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Document And Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information - shares	Mar. 31, 2018	Apr. 25, 2018
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORP /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	0000935494
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		131,204,795

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 250,365	$ 290,164
Short-term investments	164,159	121,888
Accounts receivable, net	242,291	248,825
Inventories, net	193,273	184,592
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	65,701	48,621
Total current assets	915,789	894,090
Property and equipment, net	248,799	249,715
Goodwill	269,620	266,783
Intangible assets, net	126,242	123,293
Other long-term assets	31,155	32,553
Total assets	1,591,605	1,566,434
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	52,856	49,733
Accrued compensation	34,640	43,309
Deferred revenue - current	127,766	120,638
Other current liabilities	32,478	23,782
Other taxes payable	28,229	31,793
Total current liabilities	275,969	269,255
Deferred income taxes	32,774	33,609
Liability for uncertain income tax positions	10,486	10,158
Income taxes payable - non-current	81,515	81,515
Deferred revenue - long-term	31,021	33,742
Other long-term liabilities	10,134	10,134
Total liabilities	441,899	438,413
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock: par value $0.01; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock: par value $0.01; 360,000,000 shares authorized; 131,204,795 shares and 129,202,979 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	1,312	1,310
Additional paid-in capital	846,743	829,979
Retained earnings	315,951	313,241
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(14,300)	(16,509)
Total stockholders’ equity	1,149,706	1,128,021
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 1,591,605	$ 1,566,434

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value per share (in usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value per share (in usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	360,000,000	360,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	131,204,795	129,202,979
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	131,204,795	129,202,979

Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Net sales:
Product	$ 280,359	$ 271,512
Software maintenance	31,538	28,594
Total net sales	311,897	300,106
Cost of sales:
Product	72,317	75,196
Software maintenance	2,206	1,328
Total cost of sales	74,523	76,524
Gross profit	237,374	223,582
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing	120,117	117,258
Research and development	61,843	58,263
General and administrative	27,277	25,743
Total operating expenses	209,237	201,264
Operating income	28,137	22,318
Other income:
Interest income	1,015	343
Net foreign exchange gain	979	82
Other (loss) gain, net	(519)	431
Income before income taxes	29,612	23,174
Provision for income taxes	5,344	5,026
Net income	$ 24,268	$ 18,148
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.19	$ 0.14
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	131,127	129,438
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.14
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	132,624	130,108
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.23	$ 0.21

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 24,268	$ 18,148
Other comprehensive income, before tax and net of reclassification adjustments:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	5,804	3,961
Unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale	(696)	(4)
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments	(3,771)	(2,812)
Other comprehensive gain, before tax	1,337	1,145
Tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive income	(872)	(957)
Other comprehensive gain, net of tax	2,209	2,102
Comprehensive income	$ 26,477	$ 20,250

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net income	$ 24,268	$ 18,148
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	17,436	18,669
Stock-based compensation	8,204	6,402
Tax expense from deferred income taxes	(2,046)	(2,984)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	(7,879)	6,441
Net cash provided by operating activities	39,983	46,676
Cash flow from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(8,115)	(10,811)
Capitalization of internally developed software	(7,668)	(11,624)
Additions to other intangibles	(2,855)	(525)
Purchases of short-term investments	(52,355)	(25,253)
Sales and maturities of short-term investments	10,211	11,931
Net cash used in investing activities	(60,782)	(36,282)
Cash flow from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	8,600	7,817
Dividends paid	(30,177)	(27,201)
Net cash used in financing activities	(21,577)	(19,384)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	2,577	2,715
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(39,799)	(6,275)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	290,164	285,283
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 250,365	$ 279,008

Basis of Presentation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2017, included in our annual report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring items) considered necessary to present fairly our financial position at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the results of our operations and comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, and the cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. Our operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2018. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding (if dilutive) during each period. The number of common share equivalents, which includes restricted stock units (“RSUs”), is computed using the treasury stock method.

The reconciliation of the denominators used to calculate basic EPS and diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, are as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)
	(Unaudited)
	2018	2017
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic	131,127	129,438
Plus: Common share equivalents
RSUs	1,497	670
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted	132,624	130,108

Stock awards to acquire 0 shares and 21,500 shares for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were excluded in the computations of diluted EPS because the effect of including the stock awards would have been anti-dilutive.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

We adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and all the related amendments ("new revenue standard") as of January 1, 2018. The impact of this new guidance on our accounting policies and operating results is also described below. There have been no other significant changes in our accounting policies during the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the significant accounting policies described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Accounts Receivable, net

Accounts receivable are recorded net of allowances for doubtful accounts. Our allowance for doubtful accounts is based on historical experience. We analyze historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer creditworthiness and current economic trends when evaluating the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts. Unbilled receivables represent amounts for which revenue has been recognized but which have not yet been invoiced to the customer. The current portion of unbilled receivables is included in accounts receivable, net on the consolidated balance sheet and is not material.

Sales Tax

Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction, that are collected from our customers, are excluded from revenue.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight after control over a product has transferred to a customer are accounted for as a fulfillment cost and are in included in cost of sales.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

On January 1, 2018 we adopted the new revenue standard using the modified retrospective transition method. Under this method, we evaluated all contracts that were in effect at the beginning of 2018 as if those contracts had been accounted for under the new revenue standard. We did not evaluate individual modifications for those periods prior to the adoption date, but the aggregate effect of all modifications as of the adoption date and such effects are provided below. Under the modified retrospective transition approach, periods prior to the adoption date were not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with historical GAAP. A cumulative catch-up adjustment was recorded to beginning retained earnings to reflect the impact of all existing arrangements under the new revenue standard.

We do not expect the impact of the adoption of the new standard to be material to our annual net income on an ongoing basis. A majority of our sales revenue continues to be recognized when products are shipped from our manufacturing facilities. Historically, we have had to defer revenue for certain types of licenses arrangements and recognize revenue ratably over the license term. Under the new revenue standard, we are no longer required to establish vendor-specific objective evidence ("VSOE") to recognize software license revenue separately from the other elements, and we are able to recognize all software license revenue once the customer obtains control of the license, which will generally occur at the start of each license term.

