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Document And Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2011	Feb. 17, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2011
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	vrsn
Entity Registrant Name	VERISIGN INC/CA
Entity Central Index Key	0001014473
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		159,518,978
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 4.2
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,313,349	$ 1,559,628
Marketable securities	32,860	501,238
Accounts receivable, net	14,974	14,874
Deferred tax assets and other current assets	86,598	102,217
Total current assets	1,447,781	2,177,957
Property and equipment, net	327,136	190,319
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net	53,848	55,146
Other assets	27,414	20,584
Total long-term assets	408,398	266,049
Total assets	1,856,179	2,444,006
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	156,385	195,235
Deferred revenues	502,538	457,478
Total current liabilities	658,923	652,713
Long-term deferred revenues	226,033	205,560
Convertible debentures, including contingent interest derivative	590,086	581,626
Long-term debt	100,000
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	325,527	309,696
Other long-term liabilities	43,717	17,981
Total long-term liabilities	1,285,363	1,114,863
Total liabilities	1,944,286	1,767,576
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' (deficit) equity:
Preferred stock-par value $.001 per share; Authorized shares: 5,000; Issued and outstanding shares: none
Common stock-par value $.001 per share; Authorized shares: 1,000,000; Issued shares: 316,781 at December 31, 2011 and 313,313 at December 31, 2010; Outstanding shares: 159,422 at December 31, 2011 and 172,736 at December 31, 2010	317	313
Additional paid-in capital	20,135,237	21,040,919
Accumulated deficit	(20,220,577)	(20,363,468)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,084)	(1,334)
Total stockholders' (deficit) equity	(88,107)	676,430
Total liabilities and stockholders' (deficit) equity	$ 1,856,179	$ 2,444,006

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, authorized shares	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, issued shares	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding shares	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, authorized shares	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Common stock, issued shares	316,781,000	313,313,000
Common stock, outstanding shares	159,422,000	172,736,000

Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 771,978	$ 680,578	$ 615,947
Costs and expenses
Cost of revenues	165,246	156,676	166,705
Sales and marketing	97,432	83,390	75,348
Research and development	53,277	53,664	52,364
General and administrative	111,122	137,704	146,531
Restructuring and impairment charges	15,512	16,861	15,041
Total costs and expenses	442,589	448,295	455,989
Operating income	329,389	232,283	159,958
Interest expense	(147,332)	(157,667)	(47,351)
Non-operating income, net	11,530	20,738	11,945
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	193,587	95,354	124,552
Income tax expense	(55,031)	(25,322)	(32,935)
Income from continuing operations, net of tax	138,556	70,032	91,617
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	4,335	763,822	157,622
Net income	142,891	833,854	249,239
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary		(2,887)	(3,686)
Net income attributable to Verisign stockholders	$ 142,891	$ 830,967	$ 245,553
Basic income per share attributable to Verisign stockholders from:
Continuing operations	$ 0.84	$ 0.39	$ 0.48
Discontinued operations	0.03	4.29	0.80
Net income	0.87	4.68	1.28
Diluted income per share attributable to Verisign stockholders from:
Continuing operations	0.83	0.39	0.48
Discontinued operations	0.03	4.25	0.80
Net income	$ 0.86	$ 4.64	$ 1.28
Shares used to compute net income per share attributable to Verisign stockholders:
Basic	165,408	177,534	191,821
Diluted	166,887	178,965	192,575
Amounts attributable to Verisign stockholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax	$ 138,556	$ 70,032	$ 91,617
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	4,335	760,935	153,936
Net income attributable to Verisign stockholders	$ 142,891	$ 830,967	$ 245,553

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) And Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest In Subsidiary [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2008	$ 304	$ 21,891,891	$ (21,439,988)	$ 17,006	$ 469,213	$ 49,208	$ 518,421
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2008	191,548
Comprehensive Income:
Net income			245,553		245,553	3,686	249,239
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments				(2,203)	(2,203)	(2,087)	(4,290)
Realized foreign currency translation adjustments, included in net income				(7,436)	(7,436)		(7,436)
Change in unrealized gain on investments, net of tax				17	17	(76)	(59)
Realized (gain) loss on investments, included in net income, net of tax				150	150	131	281
Total comprehensive income					236,081	1,654	237,735
Issuance of common stock under stock plans	$ 4	36,200			36,204		36,204
Issuance of common stock under stock plans, shares	3,468
Stock-based compensation		53,667			53,667	26	53,693
Dividend declared to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary						(807)	(807)
Net excess income tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation and other		15,452			15,452		15,452
Repurchase of common stock		(260,571)			(260,571)		(260,571)
Repurchase of common stock, shares	(11,717)
Repurchase of subsidiary's common stock from noncontrolling interest		(430)		125	(305)	(1,158)	(1,463)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2009	$ 308	21,736,209	(21,194,435)	7,659	549,741	48,923	598,664
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2009	183,299
Comprehensive Income:
Net income			830,967		830,967	2,887	833,854
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments				3,987	3,987	3,340	7,327
Realized foreign currency translation adjustments, included in net income				(15,052)	(15,052)	(14,024)	(29,076)
Change in unrealized gain on investments, net of tax				2,545	2,545	41	2,586
Realized (gain) loss on investments, included in net income, net of tax				(473)	(473)	17	(456)
Total comprehensive income					821,974	(7,739)	814,235
Issuance of common stock under stock plans	$ 5	92,505			92,510		92,510
Issuance of common stock under stock plans, shares	5,579
Stock-based compensation		54,087			54,087	4	54,091
Special dividend paid		(518,217)			(518,217)		(518,217)
Dividend declared to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary						(856)	(856)
Deconsolidation upon divestiture of the Authentication Services business						$ (40,332)	(40,332)
Net excess income tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation and other		126,084			126,084		126,084
Repurchase of common stock		(449,749)			(449,749)		(449,749)
Repurchase of common stock, shares	(16,142)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$ 313	21,040,919	(20,363,468)	(1,334)	676,430		$ 676,430
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2010	172,736						172,736
Comprehensive Income:
Net income			142,891		142,891		$ 142,891
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments				110	110		110
Change in unrealized gain on investments, net of tax				688	688		688
Realized (gain) loss on investments, included in net income, net of tax				(2,548)	(2,548)		(2,548)
Total comprehensive income					141,141		141,141
Issuance of common stock under stock plans	$ 4	49,979			49,983		49,983
Issuance of common stock under stock plans, shares	3,469
Stock-based compensation		46,438			46,438		46,438
Special dividend paid		(463,498)			(463,498)		(463,498)
Net excess income tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation and other		11,496			11,496		11,496
Repurchase of common stock		550,097			550,097		550,097
Repurchase of common stock, shares	16,783
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 317	$ 20,135,237	$ (20,220,577)	$ (3,084)	$ (88,107)		$ (88,107)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011	159,422						159,422

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 142,891	$ 833,854	$ 249,239
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax		(725,254)	(28,320)
Depreciation and amortization	55,706	67,655	86,266
Stock-based compensation	43,272	52,178	51,166
Loss on sale and impairment of other long-lived assets			12,481
Excess tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation	(13,420)	(131,926)	(25,880)
Other, net	12,965	9,474	(3,567)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions and divestitures:
Accounts receivable	(251)	13,147	25,798
Deferred tax assets and other assets	11,043	(19,105)	(47,418)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	18,162	34,952	34,545
Deferred revenues	65,533	80,231	40,881
Net cash provided by operating activities	335,901	215,206	395,191
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds received from divestiture of businesses, net of cash contributed and transaction costs		1,162,306	469,380
Proceeds from maturities and sales of marketable securities and investments	546,006	313,817	129,479
Purchases of marketable securities and investments	(78,975)	(787,718)	(1,150)
Purchases of property and equipment	(192,660)	(80,527)	(116,876)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment			6,064
Other investing activities	(1,129)	(4,788)	(2,442)
Net cash provided by investing activities	273,242	603,090	484,455
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock from option exercises and employee stock purchase plans	49,983	92,510	36,204
Repurchases of common stock	(550,097)	(449,749)	(260,571)
Payment of dividends to stockholders	(463,498)	(518,217)
Excess tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation	13,420	131,926	25,880
Proceeds received from borrowings	100,000		3,205
Repayment of borrowings	(1,067)	(1,004)	(1,134)
Other financing activities	(939)	(740)	(1,578)
Net cash used in financing activities	(852,198)	(745,274)	(197,994)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(3,224)	9,440	6,446
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(246,279)	82,462	688,098
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	1,559,628	1,477,166	789,068
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	1,313,349	1,559,628	1,477,166
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest	140,193	148,870	39,256
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received	$ 6,567	8,502	21,881
(Payable) receivable to/from purchasers of divested businesses		$ (4,250)	$ 15,780

Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

VeriSign, Inc. ("Verisign" or "the Company") was incorporated in Delaware on April 12, 1995. It is a provider of Internet infrastructure services. By leveraging its global infrastructure, it provides network confidence and availability for mission-critical Internet services, such as domain name registry services and infrastructure assurance services. The Company's service capabilities enable domain name registration through its registrar partners and provide network availability for registrars and Internet users alike.

The Company's business consists of one reportable segment, namely Naming Services, which consists of Registry Services and Network Intelligence and Availability ("NIA") Services. Registry Services operates the authoritative directory of all .com, .net, .cc, .tv, and .name domain names and the back-end systems for all .gov, .jobs and .edu domain names. NIA Services provides infrastructure assurance services to organizations and is comprised of Verisign iDefense Security Intelligence Services, Managed Domain Name System Services, and Distributed Denial of Service Protection Services.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Verisign and its subsidiaries have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") in the United States ("U.S."). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Unless noted otherwise, discussions in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements pertain to continuing operations.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to current period presentation. Such reclassifications have no effect on net income as previously reported.

Significant Accounting Policies

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Verisign considers all highly-liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include certain money market funds, commercial paper, debt securities and various deposit accounts. Verisign maintains its cash and cash equivalents with financial institutions that have investment grade ratings and, as part of its cash management process, performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of these financial institutions.

Marketable Securities

Marketable securities consist of debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies. All marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, are reported as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The specific identification method is used to determine the cost basis of the marketable securities sold. The Company classifies its marketable securities as current based on their nature and availability for use in current operations.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets of 35 to 47 years for buildings, 10 years for building improvements and three to five years for computer equipment, purchased software, office equipment, and furniture and fixtures. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the assets or associated lease terms.

Capitalized Software

Software included in property and equipment includes amounts paid for purchased software and development costs for software used internally that has been capitalized. The following table summarizes the capitalized costs related to third-party implementation and consulting services as well as costs related to internally developed software. The costs related to internally developed software in the table below include amounts related to software that was sold as part of the divestiture of the Authentication Services business.


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Internally used third-party software and consulting fees	$	3,032	$	1,708
Internally developed software		17,205		23,713

Goodwill and Other Long-lived Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase consideration over fair value of net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill and other intangible assets acquired in a business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but instead tested for impairment. All of the Company's goodwill is included in the Registry Services reporting unit which has a negative carrying value. The Company performs a qualitative analysis at the end of each reporting period to determine if any events have occurred or circumstances exist that would indicate that it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. The qualitative factors the Company reviews include, but are not limited to: (a) macroeconomic conditions; (b) industry and market considerations such as a deterioration in the environment in which an entity operates; (c) a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate; (d) an adverse action or assessment by a regulator; (e) unanticipated competition; (f) loss of key personnel; (g) a more-likely-than-not expectation of sale or disposal of a reporting unit or a significant portion thereof; or (h) testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit.

Long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and purchased intangible assets subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset, or asset group, may not be recoverable. Such events or circumstances include, but are not limited to, a significant decrease in the fair value of the underlying business, a significant decrease in the benefits realized from an acquired business, difficulties or delays in integrating the business or a significant

change in the operations of an acquired business. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset, or asset group, to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset, or asset group. An impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value.

Verisign amortizes intangible assets with estimable useful lives on a straight-line basis over their useful lives.

Restructuring Charges

Verisign records restructuring charges related to workforce reductions using a standard formula of benefits based upon tenure with the Company. The accounting for severance costs associated with an ongoing arrangement is dependent upon determination of the following criteria: (i) the Company's obligation relating to employees' rights to receive compensation for future absences is attributable to employees' services already rendered; (ii) the obligation relates to rights that vest or accumulate; (iii) payment of the compensation is probable; and (iv) the amount can be reasonably estimated. Severance costs that are considered a one-time benefit are measured at fair value and are recognized upfront or over the future service period, depending on whether future service is required, if certain conditions are met, including i) management's commitment to a detailed plan of termination that identifies the number of employees, their job classifications or functions and their locations, and expected completion date; and ii) the plan has been communicated to the employees.

Verisign records restructuring charges related to excess facilities at fair value only when the Company ceases use of the excess facilities. Excess facilities restructuring charges take into account the fair value of lease obligations of the abandoned space, including the potential for sublease income. Estimating the amount of sublease income requires management to make estimates for the space that will be rented, the rate per square foot that might be received and the vacancy period of each property.

3.25% junior subordinated convertible debentures due 2037 ("Convertible Debentures")

Verisign separately accounts for the liability (debt) and equity (conversion option) components of the Convertible Debentures in a manner that reflects the borrowing rate for a similar non-convertible debt. The liability component is recognized at fair value on the issuance date, based on the fair value of a similar instrument that does not have a conversion feature at issuance. The excess of the principal amount of the Convertible Debentures over the fair value of the liability component is the equity component or debt discount. Such excess represents the estimated fair value of the conversion feature and is recorded as Additional paid-in capital. The debt discount is amortized using the Company's effective interest rate over the term of the Convertible Debentures as a non-cash charge to interest expense. The Convertible Debentures also have a contingent interest payment provision that may require the Company to pay interest based on certain thresholds, beginning with the semi-annual interest period commencing on August 15, 2014, and upon the occurrence of certain events, as outlined in the Indenture governing the Convertible Debentures. The contingent interest payment provision has been identified as an embedded derivative, to be accounted for separately at fair value, and is marked to market at the end of each reporting period, with any gains and losses recorded in Non-operating income, net.

Foreign Currency Translation

Verisign conducts business throughout the world and transacts in multiple currencies. The functional currency for most of Verisign's international subsidiaries is the U.S. Dollar. The Company's subsidiaries' financial statements are remeasured into U.S. Dollars using a combination of current and historical exchange rates and any remeasurement gains and losses are included in Non-operating income, net. The Company recorded a net remeasurement loss of $3.4 million in 2011 and a net remeasurement gain of $9.5 million in 2009. The net remeasurement gain recorded for 2010 was not material.

The financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries for which the local currency is the functional currency are translated into U.S. Dollars using the current rate for assets and liabilities and a weighted-average rate for the period for revenues and expenses. This translation results in a foreign currency translation adjustment that is included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Foreign currency translation adjustments are realized and included in net income in the period in which those subsidiaries are sold or liquidated.

Verisign maintains a foreign currency risk management program designed to mitigate foreign exchange risks associated with the monetary assets and liabilities of its operations that are denominated in non-functional currencies. The primary objective of this program is to minimize the gains and losses resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates. The Company does not enter into foreign currency transactions for trading or speculative purposes, nor does it hedge foreign currency exposures in a manner that entirely offsets the effects of changes in exchange rates. The program may entail the use of forward or option contracts, which are usually placed and adjusted monthly. These foreign currency forward contracts are derivatives and are recorded at fair market value. The Company records gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts to Non-operating income, net. The Company recorded a net gain of $1.4 million in 2011 and net losses of $2.9 million in 2010 and $11.8 million in 2009, related to foreign currency forward contracts.

As of December 31, 2011, Verisign held foreign currency forward contracts in notional amounts totaling $39.7 million to mitigate the impact of exchange rate fluctuations associated with certain assets and liabilities held in foreign currencies.

Revenue Recognition

Verisign recognizes revenues when the following four criteria are met:

•

Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists: It is the Company's customary practice to have a written contract, signed by both the customer and Verisign or a service order form from those customers who have previously negotiated a standard master services agreement with Verisign.

•

Delivery has occurred or services have been rendered: The Company's services are usually delivered continuously from service activation date through the term of the arrangement.

•

The fee is fixed or determinable: Substantially all of the Company's revenue arrangements have fixed or determinable fees.

•

Collectability is reasonably assured: Collectability is assessed on a customer-by-customer basis. Verisign typically sells to customers for whom there is a history of successful collection. The majority of customers either maintains a deposit with Verisign or provides an irrevocable letter of credit in excess of the amounts owed. New customers are subjected to a credit review process that evaluates the customer's financial position and, ultimately, their ability to pay. If Verisign determines from the outset of an arrangement that collectability is not probable based upon its credit review process, revenues are recognized as cash is collected.

Substantially all of the Company's revenue arrangements have multiple service deliverables. However, all service deliverables in those arrangements are usually delivered over the same term and, in the absence of a discernible pattern of performance, are presumed to be delivered ratably over that service term.

If the Company enters into an arrangement with multiple elements where standalone value exists for each element and the delivery of the elements occur at different times, revenue for such arrangement is allocated to the elements based on the best estimate of selling prices of the elements and recognized based on applicable service term for each element.

Registry Services

Registry Services revenues primarily arise from fixed fees charged to registrars for the initial registration or renewal of .com, .net, .tv, .name, .cc, .gov or .jobs domain names. Revenues from the initial registration or renewal of domain names are deferred and recognized ratably over the registration term, generally one year and up to ten years. Fees for renewals and advance extensions to the existing term are deferred until the new incremental period commences. These fees are then recognized ratably over the renewal term.

Verisign also offers promotional marketing programs to its registrars based upon market conditions and the business environment in which the registrars operate. Amounts payable to these registrars for such promotional marketing programs are usually recorded as a reduction of revenue, unless Verisign obtains an identifiable benefit separate from the services it provides to the registrars, and the fair value of the benefit exceeds the amounts payable.

