SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Management's Use of Estimates and Assumptions	Management's Use of Estimates and Assumptions The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). In connection with the preparation of our financial statements, the Company is required to make assumptions and estimates about future events, and apply judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, net revenues, expenses, and the related disclosures. The Company bases its assumptions, estimates, and judgments on historical experience, current trends, future expectations, and other factors that management believes to be relevant at the time the consolidated financial statements are prepared. On an ongoing basis, the Company reviews its accounting policies, assumptions, estimates, and judgments, including those related to revenue and related reserves and allowances, inventory valuation, product warranty obligations, the useful lives of long-lived assets including property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, investment fair values, stock-based compensation, goodwill, income taxes, contingencies, and restructuring charges, to ensure that the consolidated financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from the Company's assumptions and estimates.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Plantronics and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company has included the results of operations of acquired companies from the date of acquisition. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Fiscal Year	Fiscal Year The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to the last day of March. Fiscal Years 2018 and 2017 each had 52 weeks and ended on March 31, 2018 and April 1, 2017, respectively. Fiscal Year 2016 had 53 weeks and ended on April 2, 2016. For purposes of presentation, the Company has indicated its accounting fiscal year as ending on March 31.
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments All highly liquid investments with initial stated maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase are classified as cash equivalents. The Company classifies its investments as either short-term or long-term based on each instrument's underlying effective maturity date and reasonable expectations with regard to sales and redemptions of the instruments. All short-term investments have effective maturities less than 12 months, while all long-term investments have effective maturities greater than 12 months. The Company may sell its investments prior to their stated maturities for strategic purposes, in anticipation of credit deterioration, or for duration management. During the year ended March, 31, 2018, we sold our long-term investments and recognized a loss on sale of approximately $1.2 million. As of March 31, 2018, with the exception of assets related to the Company's deferred compensation plan and classified as trading securities, all investments were classified as available-for-sale, with unrealized gains and losses recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") in stockholders’ equity. The specific identification method is used to determine the cost of disposed securities, with realized gains and losses reflected in other non-operating income and (expense), net. For investments with an unrealized loss, the factors considered in the review include the credit quality of the issuer, the duration that the fair value has been less than the adjusted cost basis, severity of impairment, reason for the decline in value and potential recovery period, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investees, and whether the Company would be required to sell an investment due to liquidity or contractual reasons before its anticipated recovery. Foreign Currency Derivatives The Company accounts for its derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities and carries them at fair value. Derivative foreign currency contracts are valued using pricing models that use observable inputs. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. The Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to reduce the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the reporting entity. The Company does not elect to obtain hedge accounting for these forward contracts. These forward contracts are carried at fair value with changes in the fair value recorded within other non-operating income and (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations. Gains and losses on these contracts are intended to offset the impact of foreign exchange rate changes on the underlying foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities, and therefore, do not subject the Company to material balance sheet risk. The Company has significant international revenues and costs denominated in foreign currencies, subjecting it to foreign currency risk. The Company purchases foreign currency option contracts and cross-currency swaps that qualify as cash flow hedges, with maturities of up to 24 months, to reduce the volatility of cash flows related primarily to forecasted revenue and expenses. All outstanding derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. The effective portion of the designated derivative's gain or loss is initially reported as a component of AOCI and is subsequently reclassified into the financial statement line item in which the hedged item is recorded in the same period the forecasted transaction affects earnings. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes. The Company enters into derivatives only with counterparties that are among the largest United States ("U.S.") banks, ranked by assets, in order to minimize its credit risk and to date, no such counterparty has failed to meet its financial obligations under such contracts.
Provision for Doubtful Accounts	Provision for Doubtful Accounts The Company maintains a provision for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. Plantronics regularly performs credit evaluations of its customers’ financial conditions and considers factors such as historical experience, credit quality, age of the accounts receivable balances, geographic or country-specific risks, and economic conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay.
