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Document and Entity Information Document - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 22, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	VERISIGN INC/CA
Entity Central Index Key	0001014473
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q4
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		152,561,275
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 3.8

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 130,736	$ 1,313,349
Marketable securities	1,425,700	32,860
Accounts receivable, net	11,477	14,974
Deferred Tax Assets	44,756	64,751
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	30,795	21,847
Total current assets	1,643,464	1,447,781
Property and equipment, net	333,861	327,136
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net	52,527	53,848
Long-term deferred tax assets	7,299	2,758
Other long-term assets	25,325	24,656
Total long-term assets	419,012	408,398
Total assets	2,062,476	1,856,179
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	130,391	156,385
Deferred revenues	564,627	502,538
Total current liabilities	695,018	658,923
Long-term deferred revenues	247,955	226,033
Convertible debentures, including contingent interest derivative	597,614	590,086
Long-term Debt	100,000	100,000
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	386,914	325,527
Other long-term liabilities	44,298	43,717
Total long-term liabilities	1,376,781	1,285,363
Total liabilities	2,071,799	1,944,286
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' deficit:
Preferred stock-par value $.001 per share; Authorized shares: 5,000; Issued and outstanding shares: none	0	0
Common stock-par value $.001 per share; Authorized shares: 1,000,000; Issued shares: 318,722 at December 31, 2012 and 316,781 at December 31, 2011; Outstanding shares: 153,392 at December 31, 2012 and 159,422 at December 31, 2011	319	317
Additional paid-in capital	19,891,291	20,135,237
Accumulated deficit	(19,900,545)	(20,220,577)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(388)	(3,084)
Total stockholders' deficit	(9,323)	(88,107)
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit	$ 2,062,476	$ 1,856,179

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, authorized shares	5,000	5,000
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	1,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	318,722	316,781
Common stock, outstanding shares	153,392	159,422

Consolidated Statements Of Operations and Comprehensive Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 873,592	$ 771,978	$ 680,578
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues	167,600	165,246	156,676
Sales and marketing	97,809	97,432	83,390
Research and development	61,694	53,277	53,664
General and administrative	89,927	111,122	137,704
Restructuring charges	(765)	15,512	16,861
Total costs and expenses	416,265	442,589	448,295
Operating income	457,327	329,389	232,283
Interest expense	(50,196)	(147,332)	(157,667)
Non-operating income, net	5,564	11,530	20,738
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	412,695	193,587	95,354
Income tax expense	(100,210)	(55,031)	(25,322)
Income from continuing operations, net of tax	312,485	138,556	70,032
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	7,547	4,335	763,822
Net income	320,032	142,891	833,854
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	0	0	(2,887)
Net income attributable to Verisign stockholders	320,032	142,891	830,967
Net income	320,032	142,891	833,854
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	110	7,327
Realized foreign currency translation adjustments, included in net income	0	0	(29,076)
Change in unrealized gain on investments, net of tax	2,757	688	2,586
Realized gain on investments, net of tax, included in net income	(61)	(2,548)	(456)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,696	(1,750)	(19,619)
Comprehensive income	322,728	141,141	814,235
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	0	0	7,739
Comprehensive income attributable to Verisign stockholders	$ 322,728	$ 141,141	$ 821,974
Basic income per share
Continuing operations	$ 1.99	$ 0.84	$ 0.39
Discontinued operations	0.05	0.03	4.29
Net income	2.04	0.87	4.68
Diluted income per share
Continuing operations	1.91	0.83	0.39
Discontinued operations	0.04	0.03	4.25
Net income	$ 1.95	$ 0.86	$ 4.64
Shares used to compute net income per share
Basic	156,953	165,408	177,534
Diluted	163,909	166,887	178,965
Amounts attributable to Verisign stockholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax	$ 312,485	$ 138,556	$ 70,032
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	7,547	4,335	760,935
Net income attributable to Verisign stockholders	$ 320,032	$ 142,891	$ 830,967

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) And Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Total [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total Attributable to Common Stockholders [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest In Subsidiary [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2009		$ 598,664	$ 308	$ 21,736,209	$ (21,194,435)	$ 7,659	$ 549,741	$ 48,923
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2009			183,299
Net income	$ 833,854	833,854	$ 0	0	830,967	0	830,967	2,887
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(19,619)	(19,619)	0	0	0	(8,993)	(8,993)	(10,626)
Issuance of common stock under stock plans		92,510	$ 5	92,505	0	0	92,510	0
Issuance of common stock under stock plans, shares			5,579
Stock-based compensation		54,091	$ 0	54,087	0	0	54,087	4
Special dividend paid	(518,217)	(518,217)	0	(518,217)	0	0	(518,217)	0
Dividend declared to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary		(856)	0	0	0	0	0	(856)
Deconsolidation upon divestiture of the Authentication Services business		(40,332)	0	0	0	0	0	(40,332)
Net excess income tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation and other		126,084	0	126,084	0	0	126,084	0
Repurchase of common stock		(449,749)	$ 0	(449,749)	0	0	(449,749)	0
Repurchase of common stock, shares			(16,142)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010		676,430	$ 313	21,040,919	(20,363,468)	(1,334)	676,430	0
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2010			172,736
Net income	142,891	142,891	$ 0	0	142,891	0	142,891	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(1,750)	(1,750)	0	0	0	(1,750)	(1,750)	0
Issuance of common stock under stock plans		49,983	$ 4	49,979	0	0	49,983	0
Issuance of common stock under stock plans, shares			3,469
Stock-based compensation		46,438	$ 0	46,438	0	0	46,438	0
Special dividend paid	(463,498)	(463,498)	0	(463,498)	0	0	(463,498)	0
Net excess income tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation and other		11,496	0	11,496	0	0	11,496	0
Repurchase of common stock		(550,097)	$ 0	(550,097)	0	0	(550,097)	0
Repurchase of common stock, shares			(16,783)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ (88,107)	(88,107)	$ 317	20,135,237	(20,220,577)	(3,084)	(88,107)	0
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011	159,422		159,422
Net income	$ 320,032	320,032	$ 0	0	320,032	0	320,032	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	2,696	2,696	0	0	0	2,696	2,696	0
Issuance of common stock under stock plans		29,303	$ 2	29,301	0	0	29,303	0
Issuance of common stock under stock plans, shares			1,941
Stock-based compensation		36,199	$ 0	36,199	0	0	36,199	0
Net excess income tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation and other		16,045	0	16,045	0	0	16,045	0
Repurchase of common stock		(325,680)	$ 0	(325,680)	0	0	(325,680)	0
Repurchase of common stock, shares			(7,971)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ (9,323)	(9,323)	$ 319	19,891,291	(19,900,545)	(388)	(9,323)	$ 0
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012	153,392		153,392
Stockholders' Equity, Other		$ 189	$ 0	$ 189	$ 0	$ 0	$ 189
Stockholders' Equity, Other Shares			0

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 320,032	$ 142,891	$ 833,854
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0	(725,254)
Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of other intangible assets	54,819	55,706	67,655
Stock-based compensation	33,362	43,272	52,178
Excess tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation	(18,436)	(13,420)	(131,926)
Deferred Income Tax Expense	71,800	24,779	45,466
Other, net	10,981	12,965	9,474
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable	3,327	(251)	13,147
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(9,344)	7,895	19,005
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(12,922)	(3,469)	(48,624)
Deferred revenues	84,011	65,533	80,231
Net cash provided by operating activities	537,630	335,901	215,206
Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Abstract
Proceeds received from divestiture of businesses, net of cash contributed and transaction costs	0	0	1,162,306
Proceeds from maturities and sales of marketable securities	1,234,156	546,006	313,817
Purchases of marketable securities	(2,622,898)	(78,975)	(787,718)
Purchases of property and equipment	(53,023)	(192,660)	(80,527)
Other investing activities	(588)	(1,129)	(4,788)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(1,442,353)	273,242	603,090
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock from option exercises and employee stock purchase plans	29,303	49,983	92,510
Repurchases of common stock	(325,680)	(550,097)	(449,749)
Payments of dividends to stockholders	0	(463,498)	(518,217)
Excess tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation	18,436	13,420	131,926
Proceeds received from borrowing	0	100,000	0
Repayments of borrowings	0	(1,067)	(1,004)
Other financing activities	189	(939)	(740)
Net cash used in financing activities	(277,752)	(852,198)	(745,274)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(138)	(3,224)	9,440
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(1,182,613)	(246,279)	82,462
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,313,349	1,559,628	1,477,166
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	130,736	1,313,349	1,559,628
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest	41,276	140,193	148,870
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received	19,436	6,567	8,502
Payable to purchasers of divested businesses	$ 0	$ 0	$ (4,250)

Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

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

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 real-time name resolution for a number of global top level domains (“TLDs”), enable domain name registration through registrars and provide security intelligence and cloud-based network availability services to enterprise customers.

The Company has one reportable segment, 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.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income” which eliminated the option to present the components of other comprehensive income within the statement of stockholders’ equity and requires an entity to present total comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement or in two separate but consecutive statements. The Company has chosen to present these items in a single continuous statement.

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, and equity securities of a public company. 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 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. Beginning in 2012, the Company changed its estimate of the useful life of its computer equipment and hardware assets from 3 years to 4 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the assets or associated lease terms. The Company capitalizes interest on facility assets under construction and on significant software development projects.

Capitalized Software

Software included in property and equipment includes amounts paid for purchased software and development costs for software used internally that have 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.



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Third-party implementation and consulting services	$	3,172	$	3,032
Internally developed software	$	21,733	$	17,205

Goodwill and Other Long-lived Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase consideration over fair value of net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is 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 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.

Restructuring Charges

Verisign has recorded 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 Remeasurement

Verisign conducts business throughout the world and transacts in multiple currencies. The functional currency for all 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. The net remeasurement gains and losses recorded in 2012 and 2010 were not material.

Verisign maintains a foreign currency risk management program designed to mitigate foreign exchange risks associated with the monetary assets and liabilities 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 net gains of $0.8 million in 2012, and $1.4 million in 2011, and a net loss of $2.9 million in 2010, related to foreign currency forward contracts.

As of December 31, 2012, Verisign held foreign currency forward contracts in notional amounts totaling $40.2 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. If Verisign obtains an identifiable benefit separate from the services it provides to the registrars, then amounts payable up to the fair value of the benefit received are recorded as advertising expenses and the excess, if any, is recorded as a reduction of revenue.

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 $10.2 million, $17.2 million, and $12.6 million in 2012, 2011, and 2010, 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. If the income tax benefit at exercise or vesting date is less than the income tax benefit recorded based on the grant date fair value of the stock options or RSUs, the shortfall is recognized as a reduction of Additional paid-in capital to the extent of previously recognized excess tax benefits.

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 2012, the Company’s stock-based compensation was primarily related to RSUs granted to employees. There were no stock options granted in 2012 or 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.