NIA Services

Following the revenue recognition criteria above, revenues from NIA Services are usually deferred and recognized over the service term, generally one to two years.

Advertising Expenses

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in Sales and marketing expenses. Advertising expenses were $17.2 million, $12.6 million, and $6.9 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Income Taxes

Verisign uses the asset and liability method to account for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and net operating loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount whose realization is more likely than not.

Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or noncurrent based on the financial reporting classification of the related asset or liability, or, for deferred tax liabilities or assets that are not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. For every tax-paying component and within each tax jurisdiction, (a) all current deferred tax liabilities and assets are offset and presented as a single amount and (b) all noncurrent deferred tax liabilities and assets are offset and presented as a single amount.

The Company's income taxes payable is reduced by the tax benefits from employee stock option exercises and restricted stock unit ("RSU") vesting. The Company's income tax benefit related to stock options is calculated as the tax effect of the difference between the fair market value of the stock and the exercise price at the time of option exercise. The Company's income tax benefit related to RSUs is equal to the fair market value of the stock at the vesting date. If the income tax benefit at exercise or vesting date is greater than the income tax benefit recorded based on the grant date fair value of the stock options or RSUs, such excess tax benefit is recognized as an increase to Additional paid-in capital.

Verisign's global operations involve dealing with uncertainties and judgments in the application of complex tax regulations in multiple jurisdictions. The final taxes payable are dependent upon many factors, including negotiations with taxing authorities in various jurisdictions and resolution of disputes arising from U.S. federal, state, and international tax audits. The Company may only recognize or continue to recognize tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. The Company adjusts these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances; however, due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from its current estimate of the tax liabilities.

The Company's assumptions, judgments and estimates relative to the value of a deferred tax asset take into account predictions of the amount and character of future taxable income, such as income from operations or capital gains income. Actual operating results and the underlying amount and character of income in future years could render the Company's current assumptions, judgments and estimates of recoverable net deferred taxes inaccurate. Any of the assumptions, judgments and estimates mentioned above could cause the Company's actual income tax obligations to differ from its estimates, thus materially impacting its financial position and results of operations.

Stock-based Compensation

During 2011, the Company's stock-based compensation was primarily related to RSUs granted to employees. There were no stock options granted in 2011. The Company used the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options granted in prior years and also uses the Black-Scholes model to determine the fair value of employee stock purchase plan ("ESPP") offerings. The determination of the fair value of stock-based payment awards using an option-pricing model is affected by the Company's stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables. For the awards that are expected to vest, after considering estimated forfeitures, stock-based compensation expense is typically recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each such award. The Company also grants performance based RSUs to certain executives. The expense for these performance-based RSUs is recognized on a graded vesting schedule over the term of the award based on the probable outcome of the performance conditions.

Verisign recognizes a benefit from stock-based compensation in Additional paid-in capital if an incremental tax benefit is realized as a reduction in income taxes payable after all other tax attributes currently available to it have been utilized. Additionally, Verisign accounts for the indirect benefits of stock-based compensation on the research tax credit as part of continuing operations rather than through Additional paid-in capital.

Earnings per Share

The Company computes basic net income per share attributable to Verisign stockholders by dividing net income attributable to Verisign stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share attributable to Verisign stockholders gives effect to dilutive potential common shares, including outstanding stock options, unvested RSUs, ESPP offerings and the conversion spread related to convertible debentures using the treasury stock method.

Discontinued Operations

The results of operations of businesses that have been divested are presented as discontinued operations when the underlying operations and cash flows of the disposal group have been eliminated from the Company's continuing operations and the Company will no longer have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the divested business after the disposal transaction.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company applies the following fair value 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: Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

•

Level 2: Inputs reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities; or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

•

Level 3: Unobservable inputs reflecting the Company's own assumptions incorporated in valuation techniques used to determine fair value. These assumptions are required to be consistent with market participant assumptions that are reasonably available.

The Company measures and reports certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, including its investments in money market funds classified as Cash and cash equivalents, investments in fixed income securities, foreign currency forward contracts, and the contingent interest derivative associated with the Convertible Debentures.

Cash, Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Cash, Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities [Abstract]

Cash, Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities

Note 2. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities

The following tables summarize the Company's cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities:


	As of December 31,
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Cash	$	1,127,196	$	106,270
Money market funds		132,145		648,054
Time deposits		57,930		803,797
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies		32,860		359,160
Corporate debt securities				141,338
Debt securities issued by foreign governments				5,040

Total	$	1,350,131	$	2,063,659

Included in Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,313,349	$	1,559,628
Included in Marketable securities	$	32,860	$	501,238
Included in Other assets (Restricted cash)	$	3,922	$	2,793

As of December 31, 2011, the Company held marketable securities with maturities between one and three years that consisted of debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies. The fair value of the marketable securities as of December 31, 2011 was $32.9 million including gross and net unrealized gains of $0.3 million which were recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

The Company recognized pre-tax net gains of $4.2 million during 2011 related to the sale of $546.0 million of marketable securities, primarily to fund a special dividend paid in May 2011 (the "May 2011 Dividend") and repurchases of common stock discussed further in Note 8 "Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)." Net gains or losses recognized during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 related to sales of marketable securities were not material.

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments

Note 3. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

The following tables summarize the Company's financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:


			Fair Value Measurement Using
	Total Fair Value as of December 31, 2011		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Total Fair Value as of December 31, 2011				Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Investments in money market funds	$	132,145	$	132,145	$		$
Investments in fixed income securities:
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies		32,860				32,860
Foreign currency forward contracts (1)		49				49

Total	$	165,054	$	132,145	$	32,909	$

Liabilities:
Contingent interest derivative on convertible debentures	$	11,625	$		$		$	11,625
Foreign currency forward contracts (2)		444				444

Total	$	12,069	$		$	444	$	11,625

(1)	Included in Deferred tax assets and other current assets

(2)	Included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities


			Fair Value Measurement Using
	Total Fair Value as of December 31, 2010		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Total Fair Value as of December 31, 2010				Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Investments in money market funds	$	648,054	$	648,054	$		$
Investments in fixed income securities:
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies		359,160		2,700		356,460
Corporate debt securities		141,338				141,338
Debt securities issued by foreign governments		5,040				5,040

Total	$	1,153,592	$	650,754	$	502,838	$

Liabilities:
Contingent interest derivative on convertible debentures	$	10,500	$		$		$	10,500
Foreign currency forward contracts (1)		282				282

Total	$	10,782	$		$	282	$	10,500

(1)	Included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

The fair value of the Company's investments in money market funds approximates their face value. Such instruments are classified as Level 1 and are included in Cash and cash equivalents.

The fair value of the Company's investments in fixed income securities are obtained using the weighted average price of available market prices for the underlying securities from various industry standard data providers, large financial institutions and other third-party sources. Such instruments are included in either Cash and cash equivalents or Marketable securities. The $2.7 million fair value of U.S. Treasury bills held by the Company at December 31, 2010 was based on their quoted market prices and included in Cash and cash equivalents.

The fair value of the Company's foreign currency forward contracts is based on foreign currency rates quoted by banks or foreign currency dealers and other public data sources.

The Company utilizes a valuation model to estimate the fair value of the contingent interest derivative on the Convertible Debentures. The inputs to the model include stock price, bond price, risk adjusted interest rates, volatility, and credit spread observations. As several significant inputs are not observable, the overall fair value measurement of the derivative is classified as Level 3.

The following table summarizes the change in the fair value of the contingent interest derivative on Convertible Debentures for 2011 and 2010:


	(In thousands)
Fair value at December 31, 2009	$	10,000
Unrealized loss on contingent interest derivative on convertible debentures		500

Fair value at December 31, 2010		10,500
Unrealized loss on contingent interest derivative on convertible debentures		1,125

Fair value at December 31, 2011	$	11,625

Other

The Company's other financial instruments include accounts receivable, restricted cash, accounts payable, and long-term debt. As of December 31, 2011, the carrying value of these financial instruments approximated their fair value. The fair value of the Company's Convertible Debentures as of December 31, 2011, is $1.5 billion, and is based on quoted market prices.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44A, 44B
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15C, 15D
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15A
-Subparagraph a-d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15B
-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 3, 10, 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32, 33, 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 17-22, 27, 28
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

Discontinued Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Discontinued Operations [Abstract]

Discontinued Operations

Note 4. Discontinued Operations

The following presents a summary of the Company's divested and wound-down businesses during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009. Historical results of operations of the divested and wound-down businesses have been classified as discontinued operations.

Completed in 2010

On August 9, 2010, the Company sold its Authentication Services business, including outstanding shares of capital stock of VeriSign Japan and trademarks and certain intellectual property used in the Authentication Services business (including the Company's checkmark logo and the Geotrust and thawte brand names), to Symantec for cash consideration of approximately $1.14 billion, net of cash held by transferred subsidiaries of $127.5 million and transaction costs of $10.8 million. Also included with the sale of the Authentication Services business were certain corporate assets, namely real and personal property owned by the Company at its Mountain View facility and other locations, which were transferred to the Authentication Services reporting unit before the sale. The Company recorded a gain on sale of $726.2 million, net of tax of $254.3 million. The gain on sale also reflects the realization of foreign currency translation adjustments of $15.3 million previously included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and the deconsolidation of non-controlling interest in VeriSign Japan of $54.3 million.

In November 2010, the Company ceased the operations of its CPS business.

Completed in 2009

On November 9, 2009, the Company sold its Mobile Delivery Gateway Services business which offered solutions to manage the complex operator interfaces, relationships, distribution, reporting and customer service for the delivery of premium mobile content to customers for net cash consideration of $19.4 million. In 2009, the Company recorded a loss on sale of $26.1 million.

In October 2009, the Company ceased the operations of its Pre-pay Services business which licensed and managed solutions for prepay billing customers to deliver rating and billing services.

On October 23, 2009, the Company sold its Messaging and Mobile Media Services business which consisted of the InterCarrier Messaging, PictureMail, Premium Messaging Gateway, and Mobile Enterprise Service offerings for net cash consideration of $171.8 million. In 2009, the Company recorded a gain on sale of $50.4 million.

On October 1, 2009, the Company sold its Global Security Consulting business which helped companies understand corporate security requirements, comply with all applicable regulations, identify security vulnerabilities, reduce risk, and meet the security compliance requirements applicable to the particular business and industry for net cash consideration of $4.9 million. In 2009, the Company recorded a gain on sale of $1.6 million.

On July 6, 2009, the Company sold its Managed Security Services ("MSS") business which enabled enterprises to effectively monitor and manage their network security infrastructure 24 hours per day, every day of the year, while reducing the associated time, expense, and personnel commitments by relying on the MSS business' security platform and experienced security staff for net cash consideration of $40.0 million. In 2009, the Company recorded a gain on sale of $7.5 million.

On May 5, 2009, the Company sold its Real-Time Publisher Services business which allowed organizations to obtain access to and organize large amounts of constantly updated content, and distribute it, in real time, to enterprises, Web-portal developers, application developers and consumers for net cash consideration of $1.8 million. In 2009, the Company recorded a gain on sale of $2.1 million.

On May 1, 2009, the Company sold its Communications Services business which provided Billing and Commerce Services, Connectivity and Interoperability Services, and Intelligent Database Services for net cash consideration of $227.6 million. In 2009, the Company recorded a loss on sale of $2.3 million.

On April 10, 2009, the Company sold its International Clearing business which enabled financial settlement and call data settlement for wireless and wireline carriers for net cash consideration of $0.1 million. In 2009, the Company recorded a gain on sale of $6.2 million, which includes the realization of foreign currency translation adjustments of $7.4 million, previously included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

The Company will continue to generate cash flows and will report income statement activity in continuing operations associated with providing transition related services to Symantec for the divested Authentication Services business for a remaining term of 19 months from December 31, 2011.

The following table presents the revenues and the components of discontinued operations, net of tax:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Revenues	$	44		$	248,740		$	639,698

(Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes	$	(538	)	$	63,906		$	179,119
Gains on sale of discontinued operations, before income taxes		451			979,560			36,027
Income tax benefit (expense)		4,422			(279,644	)		(57,524	)

Income from discontinued operations		4,335			763,822			157,622
Less: Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary					(2,887	)		(3,686	)

Total income from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to Verisign stockholders	$	4,335		$	760,935		$	153,936

Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes for 2011 primarily represents the effects of certain retained litigation of the divested businesses. Income tax benefit for discontinued operations for 2011 primarily includes a benefit from the settlement of a foreign income tax liability that had resulted from the sale of the Authentication Services business in 2010. The amounts presented as discontinued operations in 2010 and 2009 represent the results of operations and net gains and losses on the sale of the divested businesses. The Company has determined direct costs consistent with the manner in which the disposal groups were structured and managed during the respective periods. Indirect costs such as corporate overhead and goodwill impairments that were not directly attributable to a disposal group have not been allocated to discontinued operations.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the facts and circumstances leading to the completed or expected disposal, manner and timing of disposal, the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations, the segment in which the disposal group was reported, and the classification (whether sold or classified as held for sale) and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group. Includes all disposal groups, including those classified as components of the entity (discontinued operations).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 43-48
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 360
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e1012-107759

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
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-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e957-107759

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1474-107760

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 360
-SubTopic 10
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1436-107760

+ Details

Other Balance Sheet Items

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Other Balance Sheet Items [Abstract]

Other Balance Sheet Items

Note 5. Other Balance Sheet Items

Deferred Tax Assets and Other Current Assets

Deferred tax assets and other current assets consist of the following:


	As of December 31,
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets	$	64,751	$	69,807
Prepaid expenses		12,016		9,939
Non-trade receivables		8,638		14,158
Receivables from buyers		814		8,198
Other		379		115

Total deferred tax assets and other current assets	$	86,598	$	102,217

Non-trade receivables primarily consist of income tax receivables and value added tax receivables. Receivables from buyers primarily represented amounts due from Symantec for services performed on their behalf under transition services agreements. During 2011, the Company received from buyers of the divested businesses substantially the entire amount included in Receivables from buyers as of December 31, 2010.

Property and Equipment, Net

The following table presents the detail of property and equipment, net:


	As of December 31,
	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Land	$	31,141		$	4,681
Buildings and building improvements		239,280			131,266
Computer equipment and software		307,710			259,966
Capital work in progress		6,157			5,121
Office equipment and furniture		7,662			7,618
Leasehold improvements		2,282			13,958

Total cost		594,232			422,610
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(267,096	)		(232,291	)

Total property and equipment, net	$	327,136		$	190,319

On September 15, 2010, the Company entered into a lease agreement for an office building in Reston, Virginia to be used as the Company's corporate headquarters. The lease term commenced in July 2011. The lease contained a provision giving the Company the right of first refusal according to which, if the landlord desired to sell the property during the term of the lease, it must, subject to certain exceptions, first offer to sell the property to the Company. Pursuant to this right of first refusal, the Company purchased the property in November 2011 for $118.5 million, including $0.5 million of closing costs. The Company had a deferred rent liability of $9.4 million in connection with the lease of the building at the time the purchase was completed. This liability reduced the recorded cost of the property to $109.1 million. Of the total cost of the building, $82.6 million was allocated to buildings and building improvements, and $26.5 million was allocated to land.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during 2010. There were no changes to goodwill during 2011.


	Year Ended December 31, 2010
	Year Ended December 31, 2010
	(In thousands)
Beginning goodwill, gross	$	1,998,043
Beginning accumulated impairment		(1,708,063	)

		289,980

Gross goodwill included in the sale of Authentication Services (see Note 4)		(458,087	)
Accumulated impairment included in the sale of Authentication Services		222,747
Other adjustments		(2,113	)

		(237,453	)

Ending goodwill, gross		1,537,843
Ending accumulated impairment		(1,485,316	)

	$	52,527

Other adjustments in the table above include income tax adjustments, foreign exchange fluctuations and other additions or reductions determined after the initial purchase price allocation of acquired businesses.

At the end of each quarter in 2011, the Company performed its qualitative analysis and determined that no events occurred or circumstances existed that would indicate that it was more likely than not that a goodwill impairment existed for its Registry Services reporting unit. During the second quarter of 2010 and 2009, the Company performed its annual impairment reviews of its various reporting units and determined that each of the reporting units had a fair value in excess of its carrying value by a substantial margin.

During the third quarter of 2009, due to a strategic change in the planned use, the Company recorded an impairment of its .name generic top-level domain ("gTLD") intangible asset and reduced its carrying value to its fair value. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $9.7 million to Restructuring and impairment charges. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had other intangible assets of $1.3 million and $2.6 million, respectively.

Other Assets

Other assets consist of the following:


	As of December 31,
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Long-term deferred tax assets and other tax receivable	$	8,569	$	2,873
Long-term investments		413		413
Debt issuance costs		11,830		11,044
Long-term restricted cash		3,922		2,793
Security deposits and other		2,680		3,461

Total other assets	$	27,414	$	20,584

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following:


	As of December 31,
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Accounts payable	$	19,283	$	16,727
Accrued employee compensation		40,251		52,628
Customer deposits, net		18,558		18,681
Payables to buyers		230		11,337
Taxes payable, deferred and other tax liabilities		28,441		38,168
Accrued restructuring costs		8,685		17,460
Other accrued liabilities		40,937		40,234

Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	156,385	$	195,235

Accrued employee compensation primarily consists of liabilities for employee leave, salaries, payroll taxes, employee contributions to the ESPP, and incentive compensation. Payables to buyers primarily consists of amounts due to Symantec for certain post-closing purchase price adjustments related to the sale of the Authentication Services business and accrued bonus for employees associated with the Authentication Services business, substantially the entire amount of which was paid during 2011. Accrued restructuring costs primarily represents restructuring costs related to the 2010 Restructuring Plan discussed in Note 6 "Restructuring Charges." Other accrued liabilities consist primarily of interest on the Convertible Debentures, accrued litigation, and accruals for products and services. Interest on the Convertible Debentures is paid semi-annually in arrears on August 15 and February 15.

Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities consist of the following:


	As of December 31,
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Long-term tax liabilities	$	43,685	$	17,163
Long-term accrued restructuring costs				761
Other		32		57

Total other long-term liabilities	$	43,717	$	17,981

Restructuring Charges

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Restructuring Charges [Abstract]

Restructuring Charges

Note 6. Restructuring Charges

2010 Restructuring Plan

In connection with the sale of the Authentication Services business and the migration of its corporate functions from California to Virginia, the Company initiated a restructuring plan in 2010, including workforce reductions, abandonment of excess facilities and other exit costs (the "2010 Restructuring Plan"). The plan was substantially completed as of December 31, 2011. Under the 2010 Restructuring Plan, the Company has incurred pre-tax cash severance charges, stock-based compensation expenses upon acceleration of stock-based awards, and excess facility exit costs of $21.9 million, $16.2 million, and $8.2 million, respectively, through December 31, 2011, inclusive of amounts reported in discontinued operations.

2008 Restructuring Plan

As part of its divestiture strategy announced in 2007, the Company initiated a restructuring plan in the first quarter of 2008 (the "2008 Restructuring Plan") including workforce reductions, abandonment of excess facilities and other exit costs. The restructuring charges for the year ended December 31, 2009 in the table below are substantially related to the 2008 Restructuring Plan. The plan was substantially completed as of June 30, 2010. Verisign recorded a total of $86.8 million in restructuring charges, inclusive of amounts for discontinued operations, under its 2008 Restructuring Plan since its inception.

The following table presents the nature of the restructuring charges under the 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Workforce reduction	$	7,824	$	32,623		$	13,067
Excess facilities		7,688		(424	)		2,685

Total consolidated restructuring charges	$	15,512	$	32,199		$	15,752

Amounts classified as continuing operations	$	15,512	$	16,861		$	5,357

Amounts classified as discontinued operations	$		$	15,338		$	10,395

As of December 31, 2011, the consolidated current accrued restructuring costs are $8.7 million and consist of the following:


	Accrued Restructuring Costs at December 31, 2010		Costs Incurred		Costs Paid or Settled			Stock-based Compensation			Accrued Restructuring Costs at December 31, 2011
	(In thousands)
Workforce reduction	$	15,120	$	7,824	$	(16,661	)	$	(5,701	)	$	582
Excess facilities		3,101		7,688		(2,686	)					8,103

Total accrued restructuring costs	$	18,221	$	15,512	$	(19,347	)	$	(5,701	)	$	8,685

- Definition

The entire disclosure for restructuring and related activities. Description of restructuring activities such as exit and disposal activities, include facts and circumstances leading to the plan, the expected plan completion date, the major types of costs associated with the plan activities, total expected costs, the accrual balance at the end of the period, and the periods over which the remaining accrual will be settled.

+ References + Details

Debt And Interest Expense

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Debt And Interest Expense [Abstract]

Debt And Interest Expense

Note 7. Debt and Interest Expense

2011 Credit Facility

On November 22, 2011, Verisign entered into a credit agreement with a syndicate of lenders led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the administrative agent. The credit agreement provides for a $200.0 million committed senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the "2011 Facility"), under which Verisign and certain designated subsidiaries may be borrowers. Loans under the 2011 Facility may be denominated in US dollars and certain other currencies. The Company has the option under the 2011 Facility to invite lenders to make competitive bid loans at negotiated interest rates. The facility expires on November 22, 2016 at which time any outstanding borrowings are due.

Borrowings under the 2011 Facility bear interest at one of the following rates as selected by the Company at the time of borrowing: the lender's base rate which is the higher of the Prime Rate or the sum of 0.5% plus the Federal Funds Rate, plus in each case a margin of 0.5% to 1.0% determined based on the Company's leverage ratio, or a LIBOR or EURIBOR based rate plus market-rate spreads of 1.5% to 2.0% that are determined based on the Company's leverage ratio.

On November 28, 2011, the Company borrowed $100.0 million as a LIBOR revolving loan denominated in US dollars to be used in connection with the purchase of Verisign's headquarters facility in Reston, Virginia and for general corporate purposes. The Company does not intend to repay the outstanding borrowing within the next year and, as such, has classified the debt as a long-term liability.

The Company is required to pay a commitment fee between 0.2% and 0.3% of the unused amount committed under the facility, depending on the Company's leverage ratio. The credit agreement contains customary representations and warranties, as well as covenants limiting the Company's ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, merge or consolidate with others, change its business, sell or dispose of assets. The covenants also include limitations on investments, limitations on dividends, share redemptions and other restricted payments, limitations on entering into certain types of restrictive agreements, limitations on entering into hedging agreements, limitations on amendments, waivers or prepayments of the Convertible Debentures, limitations on transactions with affiliates and limitations on the use of proceeds from the facility.

The facility includes financial covenants requiring that the Company's interest coverage ratio not be less than 3.0 to 1.0 for any period of four consecutive quarters and the Company's leverage ratio not exceed 2.0 to 1.0. As of December 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants of the 2011 Facility.

Verisign may from time to time request lenders to agree on a discretionary basis to increase the commitment amount by up to an aggregate of $150.0 million during the term of the 2011 Facility.

2006 Credit Facility

In 2006, Verisign entered into a credit agreement with a syndicate of banks and other financial institutions related to a $500.0 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the "2006 Facility"), under which Verisign, or certain designated subsidiaries may be borrowers. The 2006 Facility was scheduled to mature on June 7, 2011. The Company terminated the 2006 Facility on November 3, 2010.

Convertible Debentures

In August 2007, Verisign issued $1.25 billion principal amount of 3.25% convertible debentures due August 15, 2037, in a private offering. The Convertible Debentures are subordinated in right of payment to the Company's existing and future senior debt and to the other liabilities of the Company's subsidiaries. The Convertible Debentures are initially convertible, subject to certain conditions, into shares of the Company's common stock at a conversion rate of 29.0968 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Debentures, representing an initial effective conversion price of approximately $34.37 per share of common stock. The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment for certain events as outlined in the Indenture governing the Convertible Debentures but will not be adjusted for accrued interest. As of December 31, 2011, approximately 36.4 million shares of common stock were reserved for issuance upon conversion or repurchase of the Convertible Debentures.

On or after August 15, 2017, the Company may redeem all or part of the Convertible Debentures for the principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest if the closing price of the Company's common stock has been at least 150% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days during any 30 consecutive trading-day period prior to the date on which the Company provides notice of redemption. If the conversion value exceeds $1,000, the Company may deliver, at its option, cash or common stock or a combination of cash and common stock for the conversion value in excess of $1,000 ("conversion spread").

Holders of the debentures may convert their Convertible Debentures at the applicable conversion rate, in multiples of $1,000 principal amount, only under the following circumstances:

•

during any fiscal quarter beginning after December 31, 2007, if the last reported sale price of the Company's common stock for at least 20 trading days during the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the applicable conversion price on the last trading day of such preceding fiscal quarter;

•

during the five business-day period after any 10 consecutive trading-day period in which the trading price per Convertible Debentures for each day of that 10 consecutive trading-day period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the Company's common stock and the conversion rate on such day;

•

if the Company calls any or all of the Convertible Debentures for redemption, at any time prior to the close of business on the trading day immediately preceding the redemption date;

•

upon the occurrence of specified corporate transactions as specified in the Indenture governing the Convertible Debentures (a "fundamental change"); or

•

at any time on or after May 15, 2037, and prior to the maturity date.

The Company intends and has the ability to settle the principal amount of the Convertible Debentures in cash. As of December 31, 2011, the if-converted value of the Convertible Debentures exceeded its principal amount. Based on the if-converted value of the Convertible Debentures as of December 31, 2011, the conversion spread could have required the Company to issue up to an additional 1.4 million shares of common stock. As of December 31, 2011, none of the conditions allowing holders of the Convertible Debentures to convert had been met.

In addition, holders of the Convertible Debentures who convert their Convertible Debentures in connection with a fundamental change may be entitled to a make-whole premium in the form of an increase in the conversion rate. Additionally, in the event of a fundamental change, the holders of the Convertible Debentures may require Verisign to purchase all or a portion of their Convertible Debentures at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of Convertible Debentures, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.

The Company received net proceeds of approximately $1.22 billion after deduction of $25.8 million of costs incurred upon the issuance of the Convertible Debentures. The Company calculated the carrying value of the liability component at issuance as the present value of its cash flows using a discount rate of 8.5% (borrowing rate for similar non-convertible debt with no contingent payment options), adjusted for the fair value of the contingent interest feature, yielding an effective interest rate of 8.39%. The excess of the principal amount of the debt over the carrying value of the liability component is also referred to as the "debt discount" or "equity component" of the Convertible Debentures. The carrying value of the liability and equity components on the date of issuance were determined to be $550.5 million and $700.7 million, respectively. The debt discount is being amortized using the Company's effective interest rate of 8.39% over the term of the Convertible Debentures as a non-cash charge to interest expense included in Interest expense. As of December 31, 2011, the remaining term of the Convertible Debentures is 25.6 years. Interest is payable semiannually in arrears on August 15 and February 15.

The table below presents the carrying amounts of the liability and equity components:


	As of December 31,
	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Carrying amount of equity component (net of issuance costs of $14,449)	$	686,221		$	686,221

Principal amount of Convertible Debentures	$	1,250,000		$	1,250,000
Unamortized discount of liability component		(671,539	)		(678,874	)

Carrying amount of liability component		578,461			571,126
Contingent interest derivative		11,625			10,500

Convertible debentures, including contingent interest derivative	$	590,086		$	581,626

Interest Expense

The following table presents the components of interest expense:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Contractual interest on Convertible Debentures	$	40,625		$	40,625		$	40,625
Amortization of debt discount on the Convertible Debentures		7,355			6,775			6,241
Contingent interest to holders of the Convertible Debentures		100,020			109,113
Interest capitalized to property and equipment, net		(980	)		(676	)		(1,090	)
Other interest expense		312			1,830			1,575

Total interest expense	$	147,332		$	157,667		$	47,351

The Indenture governing the Convertible Debentures requires the payment of contingent interest to the holders of the Convertible Debentures if the Board of Directors (the "Board") declares a dividend to its stockholders that is designated by the Board as an extraordinary dividend. The contingent interest is calculated as the amount derived by multiplying the per share declared dividend with the if-converted number of shares applicable to the Convertible Debentures. The Board declared extraordinary dividends in April 2011 and December 2010, and consequently, the Company paid $100.0 million and $109.1 million contingent interest, respectively, to holders of the Convertible Debentures.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References + Details

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)

Note 8. Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)

Preferred Stock

Verisign is authorized to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. As of December 31, 2011, no shares of preferred stock had been issued. In connection with its stockholder rights plan, Verisign authorized 3,000,000 shares of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the "Series A Preferred Shares"). In the event of liquidation, each Series A Preferred Share, if and when issued, will be entitled to a $1.00 preference, and thereafter each holder of a Series A Preferred Share will be entitled to an aggregate payment of 100 times the aggregate payment made per common share. If and when issued, each Series A Preferred Share will have 100 votes, voting together with the common shares. Each holder of a Series A Preferred Share, if and when issued, will be entitled to receive a quarterly dividend equal to 100 times the aggregate per share amount of any dividends declared on the common stock since the preceding quarterly dividend date (other than stock dividends, which will result in an anti-dilution adjustment to the Series A Preferred Shares). Finally, in the event of any merger, consolidation or other transaction in which common shares are exchanged, each Series A Preferred Share will be entitled to receive 100 times the amount received per common share. These rights are protected by customary anti-dilution provisions.

Treasury Stock

Treasury stock is accounted for under the cost method. Treasury stock includes shares repurchased under Stock Repurchase Programs and shares withheld in lieu of tax withholdings due upon vesting of RSUs.

On July 27, 2010, the Board authorized the repurchase of up to approximately $1.1 billion of the Company's common stock, in addition to the $393.6 million of its common stock remaining available for repurchase under the previous 2008 Share Buyback Program, for a total repurchase of up to $1.5 billion of its common stock (collectively, the "2010 Share Buyback Program"). The 2010 Share Buyback Program has no expiration date. Purchases made under the 2010 Share Buyback Program could be effected through open market transactions, block purchases, accelerated share repurchase agreements or other negotiated transactions. As of December 31, 2011, approximately $831.3 million remained available for further repurchase under the 2010 Share Buyback Program.

Tax Withholdings

Upon vesting of RSUs, the Company places a portion of the vested RSUs into treasury stock sufficient to cover tax withholdings due, and makes a cash payment to authorities to cover the applicable withholding taxes.

The summary of the Company's common stock repurchases for 2011, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:


	2011				2010				2009
	Shares		Average Price		Shares		Average Price		Shares		Average Price
	(In thousands, except average price amounts)
Total repurchases under the repurchase plans (1)		16,318	$	32.76		15,672	$	27.93		11,332	$	22.31
Total repurchases for tax withholdings and other (2)		465	$	33.37		470	$	25.63		385	$	20.16

Total repurchases		16,783	$	32.78		16,142	$	27.86		11,717	$	22.24

Total costs	$	550,097			$	449,749			$	260,571

(1)	Represents purchases under the 2010 and 2008 Share Buyback Programs.

(2)	Primarily represents shares withheld as treasury stock when surrendered in lieu of tax withholding due upon the release of RSUs.

Since inception, the Company has repurchased 157.4 million shares of its common stock for an aggregate cost of $4.6 billion, which is recorded as a reduction of Additional paid-in capital.

Special Dividend

On April 27, 2011, the Board declared a special dividend of $2.75 per share of the Company's common stock, totaling $463.5 million, which was paid on May 18, 2011. On December 9, 2010, the Board declared a special dividend of $3.00 per share of the Company's common stock, totaling $518.2 million, which was paid on December 28, 2010. The special dividends were accounted for as a reduction of Additional paid-in capital.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table summarizes the changes in the components of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Verisign stockholders for 2011 and 2010:


	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Gain (Loss)			Unrealized (Loss) Gain On Investments, net of tax			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2009	$	7,714		$	(55	)	$	7,659
Changes		(11,065	)		2,072			(8,993	)

Balance, December 31, 2010		(3,351	)		2,017			(1,334	)
Changes		110			(1,860	)		(1,750	)

Balance, December 31, 2011	$	(3,241	)	$	157		$	(3,084	)

Stockholder Rights Plan

On September 24, 2002, the Board adopted a stockholder rights plan and declared a dividend of one stock purchase right (each a "Right") for each outstanding share of Verisign common stock. The dividend was paid to stockholders of record on October 4, 2002 (the "Record Date"). In addition, one Right will be issued with each common share that becomes outstanding (i) between the Record Date and the earliest of the Distribution Date, the Redemption Date and the Final Expiration Date (as such terms are defined in the rights plan) or (ii) following the Distribution Date and prior to the Redemption Date or Final Expiration Date, pursuant to the exercise of stock options or under any employee plan or arrangement or upon the exercise, conversion or exchange of other securities of Verisign, which were outstanding prior to the Distribution Date.

The Rights currently cannot be exercised, do not trade separately and are not represented by separate certificates; instead, each Right is deemed to be "attached" to the related share of common stock on which the distribution was declared. The Rights will become exercisable at their $55.00 exercise price and trade separately, with separate Rights certificates then being distributed to holders, (a) ten days after it is publicly announced that any person or group has acquired beneficial ownership of 20% or more of Verisign's common stock (and thus becomes an "acquiring person"), or (b) ten business days after the commencement (or public announcement of a person's intended commencement) of, a tender offer or exchange offer for the Company that would result in such person becoming an "acquiring person" (except that, in such case, the Board has the power within such ten business-day period to delay such exercisability).

If any person acquires beneficial ownership of 20% or more of Verisign's common stock (other than in connection with certain inadvertent triggers), in addition to the Rights becoming exercisable, each Right will "flip in" and entitle the registered holder, other than the "acquiring person" or its transferees, to purchase, for the $55.00 exercise price, shares of Verisign common stock with a market value of $110.00. In the event a person becomes an "acquiring person," the rights plan gives the Board the authority to instead exchange each outstanding Right (other than those owned by the "acquiring person" and its transferees) for one share of common stock (or a substantially equivalent preferred stock interest). If the Company becomes a party to a merger or similar transaction (whether with a 20% stockholder or any other entity) after the Rights become exercisable, each Right (other than those owned by the "acquiring person" or its transferees) will "flip-over" and entitle the holder to buy, for the $55.00 exercise price, acquiror stock with a market value of $110.00.

At any time until there is a triggering 20% stockholder the Board can redeem all, but not less than all, of the then outstanding Rights for $0.001 each. The Board also has broad power to amend the rights plan until there is a triggering 20% stockholder. Once a person becomes an "acquiring person," however, the Board may not amend the rights plan in any manner that would adversely affect the interests of the holders of the Rights (other than the "acquiring person").