The cumulative effects of the changes made to our consolidated January 1, 2018 balance sheet for the adoption of ASU 2014-09, Revenue - Revenue from Contracts with Customers were as follows (in thousands):



	Balance at December 31, 2017		Adjustments Due to ASU 2014-09		Balance at January 1, 2018
Balance Sheet
Assets
Accounts receivable, net	$	248,825	2,399		$	251,224
Other long-term assets	32,553		(106	)	32,447

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Deferred revenue - current	120,638		(9,067	)	111,571
Deferred revenue - long-term	33,742		(997	)	32,745
Other current liabilities	23,782		2,100		25,882
Deferred income taxes	33,609		1,638		35,247
Retained earnings	$	313,241	8,619		$	321,860

Select adjusted unaudited financial statement information, which reflect the adoption of the new revenue standard is below (in thousands). Our historical net cash flows are not impacted by this accounting change.



	For the three month period ended March 31, 2018
	As Reported		Without Adoption of ASU 2014-09	Effect of Change Increase/(Decrease)
Income Statement
Net Sales
Products	$	280,359	273,947	$	6,412
Software Maintenance	31,538		31,538	—
Total net sales	311,897		305,485	6,412

Operating Expenses	209,237		209,260	(23		)

Operating Income	28,137		21,702	6,435

Provision for income taxes	5,344		4,186	1,158

Net income	$	24,268	18,991	$	5,277

Basic earnings per share	$	0.19	0.15	$	0.04
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.18	0.14	$	0.04



	March 31, 2018
	As Reported	Balances Without Adoption of ASU 2014-09	Effect of Change Increase/(Decrease)
Balance Sheet
Assets
Accounts receivable, net	242,291	239,949	2,342
Other long-term assets	31,155	31,238	(83	)

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Deferred revenue - current	127,766	142,429	(14,663	)
Deferred revenue - non-current	31,021	32,834	(1,813	)
Other current liabilities	32,478	29,220	3,258
Deferred income taxes	32,774	31,136	1,638
Retained earnings	315,951	329,790	13,839

Other Accounting Pronouncements

We also adopted the following accounting pronouncements as of January 1, 2018 which did not have a material impact on our financial statements:


•	ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805) Clarifying the Definition of a Business


•	ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) Restricted Cash


•	ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments


•	ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10), Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which gives entities the option to reclassify to retained earnings tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act") related to items that the FASB refers to as having been stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"). The new guidance may be applied retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the Act is recognized or in the period of adoption. We must adopt this guidance for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued or made available for issuance, including the period the Act was enacted. The guidance, when adopted, will require new disclosures regarding a company’s accounting policy for releasing the tax effects in AOCI and permit the company the option to reclassify to retained earnings the tax effects resulting from the Act that are stranded in AOCI. We are currently evaluating how to apply the new guidance and have not determined whether we will elect to reclassify stranded amounts. The adoption of ASU 2018-02 is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The ASU simplifies certain aspects of hedge accounting and improves disclosures of hedging arrangements through the elimination of the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness. The ASU generally requires the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item in order to align financial reporting of hedge relationships with economic results. Entities must apply the amendments to cash flow and net investment hedge relationships that exist on the date of adoption using a modified retrospective approach. The presentation and disclosure requirements must be applied prospectively. Our effective date for adoption of this guidance is our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2019. We are currently evaluating the effect that this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes ASC 840, Leases. The guidance requires lessees to recognize most lease liabilities on their balance sheets but recognize the expenses on their income statements in a manner similar to current practice. The update states that a lessee would recognize a lease liability for the obligation to make lease payments and a right-to-use asset for the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Based on our initial assessment, we expect that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our balance sheet but that it will not have a material impact on our ongoing results of operations. We do not expect to adopt the new standard prior to the required effective date.

Revenue

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Deferred Revenue Disclosure [Abstract]

Revenue

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of the promised products or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those products or services. We enter into contracts that can include various combinations of our products or services, which are generally capable of being distinct and accounted for as separate performance obligations. Revenue is recognized net of allowances for returns and any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities.

Nature of Goods and Services

We derive revenues from two primary sources: products and software maintenance.

Product revenues are primarily generated from the sale of off-the-shelf modular test and measurement hardware components and related drivers, and application software licenses. Sales of most hardware components may also include optional extended hardware warranties, which typically provide additional service-type coverage for three years from the purchase date. Our software licenses typically provide for a perpetual right to use our software. We also offer some term-based software licenses that expire, which are referred to as subscription arrangements. We do not customize software for customers and installation services are not required. The software is delivered before related services are provided and is functional without professional services, updates and technical support. We sell our customer support contracts as a percentage of net software purchases the support is related to. Revenues from offerings related to our hardware and software products such as extended hardware warranties, training, consulting and installation services are not significant and also presented within product revenues, as further discussed below.

Software maintenance revenues consists of post contract customer support that provides the customer with unspecified upgrades and technical support.

For these contracts, we account for individual performance obligations separately if they are distinct. The transaction price is allocated to the separate performance obligations on a relative standalone selling price basis. Standalone selling prices of software licenses are estimated based on our established pricing practices and maximize the use of observable inputs. Standalone selling prices of hardware products are typically estimated based on observable transactions when these services are sold on a standalone basis. Revenue is recognized net of allowances for returns and any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities. Our typical performance obligations include the following:



Performance Obligation	When performance obligation is typically satisfied	When payment is typically due	How Standalone Selling Price is Typically Estimated
Product revenue
Modular hardware	When customer obtains control of the product (point in time)	Within 30-90 days of shipment	Observable in transactions without multiple performance obligations
Software licenses	When license is delivered to customer or made available for download, and the applicable license period has begun (point-in-time)	Within 30-90 days of the beginning of license period	Established pricing practices for software licenses bundled with maintenance, which are separately observable in renewal transactions
Extended hardware warranty	Ratably over the course of the support contract (over time)	At the beginning of the contract period	Observable in renewal transactions
Other related support offerings	As work is performed (over time) or course is delivered (point in time)	Within 30-90 days of delivery	Observable in transactions without multiple performance obligations
Software maintenance revenue
Software maintenance	Ratably over the course of the support contract (over time)	At the beginning of the contract period	Observable in renewal transactions

Significant Judgments

Judgment is required to determine the standalone selling price ("SSP") for each distinct performance obligation. We use a single amount to estimate SSP for items that are not sold separately, including perpetual and term licenses sold with software maintenance. We use a range of amounts to estimate SSP when we sell each of the products and services separately and need to determine whether there is a discount that needs to be allocated based on the relative SSP of the various products and services.