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. Subsequent to the divestitures, the Company has resolved certain contingent liabilities that related to the operations of the divested businesses. The effects of these items are presented in discontinued operations.

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, marketable debt and equity securities, foreign currency forward contracts, and the contingent interest derivative associated with the Convertible Debentures.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 275
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2134480

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 852
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2209116

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2122150

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2197480

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7880789&loc=SL6228881-111685

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 272
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6373374&loc=d3e70478-108055

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 720
-SubTopic 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2122524

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
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-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7668296&loc=d3e288-107754

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 915
-SubTopic 235
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6472506&loc=d3e38932-110933

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
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-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18780-107790

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
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-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733093&loc=d3e5614-111684

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6359566&loc=d3e326-107755

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 94-6
-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 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 2-6
-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 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 4, 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 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS140-4/FIN46(R)-8
-Paragraph 8, C1, C7
-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

Cash, Cash Equivalents, And Marketable Securities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Cash, Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities [Abstract]

Cash, Cash Equivalents, And Marketable Securities

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities

The following table summarizes the Company’s cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities:



	As of December 31,
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Cash	$	63,578	$	1,127,196
Money market funds	38,054		132,145
Time deposits	3,614		57,930
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies	1,452,358		32,860
Equity securities of a public company	3,341		—
Total	$	1,560,945	$	1,350,131

Included in Cash and cash equivalents	$	130,736	$	1,313,349
Included in Marketable securities	$	1,425,700	$	32,860
Included in Other long-term assets (Restricted cash)	$	4,509	$	3,922

The following table presents the contractual maturities of the debt securities held as of December 31, 2012:



	December 31, 2012
	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Due within one year	$	1,419,115	$	165	$	1,419,280
Due after one year through three years	32,911		167		33,078
Total	$	1,452,026	$	332	$	1,452,358

The Company’s investment in equity securities of a public company has a cost basis of zero and a fair value of $3.3 million as of December 31, 2012. Upon shares of the entity becoming publicly traded during the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company reclassified the investment to available-for-sale securities and recorded an unrealized gain of $3.3 million in Other comprehensive income.

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:



			Fair Value Measurement Using
	Total Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
As of December 31, 2012
Assets:
Investments in money market funds	$	38,054	$	38,054	$	—	$	—
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies	1,452,358		1,419,280		33,078		—
Equity securities of public company	3,341		—		3,341		—
Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	71		—		71		—
Total	$	1,493,824	$	1,457,334	$	36,490	$	—
Liabilities:
Contingent interest derivative on Convertible Debentures	$	11,203	$	—	$	—	$	11,203
Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	765		—		765		—
Total	$	11,968	$	—	$	765	$	11,203
As of December 31, 2011:
Assets:
Investments in money market funds	$	132,145	$	132,145	$	—	$	—
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 Prepaid expenses and other current assets


(2)	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 debt securities consisting of U.S. Treasury bills is based on their quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1. The fair value of the Company’s investments in other debt 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 and are classified as Level 2. Debt securities purchased with original maturities in excess of three months are included in Marketable securities.

The equity securities of a public company held by the Company at December 31, 2012 relate to a former cost method investment that the Company had previously written off. Beginning in September 2012, the equity securities held by the Company became publicly traded but are subject to a holding period which will expire in March 2013. The fair value of the investment is based on the quoted market price at the end of the period, adjusted for an estimate of the value of the remaining three month restriction. As most of the significant inputs in the fair value are observable, the investment is classified as Level 2.

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 volatility and credit spread assumptions used in the calculation are the most significant unobservable inputs. As of December 31, 2012, the valuation of the contingent interest derivative assumed a volatility rate of approximately 30%. A hypothetical 5% increase or decrease in the volatility rate would not significantly change the fair value of the contingent interest derivative. The credit spread assumed in the valuation was approximately 3% at December 31, 2012. A hypothetical 1% increase or decrease in the credit spread would not significantly change the fair value of the contingent interest derivative.

The following table summarizes the change in the fair value of the Company’s contingent interest derivative on Convertible Debentures during the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	11,625		$	10,500
Unrealized (gain) loss on contingent interest derivative on Convertible Debentures	(422		)	1,125
Ending balance	$	11,203		$	11,625

Other

The Company’s other financial instruments include cash, accounts receivable, restricted cash, accounts payable, and long-term debt. As of December 31, 2012, the carrying value of these financial instruments approximated their fair value. The fair value of the Company’s Convertible Debentures as of December 31, 2012, is $1.6 billion, and is based on available market information from public data sources. The fair value measurement of the Company’s Convertible Debentures is classified as Level 2.

- 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 Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=d3e19207-110258

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14172-108612

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14064-108612

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13433-108611

Reference 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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 11: 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 12: 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 13: 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.

+ Details

Discontinued Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation Disclosures [Abstract]

Discontinued Operations

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 Content Portal Services business.

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



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Revenues	$	—		$	44		$	248,740
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	$	11,141		$	(538	)	$	63,906
Gains on sale of discontinued operations, before income taxes	—			451			979,560
Income tax (expense) benefit	(3,594		)	4,422			(279,644		)
Income from discontinued operations	7,547			4,335			763,822
Less: Income from discontinued operations, net of tax,
attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	—			—			(2,887		)
Total income from discontinued operations, net of tax,
attributable to Verisign stockholders	$	7,547		$	4,335		$	760,935

Income from discontinued operations in 2012 is primarily related to the reimbursement of previously incurred litigation and legal defense costs received upon the settlement of indemnification claims with selling shareholders of a previously acquired business that was later divested. Income from discontinued operations in 2012 also represents the reversal of certain retained liabilities and the reversal of certain accruals for retained litigation related to the prior operations of a divested business. Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes for 2011 represents the effects of certain retained litigation of the divested businesses. Income tax benefit for discontinued operations for 2011 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 primarily represent the results of operations and net gains and losses on the sale of the Authentication Services business. The Company has determined direct costs of the Authentication Services business consistent with the manner in which it was structured and managed. Indirect costs such as corporate overhead that was not directly attributable to the Authentication Services business 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 Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
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+ Details

Other Balance Sheet Items

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]

Other Balance Sheet Items

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following:



	As of December 31,
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Prepaid expenses	$	15,413	$	12,016
Non-trade receivables	15,056		9,452
Other	326		379
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	30,795	$	21,847

Property and Equipment, Net

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



	As of December 31,
	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Land	$	31,141		$	31,141
Buildings and building improvements	236,171			239,280
Computer equipment and software	315,654			307,710
Capital work in progress	11,393			6,157
Office equipment and furniture	6,420			7,662
Leasehold improvements	2,223			2,282
Total cost	603,002			594,232
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(269,141		)	(267,096		)
Total property and equipment, net	$	333,861		$	327,136

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The following table presents the detail of goodwill and other intangible assets:



	As of December 31,
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Goodwill, gross	1,537,843		1,537,843
Accumulated goodwill impairment	(1,485,316	)	(1,485,316	)
Other intangible assets	—		1,321
Total goodwill and other intangible assets	52,527		53,848

There was no impairment of goodwill or other long-lived assets recognized in any of the periods presented.

Other Long-Term Assets

Other long-term assets consist of the following:



	As of December 31,
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Other tax receivable	$	5,811	$	5,811
Long-term investments	413		413
Debt issuance costs	11,516		11,830
Long-term restricted cash	4,509		3,922
Security deposit and other	3,076		2,680
Total other long-term assets	$	25,325	$	24,656

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following:



	As of December 31,
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Accounts payable	$	23,519	$	19,283
Accrued employee compensation	38,778		40,251
Customer deposits, net	19,321		18,558
Taxes payable and other tax liabilities	21,918		28,441
Accrued restructuring costs	—		8,685
Other accrued liabilities	26,855		41,167
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	130,391	$	156,385

Accrued employee compensation primarily consists of liabilities for employee leave, salaries, payroll taxes, employee contributions to the employee stock purchase plan, and incentive compensation. Taxes payable and other tax liabilities as of December 31, 2012 reflects a decrease in current taxes payable from December 31, 2011 as the result of income tax payments made during the year ended December 31, 2012. Accrued restructuring costs at December 31, 2011 represented the remaining lease payments to be made related to excess facilities that were abandoned as part of the relocation of the Company’s headquarters during 2011. Other accrued liabilities include miscellaneous vendor payables and interest on the Convertible Debentures which is paid semi-annually in arrears on August 15 and February 15. Other accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2011 included certain retained liabilities related to divested businesses that were reversed or paid during 2012.

Restructuring Charges	12 Months Ended
Restructuring Charges	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges	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”). Under the 2010 Restructuring Plan, the Company incurred pre-tax cash severance charges of $21.3 million, stock-based compensation expenses of $16.2 million upon acceleration of stock-based awards, and excess facility exit costs of $8.0 million, inclusive of amounts reported in discontinued operations. As of December 31, 2012, the 2010 Restructuring Plan was complete and all expenses incurred under the plan have been paid or settled.

- 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, 2012

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt And Interest Expense

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 U.S. 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% to2.0% 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. As of December 31, 2012, this balance remains outstanding and 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% per year of the 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, 2012, 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 Credit Facility.

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, 2012, 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.

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 in effect on the last trading day of such preceding fiscal quarter (the “Conversion Price Threshold Trigger”);


•	during the five business-day period after any 10 consecutive trading-day period in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of 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 pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, at any time prior to the close of business on the trading day immediately preceding the redemption date;


•	upon the occurrence of any of several specified corporate transactions as specified in the Indenture governing the Convertible Debentures; or


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

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”).

The Company’s common stock price exceeded the Conversion Price Threshold Trigger during the third quarter of 2012. Accordingly, the Convertible Debentures were convertible at the option of each holder during the fourth quarter of 2012. Further, in the event of conversion, the Company intends, and has the ability, to settle the principal amount of the Convertible Debentures in cash, and therefore, classified the debt component of the Convertible Debentures, the embedded contingent interest derivative and the related deferred tax liability as current liabilities, and also classified the related debt issuance costs as a current asset as as of September 30, 2012. None of the Convertible Debentures were converted during the fourth quarter of 2012 and as of December 31, 2012, none of the conditions allowing holders of the Convertible Debentures to convert were met. Therefore, the Convertible Debentures are not convertible into common stock beginning January 1, 2013 unless and until one of the conversion criteria mentioned above is met. As such, the various Convertible Debentures related liabilities and assets were reclassified back to long-term as of December 31, 2012. The determination of whether or not the Convertible Debentures are convertible, and accordingly, the classification of the related liabilities and assets as long-term or current, must continue to be performed quarterly. The Company intends and has the ability to settle the principal amount of the Convertible Debentures in cash. As of December 31, 2012, 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, 2012, the conversion spread could have required the Company to issue up to an additional 4.2 million shares of common stock.