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity, comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, if any, including other comprehensive income (as applicable). Including, but not limited to: (1) balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings; (2) accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and total amount of comprehensive income; (3) amount and nature of changes in separate accounts, including the number of shares authorized and outstanding, number of shares issued upon exercise and conversion, and for other comprehensive income, the adjustments for reclassifications to net income; (4) rights and privileges of each class of stock authorized; (5) basis of treasury stock, if other than cost, and amounts paid and accounting treatment for treasury stock purchased significantly in excess of market; (6) dividends paid or payable per share and in the aggregate for each class of stock for each period presented; (7) dividend restrictions and accumulated preferred dividends in arrears (in aggregate and per share amount); (8) retained earnings appropriations or restrictions, such as dividend restrictions; (9) impact of change in accounting principle, initial adoption of new accounting principle and correction of an error in previously issued financial statements; (10) shares held in trust for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); (11) deferred compensation related to issuance of capital stock; (12) note received for issuance of stock; (13) unamortized discount on shares; (14) description, terms, and number of warrants or rights outstanding; (15) shares under subscription and subscription receivables, effective date of new retained earnings after quasi-reorganization and deficit eliminated by quasi-reorganization and, for a period of at least ten years after the effective date, the point in time from which the new retained dates; and (16) retroactive effective of subsequent change in capital structure.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 4
-Section 08
-Paragraph d

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 1
-Section B
-Paragraph 7, 11A
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 129
-Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
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-Number 210
-Section 08
-Article 4

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
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-Section 02
-Paragraph 29, 30, 31
-Article 5

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section E

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section C

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
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Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

Calculation Of Net Income Per Share Attributable To Verisign Stockholders

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Calculation Of Net Income Per Share Attributable To Verisign Stockholders [Abstract]

Calculation Of Net Income Per Share Attributable To Verisign Stockholders

Note 9. Calculation of Net Income per Share Attributable to Verisign Stockholders

The following table presents the computation of weighted average shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share attributable to Verisign stockholders:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
	(In thousands)
Weighted-average shares of common shares outstanding		165,408		177,534		191,821
Weighted-average potential shares of common stock outstanding:
Stock options		309		428		283
Unvested restricted stock units		736		873		471
Conversion spread related to convertible debentures		416
Employee stock purchase plan		18		130

Shares used to compute diluted net income per share attributable to Verisign stockholders		166,887		178,965		192,575

The following table presents the weighted-average potential shares of common stock that were excluded from the above calculation because their effect was anti-dilutive, and the respective weighted-average exercise prices of the weighted-average stock options outstanding:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Weighted-average stock options outstanding		366		2,836		6,925
Weighted-average exercise price	$	35.70	$	31.32	$	28.40
Weighted-average restricted stock units outstanding		35		57		1,136
Employee stock purchase plan		434		365		2,259

Geographic And Customer Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Geographic And Customer Information [Abstract]

Geographic And Customer Information

Note 10. Geographic and Customer Information

The Company generates revenue in the U.S.; Australia, China, India, and other Asia Pacific countries ("APAC"); Europe, the Middle East and Africa ("EMEA"); and certain other countries, including Canada and Latin American countries. Revenues are generally attributed to the country of domicile and the respective regions in which the Company's customers are located.

The following table represents a comparison of the Company's geographic revenues:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
	(In thousands)
U.S	$	472,700	$	419,315	$	393,522
APAC		116,999		103,494		86,828
EMEA		109,680		92,351		79,081
Other		72,599		65,418		56,516

Total revenues	$	771,978	$	680,578	$	615,947

The following table presents a comparison of property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, by geographic region:


	As of December 31,
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
U.S.	$	319,513	$	182,138
EMEA		7,211		7,593
APAC		412		588

Total property and equipment, net	$	327,136	$	190,319

Major Customers

One customer accounted for approximately 30%, 28%, and 26% of revenues from continuing operations in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. The Company does not believe that the loss of this customer would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business because, in that event, end-users of this customer would transfer to the Company's other existing customers.

- 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

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 131
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation

Note 11. Employee Benefits and Stock-based Compensation

401(k) Plan

The Company maintains a defined contribution 401(k) plan (the "401(k) Plan") for substantially all of its U.S. employees. Under the 401(k) Plan, eligible employees may contribute up to 20% of their pre-tax salary, subject to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") annual contribution limits. In 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company matched 50% of the employee's contribution up to a total of 6% of the employee's annual salary. The Company contributed $2.9 million in 2011, $4.1 million in 2010, and $6.3 million in 2009 under the 401(k) Plan. The Company can terminate matching contributions at its discretion at any time.

Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plans

The majority of Verisign's stock-based compensation relates to RSUs. Stock options granted in prior years were granted only to upper management level employees. As of December 31, 2011, a total of 16.9 million shares of common stock were reserved for issuance upon the exercise of stock options and for the future grant of stock options or awards under Verisign's stock option and restricted stock plans.

On May 26, 2006, the stockholders of Verisign approved the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2006 Plan"). The 2006 Plan replaces Verisign's previous 1998 Directors Plan, 1998 Equity Incentive Plan, and 2001 Stock Incentive Plan ("2001 Plan"). The 2006 Plan authorizes the award of incentive stock options to employees and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock awards, RSUs, stock bonus awards, stock appreciation rights and performance shares to eligible employees, officers, directors, consultants, independent contractors and advisors. Options may be granted at an exercise price not less than 100% of the fair market value of Verisign's common stock on the date of grant. The 2006 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee which may delegate to a committee of one or more members of the Board or Verisign's officers the ability to grant certain awards and take certain other actions with respect to participants who are not executive officers or non-employee directors. All outstanding options under the 2006 Plan have a term of not greater than 7 years from the date of grant. Options granted generally vest 25% on the first anniversary date of the grant and the remainder ratably over the following 12 quarters. RSUs are awards covering a specified number of shares of Verisign common stock that may be settled by issuance of those shares (which may be restricted shares). RSUs generally vest in four installments with 25% of the shares vesting on each anniversary of the first four anniversaries of the grant date. However, the Compensation Committee may authorize grants with a different vesting schedule in the future. A total of 27.0 million common shares were authorized and reserved for issuance under the 2006 Plan. The 2006 Plan was amended by shareholder approval in 2011 to allow for equitable adjustment of stock options outstanding under the plan in the event of any future special dividends paid by the Company. This amendment to the 2006 Plan was approved after the Company declared the 2011 special dividend. The modification of the plan did not result in any additional stock-based compensation.

Fully vested options to purchase 0.2 million and 0.1 million shares of common stock granted under the 2001 Plan and 1998 Directors Plan, respectively, remain outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2011. Options granted under these plans generally vested over a four-year period and had a ten-year term. No RSUs have been granted under these plans.

In connection with certain acquisitions, Verisign assumed some of the acquired companies' stock options. Options assumed generally have terms of seven to ten years and generally vested over a four-year period, as set forth in the applicable option agreement.

2007 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

On August 30, 2007, the Company's stockholders approved the 2007 Employee Stock Purchase Plan which replaced the previous 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. A total of 6.0 million common shares were authorized and reserved for issuance under the ESPP. Eligible employees may purchase common stock through payroll deductions by electing to have between 2% and 25% of their compensation withheld to cover the purchase price. Each participant is granted an option to purchase common stock on the first day of each 24-month offering period and this option is automatically exercised on the last day of each six-month purchase period during the offering period. The purchase price for the common stock under the ESPP is 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of the common stock on the first day of the applicable offering period or the last day of the applicable purchase period. Offering periods begin on the first business day of February and August of each year. As of December 31, 2011, a total of 3.0 million shares of the Company's common stock are reserved for issuance under this plan.

Stock-based Compensation

Stock-based compensation is classified in the same expense line items as cash compensation. The following table presents the classification of stock-based compensation:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
	(In thousands)
Stock-based compensation:
Cost of revenues	$	6,655	$	4,473	$	3,649
Sales and marketing		6,062		4,419		3,250
Research and development		4,926		4,989		3,145
General and administrative		19,928		20,136		18,912
Restructuring and impairment charges		5,701		2,321		630

Stock-based compensation for continuing operations		43,272		36,338		29,586
Discontinued operations				15,840		21,580

Total stock-based compensation	$	43,272	$	52,178	$	51,166

Recognized income tax benefit on stock-based compensation included within Income tax expense for 2011, 2010, and 2009 was $13.1 million, $9.7 million, and $7.9 million, respectively. Recognized income tax benefit on stock-based compensation included within Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, for 2010 and 2009 was $4.5 million and $5.6 million, respectively.

The following table presents the nature of the Company's total stock-based compensation, inclusive of amounts for discontinued operations:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Stock-based compensation:
Stock options	$	3,528		$	7,741		$	12,305
ESPP		3,904			9,287			10,286
RSUs		33,305			26,175			28,877
Stock options/awards acceleration		5,701			11,023			2,341
Capitalization (Included in Property and equipment, net)		(3,166	)		(2,048	)		(2,643	)

Total stock-based compensation	$	43,272		$	52,178		$	51,166

As of December 31, 2011, total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSUs was $34.7 million which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years. The remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options is not material.

The following table sets forth the weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the stock options and employee stock purchase plan awards:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Stock options:
Volatility		N/A			36	%		46	%
Risk-free interest rate		N/A			1.85	%		1.56	%
Expected term		N/A			3.6 years			3.7 years
Dividend yield		N/A			Zero			Zero
Employee stock purchase plan awards:
Volatility		26	%		35	%		49	%
Risk-free interest rate		0.30	%		0.40	%		0.51	%
Expected term		1.25 years			1.25 years			1.25 years
Dividend yield		Zero			Zero			Zero

The Company's expected volatility is based on the average of the historical volatility over the period commensurate with the expected term of the options and the mean historical implied volatility of traded options. The risk-free interest rates are derived from the average U.S. Treasury constant maturity rates during the respective periods commensurate with the expected term. The expected terms are based on an analysis of the observed and expected time to post-vesting exercise and/or cancellation of options. When the stock options were granted and on the ESPP offering dates, the Company did not anticipate paying any cash dividends and therefore used an expected dividend yield of zero. The Company estimates forfeitures at the time of grant and revises those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The Company uses historical data to estimate pre-vesting option and award forfeitures and records stock-based compensation only for those options and awards that are expected to vest.

Stock Options Information

The following table summarizes stock options activity:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011					2010					2009
	Shares			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Shares			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Shares			Weighted- Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period		3,386,841		$	27.36		6,920,048		$	26.64		9,217,880		$	26.85
Granted							788,150			24.53		1,000,872			18.71
Exercised		(1,472,680	)		26.34		(3,094,284	)		23.69		(857,233	)		16.05
Forfeited		(749,074	)		26.53		(1,187,582	)		28.88		(2,272,188	)		27.72
Expired		(44,716	)		48.33		(39,491	)		87.00		(169,283	)		29.92

Outstanding at end of period		1,120,371			28.04		3,386,841			27.36		6,920,048			26.64

Exercisable at end of period		909,577			28.83		1,812,329			28.98		4,307,839			26.84

Expected to vest at end of period		190,146			24.81
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the period				$					$	7.14				$	6.73
Total intrinsic value of options exercised during the period (in thousands)				$	12,599				$	22,125				$	4,939

Intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market value as of December 31, 2011, and the exercise price of the shares. The closing price of Verisign's stock was $35.72 on December 30, 2011. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding, stock options exercisable and stock options expected to vest with an exercise price below $35.72 in each case as of December 31, 2011 was $9.0 million, $6.6 million and $2.4 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2011 the weighted-average remaining contractual life for stock options exercisable and stock options expected to vest was 2.6 years and 4.4 years, respectively.

RSUs Information

The following table summarizes unvested RSUs activity:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011					2010					2009
	Shares			Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value		Shares			Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value		Shares			Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Unvested at beginning of period		2,719,362		$	23.50		3,086,660		$	25.39		3,678,790		$	29.18
Granted		1,859,783			34.29		2,037,441			25.67		1,422,162			19.37
Vested and settled		(1,411,076	)		29.05		(1,348,951	)		26.34		(1,206,742	)		27.08
Forfeited		(1,025,014	)		29.41		(1,282,611	)		25.34		(807,550	)		29.53
Dividend equivalents		202,220					226,823

		2,345,275		$	25.51		2,719,362		$	23.50		3,086,660		$	25.39

All RSU agreements have anti-dilution provisions, in the event a dividend is declared, that requires the Company to issue additional dividend equivalent RSUs ("dividend equivalents") calculated based on the number of unvested RSUs, the per share dividend declared, and the stock price on the dividend payment date. The dividend equivalents are subject to the same vesting requirements as applicable to unvested RSUs in respect of which such additional dividend equivalents are issued.

At the time the December 2010 and May 2011 special dividends were declared, the 2006 Plan did not have the same anti-dilution provisions for outstanding stock options. Because the option holders did not participate in the special dividends, the Company granted option holders additional RSUs equivalent to the amount of the dividend. The RSUs granted were either fully vested or on a two year cliff vesting, depending on whether the corresponding stock options were vested or unvested. The Company recognized $9.2 million of stock-based compensation expense related to the fully vested RSUs granted in 2011.

As of December 31, 2011, the aggregate intrinsic value of unvested RSUs was $83.8 million. The fair values of RSUs that vested during 2011, 2010, and 2009 were $44.2 million, $38.1 million, and $24.7 million, respectively.

Modifications

In 2011, 2010, and 2009, the Company modified certain stock-based awards held by employees affected by divestitures and workforce reductions to accelerate the vesting of twenty-five percent (25%) of each such individual's unvested "in-the-money" stock options and 25% of each such individual's unvested RSUs on the termination dates of such individual's employment. The Company remeasured the fair value of these modified awards and recorded the charges over the requisite future service periods, if any. The modification charges are included as restructuring costs for continuing operations as well as for discontinued operations. 217, 1,054, and 737 employees were affected by these modifications and the Company recognized $5.7 million, $11.0 million, and $2.3 million of acceleration cost in Restructuring and impairment charges during 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Under the ESPP, if the market price of the stock at the end of any six-month purchase period is lower than the stock price at the offering date, the plan is immediately cancelled after that purchase date and a new two-year plan is established using the then-current stock price as the base purchase price. The Company also allows its employees to increase their payroll withholdings during the offering period. The Company accounts for these increases in employee payroll withholdings and the plan rollover as modifications. The Company recognized $0.7 million, $5.5 million, and $3.8 million of such modification expenses in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

- 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

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph 64, 65, A240
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 93-6
-Paragraph 53
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 14

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+ Details

Non-Operating Income, Net

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Non-Operating Income, Net [Abstract]

Non-Operating Income, Net

Note 12. Non-operating Income, Net

The following table presents the components of non-operating income, net:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Interest and dividend income	$	5,017		$	7,652		$	2,638
Net gain on divestiture of businesses and joint ventures								908
Unrealized (loss) gain on contingent interest derivative on Convertible Debentures		(1,125	)		(500	)		549
Income from transition services agreements		8,083			10,631			4,944
Realized net gain on investments		4,246			3,978			145
Other, net		(4,691	)		(1,023	)		2,761

Total non-operating income, net	$	11,530		$	20,738		$	11,945

Interest and dividend income is earned principally from the investment of Verisign's surplus cash balances and marketable securities. Income from transition services agreements includes fees generated from services provided to the purchasers of the divested businesses for a certain period of time to ensure and facilitate the transfer of business operations for those businesses. Other, net, in 2011, includes a $3.9 million out-of-period adjustment recorded for certain non-income taxes related to investments. Other, net, in 2010, includes $1.9 million in miscellaneous income, partially offset by $2.9 million in foreign currency losses. Other, net, in 2009, primarily includes $3.3 million received from Certicom Corporation ("Certicom") due to the termination of the acquisition agreement entered into with Certicom.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Note 13. Income Taxes

Income from continuing operations before income taxes is categorized geographically as follows:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
	(In thousands)
United States	$	62,287	$	39,454	$	82,952
Foreign		131,300		55,900		41,600

Total income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	193,587	$	95,354	$	124,552

The provision for income taxes consisted of the following:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Continuing operations:
Current (expense) benefit:
Federal	$	(30,325	)	$	91,305		$	(7,685	)
State		(1,963	)		27,777			17,918
Foreign, including foreign withholding tax		(1,146	)		(8,474	)		(4,591	)

		(33,434	)		110,608			5,642

Deferred (expense) benefit:
Federal		(17,047	)		(103,343	)		(44,560	)
State		(1,501	)		(36,397	)		(4,766	)
Foreign		(3,049	)		3,810			10,749

		(21,597	)		(135,930	)		(38,577	)

Total income tax expense from continuing operations	$	(55,031	)	$	(25,322	)	$	(32,935	)

Income tax benefit (expense) from discontinued operations	$	4,422		$	(279,644	)	$	(57,524	)

The difference between income tax expense and the amount resulting from applying the federal statutory rate of 35% to Income from continuing operations before income taxes is attributable to the following:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Income tax expense at federal statutory rate	$	(67,755	)	$	(33,373	)	$	(43,593	)
State taxes, net of federal benefit		(2,280	)		(8,620	)		8,549
Differences between statutory rate and foreign effective tax rate		43,591			19,122			4,711
Non-deductible stock-based compensation		(1,777	)		(2,826	)		(2,390	)
Change in valuation allowance		(350	)		350
Research and experimentation credit		1,670			670			930
Tax expense related to foreign currency gain on distribution of previously taxed income		(6,207	)
Change in estimated tax expense related to a divested business					3,365			(269	)
Accrual for uncertain tax positions		(23,265	)		(4,966	)		3,154
Other		1,342			956			(4,027	)

	$	(55,031	)	$	(25,322	)	$	(32,935	)

During 2011, we repatriated $86.4 million of funds that had been previously taxed in the U.S. from our foreign subsidiaries, which included the realization of a foreign currency gain of $17.7 million for tax purposes. The Company recorded an income tax expense of $6.2 million related to the foreign currency gain.

During 2010, the Company recorded a $7.8 million tax expense, reflecting a remeasurement of state deferred tax assets and liabilities using future tax rates which will be in effect when the underlying assets and liabilities will reverse. The change in state tax rate is primarily attributable to the change in the Company's business operations after the sale of the Authentication Services business.

During 2009, the State of California enacted changes in tax laws that were expected to have a beneficial impact on the Company's effective tax rate beginning in 2011. As a result, the Company revalued its state deferred tax assets that are expected to reverse after the effective date of the change, and recognized an income tax benefit of $4.9 million in state taxes for 2009.

During 2009, the California Franchise Tax Board agreed with certain Company positions during the Franchise Tax Board's audit of the years ended December 31, 2003 to December 31, 2005. The Company recorded an income tax benefit of $3.4 million in state taxes in 2009.

