Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

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

Where the functional currency of the Company's foreign subsidiaries is the local currency, assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates on the balance sheet dates, and revenues and expenses are translated using average rates prevailing during the period. Accounts and transactions denominated in foreign currencies have been re-measured into functional currencies before translation into U.S. dollars. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included as a component of interest income and other, net. Gains and losses from foreign currency translation are included as a separate component of comprehensive income.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates:    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition:    The Company recognizes revenue when the following fundamental criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred and the title and risk of loss have been transferred, (iii) the sales price is fixed or determinable, and (iv) collection of resulting receivables is reasonably assured (or probable in the case of software). Standard products sold to distributors are subject to specific rights of return, and revenue recognition is deferred until the distributor sells the product to a third-party because the selling price is not fixed or determinable. Consideration given to customers, when offered, is primarily in the form of discounts and rebates and is accounted for as reductions to revenues in the same period the related sale is made. The amount of these reductions is based on historical rebate claims, specific criteria included in rebate agreements, and other factors known at the time.

Revenues from the licensing of the Company's intellectual property are recognized when the significant contractual obligations have been fulfilled and the fundamental revenue recognition criteria discussed above are met. The contractual terms of such licensing arrangements generally provide for payments over an extended period of time. The Company recognizes revenue from such arrangements when payments become due. Royalty revenues are recognized upon the sale of products subject to royalties and are recognized based upon reports received from licensees during the period, unless collectibility is not reasonably assured, in which case revenue is recognized when payment is received from the licensee.

Income/(Loss) per Share

Income/(Loss) per Share:    Basic income/(loss) per share is computed by dividing net income/(loss) available to common stockholders (numerator) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (denominator) during the period. Diluted income/(loss) per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common and potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method for outstanding stock options and restricted stock unit awards and the if-converted method for convertible notes. Under the treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options and employee stock purchase rights, the amount of compensation cost for future service that the Company has not yet recognized, and the amount of tax benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital when the award becomes deductible are assumed to be used to repurchase shares.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

Stock-Based Compensation Expense:    The estimated fair value of equity-based awards, including employee stock options, service-based restricted stock units and rights to purchase shares under the employee stock purchase plan, net of estimated forfeitures, is amortized over the award vesting periods on a straight-line basis. The estimated fair value of performance-based restricted stock units is amortized over the award vesting periods using a graded vesting schedule.

Cash Equivalents

Cash Equivalents:    All highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of 90 days or less are considered to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of highly liquid investments in overnight deposits and money-market funds.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:    Trade receivables are reported in the consolidated balance sheets reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts reflecting estimated losses resulting from receivables not considered to be collectible. The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated by evaluating customers' payment history and credit-worthiness as well as current economic and market trends.

Investments

Investments:    Available-for-sale investments include short-term marketable debt securities and long-term marketable equity securities of technology companies. Short-term marketable debt securities are reported at fair value and include all debt securities regardless of their maturity dates because of their highly liquid nature. Long-term marketable equity securities are reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on marketable debt and equity securities, net of related tax, are recorded as a separate component of comprehensive income in stockholders' equity until realized. Long-term non-marketable equity securities consist primarily of non-marketable common and preferred stock of technology companies and are recorded at cost. Pre-tax gains and losses on securities sold are determined based on the specific identification method and are included in interest income and other, net, in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company does not hold any of these securities for speculative or trading purposes.

Unrealized losses for all investments are evaluated to determine if they are other than temporary as follows:

• For marketable debt securities, if the fair value of a debt security is less than its amortized cost basis, the Company assesses whether impairment is other than temporary. Impairment is considered other than temporary if (i) the Company has the intent to sell the security, (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its entire amortized cost basis, or (iii) the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost of the security. If impairment is considered other than temporary based on conditions (i) or (ii), the entire difference between the amortized cost and the fair value of the security is recognized in earnings. If impairment is considered other than temporary based on condition (iii), the amount representing credit losses, defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis of the debt security, will be recognized in earnings and the amount relating to all other factors will be recognized in other comprehensive income. The Company evaluates both qualitative and quantitative factors, such as duration and severity of the unrealized loss, credit ratings, prepayment speeds, default and loss rates of the underlying collateral, structure and credit enhancements, to determine if a credit loss may exist.