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 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 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 included in Interest expense. As of December 31, 2012, the remaining term of the Convertible Debentures is 24.6 years. Interest is payable semiannually in arrears on August 15 and February 15.

Proceeds upon issuance of the Convertible Debentures were as follows (in thousands):



Principal value of Convertible Debentures	$	1,250,000
Less: Issuance costs	(25,777		)
Net proceeds, Convertible Debentures	$	1,224,223
Amounts recognized at issuance:
Convertible debentures, including contingent interest derivative	$	558,243
Additional paid-in capital	418,996
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	267,225
Other long-term assets	(11,328		)
Non-operating loss	(8,913		)
Net proceeds, Convertible Debentures	$	1,224,223

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



	As of December 31,
	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Carrying amount of equity component (net of issuance costs of $14,449)	$	418,996		$	418,996

Principal amount of Convertible Debentures	$	1,250,000		$	1,250,000
Unamortized discount of liability component	(663,588		)	(671,539		)
Carrying amount of liability component	586,412			578,461
Contingent interest derivative	11,202			11,625
Convertible debentures, including contingent interest derivative	$	597,614		$	590,086

The following table presents the components of the Company’s interest expense:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Contractual interest on Convertible Debentures	$	40,625		$	40,625		$	40,625
Amortization of debt discount on the Convertible Debentures	7,986			7,355			6,775
Contingent interest to holders of Convertible Debentures	—			100,020			109,113
Interest capitalized to Property and equipment, net	(934		)	(980		)	(676		)
Credit facility and other interest expense	2,519			312			1,830
Total interest expense	$	50,196		$	147,332		$	157,667

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 contingent interest of $100.0 million in 2011 and $109.1 million in 2010 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' Deficit

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Stockholders' Deficit

Stockholders’ Deficit

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 December 5, 2012, the Board authorized the repurchase of up to $458.8 million of the Company’s common stock, in addition to $541.2 million remaining available under the previous 2010 Share Buyback Program for a total repurchase authorization of $1.0 billion of the Company’s common stock (collectively “the 2012 Share Buyback Program”). The 2012 Share Buyback Program has no expiration date. Purchases made under the 2012 Share Buyback Program could be effected through open market transactions, block purchases, accelerated share repurchase agreements or other negotiated transactions. As of December 31, 2012, $975.5 million remained available for further repurchases under the 2012 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 tax authorities to cover the applicable withholding taxes.

The summary of the Company’s common stock repurchases for 2012, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:



	2012				2011				2010
	Shares		Average Price		Shares		Average Price		Shares	Average Price
	(In thousands, except average price amounts)
Total repurchases under the repurchase plans	7,692		$	40.90	16,318		$	32.76	15,672	$	27.93
Total repurchases for tax witholdings	279		$	39.63	465		$	33.37	470	$	25.63
Total repurchases	7,971		$	40.86	16,783		$	32.78	16,142	$	27.86
Total costs	$	325,680			$	550,097			449,749

Since inception, the Company has repurchased 165.3 million shares of its common stock for an aggregate cost of $4.9 billion, which is recorded as a reduction of Additional paid-in capital.

Special Dividends

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. The Company did not pay any dividends during 2012.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following table summarizes the changes in the components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss for 2012 and 2011:



	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Loss			Unrealized Gain On Investments, net of tax			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	(In thousands)
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		)
Changes	—			2,696			2,696
Balance, December 31, 2012	$	(3,241	)	$	2,853		$	(388	)

Other Comprehensive Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiary

The following table summarizes the changes in the components of Other comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest in subsidiary during 2010. The noncontrolling interest was deconsolidated as part of the sale of Authentication Services business in 2010.



	Year Ended December 31, 2010
	(In thousands)
Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	3,340
Realized foreign currency translation adjustments, included in net income	(14,024		)
Change in unrealized gain on investments, next of tax	41
Realized gain on investments, net of tax, included in net income	17
Total other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	$	(10,626	)

- 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 FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(d),(e))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21484-112644

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.E)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6228006&loc=d3e74512-122707

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21488-112644

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 210.5-02.29-31)
-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 S99
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.C)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187143-122770

Reference 7: 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 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6405834&loc=d3e23285-112656

Reference 10: 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 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Preferred Stock
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521494

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21564-112644

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Section B
-Paragraph 7, 11A
-Chapter 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 15: 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 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-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 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph d
-Article 4

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29, 30, 31
-Article 5

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section E

Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Article 4

Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section C

Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-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 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

+ Details

Calculation Of Net Income Per Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Calculation Of Net Income Per Share Attributable To Verisign Stockholders

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:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012	2011	2010
	(In thousands)
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding	156,953	165,408	177,534
Weighted-average potential shares of common stock outstanding:
Stock options	174	309	428
Unvested RSUs	763	736	873
Conversion spread related to Convertible Debentures	5,944	416	—
Employee stock purchase plan	75	18	130
Shares used to compute diluted net income per share attributable to Verisign stockholders	163,909	166,887	178,965

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,
	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Weighted-average stock options outstanding	30		366		2,836
Weighted-average exercise price	$	40.81	$	35.70	$	31.32
Weighted-average RSUs outstanding	17		35		57
Employee stock purchase plan	96		434		365

Geographic And Customer Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Geographic And Customer Information

Geographic and Customer Information

The Company generates revenue in the U.S.; Europe, the Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”); Australia, China, India, and other Asia Pacific countries (“APAC”); 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,
	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
U.S	$	530,111	$	472,700	$	419,315
EMEA	135,084		109,680		92,351
APAC	130,648		116,999		103,494
Other	77,749		72,599		65,418
Total revenues	$	873,592	$	771,978	$	680,578

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



	As of December 31,
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
U.S	$	323,564	$	319,513
EMEA	9,450		7,211
APAC	847		412
Total property and equipment, net	$	333,861	$	327,136

Major Customers

One customer accounted for approximately 30%, 30%, and 28% of revenues from continuing operations in 2012, 2011, and 2010, 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 Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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+ Details

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Share-based Compensation [Abstract]

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation

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 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company matched 50% of the employee’s contribution up to a total of 6% of the employee’s annual salary. The Company contributed $2.8 million in 2012, $2.9 million in 2011, and $4.1 million in 2010 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, 2012, a total of 15.4 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. 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 May 2011 special dividend. The modification of the plan did not result in any additional stock-based compensation.

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 between2% 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, 2012, 2.6 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 Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income in the same expense line items as cash compensation. The following table presents the classification of stock-based compensation:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Stock-based compensation:
Cost of revenues	$	5,754	$	6,655	$	4,473
Sales and marketing	6,091		6,062		4,419
Research and development	6,023		4,926		4,989
General and administrative	15,494		19,928		20,136
Restructuring charges	—		5,701		2,321
Stock-based compensation for continuing operations	$	33,362	$	43,272	$	36,338
Discontinued operations	—		—		15,840
Total stock-based compensation	$	33,362	$	43,272	$	52,178

The following table presents the nature of the Company’s total stock-based compensation:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
RSUs	$	30,807		$	33,305		$	26,175
ESPP	4,436			3,904			9,287
Stock options	956			3,528			7,741
RSUs/Stock options acceleration	—			5,701			11,023
Capitalization (Included in Property and equipment, net)	(2,837		)	(3,166		)	(2,048		)
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	33,362		$	43,272		$	52,178

The income tax benefit recognized on stock-based compensation within Income tax expense for 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $9.4 million, $13.1 million, and $9.7 million, respectively. The income tax benefit recognized on stock-based compensation included within Income from discontinued operations, net of tax for 2010 was $4.5 million.

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



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Stock options:
Volatility	N/A		N/A		36	%
Risk-free interest rate	N/A		N/A		1.85	%
Expected term	N/A		N/A		3.6 years
Dividend yield	N/A		N/A		Zero
ESPP awards:
Volatility	26	%	26	%	35	%
Risk-free interest rate	0.16	%	0.30	%	0.40	%
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 forfeitures and records stock-based compensation only for those options and awards that are expected to vest.

RSUs Information

The following table summarizes unvested RSUs activity:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012				2011				2010
	Shares		Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value		Shares		Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value		Shares		Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	(Shares in thousands)
Unvested at beginning of period	2,345		$	27.33	2,719		$	23.50	3,087		$	25.39
Granted	1,341		38.20		1,860		34.29		2,037		25.67
Vested and settled	(881	)	27.57		(1,411	)	27.00		(1,349	)	26.34
Forfeited	(327	)	32.34		(1,025	)	24.94		(1,283	)	25.34
Dividend equivalents	—		—		202		—		227		—
	2,478		$	32.07	2,345		$	27.33	2,719		$	23.50

All RSU agreements have anti-dilution provisions, in the event a dividend is declared, that require 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, 2012, the aggregate intrinsic value of unvested RSUs was $96.2 million. The fair values of RSUs that vested during 2012, 2011, and 2010 were $31.7 million, $44.2 million, and $38.1 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2012, total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSUs was $48.1 million which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years.

Stock Options Information

The following table summarizes stock options activity:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012				2011				2010
	Shares		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Shares		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Shares		Weighted- Average Exercise Price
	(In thousands, except average price amounts)
Outstanding at beginning of period	1,120		$	28.04	3,387		$	27.36	6,920		$	26.64
Granted	—		—		—		—		788		24.53
Exercised	(660	)	27.34		(1,473	)	26.34		(3,094	)	23.69
Forfeited	(38	)	23.99		(749	)	26.53		(1,188	)	28.88
Expired	(1	)	8.07		(45	)	48.33		(39	)	87.00
Outstanding at end of period	421		$	29.49	1,120		$	28.04	3,387		$	27.36
Exercisable at end of period	387		$	30.17	910		$	28.83	1,812		$	28.98
Expected to vest at end of period	32		$	21.66
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the period			$	—			$	—			$	7.14
Total intrinsic value of options exercised during the period			$	9,157			$	12,599			$	22,125

The closing price of Verisign’s stock was $38.82 on December 31, 2012. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding, stock options exercisable and stock options expected to vest as of December 31, 2012 was $4.0 million, $3.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively. Intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the shares and the market value as of December 31, 2012. As of December 31, 2012, the weighted-average remaining contractual life for stock options exercisable and stock options expected to vest was 2.2 years and 3.7 years , respectively. The remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options is not material.

Modifications

In 2011, and 2010, 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 and 1,054 employees were affected by these modifications and the Company recognized $5.7 million and $11.0 million of acceleration cost in Restructuring charges during 2011 and 2010, 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 $5.5 million of such modification expenses in 2010. Modification expenses in 2012 and 2011 were not significant.

- 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 Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6406099&loc=d3e25284-112666

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
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-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5444-113901

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 14

Reference 7: 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 8: 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.