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:


	As of December 31,
	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	20,157		$	20,376
Deductible goodwill and intangible assets		8,909			10,354
Tax credit carryforwards		6,213			7,866
Deferred revenue, accruals and reserves		106,234			96,433
Capital loss carryforwards and book impairment of investments		5,749			5,759
Other		4,439			4,724

Total deferred tax assets		151,701			145,512
Valuation allowance		(15,882	)		(18,174	)

Net deferred tax assets		135,819			127,338

Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment		(42	)		(2,543	)
Non-deductible acquired intangibles		(148	)		(372	)
Convertible debentures		(390,125	)		(359,123	)
Other		(3,417	)		(4,210	)

Total deferred tax liabilities		(393,732	)		(366,248	)

Total net deferred tax liabilities	$	(257,913	)	$	(238,910	)

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had deferred tax assets arising from deductible temporary differences, tax losses, and tax credits of $151.7 million before the offset of certain deferred tax liabilities. With the exception of certain deferred tax assets related to book and tax bases differences of certain investments and certain foreign net operating loss carryforwards, management believes it is more likely than not that forecasted income, together with the tax effects of the deferred tax liabilities, will be sufficient to fully recover the remaining deferred tax assets. During 2011, the Company reduced its valuation allowance by $2.3 million. The reduction is primarily related to a release of a valuation allowance applied to foreign loss carryforwards as the Company is projecting sufficient future income to allow use of a portion of the foreign loss carryforward.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company has federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $77.0 million, $694.0 million and $12.7 million, respectively, before applying tax rates for the respective jurisdictions. The Company had federal research tax credits and alternative minimum tax credits available for future years of approximately $35.9 million and $18.6 million, respectively. Certain net operating loss carryforwards and credits are subject to an annual limitation under Internal Revenue Code Section 382, but are expected to be fully realized. In future periods, an aggregate, tax effected amount of $91.0 million will be recorded to Additional paid-in capital when carried forward excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation are utilized to reduce future cash tax payments. The federal and state net operating loss and federal tax credit carryforwards expire in various years from 2012 through 2030. The foreign net operating loss carryforwards will expire in 2015 through 2017.

The deferred tax liability related to the Convertible Debentures is driven by the excess of the tax deduction taken for interest expense over the amount of interest expense recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The interest expense deducted for tax purposes is based on the total principal amount of the Convertible Debentures, while the interest expense recognized in accordance with GAAP is based only on the liability portion of the Convertible Debentures.

Deferred income taxes have not been provided on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. The amount of such earnings as of December 31, 2011 was $532 million. These earnings have been indefinitely reinvested and the Company does not plan to initiate any action that would precipitate the payment of income taxes thereon. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of additional tax that might be payable on the undistributed foreign earnings.

The Company qualifies for a tax holiday in Switzerland. In Switzerland, the tax holidays provide reduced rates of taxation on certain types of income and also require certain thresholds of investment and employment. The tax holiday on certain income types expired in 2011 and the tax holiday on remaining income types expires in 2015. In India, the Company's exemption related to the Software Technology Park of India ("STPI") tax program expired on March 31, 2011. Following the expiration, the Company is subject to the regular statutory tax rate of 33% in India. The tax holidays increased the Company's earnings per share by $0.06 and $0.12 in 2011 and 2010, respectively. The impact of the tax holidays in 2009 was not material.

The Company maintains liabilities for uncertain tax positions. These liabilities involve considerable judgment and estimation and are continuously monitored by management based on the best information available including changes in tax regulations and other information. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:


	As of December 31,
	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at January 1	$	28,757		$	30,020
Increases in tax positions for prior years		41
Decreases in tax positions for prior years		(1,685	)		(7,012	)
Increases in tax positions for current year		29,242			8,933
Lapse in statute of limitations		(422	)		(3,184	)

Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31	$	55,933		$	28,757

As of December 31, 2011, approximately $45.7 million of unrecognized tax benefits, including penalties and interest, could affect the Company's tax provision and effective tax rate. The balance of the gross unrecognized tax benefits is not expected to materially change in the next 12 months.

In accordance with its accounting policy, the Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of tax expense. During 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company released accruals for interest and penalties of approximately $0.2 million, $1.1 million, and $2.7 million, respectively. The Company had accrued approximately $0.5 million and $0.7 million for the payment of interest and penalties as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The Company's major taxing jurisdictions are the U.S., the states of California and Virginia, and Switzerland. The Company's tax returns are not currently under examination by these taxing jurisdictions. Because the Company uses historic net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes to offset its taxable income in current and future years' income tax returns for the U.S., California and Virginia, such attributes can be adjusted by these taxing authorities until the statute closes on the year in which such attributes were utilized. The open years in Switzerland are the 2007 tax year and forward.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 136, 172
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 6: 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.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

+ Details

Commitments And Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments And Contingencies

Note 14. Commitments and Contingencies

Leases

Verisign leases a portion of its facilities under operating leases that extend through 2017, and subleases a portion of its office space to third parties. The minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases and the future minimum contractual sublease income as of December 31, 2011, are as follows:


	Operating Lease Payments		Sublease Income			Net Lease Payments
	(In thousands)
2012	$	10,200	$	(145	)	$	10,055
2013		1,875					1,875
2014		1,811					1,811
2015		1,618					1,618
2016		1,347					1,347
Thereafter		191					191

Total	$	17,042	$	(145	)	$	16,897

Future operating lease payments include payments related to leases on excess facilities included in Verisign's restructuring plans.

Rental expenses under operating leases were $10.6 million, $15.3 million, and $17.0 million for 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Purchase Obligations and Contractual Agreements

The following table represents the minimum payments required by Verisign under certain purchase obligations, the contractual agreement with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers ("ICANN"), the .tv Agreement with the Government of Tuvalu, the credit facility, and the interest payments and principal on the Convertible Debentures:


	Purchase Obligations		ICANN Agreement		.tv Agreement		Credit Facility		Convertible Debentures		Total
	(In thousands)
2012	$	15,131	$	16,500	$	4,000	$		$	40,625	$	76,256
2013		9,275				4,500				40,625		54,400
2014		4,837				4,500				40,625		49,962
2015						5,000				40,625		45,625
2016						5,000		100,000		40,625		145,625
Thereafter						25,000				2,087,891		2,112,891

Total minimum payments	$	29,243	$	16,500	$	48,000	$	100,000	$	2,291,016	$	2,484,759

The amounts in the table above exclude $45.7 million of income tax related uncertain tax positions, as the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate amount or time of settlement of those liabilities.

Verisign enters into certain purchase obligations with various vendors. The Company's significant purchase obligations primarily consist of firm commitments with telecommunication carriers and other service providers. The Company does not have any significant purchase obligations beyond 2014.

In 2006, the Company entered into a contractual agreement with ICANN to be the sole registry operator for domain names in the .com top-level domain through November 30, 2012. Under the agreement, the Company paid ICANN registry level fees of $18.0 million, $18.0 million, and $15.0 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. Registry fees for other generic top-level domains have been excluded from the table above because the amounts are variable or passed through to registrars.

In 2011, the Company renewed its agreement with the Government of Tuvalu to be the sole registry operator for .tv domain names through December 31, 2021. Under the previous agreement, the Company paid $2.0 million per year in registry fees.

In 2011, the Company entered into a $200.0 million committed senior unsecured revolving credit facility of which it withdrew $100.0 million in 2011. The facility expires on November 22, 2016 at which time any outstanding borrowings are due. Interest payments due on the borrowings outstanding have been excluded from the table above and are discussed in Note 7 "Debt and Interest Expense."

In August 2007, the Company issued $1.25 billion principal amount of Convertible Debentures. The Company will pay cash interest at an annual rate of 3.25% payable semiannually on February 15 and August 15 of each year, until maturity.

Legal Proceedings

On May 31, 2007, plaintiffs Karen Herbert, et al., on behalf of themselves and a nationwide class of consumers, filed a complaint against Verisign, m-Qube, Inc., and other defendants alleging that defendants collectively operated an illegal lottery under the laws of multiple states by allowing viewers of the NBC television show "Deal or No Deal" to incur premium text message charges in order to participate in an interactive television promotion called "Lucky Case Game." The lawsuit is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division. The defendants' motion to dismiss the Herbert matter was denied by the district court on December 3, 2007 and that ruling was appealed. On July 8, 2010, the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit dismissed the appeal for lack of jurisdiction and remanded the case to the district court. Certain defendants had asserted indemnity claims against Verisign in connection with these matters.

On July 13, 2011, the parties reached an agreement in principle to settle this matter and the defendants, including Verisign, previously reached an agreement in principle to resolve the indemnity claims noted above. The parties have entered into fully documented settlement agreements. Under the agreement to resolve the Herbert case, class members will be able to claim a full refund for premium text message charges incurred entering the Lucky Case Game. Verisign will pay sixty percent of the settlement costs but will receive an approximately $0.5 million contribution towards those costs from a co-defendant as part of the indemnity claim settlement. The Company has accrued for the expected settlement costs, which were not material to its financial condition or results of operations. See Note 4, "Discontinued Operations," of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This estimate of the expected settlement costs, by its nature, is based on judgment and currently available information and involves a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the type and nature of the lawsuit, the progress of the lawsuit, and the Company's experience in similar matters. Given the inherent uncertainties involved in litigation, the Company cannot assure you that the ultimate resolution of this matter will not exceed the amount accrued for the settlement costs.

The court granted preliminary approval of the Herbert settlement on September 19, 2011 and final approval on December 19, 2011.

Indemnifications

In connection with the sale of the Authentication Services business to Symantec in August 2010, the Company has agreed to indemnify Symantec for certain potential legal claims arising from the operation of the Authentication Services business for a period of sixty months after the closing of the sale transaction. The Company's indemnification obligations in this regard are triggered only when indemnifiable claims exceed in the aggregate $4.0 million. Thereafter, the Company is obligated to indemnify Symantec for 50% of all indemnifiable claims. The Company's maximum indemnification obligation with respect to these claims was capped at $125.0 million until February 9, 2012, at which time the cap was reduced to $50.0 million.

While certain legal proceedings and related indemnification obligations to which the Company is a party specify the amounts claimed, such claims may not represent reasonably possible losses. Given the inherent uncertainties of the litigation, the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be predicted at this time, nor can the amount of possible loss or range of loss, if any, be reasonably estimated, except in circumstances where an aggregate litigation accrual has been recorded for probable and reasonably estimable loss contingencies. A determination of the amount of accrual required, if any, for these contingencies is made after careful analysis of each matter. The required accrual may change in the future due to new developments in each matter or changes in approach such as a change in settlement strategy in dealing with these matters. The Company does not believe that any such matter currently being reviewed will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

Verisign is involved in various other investigations, claims and lawsuits arising in the normal conduct of its business, none of which, in its opinion, will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of

operations. The Company cannot assure you that it will prevail in any litigation. Regardless of the outcome, any litigation may require the Company to incur significant litigation expense and may result in significant diversion of management attention.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As such, the Company is not exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if the Company had engaged in such relationships.

It is not the Company's business practice to enter into off-balance sheet arrangements. However, in the normal course of business, the Company does enter into contracts in which it makes representations and warranties that guarantee the performance of the Company's products and services. Historically, there have been no significant losses related to such guarantees.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 440
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25287-109308

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

+ Details

Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Cash And Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Marketable Securities

Marketable Securities

Property And Equipment

Property and Equipment

Capitalized Software

Capitalized Software


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Internally used third-party software and consulting fees	$	3,032	$	1,708
Internally developed software		17,205		23,713

Goodwill And Other Long-Lived Assets

Goodwill and Other Long-lived Assets

Verisign amortizes intangible assets with estimable useful lives on a straight-line basis over their useful lives.

Restructuring Charges

Restructuring Charges

3.25% Junior Subordinated Convertible Debentures Due 2037 ("Convertible Debentures")

3.25% junior subordinated convertible debentures due 2037 ("Convertible Debentures")

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Verisign recognizes revenues when the following four criteria are met:

•

Delivery has occurred or services have been rendered: The Company's services are usually delivered continuously from service activation date through the term of the arrangement.

•

The fee is fixed or determinable: Substantially all of the Company's revenue arrangements have fixed or determinable fees.

•

Registry Services

NIA Services

Following the revenue recognition criteria above, revenues from NIA Services are usually deferred and recognized over the service term, generally one to two years.

Advertising Expenses

Advertising Expenses

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based Compensation

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per Share

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

•

Level 1: Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

•

Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary Of Capitalized Costs


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Internally used third-party software and consulting fees	$	3,032	$	1,708
Internally developed software		17,205		23,713

Cash, Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Cash, Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities [Abstract]

Cash And Cash Equivalents, And Marketable Securities


	As of December 31,
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Cash	$	1,127,196	$	106,270
Money market funds		132,145		648,054
Time deposits		57,930		803,797
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies		32,860		359,160
Corporate debt securities				141,338
Debt securities issued by foreign governments				5,040

Total	$	1,350,131	$	2,063,659

Included in Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,313,349	$	1,559,628
Included in Marketable securities	$	32,860	$	501,238
Included in Other assets (Restricted cash)	$	3,922	$	2,793

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Fair Value, Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis


			Fair Value Measurement Using
	Total Fair Value as of December 31, 2011		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Total Fair Value as of December 31, 2011				Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Investments in money market funds	$	132,145	$	132,145	$		$
Investments in fixed income securities:
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies		32,860				32,860
Foreign currency forward contracts (1)		49				49

Total	$	165,054	$	132,145	$	32,909	$

Liabilities:
Contingent interest derivative on convertible debentures	$	11,625	$		$		$	11,625
Foreign currency forward contracts (2)		444				444

Total	$	12,069	$		$	444	$	11,625

(1)	Included in Deferred tax assets and other current assets

(2)	Included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities


			Fair Value Measurement Using
	Total Fair Value as of December 31, 2010		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Total Fair Value as of December 31, 2010				Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Investments in money market funds	$	648,054	$	648,054	$		$
Investments in fixed income securities:
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies		359,160		2,700		356,460
Corporate debt securities		141,338				141,338
Debt securities issued by foreign governments		5,040				5,040

Total	$	1,153,592	$	650,754	$	502,838	$

Liabilities:
Contingent interest derivative on convertible debentures	$	10,500	$		$		$	10,500
Foreign currency forward contracts (1)		282				282

Total	$	10,782	$		$	282	$	10,500

(1)	Included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Change In Fair Value Of Contingent Interest Derivative On Convertible Debentures


	(In thousands)
Fair value at December 31, 2009	$	10,000
Unrealized loss on contingent interest derivative on convertible debentures		500

Fair value at December 31, 2010		10,500
Unrealized loss on contingent interest derivative on convertible debentures		1,125

Fair value at December 31, 2011	$	11,625

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the fair value measurement of liabilities using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period attributable to the following: (1) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets), and gains or losses recognized in other comprehensive income and a description of where those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets) are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (2) purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (each type disclosed separately); and (3) transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the observability of significant inputs) by class of liability.

+ References + Details

Discontinued Operations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Discontinued Operations [Abstract]

Revenues And Components Of Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Revenues	$	44		$	248,740		$	639,698

(Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes	$	(538	)	$	63,906		$	179,119
Gains on sale of discontinued operations, before income taxes		451			979,560			36,027
Income tax benefit (expense)		4,422			(279,644	)		(57,524	)

Income from discontinued operations		4,335			763,822			157,622
Less: Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary					(2,887	)		(3,686	)

Total income from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to Verisign stockholders	$	4,335		$	760,935		$	153,936

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of disposal groups, which may include the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations, the classification and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group, and the segment in which the disposal group was reported. Also may include the amount of adjustments to amounts previously reported in discontinued operations such as resolution of contingencies arising from the disposal transaction or the operations of the component prior to disposal.

+ References + Details

Other Balance Sheet Items (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Other Balance Sheet Items [Abstract]

Deferred Tax Assets And Other Current Assets


	As of December 31,
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets	$	64,751	$	69,807
Prepaid expenses		12,016		9,939
Non-trade receivables		8,638		14,158
Receivables from buyers		814		8,198
Other		379		115

Total deferred tax assets and other current assets	$	86,598	$	102,217

Property And Equipment, Net


	As of December 31,
	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Land	$	31,141		$	4,681
Buildings and building improvements		239,280			131,266
Computer equipment and software		307,710			259,966
Capital work in progress		6,157			5,121
Office equipment and furniture		7,662			7,618
Leasehold improvements		2,282			13,958

Total cost		594,232			422,610
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(267,096	)		(232,291	)

Total property and equipment, net	$	327,136		$	190,319

Summary Of Changes In Carrying Amount Of Goodwill


	Year Ended December 31, 2010
	Year Ended December 31, 2010
	(In thousands)
Beginning goodwill, gross	$	1,998,043
Beginning accumulated impairment		(1,708,063	)

		289,980

Gross goodwill included in the sale of Authentication Services (see Note 4)		(458,087	)
Accumulated impairment included in the sale of Authentication Services		222,747
Other adjustments		(2,113	)

		(237,453	)

Ending goodwill, gross		1,537,843
Ending accumulated impairment		(1,485,316	)

	$	52,527

Components Of Other Assets


	As of December 31,
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Long-term deferred tax assets and other tax receivable	$	8,569	$	2,873
Long-term investments		413		413
Debt issuance costs		11,830		11,044
Long-term restricted cash		3,922		2,793
Security deposits and other		2,680		3,461

Total other assets	$	27,414	$	20,584

Components Of Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities


	As of December 31,
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Accounts payable	$	19,283	$	16,727
Accrued employee compensation		40,251		52,628
Customer deposits, net		18,558		18,681
Payables to buyers		230		11,337
Taxes payable, deferred and other tax liabilities		28,441		38,168
Accrued restructuring costs		8,685		17,460
Other accrued liabilities		40,937		40,234

Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	156,385	$	195,235

Components Of Other Long-Term Liabilities


	As of December 31,
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Long-term tax liabilities	$	43,685	$	17,163
Long-term accrued restructuring costs				761
Other		32		57

Total other long-term liabilities	$	43,717	$	17,981

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of goodwill by reportable segment and in total. Disclosure details may include, but are not limited to, the carrying amount of goodwill, goodwill acquired during the year, goodwill impairment losses recognized, goodwill written-off due to the sale of a business unit, goodwill not yet allocated, and any other changes to goodwill.