Due to the various benefits from and the nature of our enterprise agreement program, judgment is required to assess the pattern of delivery, including the exercise pattern of certain benefits across our portfolio of customers. Additionally, whether a renewal option represents a distinct performance obligation could significantly impact the timing of revenue recognized.

Our products are generally sold with a right of return which are accounted for as variable consideration when estimating the amount of revenue to recognize. Returns and credits are estimated at contract inception and updated at the end of each reporting period as additional information becomes available and only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of any incremental revenue will not occur. During the first quarter of 2018, we reclassified our allowance for sales returns to other current liabilities from accounts receivable,net due to the adoption of the new revenue standard.

Disaggregation of Revenues

We disaggregate revenue from contracts with customers based on the timing of transfer of goods or services to customers (point-in-time or over time) and geographic region based on the billing location of the customer. The geographic regions that are tracked are the Americas (United States, Canada, and Latin America), EMEIA (Europe, Middle East, India, and Africa) and APAC (Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and China). We operate as one operating segment.

Total net sales based on the disaggregation criteria described above are as follows:



			Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)			(Unaudited)
	2018					2017 ⁽¹⁾

Net sales:	Point-in-Time		Over Time	Total		Point-in-Time		Over Time	Total
Americas	$	96,542	23,180	$	119,722	$	93,679	24,762	$	118,441
EMEIA	86,907		18,505	105,412		76,669		18,069	94,738
APAC	78,685		8,078	86,763		79,617		7,310	86,927
Total net sales⁽²⁾	$	262,134	49,763	$	311,897	$	249,965	50,141	$	300,106
Note(1): As discussed in Note 1, prior periods have not been adjusted for adoption of ASU 2014-09
Note(2): Net sales contains hedging gain and losses, which do not represent revenues recognized from customers. See Note - 5 Derivatives for more information on the impact of our hedging activities on our results of operations

Information about Contract Balances

Amounts collected in advance of services being provided are accounted for as deferred revenue. Nearly all of our deferred revenue balance is related to extended hardware and software maintenance contracts. Payment terms and conditions vary by contract type, although payment is typically due within 30 to 90 days of contract inception. In instances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, we have determined our contracts generally do not include a significant financing component. The primary purpose of our invoicing terms is to provide customers with simplified and predictable ways of purchasing our products and services, not to receive financing from our customers, such as invoicing at the beginning of a subscription term with a portion of the revenue recognized ratably over the contract period, or to provide customers with financing, such as multi-year on-premises licenses that are invoiced annually with revenue recognized upfront.

Changes in deferred revenue, current and non-current, during the three months ended March 31, 2018 were as follows:



	Amount
	(In thousands)
Deferred Revenue at December 31, 2017	$	154,380
Impact of adopting new revenue standard	(10,064		)
Deferred Revenue at January 1, 2018	$	144,316
Deferral of revenue billed in current period, net of recognition	54,868
Recognition of revenue deferred in prior periods	(42,670		)
Foreign currency translation impact	2,273
Balance as of March 31, 2018 (unaudited)	$	158,787

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, revenue recognized from performance obligations related to prior periods (for example, due to changes in transaction price) was not material. Amounts recognized as revenue in excess of amounts billed are recorded as unbilled receivables. Unbilled receivables which are anticipated to be invoiced in the next twelve months are included in "accounts receivable, net" on the consolidated balance sheet. Based on the nature of our contracts with customers, we do not typically recognize unbilled receivables related to revenues recognized in excess of amounts billed. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 amounts recognized related to unbilled receivables were not material.

Unsatisfied Performance Obligations

Revenue expected to be recognized in any future period related to remaining performance obligations, excluding revenue pertaining to contracts that have an original expected duration of one year or less, and contracts where revenue is recognized as invoiced was approximately $54.5 million as of March 31, 2018. Since we typically invoice customers at contract inception, this amount is included in our current and non-current deferred revenue balances. As of March 31, 2018, we expect to recognize approximately 39% of the revenue related to these unsatisfied performance obligations during the remainder of 2018, 35% during 2019, and 26% thereafter.

Assets Recognized from the Costs to Obtain a Contract with a Customer

We recognize an asset for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if we expect the benefit of those costs to be longer than one year. We have determined that certain sales incentive programs meet the requirements to be capitalized. Capitalized incremental costs related to initial contracts and renewals are amortized over the same period because the commissions paid on both the initial contract and renewals are commensurate with one another. Total capitalized costs to obtain a contract were immaterial during the periods presented and are included in other long-term assets on our consolidated balance sheets.

Practical Expedients

As discussed elsewhere within "Note 1 - Basis of presentation" and "Note 2 - Revenue", we have elected the following practical expedients in accordance with ASC606:


•	We expense costs as incurred for costs to obtain a contract when the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs include our internal sales force compensation program and certain partner sales incentive programs as we have determined annual compensation is commensurate with annual sales activities.


•	We generally expense sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs are recorded within sales and marketing expenses.


•	We do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed.


•	We do not consider the time value of money for contracts with original durations of one year or less.

