SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Fiscal Year	Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to the last day of March. Fiscal years 2012 and 2011 each includes 52 weeks with each quarter having 13 weeks. Fiscal year 2010 includes 53 weeks with each of the first three quarters having 13 weeks and the fourth quarter having 14 weeks.
Principles of Consolidation	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include all accounts including those of our subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could vary from the amounts derived from our estimates and assumptions.
Reclassifications	Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years’ amounts to conform to the current year’s presentation.
Revenue Recognition	Our revenue recognition policy is to recognize revenues from product sales, software and services in accordance with ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and ASC Topic 985-605, Software. These standards require that revenues are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, product delivery, including customer acceptance, has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. When more than one element such as equipment, disposables, and services are contained in a single arrangement, we allocate revenue between the elements based on each element’s relative selling price, provided that each element meets the criteria for treatment as a separate unit of accounting. An item is considered a separate unit of accounting if it has value to the customer on a stand-alone basis. The selling price of the undelivered elements is determined by the price charged when the element is sold separately, or in cases when the item is not sold separately, by third-party evidence of selling price or by management's best estimate of selling price. For our software arrangements accounted for under the provisions of ASC 985-605, Software, we establish fair value of undelivered elements based upon vendor specific objective evidence.
Product Revenues	Product sales consist of the sale of our equipment devices and the related disposables used with these devices. On product sales to end customers, revenue is recognized when both the title and risk of loss have transferred to the customer as determined by the shipping terms and all obligations have been completed. For product sales to distributors, we recognize revenue for both equipment and disposables upon shipment of these products to our distributors. Our standard contracts with our distributors state that title to the equipment passes to the distributors at point of shipment to a distributor’s location. The distributors are responsible for shipment to the end customer along with installation, training and acceptance of the equipment by the end customer. All shipments to distributors are at contract prices and payment is not contingent upon resale of the product.
Collection of Taxes from Customers	We are required to collect sales or valued added taxes in connection with the sale of certain of our products. We report revenues net of these amounts as they are promptly remitted to the relevant taxing authority.
Software Solutions and Services Revenues	Our software solutions business provides support to our plasma and blood collection customers and hospitals. Through our Haemonetics Software Solutions unit, we provide information technology platforms and technical support for donor recruitment, blood and plasma testing laboratories, and for efficient and compliant operations of blood and plasma collection centers. For plasma customers, we also provide information technology platforms for managing distribution of plasma from collection centers to plasma fractionation facilities. Our software solutions revenues also include revenue from software sales which includes per collection or monthly subscription fees for the license and support of the software as well as hosting services. With the acquisition of Global Med, a significant portion of our software sales are perpetual licenses typically accompanied with significant implementation service fees related to software customization as well as other professional and technical service fees. We generally recognize revenue from the sale of perpetual licenses on a percentage-of-completion basis which requires us to make reasonable estimates of the extent of progress toward completion of the contract. These arrangements most often include providing customized implementation services to our customer. We also provide other services, including in some instances hosting, technical support, and maintenance, for the payment of periodic, monthly, or quarterly fees. We recognize these fees and charges as earned, typically as these services are provided during the contract period.
Translation of Foreign Currencies	All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated at the rate of exchange at year-end while sales and expenses are translated at an average rate in effect during the year. The net effect of these translation adjustments is shown in the accompanying financial statements as a component of stockholders' equity. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses, including those resulting from inter-company transactions, are included in other income, net on the consolidated statements of income.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash equivalents include various instruments such as money market funds, U.S. government obligations and commercial paper with maturities of three months or less at date of acquisition. Cash and cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair market value. As of March 31, 2012, our cash and cash equivalents consisted of investments in United States Government Agency and Institutional Money Market Funds.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	We establish a specific allowance for customers when it is probable that they will not be able to meet their financial obligation. Customer accounts are reviewed individually on a regular basis and appropriate reserves are established as deemed appropriate. We also maintain a general reserve using a percentage that is established based upon the age of our receivables. We establish allowances for balances not yet due and past due accounts based on past experience.
Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Sales to one unaffiliated Japanese customer, the Japanese Red Cross Society, amounted to $99.5 million, $95.9 million, and $92.6 million for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Accounts receivable balances attributable to this customer accounted for 15.3%, 13.7%, and 12.6% of our consolidated accounts receivable at fiscal year ended 2012, 2011, and 2010. Sales to another global healthcare customer, "Customer B", amounted to $79.9 million in fiscal 2012. Accounts receivable balances attributable to this customer accounted for 6.6% of our consolidated accounts receivable at fiscal year ended 2012. While the accounts receivable related to the Japanese Red Cross Society and Customer B may be significant, we do not believe the credit loss risk to be significant given the consistent payment history by these customers. Certain other markets and industries can expose us to concentrations of credit risk. For example, in our commercial plasma business, our sales are concentrated with several large customers. As a result, our accounts receivable extended to any one of these commercial plasma customers can be somewhat significant at any point in time. Also, a portion of our trade accounts receivable outside the United States include sales to government-owned or supported healthcare systems in several countries, which are subject to payment delays. Payment is dependent upon the financial stability and creditworthiness of those countries’ national economies. We have not incurred significant losses on government receivables. We continually evaluate all government receivables for potential collection risks associated with the availability of government funding and reimbursement practices. If the financial condition of customers or the countries’ healthcare systems deteriorate such that their ability to make payments is uncertain, allowances may be required in future periods. Deteriorating credit and economic conditions in parts of Western Europe, particularly in Italy where our net accounts receivable was $21.0 million as of March 31, 2012 and $20.4 million as of April 2, 2011, may increase the average length of time it takes us to collect our accounts receivable in certain regions within these countries.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Intangible assets acquired in a business combination, including licensed technology, are recorded under the purchase method of accounting at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and other identifiable intangible assets acquired. We amortize our other intangible assets over their useful lives using the estimated economic benefit method, as applicable. Goodwill is not amortized. Instead goodwill is reviewed for impairment at least annually in accordance with ASC Topic 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other. We perform our annual impairment test on the first day of the fiscal fourth quarter for each of our reporting units. The test is based on a discounted cash flow analysis for each reporting unit. The test showed no evidence of impairment to our goodwill for either fiscal 2012, 2011 or 2010 and demonstrated that the fair value of each reporting unit significantly exceeded the reporting unit’s carrying value in each period. We review our intangible assets, subject to amortization, and their related useful lives periodically to determine if any adverse conditions exist that would indicate the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable. Our review includes examination of whether certain conditions exist, including: a change in the competitive landscape, any internal decisions to pursue new or different technology strategies, a loss of a significant customer, or a significant change in the market place including changes in the prices paid for our products or changes in the size of the market for our products. An impairment loss results if the carrying value of the asset exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset. Fair value is determined using different methodologies depending upon the nature of the underlying asset. If the estimate of an intangible asset’s remaining useful life is changed, the remaining carrying amount of the intangible asset is amortized prospectively over the revised remaining useful life.
Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed	ASC Topic 985-20, Software, specifies that costs incurred internally in researching and developing a computer software product should be charged to expense until technological feasibility has been established for the product. Once technological feasibility is established, all software costs should be capitalized until the product is available for general release to customers. Technological feasibility is established when we have a detailed design of the software and when research and development activities on the underlying device, if applicable, are completed. We review the net realizable value of capitalized assets periodically to assess the recoverability of amounts capitalized. In the future, the net realizable value may be adversely affected by the loss of a significant customer or a significant change in the market place, which could result in an impairment being recorded. At the end of fiscal 2010, based on a review of ongoing development plans for our next generation platelet apheresis products (Portico), we abandoned and wrote off $12.2 million associated with previously capitalized software development costs. Additionally, in connection with the acquisition of Global Med we elected to no longer market the Symphony blood center donation management system in favor of Global Med’s El Dorado application. As a result, we wrote off the carrying value of the Symphony intangible asset totaling approximately $3.5 million.
Other Liabilities	Other liabilities represent items payable within the next twelve months.
Research and Development Expenses	All research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Advertising Costs	All advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of income.
Accounting for Shipping and Handling Costs	Shipping and handling costs are included in costs of goods sold with the exception of $10.9 million for fiscal 2012, $9.7 million for fiscal 2011, and $11.2 million for fiscal 2010 that are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Freight is classified in cost of goods sold when the customer is charged for freight and in selling, general and administration when the customer is not explicitly charged for freight.