+ References + Details

Restructuring Charges (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Restructuring Charges [Abstract]

Nature Of The Restructuring Charges


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Workforce reduction	$	7,824	$	32,623		$	13,067
Excess facilities		7,688		(424	)		2,685

Total consolidated restructuring charges	$	15,512	$	32,199		$	15,752

Amounts classified as continuing operations	$	15,512	$	16,861		$	5,357

Amounts classified as discontinued operations	$		$	15,338		$	10,395

Accrued Restructuring Costs


	Accrued Restructuring Costs at December 31, 2010		Costs Incurred		Costs Paid or Settled			Stock-based Compensation			Accrued Restructuring Costs at December 31, 2011
	(In thousands)
Workforce reduction	$	15,120	$	7,824	$	(16,661	)	$	(5,701	)	$	582
Excess facilities		3,101		7,688		(2,686	)					8,103

Total accrued restructuring costs	$	18,221	$	15,512	$	(19,347	)	$	(5,701	)	$	8,685

Debt And Interest Expense (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Debt And Interest Expense [Abstract]

Carrying Amounts Of Liability And Equity Components


	As of December 31,
	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Carrying amount of equity component (net of issuance costs of $14,449)	$	686,221		$	686,221

Principal amount of Convertible Debentures	$	1,250,000		$	1,250,000
Unamortized discount of liability component		(671,539	)		(678,874	)

Carrying amount of liability component		578,461			571,126
Contingent interest derivative		11,625			10,500

Convertible debentures, including contingent interest derivative	$	590,086		$	581,626

Components Of Interest Expense


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Contractual interest on Convertible Debentures	$	40,625		$	40,625		$	40,625
Amortization of debt discount on the Convertible Debentures		7,355			6,775			6,241
Contingent interest to holders of the Convertible Debentures		100,020			109,113
Interest capitalized to property and equipment, net		(980	)		(676	)		(1,090	)
Other interest expense		312			1,830			1,575

Total interest expense	$	147,332		$	157,667		$	47,351

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 11: 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.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

+ Details

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) [Abstract]

Summary Of Common Stock Repurchase


	2011				2010				2009
	Shares		Average Price		Shares		Average Price		Shares		Average Price
	(In thousands, except average price amounts)
Total repurchases under the repurchase plans (1)		16,318	$	32.76		15,672	$	27.93		11,332	$	22.31
Total repurchases for tax withholdings and other (2)		465	$	33.37		470	$	25.63		385	$	20.16

Total repurchases		16,783	$	32.78		16,142	$	27.86		11,717	$	22.24

Total costs	$	550,097			$	449,749			$	260,571

(1)	Represents purchases under the 2010 and 2008 Share Buyback Programs.

(2)	Primarily represents shares withheld as treasury stock when surrendered in lieu of tax withholding due upon the release of RSUs.

Changes In Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)


	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Gain (Loss)			Unrealized (Loss) Gain On Investments, net of tax			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2009	$	7,714		$	(55	)	$	7,659
Changes		(11,065	)		2,072			(8,993	)

Balance, December 31, 2010		(3,351	)		2,017			(1,334	)
Changes		110			(1,860	)		(1,750	)

Balance, December 31, 2011	$	(3,241	)	$	157		$	(3,084	)

Calculation Of Net Income Per Share Attributable To Verisign Stockholders (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Calculation Of Net Income Per Share Attributable To Verisign Stockholders [Abstract]

Weighted-Average Shares Used In Calculation Of Basic And Diluted EPS


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
	(In thousands)
Weighted-average shares of common shares outstanding		165,408		177,534		191,821
Weighted-average potential shares of common stock outstanding:
Stock options		309		428		283
Unvested restricted stock units		736		873		471
Conversion spread related to convertible debentures		416
Employee stock purchase plan		18		130

Shares used to compute diluted net income per share attributable to Verisign stockholders		166,887		178,965		192,575

Schedule Of Weighted-Average Potential Shares Excluded From Computation Of EPS


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Weighted-average stock options outstanding		366		2,836		6,925
Weighted-average exercise price	$	35.70	$	31.32	$	28.40
Weighted-average restricted stock units outstanding		35		57		1,136
Employee stock purchase plan		434		365		2,259

Geographic And Customer Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Geographic And Customer Information [Abstract]

Comparison Of Geographic Revenues


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
	(In thousands)
U.S	$	472,700	$	419,315	$	393,522
APAC		116,999		103,494		86,828
EMEA		109,680		92,351		79,081
Other		72,599		65,418		56,516

Total revenues	$	771,978	$	680,578	$	615,947

Comparison Of Property And Equipment, Net, By Geographic Region


	As of December 31,
	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
U.S.	$	319,513	$	182,138
EMEA		7,211		7,593
APAC		412		588

Total property and equipment, net	$	327,136	$	190,319

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Classification Of Stock-Based Compensation


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
	(In thousands)
Stock-based compensation:
Cost of revenues	$	6,655	$	4,473	$	3,649
Sales and marketing		6,062		4,419		3,250
Research and development		4,926		4,989		3,145
General and administrative		19,928		20,136		18,912
Restructuring and impairment charges		5,701		2,321		630

Stock-based compensation for continuing operations		43,272		36,338		29,586
Discontinued operations				15,840		21,580

Total stock-based compensation	$	43,272	$	52,178	$	51,166

Nature Of Total Stock-Based Compensation


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Stock-based compensation:
Stock options	$	3,528		$	7,741		$	12,305
ESPP		3,904			9,287			10,286
RSUs		33,305			26,175			28,877
Stock options/awards acceleration		5,701			11,023			2,341
Capitalization (Included in Property and equipment, net)		(3,166	)		(2,048	)		(2,643	)

Total stock-based compensation	$	43,272		$	52,178		$	51,166

Weighted-Average Assumptions Used To Estimate Fair Value


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Stock options:
Volatility		N/A			36	%		46	%
Risk-free interest rate		N/A			1.85	%		1.56	%
Expected term		N/A			3.6 years			3.7 years
Dividend yield		N/A			Zero			Zero
Employee stock purchase plan awards:
Volatility		26	%		35	%		49	%
Risk-free interest rate		0.30	%		0.40	%		0.51	%
Expected term		1.25 years			1.25 years			1.25 years
Dividend yield		Zero			Zero			Zero

Summary Of Stock Options Activity


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011					2010					2009
	Shares			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Shares			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Shares			Weighted- Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period		3,386,841		$	27.36		6,920,048		$	26.64		9,217,880		$	26.85
Granted							788,150			24.53		1,000,872			18.71
Exercised		(1,472,680	)		26.34		(3,094,284	)		23.69		(857,233	)		16.05
Forfeited		(749,074	)		26.53		(1,187,582	)		28.88		(2,272,188	)		27.72
Expired		(44,716	)		48.33		(39,491	)		87.00		(169,283	)		29.92

Outstanding at end of period		1,120,371			28.04		3,386,841			27.36		6,920,048			26.64

Exercisable at end of period		909,577			28.83		1,812,329			28.98		4,307,839			26.84

Expected to vest at end of period		190,146			24.81
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the period				$					$	7.14				$	6.73
Total intrinsic value of options exercised during the period (in thousands)				$	12,599				$	22,125				$	4,939

Summary Of Unvested RSUs Activity


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011					2010					2009
	Shares			Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value		Shares			Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value		Shares			Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Unvested at beginning of period		2,719,362		$	23.50		3,086,660		$	25.39		3,678,790		$	29.18
Granted		1,859,783			34.29		2,037,441			25.67		1,422,162			19.37
Vested and settled		(1,411,076	)		29.05		(1,348,951	)		26.34		(1,206,742	)		27.08
Forfeited		(1,025,014	)		29.41		(1,282,611	)		25.34		(807,550	)		29.53
Dividend equivalents		202,220					226,823

		2,345,275		$	25.51		2,719,362		$	23.50		3,086,660		$	25.39

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the allocation of equity-based compensation costs to a given line item on the balance sheet and income statement for the period. This may include the reporting line for the costs and the amount capitalized and expensed.

+ References + Details

Non-Operating Income, Net (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Non-Operating Income, Net [Abstract]

Components Of Non-Operating Income, Net


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Interest and dividend income	$	5,017		$	7,652		$	2,638
Net gain on divestiture of businesses and joint ventures								908
Unrealized (loss) gain on contingent interest derivative on Convertible Debentures		(1,125	)		(500	)		549
Income from transition services agreements		8,083			10,631			4,944
Realized net gain on investments		4,246			3,978			145
Other, net		(4,691	)		(1,023	)		2,761

Total non-operating income, net	$	11,530		$	20,738		$	11,945

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
	(In thousands)
United States	$	62,287	$	39,454	$	82,952
Foreign		131,300		55,900		41,600

Total income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	193,587	$	95,354	$	124,552

Components Of Provision For Income Taxes


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Continuing operations:
Current (expense) benefit:
Federal	$	(30,325	)	$	91,305		$	(7,685	)
State		(1,963	)		27,777			17,918
Foreign, including foreign withholding tax		(1,146	)		(8,474	)		(4,591	)

		(33,434	)		110,608			5,642

Deferred (expense) benefit:
Federal		(17,047	)		(103,343	)		(44,560	)
State		(1,501	)		(36,397	)		(4,766	)
Foreign		(3,049	)		3,810			10,749

		(21,597	)		(135,930	)		(38,577	)

Total income tax expense from continuing operations	$	(55,031	)	$	(25,322	)	$	(32,935	)

Income tax benefit (expense) from discontinued operations	$	4,422		$	(279,644	)	$	(57,524	)

Reconciliation Of Income Tax At Effective Income Tax Rate


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Income tax expense at federal statutory rate	$	(67,755	)	$	(33,373	)	$	(43,593	)
State taxes, net of federal benefit		(2,280	)		(8,620	)		8,549
Differences between statutory rate and foreign effective tax rate		43,591			19,122			4,711
Non-deductible stock-based compensation		(1,777	)		(2,826	)		(2,390	)
Change in valuation allowance		(350	)		350
Research and experimentation credit		1,670			670			930
Tax expense related to foreign currency gain on distribution of previously taxed income		(6,207	)
Change in estimated tax expense related to a divested business					3,365			(269	)
Accrual for uncertain tax positions		(23,265	)		(4,966	)		3,154
Other		1,342			956			(4,027	)

	$	(55,031	)	$	(25,322	)	$	(32,935	)

Summary Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities


	As of December 31,
	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	20,157		$	20,376
Deductible goodwill and intangible assets		8,909			10,354
Tax credit carryforwards		6,213			7,866
Deferred revenue, accruals and reserves		106,234			96,433
Capital loss carryforwards and book impairment of investments		5,749			5,759
Other		4,439			4,724

Total deferred tax assets		151,701			145,512
Valuation allowance		(15,882	)		(18,174	)

Net deferred tax assets		135,819			127,338

Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment		(42	)		(2,543	)
Non-deductible acquired intangibles		(148	)		(372	)
Convertible debentures		(390,125	)		(359,123	)
Other		(3,417	)		(4,210	)

Total deferred tax liabilities		(393,732	)		(366,248	)

Total net deferred tax liabilities	$	(257,913	)	$	(238,910	)

Reconciliation Of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits


	As of December 31,
	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at January 1	$	28,757		$	30,020
Increases in tax positions for prior years		41
Decreases in tax positions for prior years		(1,685	)		(7,012	)
Increases in tax positions for current year		29,242			8,933
Lapse in statute of limitations		(422	)		(3,184	)

Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31	$	55,933		$	28,757

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of tax positions taken in the tax returns filed or to be filed for which it is more likely than not that the tax position will not be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities (i.e., uncertain tax positions) and other types of income tax contingencies, including: (1) the policy on classification of interest and penalties; (2) a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of the period; the total amount(s) of: (3) unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate, and (4) interest and penalties recognized in each of the income statement and balance sheet; (5) for positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts unrecognized will significantly change within 12 months of the reporting date the: (i) nature of the uncertainty, (ii) nature of the event that could occur that would cause the change, and (iii) an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible change or a statement that an estimate of the range cannot be made; and (6) a description of tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions.

+ References + Details

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]

Minimum Lease Payments And Future Minimum Contractual Sublease Income


	Operating Lease Payments		Sublease Income			Net Lease Payments
	(In thousands)
2012	$	10,200	$	(145	)	$	10,055
2013		1,875					1,875
2014		1,811					1,811
2015		1,618					1,618
2016		1,347					1,347
Thereafter		191					191

Total	$	17,042	$	(145	)	$	16,897

Minimum Payments Required Under Purchase Obligations


	Purchase Obligations		ICANN Agreement		.tv Agreement		Credit Facility		Convertible Debentures		Total
	(In thousands)
2012	$	15,131	$	16,500	$	4,000	$		$	40,625	$	76,256
2013		9,275				4,500				40,625		54,400
2014		4,837				4,500				40,625		49,962
2015						5,000				40,625		45,625
2016						5,000		100,000		40,625		145,625
Thereafter						25,000				2,087,891		2,112,891

Total minimum payments	$	29,243	$	16,500	$	48,000	$	100,000	$	2,291,016	$	2,484,759

Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) years	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Convertible debenture, interest rate	3.25%	3.25%
Convertible debenture, maturity date	Aug. 15, 2037
Net remeasurement gain (loss) on foreign currency translation \| $		$ (3.4)		$ 9.5
Gains (losses) on foreign currency forward contracts \| $		1.4	$ (2.9)	(11.8)
Notional amount of foreign currency forward contracts \| $		39.7
Advertising expenses \| $		$ 17.2	$ 12.6	$ 6.9
Buildings [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property and equipment, minimum (years)		35
Estimated useful life of property and equipment, maximum (years)		47
Building Improvements [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property and equipment (years)		10
Computer Equipment, Purchased Software, Office Equipment, And Furniture And Fixtures [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property and equipment, minimum (years)		3
Estimated useful life of property and equipment, maximum (years)		5
Maximum [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Registration term, years		10
Average service term, years		2
Minimum [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Average service term, years		1

Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Summary Of Capitalized Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Internally Used Third-Party Software And Consulting Fees [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Capitalized software cost	$ 3,032	$ 1,708
Internally Developed Software [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Capitalized software cost	$ 17,205	$ 23,713

Cash, Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Pre-tax net gains recognized from sale of marketable securities	$ 4,246	$ 3,978	$ 145
Proceeds from maturities and sales of marketable securities and investments	546,006	$ 313,817	$ 129,479
Debt Securities Issued By The U.S. Treasury And Other U.S. Government Corporations And Agencies [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair value of marketable securities	32,900
Gross unrealized gains	$ 300

- Definition

This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents Available-for-sale Securities which consist of all investments in certain debt and equity securities neither classified as trading or held-to-maturity securities. A debt security represents a creditor relationship with an enterprise. Debt securities include, among other items, US Treasury securities, US government securities, municipal securities, corporate bonds, convertible debt, commercial paper, and all securitized debt instruments. An equity security represents an ownership interest in an enterprise or the right to acquire or dispose of an ownership interest in an enterprise at fixed or determinable prices. Equity securities include, among other things, common stock, certain preferred stock, warrant rights, call options, and put options, but do not include convertible debt. An entity may opt to provide the reader with additional narrative text to better understand the nature of investments in debt and equity securities which are categorized as Available-for-sale.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The cash inflow associated with the sale, maturity and collection of all investments such as debt, security and so forth during the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 16
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 18
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 31
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3179-108585

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Investing Activities
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133

+ Details

Cash, Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities (Cash And Cash Equivalents, And Marketable Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cash	$ 1,127,196	$ 106,270
Money market funds	132,145	648,054
Time deposits	57,930	803,797
Total	1,350,131	2,063,659
Included in Cash and cash equivalents	1,313,349	1,559,628	$ 1,477,166	$ 789,068
Marketable securities	32,860	501,238
Included in Other assets (Restricted cash)	3,922	2,793
Debt Securities Issued By The U.S. Treasury And Other U.S. Government Corporations And Agencies [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Marketable securities	$ 32,860	359,160
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Marketable securities		141,338
Debt Securities Issued By Foreign Governments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Marketable securities		$ 5,040

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Fair Value, Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Investments in fixed income securities

$ 2,700

Contingent interest derivative on convertible debentures

$ 11,625

10,500

Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Total fair value of assets

165,054

1,153,592

Contingent interest derivative on convertible debentures

11,625

10,500

Total fair of value of liabilities

12,069

10,782

Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Total fair value of assets

132,145

650,754

Contingent interest derivative on convertible debentures

Total fair of value of liabilities

Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Total fair value of assets

32,909

502,838

Contingent interest derivative on convertible debentures

Total fair of value of liabilities

444

282

Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Total fair value of assets

Contingent interest derivative on convertible debentures

11,625

10,500

Total fair of value of liabilities

11,625

10,500

Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Investments in money market funds

132,145

648,054

Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Investments in money market funds

132,145

648,054

Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Investments in money market funds

Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Investments in money market funds

Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] | Debt Securities Issued By The U.S. Treasury And Other U.S. Government Corporations And Agencies [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Investments in fixed income securities

32,860

359,160

Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] | Debt Securities Issued By The U.S. Treasury And Other U.S. Government Corporations And Agencies [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Investments in fixed income securities

2,700

Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] | Debt Securities Issued By The U.S. Treasury And Other U.S. Government Corporations And Agencies [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Investments in fixed income securities

32,860

356,460

Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] | Debt Securities Issued By The U.S. Treasury And Other U.S. Government Corporations And Agencies [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Investments in fixed income securities

Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Investments in fixed income securities

141,338

Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Investments in fixed income securities

Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Investments in fixed income securities

141,338

Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Investments in fixed income securities

Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Foreign currency forward contracts

^[1]

Foreign currency forward contracts

444

^[2]

282

^[3]

Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Foreign currency forward contracts

^[1]

Foreign currency forward contracts

^[2]

^[3]

Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Foreign currency forward contracts

^[1]

