Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Principles Of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal Year

Fiscal Year: The Company utilizes a 52/53-week fiscal year ending on the Saturday nearest December 31^st. Fiscal year 2011, 2010 and 2009 consisted of 52 weeks and ended on December 31, 2011, January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010, respectively.

Use Of Estimates

Use of Estimates: Preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash Equivalents

Cash Equivalents: The Company considers highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. The Company's cash equivalents include bank certificates of deposit, money market funds and instruments and commercial paper investments. The Company performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of the financial institutions and issuers of its cash equivalents and limits the amount of credit exposure with any one issuer.

Marketable Securities

Marketable Securities: Marketable securities consist of publicly-traded equity securities that are classified as available-for-sale securities and investments in mutual funds that are classified as trading securities. On the balance sheet, available-for-sale securities and trading securities are classified as other current assets and other assets, respectively.

The following table summarizes the components of the balance of the Company's available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2011 (in thousands):

	December 31, 2011			January 1, 2011
Adjusted cost	$	9,236		$	9,116
Gross unrealized gains		29,649			24,988
Gross unrealized losses		(228	)		(359	)
Fair value	$	38,657		$	33,745

Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value based upon quoted market prices (see Note 12). Unrealized gains and losses, net of related incomes taxes, are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders' equity. Upon the sale of an available-for-sale security, the unrealized gain (loss) is reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and reflected as a realized gain (loss) in net earnings. Realized gains (losses) are computed using the specific identification method and recognized as other income (expense). During 2010, the Company sold an available-for-sale security, recognizing a realized after-tax gain of $3.1 million. The total pre-tax gain of $4.9 million was recognized as other income (see Note 9). There were no realized gains (losses) from the sale of available-for-sale securities recorded during fiscal years 2011 or 2009. Additionally, when the fair value of an available-for-sale security falls below its original cost and the Company determines that the corresponding unrealized loss is other-than-temporary, the Company recognizes an impairment loss to net earnings in the period the determination is made.

The Company's investments in mutual funds are recorded at fair market value based upon quoted market prices (see Note 12) and are held in a rabbi trust, which is not available for general corporate purposes and is subject to creditor claims in the event of insolvency. These investments are specifically designated as available to the Company solely for the purpose of paying benefits under the Company's deferred compensation plan (see Note 11).

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable: The Company grants credit to customers in the normal course of business, but generally does not require collateral or any other security to support its receivables. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for potential credit losses. In Greece, the Company has sold its products through a distributor. On February 21, 2012, an agreement was reached between the Greek government and the European Union and International Monetary Fund whereby creditors would swap existing Greek government bonds for new bonds with a significant reduction in face value, a longer term and lower interest rates. This agreement, among other macroeconomic and factors specific to the distributor, negatively impacted the solvency and liquidity of the Company's Greek distributor, raising significant doubt regarding the collectability of the Company's outstanding receivable balance. Since the February debt agreement, as well as these additional factors, provided additional evidence about conditions that existed at the balance sheet date, the Company recognized a $56.4 million accounts receivable allowance charge in the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. The Company's total allowance for doubtful accounts was $100.9 million and $35.4 million at December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2011, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost determined using the first-in, first-out method. Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):

	December 31, 2011		January 1, 2011
Finished goods	$	437,932	$	466,191
Work in process		54,144		62,607
Raw materials		132,400		138,747
	$	624,476	$	667,545

Property, Plant And Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 15 to 39 years for buildings and improvements, three to seven years for machinery and equipment and three to five years for diagnostic equipment. Diagnostic equipment primarily consists of programmers that are used by physicians and healthcare professionals to program and analyze data from ICDs and pacemakers. The estimated useful lives of this equipment are based on anticipated usage by physicians and healthcare professionals and the timing and impact of expected new technology platforms and rollouts by the Company. Property, plant and equipment are depreciated using accelerated methods for income tax purposes.During 2011, 2010 and 2009, depreciation expense was $202.6 million, $177.5 million and $152.9 million, respectively.