+ Details

Non-operating income, net

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Non-operating (loss) income, net [Abstract]

Non-operating Income, Net

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



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Interest and dividend income	$	2,957		$	5,017		$	7,652
Unrealized gain (loss) on contingent interest derivative on Convertible Debentures	422			(1,125		)	(500		)
Income from transition services agreements	2,541			8,083			10,631
Realized net gain on investments	102			4,246			3,978
Other, net	(458		)	(4,691		)	(1,023		)
Total non-operating income, net	$	5,564		$	11,530		$	20,738

Interest and dividend income is earned principally from the Company’s surplus cash balances and marketable securities. Income from transition services agreements includes fees generated from services provided to the purchasers of divested businesses for a certain period of time to facilitate the transfer of business operations. As of December 31, 2012, all transition services have been completed. 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 $2.9 million of foreign currency losses, partially offset by $1.9 million of miscellaneous income.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract]

Income Taxes

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



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
United States	$	245,745	$	62,287	$	39,454
Foreign	166,950		131,300		55,900
Total income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	412,695	$	193,587	$	95,354

The provision for income taxes consisted of the following:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Continuing Operations:
Current (expense) benefit:
Federal	$	(13,553	)	$	(30,325	)	$	91,305
State	(7,960		)	(1,963		)	27,777
Foreign, including foreign witholding tax	(8,498		)	(1,146		)	(8,474		)
	(30,011		)	(33,434		)	110,608
Deferred (expense) benefit:
Federal	(67,700		)	(17,047		)	(103,343		)
State	(6,760		)	(1,501		)	(36,397		)
Foreign	4,261			(3,049		)	3,810
	(70,199		)	(21,597		)	(135,930		)
Total income tax expense from continuing operations	$	(100,210	)	$	(55,031	)	$	(25,322	)
Income tax (expense) benefit from discontinued operations	$	(3,594	)	$	4,422		$	(279,644	)

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,
	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Income tax expense at federal statutory rate	$	(144,443	)	$	(67,755	)	$	(33,373	)
State taxes, net of federal benefit	(10,003		)	(2,280		)	(8,620		)
Differences between statutory rate and foreign effective tax rate	51,780			43,591			19,122
Non-deductible stock-based compensation	(1,509		)	(1,777		)	(2,826		)
Change in valuation allowance	5,760			(350		)	350
Research and experimentation credit	—			1,670			670
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
Accrual for uncertain tax positions	(306		)	(23,265		)	(4,966		)
Other	(1,489		)	1,342			956
	$	(100,210	)	$	(55,031	)	$	(25,322	)

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 income 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.

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,
	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	34,422		$	20,157
Deductible goodwill and intangible assets	7,761			8,909
Tax credit carryforwards	—			6,213
Deferred revenue, accruals and reserves	87,235			106,234
Capital loss carryforwards and book impairment of investments	3,400			5,749
Other	5,234			4,439
Total deferred tax assets	138,052			151,701
Valuation allowance	(20,815		)	(15,882		)
Net deferred tax assets	117,237			135,819
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	(21,522		)	(42		)
Non-deductible acquired intangibles	—			(148		)
Convertible debentures	(424,488		)	(390,125		)
Other	(5,984		)	(3,417		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(451,994		)	(393,732		)
Total net deferred tax liabilities	$	(334,757	)	$	(257,913	)

With the exception of 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. Deferred tax assets at December 31, 2012 include foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $4.7 million and an offsetting valuation allowance of $4.7 million related to prior years that were not included in the balances as of December 31, 2011. The Company’s deferred tax assets related to net operating loss carryforwards increased in 2012 primarily due to a tax rate change, resulting from the expiration of a tax holiday in one of the jurisdictions in Switzerland. This increase in deferred tax assets was partially offset by an increase in the corresponding valuation allowance which resulted from the tax rate change.

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $20.4 million, $895.0 million, and $111.4 million, respectively, before applying tax rates for the respective jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had federal and state research tax credits of $37.3 million and $1.3 million, respectively, and alternative minimum tax credits of $10.4 million available for future years. 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 $81.7 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 2013 through 2030. The majority of the foreign net operating loss carryforwards will expire in 2015 through 2017.

On January 2, 2013, the President signed into law, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (“Act”). Under this Act the federal research and development credit was retroactively extended for amounts paid or incurred after December 31, 2011 through December 31, 2013. The effects of the change in the tax law will be recognized in our first quarter of fiscal 2013, which is the quarter that the law was enacted.

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 adjusted issue price of the Convertible Debentures, while the interest expense recognized in accordance with GAAP is based only on the liability portion of the Convertible Debentures. The adjusted issue price of the Convertible Debentures grows over the term due to the difference between the interest deduction taken for income tax, using a comparable yield of 8.5%, and the coupon rate of 3.25%, compounded annually.

Deferred income taxes have not been provided on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. The amount of such earnings as of December 31, 2012 was $693.1 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 until 2015 which provides reduced rates of taxation on certain types of income and also requires certain thresholds of investment and employment. Another tax holiday specific to one of the jurisdictions in Switzerland expired on December 31, 2011, increasing the tax rate from 12.7% to 25.5%. 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. These tax holidays increased the Company’s earnings per share by $0.11 in 2012, $0.06 in 2011, and $0.12 in 2010.

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,
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at January 1	$	55,933	$	28,757
Increases in tax positions for prior years	420		41
Decreases in tax positions for prior years	—		(1,685		)
Increases in tax positions for current year	240		29,242
Lapse in statute of limitations	—		(422		)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31	$	56,593	$	55,933

As of December 31, 2012, approximately $46.4 million of unrecognized tax benefits, including penalties and interest, could affect the Company’s tax provision and effective tax rate. The gross unrecognized tax benefit amount 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. These accruals were not material in any period presented.

The Company’s major taxing jurisdictions are the U.S., the state of 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. 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 2009 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

+ Details

Commitments And Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

Purchase Obligations and Contractual Agreements

The following table represents the minimum payments required by Verisign under certain purchase obligations, leases, the .tv Agreement with the Government of Tuvalu, the 2011 Credit Facility, and the interest payments and principal on the Convertible Debentures:



	Purchase Obligations		Leases	.tv Agreement		Credit Facility		Convertible Debentures		Total
	(In thousands)
2013	$	33,506	2,029	$	4,500	$	—	$	40,625	$	80,660
2014	7,504		1,569	4,500		—		40,625		54,198
2015	1,165		1,546	5,000		—		40,625		48,336
2016	157		1,391	5,000		100,000		40,625		147,173
2017	—		242	5,000		—		40,625		45,867
Thereafter	—		—	20,000		—		2,047,266		2,067,266
Total	$	42,332	6,777	$	44,000	$	100,000	$	2,250,391	$	2,443,500

The amounts in the table above exclude $46.4 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 2016.

Verisign leases a portion of its facilities under operating leases that extend through 2017. Rental expenses under operating leases were $3.0 million in 2012, $10.6 million in 2011, and $15.3 million in 2010.

On November 30, 2012, the Company renewed its agreement with Internet Corporation for Assigned Name and Numbers (”ICANN”) to be the sole registry operator for domain names in the .com TLD through November 30, 2018. Under the new agreement, the Company no longer pays a flat fee and instead must now pay ICANN on a quarterly basis, $0.25 for each annual increment of a domain name registered or renewed during such quarter. As of December 31, 2012, there were 106.2 million domain names in the .com TLD. However, the number of domain names registered and renewed each quarter may vary significantly. The Company incurred registry fees for the .com TLD of $18.7 million in 2012, $18.0 million in 2011, and $18.0 million in 2010. 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. Registry fees under the renewed agreement were $4.0 million in 2012. 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 are based on variable interest rates and have been excluded from the table above. The interest rates on the 2011 Credit Facility 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 March 5, 2012, a complaint entitled Warhanek v. Bidzos, et al. was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. The complaint asserts derivative claims on behalf of Verisign against current directors D. James Bidzos, William L. Chenevich, Roger H. Moore, Kathleen A. Cote, John D. Roach, Louis A. Simpson, Timothy Tomlinson and a former director, President and Chief Executive Officer Mark D. McLaughlin (the “Director Defendants”). The complaint also asserts one derivative claim against officers and certain former officers Richard H. Goshorn, Christine C. Brennan, and Kevin A. Werner (the “Executive Defendants,” and together with the Director Defendants and nominal defendant Verisign, the “Defendants”).

The complaint alleges that the Director Defendants fraudulently obtained shareholder approval of certain incentive-based compensation plans by misrepresenting the tax deductibility of certain compensation paid to Verisign’s executive officers, including the Executive Defendants. Verisign adopted and obtained shareholder approval of several incentive-based compensation plans, including a 2010 Annual Incentive Compensation Plan (“AICP”), and an Amended and Restated VeriSign, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (“2006 Plan”) and these plans were submitted to shareholders for approval in the 2010 and 2011 Proxy Statements (the “Proxy Statements”), respectively. The complaint alleges that the Proxy Statements falsely disclosed, or failed to adequately disclose, the material terms under which performance-based compensation would be paid under the AICP and the 2006 Plan. The complaint further alleges that the Proxy Statements falsely represented that certain compensation paid to certain employees in excess of $1 million would be tax deductible.

The complaint asserts derivative claims against the Director Defendants for (1) violations of Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act for making false statements in and omitting material facts from the Proxy Statements; (2) breach of fiduciary duty; and (3) waste of corporate assets. The complaint asserts an additional derivative claim against the Director Defendants and Executive Defendants for unjust enrichment based on compensation payments they received under the AICP or the 2006 Plan, as disclosed in the Proxy Statements. No demand was made on the Board to institute this action, and the complaint alleges that any such demand would be futile because each director is either interested or lacks independence with respect to the challenges to the AICP and 2006 Plan. The relief sought by the complaint includes, among other things, an order nullifying the shareholder approval of the AICP and the 2006 Plan, an injunction requiring correction of the alleged misrepresentations in the Company’s Proxy Statements, and an order requiring equitable accounting, with disgorgement, in favor of the Company for the purported losses it has and will sustain. On May 25, 2012, the defendants filed motions to dismiss this action in its entirety. Oral argument on the motions to dismiss took place on November 16, 2012 and the matter is now under advisement with the court.

On January 16, 2013, a complaint entitled Glaser v. VeriSign, Inc. et al. was filed in the United Stated District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria Division). The complaint asserts claims against the Company, D. James Bidzos and George E. Kilguss, III for alleged violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the 1934 Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5. The complaint alleges that the defendants made false and misleading statements primarily about the prospects for renewal of the .com registry agreement and with respect to revenue guidance.

The plaintiff seeks to certify a class consisting of those who purchased Verisign common stock between June 25, 2012 and October 25, 2012. The complaint seeks money damages with interest, costs and expenses including attorney fees, and equitable/injunctive or other and further relief as may be just and proper.

On February 15, 2013, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss the complaint.

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 is capped at $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, 2012 and 2011, 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 Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

Reference 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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.

