. The Company also develops and markets software products and services that enable the creation, distribution and consumption of digital media, including audio and video. Inherent in the Company’s business are various risks and uncertainties, including limited history of certain of its product and service offerings. The Company’s success will depend on the acceptance of the Company’s technology, products and services and the ability to generate related revenue. Basis of Presentation. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. On August 20, 2007, RealNetworks and MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc. (MTVN), created Rhapsody America LLC (Rhapsody) to jointly own and operate a business-to-consumer digital audio music service. RealNetworks held a 51% interest in Rhapsody and Rhapsody’s financial position and operating results were consolidated into RealNetworks’ financial statements prior to March 31, 2010. MTVN’s proportionate share of income (loss) was included in noncontrolling interest in Rhapsody in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). MTVN’s proportionate share of equity was included in noncontrolling interest in Rhapsody in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. On March 31, 2010, the Company and MTVN restructured Rhapsody, and RealNetworks held approximately 47% of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Rhapsody after the restructuring. RealNetworks continues to own approximately 47% of the outstanding shares of capital stock as of June 30, 2011. Since March 31, 2010, RealNetworks has not held a controlling interest in Rhapsody and therefore, the Company has treated its ownership interest in Rhapsody as an equity method investment. Rhapsody’s financial position as of March 31, 2010 and its operating results beginning April 1, 2010 are no longer consolidated with RealNetworks’ consolidated financial statements. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments that, in the opinion of the Company’s management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the periods presented. Operating results for the quarter and six month period ended June 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any subsequent period or for the year ending December 31, 2011. Certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. Revenue Recognition. The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collection is probable. Physical products are considered delivered to the customer once they have been shipped and title and risk of loss have been transferred. For online sales, the products or services are considered delivered at the time the products or services are made available, digitally, to the end user. The Company recognizes revenue on a gross or net basis. In most arrangements, the Company contracts directly with end user customers, is the primary obligor and carries all collectability risk. In such arrangements, the Company recognizes revenue on a gross basis. In some cases, the Company utilizes third-party distributors to sell products or services directly to end user customers and carries no collectability risk. In such instances, the Company recognizes revenue on a net basis. In the Company’s direct to consumer business, the Company derives revenue through (1) subscriptions of SuperPass within the Company’s Core Products segment and subscriptions sold by the Company’s Games segment, (2) sales of content downloads, software and licenses offered by the Company’s Core Products, Emerging Products and Games segments and (3) the sale of advertising and the distribution of third-party products on its websites and in its games. Prior to April 1, 2010, the Company’s direct to consumer business also included the products and services primarily sold by the Company’s Rhapsody joint venture and included in the Company’s Music segment. Beginning on April 1, 2010, revenue from the Company’s Rhapsody joint venture is no longer consolidated within the Company’s financial statements. The Company now reports its share of Rhapsody’s net income or losses as “Equity in net loss of Rhapsody and other equity method investments.” Consumer subscription products are paid in advance, typically for a monthly, quarterly or annual duration. Subscription revenue is recognized ratably over the related subscription time period. Revenue from sales of content downloads, software and licenses is recognized at the time the product is made available, digitally, to the end user. Revenue generated from advertising on the Company’s websites and from advertising and the distribution of third-party products included in the Company’s products is recognized as revenue at the time of delivery. The Company also generates revenue through business-to-business channels by providing services within the Company’s Core Products segment enabling mobile carriers to deliver audio and video content to their customers and by selling software licenses and products and related support and other services. Revenue generated from services provided to mobile carriers that enable the delivery of audio and video content to their customers is recognized as the services are provided. Setup fees to build these services are recognized ratably upon launch of the service over the remaining expected term of the service. A portion of the revenue related to the sale of software licenses and products and related support and other services is recorded as unearned due to undelivered elements including, in some cases, post-delivery support and the right to receive unspecified upgrades or enhancements on a when-and-if-available basis. Revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables are divided into separate units and revenue is allocated using estimated selling prices if the Company does not have vendor-specific objective evidence or third-party evidence of the selling prices of the deliverables. Unearned revenue due to undelivered elements is recognized ratably on a straight-line basis over the related products’ contract term. Accounting for Gains on Sale of Subsidiary Stock. Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment to ARB No. 51 (SFAS 160) which was primarily codified into FASB ASC 810 — Consolidation (ASC 810). Current guidance requires that the difference between the carrying amount of the parent’s investment in a subsidiary and the underlying net book value be recorded as an equity transaction. The Company elected to recognize any such gain in its consolidated statements of operations prior to January 1, 2009 as was allowable under generally accepted accounting principles in place at that time if certain recognition criteria were met. Due to the completion of the restructuring of Rhapsody on March 31, 2010, which resulted in the Company holding approximately 47% of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Rhapsody, this accounting policy no longer applies with respect to its investment as the Company no longer consolidates Rhapsody and no longer reports a noncontrolling interest. Noncontrolling Interests. The Company records noncontrolling interest expense (benefit) which reflects the portion of the earnings (losses) of majority-owned entities which are applicable to the noncontrolling interest holders in the consolidated statements of operations. Redeemable noncontrolling interests that are redeemable at either fair value or are based on a formula that is intended to approximate fair value follow the Company’s historical disclosure only policy for the redemption feature. Redeemable noncontrolling interests that are redeemable at either a fixed price or are based on a formula that is not akin to fair value are reflected as an adjustment to income attributable to common shareholders based on the difference between accretion as calculated using the terms of the redemption feature and the accretion entry for a hypothetical fair value redemption feature with the remaining amount of accretion to redemption value recorded directly to equity. Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest in Rhapsody is included within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The Company applied this accounting policy to the noncontrolling interest in Rhapsody that was held by MTVN for periods beginning when Rhapsody was formed in August 2007 through the quarter ended March 31, 2010. Due to the completion of the restructuring of Rhapsody on March 31, 2010, which resulted in the Company holding approximately 47% of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Rhapsody, this accounting policy no longer applies with respect to the Company’s investment as the Company no longer consolidates Rhapsody and no longer reports a noncontrolling interest.