Goodwill

Goodwill: Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of identifiable net assets of a business acquired. Goodwill for each reporting unit is reviewed for impairment at least annually. The Company has four reporting units as of December 31, 2011, consisting of its four operating segments (see Note 14). Based on Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-08, Goodwill Impairment Assessments, the Company assesses goodwill impairment by considering qualitative factors such as macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, financial performance, entity specific events, changes in net assets and sustained decrease in share price. If the qualitative assessment results in a determination that the fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not more than its carrying amount, no additional testing is considered necessary. However, if the Company determines the fair value is more likely than not below the carrying value of a reporting unit, the Company performs the two-step goodwill impairment test required by Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. In the first step, the Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit, as computed primarily by present value cash flow calculations, to its book carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, the goodwill of the reporting unit is potentially impaired and the Company would complete step 2 in order to measure the potential impairment loss. In step 2, the Company calculates the implied fair value of goodwill by deducting the fair value of all tangible and intangible net assets (including unrecognized intangible assets) of the reporting unit from the fair value of the reporting unit (as determined in step 1). If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of goodwill, the Company would recognize an impairment loss equal to the difference. During the fourth quarters of 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company completed its annual goodwill impairment assessments and determined there was no evidence of impairment associated with the carrying values of goodwill for its reporting units.

Other Intangible Assets

Other Intangible Assets: Other intangible assets consist of purchased technology and patents, in-process research and development (IPR&D) acquired in a business acquisition, customer lists and relationships, trademarks and tradenames, licenses and distribution agreements. Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life ranging from 3 to 20 years. Certain trademark assets are considered indefinite-lived intangible assets and are not amortized.

The Company's policy defines IPR&D as the value of technology acquired for which the related products have not yet reached technological feasibility and have no future alternative use. The primary basis for determining the technological feasibility of these projects is obtaining regulatory approval to market the underlying products in an applicable geographic region. IPR&D acquired in a business acquisition is subject to ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations, which requires the fair value of IPR&D to be capitalized as an indefinite-lived intangible asset until completion of the IPR&D project or abandonment. Upon completion of the development project (generally when regulatory approval to market the product is obtained), the IPR&D is amortized over its estimated useful life. If the IPR&D projects are abandoned, the related IPR&D assets would likely be impaired and written down to fair value. The purchase of certain intellectual property assets or the rights to such intellectual property is considered a purchase of assets rather than the acquisition of a business. Accordingly, rather than being capitalized, any IPR&D acquired in such asset purchases is expensed.

The Company also reviews its indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually to determine if any adverse conditions exist that would indicate impairment. If impairment indicators exist, the Company analyzes the carrying value of its indefinite-lived intangible assets to determine if the carrying value exceeds the related undiscounted future cash flows. If the carrying value exceeds the related undiscounted future cash flows, the carrying value is written down to the fair value in the period identified. The Company determines the fair value by utilizing a present value cash flow calculation with an appropriate risk-adjusted discount rate.

The Company also reviews its definite-lived intangible assets for impairment when impairment indicators exist. When impairment indicators exist, the Company determines if the carrying value of its definite-lived intangible assets exceeds the related undiscounted future cash flows. In cases where the carrying value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the carrying value is written down to fair value in the period identified. In assessing fair value, the Company utilizes a present value cash flow calculation with an appropriate risk-adjusted discount rate. During 2011, the Company recognized impairment charges of $51.9 million primarily associated with customer relationship intangible assets (see Note 8). There was no impairment of the Company's intangible assets during fiscal years 2010 or 2009.

Product Warranties

Product Warranties: The Company offers a warranty on various products; the most significant of which relate to pacemaker and ICD systems. The Company estimates the costs that may be incurred under its warranties and records a liability in the amount of such costs at the time the product is sold. Factors that affect the Company's warranty liability include the number of units sold, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims and cost per claim. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary.

Changes in the Company's product warranty liability during fiscal years 2011 and 2010 were as follows (in thousands):

	2011			2010
Balance at beginning of year	$	25,127		$	19,911
Warranty expense recognized		15,120			7,442
Warranty credits issued		(4,100	)		(2,226	)
Balance at end of year	$	36,147		$	25,127

Product Liability

Product Liability: As a result of higher costs and increasing coverage limitations, effective June 16, 2009, the Company ceased purchasing product liability insurance. Based on historical loss trends, the Company accrues for product liability claims through its self-insurance program in effort to adequately cover future losses. Additionally, the Company accrues for product liability claims when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Receivables for insurance recoveries from prior product liability insurance coverage are recorded when it is probable that a recovery will be realized. The Company has not incurred a significant amount of product liability charges during fiscal years 2011, 2010 or 2009.