Inventory and Related Reserves	Inventory and Related Reserves Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is computed using standard cost, which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis. The Company writes down inventories that have become obsolete or are in excess of anticipated demand or net realizable value. Our estimate of write downs for excess and obsolete inventory is based on a detailed analysis of on-hand inventory and purchase commitments in excess of forecasted demand. A substantial portion of the raw materials, components and subassemblies (together, “parts”) used in the Company's products are provided by its suppliers on a consignment basis. These consigned inventories are not recorded on the Company's consolidated balance sheet until it takes title to the parts, which occurs when they are consumed in the production process. The Company provides forecasts to its suppliers covering up to thirteen weeks of demand and places purchase orders when the parts are consumed in the production process, at which time all right, title, and interest in and to the parts transfers to the Company. Prior to consumption in the production process, the Company's suppliers bear the risk of loss and retain title to the consigned inventory. The terms of the agreements allow the Company to return parts in excess of maximum order quantities to the suppliers at the supplier’s expense. Returns for other reasons are negotiated with the suppliers on a case-by-case basis and to date have been immaterial. As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s aggregate commitment to suppliers for parts used in the manufacture of the Company’s products was $190.0 million, which the Company expects to utilize in the normal course of business, net of an immaterial purchase commitments reserve. The Company’s purchase commitments reserve reflects the Company’s estimate of purchase commitments it does not expect to use in normal ongoing operations within the next twelve months. As of March 31, 2018 and 2017, the off-balance sheet consigned inventory balances were $48.8 million and $52.3 million, respectively.
Product Warranty Obligations	Product Warranty Obligations The Company records a liability for the estimated costs of warranties at the time the related revenue is recognized. The specific warranty terms and conditions range from one to two years starting from the delivery date to the end user and vary depending upon the product sold and the country in which the Company does business. Factors that affect the warranty obligations include product failure rates, estimated return rates, the amount of time lapsed from the date of sale to the date of return, material usage, service related costs incurred in correcting product failure claims, and knowledge of specific product failures that are outside of the Company’s typical experience.
Goodwill and Purchased Intangibles	Goodwill and Purchased Intangibles Goodwill has been measured as the excess of the cost of acquisition over the amount assigned to tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired less liabilities assumed. At least annually, in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist, management performs a review to determine if the carrying value of goodwill is impaired. The identification and measurement of goodwill impairment involves the estimation of fair value at the Company’s reporting unit level. The Company determines its reporting units by assessing whether discrete financial information is available and if segment management regularly reviews the results of that component. The Company has determined it has one reporting unit. The Company performs an initial assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and 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. If, after assessing the totality of relevant events and circumstances, the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value and there is no indication of impairment, no further testing is performed; however, if the Company concludes otherwise, the first step of the two-step impairment test must be performed by estimating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing it with its carrying value, including goodwill. Intangible assets other than goodwill are carried at cost and amortized over their estimated useful lives. The Company reviews identifiable finite-lived intangible assets to be held and used for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on the lowest level of identifiable estimated undiscounted cash flows resulting from use of the asset and its ultimate disposition. Measurement of any impairment loss is based on the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair market value.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, which range from two to thirty years. Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the remaining lease term. Capitalized software costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets. Property, plant and equipment is reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. The Company recognizes an impairment charge in the event the net book value of such assets exceeds the future undiscounted cash flows attributable to the asset group. No material impairment losses were incurred in the periods presented.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements All financial assets and liabilities are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements. Fair value is estimated by applying the following hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three levels and bases the categorization within the hierarchy upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement: Level 1 The Company's Level 1 financial assets consist of Mutual Funds and US Treasury Notes. The fair value of Level 1 financial instruments is measured based on the quoted market price of identical securities. Level 2 The Company's Level 2 financial assets and liabilities consist of derivative foreign currency contracts, Government Agency Securities, Commercial Paper, Corporate Bonds, Certificates of Deposits ("CDs"), and 5.50% senior notes (the "5.50% Senior Notes"). The fair value of Level 2 investment securities is determined based on other observable inputs, including multiple non-binding quotes from independent pricing services. Non-binding quotes are based