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business. RealNetworks, Inc. and subsidiaries (RealNetworks or Company) is a leading global provider of network-delivered digital media applications and services that make it easy to manage, play and share digital media. The Company also develops and markets software products and services that enable the creation, distribution and consumption of digital media, including audio and video.

Inherent in the Company’s business are various risks and uncertainties, including limited history of certain of its product and service offerings. The Company’s success will depend on the acceptance of the Company’s technology, products and services and the ability to generate related revenue.

Basis of Presentation. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

On August 20, 2007, RealNetworks and MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc. (MTVN), created Rhapsody America LLC (Rhapsody) to jointly own and operate a business-to-consumer digital audio music service. RealNetworks held a 51% interest in Rhapsody and Rhapsody’s financial position and operating results were consolidated into RealNetworks’ financial statements prior to March 31, 2010. MTVN’s proportionate share of income (loss) was included in noncontrolling interest in Rhapsody in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). MTVN’s proportionate share of equity was included in noncontrolling interest in Rhapsody in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. On March 31, 2010, the Company and MTVN restructured Rhapsody, and RealNetworks held approximately 47% of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Rhapsody after the restructuring. RealNetworks continues to own approximately 47% of the outstanding shares of capital stock as of June 30, 2011. Since March 31, 2010, RealNetworks has not held a controlling interest in Rhapsody and therefore, the Company has treated its ownership interest in Rhapsody as an equity method investment. Rhapsody’s financial position as of March 31, 2010 and its operating results beginning April 1, 2010 are no longer consolidated with RealNetworks’ consolidated financial statements.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments that, in the opinion of the Company’s management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the periods presented. Operating results for the quarter and six month period ended June 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any subsequent period or for the year ending December 31, 2011. Certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Revenue Recognition. The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collection is probable. Physical products are considered delivered to the customer once they have been shipped and title and risk of loss have been transferred. For online sales, the products or services are considered delivered at the time the products or services are made available, digitally, to the end user.

The Company recognizes revenue on a gross or net basis. In most arrangements, the Company contracts directly with end user customers, is the primary obligor and carries all collectability risk. In such arrangements, the Company recognizes revenue on a gross basis. In some cases, the Company utilizes third-party distributors to sell products or services directly to end user customers and carries no collectability risk. In such instances, the Company recognizes revenue on a net basis.