Litigation

Litigation: The Company accrues a liability for costs related to litigation, including future legal costs, settlements and judgments where it has assessed that a loss is probable and an amount can be reasonably estimated.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition: The Company sells its products to hospitals primarily through a direct sales force. In certain international markets, the Company sells its products through independent distributors. The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists, delivery of goods occurs through the transfer of title and risks and rewards of ownership, the selling price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. A portion of the Company's inventory is held by field sales representatives or consigned at hospitals. Revenue is recognized at the time the Company is notified that the inventory has been implanted or used by the customer. For products that are not consigned, revenue recognition occurs upon shipment to the hospital or, in the case of distributors, when title transfers under the contract. The Company offers sales rebates and discounts to certain customers. The Company records such rebates and discounts as a reduction of net sales in the same period revenue is recognized. The Company estimates rebates based on customers' contracted terms and historical sales experience.

Research And Development

Research and Development: Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs include product development costs, pre-approval regulatory costs and clinical research expenses.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation: The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation (ASC Topic 718). Under the fair value recognition provisions of ASC Topic 718, the Company measures stock-based compensation cost at the grant date fair value and recognizes the compensation expense over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period, using a straight-line attribution method.

The amount of stock-based compensation expense recognized during a period is based on the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. The Company estimates pre-vesting award forfeitures at the time of grant by analyzing historical data and revises those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Ultimately, the total expense recognized over the vesting period will only be for those awards that vest. The Company's awards are not eligible to vest early in the event of retirement, however, the majority of the Company's awards vest early in the event of a change in control.

Net Earnings Per Share

Net Earnings Per Share: Basic net earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares during the period, exclusive of restricted stock awards. Diluted net earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares and dilutive securities.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net earnings per share for fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	2011		2010		2009
Numerator:
Net earnings	$	825,793	$	907,436	$	777,226
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding		324,304		328,191		340,880
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options		2,649		2,297		3,456
Restricted stock units		138		—		—
Restricted stock awards		3		—		23
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		327,094		330,488		344,359
Basic net earnings per share	$	2.55	$	2.76	$	2.28
Diluted net earnings per share	$	2.52	$	2.75	$	2.26

Approximately 11.5 million, 18.3 million and 22.8 million shares of common stock subject to employee stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units were excluded from the diluted net earnings per share computation because they were not dilutive during fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation: Sales and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated at average exchange rates in effect throughout the year. Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated at period-end exchange rates with the impacts of foreign currency translation recognized to cumulative translation adjustment, a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in other income (expense).

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments: The Company follows the provisions of ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging (ASC Topic 815) to account for its derivative instruments and hedging activities. ASC Topic 815 requires all derivative financial instruments to be recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognized in net earnings or other comprehensive income depending on whether the derivative is designated as part of a qualifying hedge transaction.

The Company uses forward contracts to manage foreign currency exposures primarily related to intercompany receivables and payables arising from intercompany purchases of manufactured products. These forward contracts are not designated as qualifying hedges and therefore, the changes in the fair values of these derivatives are recognized in net earnings and classified in other income (expense). The gains and losses on these forward contracts largely offset the losses or gains on the foreign currency exposures being managed.

The Company has entered into interest rate swap contracts to hedge the risk of the change in the fair value of fixed-rate borrowings due to changes in the benchmark interest rate. As designated fair value hedges, changes in the value of the fair value hedge are recognized as an asset or liability, as applicable, offsetting the changes in the fair value of the hedged debt instrument. The Company has also periodically entered into interest rate swap contracts to hedge the risk to net earnings associated with movements in interest rates by converting variable-rate borrowings into fixed-rate borrowings. As designated cash flow hedges, the fair value of the swap contract is recognized as an asset or liability, as applicable, with the related unrealized gain (loss) recorded to other comprehensive income. The Company's swap contracts are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as a component of other current assets, other assets, other accrued expenses or other liabilities based on the gain or loss position of the contract and the contract maturity date.