Short-term investments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments [Abstract]

Short-term investments

The following tables summarize unrealized gains and losses related to our short-term investments designated as available-for-sale debt securities:



	As of March 31, 2018
(In thousands)	(Unaudited)
			Gross		Gross
	Adjusted Cost		Unrealized Gain		Unrealized Loss			Fair Value
Corporate bonds	$	128,454	$	168	$	(1,066	)	$	127,556
U.S. treasuries and agencies	35,314		—		(11		)	35,303
Time deposits	1,300		—		—			1,300
Short-term investments	$	165,068	$	168	$	(1,077	)	$	164,159



(In thousands)	As of December 31, 2017
			Gross		Gross
	Adjusted Cost		Unrealized Gain		Unrealized Loss			Fair Value
Corporate bonds	$	120,341	$	182	$	(395	)	$	120,128
Time deposits	1,760		—		—			1,760
Short-term investments	$	122,101	$	182	$	(395	)	$	121,888

The following tables summarize the contractual maturities of our short-term investments designated as available-for-sale debt securities:



	As of March 31, 2018
(In thousands)	(Unaudited)
	Adjusted Cost		Fair Value
Due in less than 1 year	$	62,758	$	62,584
Due in 1 to 5 years	102,310		101,575
Total available-for-sale debt securities	$	165,068	$	164,159

Due in less than 1 year	Adjusted Cost		Fair Value
Corporate bonds	$	26,144	$	25,981
U.S. treasuries and agencies	35,314		35,303
Time deposits	1,300		1,300
Total available-for-sale debt securities	$	62,758	$	62,584

Due in 1 to 5 years	Adjusted Cost		Fair Value
Corporate bonds	$	102,310	$	101,575
Total available-for-sale debt securities	$	102,310	$	101,575

Fair value measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair value measurements

We define fair value to be the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, we consider the principal or most advantageous market that market participants may use when pricing the asset or liability.

We follow a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. Fair value measurement is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three values of the fair value hierarchy are the following:

Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly

Level 3 – Inputs that are not based on observable market data

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:



	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(In thousands)	(Unaudited)
Description	March 31, 2018			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)			Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents available for sale:
Money Market Funds	$	73,569		$	73,569	$	—		$	—
Short-term investments available for sale:
Corporate bonds	127,556			—		127,556			—
U.S. treasuries and agencies	35,303			—		35,303			—
Time deposits	1,300			1,300		—			—
Derivatives	7,373			—		7,373
Total Assets	$	245,101		$	74,869	$	170,232		$	—

Liabilities
Derivatives	$	(15,927	)	$	—	$	(15,927	)	$	—
Total Liabilities	$	(15,927	)	$	—	$	(15,927	)	$	—



(In thousands)	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Description	December 31, 2017			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)			Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents available for sale:
Money Market Funds	$	61,423		$	61,423	$	—		$	—
U.S. treasuries and agencies	39,461			—		39,461			—
Short-term investments available for sale:
Corporate bonds	120,128			—		120,128			—
Time deposits	1,760			1,760		—			—
Derivatives	7,232			—		7,232			—
Total Assets	$	230,004		$	63,183	$	166,821		$	—

Liabilities
Derivatives	$	(12,743	)	$	—	$	(12,743	)	$	—
Total Liabilities	$	(12,743	)	$	—	$	(12,743	)	$	—

We value our available-for-sale short-term investments based on pricing from third party pricing vendors, who may use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1 inputs) or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2 inputs) in determining fair value. We classify all of our fixed income available-for-sale securities as having Level 2 inputs. The valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of our financial instruments having Level 2 inputs were derived from non-binding market consensus prices that are corroborated by observable market data, quoted market prices for similar instruments, or pricing models, such as discounted cash flow techniques. We believe all of these sources reflect the credit risk associated with each of our available-for-sale short-term investments. Short-term investments available-for-sale consists of debt securities issued by states of the U.S. and political subdivisions of the U.S., corporate debt securities and debt securities issued by U.S. government organizations and agencies. All of our short-term investments available-for-sale have contractual maturities of less than 60 months.

Derivatives include foreign currency forward and option contracts. Our foreign currency forward contracts are valued using an income approach (Level 2) based on the spot rate less the contract rate multiplied by the notional amount. Our foreign currency option contracts are valued using a market approach based on the quoted market prices which are derived from observable inputs including current and future spot rates, interest rate spreads as well as quoted market prices of similar instruments. We consider counterparty credit risk in the valuation of our derivatives. However, counterparty credit risk did not impact the valuation of our derivatives during the three months ended March 31, 2018. There were no transfers in or out of Level 1 or Level 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2018.

As of March 31, 2018, our short-term investments did not include sovereign debt from any country other than the United States.

We did not have any items that were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The carrying value of net accounts receivable, accounts payable, and long-term debt contained in the consolidated balance sheets approximates fair value.

Derivative instruments and hedging activities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative instruments and hedging activities

We recognize all of our derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in our statement of financial position at fair value. 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 and further, on the type of hedging relationship. For those derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, we designate the hedging instrument, 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.

We have operations in over 50 countries. Sales outside of the Americas accounted for approximately 62% and 61% of our net sales during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Our activities expose us to a variety of market risks, including the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These financial risks are monitored and managed by us as an integral part of our overall risk management program.

We maintain a foreign currency risk management strategy that uses derivative instruments (foreign currency forward contracts) to help protect our earnings and cash flows from fluctuations caused by the volatility in currency exchange rates. Movements in foreign currency exchange rates pose a risk to our operations and competitive position, in that exchange rate changes may affect our profitability and cash flow, and the business or pricing strategies of our non-U.S. based competitors.

The vast majority of our foreign sales are denominated in the customers’ local currency. We purchase foreign currency forward contracts as hedges of forecasted sales that are denominated in foreign currencies and as hedges of foreign currency denominated financial assets or liabilities. These contracts are entered into to help protect against the risk that the eventual dollar-net-cash inflows resulting from such sales or firm commitments will be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates. We also purchase foreign currency forward contracts as hedges of forecasted expenses that are denominated in foreign currencies. These contracts are entered into to help protect against the risk that the eventual dollar-net-cash outflows resulting from foreign currency operating and cost of sales expenses will be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates.

