| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2018 |
| Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
| Collaborative Arrangement, Accounting Policy [Policy Text Block] | Collaborative Arrangements We record the elements of our collaboration agreements that represent joint operating activities in accordance with ASC 808, Collaborative Arrangements (“ASC 808”). Accordingly, the elements of our collaboration agreements that represent activities in which both parties are active participants, and to which both parties are exposed to the significant risks and rewards that are dependent on the commercial success of the activities, are recorded as collaborative arrangements. Generally, the classification of a transaction under a collaborative arrangement is determined based on the nature and contractual terms of the arrangement along with the nature of the operations of the participants. For transactions that are deemed to be a collaborative arrangement under ASC 808, costs incurred and revenues generated on sales to third parties will be reported in our consolidated statement of operations on a gross basis if the Company is deemed to be the principal in the transaction, or on a net basis if the Company is instead deemed to be the agent in the transaction, consistent with the guidance in ASC 606-10-55-36, Revenue From Contracts with Customers - Principal Agent Considerations . |
| Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block] | In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity and therefore required to consolidate, we apply a qualitative approach that determines whether we have both the power to direct the economically significant activities of the entity and the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the entity that could potentially be significant to that entity. These considerations impact the way we account for our existing collaborative relationships and other arrangements. We continuously assess whether we are the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity as changes to existing relationships or future transactions may result in us consolidating or deconsolidating our partner(s) to collaborations and other arrangements. . VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES As further discussed below, we are the primary beneficiary of two variable interest entities. As of December 31, 2018, the combined book values of the assets and liabilities associated with these variable interest entities included in our consolidated balance sheet were $29.9 million and $6.1 million , respectively. Assets included $11.7 million of cash and cash equivalents, $1.3 million of accounts receivable, $14.4 million of patents, net, and $2.5 million of other non-current assets. As of December 31, 2017, the combined book values of the assets and liabilities associated with these variable interest entities included in our consolidated balance sheet were $34.4 million and $0.2 million , respectively. Assets included $23.3 million of cash and cash equivalents and $11.1 million of patents, net. We recognized $10.0 million of non-current patent royalties during the year ended December 31, 2018 related to a patent license agreement signed by the Signal Trust for Wireless Innovation (the “Signal Trust”). Convida Wireless Convida Wireless was launched in 2013 and most recently renewed in 2018 to combine Sony's consumer electronics expertise with our pioneering IoT expertise to drive IoT communications and connectivity. Based on the terms of the agreement, the parties will contribute funding and resources for additional research and platform development, which we will perform. SCP IP Investment LLC, an affiliate of Stephens Inc., is a minority investor in Convida Wireless. Convida Wireless is a variable interest entity. Based on our provision of research and platform development services to Convida Wireless, we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary for accounting purposes and will continue to consolidate Convida Wireless. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, we have allocated approximately $4.4 million , $3.6 million and $3.5 million , respectively, of Convida Wireless' net loss to noncontrolling interests held by other parties. Signal Trust for Wireless Innovation In 2013, we established the Signal Trust, the goal of which is to monetize a large InterDigital patent portfolio related to cellular infrastructure. The more than 500 patents and patent applications transferred from InterDigital to the Signal Trust focus primarily on 3G and LTE technologies, and were developed by InterDigital's engineers and researchers over more than a decade, with a number of the innovations contributed to the worldwide standards process. The distributions from the Signal Trust will support continued research related to cellular wireless technologies. A small portion of the proceeds from the Signal Trust will be used to fund, through the Signal Foundation for Wireless Innovation, scholarly analysis of intellectual property rights and the technological, commercial and creative innovations they facilitate. The Signal Trust is a variable interest entity. Based on the terms of the Trust Agreement, we previously determined that we are the primary beneficiary for accounting purposes and must consolidate the Signal Trust. |
| Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include all of our accounts and all entities in which we have a controlling interest and/or are required to be consolidated in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (“GAAP”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. |
| Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. If different assumptions were made or different conditions had existed, our financial results could have been materially different. |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities We classify all highly liquid investment securities with original maturities of three months or less at date of purchase as cash equivalents. Cash that is held for a specific purpose and therefore not available to the Company for immediate or general business use is classified as restricted cash. Our investments are comprised of mutual and exchange traded funds, commercial paper, United States and municipal government obligations and corporate securities. Management determines the appropriate classification of our investments at the time of acquisition and re-evaluates such determination at each balance sheet date. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , the majority of our marketable securities have been classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported net-of-tax as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Substantially all of our investments are investment grade government and corporate debt securities that have maturities of less than 2 years, and we have both the ability and intent to hold the investments until maturity. |
| Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Concentration of Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts receivable. We primarily place our cash equivalents and short-term investments in highly rated financial instruments and in United States government instruments. Our accounts receivable are derived principally from patent license and technology solutions agreements. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, five and three licensees comprised 76% and 96% , respectively, of our accounts receivable balance. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our licensees, who generally include large, multinational, wireless telecommunications equipment manufacturers. We believe that the book values of our financial instruments approximate their fair values. Fair Value Measurements We use various valuation techniques and assumptions when measuring the fair value of our assets and liabilities. We utilize market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. This guidance established a hierarchy that prioritizes fair value measurements based on the types of input used for the various valuation techniques (market approach, income approach and cost approach). The levels of the hierarchy are described below: Level 1 Inputs — Level 1 includes financial instruments for which quoted market prices for identical instruments are available in active markets. Level 2 Inputs — Level 2 includes financial instruments for which there are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the instrument such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets) or model-driven valuations in which significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data, including market interest rate curves, referenced credit spreads and pre-payment rates. Level 3 Inputs — Level 3 includes financial instruments for which fair value is derived from valuation techniques including pricing models and discounted cash flow models in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable, including the company’s own assumptions. The pricing models incorporate transaction details such as contractual terms, maturity and, in certain instances, timing and amount of future cash flows, as well as assumptions related to liquidity and credit valuation adjustments of marketplace participants. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of financial assets and financial liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy. We use quoted market prices for similar assets to estimate the fair value of our Level 2 investments. Recurring Fair Value Measurements Our financial assets are included within short-term investments on our consolidated balance sheets, unless otherwise indicated. Our financial assets and liabilities that are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis are presented in the tables below as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands): Fair Value as of December 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Money market and demand accounts (a) $ 488,733 $ — $ — $ 488,733 Commercial paper (b) — 14,548 — 14,548 U.S. government securities — 289,576 — 289,576 Corporate bonds, asset backed and other securities — 166,600 — 166,600 $ 488,733 $ 470,724 $ — $ 959,457 Liabilities: Contingent consideration resulting from the Technicolor Acquisition — — 19,800 19,800 $ — $ — $ 19,800 $ 19,800 Fair Value as of December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Money market and demand accounts (a) $ 417,348 $ — $ — $ 417,348 Commercial paper (b) — 66,132 — 66,132 U.S. government securities — 511,032 — 511,032 Corporate bonds and asset backed securities — 163,483 — 163,483 $ 417,348 $ 740,647 $ — $ 1,157,995 _______________ (a) Included within cash and cash equivalents. (b) Includes zero and $15.7 million of commercial paper that is included within cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Level 3 Fair Value Measurements Contingent Consideration As discussed further in Note 5, we completed the Technicolor Acquisition during third quarter 2018. In conjunction with the Technicolor Acquisition, we recognized a contingent consideration liability which is measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs classified as Level 3 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. We utilized a Monte Carlo simulation model to determine the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration liability. A Monte Carlo simulation uses random numbers together with volatility assumptions to generate individual paths, or trials, for variables of interest governed by a Geometric Brownian Motion in a risk-neutral framework. Level 3 significant unobservable inputs include the following (in thousands): Significant Unobservable Input Ranges Weighted Average Risk-adjusted discount rate for revenue 13.5% - 14.2% 13.9% Credit risk discount rate 6.2% - 8.0% 7.1% Revenue volatility 35.0% 35.0% Projected years of earn out 2019 - 2030 N/A Significant increases or decreases in any of those inputs in isolation could result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement. Adjustments to the fair value of contingent consideration are reflected in operating expenses within our consolidated statements of income. The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of our Level 3 fair value measurements from December 31, 2017 to December 31, 2018, which includes the contingent consideration liability