Income Taxes	The income tax provision is calculated for all jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating actual current taxes due plus assessing temporary differences arising from differing treatment for tax and accounting purposes that are recorded as deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are periodically evaluated to determine their recoverability and a valuation allowance is established with a corresponding additional income tax provision recorded in our consolidated statements of income if their recovery is not considered more likely than not. The provision for income taxes could also be materially impacted if actual taxes due differ from our earlier estimates. We record a liability for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns. Uncertain tax positions are unrecognized tax benefits for which reserves have been established. Our financial statements reflect expected future tax consequences of such positions presuming the taxing authorities’ full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. We file income tax returns in all jurisdictions in which we operate. We establish reserves to provide for additional income taxes that may be due in future years as these previously filed tax returns are audited. These reserves have been established based on management’s assessment as to the potential exposure attributable to permanent differences and interest applicable to both permanent and temporary differences. All tax reserves are analyzed periodically and adjustments are made as events occur that warrant modification.
Foreign Currency	We recognize all derivative financial instruments in our consolidated financial statements at fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. In accordance with ASC Topic 815, for those derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, the hedging instrument must be designated, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a fair value hedge, cash flow hedge, or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. The accounting for changes in the fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship. The gains or losses on the forward exchange contracts designated as hedges are recorded in net revenues, cost of goods sold, and operating expenses in our consolidated statements of income when the underlying hedged transaction affects earnings. The cash flows related to the gains and losses are classified in the consolidated statements of cash flows as part of cash flows from operating activities. For those derivative instruments that are not designated as part of a hedging relationship we record the gains or losses in earnings currently. These gains and losses are intended to offset the gains and losses recorded on net monetary assets or liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies. The Company recorded foreign currency losses of $0.4 million, $1.4 million, and $2.2 million in fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Our derivative instruments do not subject our earnings or cash flows to material risk, as gains and losses on these derivatives are intended to offset losses and gains on the item being hedged. We do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes and we do not have any non-derivative instruments that are designated as hedging instruments pursuant to ASC Topic 815.
Stock-Based Compensation	We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to calculate the grant-date fair value of our stock options. The following assumptions, which involve the use of judgment by management, are used in the computation of the grant-date fair value of our stock options: Expected Volatility — We have principally used our historical volatility as a basis to estimate expected volatility in our valuation of stock options. Expected Term — We estimate the expected term of our options using historical exercise and forfeiture data. We believe that this historical data is currently the best estimate of the expected term of our new option grants. Additionally, after determining the fair value of our stock options, we use judgment in establishing an estimated forfeiture rate, to determine the amount of stock based compensation to record each period: Estimated Forfeiture Rate — We have applied, based on an analysis of our historical forfeitures, an annual forfeiture rate which represents the portion that we expect will be forfeited each year over the vesting period. We reevaluate this analysis periodically and adjust the forfeiture rate as necessary. Ultimately, we will only recognize expense for those shares that vest.
Valuation of Acquisitions	We allocate the amounts we pay for each acquisition to the assets we acquire and liabilities we assume based on their estimated fair values at the dates of acquisition, including acquired identifiable intangible assets. We base the estimated fair value of identifiable intangible assets on detailed valuations that use historical information and market assumptions based upon the assumptions of a market participant. We allocate any excess purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired to goodwill. The use of alternative valuation assumptions, including estimated cash flows and discount rates, and alternative estimated useful life assumptions could result in different purchase price allocations and intangible asset amortization expense in current and future periods. In certain acquisitions, we have earn-out arrangements or contingent consideration to provide potential future payments to the seller for achieving certain agreed-upon financial targets. We record the contingent consideration at its fair value at the acquisition date. Generally, we have entered into arrangements with contingent consideration that require payments in cash. As such, each quarter, we revalue the contingent consideration obligations associated with certain acquisitions to their then fair value and record the change in the fair value as contingent consideration income or expense. Increases or decreases in the fair value of the contingent consideration obligations can result from changes in assumed discount periods and rates, changes in the assumed timing and amount of revenue and expense estimates, and changes in assumed probability adjustments with respect to regulatory approval. Significant judgment is employed in determining the appropriateness of these assumptions as of the acquisition date and for each subsequent period. Accordingly, future business and economic conditions, as well as changes in any of the assumptions described above, can materially impact the amount of contingent consideration income or expense we record in any given period.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]

Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to the last day of March. Fiscal years 2012 and 2011 each includes 52 weeks with each quarter having 13 weeks. Fiscal year 2010 includes 53 weeks with each of the first three quarters having 13 weeks and the fourth quarter having 14 weeks.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include all accounts including those of our subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could vary from the amounts derived from our estimates and assumptions.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years’ amounts to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Revenue Recognition

Our revenue recognition policy is to recognize revenues from product sales, software and services in accordance with ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and ASC Topic 985-605, Software. These standards require that revenues are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, product delivery, including customer acceptance, has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. When more than one element such as equipment, disposables, and services are contained in a single arrangement, we allocate revenue between the elements based on each element’s relative selling price, provided that each element meets the criteria for treatment as a separate unit of accounting. An item is considered a separate unit of accounting if it has value to the customer on a stand-alone basis. The selling price of the undelivered elements is determined by the price charged when the element is sold separately, or in cases when the item is not sold separately, by third-party evidence of selling price or by management's best estimate of selling price. For our software arrangements accounted for under the provisions of ASC 985-605, Software, we establish fair value of undelivered elements based upon vendor specific objective evidence.

Product Revenues

Product sales consist of the sale of our equipment devices and the related disposables used with these devices. On product sales to end customers, revenue is recognized when both the title and risk of loss have transferred to the customer as determined by the shipping terms and all obligations have been completed. For product sales to distributors, we recognize revenue for both equipment and disposables upon shipment of these products to our distributors. Our standard contracts with our distributors state that title to the equipment passes to the distributors at point of shipment to a distributor’s location. The distributors are responsible for shipment to the end customer along with installation, training and acceptance of the equipment by the end customer. All shipments to distributors are at contract prices and payment is not contingent upon resale of the product.

Collection of Taxes from Customers

We are required to collect sales or valued added taxes in connection with the sale of certain of our products. We report revenues net of these amounts as they are promptly remitted to the relevant taxing authority.

Software Solutions and Services Revenues

Our software solutions business provides support to our plasma and blood collection customers and hospitals. Through our Haemonetics Software Solutions unit, we provide information technology platforms and technical support for donor recruitment, blood and plasma testing laboratories, and for efficient and compliant operations of blood and plasma collection centers. For plasma customers, we also provide information technology platforms for managing distribution of plasma from collection centers to plasma fractionation facilities.

Our software solutions revenues also include revenue from software sales which includes per collection or monthly subscription fees for the license and support of the software as well as hosting services. With the acquisition of Global Med, a significant portion of our software sales are perpetual licenses typically accompanied with significant implementation service fees related to software customization as well as other professional and technical service fees.

We generally recognize revenue from the sale of perpetual licenses on a percentage-of-completion basis which requires us to make reasonable estimates of the extent of progress toward completion of the contract. These arrangements most often include providing customized implementation services to our customer. We also provide other services, including in some instances hosting, technical support, and maintenance, for the payment of periodic, monthly, or quarterly fees. We recognize these fees and charges as earned, typically as these services are provided during the contract period.

Translation of Foreign Currencies

All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated at the rate of exchange at year-end while sales and expenses are translated at an average rate in effect during the year. The net effect of these translation adjustments is shown in the accompanying financial statements as a component of stockholders' equity. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses, including those resulting from inter-company transactions, are included in other income, net on the consolidated statements of income.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents include various instruments such as money market funds, U.S. government obligations and commercial paper with maturities of three months or less at date of acquisition. Cash and cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair market value. As of March 31, 2012, our cash and cash equivalents consisted of investments in United States Government Agency and Institutional Money Market Funds.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We establish a specific allowance for customers when it is probable that they will not be able to meet their financial obligation. Customer accounts are reviewed individually on a regular basis and appropriate reserves are established as deemed appropriate. We also maintain a general reserve using a percentage that is established based upon the age of our receivables. We establish allowances for balances not yet due and past due accounts based on past experience.

Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Sales to one unaffiliated Japanese customer, the Japanese Red Cross Society, amounted to $99.5 million, $95.9 million, and $92.6 million for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Accounts receivable balances attributable to this customer accounted for 15.3%, 13.7%, and 12.6% of our consolidated accounts receivable at fiscal year ended 2012, 2011, and 2010. Sales to another global healthcare customer, "Customer B", amounted to $79.9 million in fiscal 2012. Accounts receivable balances attributable to this customer accounted for 6.6% of our consolidated accounts receivable at fiscal year ended 2012. While the accounts receivable related to the Japanese Red Cross Society and Customer B may be significant, we do not believe the credit loss risk to be significant given the consistent payment history by these customers.

Certain other markets and industries can expose us to concentrations of credit risk. For example, in our commercial plasma business, our sales are concentrated with several large customers. As a result, our accounts receivable extended to any one of these commercial plasma customers can be somewhat significant at any point in time. Also, a portion of our trade accounts receivable outside the United States include sales to government-owned or supported healthcare systems in several countries, which are subject to payment delays. Payment is dependent upon the financial stability and creditworthiness of those countries’ national economies. We have not incurred significant losses on government receivables. We continually evaluate all government receivables for potential collection risks associated with the availability of government funding and reimbursement practices. If the financial condition of customers or the countries’ healthcare systems deteriorate such that their ability to make payments is uncertain, allowances may be required in future periods.

Deteriorating credit and economic conditions in parts of Western Europe, particularly in Italy where our net accounts receivable was $21.0 million as of March 31, 2012 and $20.4 million as of April 2, 2011, may increase the average length of time it takes us to collect our accounts receivable in certain regions within these countries.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Intangible assets acquired in a business combination, including licensed technology, are recorded under the purchase method of accounting at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and other identifiable intangible assets acquired. We amortize our other intangible assets over their useful lives using the estimated economic benefit method, as applicable.

Goodwill is not amortized. Instead goodwill is reviewed for impairment at least annually in accordance with ASC Topic 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other. We perform our annual impairment test on the first day of the fiscal fourth quarter for each of our reporting units. The test is based on a discounted cash flow analysis for each reporting unit. The test showed no evidence of impairment to our goodwill for either fiscal 2012, 2011 or 2010 and demonstrated that the fair value of each reporting unit significantly exceeded the reporting unit’s carrying value in each period.

We review our intangible assets, subject to amortization, and their related useful lives periodically to determine if any adverse conditions exist that would indicate the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable. Our review includes examination of whether certain conditions exist, including: a change in the competitive landscape, any internal decisions to pursue new or different technology strategies, a loss of a significant customer, or a significant change in the market place including changes in the prices paid for our products or changes in the size of the market for our products.

An impairment loss results if the carrying value of the asset exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset. Fair value is determined using different methodologies depending upon the nature of the underlying asset. If the estimate of an intangible asset’s remaining useful life is changed, the remaining carrying amount of the intangible asset is amortized prospectively over the revised remaining useful life.

Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed

ASC Topic 985-20, Software, specifies that costs incurred internally in researching and developing a computer software product should be charged to expense until technological feasibility has been established for the product. Once technological feasibility is established, all software costs should be capitalized until the product is available for general release to customers. Technological feasibility is established when we have a detailed design of the software and when research and development activities on the underlying device, if applicable, are completed.

We review the net realizable value of capitalized assets periodically to assess the recoverability of amounts capitalized. In the future, the net realizable value may be adversely affected by the loss of a significant customer or a significant change in the market place, which could result in an impairment being recorded.

At the end of fiscal 2010, based on a review of ongoing development plans for our next generation platelet apheresis products (Portico), we abandoned and wrote off $12.2 million associated with previously capitalized software development costs. Additionally, in connection with the acquisition of Global Med we elected to no longer market the Symphony blood center donation management system in favor of Global Med’s El Dorado application. As a result, we wrote off the carrying value of the Symphony intangible asset totaling approximately $3.5 million.

Other Liabilities

Other liabilities represent items payable within the next twelve months.

Research and Development Expenses

All research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

Advertising Costs

All advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of income.

Accounting for Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are included in costs of goods sold with the exception of $10.9 million for fiscal 2012, $9.7 million for fiscal 2011, and $11.2 million for fiscal 2010 that are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Freight is classified in cost of goods sold when the customer is charged for freight and in selling, general and administration when the customer is not explicitly charged for freight.