on proprietary valuation models that are prepared by the independent pricing services and use algorithms based on inputs such as observable market data, quoted market prices for similar securities, issuer spreads, and internal assumptions of the broker. The Company corroborates the reasonableness of non-binding quotes received from the independent pricing services using a variety of techniques depending on the underlying instrument, including: (i) comparing them to actual experience gained from the purchases and maturities of investment securities, (ii) comparing them to internally developed cash flow models based on observable inputs, and (iii) monitoring changes in ratings of similar securities and the related impact on fair value. The fair value of Level 2 derivative foreign currency contracts is determined using pricing models that use observable market inputs. The fair value of Level 2 long-term debt is determined based on inputs that were observable in the market, including the trading price of the notes when available. The fair value of the Company's 5.50% Senior Notes is determined based on observable market inputs, including the trading price of the 5.50% Senior Notes. Level 3 The Company's unsecured revolving credit facility falls under the Level 3 hierarchy. The fair value of the Company’s line of credit approximates its carrying value because the interest rate is a variable rate that approximates rates currently available to the Company.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The Company sells substantially all of its products to end users through distributors, retailers, and carriers. The Company's revenue is derived from the sale of headsets, telephone headset systems, and accessories for the business and consumer markets and is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. These criteria are usually met at the time of product shipment; however, the Company defers revenue when any significant obligations remain and for Fiscal Years 2016, 2017, and 2018 this accounted for less than 1% of the Company's net revenues. Customer contracts and/or purchase orders are used to determine the existence of an arrangement. Product is considered delivered once it has been shipped and title and risk of loss have been transferred to the customer. The Company assesses whether a price is fixed or determinable based upon the selling terms associated with the transaction and whether the sales price is subject to refund or adjustment. The Company assesses collectability based on a customer's credit quality, historical experience, and geographic or country-specific risks and economic conditions that may affect a customer's ability to pay. Revenue is recorded net of taxes collected from customers that are remitted to governmental authorities, with the collected taxes recorded as current liabilities until remitted to the relevant government authority. Shipping and handling costs incurred in connection with the sale of products are included in cost of revenues. Sales through retail and distribution channels are made primarily under agreements or commitments allowing for rights of return and include various sales incentive programs, such as back end rebates, discounts, marketing development funds, price protection, and other sales incentives. The Company can reasonably estimate back end rebates, discounts and similar incentives due to an established sales history with its customers and records the estimated reserves and allowances at the time the related revenue is recognized. The Company recognizes marketing development funds at the later of when the related revenue is recognized or the program is offered to the channel partner. The nature of the sales incentive programs offered to channel partners is such that the Company cannot identify a benefit that is sufficiently separable from the channel partners’ purchase of products, nor does it have the infrastructure to establish fair value for the multitude of activities supported by these programs. As a result, substantially all sales incentives to our channel partners in the form of cash consideration, are recorded as a reduction to revenue. Sales return reserves are estimated based on historical data, relevant current data, and the monitoring of inventory build-up in the distribution channel. When a sales arrangement contains multiple elements, such as hardware and software products and/or services, the Company allocates revenue to each element based on relative selling prices. The selling price for a deliverable is based on its vendor specific objective evidence ("VSOE"), if available, third party evidence ("TPE") if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price ("ESP") if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. In multiple element arrangements where more-than-incidental software deliverables are included, the Company allocates revenue to each separate unit of accounting for each of the non-software deliverables and to the software deliverables as a group using the relative selling prices of each of the deliverables in the arrangement based on the aforementioned selling price hierarchy.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Deferred income taxes are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the currently enacted tax rates and laws. The Company records a valuation allowance against particular deferred income tax assets if it is more likely than not that those assets will not be realized. The provision for income taxes comprises the Company's current tax liability and changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities. Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Company's uncertain tax positions and determining its provision for income taxes. The Company establishes reserves for tax-related uncertainties based on estimates of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. These reserves are established when the Company believes that certain positions might be challenged despite its belief that its tax return positions are in accordance with applicable tax laws. The Company adjusts these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the closing of a tax audit, new tax legislation, or the change of an estimate. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made. The provision for income taxes includes the effect of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that are considered appropriate, as well as the related net interest and penalties. The Company follows the tax law ordering to determine when excess tax benefits have been realized. The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions. At any one time, multiple tax years are subject to audit by various tax authorities.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income consists of two components, net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income refers to income, expenses, gains, and losses that under U.S. GAAP are recorded as an element of stockholders’ equity but are excluded from net income. Accumulated other comprehensive income, as presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, consists of foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, net of tax, and unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities classified as available-for-sale, net of tax.
Foreign Operations and Currency Translation	Foreign Operations and Currency Translation The Company's functional currency is the U.S. Dollar (“USD") . Assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the USD, are re-measured at the period-end rates for monetary assets and liabilities and at historical rates for non-monetary assets and liabilities. Revenues and expenses are re-measured at average monthly rates, which approximate actual rates. Currency transaction gains and losses are recognized in other non-operating income and (expense), net.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense	Stock-Based Compensation Expense The Company applies the provisions of the Compensation - Stock Compensation Topic of the FASB ASC 718, which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and non-employee directors based on estimated fair values. The Company recognizes the grant-date fair value of stock-based compensation as compensation expense using the straight-line attribution approach over the service period for which the stock-based compensation is expected to vest. The Company adopted the new stock-based compensation accounting guidance effective in Fiscal Year 2018. This new guidance requires excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recognized in the provision for income taxes as discrete items in the period when the awards vest or are settled, whereas previously such income tax effects were recorded as part of additional paid-in capital. The adoption of this guidance had an immaterial impact on the Company's effective tax rate for the year ended March 31, 2018. The amount of excess tax benefits or deficiencies will fluctuate from period-to-period based on the price of the Company’s stock, the volume of share-based instruments settled or vested, and the value assigned to employee equity awards under U.S. GAAP. For further details refer to Note 16, Income Taxes.
Treasury Shares	Treasury Shares From time to time, the Company repurchases shares of its common stock, depending on market conditions, in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, in accordance with programs authorized by the Board of Directors. Repurchased shares are held as treasury stock until such time as they are retired or re-issued. Retirements of treasury stock are non-cash equity transactions in which the reacquired shares are returned to the status of authorized but unissued shares and the cost is recorded as a reduction to both retained earnings and treasury stock. The stock repurchase programs are intended to offset the impact of dilution resulting from the Company's stock-based compensation programs.
Concentration of Risk	Concentration of Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments, and trade accounts receivable. Plantronics’ investment policy limits investments to highly-rated securities. In addition, the Company limits the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer and restricts placement of these investments to issuers evaluated as creditworthy. As of March 31, 2017 and 2018 the Company's investments were composed of Mutual Funds, US Treasury Notes, Government Agency Securities, Commercial Paper, Corporate Bonds, and Certificates of Deposits ("CDs"). Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited due to the large number of customers that comprise the Company’s customer base and their dispersion across different geographies and markets. One customer Ingram Micro Group accounted for 17.6% of total net accounts receivable as of March 31, 2017. Two customers, D & H Distributing Company and Ingram Micro Group, accounted for 13.0% and 12.4%, respectively, of total net accounts receivable as of March 31, 2018. The Company does not believe other significant concentrations of credit risk exist. Plantronics performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition and requires no collateral from its customers. The Company maintains a provision for doubtful accounts based upon expected collectibility of all accounts receivable. Certain inventory components required by the Company are only available from a limited number of suppliers. The rapid rate of technological change and the necessity of developing and manufacturing products with short lifecycles may intensify these risks. The inability to obtain components as required, or to develop alternative sources, as required in the future, could result in delays or reductions in product shipments, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Immaterial Out-of-Period Correction: During the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2018, the Company recognized an out-of-period correction to its Fiscal Year 2017 geographic mix of taxable income, which resulted in an overstatement of Fiscal Year 2017 income tax expense by $2.8 million. The Company's correction, recognized in the quarter ended June 30, 2017, resulted in a $2.8 million benefit to income tax expense. The Company assessed the materiality of this error and concluded it was not material to Fiscal Years 2017 and 2018. Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with current year presentation. Each of the reclassifications was immaterial and had no effect on the Company's results of operations.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Management's Use of Estimates and Assumptions