• For marketable equity securities, the Company reviews the financial performance of each investee, industry performance, the outlook of each investee and the trading price of each security. An impairment loss is measured using the closing trading price of the marketable security on the date management determines that the investment is impaired and is recorded in interest income and other, net in the consolidated statements of operations.

• For non-marketable equity securities, the Company reviews recent financing activities of each investee, movements in equity value, venture capital markets, the investee's capital structure, liquidation preferences of the investee's capital and other economic variables. If an unrealized loss is determined to be other than temporary, a loss is generally measured by using pricing reflected in current rounds of financing and is recognized as a component of interest income and other, net, in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company does not estimate the fair values of non-marketable equity securities unless there are identified events or changes in circumstances that may have a significantly adverse effect on the investment.

Inventories

Inventories:    

are stated at the lower of cost or market, which approximate actual cost computed on a first-in, first-out basis. Inventory is written down when conditions indicate that the selling price could be less than the cost due to physical deterioration, obsolescence, changes in price levels or other causes. Inventory is also written down when inventory levels are in excess of the forecasted demand for the next 12 months, as judged by management, for each specific product. When inventory is written down, a new cost basis is established.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment:    Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as presented below:

Buildings and improvements	20-40 years
Equipment	3-5 years
Furniture and fixtures	5 years

Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed using the shorter of the remaining term of the related leases or the estimated useful lives of the improvements.

Business combinations

Business combinations:    Acquisitions made by the Company are accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Under this method, the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the results of operations of the acquired business are included in the Company's financial statements from the effective date of the acquisition.

Goodwill

Goodwill:    The Company evaluates the recoverability of goodwill annually in the fourth quarter or sooner if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. When the Company determines that there is an indicator that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable, the Company measures impairment based on estimates of future cash flows. Impairment, if any, is measured based on an implied fair value model that determines the carrying value of goodwill.

To evaluate the recoverability of goodwill, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of any of its reporting units is less than its carrying amount. The Company's qualitative assessment of the recoverability of goodwill, whether performed annually or based on specific events or circumstances, considers various macroeconomic, industry-specific and company-specific factors. Those factors include: (i) severe adverse industry or economic trends; (ii) significant company-specific actions, including exiting an activity in conjunction with restructuring of operations; (iii) current, historical or projected deterioration of the Company's financial performance; or (iv) a sustained decrease in the Company's market capitalization below its net book value. After assessing the totality of events and circumstances, if the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of any of its reporting units is less than its carrying amount, no further assessment is performed. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of any of its reporting units is less than its carrying amount, the Company calculates the fair value of that reporting unit and compares the fair value to the reporting unit's net book value. If the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its net book value, there is no impairment. Otherwise, the Company calculates the implied fair value of goodwill by deducting the fair value of all tangible and intangible assets, excluding goodwill, of the reporting unit from the fair value of the reporting unit. The implied fair value of goodwill is compared to the carrying value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the difference.

In determining the fair values of its reporting units, the Company relies solely on a discounted cash-flow analysis. The Company does research and analyzes peer multiples for comparison purposes, but does not rely directly upon such data due to the lack of specific comparability between the peer companies and its reporting units. Instead the Company employs the peer multiple data as a general check on the results of its discounted cash-flow analysis. The material assumptions used in performing the discounted cash-flow analysis include forecasts of expected future cash flows, including elements such as revenues, cost of sales, operating expenses, tax expenses, working capital, investment and capital expenditures. Key assumptions also include expected near- and long-term growth rates, as well as expected profitability levels and capital investment. Since the forecasted cash flows of the business, as well as those allocated to individual assets, need to be discounted to present value in order to arrive at estimates of fair value, discount rates must also be estimated and applied in the valuation models. These discount rates are based on estimates of a market weighted-average cost-of-capital for the reporting unit, with adjustments made to account for the relative risk of individual assets valued.