+ Details

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

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Types [Member]

Cash And Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Marketable Securities

Property And Equipment

Property and Equipment

Capitalized Software



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Third-party implementation and consulting services	$	3,172	$	3,032
Internally developed software	$	21,733	$	17,205

Goodwill And Other Long-Lived Assets

Goodwill and Other Long-lived Assets

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 Remeasurement

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.

•

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

Income Taxes

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.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based Compensation

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per Share

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.


•	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.

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

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

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

Summary Of Capitalized Costs



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Third-party implementation and consulting services	$	3,172	$	3,032
Internally developed software	$	21,733	$	17,205

Cash, Cash Equivalents, And Marketable Securities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Cash, Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities [Abstract]

Cash, Cash Equivalents, And Marketable Securities

The following table summarizes the Company’s cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities:



	As of December 31,
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Cash	$	63,578	$	1,127,196
Money market funds	38,054		132,145
Time deposits	3,614		57,930
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies	1,452,358		32,860
Equity securities of a public company	3,341		—
Total	$	1,560,945	$	1,350,131

Included in Cash and cash equivalents	$	130,736	$	1,313,349
Included in Marketable securities	$	1,425,700	$	32,860
Included in Other long-term assets (Restricted cash)	$	4,509	$	3,922

Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]

The following table presents the contractual maturities of the debt securities held as of December 31, 2012:



	December 31, 2012
	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Due within one year	$	1,419,115	$	165	$	1,419,280
Due after one year through three years	32,911		167		33,078
Total	$	1,452,026	$	332	$	1,452,358

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value, Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis

The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:



			Fair Value Measurement Using
	Total Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
As of December 31, 2012
Assets:
Investments in money market funds	$	38,054	$	38,054	$	—	$	—
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies	1,452,358		1,419,280		33,078		—
Equity securities of public company	3,341		—		3,341		—
Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	71		—		71		—
Total	$	1,493,824	$	1,457,334	$	36,490	$	—
Liabilities:
Contingent interest derivative on Convertible Debentures	$	11,203	$	—	$	—	$	11,203
Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	765		—		765		—
Total	$	11,968	$	—	$	765	$	11,203
As of December 31, 2011:
Assets:
Investments in money market funds	$	132,145	$	132,145	$	—	$	—
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 Prepaid expenses and other current assets


(2)	Included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Changes In Fair Value Measurement Of Level 3 Items

The following table summarizes the change in the fair value of the Company’s contingent interest derivative on Convertible Debentures during the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	11,625		$	10,500
Unrealized (gain) loss on contingent interest derivative on Convertible Debentures	(422		)	1,125
Ending balance	$	11,203		$	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 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 (loss) 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, issues, 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, 2012

Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation Disclosures [Abstract]

Revenues And Components Of Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax

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



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Revenues	$	—		$	44		$	248,740
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	$	11,141		$	(538	)	$	63,906
Gains on sale of discontinued operations, before income taxes	—			451			979,560
Income tax (expense) benefit	(3,594		)	4,422			(279,644		)
Income from discontinued operations	7,547			4,335			763,822
Less: Income from discontinued operations, net of tax,
attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	—			—			(2,887		)
Total income from discontinued operations, net of tax,
attributable to Verisign stockholders	$	7,547		$	4,335		$	760,935

- 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, 2012

Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]

Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following:



	As of December 31,
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Prepaid expenses	$	15,413	$	12,016
Non-trade receivables	15,056		9,452
Other	326		379
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	30,795	$	21,847

Property And Equipment, Net

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



	As of December 31,
	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Land	$	31,141		$	31,141
Buildings and building improvements	236,171			239,280
Computer equipment and software	315,654			307,710
Capital work in progress	11,393			6,157
Office equipment and furniture	6,420			7,662
Leasehold improvements	2,223			2,282
Total cost	603,002			594,232
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(269,141		)	(267,096		)
Total property and equipment, net	$	333,861		$	327,136

Goodwill and other intangible assets

The following table presents the detail of goodwill and other intangible assets:



	As of December 31,
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Goodwill, gross	1,537,843		1,537,843
Accumulated goodwill impairment	(1,485,316	)	(1,485,316	)
Other intangible assets	—		1,321
Total goodwill and other intangible assets	52,527		53,848

Other Long-Term Assets

Other long-term assets consist of the following:



	As of December 31,
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Other tax receivable	$	5,811	$	5,811
Long-term investments	413		413
Debt issuance costs	11,516		11,830
Long-term restricted cash	4,509		3,922
Security deposit and other	3,076		2,680
Total other long-term assets	$	25,325	$	24,656

Components Of Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following:



	As of December 31,
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Accounts payable	$	23,519	$	19,283
Accrued employee compensation	38,778		40,251
Customer deposits, net	19,321		18,558
Taxes payable and other tax liabilities	21,918		28,441
Accrued restructuring costs	—		8,685
Other accrued liabilities	26,855		41,167
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	130,391	$	156,385

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of goodwill by reportable segment and in total which includes a rollforward schedule.

+ References + Details

Debt And Interest Expense (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Proceeds upon issuance of the Convertible Debentures

Proceeds upon issuance of the Convertible Debentures were as follows (in thousands):



Principal value of Convertible Debentures	$	1,250,000
Less: Issuance costs	(25,777		)
Net proceeds, Convertible Debentures	$	1,224,223
Amounts recognized at issuance:
Convertible debentures, including contingent interest derivative	$	558,243
Additional paid-in capital	418,996
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	267,225
Other long-term assets	(11,328		)
Non-operating loss	(8,913		)
Net proceeds, Convertible Debentures	$	1,224,223

Schedule of Carrying Amounts of Liability and Equity Components

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



	As of December 31,
	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Carrying amount of equity component (net of issuance costs of $14,449)	$	418,996		$	418,996

Principal amount of Convertible Debentures	$	1,250,000		$	1,250,000
Unamortized discount of liability component	(663,588		)	(671,539		)
Carrying amount of liability component	586,412			578,461
Contingent interest derivative	11,202			11,625
Convertible debentures, including contingent interest derivative	$	597,614		$	590,086

Schedule of Components of Interest Expense

The following table presents the components of the Company’s interest expense:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Contractual interest on Convertible Debentures	$	40,625		$	40,625		$	40,625
Amortization of debt discount on the Convertible Debentures	7,986			7,355			6,775
Contingent interest to holders of Convertible Debentures	—			100,020			109,113
Interest capitalized to Property and equipment, net	(934		)	(980		)	(676		)
Credit facility and other interest expense	2,519			312			1,830
Total interest expense	$	50,196		$	147,332		$	157,667

- 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 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 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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

Reference 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5

+ Details

Stockholders' Deficit Stockholders' Deficit (Equity) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Schedule of Common Stock Repurchase

The summary of the Company’s common stock repurchases for 2012, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:



	2012				2011				2010
	Shares		Average Price		Shares		Average Price		Shares	Average Price
	(In thousands, except average price amounts)
Total repurchases under the repurchase plans	7,692		$	40.90	16,318		$	32.76	15,672	$	27.93
Total repurchases for tax witholdings	279		$	39.63	465		$	33.37	470	$	25.63
Total repurchases	7,971		$	40.86	16,783		$	32.78	16,142	$	27.86
Total costs	$	325,680			$	550,097			449,749

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following table summarizes the changes in the components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss for 2012 and 2011:



	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Loss			Unrealized Gain On Investments, net of tax			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	(In thousands)
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		)
Changes	—			2,696			2,696
Balance, December 31, 2012	$	(3,241	)	$	2,853		$	(388	)

Other Comprehensive Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest



	Year Ended December 31, 2010
	(In thousands)
Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	3,340
Realized foreign currency translation adjustments, included in net income	(14,024		)
Change in unrealized gain on investments, next of tax	41
Realized gain on investments, net of tax, included in net income	17
Total other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	$	(10,626	)

Calculation Of Net Income Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]

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



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012	2011	2010
	(In thousands)
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding	156,953	165,408	177,534
Weighted-average potential shares of common stock outstanding:
Stock options	174	309	428
Unvested RSUs	763	736	873
Conversion spread related to Convertible Debentures	5,944	416	—
Employee stock purchase plan	75	18	130
Shares used to compute diluted net income per share attributable to Verisign stockholders	163,909	166,887	178,965

Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Weighted-average stock options outstanding	30		366		2,836
Weighted-average exercise price	$	40.81	$	35.70	$	31.32
Weighted-average RSUs outstanding	17		35		57
Employee stock purchase plan	96		434		365

Geographic And Customer Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Comparison of Geographic Revenues

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



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
U.S	$	530,111	$	472,700	$	419,315
EMEA	135,084		109,680		92,351
APAC	130,648		116,999		103,494
Other	77,749		72,599		65,418
Total revenues	$	873,592	$	771,978	$	680,578

Comparison of Property and Equipment, Net, by Geographic Region

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



	As of December 31,
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
U.S	$	323,564	$	319,513
EMEA	9,450		7,211
APAC	847		412
Total property and equipment, net	$	333,861	$	327,136

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]

Classification Of Stock-Based Compensation

The following table presents the classification of stock-based compensation:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Stock-based compensation:
Cost of revenues	$	5,754	$	6,655	$	4,473
Sales and marketing	6,091		6,062		4,419
Research and development	6,023		4,926		4,989
General and administrative	15,494		19,928		20,136
Restructuring charges	—		5,701		2,321
Stock-based compensation for continuing operations	$	33,362	$	43,272	$	36,338
Discontinued operations	—		—		15,840
Total stock-based compensation	$	33,362	$	43,272	$	52,178

Nature Of Total Stock-Based Compensation

The following table presents the nature of the Company’s total stock-based compensation:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
RSUs	$	30,807		$	33,305		$	26,175
ESPP	4,436			3,904			9,287
Stock options	956			3,528			7,741
RSUs/Stock options acceleration	—			5,701			11,023
Capitalization (Included in Property and equipment, net)	(2,837		)	(3,166		)	(2,048		)
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	33,362		$	43,272		$	52,178

Weighted-Average Assumptions Used To Estimate Fair Value

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



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Stock options:
Volatility	N/A		N/A		36	%
Risk-free interest rate	N/A		N/A		1.85	%
Expected term	N/A		N/A		3.6 years
Dividend yield	N/A		N/A		Zero
ESPP awards:
Volatility	26	%	26	%	35	%
Risk-free interest rate	0.16	%	0.30	%	0.40	%
Expected term	1.25 years		1.25 years		1.25 years
Dividend yield	Zero		Zero		Zero

Summary Of Unvested RSUs Activity

The following table summarizes unvested RSUs activity:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012				2011				2010
	Shares		Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value		Shares		Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value		Shares		Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	(Shares in thousands)
Unvested at beginning of period	2,345		$	27.33	2,719		$	23.50	3,087		$	25.39
Granted	1,341		38.20		1,860		34.29		2,037		25.67
Vested and settled	(881	)	27.57		(1,411	)	27.00		(1,349	)	26.34
Forfeited	(327	)	32.34		(1,025	)	24.94		(1,283	)	25.34
Dividend equivalents	—		—		202		—		227		—
	2,478		$	32.07	2,345		$	27.33	2,719		$	23.50