In the Company’s direct to consumer business, the Company derives revenue through (1) subscriptions of SuperPass within the Company’s Core Products segment and subscriptions sold by the Company’s Games segment, (2) sales of content downloads, software and licenses offered by the Company’s Core Products, Emerging Products and Games segments and (3) the sale of advertising and the distribution of third-party products on its websites and in its games. Prior to April 1, 2010, the Company’s direct to consumer business also included the products and services primarily sold by the Company’s Rhapsody joint venture and included in the Company’s Music segment. Beginning on April 1, 2010, revenue from the Company’s Rhapsody joint venture is no longer consolidated within the Company’s financial statements. The Company now reports its share of Rhapsody’s net income or losses as “Equity in net loss of Rhapsody and other equity method investments.”

Consumer subscription products are paid in advance, typically for a monthly, quarterly or annual duration. Subscription revenue is recognized ratably over the related subscription time period. Revenue from sales of content downloads, software and licenses is recognized at the time the product is made available, digitally, to the end user. Revenue generated from advertising on the Company’s websites and from advertising and the distribution of third-party products included in the Company’s products is recognized as revenue at the time of delivery.

The Company also generates revenue through business-to-business channels by providing services within the Company’s Core Products segment enabling mobile carriers to deliver audio and video content to their customers and by selling software licenses and products and related support and other services.

Revenue generated from services provided to mobile carriers that enable the delivery of audio and video content to their customers is recognized as the services are provided. Setup fees to build these services are recognized ratably upon launch of the service over the remaining expected term of the service.

A portion of the revenue related to the sale of software licenses and products and related support and other services is recorded as unearned due to undelivered elements including, in some cases, post-delivery support and the right to receive unspecified upgrades or enhancements on a when-and-if-available basis. Revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables are divided into separate units and revenue is allocated using estimated selling prices if the Company does not have vendor-specific objective evidence or third-party evidence of the selling prices of the deliverables. Unearned revenue due to undelivered elements is recognized ratably on a straight-line basis over the related products’ contract term.

Accounting for Gains on Sale of Subsidiary Stock. Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment to ARB No. 51 (SFAS 160) which was primarily codified into FASB ASC 810 — Consolidation (ASC 810). Current guidance requires that the difference between the carrying amount of the parent’s investment in a subsidiary and the underlying net book value be recorded as an equity transaction. The Company elected to recognize any such gain in its consolidated statements of operations prior to January 1, 2009 as was allowable under generally accepted accounting principles in place at that time if certain recognition criteria were met. Due to the completion of the restructuring of Rhapsody on March 31, 2010, which resulted in the Company holding approximately 47% of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Rhapsody, this accounting policy no longer applies with respect to its investment as the Company no longer consolidates Rhapsody and no longer reports a noncontrolling interest.

Noncontrolling Interests. The Company records noncontrolling interest expense (benefit) which reflects the portion of the earnings (losses) of majority-owned entities which are applicable to the noncontrolling interest holders in the consolidated statements of operations. Redeemable noncontrolling interests that are redeemable at either fair value or are based on a formula that is intended to approximate fair value follow the Company’s historical disclosure only policy for the redemption feature. Redeemable noncontrolling interests that are redeemable at either a fixed price or are based on a formula that is not akin to fair value are reflected as an adjustment to income attributable to common shareholders based on the difference between accretion as calculated using the terms of the redemption feature and the accretion entry for a hypothetical fair value redemption feature with the remaining amount of accretion to redemption value recorded directly to equity. Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest in Rhapsody is included within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The Company applied this accounting policy to the noncontrolling interest in Rhapsody that was held by MTVN for periods beginning when Rhapsody was formed in August 2007 through the quarter ended March 31, 2010. Due to the completion of the restructuring of Rhapsody on March 31, 2010, which resulted in the Company holding approximately 47% of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Rhapsody, this accounting policy no longer applies with respect to the Company’s investment as the Company no longer consolidates Rhapsody and no longer reports a noncontrolling interest.