resulting from the Technicolor Acquisition discussed further above and within Note 5. As of December 31, 2018, the Level 3 contingent consideration liability is included within " Other long-term liabilities " in the consolidated balance sheet. Level 3 Fair Value Measurements Contingent Consideration Liability Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ — Technicolor Acquisition - July 30, 2018 18,616 Reduction for payments — Changes in fair value recognized in the consolidated statements of income 1,184 Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ 19,800 Fair Value of Long-Term Debt 2020 Senior Convertible Notes The principal amount, carrying value and related estimated fair value of the Company's senior convertible debt reported in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was as follows (in thousands). The aggregate fair value of the principal amount of the senior convertible long-term debt is a Level 2 fair value measurement. December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Principal Amount Carrying Value Fair Value Principal Amount Carrying Fair Value Senior Convertible Long-Term Debt $ 316,000 $ 298,951 $ 331,595 $ 316,000 $ 285,126 $ 377,029 Technicolor Acquisition Long-term Debt As more fully disclosed in Note 5, we recognized long-term debt in conjunction with the Technicolor Acquisition, which closed in third quarter 2018. The carrying value and related estimated fair value of the Technicolor Acquisition long-term debt reported in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 was as follows (in thousands). The aggregate fair value of the Technicolor Acquisition long-term debt is a Level 3 fair value measurement. December 31, 2018 Carrying Value Fair Value Technicolor Acquisition Long-Term Debt $ 18,428 $ 19,100 Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements Investments in Other Entities As discussed in Note 2, in conjunction with the adoption of ASU 2016-01 in the first quarter of 2018, we made an accounting policy election to utilize a measurement alternative for equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values, which applies to our strategic investments in other entities. Under the alternative, our strategic investments in other entities that do not have readily determinable fair values are measured at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for an identical or similar investment of the same issuer. Any adjustments to the carrying value of those investments are considered non-recurring fair value measurements. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we recognized an aggregate $8.4 million loss resulting from the sale of our entire ownership interest in one of our strategic investments and the impairment of a separate strategic investment. Certain of our investments in other entities may be seeking additional financing in the next twelve months. We will continue to review and monitor our investments in other entities for any indications of a change in fair value or impairment. Patents In fourth quarter 2018, we signed a patent licensing agreement with Sony. A portion of the future consideration for the agreement was in the form of patents that will be contributed to Convida Wireless. We have yet to record these patents on our balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 as they have not yet been transferred. However, we have determined the estimated fair value of the patents for determining the transaction price for revenue recognition purposes, which was estimated to be $22.5 million utilizing the cost approach and will be amortized over the patents' estimated useful lives once transferred. Additionally, as previously disclosed, during 2017 and 2016, we entered in patent license agreements with LG and Huawei, respectively, for which a portion of the consideration was patents. The estimated fair value of the LG patents was $19.7 million , and the estimated fair value of the Huawei patents was $20.7 million . which are being amortized over their estimated useful lives. We estimated the fair value of the patents in the LG and Huawei transactions through a combination of a discounted cash flow analysis (the income approach) and an analysis of comparable market transactions (the market approach). We estimated the fair value of the patents in these transactions through a combination of a discounted cash flow analysis (the income approach), an analysis of comparable market transactions (the market approach), and/or by quantifying the amount of money required to replace the future service capability of the assets (the cost approach). For the income approach, the inputs and assumptions used to develop these estimates were based on a market participant perspective and included estimates of projected royalties, discount rates, economic lives and income tax rates, among others. For the market approach, judgment was applied as to which market transactions were most comparable to the transaction. For the cost approach, we utilized the historical cost of assets of similar technologies to determine the estimated replacement cost, including research, development, testing and patent application fees. |
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment are provided using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives for computer equipment, computer software, engineering and test equipment and furniture and fixtures are generally three to five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of their estimated useful lives or their respective lease terms, which are generally five to ten years. Buildings are being depreciated over twenty-five years. Expenditures for major improvements and betterments are capitalized, while minor repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Leases meeting certain capital lease criteria are capitalized and the net present value of the related lease payments is recorded as a liability. Amortization of capital leased assets is recorded using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful lives or the lease terms. Upon the retirement or disposition of property, plant and equipment, the related cost and accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed, and a gain or loss is recorded. |