Identified Intangible Assets

Identified Intangible Assets:    Identified intangible assets subject to amortization are amortized over the periods during which they are expected to contribute to the Company's future cash flows. The Company assesses the recoverability of its identified intangible assets based on management's estimates of undiscounted projected future operating cash flows compared to the net book value of the identified intangible assets. In cases where the net book value exceeds undiscounted projected future operating cash flows, impairment exists. The impairment charge is measured as the difference between the net book value of the identified intangible assets and the fair value of such assets. The fair value is determined using a discounted cash-flow approach for each asset grouping.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-Lived Assets:    The Company evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. The determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. In the event such cash flows are not expected to be sufficient to recover the recorded value of the assets, the assets are written down to their estimated fair values. When assets are removed from operations and held for sale, the impairment loss is estimated as the excess of the carrying value of the assets over their fair value.

Retirement Benefits

Retirement Benefits:    Post-retirement assets and liabilities are estimates of benefits that the Company expects to pay to eligible retirees. The Company considers various factors in determining the value of its post-retirement net assets, including the number of employees that the Company expects to receive benefits and other actuarial assumptions.

For defined benefit pension plans, the Company considers various factors in determining its pension liability and net period benefit cost, including the number of employees that the Company expects to receive benefits, their salary levels and years of service, the expected return on plan assets, the discount rate, the timing of the payment of benefits, and other actuarial assumptions. If the actual results and events of the pension plan differ from the Company's current assumptions, the benefit obligations may be over- or under-valued.

The key benefit plan assumptions are the discount rate and the expected rate of return on plan assets. The assumptions discussed below are for the U.S. retirement benefit plans. For the international plans, the Company chose assumptions specific to each country.

The discount rate the Company uses is based on a cash-flow analysis using the Citigroup Pension Discount Curve and the Citigroup Above Median Pension Discount Curve as of the measurement date. The Company bases the salary increase assumptions on historical experience and future expectations. In developing the expected rate of return, the Company considers long-term compound annualized returns based on historical market data, historical and expected returns on the various categories of plan assets, and the target investment portfolio allocation among debt, equity securities and other investments.

Fair Value Disclosures of Financial Instruments

Fair Value Disclosures of Financial Instruments:    GAAP defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. GAAP also establishes 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 Company's financial assets and financial liabilities recorded at fair value have been categorized based upon the following three levels of inputs:

Level 1 — Unadjusted, quoted prices in active, accessible markets for identical assets or liabilities. The Company's investments in marketable equity securities, money-market funds and mutual funds that are traded in active exchange markets, as well as certain U.S. Treasury securities that are highly liquid and are actively traded in over-the-counter markets, are classified under Level 1.

Level 2 — Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; 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. The Company's investments in U.S. government and agency securities, commercial paper, corporate debt securities, U.S. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities and asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are traded less frequently than exchange-traded securities and are valued using inputs that include quoted prices for similar assets in active markets and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset, such as interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, collateral performance, broker/dealer quotes and indices that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Foreign exchange forward contracts traded in the over-the-counter markets are valued using market transactions or broker quotations. As such, these derivative instruments are classified within Level 2. The Company's investments in commingled funds are valued based on the net asset value per share of each investment at the measurement date. Commingled funds are classified as Level 2 as the Company could redeem these investments with the sponsoring investment management organizations at least monthly.

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.

The Company determines the estimated fair value of financial instruments using the market approach and the income approach as considered to be appropriate. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. The income approach uses discounted cash flow models by considering market expectations about future cash flows and other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. Considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies could have a significant effect on the estimated fair value amounts. The fair values of investments and derivative instruments are based on market data. Carrying amounts of accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these financial instruments.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments:    All of the Company's derivative instruments are recognized as assets or liabilities and measured at fair value. Derivative instruments that hedge the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows of forecasted transactions qualify as cash flow hedges. Changes in the fair value of these cash flow hedges that are highly effective are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings during the period in which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The changes in fair value of derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges and the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges are recognized immediately in earnings.

The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as cash-flow hedges to specific forecasted transactions. The Company also assesses, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged items.

The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as cash-flow hedges to specific forecasted transactions. The Company also assesses, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged items.

The Company would discontinue hedge accounting prospectively when it is determined that the cash flow hedge is not highly effective, the derivative expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, or it is unlikely that the forecasted transaction will occur in the initial identified time period or within a subsequent two-month time period. Gains and losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income for such derivatives would be reclassified immediately into earnings unless it is probable that the forecasted transaction will occur within the subsequent two-month period. Any subsequent changes in fair value of such derivative instruments are reflected immediately in earnings.