The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). In connection with the preparation of our financial statements, the Company is required to make assumptions and estimates about future events, and apply judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, net revenues, expenses, and the related disclosures. The Company bases its assumptions, estimates, and judgments on historical experience, current trends, future expectations, and other factors that management believes to be relevant at the time the consolidated financial statements are prepared. On an ongoing basis, the Company reviews its accounting policies, assumptions, estimates, and judgments, including those related to revenue and related reserves and allowances, inventory valuation, product warranty obligations, the useful lives of long-lived assets including property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, investment fair values, stock-based compensation, goodwill, income taxes, contingencies, and restructuring charges, to ensure that the consolidated financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from the Company's assumptions and estimates.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Plantronics and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company has included the results of operations of acquired companies from the date of acquisition. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Fiscal Year

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to the last day of March. Fiscal Years 2018 and 2017 each had 52 weeks and ended on March 31, 2018 and April 1, 2017, respectively. Fiscal Year 2016 had 53 weeks and ended on April 2, 2016. For purposes of presentation, the Company has indicated its accounting fiscal year as ending on March 31.

Financial Instruments

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments

All highly liquid investments with initial stated maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase are classified as cash equivalents. The Company classifies its investments as either short-term or long-term based on each instrument's underlying effective maturity date and reasonable expectations with regard to sales and redemptions of the instruments. All short-term investments have effective maturities less than 12 months, while all long-term investments have effective maturities greater than 12 months. The Company may sell its investments prior to their stated maturities for strategic purposes, in anticipation of credit deterioration, or for duration management. During the year ended March, 31, 2018, we sold our long-term investments and recognized a loss on sale of approximately $1.2 million.

As of March 31, 2018, with the exception of assets related to the Company's deferred compensation plan and classified as trading securities, all investments were classified as available-for-sale, with unrealized gains and losses recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") in stockholders’ equity. The specific identification method is used to determine the cost of disposed securities, with realized gains and losses reflected in other non-operating income and (expense), net.

For investments with an unrealized loss, the factors considered in the review include the credit quality of the issuer, the duration that the fair value has been less than the adjusted cost basis, severity of impairment, reason for the decline in value and potential recovery period, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investees, and whether the Company would be required to sell an investment due to liquidity or contractual reasons before its anticipated recovery.

Foreign Currency Derivatives

The Company accounts for its derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities and carries them at fair value. Derivative foreign currency contracts are valued using pricing models that use observable inputs. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation.

The Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to reduce the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the reporting entity. The Company does not elect to obtain hedge accounting for these forward contracts. These forward contracts are carried at fair value with changes in the fair value recorded within other non-operating income and (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations. Gains and losses on these contracts are intended to offset the impact of foreign exchange rate changes on the underlying foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities, and therefore, do not subject the Company to material balance sheet risk.

The Company has significant international revenues and costs denominated in foreign currencies, subjecting it to foreign currency risk. The Company purchases foreign currency option contracts and cross-currency swaps that qualify as cash flow hedges, with maturities of up to 24 months, to reduce the volatility of cash flows related primarily to forecasted revenue and expenses. All outstanding derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. The effective portion of the designated derivative's gain or loss is initially reported as a component of AOCI and is subsequently reclassified into the financial statement line item in which the hedged item is recorded in the same period the forecasted transaction affects earnings.

The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes. The Company enters into derivatives only with counterparties that are among the largest United States ("U.S.") banks, ranked by assets, in order to minimize its credit risk and to date, no such counterparty has failed to meet its financial obligations under such contracts.

Provision for Doubtful Accounts

The Company maintains a provision for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. Plantronics regularly performs credit evaluations of its customers’ financial conditions and considers factors such as historical experience, credit quality, age of the accounts receivable balances, geographic or country-specific risks, and economic conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay.

Inventory and Related Reserves

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is computed using standard cost, which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis. The Company writes down inventories that have become obsolete or are in excess of anticipated demand or net realizable value. Our estimate of write downs for excess and obsolete inventory is based on a detailed analysis of on-hand inventory and purchase commitments in excess of forecasted demand.