| Internal Use Software, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Internal-Use Software Costs We capitalize costs associated with software developed for internal use that are incurred during the software development stage. Such costs are limited to expenses incurred after management authorizes and commits to a computer software project, believes that it is more likely than not that the project will be completed, the software will be used to perform the intended function with an estimated service life of two years or more, and the completion of conceptual formulation, design and testing of possible software project alternatives (the preliminary design stage). Costs incurred after final acceptance testing has been successfully completed are expensed. Capitalized computer software costs are amortized over their estimated useful life of three years. All computer software costs capitalized to date relate to the purchase, development and implementation of engineering, accounting and other enterprise software. |
| Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Other-than-Temporary Impairments We review our investment portfolio during each reporting period to determine whether there are identified events or circumstances that would indicate there is a decline in the fair value that is considered to be other-than-temporary. For non-public investments, if there are no identified events or circumstances that would have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment, then the fair value is not estimated. If an investment is deemed to have experienced an other-than-temporary decline below its cost basis, we reduce the carrying amount of the investment to its quoted or estimated fair value, as applicable, and establish a new cost basis for the investment. We charge the impairment to the " Other Expense (Net)" line of our consolidated statements of income. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets We evaluate long-lived assets for impairment when factors indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. When factors indicate that such assets should be evaluated for possible impairment, we review whether we will be able to realize our long-lived assets by analyzing the projected undiscounted cash flows in measuring whether the asset is recoverable. We did not have any long-lived asset impairments in 2018, 2017 or 2016. |
| Equity and Cost Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Investments in Other Entities We may make strategic investments in companies that have developed or are developing technologies that are complementary to our business. In conjunction with our adoption of ASU No. 2016-01 " Financial Instruments (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities " discussed further below, we made an accounting policy election for a measurement alternative for our equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values, specifically related to our strategic investments in other entities. Under the alternative, our strategic investments in other entities without readily determinable fair values are measured at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for an identical or similar investment of the same issuer, if any. On a quarterly basis, we monitor items such as our investment’s financial position and liquidity, performance targets, business plans, and cost trends to assess whether there are any triggering events or indicators present that would be indicative of an impairment, or any other observable price changes as indicated above. We do not adjust our investment balance when the investee reports profit or loss. Additionally, other investments may be accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Under this method, we initially record our investment in the stock of an investee at cost, and adjust the carrying amount of the investment to recognize our share of the earnings or losses of the investee after the date of acquisition. The amount of the adjustment is included in the determination of net income, and such amount reflects adjustments similar to those made in preparing consolidated statements including adjustments to eliminate intercompany gains and losses, and to amortize, if appropriate, any difference between our cost and underlying equity in net assets of the investee at the date of investment. The investment is also adjusted to reflect our share of changes in the investee’s capital. Dividends received from an investee reduce the carrying amount of the investment. When there are a series of operating losses by the investee or when other factors indicate that a decrease in value of the investment has occurred which is other than temporary, we recognize an impairment equal to the difference between the fair value and the carrying amount of our investment. The carrying value of our investments in other entities are included within " Other Non-Current Assets " on our consolidated balance sheets. During 2018, 2017 and 2016, we made investments in other entities of $6.7 million , $4.6 million and $2.0 million , respectively. The carrying value of our investments in other entities as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $17.4 million and $19.2 million , respectively |
| Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Intangible Assets Patents We capitalize external costs, such as filing fees and associated attorney fees, incurred to obtain issued patents and patent license rights. We expense costs associated with maintaining and defending patents subsequent to their issuance in the period incurred. We amortize capitalized patent costs for internally generated patents on a straight-line basis over ten years, which represents the estimated useful lives of the patents. The ten-year estimated useful life for internally generated patents is based on our assessment of such factors as: the integrated nature of the portfolios being licensed, the overall makeup of the portfolio over time, and the length of license agreements for such patents. The estimated useful lives of acquired patents and patent rights, however, have been and will continue to be based on a separate analysis related to each acquisition and may differ from the estimated useful lives of internally generated patents. The average estimated useful life of acquired patents is 9.7 years. We assess the potential impairment to all capitalized net patent costs when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of our patent portfolio may not be recoverable. Patents As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, patents consisted of the following (in thousands, except for useful life data): December 31, 2018 2017 Weighted average estimated useful life (years) 10.0 10.0 Gross patents $ 851,846 $ 660,886 Accumulated amortization (397,279 ) (335,478 ) Patents, net $ 454,567 $ 325,408 Amortization expense related to capitalized patent costs was $61.8 million , $52.9 million and $48.6 million in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. These amounts are recorded within the " Patent administration and licensing" line of our Consolidated Statements of Income. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for the next five years related to our patents balance as of December 31, 2018 is as follows (in thousands): 2019 $ 70,797 2020 65,994 2021 61,379 2022 57,084 2023 51,152 |
| Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Indefinite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block] | The Company acquired goodwill from our acquisition of the patent licensing business of Technicolor (the "Technicolor Acquisition") in 2018 and from our acquisition of Hillcrest Laboratories, Inc. ("Hillcrest Labs") in 2016. Refer to Note 5, " Business Combinations ," for more information regarding these transactions. The carrying value of goodwill as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $22.4 million and $16.0 million , respectively, which was included within " Other Non-Current Assets " in the consolidated balance sheets. No impairments were recorded during 2018, 2017 or 2016 as a result of our annual goodwill impairment assessment. Other Intangible Assets We capitalize the cost of technology solutions and platforms we acquire or license from third parties when they have a future benefit and the development of these solutions and platforms is substantially complete at the time they are acquired or licensed. Intangible assets consist of acquired patents, existing technology, and trade names. Refer to the above Patents section for more information on acquired patents and existing technology. Our intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 9 to 10 years. We make judgments about the recoverability of purchased finite-lived intangible assets whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the useful life is shorter than originally estimated or that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. If such facts and circumstances exist, we assess recoverability by comparing the projected undiscounted net cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their remaining lives against their respective carrying amounts. Impairments, if any, are based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets. If the useful life is shorter than originally estimated, we would accelerate the rate of amortization and amortize the remaining carrying value over the new shorter useful life. |
| Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Revenue Recognition Refer to Note 3, " Revenue Recognition ," for further information regarding our adoption of ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , which we refer to as ASC 606, effective January 1, 2018. The discussion that follows below is a description of our revenue recognition practices in effect beginning January 1, 2018 under ASC 606. We derive the vast majority of our revenue from patent licensing. The timing and amount of revenue recognized from each licensee depends upon a variety of factors, including the specific terms of each agreement and the nature of the deliverables and obligations. Such agreements are often complex and include multiple performance obligations. These agreements can include, without limitation, performance obligations related to the settlement of past patent infringement liabilities, patent and/or know-how licensing royalties on covered products sold by licensees, access to a portfolio of technology as it exists at a point in time, and access to a portfolio of technology at a point in time along with a promises to provide any technology updates to the portfolio during the term. All of our agreements have been accounted for under ASC 606. This guidance requires the use of a five-step model to achieve the core underlying principle that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. These steps include (1) identifying the contract with the customer, (2) identifying the performance obligations, (3) determining the transaction price, (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations, and (5) recognizing revenue as the entity satisfies the performance obligation(s). Additionally, we have elected to utilize certain practical expedients in the application of ASC 606. In evaluating the presence of a significant financing component in our agreements, we utilize the practical expedient to exclude any contracts wherein the gap between payment by our customers and the delivery of our performance obligation is less than one year. We have also elected to utilize the practical expedient related to costs of obtaining a contract where an entity may recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that the entity otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. Timing of revenue recognition may differ significantly from the timing of invoicing to customers. Contract assets are included in accounts receivable and represent unbilled amounts expected to be received from customers in future periods, where the revenue recognized to date (or cumulative adjustments to retained earnings in the initial period of adopting ASC 606) exceeds the amount billed, and right to payment is subject to the underlying contractual terms. Contract assets are classified as long-term assets if the payments are expected to be received more than one year from the reporting date. Contract assets due