We designate foreign currency forward contracts as cash flow hedges of forecasted net sales or forecasted expenses. In addition, we hedge our foreign currency denominated balance sheet exposures using foreign currency forward contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments. None of our derivative instruments contain a credit-risk-related contingent feature.

Cash flow hedges

To help protect against the reduction in value caused by a fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates of forecasted foreign currency cash flows resulting from international sales over the next one to three years, we have instituted a foreign currency cash flow hedging program. We hedge portions of our forecasted net sales and forecasted expenses denominated in foreign currencies with forward contracts. For forward contracts, when the dollar strengthens significantly against the foreign currencies, the change in the present value of future foreign currency cash flows may be offset by the change in the fair value of the forward contracts designated as hedges. We purchase foreign currency forward contracts for up to 100% of our forecasted exposures in selected currencies (primarily in Euro, Japanese yen, Hungarian forint, British pound, Malaysian ringgit, Chinese yuan, and Korean won) and limit the duration of these contracts to 36 months or less.

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and reclassified into earnings in the same line item (net sales, operating expenses, or cost of sales) associated with the forecasted transaction and in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings or expenses during the current period and are classified as a component of “net foreign exchange gain (loss).” Hedge effectiveness of foreign currency forwards designated as cash flow hedges are measured by comparing the hedging instrument’s cumulative change in fair value from inception to maturity to the forecasted transaction’s terminal value.

We held forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges with the following notional amounts:



(In thousands)	US Dollar Equivalent
	As of March 31, 2018		As of December 31,
	(Unaudited)		2017
Chinese yuan	50,753		$	39,197
Euro	188,001		177,406
Japanese yen	20,145		22,857
Hungarian forint	36,067		41,296
British pound	8,498		9,931
Malaysian ringgit	24,616		28,287
Korean won	15,853		—
Total forward contracts notional amount	$	343,933	$	318,974

The contracts in the foregoing table had contractual maturities of 21 months or less and 24 months or less at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

At March 31, 2018, we expect to reclassify $(9.9) million of losses on derivative instruments from accumulated OCI to net sales during the next twelve months when the hedged international sales occur, $1.9 million of gains on derivative instruments from accumulated OCI to cost of sales during the next twelve months when the cost of sales are incurred and $1.9 million of gains on derivative instruments from accumulated OCI to operating expenses during the next twelve months when the hedged operating expenses occur. Expected amounts are based on derivative valuations at March 31, 2018. Actual results may vary materially as a result of changes in the corresponding exchange rates subsequent to this date.

The gains and losses recognized in earnings due to hedge ineffectiveness were not material for each of the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 and are included as a component of net income under the line item “net foreign exchange gain (loss).”

Other Derivatives

Other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments consist primarily of foreign currency forward contracts that we use to hedge our foreign denominated net receivable or net payable positions to help protect against the change in value caused by a fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates. We typically attempt to hedge up to 90% of our outstanding foreign denominated net receivables or net payables and typically limit the duration of these foreign currency forward contracts to approximately 90 days or less. The gain or loss on the derivatives as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedge item attributable to the hedged risk is recognized in current earnings under the line item “net foreign exchange gain (loss).” As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we held foreign currency forward contracts that were not designated as hedging instruments with a notional amount of $52 million and $60 million, respectively.

The following tables present the fair value of derivative instruments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.



	Asset Derivatives
	March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
(In thousands)	(Unaudited)

	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Foreign exchange contracts - ST forwards	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	4,461	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	4,707

Foreign exchange contracts - LT forwards	Other long-term assets	2,591		Other long-term assets	2,339
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	7,052		$	7,046

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

Foreign exchange contracts - ST forwards	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	320	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	187
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments		$	320		$	187

Total derivatives		$	7,372		$	7,233



	Liability Derivatives
	March 31, 2018				December 31, 2017
(In thousands)	(Unaudited)				December 31, 2017
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value			Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value			Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Foreign exchange contracts - ST forwards	Other current liabilities	$	(10,533	)	Other current liabilities	$	(7,487	)

Foreign exchange contracts - LT forwards	Other long-term liabilities	(4,766		)	Other long-term liabilities	(3,959		)
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	(15,299	)		$	(11,446	)

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

Foreign exchange contracts - ST forwards	Other current liabilities	$	(628	)	Other current liabilities	$	(1,297	)
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments		$	(628	)		$	(1,297	)

Total derivatives		$	(15,927	)		$	(12,743	)

The following tables present the effect of derivative instruments on our Consolidated Statements of Income for three month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively:



March 31, 2018
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship	Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)			Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)			Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)
Foreign exchange contracts - forwards	$	(5,073	)	Net sales	$	(2,620	)	Net foreign exchange gain/(loss)	$	—

Foreign exchange contracts - forwards	726			Cost of sales	341			Net foreign exchange gain/(loss)	—

Foreign exchange contracts - forwards	576			Operating expenses	456			Net foreign exchange gain/(loss)	—
Total	$	(3,771	)		$	(1,823	)		$	—



March 31, 2017
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship	Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)			Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)			Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)
Foreign exchange contracts - forwards	$	(5,309	)	Net sales	$	2,080		Net foreign exchange gain/(loss)	$	—

Foreign exchange contracts - forwards	1,309			Cost of sales	(550		)	Net foreign exchange gain/(loss)	—

Foreign exchange contracts - forwards	1,188			Operating expenses	(563		)	Net foreign exchange gain/(loss)	—
Total	$	(2,812	)		$	967			$	—



(In thousands)
Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income			Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
		March 31, 2018			March 31, 2017
		(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)
Foreign exchange contracts - forwards	Net foreign exchange gain/(loss)	$	(1,761	)	(2,546		)

Total		$	(1,761	)	$	(2,546	)

໿

- Definition

The entire disclosure for derivative instruments and hedging activities including, but not limited to, risk management strategies, non-hedging derivative instruments, assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6441202&loc=d3e80720-113993

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5579245-113959

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4H
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5624258-113959

