Fair Value Measurements

6 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Fair Value Measurements

12. Fair Value Measurements

The fair value measurement rules establish a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1	Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset and liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
Level 2	Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3	Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

Assets and liabilities of the Company measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 28, 2012, are summarized as follows (in thousands):

			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Description	January 28, 2012		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable  Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	53,347	$	53,347	$	—	$	—
Corporate Obligations		11,970		11,970		—		—
Government Obligations		373,196		373,196		—		—
Total assets	$	438,513	$	438,513	$	—	$	—

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents of $53.3 million consisting of money market funds and U.S. federal government and U.S. government agency obligations are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices in active markets.

Corporate Obligations

Available-for-sale securities of $12.0 million consisting of U.S. corporate obligations are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices on active markets.

Government Obligations

Available-for-sale securities of $373.2 million consisting of U.S. federal government and U.S. government agency obligations are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices in active markets.

Assets and liabilities of the Company measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of July 31, 2011, are summarized as follows (in thousands):

			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Description	July 31, 2011		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	60,765	$	60,765	$	—	$	—
Corporate Obligations		26,856		26,856		—		—
Government Obligations		353,777		353,777		—		—
Total assets	$	441,398	$	441,398	$	—	$	—

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents of $60.8 million consisting of money market funds and U.S. federal government and U.S. government agency obligations are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices in active markets.

Corporate Obligations

Available-for-sale securities of $26.9 million consisting of U.S. corporate obligations are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices on active markets.

Government Obligations

Available-for-sale securities of $353.8 million consisting of U.S. federal government and U.S. government agency obligations are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices in active markets.