- Definition

The aggregate costs incurred (1) in a planned search or critical investigation aimed at discovery of new knowledge with the hope that such knowledge will be useful in developing a new product or service, a new process or technique, or in bringing about a significant improvement to an existing product or process; or (2) to translate research findings or other knowledge into a plan or design for a new product or process or for a significant improvement to an existing product or process whether intended for sale or the entity's use, during the reporting period charged to research and development projects, including the costs of developing computer software up to the point in time of achieving technological feasibility, and costs allocated in accounting for a business combination to in-process projects deemed to have no alternative future use.

+ References+ Details

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 5 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013 Minimum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Minimum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Maximum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Maximum [Member]
Long-Lived Assets
Estimated Useful Life (in years)					3 years		5 years
Income Taxes
Percentage of likelihood of being sustained for uncertain tax position not to be recognized							50.00%
Product Warranties
Product Warranty Period				30 days		3 years
Research and Development
Research and development	$ 266,408	$ 251,519	$ 255,653