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35736893&loc=d3e80748-113994

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4K
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5708775-113959

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4J
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5708773-113959

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5618551-113959

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5580258-113959

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5624181-113959

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6886632&loc=d3e76258-113986

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=d3e41638-113959

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(n))
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+ Details

Inventories, net

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories, net

Inventories, net consist of the following:



	March 31, 2018		December 31,
(In thousands)	(Unaudited)		2017

Raw materials	$	98,502	$	91,513
Work-in-process	9,413		8,938
Finished goods	85,358		84,141
	$	193,273	$	184,592

໿

Intangible assets, net

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]

Intangible assets, net

Intangible assets at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are as follows:



	March 31, 2018
(In thousands)	(Unaudited)							December 31, 2017
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
Capitalized software development costs	$	123,588	$	(35,443	)	$	88,145	$	116,691	$	(30,345	)	$	86,346
Acquired technology	96,592		(88,501		)	8,091		96,198		(87,341		)	8,857
Patents	33,583		(20,445		)	13,138		33,163		(19,931		)	13,232
Other	48,721		(31,853		)	16,868		45,565		(30,707		)	14,858
	$	302,484	$	(176,242	)	$	126,242	$	291,617	$	(168,324	)	$	123,293

Software development costs capitalized for the three month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were $8.0 million and $12.0 million, respectively, and related amortization expense was $6.2 million and $5.3 million, respectively. Capitalized software development costs for the three month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 included costs related to stock based compensation of $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

Amortization of capitalized software development costs is computed on an individual product basis for those products available for market and is recognized based on the product’s estimated economic life, generally three to six years. Acquired technology and other intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives, which range from three to eight years. Patents are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated period of benefit, generally 10 to 17 years. Total intangible assets amortization expenses were $8.4 million and $8.4 million for the three month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Goodwill

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Goodwill [Abstract]

Goodwill

The carrying amount of goodwill as of March 31, 2018, was as follows:



	Amount
	(In thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2017	$	266,783
Foreign currency translation impact	2,837
Balance as of March 31, 2018 (unaudited)	$	269,620

The excess purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. As we have one operating segment comprised of components with similar economic characteristics, we allocate goodwill to one reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis, and between annual tests if indicators of potential impairment exist, using a fair-value-based approach based on the market capitalization of the reporting unit. Our annual impairment test is performed in the fourth quarter of each year. Effective for the annual goodwill impairment test for 2018 and for future testing, we will perform the required annual test as of November 30 of each year rather than on February 28. We reperformed our annual goodwill impairment testing as of November 30, 2017 and determined that it was more likely than not that the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeded the carrying amount and that no impairment existed as of the assessment date. We do not believe that the change in the date of the annual goodwill impairment test is a material change in the method of applying an accounting principle nor do we expect that it will result in any delay, acceleration or impact to the results of the impairment testing. We believe this date is preferable because it aligns with the timing of our annual planning process which largely occurs during the fourth quarter. Retrospective application to prior periods is impracticable as we are unable to objectively determine, without the use of hindsight, the assumptions that would be used in those earlier periods.

No impairment of goodwill was identified during the three months ended March 31, 2018 or the twelve months ended December 31, 2017.

Income taxes	3 Months Ended
Income taxes	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes	Income taxes We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts which are more likely than not to be realized. We had a valuation allowance of $78 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, and $62 million at December 31, 2016. A majority of the valuation allowance is related to the deferred tax assets of National Instruments Hungary Kft. (“NI Hungary”). We account for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in our financial statements using prescribed recognition thresholds and measurement attributes for financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken on our tax returns. We had $10.5 million and $10.2 million of unrecognized tax benefits at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, all of which would affect our effective income tax rate if recognized. We recorded a gross increase in unrecognized tax benefits of $0.2 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2018, as a result of the tax positions taken during these periods. As of March 31, 2018, it is reasonably possible that we will recognize tax benefits in the amount of $1.8 million in the next twelve months due to the closing of open tax years. The nature of the uncertainty is related to deductions taken on returns that have not been examined by the applicable tax authority. Our continuing policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. As of March 31, 2018, we had approximately $1 million accrued for interest related to uncertain tax positions. The tax years 2009 through 2018 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which we are subject. Our provision for income taxes reflected an effective tax rate of 18% and 22% for the three month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. For the three month period ended March 31, 2018, our effective tax rate was lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% as a result of an enhanced deduction for certain research and development expenses, profits in foreign jurisdictions with reduced income tax rates, the deduction for foreign-derived deduction eligible income, and the research and development tax credit, offset by the U.S. tax on global intangible low-taxed income.. Our earnings in Hungary are subject to a statutory tax rate of 9%. In addition, our research and development activities in Hungary benefit from a tax law in Hungary that provides for an enhanced deduction for qualified research and development expenses. The tax position of our Hungarian operations resulted in income tax benefits of $1.7 million and $2.9 million for the three month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Earnings from our operations in Malaysia are free of tax under a tax holiday effective January 1, 2013. This tax holiday expires in 2027. If we fail to satisfy the conditions of the tax holiday, this tax benefit may be terminated early. The income tax benefits of the tax holiday for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017 was approximately $0.6 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The impact of the tax holiday on a per share basis for each of the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017 was a benefit of $0.01 per share. No other taxing jurisdictions had a significant impact on our effective tax rate. We have not entered into any advanced pricing or other agreements with the IRS with regard to any foreign jurisdictions. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Act reduced the US federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred, and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings. We are applying the guidance in SAB 118 when accounting for the enactment-date effects of the Act. As of March 31, 2018, we had not completed our accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Act. However, we have made a reasonable estimate of the effects on our existing deferred tax balances and the one-time transition tax. We have recognized a provisional amount of $69.9 million, which is included as a component of income tax expense from continuing operations. We will continue to make and refine our calculations as additional analysis is completed. Our estimates may also be affected as we gain a more thorough understanding of the tax law. During the three month period ended March 31, 2018, we did not recognize any adjustments to the provisional amounts recorded at December 31, 2017. The Act subjects a U.S. shareholder to tax on global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) earned by certain foreign subsidiaries. The FASB Staff Q&A, Topic 740, No. 5, Accounting for Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income, states that an entity can make an accounting policy election to either recognize deferred taxes for temporary basis differences expected to reverse as GILTI in future years or provide for the tax expense related to GILTI in the year the tax is incurred as a period expense only. Given the complexity of the GILTI provisions, we are still evaluating the effects of the GILTI provisions and have not yet determined our accounting policy. At March 31, 2018, because we are still evaluating the GILTI provisions and our analysis of future taxable income that is subject to GILTI, we have included GILTI related to current-year operations only in our estimated annual effective tax rate and have not provided additional GILTI on deferred items.