A substantial portion of the raw materials, components and subassemblies (together, “parts”) used in the Company's products are provided by its suppliers on a consignment basis. These consigned inventories are not recorded on the Company's consolidated balance sheet until it takes title to the parts, which occurs when they are consumed in the production process. The Company provides forecasts to its suppliers covering up to thirteen weeks of demand and places purchase orders when the parts are consumed in the production process, at which time all right, title, and interest in and to the parts transfers to the Company. Prior to consumption in the production process, the Company's suppliers bear the risk of loss and retain title to the consigned inventory.

The terms of the agreements allow the Company to return parts in excess of maximum order quantities to the suppliers at the supplier’s expense. Returns for other reasons are negotiated with the suppliers on a case-by-case basis and to date have been immaterial. As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s aggregate commitment to suppliers for parts used in the manufacture of the Company’s products was $190.0 million, which the Company expects to utilize in the normal course of business, net of an immaterial purchase commitments reserve. The Company’s purchase commitments reserve reflects the Company’s estimate of purchase commitments it does not expect to use in normal ongoing operations within the next twelve months. As of March 31, 2018 and 2017, the off-balance sheet consigned inventory balances were $48.8 million and $52.3 million, respectively.

Product Warranty Obligations

The Company records a liability for the estimated costs of warranties at the time the related revenue is recognized. The specific warranty terms and conditions range from one to two years starting from the delivery date to the end user and vary depending upon the product sold and the country in which the Company does business. Factors that affect the warranty obligations include product failure rates, estimated return rates, the amount of time lapsed from the date of sale to the date of return, material usage, service related costs incurred in correcting product failure claims, and knowledge of specific product failures that are outside of the Company’s typical experience.

Goodwill and Purchased Intangibles

Goodwill has been measured as the excess of the cost of acquisition over the amount assigned to tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired less liabilities assumed. At least annually, in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist, management performs a review to determine if the carrying value of goodwill is impaired. The identification and measurement of goodwill impairment involves the estimation of fair value at the Company’s reporting unit level. The Company determines its reporting units by assessing whether discrete financial information is available and if segment management regularly reviews the results of that component. The Company has determined it has one reporting unit.

The Company performs an initial assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and 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. If, after assessing the totality of relevant events and circumstances, the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value and there is no indication of impairment, no further testing is performed; however, if the Company concludes otherwise, the first step of the two-step impairment test must be performed by estimating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing it with its carrying value, including goodwill.

Intangible assets other than goodwill are carried at cost and amortized over their estimated useful lives. The Company reviews identifiable finite-lived intangible assets to be held and used for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on the lowest level of identifiable estimated undiscounted cash flows resulting from use of the asset and its ultimate disposition. Measurement of any impairment loss is based on the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair market value.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, which range from two to thirty years. Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the remaining lease term. Capitalized software costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets.

Property, plant and equipment is reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. The Company recognizes an impairment charge in the event the net book value of such assets exceeds the future undiscounted cash flows attributable to the asset group. No material impairment losses were incurred in the periods presented.

Fair Value Measurements

All financial assets and liabilities are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements. Fair value is estimated by applying the following hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three levels and bases the categorization within the hierarchy upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement:

Level 1

The Company's Level 1 financial assets consist of Mutual Funds and US Treasury Notes. The fair value of Level 1 financial instruments is measured based on the quoted market price of identical securities.

Level 2

The Company's Level 2 financial assets and liabilities consist of derivative foreign currency contracts, Government Agency Securities, Commercial Paper, Corporate Bonds, Certificates of Deposits ("CDs"), and 5.50% senior notes (the "5.50% Senior Notes").