Concentration of Credit Risk of Financial Instruments

Concentration of Credit Risk of Financial Instruments:    Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to credit risk include cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts receivable. Cash equivalents and short-term investments are maintained with high quality institutions, and their composition and maturities are regularly monitored by management. The Company diversifies its investments to reduce the exposure to loss from any single issuer, sector, bank or mutual fund. A majority of the Company's trade receivables are derived from sales to large, multinational computer, communication, networking and storage manufacturers, with the remainder distributed across other industries. As of December 31, 2011, one customer accounted for 36.6% of trade receivables, and as of December 31, 2010, three customers accounted for 21.2%, 16.8% and 12.2% of trade receivables. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to all other trade receivables are considered to be limited due to the quantity of customers comprising the Company's customer base and their dispersion across industries and geographies. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition and requires collateral as considered necessary. Write-offs of uncollectible amounts have not been significant.

Product Warranties

Product Warranties:    The Company warrants finished goods against defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service generally for periods of one to three years. A liability for estimated future costs under product warranties is recorded when products are shipped.

Litigation and Settlement Costs

Litigation and Settlement Costs:    The Company is involved in legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company records an estimated loss for a loss contingency when both of the following conditions are met: (i) information available prior to issuance of the financial statements indicates that it is probable that an asset had been impaired or a liability had been incurred at the date of the financial statements, and (ii) the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes:    The calculation of the Company's tax provision involves the application of complex tax rules and regulations in multiple jurisdictions throughout the world. The Company makes estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense for financial statement purposes. These estimates and judgments are made in the calculation of tax credits, benefits and deductions, and in the calculation of certain tax assets and liabilities arising from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes, as well as tax liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions. Significant changes to these estimates may result in an increase or a decrease to the Company's tax provision in a subsequent period.

The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only when it is more likely than not that these positions will be sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities. Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company considers future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance. The Company uses the flow-through method to account for investment tax credits. Under this method, a credit is recognized as a reduction of income tax expense in the year the credit is utilized.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Pronouncements not yet effective:

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued additional guidance on fair value measurements and related disclosures. The new guidance clarifies the application of existing guidance on fair value measurement for non-financial assets and requires the disclosure of quantitative information about the unobservable inputs used in a fair value measurement. This guidance is effective on a prospective basis for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have any impact on the Company's results of operations or financial position.

In June 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance regarding the presentation of comprehensive income. The amended guidance gives an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amended guidance eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity. This guidance is effective on a retrospective basis for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have any impact on the Company's results of operations or financial position.

Pronouncements adopted during 2011:

In October 2009, the FASB amended revenue recognition guidance on multiple-deliverable arrangements to address how to separate deliverables and how to measure and allocate arrangement consideration. The new guidance requires the use of management's best estimate of selling price for the deliverables in an arrangement when a vendor does not have specific objective evidence of selling price or third party evidence of selling price. In addition, excluding specific software revenue guidance, the residual method of allocating arrangement consideration is no longer permitted, and an entity is required to allocate arrangement consideration using the relative selling price method. This guidance also expands the disclosure requirements to include both quantitative and qualitative information. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2011. The adoption did not impact the Company's results of operations or financial position.

In October 2009, the FASB issued guidance to clarify that tangible products containing software components and non-software components that function together to deliver a product's essential functionality will be considered non-software deliverables and will be scoped out of the software revenue recognition guidance. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2011. The adoption did not impact the Company's results of operations or financial position.

In December 2010, the FASB issued guidance to clarify that, when presenting comparative financial statements for business combinations that occurred during the current year, a public entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combinations had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period. The update also expands the supplemental pro forma disclosures to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2011. The adoption did not impact the Company's results of operations or financial position.

In September 2011, the FASB amended the goodwill impairment guidance to provide an option for entities to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. After assessing the totality of events and circumstances, if an entity determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, performance of the two-step impairment test is no longer required. This guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The Company elected to adopt this guidance for its annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2011. The adoption did not impact the Company's results of operations or financial position.