Summary Of Stock Options Activity

The following table summarizes stock options activity:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012				2011				2010
	Shares		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Shares		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Shares		Weighted- Average Exercise Price
	(In thousands, except average price amounts)
Outstanding at beginning of period	1,120		$	28.04	3,387		$	27.36	6,920		$	26.64
Granted	—		—		—		—		788		24.53
Exercised	(660	)	27.34		(1,473	)	26.34		(3,094	)	23.69
Forfeited	(38	)	23.99		(749	)	26.53		(1,188	)	28.88
Expired	(1	)	8.07		(45	)	48.33		(39	)	87.00
Outstanding at end of period	421		$	29.49	1,120		$	28.04	3,387		$	27.36
Exercisable at end of period	387		$	30.17	910		$	28.83	1,812		$	28.98
Expected to vest at end of period	32		$	21.66
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the period			$	—			$	—			$	7.14
Total intrinsic value of options exercised during the period			$	9,157			$	12,599			$	22,125

- 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 Non-operating income, net (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Non-operating (loss) income, net [Abstract]

Schedule of Non-operating Income, net

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



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Interest and dividend income	$	2,957		$	5,017		$	7,652
Unrealized gain (loss) on contingent interest derivative on Convertible Debentures	422			(1,125		)	(500		)
Income from transition services agreements	2,541			8,083			10,631
Realized net gain on investments	102			4,246			3,978
Other, net	(458		)	(4,691		)	(1,023		)
Total non-operating income, net	$	5,564		$	11,530		$	20,738

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract]

Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes

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



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
United States	$	245,745	$	62,287	$	39,454
Foreign	166,950		131,300		55,900
Total income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	412,695	$	193,587	$	95,354

Components Of Provision For Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes consisted of the following:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Continuing Operations:
Current (expense) benefit:
Federal	$	(13,553	)	$	(30,325	)	$	91,305
State	(7,960		)	(1,963		)	27,777
Foreign, including foreign witholding tax	(8,498		)	(1,146		)	(8,474		)
	(30,011		)	(33,434		)	110,608
Deferred (expense) benefit:
Federal	(67,700		)	(17,047		)	(103,343		)
State	(6,760		)	(1,501		)	(36,397		)
Foreign	4,261			(3,049		)	3,810
	(70,199		)	(21,597		)	(135,930		)
Total income tax expense from continuing operations	$	(100,210	)	$	(55,031	)	$	(25,322	)
Income tax (expense) benefit from discontinued operations	$	(3,594	)	$	4,422		$	(279,644	)

Reconciliation Of Income Tax At Effective Income Tax Rate



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Income tax expense at federal statutory rate	$	(144,443	)	$	(67,755	)	$	(33,373	)
State taxes, net of federal benefit	(10,003		)	(2,280		)	(8,620		)
Differences between statutory rate and foreign effective tax rate	51,780			43,591			19,122
Non-deductible stock-based compensation	(1,509		)	(1,777		)	(2,826		)
Change in valuation allowance	5,760			(350		)	350
Research and experimentation credit	—			1,670			670
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
Accrual for uncertain tax positions	(306		)	(23,265		)	(4,966		)
Other	(1,489		)	1,342			956
	$	(100,210	)	$	(55,031	)	$	(25,322	)

Summary Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities

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,
	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	34,422		$	20,157
Deductible goodwill and intangible assets	7,761			8,909
Tax credit carryforwards	—			6,213
Deferred revenue, accruals and reserves	87,235			106,234
Capital loss carryforwards and book impairment of investments	3,400			5,749
Other	5,234			4,439
Total deferred tax assets	138,052			151,701
Valuation allowance	(20,815		)	(15,882		)
Net deferred tax assets	117,237			135,819
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	(21,522		)	(42		)
Non-deductible acquired intangibles	—			(148		)
Convertible debentures	(424,488		)	(390,125		)
Other	(5,984		)	(3,417		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(451,994		)	(393,732		)
Total net deferred tax liabilities	$	(334,757	)	$	(257,913	)

Reconciliation Of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:



	As of December 31,
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at January 1	$	55,933	$	28,757
Increases in tax positions for prior years	420		41
Decreases in tax positions for prior years	—		(1,685		)
Increases in tax positions for current year	240		29,242
Lapse in statute of limitations	—		(422		)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31	$	56,593	$	55,933

- 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, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Minimum Payments Required Under Purchase Obligations



	Purchase Obligations		Leases	.tv Agreement		Credit Facility		Convertible Debentures		Total
	(In thousands)
2013	$	33,506	2,029	$	4,500	$	—	$	40,625	$	80,660
2014	7,504		1,569	4,500		—		40,625		54,198
2015	1,165		1,546	5,000		—		40,625		48,336
2016	157		1,391	5,000		100,000		40,625		147,173
2017	—		242	5,000		—		40,625		45,867
Thereafter	—		—	20,000		—		2,047,266		2,067,266
Total	$	42,332	6,777	$	44,000	$	100,000	$	2,250,391	$	2,443,500

Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Aug. 15, 2007
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property and equipment (years)		4 years	3 years
Convertible debenture, interest rate	3.25%				3.25%
Convertible debenture, maturity date	Aug. 15, 2037
Net remeasurement gain (loss) on foreign currency translation			$ (3,400)
Gains (losses) on foreign currency forward contracts		$ 800	1,400	$ (2,900)
Notional amount of foreign currency forward contracts		40,200
Advertising expenses		$ 10,200	$ 17,200	$ 12,600
Building Improvements [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property and equipment (years)		10 years
Maximum [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Registration term, years		10 years
Average service term, years		2 years
Maximum [Member] \| Buildings [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property and equipment (years)		47 years
Maximum [Member] \| 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 (years)		5 years
Minimum [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Registration term, years		1 year
Average service term, years		1 year
Minimum [Member] \| Buildings [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property and equipment (years)		35 years
Minimum [Member] \| 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 (years)		3 years

Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Summary Of Capitalized Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Internally Used Third-Party Software And Consulting Fees [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Capitalized software cost	$ 3,172	$ 3,032
Internally Developed Software [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Capitalized software cost	$ 21,733	$ 17,205

Cash, Cash Equivalents, And Marketable Securities (Cash, Cash Equivalents, And Marketable Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cash	$ 63,578	$ 1,127,196
Money market funds	38,054	132,145
Time deposits	3,614	57,930
Financial Instruments, Owned, US Government and Agency Obligations, at Fair Value	1,452,358	32,860
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	3,341	0
Total	1,560,945	1,350,131
Included in Cash and cash equivalents	130,736	1,313,349	$ 1,559,628	$ 1,477,166
Included in Marketable securities	1,425,700	32,860
Included in Other assets (Restricted cash)	$ 4,509	$ 3,922

Cash, Cash Equivalents, And Marketable Securities Schedule of Investments by contractual maturity (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 1,419,115
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	332
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Fair Value	1,419,280
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Amortized Cost Basis	32,911
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Fair Value	33,078
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,452,026
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,452,358
Debt Securities due within one year [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	165
Debt Securities due after one through five years [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	$ 167

Cash, Cash Equivalents, And Marketable Securities Cash, Cash Equivalents, And Marketable Securities narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash, Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	$ 3,341,000
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	$ 3,341,000	$ 0

- Definition

Amount of equity securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor as trading.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 25
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7534914&loc=d3e22054-111558

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6871852&loc=d3e26610-111562

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 320
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957658&loc=d3e62557-112803

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-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 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 3
-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 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 86-40
-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 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 12
-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 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 22
-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 9: 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 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 19
-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

Before tax and reclassification adjustments amount of unrealized holding gain (loss) and transfers on available-for-sale securities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 10A
-Subparagraph (e)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=SL7669646-108580

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 3: 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.

Reference 4: 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 5: 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 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 17
-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

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Fair Value, Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 11,202	$ 11,625
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Total fair value of assets	1,493,824	165,054
Total fair of value of liabilities	11,968	12,069
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member] \| Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	11,203	11,625
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member] \| Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Investments in money market funds	38,054	132,145
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member] \| Debt Securities Issued By The U.S. Treasury And Other U.S. Government Corporations And Agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	1,452,358	32,860
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	3,341
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member] \| Forward Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Foreign currency forward contracts	71	49
Foreign currency forward contracts	765	444
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Total fair value of assets	1,457,334	132,145
Total fair of value of liabilities	0	0
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Investments in money market funds	38,054	132,145
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Debt Securities Issued By The U.S. Treasury And Other U.S. Government Corporations And Agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	1,419,280	0
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Forward Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Foreign currency forward contracts	0	0
Foreign currency forward contracts	0
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Total fair value of assets	36,490	32,909
Total fair of value of liabilities	765	444
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Investments in money market funds	0	0
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Debt Securities Issued By The U.S. Treasury And Other U.S. Government Corporations And Agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	33,078	32,860
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Forward Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Foreign currency forward contracts	71	49
Foreign currency forward contracts	765	444
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Total fair value of assets	0	0
Total fair of value of liabilities	11,203	11,625
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	11,203	11,625
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Investments in money market funds	0	0
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Debt Securities Issued By The U.S. Treasury And Other U.S. Government Corporations And Agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Forward Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Foreign currency forward contracts	0	0
Foreign currency forward contracts	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Changes In Fair Value Measurement Of Level 3 Items) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 11,625	$ 10,500
Unrealized (gain) loss on contingent interest derivative on Convertible Debentures	(422)	1,125
Ending balance	$ 11,203	$ 11,625

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Fair value assumptions expected volatility rate	30.00%
fair value hypothetical increase decrease in volatility rate	5.00%
fair value assumptions credit spread	3.00%
fair value hypothetical increase decrease in credit spread	1.00%
Convertible Debt, Fair Value Disclosures	$ 1.6

Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Aug. 09, 2010 USD ($)
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation Disclosures [Abstract]
Cash consideration received from divestiture of businesses	$ 1,140.0
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash and Cash Equivalents	127.5
Disposal of business, transaction costs	10.8
Net gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax	726.2
Tax effect on gain on sale of discontinued operations	254.3
Foreign currency translation gain on sale of discontinued operations	15.3
Deconsolidation of non-controlling interest	$ 54.3

- Definition

Amount of tax expense or benefit on gain (loss), not previously recognized, resulting from the sale of a business component.