Comprehensive Income

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]

Comprehensive income

Our comprehensive income is comprised of net income, foreign currency translation, unrealized gains and losses on forward contracts and securities classified as available-for-sale. The accumulated OCI, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, consisted of the following:



	March 31, 2018
	(Unaudited)
(In thousands)	Currency translation adjustment			Investments			Derivative instruments			Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)
Balance as of December 31, 2017	$	(12,717	)	$	(782	)	(3,010		)	$	(16,509	)
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	5,804			(696		)	(5,594		)	(486		)
Reclassified from accumulated OCI into income	—			—			1,823			1,823
Income tax benefit	—			(65		)	(807		)	(872		)
Balance as of March 31, 2018	$	(6,913	)	$	(1,413	)	$	(5,974	)	$	(14,300	)



	March 31, 2017
	(Unaudited)
(In thousands)	Currency translation adjustment			Investments			Derivative instruments			Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)
Balance as of December 31, 2016	$	(37,174	)	$	(669	)	3,222			$	(34,621	)
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	3,961			(4		)	(1,845		)	2,112
Reclassified from accumulated OCI into income	—			—			(967		)	(967		)
Income tax (benefit) expense	65			(20		)	(1,002		)	(957		)
Balance as of March 31, 2017	$	(33,278	)	$	(653	)	$	1,412		$	(32,519	)

໿

- Definition

The entire disclosure for comprehensive income, which includes, but is not limited to, 1) the amount of income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income, including reclassification adjustments, 2) the reclassification adjustments for each classification of other comprehensive income and 3) the ending accumulated balances for each component of comprehensive income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522872

+ Details

Authorized shares of common and preferred stock and stock-based compensation plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Authorized shares of common and preferred stock and stock-based compensation plans	Authorized shares of common and preferred stock and stock-based compensation plans Authorized shares of common and preferred stock Following approval by the Company’s Board of Directors and stockholders, on May 14, 2013, the Company’s certificate of incorporation was amended to increase the authorized shares of common stock by 180,000,000 shares to a total of 360,000,000 shares. As a result of this amendment, the total number of shares which the Company is authorized to issue is 365,000,000 shares, consisting of (i) 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, and (ii) 360,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share. Restricted stock plan Our stockholders approved our 2005 Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”) in May 2005. At the time of approval, 4,050,000 shares of our common stock were reserved for issuance under this plan, as well as the number of shares which had been reserved but not issued under our 1994 Incentive Plan which terminated in May 2005 (the “1994 Plan”), and any shares that returned to the 1994 Plan as a result of termination of options or repurchase of shares issued under such plan. The 2005 Plan, administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, provided for granting of incentive awards in the form of restricted stock and RSUs to directors, executive officers and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. Awards vest over a three, five or ten-year period, beginning on the date of grant. Vesting of ten year awards may accelerate based on the Company’s previous year’s earnings and growth but ten year awards cannot accelerate to vest over a period of less than five years. The 2005 Plan terminated on May 11, 2010, except with respect to outstanding awards previously granted thereunder. There were 3,362,304 shares of common stock that were reserved but not issued under the 2005 Plan as of May 11, 2010. Our stockholders approved our 2010 Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”) on May 11, 2010. At the time of approval, 3,000,000 shares of our common stock were reserved for issuance under this plan, as well as the 3,362,304 shares of common stock that were reserved but not issued under the 1994 Plan and the 2005 Plan as of May 11, 2010, and any shares that are returned to the 1994 Plan and the 2005 Plan as a result of the forfeiture or termination of options or RSUs or repurchase of shares issued under these plans. The 2010 Plan, administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, provides for granting of incentive awards in the form of restricted stock and RSUs to employees, directors and consultants of the Company and employees and consultants of any parent or subsidiary of the Company. Awards vest over a three, five or ten-year period, beginning on the date of grant. Vesting of ten year awards may accelerate based on the Company’s previous year’s earnings and growth but ten year awards cannot accelerate to vest over a period of less than five years. The 2010 Plan terminated on May 12, 2015, except with respect to the outstanding awards previously granted thereunder. There were 2,518,416 shares of common stock that were reserved but not issued under the 2010 Plan as of May 12, 2015. Our stockholders approved our 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”) on May 12, 2015. At the time of approval, 3,000,000 shares of our common stock were reserved for issuance under this plan, as well as the 2,518,416 shares of common stock that were reserved but not issued under the 2010 Plan as of May 12, 2015, and any shares that were returned to the 1994, 2005, and the 2010 Plans as a result of the forfeiture or termination of options or RSUs or repurchase of shares issued under these plans. The 2015 Plan, administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, provides for the granting of incentive awards in the form of restricted stock and RSUs to employees, directors and consultants of the Company and employees and consultants of any parent or subsidiary of the Company. Awards vest over a three, four, five or ten-year period, beginning on the date of grant. Vesting of ten year awards may accelerate based on the Company’s previous year’s earnings and growth but ten year awards cannot accelerate to vest over a period of less than five years. There were 3,838,195 shares available for grant under the 2015 Plan at March 31, 2018. During the three month period ended March 31, 2018, we did not make any changes in accounting principles or methods of estimates related to the 2005, 2010 and 2015 Plans. Employee stock purchase plan Our employee stock purchase plan permits substantially all domestic employees and employees of designated subsidiaries to acquire our common stock at a purchase price of 85% of the lower of the market price at the beginning or the end of the purchase period. The plan has quarterly purchase periods generally beginning on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 of each year. Employees may designate up to 15% of their compensation for the purchase of common stock under this plan. On May 9, 2017, our stockholders approved an additional 3,000,000 shares for issuance under our employee stock purchase plan. At March 31, 2018, we had 2,643,059 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under this plan. We issued 224,838 shares under this plan in the three months ended March 31, 2018 and the weighted average purchase price of the employees’ purchase rights was $38.25 per share. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we did not make any changes in accounting principles or methods of estimates with respect to such plan. Authorized Preferred Stock and Preferred Stock Purchase Rights Plan We have 5,000,000 authorized shares of preferred stock. On January 21, 2004, our Board of Directors designated 750,000 of these shares as Series A Participating Preferred Stock in conjunction with the adoption of a Preferred Stock Rights Agreement which expired on May 10, 2014. There were no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding at March 31, 2018. Stock repurchases and retirements From time to time, our Board of Directors has authorized various programs for our repurchase of shares of our common stock depending on market conditions and other factors. Under the current program, we did not make any share repurchases during the three months ended March 31, 2018 or the three months ended March 31, 2017. At March 31, 2018, there were 1,134,247 shares remaining available for repurchase under this program. This repurchase program does not have an expiration date.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References + Details