The fair value of Level 2 investment securities is determined based on other observable inputs, including multiple non-binding quotes from independent pricing services. Non-binding quotes are based on proprietary valuation models that are prepared by the independent pricing services and use algorithms based on inputs such as observable market data, quoted market prices for similar securities, issuer spreads, and internal assumptions of the broker. The Company corroborates the reasonableness of non-binding quotes received from the independent pricing services using a variety of techniques depending on the underlying instrument, including: (i) comparing them to actual experience gained from the purchases and maturities of investment securities, (ii) comparing them to internally developed cash flow models based on observable inputs, and (iii) monitoring changes in ratings of similar securities and the related impact on fair value.

The fair value of Level 2 derivative foreign currency contracts is determined using pricing models that use observable market inputs. The fair value of Level 2 long-term debt is determined based on inputs that were observable in the market, including the trading price of the notes when available.

The fair value of the Company's 5.50% Senior Notes is determined based on observable market inputs, including the trading price of the 5.50% Senior Notes.

Level 3

The Company's unsecured revolving credit facility falls under the Level 3 hierarchy. The fair value of the Company’s line of credit approximates its carrying value because the interest rate is a variable rate that approximates rates currently available to the Company.

Revenue Recognition

The Company sells substantially all of its products to end users through distributors, retailers, and carriers. The Company's revenue is derived from the sale of headsets, telephone headset systems, and accessories for the business and consumer markets and is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. These criteria are usually met at the time of product shipment; however, the Company defers revenue when any significant obligations remain and for Fiscal Years 2016, 2017, and 2018 this accounted for less than 1% of the Company's net revenues. Customer contracts and/or purchase orders are used to determine the existence of an arrangement. Product is considered delivered once it has been shipped and title and risk of loss have been transferred to the customer. The Company assesses whether a price is fixed or determinable based upon the selling terms associated with the transaction and whether the sales price is subject to refund or adjustment. The Company assesses collectability based on a customer's credit quality, historical experience, and geographic or country-specific risks and economic conditions that may affect a customer's ability to pay.

Revenue is recorded net of taxes collected from customers that are remitted to governmental authorities, with the collected taxes recorded as current liabilities until remitted to the relevant government authority. Shipping and handling costs incurred in connection with the sale of products are included in cost of revenues.

Sales through retail and distribution channels are made primarily under agreements or commitments allowing for rights of return and include various sales incentive programs, such as back end rebates, discounts, marketing development funds, price protection, and other sales incentives. The Company can reasonably estimate back end rebates, discounts and similar incentives due to an established sales history with its customers and records the estimated reserves and allowances at the time the related revenue is recognized. The Company recognizes marketing development funds at the later of when the related revenue is recognized or the program is offered to the channel partner. The nature of the sales incentive programs offered to channel partners is such that the Company cannot identify a benefit that is sufficiently separable from the channel partners’ purchase of products, nor does it have the infrastructure to establish fair value for the multitude of activities supported by these programs. As a result, substantially all sales incentives to our channel partners in the form of cash consideration, are recorded as a reduction to revenue.

Sales return reserves are estimated based on historical data, relevant current data, and the monitoring of inventory build-up in the distribution channel.

When a sales arrangement contains multiple elements, such as hardware and software products and/or services, the Company allocates revenue to each element based on relative selling prices. The selling price for a deliverable is based on its vendor specific objective evidence ("VSOE"), if available, third party evidence ("TPE") if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price ("ESP") if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. In multiple element arrangements where more-than-incidental software deliverables are included, the Company allocates revenue to each separate unit of accounting for each of the non-software deliverables and to the software deliverables as a group using the relative selling prices of each of the deliverables in the arrangement based on the aforementioned selling price hierarchy.

Advertising Costs

The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred.

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the currently enacted tax rates and laws. The Company records a valuation allowance against particular deferred income tax assets if it is more likely than not that those assets will not be realized. The provision for income taxes comprises the Company's current tax liability and changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities.

Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Company's uncertain tax positions and determining its provision for income taxes. The Company establishes reserves for tax-related uncertainties based on estimates of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. These reserves are established when the Company believes that certain positions might be challenged despite its belief that its tax return positions are in accordance with applicable tax laws. The Company adjusts these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the closing of a tax audit, new tax legislation, or the change of an estimate. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made. The provision for income taxes includes the effect of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that are considered appropriate, as well as the related net interest and penalties.