+ References + Details

Other Balance Sheet Items (Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses	$ 15,413	$ 12,016
Non-trade receivables	15,056	9,452
Other	326	379
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$ 30,795	$ 21,847

Discontinued Operations (Revenues And Components Of Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 0	$ 44	$ 248,740
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	11,141	(538)	63,906
Gains on sale of discontinued operations, before income taxes	0	451	979,560
Income tax (expense) benefit	(3,594)	4,422	(279,644)
Income from discontinued operations	7,547	4,335	763,822
Less: Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	0	0	(2,887)
Total income from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to Verisign stockholders	$ 7,547	$ 4,335	$ 760,935

- 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 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 2: 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 3: 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=18498875&loc=d3e38679-109324

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 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 6: 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 7: 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.

+ Details

- Definition

Amount of income (loss) from a disposal group, net of income tax before extraordinary items allocable to noncontrolling interests. Includes, 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 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 2: 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

Reference 3: 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 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 SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 13
-Article 7

Reference 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 15
-Article 5

+ 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

Amount of income (loss) from a disposal group, net of income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items after deduction or consideration of the amount allocable to noncontrolling interests. Includes, 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 (Property And Equipment, Net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Land	$ 31,141	$ 31,141
Buildings and building improvements	236,171	239,280
Computer equipment and software	315,654	307,710
Capital work in progress	11,393	6,157
Office equipment and furniture	6,420	7,662
Leasehold improvements	2,223	2,282
Total cost	603,002	594,232
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(269,141)	(267,096)
Total property and equipment, net	$ 333,861	$ 327,136

- Definition

The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.

+ References + Details

Other Balance Sheet Items Other Balance Sheet Items (Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Goodwill, Gross	$ 1,537,843	$ 1,537,843
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	(1,485,316)	(1,485,316)
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	0	1,321
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	$ 52,527	$ 53,848

Other Balance Sheet Items Other balance Sheet items (Other long-term assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Income Taxes Receivable, Noncurrent	$ 5,811	$ 5,811
Long-term Investments	413	413
Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Net	11,516	11,830
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent	4,509	3,922
Security Deposit	3,076	2,680
Total other long-term assets	$ 25,325	$ 24,656

Other Balance Sheet Items (Components Of Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Accounts payable	$ 23,519	$ 19,283
Accrued employee compensation	38,778	40,251
Customer deposits, net	19,321	18,558
Taxes payable and other tax liabilities	21,918	28,441
Accrued restructuring costs	0	8,685
Other accrued liabilities	26,855	41,167
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 130,391	$ 156,385

- 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

Restructuring Charges (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Restructuring Charges (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Excess Facilities [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges incurred to date	$ 8.0
Stock Based Compensation Expense [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges incurred to date	16.2
Workforce Reduction [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges incurred to date	$ 21.3

Debt And Interest Expense (Credit Facilities) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 28, 2011	Nov. 22, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity of senior unsecured revolving credit facility			$ 200.0
Credit facility, termination date	Nov. 22, 2016
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding		$ 100.0
Aggregate increase of commitment amount available	$ 150.0
Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage	0.20%
Interest coverage ratio	3.0
Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage	0.30%
Leverage ratio	2.0
LIBOR Or EURIBOR Based Rate Plus Market-Rate [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread rate on borrowings	1.50%
LIBOR Or EURIBOR Based Rate Plus Market-Rate [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread rate on borrowings	2.00%
Lender's Base Rate [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread rate on borrowings	0.50%
Lender's Base Rate [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread rate on borrowings	1.00%
Federal Funds Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread rate on borrowings	0.50%

Debt And Interest Expense (Convertible Debentures) (Narrative) (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2007 USD ($) Rate	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) Rate shares	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Aug. 15, 2007 USD ($) $ / shares Rate
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Principal amount of convertible debentures \| $		$ 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	29.0968
Denominator of principal value upon which conversion is based \| $	$ 1,000
Conversion price \| $ / shares					$ 34.37
Common stock reserved for issuance upon the conversion of convertible debt \| shares		36.4
Earlier conversion date	Aug. 15, 2017
Minimum required sales price as a percentage of conversion price	150.00%
Conversion threshold minimum stock 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		4.2
Purchase price as percentage of principal amount of convertible debt	100.00%
Net proceeds from issuance of convertible debenture \| $	$ 1,224,223,000
Debt issuance costs \| $	$ 25,777,000
Discount rate	8.50%	8.50%
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Remaining Discount Amortization Period		24 years 227 days
Effective interest rate	8.39%
Contingent interest on convertible debentures \| $			$ 100,000,000	$ 109,100,000

Debt And Interest Expense Debt And Interest Expense (Proceeds Upon Issuance Of Convertible Debt) (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2007 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 1,250,000
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs	(25,777)
Proceeds from Convertible Debt	1,224,223
Convertible Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Convertible Debt	558,243
Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Convertible Debt	418,996
Long-term deferred tax liability
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Convertible Debt	267,225
Other long-term assets [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Convertible Debt	(11,328)
Non-operating loss [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Convertible Debt	$ (8,913)

Debt And Interest Expense (Carrying Amounts Of Liability And Equity Components) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Aug. 15, 2007
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Carrying amount of equity component (net of issuance costs of $14,449)	$ 418,996	$ 418,996
Principal amount of convertible debentures	1,250,000	1,250,000	$ 1,250,000
Unamortized discount of liability component	(663,588)	(671,539)
Carrying amount of liability component	586,412	578,461
Contingent interest derivative	11,202	11,625
Convertible debentures, including contingent interest derivative	$ 597,614	$ 590,086

Debt And Interest Expense (Components Of Interest Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Contractual interest on Convertible Debentures	$ 40,625	$ 40,625	$ 40,625
Amortization of debt discount on the Convertible Debentures	7,986	7,355	6,775
Contingent interest to holders of the Convertible Debentures	0	100,020	109,113
Interest capitalized to property and equipment, net	(934)	(980)	(676)
Other interest expense	2,519	312	1,830
Total interest expense	$ 50,196	$ 147,332	$ 157,667

Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2010	Dec. 05, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Treasury Stock Repurchase Programs [Line Items]
Common stock authorized to repurchase		$ 458,800
Remaining common stock available for repurchase			$ 975,500
Special dividend declared, per share				$ 2.75	$ 3.00
Special dividend paid				$ 463,498	$ 518,217
Special dividends declaration date				Apr. 27, 2011	Dec. 09, 2010
Special dividends payable date				May 18, 2011	Dec. 28, 2010
Common stock, held in treasury			165,300
Common stock repurchased			$ 4,900,000
2010 Share Buyback Program [Member]
Treasury Stock Repurchase Programs [Line Items]
Remaining common stock available for repurchase	$ 541,200
2012 Share Buyback Program [Member]
Treasury Stock Repurchase Programs [Line Items]
Common stock authorized to repurchase		$ 1,000,000

Stockholders' Deficit Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity (Summary of Common Stock Repurchase) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Treasury Stock Shares Repurchased	7,692	16,318	15,672
Treasury Stock Shares Repurchased For Tax Withholdings And Other	279	465	470
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	7,971	16,783	16,142
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	$ 325,680	$ 550,097	$ 449,749
Treasury Stock Shares Repurchased, Average Cost Per Share	$ 40.90	$ 32.76	$ 27.93
Treasury stock shares repurchased for tax withholdings and other, average cost per share	39.63	33.37	25.63
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$ 40.86	$ 32.78	$ 27.86

- 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' Deficit Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity (Changes In Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Balance	$ (3,241)	$ (3,351)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustmentss Loss, Changes	0	110
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Balance	(3,241)	(3,241)	$ (3,351)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	157	2,017
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	2,696	(1,860)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	2,853	157	2,017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(3,084)	(1,334)
OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax	2,696	(1,750)	(19,619)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$ (388)	$ (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

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-Paragraph 12, 13
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-Number 133
-Paragraph 45
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
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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.

+ 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

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 31
-Article 5

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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

+ Details

Stockholders' Deficit Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity (Components of Other Comprehensive Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	$ 3,340
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax, attributable to noncontrolling interest	(14,024)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	41
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	17
Other comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 10,626

- Definition

Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments, resulting from the process of expressing in the reporting currency of the reporting entity those amounts that are denominated or measured in a different currency, and from transactions whose terms are denominated in a currency other than the entity's functional currency, which is attributable to noncontrolling interests.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
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+ Details

- Definition

Net of tax amount of other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 6: 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.

+ Details

Calculation Of Net Income Per Share (Weighted-Average Shares Used In Calculation Of Basic And Diluted EPS) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	156,953	165,408	177,534
Stock options	174	309	428
Unvested restricted stock units	763	736	873
Conversion spread related to Convertible Debentures	5,944	416	0
Employee stock purchase plan	75	18	130
Shares used to compute diluted net income per share	163,909	166,887	178,965

- 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
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
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+ 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
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6528421

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
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-Number 128
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

Geographic And Customer Information (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 Rate	Dec. 31, 2011 Rate	Dec. 31, 2010 Rate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	30.00%	30.00%	28.00%
Number of customers accounting for concentration of risk	1	1	1

Calculation Of Net Income Per Share (Schedule Of Weighted-Average Potential Shares Excluded From Computation Of EPS) (Details) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted-average exercise price	$ 40.81	$ 35.70	$ 31.32
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted-average potential shares excluded from computation of EPS	30	366	2,836
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted-average potential shares excluded from computation of EPS	17	35	57
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	96	434	365

- 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
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510752

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Contingent Stock Agreement
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6508534

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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.

+ Details

Geographic And Customer Information (Comparison Of Geographic Revenues) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 873,592	$ 771,978	$ 680,578
U.S. [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	530,111	472,700	419,315
EMEA [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	135,084	109,680	92,351
APAC [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	130,648	116,999	103,494
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 77,749	$ 72,599	$ 65,418

Geographic And Customer Information (Comparison Of Property And Equipment, Net, By Geographic Region) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, net	$ 333,861	$ 327,136
U.S. [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, net	323,564	319,513
EMEA [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, net	9,450	7,211
APAC [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, net	$ 847	$ 412

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, 2012 USD ($) word Rate shares	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employer contribution under the plan \| $	$ 2.8	$ 2.9	$ 4.1
Common stock were reserved for issuance \| shares	15.4
Minimum exercise price as percentage of the fair market value on grant date	100.00%
Vesting period of options assumed (in years) \| word	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]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Employer Contribution As A Percentage Of Employee Contribution	50.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage of Options/RSUs	25.00%
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage of Options/RSUs	25.00%
Employee Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock were reserved for issuance \| shares	2.6
Two Thousand Seven Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock were reserved for issuance \| shares	6.0
Two Thousand Six Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock were reserved for issuance \| shares	27.0
Maximum terms of award from date of grant (years)	7
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Term of options assumed (in years)	7
Minimum [Member] \| Employee Stock [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]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Term of options assumed (in years)	10
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%
Maximum [Member] \| Employee Stock [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 Employee Benefits and Stock-Based Compensation (Classification of Share-based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	$ 33,362	$ 43,272	$ 52,178
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	33,362	43,272	36,338
Allocated Share Based Compensation Expense from Discontinued Operation	0	0	15,840
Cost of Sales [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	5,754	6,655	4,473
Selling and Marketing Expense [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	6,091	6,062	4,419
Research and Development Expense [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	6,023	4,926	4,989
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	15,494	19,928	20,136
Restructuring Charges [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	$ 0	$ 5,701	$ 2,321