Foreign currency forward contracts

444

^[2]

282

^[3]

Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Foreign currency forward contracts

^[1]

Foreign currency forward contracts

^[2]

^[3]

Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] | Debt Securities Issued By Foreign Governments [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Investments in fixed income securities

5,040

Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] | Debt Securities Issued By Foreign Governments [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Investments in fixed income securities

Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] | Debt Securities Issued By Foreign Governments [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Investments in fixed income securities

5,040

Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] | Debt Securities Issued By Foreign Governments [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Investments in fixed income securities

[1]	Included in Deferred tax assets and other current assets
[2]	Included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
[3]	Included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Change In Fair Value Of Contingent Interest Derivative On Convertible Debentures) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Convertible debentures	$ 1,500,000
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	10,500	$ 10,000
Unrealized loss (gain) on contingent interest derivative on Convertible Debentures	1,125	500
Ending balance	$ 11,625	$ 10,500

Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands								1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 09, 2009 USD ($)	Oct. 23, 2009 USD ($)	Oct. 01, 2009 USD ($)	Jul. 06, 2009 USD ($)	May 05, 2009 USD ($)	May 01, 2009 USD ($)	Apr. 10, 2009 USD ($)	Aug. 09, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash consideration received from divestiture of businesses									$ 1,162,306	$ 469,380
Net gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax									725,254	28,320
Deconsolidation of non-controlling interest									$ 40,332
Discontinued operations agreement term (months)											19
Authentication Services [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash consideration received from divestiture of businesses								$ 1,140,000
Cash held by transferred subsidiaries								127,500
Disposal of business, transaction costs								10,800
Net gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax								726,200
Tax effect on gain on sale of discontinued operations								254,300
Foreign currency translation gain on sale of discontinued operations								15,300
Deconsolidation of non-controlling interest								$ 54,300
Mobile Delivery Gateway Services [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash consideration received from divestiture of businesses	$ 19,400
Net gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax										(26,100)
Messaging And Mobile Media Services [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash consideration received from divestiture of businesses		$ 171,800
Net gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax										50,400
Global Security Consulting [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash consideration received from divestiture of businesses			$ 4,900
Net gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax										1,600
Managed Security Services [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash consideration received from divestiture of businesses				$ 40,000
Net gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax										7,500
Real-Time Publisher Services [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash consideration received from divestiture of businesses					$ 1,800
Net gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax										2,100
Communications Services [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash consideration received from divestiture of businesses						$ 227,600
Net gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax										(2,300)
International Clearing [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash consideration received from divestiture of businesses							$ 100
Net gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax										6,200
Foreign currency translation gain on sale of discontinued operations										$ 7,400

Discontinued Operations (Revenues And Components Of Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 44	$ 248,740	$ 639,698
(Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes	(538)	63,906	179,119
Gains on sale of discontinued operations, before income taxes	451	979,560	36,027
Income tax benefit (expense)	4,422	(279,644)	(57,524)
Income from discontinued operations	4,335	763,822	157,622
Less: Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary		(2,887)	(3,686)
Total income from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to Verisign stockholders	$ 4,335	$ 760,935	$ 153,936

- Definition

Pretax gain (loss), not previously recognized and resulting from the sale of a business component, which is recognized at the date of sale. A gain (loss) reflects the amount by which the consideration received exceeds (is exceeded by) the net carrying amount (reflecting previous provisions for loss on disposal, if any) of the disposal group.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Overall income (loss) from a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity, before income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items. Includes the following (before income tax): income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Tax effect allocated to a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items. Includes the tax effects of the following: income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 43
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 47
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 46
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e957-107759

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32672-109319

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b),(c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1361-107760

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6909487&loc=d3e38679-109324

+ Details

- Definition

This element represents the overall income (loss) from a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity, net of income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items before deduction or consideration of the amount which may be allocable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Includes the following (net of tax): income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 43
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 47
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 29
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 5
-Section 03
-Paragraph 15

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 13
-Article 7

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e957-107759

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1361-107760

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.12)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.14)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

- Definition

This element represents the overall income (loss) from a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity, net of income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items, which is apportioned to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (noncontrolling interest, minority interest). This item includes the following (net of tax): income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

+ References + Details

- Definition

This element represents the overall income (loss) from a disposal group apportioned to the parent that is classified as a component of the entity, net of income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items after deduction or consideration of the amount which may be allocable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Includes the following (net of tax): income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

+ References + Details

Other Balance Sheet Items (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	10 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2009	Oct. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Purchase property	$ 118.5		$ 0.5
Deferred rent liability				$ 9.4
Cost of the property				109.1
Intangible asset, impairment charge		$ 9.7
Other intangible assets				1.3	$ 2.6
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost of the property				26.5
Building And Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost of the property				$ 82.6

Other Balance Sheet Items (Deferred Tax Assets And Other Current Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Other Balance Sheet Items [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets	$ 64,751	$ 69,807
Prepaid expenses	12,016	9,939
Non-trade receivables	8,638	14,158
Receivables from buyers	814	8,198
Other	379	115
Total deferred tax assets and other current assets	$ 86,598	$ 102,217

- Definition

The current portion of the aggregate tax effects as of the balance sheet date of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws; after deducting the allocated valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such amount to net realizable value. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, are classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. An unrecognized tax benefit that is directly related to a position taken in a tax year that results in a net operating loss carryforward is presented as a reduction of the related deferred tax asset.

+ References + Details

Other Balance Sheet Items (Property And Equipment, Net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Other Balance Sheet Items [Abstract]
Land	$ 31,141	$ 4,681
Buildings and building improvements	239,280	131,266
Computer equipment and software	307,710	259,966
Capital work in progress	6,157	5,121
Office equipment and furniture	7,662	7,618
Leasehold improvements	2,282	13,958
Total cost	594,232	422,610
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(267,096)	(232,291)
Total property and equipment, net	$ 327,136	$ 190,319

Other Balance Sheet Items (Summary Of Changes In Carrying Amount Of Goodwill) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Other Balance Sheet Items [Abstract]
Beginning goodwill, gross	$ 1,998,043
Beginning accumulated impairment	(1,708,063)
Beginning goodwill, net	289,980
Gross goodwill included in the sale of Authentication Services (see Note 4)	(458,087)
Accumulated impairment included in the sale of Authentication Services	222,747
Other adjustments	(2,113)
Goodwill adjustments	(237,453)
Ending goodwill, gross	1,537,843
Ending accumulated impairment	(1,485,316)
Ending goodwill, net	$ 52,527

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 43
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 68
-Subparagraph l
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13770-109266

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905597&loc=d3e13816-109267

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 72
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-Clause 1
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Other Balance Sheet Items (Components Of Other Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Other Balance Sheet Items [Abstract]
Long-term deferred tax assets and other tax receivable	$ 8,569	$ 2,873
Long-term investments	413	413
Debt issuance costs	11,830	11,044
Long-term restricted cash	3,922	2,793
Security deposits and other	2,680	3,461
Total other assets	$ 27,414	$ 20,584

Other Balance Sheet Items (Components Of Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Other Balance Sheet Items [Abstract]
Accounts payable	$ 19,283	$ 16,727
Accrued employee compensation	40,251	52,628
Customer deposits, net	18,558	18,681
Payables to buyers	230	11,337
Taxes payable, deferred and other tax liabilities	28,441	38,168
Accrued restructuring costs	8,685	17,460
Other accrued liabilities	40,937	40,234
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 156,385	$ 195,235

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations, excluding pension and other postretirement benefits, incurred through that date and payable for perquisites provided to employees pertaining to services received from them. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

+ References + Details

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable arising from transactions not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

+ References + Details

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of known and estimated obligations associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan, which are expected to be paid in the next twelve months or in the normal operating cycle if longer. Costs of such activities include those for one-time termination benefits, termination of an operating lease or other contract, consolidating or closing facilities, relocating employees, and costs associated with an ongoing benefit arrangement, but excludes costs associated with the retirement of a long-lived asset.

+ References + Details

Other Balance Sheet Items (Components Of Other Long-Term Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Other Balance Sheet Items [Abstract]
Long-term tax liabilities	$ 43,685	$ 17,163
Long-term accrued restructuring costs		761
Other	32	57
Total other long-term liabilities	$ 43,717	$ 17,981

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of known and estimated costs associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan, which are expected to be paid after one year or beyond the next operating cycle, if longer. Costs of such activities include those for one-time termination benefits, termination of an operating lease or other contract, consolidating or closing facilities, and relocating employees, and costs associated with an ongoing benefit arrangement, but excludes costs associated with the retirement of a long-lived asset.

+ References + Details

Restructuring Charges (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	$ 8,685	$ 18,221
2008 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges incurred to date	86,800
Workforce Reduction [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	582	15,120
Workforce Reduction [Member] \| 2010 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges incurred to date	21,900
Stock Based Compensation Expense [Member] \| 2010 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges incurred to date	16,200
Excess Facilities [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	8,103	$ 3,101
Excess Facilities [Member] \| 2010 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges incurred to date	$ 8,200

Restructuring Charges (Nature Of The Restructuring Charges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total consolidated restructuring charges	$ 15,512	$ 32,199	$ 15,752
Amounts classified as continuing operations	15,512	16,861	5,357
Amounts classified as discontinued operations		15,338	10,395
Workforce Reduction [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total consolidated restructuring charges	7,824	32,623	13,067
Excess Facilities [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total consolidated restructuring charges	$ 7,688	$ (424)	$ 2,685

Restructuring Charges (Accrued Restructuring Costs) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Accrued Restructuring Costs at December 31, 2010	$ 18,221
Costs Incurred	15,512
Costs Paid or Settled	(19,347)
Stock-based Compensation	(5,701)
Accrued Restructuring Costs at December 31, 2011	8,685
Workforce Reduction [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Accrued Restructuring Costs at December 31, 2010	15,120
Costs Incurred	7,824
Costs Paid or Settled	(16,661)
Stock-based Compensation	(5,701)
Accrued Restructuring Costs at December 31, 2011	582
Excess Facilities [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Accrued Restructuring Costs at December 31, 2010	3,101
Costs Incurred	7,688
Costs Paid or Settled	(2,686)
Stock-based Compensation
Accrued Restructuring Costs at December 31, 2011	$ 8,103

Debt And Interest Expense (Credit Facilities) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Nov. 28, 2011	Nov. 22, 2011	Dec. 31, 2006
2011 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity of senior unsecured revolving credit facility			$ 200.0
Credit facility, termination date	November 22, 2016
Aggregate increase of commitment amount	$ 150.0
2006 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity of senior unsecured revolving credit facility				$ 500.0
Credit facility, maturity date	Jun. 07, 2011
Credit facility, termination date	November 3, 2010
Minimum [Member] \| 2011 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage	0.20%
Interest coverage ratio	3.0
Maximum [Member] \| 2011 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage	0.30%
Leverage ratio	2.0
LIBOR Revolving Loan [Member] \| 2011 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity of senior unsecured revolving credit facility		$ 100.0
LIBOR Or EURIBOR Based Rate Plus Market-Rate [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| 2011 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread rate on borrowings	1.50%
LIBOR Or EURIBOR Based Rate Plus Market-Rate [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| 2011 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread rate on borrowings	2.00%
Lender's Base Rate [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| 2011 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread rate on borrowings	0.50%
Lender's Base Rate [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| 2011 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread rate on borrowings	1.00%
Federal Funds Rate [Member] \| 2011 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread rate on borrowings	0.50%

Debt And Interest Expense (Convertible Debentures) (Narrative) (Details) shares in Millions	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2007 USD ($) $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) years shares	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Debt And Interest Expense [Abstract]
Principal amount of convertible debentures		$ 1,250,000,000	$ 1,250,000,000	$ 1,250,000,000	$ 1,250,000,000
Convertible debenture, interest rate			3.25%	3.25%
Convertible debenture, maturity date			Aug. 15, 2037
Conversion rate per 1000 principal amount \| $ / shares			29.0968
Principal amount of debt converted			$ 1,000
Conversion price \| $ / shares			$ 34.37
Common stock reserved for issuance upon the conversion of convertible debt \| shares				36.4
Earlier conversion date			August 15, 2017
Minimum required closing price of common stock as percentage of conversion price			150.00%
Minimum required sales price as a percentage of conversion price			130.00%
Percentage of maximum required trading price per convertible debentures			98.00%
Latest conversion date			May 15, 2037
Additional common shares potentially issuable based on if-converted value of convertible debentures \| shares				1.4
Purchase price as percentage of principal amount of convertible debt			100.00%
Net proceeds from issuance of convertible debenture			$ 1,220,000,000
Debt issuance costs			$ 25,800,000		14,449,000
Discount rate			8.50%
Effective interest rate			8.39%
Carrying value of the liability components		571,126,000	$ 550,500,000	$ 578,461,000	571,126,000
Carrying value of the equity components		686,221,000	$ 700,700,000	$ 686,221,000	$ 686,221,000
Remaining term of the convertible debentures (in years) \| years				25.6
Contingent interest on convertible debentures	$ 100,000,000	$ 109,100,000

Debt And Interest Expense (Carrying Amounts Of Liability And Equity Components) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Aug. 31, 2007
Debt And Interest Expense [Abstract]
Carrying amount of equity component (net of issuance costs of $14,449)	$ 686,221,000	$ 686,221,000	$ 700,700,000
Principal amount of Convertible Debentures	1,250,000,000	1,250,000,000	1,250,000,000
Unamortized discount of liability component	(671,539,000)	(678,874,000)
Carrying amount of liability component	578,461,000	571,126,000	$ 550,500,000
Contingent interest derivative	11,625,000	10,500,000
Convertible debentures, including contingent interest derivative	590,086,000	$ 581,626,000
Issuance costs	$ 14,449,000

Debt And Interest Expense (Components Of Interest Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Debt And Interest Expense [Abstract]
Contractual interest on Convertible Debentures	$ 40,625	$ 40,625	$ 40,625
Amortization of debt discount on the Convertible Debentures	7,355	6,775	6,241
Contingent interest to holders of the Convertible Debentures	100,020	109,113
Interest capitalized to property and equipment, net	(980)	(676)	(1,090)
Other interest expense	312	1,830	1,575
Total interest expense	$ 147,332	$ 157,667	$ 47,351

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	7 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 27, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Treasury Stock Repurchase Programs [Line Items]
Preferred shares authorized \| shares		5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred shares issued \| shares		0	0
Preferred stock, par value		$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Liquidation preference		$ 1.00
Common stock authorized to repurchase \| $	$ 1,100,000
Stock repurchased since inception, shares \| shares		157,400,000
Stock repurchased since inception, value \| $		$ 4,600,000
Dividend paid \| $		$ 463,498	$ 518,217
Dividends payable date		Oct. 04, 2002
Stock dividend declared		$ 1
Additional Rights issued to outstanding common shares		$ 1
Exercise price of rights		55.00
Minimum percentage of ownership interest acquired		20.00%
2008 Share Buyback Program [Member]
Treasury Stock Repurchase Programs [Line Items]
Remaining common stock available for repurchase \| $	393,600
2010 Share Buyback Program [Member]
Treasury Stock Repurchase Programs [Line Items]
Common stock authorized to repurchase \| $	$ 1,500,000
Remaining common stock available for repurchase \| $		$ 831,300
Flip In [Member]
Treasury Stock Repurchase Programs [Line Items]
Exercise price of rights		55.00
Market value of common shares		$ 110.00
Flip-Over [Member]
Treasury Stock Repurchase Programs [Line Items]
Exercise price of rights		55.00
Market value of common shares		$ 110.00
Series A Preferred Shares [Member]
Treasury Stock Repurchase Programs [Line Items]
Preferred shares authorized \| shares		3,000,000
Preferred stock, par value		$ 0.001
Special Dividend [Member]
Treasury Stock Repurchase Programs [Line Items]
Dividends declaration date		Apr. 27, 2011	Dec. 09, 2010
Dividend declared, per share		$ 2.75	$ 3.00
Dividend paid \| $		$ 463,500	$ 518,200
Dividends payable date		May 18, 2011	Dec. 28, 2010

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Summary Of Common Stock Repurchase) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) [Abstract]

Total repurchases under the repurchase plans, Shares

^[1]

16,318

15,672

11,332

Total repurchases for tax withholdings and other, Shares

^[2]

465

470

385

Total repurchases, Shares

16,783

16,142

11,717

Total costs, Shares

$ 550,097

$ 449,749

$ 260,571

Total repurchases under the repurchase plans, Average Price

^[1]

$ 32.76

$ 27.93

$ 22.31

Total repurchases for tax withholdings and other, Average Price

^[2]

33.37

25.63

20.16

Total repurchases, Average Price

$ 32.78

$ 27.86

$ 22.24

[1]	Represents purchases under the 2010 and 2008 Share Buyback Programs.
[2]	Primarily represents shares withheld as treasury stock when surrendered in lieu of tax withholding due upon the release of RSUs.

- Definition

Equity impact of the cost of common and preferred stock that were repurchased during the period. Recorded using the cost method.

+ References + Details

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Changes In Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Gain (Loss), Balance in the Beginning	$ (3,351)	$ 7,714
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Gain (Loss), Changes	110	(11,065)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Gain (Loss), Balance at the end	(3,241)	(3,351)
Unrealized (Loss) Gain On Investments, net of tax, Balance in the Beginning	2,017	(55)
Unrealized (Loss) Gain On Investments, net of tax, Changes	(1,860)	2,072
Unrealized (Loss) Gain On Investments, net of tax, Balance in the end	157	2,017
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Balance at the beginning	(1,334)	7,659
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Changes	(1,750)	(8,993)
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Balance at the end	$ (3,084)	$ (1,334)

- Definition

Accumulated adjustment, net of tax, that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into the reporting currency from the functional currency of the reporting entity, net of reclassification of realized foreign currency translation gains or losses.