within less than twelve months of the balance sheet date are included within accounts receivable in our consolidated balance sheets. Contract assets due more than twelve months after the balance sheet date are included within other non-current assets. Patent License Agreements Upon signing a patent license agreement, we provide the licensee permission to use our patented inventions in specific applications. We account for patent license agreements in accordance with the guidance indicated above. Under our patent license agreements, we typically receive one or a combination of the following forms of payment as consideration for permitting our licensees to use our patented inventions in their applications and products: Consideration for Past Patent Royalties Consideration related to a licensee’s product sales from prior periods may result from a negotiated agreement with a licensee that utilized our patented inventions prior to signing a patent license agreement with us or from the resolution of a disagreement or arbitration with a licensee over the specific terms of an existing license agreement. We may also receive consideration for past patent royalties in connection with the settlement of patent litigation where there was no prior patent license agreement. In each of these cases, we record the consideration as revenue as prescribed by the five-step model. Fixed-Fee Agreements Fixed-fee agreements include fixed, non-refundable royalty payments that fulfill the licensee’s obligations to us under a patent license agreement for a specified time period or for the term of the agreement for specified products, under certain patents or patent claims, for sales in certain countries, or a combination thereof - in each case for a specified time period (including for the life of the patents licensed under the agreement). Dynamic fixed-fee license agreements contain a single performance obligation that represents ongoing access to a portfolio of technology over the license term, since our promise to transfer to the licensee access to the portfolio as it exists at inception of the license, along with promises to provide any technology updates to the portfolio during the term, are not separately identifiable. Upon entering a new agreement, we allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations delivered at signing (e.g. our existing patent portfolio) and future performance obligations (e.g. the technology updates). We use a time-based input method of progress to determine the timing of revenue recognition, and as such we recognize the future deliverables on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. We utilize the straight-line method as we believe that it best depicts efforts expended to develop and transfer updates to the customer evenly throughout the term of the agreement. Static fixed-fee license agreements are fixed-price contracts that generally do not include updates to technology we create after the inception of the license agreement or in which the customer does not stand to substantively benefit from those updates during the term. Generally, our performance obligations are satisfied at contract signing, and as such revenue is recognized at that time. Variable Agreements Upon entering a new variable patent license agreement, the licensee typically agrees to pay royalties or license fees on licensed products sold during the term of the agreement. We utilize the sales- or usage- based royalty exception for these agreements and recognize revenues during the contract term when the underlying sale or usage occurs. Our licensees under variable agreements provide us with quarterly royalty reports that summarize their sales of covered products and their related royalty obligations to us. We typically receive these royalty reports subsequent to the period in which our licensees’ underlying sales occurred. As a result, we are required to estimate revenues, subject to the constraint on our ability to estimate such amounts. Technology Solutions Technology solutions revenue consists primarily of revenue from royalty payments. We recognize revenue from royalty payments using the same methods described above under our policy for recognizing revenue from patent license agreements. Technology solutions revenues also consist of revenues from software licenses, engineering services and product sales. The nature of these contracts and timing of payments vary. Patent Sales Our business strategy of monetizing our intellectual property includes the sale of select patent assets. As patent sales executed under this strategy represent a component of our ongoing major or central operations and activities, we will record the related proceeds as revenue. We will recognize the revenue in accordance with the five-step model, generally upon closing of the patent sale transaction. |
| Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Deferred Charges Direct costs of obtaining a contract or fulfilling a contract in a transaction that results in the deferral of revenue may be either expensed as incurred or capitalized, depending on certain criteria. In conjunction with our adoption of ASC 606 effective January 1, 2018, we made a policy election to utilize the practical expedient related to costs of obtaining a contract where an entity may recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that the entity otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. If the amortization period is greater than one year, we capitalize direct costs incurred for the acquisition or fulfillment of a contract through the date of signing if they are directly related to a particular revenue arrangement and are expected to be recovered. The costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the patent license agreement. For example, from time to time, we use sales agents to assist us in our licensing and/or patent sale activities. In such cases, we may pay a commission. The commission rate varies from agreement to agreement. Commissions are normally paid shortly after our receipt of cash payments associated with the patent license or patent sale agreements. We defer recognition of commission expense and amortize these expenses in proportion