Segment and geographic information	3 Months Ended
Segment and geographic information	Mar. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment and geographic information	Segment and geographic information We operate as one operating segment. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, who is our chief executive officer, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Our chief operating decision maker evaluates our financial information and resources and assesses the performance of these resources on a consolidated basis. Since we operate in one operating segment, all required financial segment information can be found in the condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto. We sell our products in three geographic regions which consist of Americas; Europe, Middle East, India, and Africa (EMEIA); and Asia-Pacific (APAC). Our sales to these regions share similar economic characteristics, similar product mix, similar customers, and similar distribution methods. Revenue from the sale of our products, which are similar in nature, and software maintenance is reflected as total net sales in our Consolidated Statements of Income. (See “Note 2 –Revenue” of Notes to consolidated financial statements for total net sales by the major geographic areas in which we operate). Based on the billing location of the customer, total sales outside the U.S. for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were $200 million and $189 million, respectively. Total property and equipment, net, outside the U.S. was $132 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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+ Details

Debt	3 Months Ended
Debt	Mar. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt On May 9, 2013, we entered into a Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank (the “Lender”). The Loan Agreement provided for a $50 million unsecured revolving line of credit with a scheduled maturity date of May 9, 2018 (the “Maturity Date”). On October 29, 2015, we entered into a First Amendment to Loan Agreement (the “Amendment”) with the Lender, which amended our Loan Agreement to among other things, (i) increase the unsecured revolving line of credit from $50 million to $125 million, (ii) extend the Maturity Date of the line of credit from May 9, 2018 to October 29, 2020, and (iii) provide us with an option to request increases to the line of credit of up to an additional $25 million in the aggregate, subject to consent of the Lender and terms and conditions to be mutually agreed between us and the Lender. The loans bear interest, at our option, at a base rate determined in accordance with the Loan Agreement, plus a spread of 0.0% to 0.50%, or a LIBOR rate plus a spread of 1.13% to 2.00%, in each case with such spread determined based on a ratio of consolidated indebtedness to EBITDA, determined in accordance with the Loan Agreement. Principal, together with all accrued and unpaid interest, is due and payable on the Maturity Date. We are also obligated to pay a quarterly commitment fee, payable in arrears, based on the available commitments at a rate of 0.18% to 0.30%, with such rate determined based on the ratio described above. The Loan Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants. The affirmative covenants include, among other things, delivery of financial statements, compliance certificates and notices; payment of taxes and other obligations; maintenance of existence; maintenance of properties and insurance; and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The negative covenants include, among other things, limitations on indebtedness, liens, mergers, consolidations, acquisitions and sales of assets, investments, changes in the nature of the business, affiliate transactions and certain restricted payments. The Loan Agreement also requires us to maintain a ratio of consolidated indebtedness to EBITDA equal to or less than 3.25 to 1.00, and a ratio of consolidated EBITDA to interest expense greater than or equal to 3.00 to 1.00, in each case determined in accordance with the Loan Agreement. As of March 31, 2018, we were in compliance with all covenants in the Loan Agreement. The Loan Agreement contains customary events of default including, among other things, payment defaults, breaches of covenants or representations and warranties, cross-defaults with certain other indebtedness, bankruptcy and insolvency events, judgment defaults and change in control events, subject to grace periods in certain instances. Upon an event of default, the lender may declare all or a portion of the outstanding obligations payable by us to be immediately due and payable and exercise other rights and remedies provided for under the Loan Agreement. Under certain circumstances, a default interest rate will apply on all obligations during the existence of an event of default under the Loan Agreement at a per annum rate of interest equal to 2.00% above the otherwise applicable interest rate. Proceeds of loans made under the Loan Agreement may be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes. We may prepay the loans under the Loan Agreement in whole or in part at any time without premium or penalty. Certain of our existing and future material domestic subsidiaries are required to guaranty our obligations under the Loan Agreement. As of March 31, 2018, we had no outstanding borrowings under this line of credit. During the three month periods ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, we incurred interest expense related to our outstanding borrowings of $0 and $178,000, respectively. As of March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, the weighted-average interest rate on the revolving line of credit was 3% and 1.6%, respectively. These charges are included in “Other income (loss), net” in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Commitments and contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and contingencies

We offer a one-year limited warranty on most hardware products which is included in the terms of sale of such products. We also offer optional extended warranties on our hardware products for which the related revenue is recognized ratably over the warranty period. Provision is made for estimated future warranty costs at the time of the sale for the estimated costs that may be incurred under the standard warranty. Our estimate is based on historical experience and product sales during the period. The warranty reserve for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was as follows:



		Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)