- 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 Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation (Share-based Compensation by award type) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	$ 33,362	$ 43,272	$ 52,178
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount	(2,837)	(3,166)	(2,048)
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	30,807	33,305	26,175
Employee Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	4,436	3,904	9,287
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	956	3,528	7,741
Restricted Stock Units Stock Option Acceleration Member
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	$ 0	$ 5,701	$ 11,023

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Based Compensation to Modifications) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Closing price of Verisign's stock	$ 38.82
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding	$ 4,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercisable	3,400
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options expected to vest	$ 600
Weighted-average remaining contractual life for stock options exercisable (years)	2 years 73 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual life for stock options expected to vest (years)	3 years 256 days
Employees affected by plan modifications		217	1,054
Acceleration cost recognized due to plan modification		$ 5,700	$ 11,000
Modification expenses			5,500
Share-based Compensation	$ 33,362	43,272	$ 52,178
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Volatility			36.00%
Risk-free interest rate			1.85%
Expected term (in years)			3 years 219 days
Share-based Compensation	956	3,528	$ 7,741
Dividend Yield			0.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	$ 30,807	$ 33,305	$ 26,175
Employee Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Volatility	26.00%	26.00%	35.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.16%	0.30%	0.40%
Expected term (in years)	1 year 90 days	1 year 90 days	1 year 90 days
Share-based Compensation	$ 4,436	$ 3,904	$ 9,287
Dividend Yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Income Tax Expense [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Income tax benefit on stock-based compensation	$ 9,400	$ 13,100	$ 9,700
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			4,500
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost	$ 48,100
Weighted-average period of recognition for unrecognized compensation cost (in years)	2 years 6 months
Aggregate intrinsic value of unvested RSUs	$ 96,200
Fair values of vested RSUs	$ 31,700	$ 44,200	$ 38,100

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Unvested RSUs Activity) (Details) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, Shares	1,341	1,860	2,037
Vested and settled, Shares	(881)	(1,411)	(1,349)
Forfeited, Shares	(327)	(1,025)	(1,283)
Dividend equivalents, Shares	0	202	227
Unvested at end of period, Shares	2,478	2,345	2,719
Unvested at beginning of period, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$ 27.33	$ 23.50	$ 25.39
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	38.20	34.29	25.67
Vested and settled, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	27.57	27.00	26.34
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	32.34	24.94	25.34
Dividend equivalents, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	0	0	0
Unvested at end of period, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$ 32.07	$ 27.33	$ 23.50

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Options Activity) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at beginning of period, Shares	1,120	3,387	6,920
Granted, Shares	0	0	788
Exercised, Shares	(660)	(1,473)	(3,094)
Forfeited, Shares	(38)	(749)	(1,188)
Expired, Shares	(1)	(45)	(39)
Outstanding at end of period, Shares	421	1,120	3,387
Exercisable at end of period, Shares	387	910	1,812
Expected to vest at end of period, Shares	32
Outstanding at beginning of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 28.04	$ 27.36	$ 26.64
Granted, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	0	0	24.53
Exercised, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	27.34	26.34	23.69
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	23.99	26.53	28.88
Expired, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	8.07	48.33	87.00
Outstanding at end of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	29.49	28.04	27.36
Exercisable at end of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	30.17	28.83	28.98
Expected to vest at end of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	21.66
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the period	$ 0	$ 0.00	$ 7.14
Total intrinsic value of options exercised during the period	$ 9,157	$ 12,599	$ 22,125

Non-operating income, net Non-Operating income, net (Components of Non-operating income, net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Non-operating (loss) income, net [Abstract]
Interest and Dividend Income, Securities	$ 2,957	$ 5,017	$ 7,652
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives	422	(1,125)	(500)
Income From Transition Services Agreements	2,541	8,083	10,631
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss)	102	4,246	3,978
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(458)	(4,691)	(1,023)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	$ 5,564	$ 11,530	$ 20,738

Non-operating income, net Non-Operating Income, net (Narrative) (Details) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Non-Operating Income, Net [Abstract]
Out Of Period Adjustment Recorded For Certain Non Income Taxes	$ 3,900
Foreign Currency Transaction Loss, before Tax		$ 2,900
Other Nonoperating Income		$ 1,900

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Federal statutory rate		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Repatriated of previously taxed income			$ 86,400
Realization of foreign currency gain			17,700
Tax expenses due to remeasurement of state deferred tax assets and liabilities using future tax rate				$ 7,800
State income tax benefit		$ 7,960	1,963	$ (27,777)
Total deferred tax assets		138,052	$ 151,701
Net operating loss carryforwards		4,700
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance		4,700
Alternative minimum tax credits		10,400
Tax-affected amount recorded in equity		$ 81,700
Regular statutory tax rate in India		33.00%
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries		$ 693,100
Tax holiday rate		25.50%	12.70%
Impact of tax holiday on diluted earnings per share		$ 0.11	$ 0.06	$ 0.12
Unrecognized tax benefits, including penalties and interest, that would affect the Company's effective tax rate if realized		$ 46,400
Debt Instruments, Discount Rate	8.50%	8.50%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		3.25%
Tax Credit Carryforward, Expiration Date		2013 through 2030
Federal [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards		$ 20,400
Federal research tax credits		$ 37,300
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates		2015 through 2017
State [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards		$ 895,000
Federal research tax credits		1,300
Foreign [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards		$ 111,400
Federal And State [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates		2013 through 2030

Income Taxes (Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract]
United States	$ 245,745	$ 62,287	$ 39,454
Foreign	166,950	131,300	55,900
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$ 412,695	$ 193,587	$ 95,354

Income Taxes (Components Of Provision For Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract]
Federal, Current (expense) benefit	$ (13,553)	$ (30,325)	$ 91,305
State, Current (expense) benefit	(7,960)	(1,963)	27,777
Foreign, including foreign withholding tax, Current (expense) benefit	(8,498)	(1,146)	(8,474)
Current (expense) benefit	(30,011)	(33,434)	110,608
Federal, Deferred (expense) benefit	(67,700)	(17,047)	(103,343)
State, Deferred (expense) benefit	(6,760)	(1,501)	(36,397)
Foreign, Deferred (expense) benefit	4,261	(3,049)	3,810
Deferred (expense) benefit	(70,199)	(21,597)	(135,930)
Total income tax expense from continuing operations	(100,210)	(55,031)	(25,322)
Income tax benefit (expense) from discontinued operations	$ (3,594)	$ 4,422	$ (279,644)

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Income Tax At Effective Income Tax Rate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract]
Income tax expense at federal statutory rate	$ (144,443)	$ (67,755)	$ (33,373)
State taxes, net of federal benefit	(10,003)	(2,280)	(8,620)
Differences between statutory rate and foreign effective tax rate	51,780	43,591	19,122
Non-deductible stock-based compensation	(1,509)	(1,777)	(2,826)
Change in valuation allowance	5,760	(350)	350
Research and experimentation credit	0	1,670	670
Tax expense related to foreign currency gain on distribution of previously taxed income	0	(6,207)	0
Change in estimated tax expense related to a divested business	0	0	3,365
Accrual for uncertain tax positions	(306)	(23,265)	(4,966)
Other	(1,489)	1,342	956
Income tax (expense) benefit	$ (100,210)	$ (55,031)	$ (25,322)

Income Taxes (Summary Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 34,422	$ 20,157
Deductible goodwill and intangible assets	7,761	8,909
Tax credit carryforwards	0	6,213
Deferred revenue, accruals and reserves	87,235	106,234
Capital loss carryforwards and book impairment of investments	3,400	5,749
Other	5,234	4,439
Total deferred tax assets	138,052	151,701
Valuation allowance	(20,815)	(15,882)
Net deferred tax assets	117,237	135,819
Property and equipment	(21,522)	(42)
Non-deductible acquired intangibles	0	(148)
Convertible debentures	(424,488)	(390,125)
Other	(5,984)	(3,417)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross	451,994	393,732
Total deferred tax liabilities	$ 334,757	$ 257,913

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Nov. 28, 2011 USD ($)	Nov. 22, 2011 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2007 Rate	Aug. 15, 2007 USD ($) Rate
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Expiration year of lease	2017
Rental expenses under operating leases	$ 3,000,000	$ 10,600,000	$ 15,300,000
Number of domain names registered	106,200,000
Uncertain tax positions	$ 46,400,000
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity					$ 200,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding				$ 100,000,000
Principal amount of convertible debentures	1,250,000,000	1,250,000,000					$ 1,250,000,000
Convertible debenture, interest rate \| Rate						3.25%	3.25%
Limit of Tax Deductible Compensation	$ 1,000,000
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	$ 50,000,000
ICANN Agreement [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Expiration Date of Registry Agreement	November 30, 2018
Registry fee per transaction	$ 0.25
Payments for registry fees	$ 18,700,000	$ 18,000,000	$ 18,000,000
.TV Agreement [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Expiration Date of Registry Agreement	November 22, 2016
Payments for registry fees	$ 2,000,000
renewed agreement fees	$ 4,000,000

Commitments And Contingencies (Minimum Payments Required Under Purchase Obligations) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Purchase Obligations And Contractual Agreements [Line Items]
2013	$ 80,660
2014	54,198
2015	48,336
2016	147,173
2017	45,867
Thereafter	2,067,266
Purchase Obligation	2,443,500
Purchase Obligations [Member]
Purchase Obligations And Contractual Agreements [Line Items]
2013	33,506
2014	7,504
2015	1,165
2016	157
2017	0
Thereafter	0
Purchase Obligation	42,332
Operating Lease Payments [Member]
Purchase Obligations And Contractual Agreements [Line Items]
2013	2,029
2014	1,569
2015	1,546
2016	1,391
2017	242
Thereafter	0
Purchase Obligation	6,777
.TV Agreement [Member]
Purchase Obligations And Contractual Agreements [Line Items]
2013	4,500
2014	4,500
2015	5,000
2016	5,000
2017	5,000
Thereafter	20,000
Purchase Obligation	44,000
Convertible Debt [Member]
Purchase Obligations And Contractual Agreements [Line Items]
2013	40,625
2014	40,625
2015	40,625
2016	40,625
2017	40,625
Thereafter	2,047,266
Purchase Obligation	2,250,391
Credit Facility [Member]
Purchase Obligations And Contractual Agreements [Line Items]
2013	0
2014	0
2015	0
2016	100,000
2017	0
Thereafter	0
Purchase Obligation	$ 100,000

Label	Element	Value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber	3,087,000