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

Gross appreciation or the gross loss in value of the total unsold securities. While for technical reasons this element has no balance attribute, the default assumption is a credit balance consistent with its label.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 13
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 24
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 14, 17, 19, 22, 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (e)-(g)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920433&loc=d3e998-108581

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(3)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

Adjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into the reporting currency of the reporting entity, net of tax.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 24
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 14, 17, 19, 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 52
-Paragraph 13, 20, 31
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 830
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 20
-Subparagraph (b),(c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6915805&loc=d3e32211-110900

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920433&loc=d3e998-108581

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(3)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

This element represents Other Comprehensive Income or Loss, Net of Tax, for the period. Includes deferred gains or losses on qualifying hedges, unrealized holding gains or losses on available-for-sale securities, minimum pension liability, and cumulative translation adjustment. While for technical reasons this element has no balance attribute, the default assumption is a credit balance consistent with its label.

+ References

+ Details

Calculation Of Net Income Per Share Attributable To Verisign Stockholders (Weighted-Average Shares Used In Calculation Of Basic And Diluted EPS) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Calculation Of Net Income Per Share Attributable To Verisign Stockholders [Abstract]
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	165,408	177,534	191,821
Stock options	309	428	283
Unvested restricted stock units	736	873	471
Conversion spread related to convertible debentures	416
Employee stock purchase plan	18	130
Shares used to compute diluted net income per share attributable to Verisign stockholders	166,887	178,965	192,575

- Definition

Nonvested equity-based payment awards that contain forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) that result in incremental common shares.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 20,40
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number EITF03-6-1
-Paragraph 7
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number EITF03-6-1
-Paragraph 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number EITF03-6-1
-Paragraph 9
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920599&loc=d3e1500-109256

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 68B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920599&loc=SL5498026-109256

+ Details

- Definition

The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 171
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 40
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920599&loc=d3e1448-109256

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6528421

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
-Paragraph 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Calculation Of Net Income Per Share Attributable To Verisign Stockholders (Schedule Of Weighted-Average Potential Shares Excluded From Computation Of EPS) (Details) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted-average potential shares excluded from computation of EPS	366	2,836	6,925
Weighted-average exercise price	$ 35.70	$ 31.32	$ 28.40
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted-average potential shares excluded from computation of EPS	35	57	1,136
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted-average potential shares excluded from computation of EPS	434	365	2,259

- Definition

Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS) or earnings per unit (EPU) in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU because to do so would increase EPS or EPU amounts or decrease loss per share or unit amounts for the period presented.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 13, 14
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 171
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 40
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Diluted Earnings Per Share
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510752

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Contingent Stock Agreement
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6508534

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Antidilution
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6505113

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
-Paragraph 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Geographic And Customer Information (Narrative) (Details) - Revenues From Continuing Operations [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	30.00%	28.00%	26.00%
Number of customers accounting for concentration of risk	1	1	1

Geographic And Customer Information (Comparison Of Geographic Revenues) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 771,978	$ 680,578	$ 615,947
U.S. [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	472,700	419,315	393,522
APAC [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	116,999	103,494	86,828
EMEA [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	109,680	92,351	79,081
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 72,599	$ 65,418	$ 56,516

Geographic And Customer Information (Comparison Of Property And Equipment, Net, By Geographic Region) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, net	$ 327,136	$ 190,319
U.S. [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, net	319,513	182,138
EMEA [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, net	7,211	7,593
APAC [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, net	$ 412	$ 588

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation (401(k) Plan To 2007 Employee Stock Purchase Plan) (Narrative) (Details) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) years shares	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)	Aug. 30, 2007 shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock were reserved for issuance	36.4
Stock-based compensation expense related to vested RSUs \| $	$ 9.2
Purchase price of common stock as percentage of lower of fair market value of common stock share on first day of offering period or last day of purchase period	85.00%
401 (k) Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employer contribution as percentage of employee contribution	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%
Employer contribution under the plan \| $	$ 2.9	$ 4.1	$ 6.3
Stock Option And Restricted Stock Plans [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock were reserved for issuance	16.9
2006 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock were reserved for issuance	27.0
Minimum exercise price as percentage of the fair market value on grant date	100.00%
Maximum terms of award from date of grant (years)	7
Vesting period of options assumed (in years) \| years	4
2001 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum terms of award from date of grant (years)	10
Vesting period of options /RSUs (years)	four
Fully vested options outstanding and exercisable	0.2
1998 Directors Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum terms of award from date of grant (years)		10
Vesting period of options /RSUs (years)		four
Fully vested options outstanding and exercisable	0.1
2007 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock were reserved for issuance				6.0
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage of Options/RSUs	25.00%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock were reserved for issuance	3.0
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage of Options/RSUs	25.00%
Vesting period of options /RSUs (years)	four
Minimum [Member] \| 2006 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Term of options assumed (in years) \| years	7
Minimum [Member] \| Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of compensation withheld to cover purchase price of common stock	2.00%
Maximum [Member] \| 401 (k) Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee's contribution under the plan	20.00%
Employer contribution as a percentage of employee's annual salary	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%
Maximum [Member] \| 2006 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Term of options assumed (in years) \| years	10
Maximum [Member] \| Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of compensation withheld to cover purchase price of common stock	25.00%

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Based Compensation to Modifications) (Narrative) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2011 $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) years $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Closing price of Verisign's stock \| $ / shares	$ 35.72	$ 35.72
Dividend yield		0.00%
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding		$ 9.0
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercisable		6.6
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options expected to vest		$ 2.4
Weighted-average remaining contractual life for stock options exercisable (years) \| years		2.6
Weighted-average remaining contractual life for stock options expected to vest (years) \| years		4.4
Employees affected by plan modifications		217	1,054	737
Acceleration cost recognized due to plan modification		$ 5.7	$ 11.0	$ 2.3
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend yield			0.00%	0.00%
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost		$ 34.7
Weighted-average period of recognition for unrecognized compensation cost (in years) \| years		2.5
Aggregate intrinsic value of unvested RSUs		$ 83.8
Fair values of vested RSUs		$ 44.2	$ 38.1	$ 24.7
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend yield		0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Modification expense		$ 0.7	$ 5.5	$ 3.8
Income Tax Expense [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Income tax benefit on stock-based compensation		$ 13.1	9.7	7.9
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Income tax benefit on stock-based compensation			$ 4.5	$ 5.6

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation (Classification Of Stock-Based Compensation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation for continuing operations	$ 43,272	$ 36,338	$ 29,586
Discontinued operations		15,840	21,580
Total stock-based compensation	43,272	52,178	51,166
Cost Of Revenues [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation for continuing operations	6,655	4,473	3,649
Sales And Marketing [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation for continuing operations	6,062	4,419	3,250
Research And Development [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation for continuing operations	4,926	4,989	3,145
General And Administrative [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation for continuing operations	19,928	20,136	18,912
Restructuring And Impairment Charges [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation for continuing operations	$ 5,701	$ 2,321	$ 630

- Definition

Represents the expense recognized during the period arising from equity-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, unit, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees.

+ References + Details

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation (Nature Of Total Stock-Based Compensation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 43,272	$ 52,178	$ 51,166
Capitalization (Included in Property and equipment, net)	(3,166)	(2,048)	(2,643)
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	3,528	7,741	12,305
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	3,904	9,287	10,286
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	33,305	26,175	28,877
Stock Options/Awards Acceleration [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 5,701	$ 11,023	$ 2,341

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation (Weighted-Average Assumptions Used To Estimate Fair Value) (Details) - years	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend yield	0.00%
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Volatility		36.00%	46.00%
Risk-free interest rate		1.85%	1.56%
Expected term (in years)		3.6	3.7
Dividend yield		0.00%	0.00%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Volatility	26.00%	35.00%	49.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.30%	0.40%	0.51%
Expected term (in years)	1.25	1.25	1.25
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Options Activity) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Outstanding at beginning of period, Shares	3,386,841	6,920,048	9,217,880
Granted, Shares		788,150	1,000,872
Exercised, Shares	(1,472,680)	(3,094,284)	(857,233)
Forfeited, Shares	(749,074)	(1,187,582)	(2,272,188)
Expired, Shares	(44,716)	(39,491)	(169,283)
Outstanding at end of period, Shares	1,120,371	3,386,841	6,920,048
Exercisable at end of period, Shares	909,577	1,812,329	4,307,839
Expected to vest at end of period, Shares	190,146
Outstanding at beginning of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 27.36	$ 26.64	$ 26.85
Granted, Weighted-Average Exercise Price		24.53	18.71
Exercised, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	26.34	23.69	16.05
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	26.53	28.88	27.72
Expired, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	48.33	87.00	29.92
Outstanding at end of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	28.04	27.36	26.64
Exercisable at end of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	28.83	28.98	26.84
Expected to vest at end of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 24.81
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the period		$ 7.14	$ 6.73
Total intrinsic value of options exercised during the period	$ 12,599	$ 22,125	$ 4,939

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Unvested RSUs Activity) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Unvested at beginning of period, Shares	2,719,362	3,086,660	3,678,790
Granted, Shares	1,859,783	2,037,441	1,422,162
Vested and settled, Shares	(1,411,076)	(1,348,951)	(1,206,742)
Forfeited, Shares	(1,025,014)	(1,282,611)	(807,550)
Dividend equivalents, Shares	202,220	226,823
Unvested at end of period, Shares	2,345,275	2,719,362	3,086,660
Unvested at beginning of period, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$ 23.50	$ 25.39	$ 29.18
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	34.29	25.67	19.37
Vested and settled, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	29.05	26.34	27.08
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	29.41	25.34	29.53
Dividend equivalents, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Unvested at end of period, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$ 25.51	$ 23.50	$ 25.39

Non-Operating Income, Net (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Non-Operating Income, Net [Abstract]
Gain on distributions received from Funds held by The Reserve		$ 1.9
Proceeds from termination of acquisition agreement			$ 3.3
Foreign currency losses		$ 2.9
Out-of-period adjustment recorded for certain non-income taxes	$ 3.9

Non-Operating Income, Net (Components Of Non-Operating Income, Net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Non-Operating Income, Net [Abstract]
Interest and dividend income	$ 5,017	$ 7,652	$ 2,638
Net gain on divestiture of businesses and joint ventures			908
Unrealized (loss) gain on contingent interest derivative on Convertible Debentures	(1,125)	(500)	549
Income from transition services agreements	8,083	10,631	4,944
Realized net gain on investments	4,246	3,978	145
Other, net	(4,691)	(1,023)	2,761
Total non-operating income, net	$ 11,530	$ 20,738	$ 11,945

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Federal statutory rate	35.00%
Repatriated of previously taxed income	$ 86,400
Realization of foreign currency gain	17,700
Income tax expense related to foreign currency gain	6,207
Tax expenses due to remeasurement of state deferred tax assets and liabilities using future tax rate		$ 7,800
State income tax benefit	1,963	(27,777)	$ (17,918)
Recognized income tax benefit			4,900
Total deferred tax assets	151,701	$ 145,512
Increase (reduction) in valuation allowance	(2,300)
Federal research tax credits	35,900
Alternative minimum tax credits	18,600
Tax-affected amount recorded in equity	$ 91,000
Regular statutory tax rate in India	33.00%
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	$ 532,000
Impact of tax holiday on diluted earnings per share	$ 0.06	$ 0.12
Unrecognized tax benefits, including penalties and interest, that would affect the Company's effective tax rate if realized	$ 45,700
Accruals for interest and penalties (released) recognized	200	$ 1,100	2,700
Accrued benefits for the payment of interest and penalties	500	$ 700
Federal [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	77,000
State [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
State income tax benefit			$ 3,400
Net operating loss carryforwards	694,000
Foreign [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 12,700
Expiration of net operating loss carryforwards	2015 through 2017
Federal And State [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Expiration of net operating loss carryforwards	2012 through 2030
Expiration of tax credit carryforwards	2012 through 2030

Income Taxes (Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Income Taxes [Abstract]
United States	$ 62,287	$ 39,454	$ 82,952
Foreign	131,300	55,900	41,600
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$ 193,587	$ 95,354	$ 124,552

Income Taxes (Components Of Provision For Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Federal, Current (expense) benefit	$ (30,325)	$ 91,305	$ (7,685)
State, Current (expense) benefit	(1,963)	27,777	17,918
Foreign, including foreign withholding tax, Current (expense) benefit	(1,146)	(8,474)	(4,591)
Current (expense) benefit	(33,434)	110,608	5,642
Federal, Deferred (expense) benefit	(17,047)	(103,343)	(44,560)
State, Deferred (expense) benefit	(1,501)	(36,397)	(4,766)
Foreign, Deferred (expense) benefit	(3,049)	3,810	10,749
Deferred (expense) benefit	(21,597)	(135,930)	(38,577)
Total income tax expense from continuing operations	(55,031)	(25,322)	(32,935)
Income tax benefit (expense) from discontinued operations	$ 4,422	$ (279,644)	$ (57,524)

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Income Tax At Effective Income Tax Rate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income tax expense at federal statutory rate	$ (67,755)	$ (33,373)	$ (43,593)
State taxes, net of federal benefit	(2,280)	(8,620)	8,549
Differences between statutory rate and foreign effective tax rate	43,591	19,122	4,711
Non-deductible stock-based compensation	(1,777)	(2,826)	(2,390)
Change in valuation allowance	(350)	350
Research and experimentation credit	1,670	670	930
Tax expense related to foreign currency gain on distribution of previously taxed income	(6,207)
Change in estimated tax expense related to a divested business		3,365	(269)
Accrual for uncertain tax positions	(23,265)	(4,966)	3,154
Other	1,342	956	(4,027)
Income tax (expense) benefit	$ (55,031)	$ (25,322)	$ (32,935)

Income Taxes (Summary Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 20,157	$ 20,376
Deductible goodwill and intangible assets	8,909	10,354
Tax credit carryforwards	6,213	7,866
Deferred revenue, accruals and reserves	106,234	96,433
Capital loss carryforwards and book impairment of investments	5,749	5,759
Other	4,439	4,724
Total deferred tax assets	151,701	145,512
Valuation allowance	(15,882)	(18,174)
Net deferred tax assets	135,819	127,338
Property and equipment	(42)	(2,543)
Non-deductible acquired intangibles	(148)	(372)
Convertible debentures	(390,125)	(359,123)
Other	(3,417)	(4,210)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(393,732)	(366,248)
Total net deferred tax liabilities	$ (257,913)	$ (238,910)

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at January 1	$ 28,757	$ 30,020
Increases in tax positions for prior years	41
Decreases in tax positions for prior years	(1,685)	(7,012)
Increases in tax positions for current year	29,242	8,933
Lapse in statute of limitations	(422)	(3,184)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31	$ 55,933	$ 28,757

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)	Feb. 09, 2012 USD ($)	Nov. 22, 2011 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2007 USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Expiration year of lease	2017
Rental expenses under operating leases	$ 10,600,000	$ 15,300,000	$ 17,000,000
Uncertain tax positions	45,700,000
Current borrowing capacity of senior unsecured revolving credit facility	100,000,000
Principal amount of convertible debentures	1,250,000,000	1,250,000,000				$ 1,250,000,000
Contribution toward settlement costs from co-defendant	$ 500,000
Settlement cost percentage	60.00%
Convertible debenture, interest rate	3.25%					3.25%
Indemnification period (months)	60
Claims threshold amount to trigger indemnification obligation	$ 4,000,000
Percentage of claims to be indemnified	50.00%
Maximum indemnification obligation	$ 125,000,000			$ 50,000,000
ICANN Agreement [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Payments for registry fees	18,000,000	$ 18,000,000	$ 15,000,000
.TV Agreement [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Payments for registry fees	$ 2,000,000
2011 Credit Facility [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity of senior unsecured revolving credit facility					$ 200,000,000
Revolving credit facility expires	November 22, 2016

Commitments And Contingencies (Minimum Lease Payments And Future Minimum Contractual Sublease Income) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Operating Lease Payments, 2012	$ 10,200
Operating Lease Payments, 2013	1,875
Operating Lease Payments, 2014	1,811
Operating Lease Payments, 2015	1,618
Operating Lease Payments, 2016	1,347
Operating Lease Payments, Thereafter	191
Operating Lease Payments	17,042
Sublease Income, 2012	(145)
Sublease Income, 2013
Sublease Income, 2014
Sublease Income, 2015
Sublease Income, 2016
Sublease Income, Thereafter
Sublease Income	(145)
Net Lease Payments, 2012	10,055
Net Lease Payments, 2013	1,875
Net Lease Payments, 2014	1,811
Net Lease Payments, 2015	1,618
Net Lease Payments, 2016	1,347
Net Lease Payments, Thereafter	191
Net Lease Payments	$ 16,897

Commitments And Contingencies (Minimum Payments Required Under Purchase Obligations) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Purchase Obligations And Contractual Agreements [Line Items]
2012	$ 76,256
2013	54,400
2014	49,962
2015	45,625
2016	145,625
Thereafter	2,112,891
Total minimum payments	2,484,759
Purchase Obligations [Member]
Purchase Obligations And Contractual Agreements [Line Items]
2012	15,131
2013	9,275
2014	4,837
2015
2016
Thereafter
Total minimum payments	29,243
ICANN Agreement [Member]
Purchase Obligations And Contractual Agreements [Line Items]
2012	16,500
2013
2014
2015
2016
Thereafter
Total minimum payments	16,500
.TV Agreement [Member]
Purchase Obligations And Contractual Agreements [Line Items]
2012	4,000
2013	4,500
2014	4,500
2015	5,000
2016	5,000
Thereafter	25,000
Total minimum payments	48,000
Credit Facility [Member]
Purchase Obligations And Contractual Agreements [Line Items]
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016	100,000
Thereafter
Total minimum payments	100,000
Convertible Debentures [Member]
Purchase Obligations And Contractual Agreements [Line Items]
2012	40,625
2013	40,625
2014	40,625
2015	40,625
2016	40,625
Thereafter	2,087,891
Total minimum payments	$ 2,291,016