The Company follows the tax law ordering to determine when excess tax benefits have been realized.

The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions. At any one time, multiple tax years are subject to audit by various tax authorities.

Earnings Per Share

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consists of two components, net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income refers to income, expenses, gains, and losses that under U.S. GAAP are recorded as an element of stockholders’ equity but are excluded from net income. Accumulated other comprehensive income, as presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, consists of foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, net of tax, and unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities classified as available-for-sale, net of tax.

Foreign Operations and Currency Translation

The Company's functional currency is the U.S. Dollar (“USD") . Assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the USD, are re-measured at the period-end rates for monetary assets and liabilities and at historical rates for non-monetary assets and liabilities. Revenues and expenses are re-measured at average monthly rates, which approximate actual rates. Currency transaction gains and losses are recognized in other non-operating income and (expense), net.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

The Company applies the provisions of the Compensation - Stock Compensation Topic of the FASB ASC 718, which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and non-employee directors based on estimated fair values. The Company recognizes the grant-date fair value of stock-based compensation as compensation expense using the straight-line attribution approach over the service period for which the stock-based compensation is expected to vest.

The Company adopted the new stock-based compensation accounting guidance effective in Fiscal Year 2018. This new guidance requires excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recognized in the provision for income taxes as discrete items in the period when the awards vest or are settled, whereas previously such income tax effects were recorded as part of additional paid-in capital. The adoption of this guidance had an immaterial impact on the Company's effective tax rate for the year ended March 31, 2018. The amount of excess tax benefits or deficiencies will fluctuate from period-to-period based on the price of the Company’s stock, the volume of share-based instruments settled or vested, and the value assigned to employee equity awards under U.S. GAAP. For further details refer to Note 16, Income Taxes.

Treasury Shares

From time to time, the Company repurchases shares of its common stock, depending on market conditions, in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, in accordance with programs authorized by the Board of Directors. Repurchased shares are held as treasury stock until such time as they are retired or re-issued. Retirements of treasury stock are non-cash equity transactions in which the reacquired shares are returned to the status of authorized but unissued shares and the cost is recorded as a reduction to both retained earnings and treasury stock. The stock repurchase programs are intended to offset the impact of dilution resulting from the Company's stock-based compensation programs.

Concentration of Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments, and trade accounts receivable.

Plantronics’ investment policy limits investments to highly-rated securities. In addition, the Company limits the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer and restricts placement of these investments to issuers evaluated as creditworthy. As of March 31, 2017 and 2018 the Company's investments were composed of Mutual Funds, US Treasury Notes, Government Agency Securities, Commercial Paper, Corporate Bonds, and Certificates of Deposits ("CDs").

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited due to the large number of customers that comprise the Company’s customer base and their dispersion across different geographies and markets. One customer Ingram Micro Group accounted for 17.6% of total net accounts receivable as of March 31, 2017. Two customers, D & H Distributing Company and Ingram Micro Group, accounted for 13.0% and 12.4%, respectively, of total net accounts receivable as of March 31, 2018. The Company does not believe other significant concentrations of credit risk exist. Plantronics performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition and requires no collateral from its customers. The Company maintains a provision for doubtful accounts based upon expected collectibility of all accounts receivable.

Certain inventory components required by the Company are only available from a limited number of suppliers. The rapid rate of technological change and the necessity of developing and manufacturing products with short lifecycles may intensify these risks. The inability to obtain components as required, or to develop alternative sources, as required in the future, could result in delays or reductions in product shipments, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Immaterial Out-of-Period Correction:

During the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2018, the Company recognized an out-of-period correction to its Fiscal Year 2017 geographic mix of taxable income, which resulted in an overstatement of Fiscal Year 2017 income tax expense by $2.8 million. The Company's correction, recognized in the quarter ended June 30, 2017, resulted in a $2.8 million benefit to income tax expense. The Company assessed the materiality of this error and concluded it was not material to Fiscal Years 2017 and 2018.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with current year presentation. Each of the reclassifications was immaterial and had no effect on the Company's results of operations.