Income Taxes

The income tax provision is calculated for all jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating actual current taxes due plus assessing temporary differences arising from differing treatment for tax and accounting purposes that are recorded as deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are periodically evaluated to determine their recoverability and a valuation allowance is established with a corresponding additional income tax provision recorded in our consolidated statements of income if their recovery is not considered more likely than not. The provision for income taxes could also be materially impacted if actual taxes due differ from our earlier estimates.

We record a liability for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns. Uncertain tax positions are unrecognized tax benefits for which reserves have been established. Our financial statements reflect expected future tax consequences of such positions presuming the taxing authorities’ full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts.

We file income tax returns in all jurisdictions in which we operate. We establish reserves to provide for additional income taxes that may be due in future years as these previously filed tax returns are audited. These reserves have been established based on management’s assessment as to the potential exposure attributable to permanent differences and interest applicable to both permanent and temporary differences. All tax reserves are analyzed periodically and adjustments are made as events occur that warrant modification.

Foreign Currency

We recognize all derivative financial instruments in our consolidated financial statements at fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. In accordance with ASC Topic 815, for those derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, the hedging instrument must be designated, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a fair value hedge, cash flow hedge, or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation.

The accounting for changes in the fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship. The gains or losses on the forward exchange contracts designated as hedges are recorded in net revenues, cost of goods sold, and operating expenses in our consolidated statements of income when the underlying hedged transaction affects earnings. The cash flows related to the gains and losses are classified in the consolidated statements of cash flows as part of cash flows from operating activities. For those derivative instruments that are not designated as part of a hedging relationship we record the gains or losses in earnings currently. These gains and losses are intended to offset the gains and losses recorded on net monetary assets or liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies. The Company recorded foreign currency losses of $0.4 million, $1.4 million, and $2.2 million in fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Our derivative instruments do not subject our earnings or cash flows to material risk, as gains and losses on these derivatives are intended to offset losses and gains on the item being hedged. We do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes and we do not have any non-derivative instruments that are designated as hedging instruments pursuant to ASC Topic 815.

Stock-Based Compensation

We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to calculate the grant-date fair value of our stock options. The following assumptions, which involve the use of judgment by management, are used in the computation of the grant-date fair value of our stock options:

Expected Volatility — We have principally used our historical volatility as a basis to estimate expected volatility in our valuation of stock options.

Expected Term — We estimate the expected term of our options using historical exercise and forfeiture data. We believe that this historical data is currently the best estimate of the expected term of our new option grants.

Additionally, after determining the fair value of our stock options, we use judgment in establishing an estimated forfeiture rate, to determine the amount of stock based compensation to record each period:

Estimated Forfeiture Rate — We have applied, based on an analysis of our historical forfeitures, an annual forfeiture rate which represents the portion that we expect will be forfeited each year over the vesting period. We reevaluate this analysis periodically and adjust the forfeiture rate as necessary. Ultimately, we will only recognize expense for those shares that vest.

Valuation of Acquisitions

We allocate the amounts we pay for each acquisition to the assets we acquire and liabilities we assume based on their estimated fair values at the dates of acquisition, including acquired identifiable intangible assets. We base the estimated fair value of identifiable intangible assets on detailed valuations that use historical information and market assumptions based upon the assumptions of a market participant. We allocate any excess purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired to goodwill. The use of alternative valuation assumptions, including estimated cash flows and discount rates, and alternative estimated useful life assumptions could result in different purchase price allocations and intangible asset amortization expense in current and future periods.

In certain acquisitions, we have earn-out arrangements or contingent consideration to provide potential future payments to the seller for achieving certain agreed-upon financial targets. We record the contingent consideration at its fair value at the acquisition date. Generally, we have entered into arrangements with contingent consideration that require payments in cash. As such, each quarter, we revalue the contingent consideration obligations associated with certain acquisitions to their then fair value and record the change in the fair value as contingent consideration income or expense. Increases or decreases in the fair value of the contingent consideration obligations can result from changes in assumed discount periods and rates, changes in the assumed timing and amount of revenue and expense estimates, and changes in assumed probability adjustments with respect to regulatory approval. Significant judgment is employed in determining the appropriateness of these assumptions as of the acquisition date and for each subsequent period. Accordingly, future business and economic conditions, as well as changes in any of the assumptions described above, can materially impact the amount of contingent consideration income or expense we record in any given period.