to our recognition of the related revenue. Commission expense is included within the " Patent administration and licensing" line of our consolidated statements of income and was immaterial for the years presented. There were no new direct contract costs incurred during 2018, 2017 or 2016. Incremental direct costs incurred related to a debt financing transaction may be capitalized. In connection with our offering of the 2020 Notes, discussed in detail within Note 10, " Obligations" , we incurred directly related costs. The initial purchasers' transaction fees and related offering expenses were allocated to the liability and equity components of the debt in proportion to the allocation of proceeds and accounted for as debt issuance costs. The debt issuance costs allocated to the liability component of the debt were capitalized as deferred financing costs and recorded as a direct reduction of the debt. These costs are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the debt using the effective interest method and are included within the " Other Expense (Net)" line of our consolidated statements of income. The costs allocated to the equity component of the debt were recorded as a reduction of the equity component of the debt. The balance of unamortized deferred financing costs as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $1.6 million and $3.0 million , respectively. There were no new debt issuance costs incurred in 2018, 2017 or 2016. Deferred financing expense was $1.4 million , $1.4 million and $1.7 million in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. |
| Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Research and Development Research and development expenditures are expensed in the period incurred, except certain software development costs that are capitalized between the point in time that technological feasibility of the software is established and when the product is available for general release to customers. We did not have any capitalized software costs related to research and development in any period presented. Research, development and other related costs were approximately $69.7 million , $75.7 million and $73.1 million in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. |
| Compensation Related Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Compensation Programs We use a variety of compensation programs to both attract and retain employees, and to more closely align employee compensation with company performance. These programs include, but are not limited to, short-term incentive awards tied to performance goals and cash awards to inventors for filed patent applications and patent issuances, as well as stock option awards, time-based restricted stock unit (“RSU”) awards, performance-based awards and cash awards under our long-term compensation program ("LTCP") and pursuant to the terms and conditions of our Equity Plans (as defined in Note 13, " Compensation Plans and Programs "). Our LTCP typically includes annual equity and cash award grants with three- to five-year vesting periods; as a result, in any one year, we are typically accounting for at least three active LTCP cycles. We account for compensation costs associated with share-based transactions based on the fair value of the instruments issued. The estimated value of stock options includes assumptions around expected life, stock volatility and dividends. The expected life of our stock option awards is based on the simplified method as prescribed by Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 14. In all periods, our policy has been to set the value of RSUs and restricted stock awards equal to the value of our underlying common stock on the date of measurement. For grants with graded vesting, we amortize the associated unrecognized compensation cost using an accelerated method. For grants that cliff vest, we amortize the associated unrecognized compensation cost on a straight-line basis over their vesting term. As a result of our adoption of ASU No. 2016-09, " Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting " in first quarter 2017, we now adjust compensation expense recognized to date in the event of canceled awards as they occur. Tax windfalls and shortfalls related to the tax effects of employee share-based compensation are included in our tax provision. On the consolidated statements of cash flows, tax windfalls and shortfalls related to employee share-based compensation awards are included within operating activities and cash paid to tax authorities for shares withheld are included within financing activities. The inclusion of windfalls and shortfalls in the tax provision could increase our earnings volatility between periods. |
| Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year 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 the Consolidated Statement of Income in the period in which the change was enacted. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets if management has determined that it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. In addition, the calculation of tax liabilities involves significant judgment in estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. We are subject to examinations by the U.S. IRS and other taxing jurisdictions on various tax matters, including challenges to various positions we assert in our filings. In the event that the IRS or another taxing jurisdiction levies an assessment in the future, it is possible the assessment could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations. The financial statement recognition of the benefit for a tax position is dependent upon the benefit being more likely than not to be sustainable upon audit by the applicable tax authority. If this threshold is met, the tax benefit is then measured and recognized at the largest amount that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. In the event that the IRS or another taxing jurisdiction levies an assessment in the future, it is possible the assessment could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations. |
| Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Basic Earnings Per Share ("EPS") is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if options or other securities with features that could result in the issuance of common stock were exercised or converted to common stock. The following table reconciles the numerator and the denominator of the basic and diluted net income per share computation (in thousands, except for per share data): For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Basic Diluted Basic Diluted Basic Diluted Numerator: Net income applicable to common shareholders $ 63,868 $ 63,868 $ 174,293 $ 174,293 $ 309,001 $ 309,001 Denominator: Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 34,491 34,491 34,605 34,605 34,526 34,526 Dilutive effect of stock options, RSUs and convertible securities 816 1,174 663 Weighted-average shares outstanding: Diluted 35,307 35,779 35,189 Earnings Per Share: Net income: Basic $ 1.85 1.85 $ 5.04 5.04 $ 8.95 8.95 Dilutive effect of stock options, RSUs and convertible securities (0.04 ) (0.17 ) (0.17 ) Net income: Diluted $ 1.81 $ 4.87 $ 8.78 Certain shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise or conversion of certain securities have been excluded from our computation of earnings per share because the strike price or conversion rate, as applicable, of such securities was greater than the average market price of our common stock for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , as applicable, and, as a result, the effect of such exercise or conversion would have been anti-dilutive. Set forth below are the securities and the weighted average number of shares of common stock underlying such securities that were excluded from our computation of earnings per share for the periods presented (in thousands): For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Restricted stock units and stock options 25 19 110 Convertible securities — — 4,366 Warrants 4,404 — 6,534 Total 4,429 19 11,010 |
| New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Description | New Accounting Guidance Accounting Standards Update: Revenue In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2014-09, " Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ". Refer to Note 3, " Revenue Recognition ," for information regarding our adoption of this guidance effective January 1, 2018 and a discussion of the impact to revenue information presented herein, as well as additional required disclosures under the new guidance. Accounting Standards Update: Financial Instruments In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, " Financial Instruments (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities ," which amends certain measurement, presentation, and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. The new guidance must be adopted by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet in the year of adoption and became effective for the Company starting in first quarter 2018. We adopted this guidance in first quarter 2018, and it did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Accounting Standards Update: Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to leases that outlines a comprehensive lease accounting model and supersedes the current lease guidance. The new guidance requires lessees to recognize lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets for all leases with lease terms of greater than 12 months. It also changes the definition of a lease and expands the disclosure requirements of lease arrangements. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition effective date method. As part of that adoption, we have elected the package of three practical expedients, which includes the following: an entity may elect not to reassess whether expired or existing contracts contain a lease under the revised definition of a lease, an entity may elect not to reassess the lease classification for expired or existing leases, and an entity may elect not to reassess whether previously capitalized initial direct costs would qualify for capitalization. Additionally, the Company has elected not to utilize the hindsight expedient in determining the lease term. Based upon our preliminary review, we expect to record lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets between $11.0 million and $18.0 million in the consolidated balance sheet, for leases with lease terms greater than 12 months. We will finalize the necessary adjustments in conjunction with the filing of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019. Accounting Standards Update: Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, " Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ," which allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "TCJA"). The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. We early adopted this guidance in first quarter 2018 and reflected a $0.4 million adjustment to retained earnings during the period. Accounting Standards Update: Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, " Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accountin g," which is intended to reduce cost and complexity and to improve financial reporting for share-based payments issued to nonemployees. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and will therefore be effective for the Company starting in first quarter 2019. We do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Accounting Standards Update: Fair Value Measurement In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, " Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement ". The amendments in this ASU add, modify, and eliminate certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements under Topic 820. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. The Company early adopted this guidance in fourth quarter 2018 and it did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Accounting Standards Update: Cloud Computing Arrangements In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15 “ Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract ”. The amendments in this ASU align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. We are in the process of determining the effect the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements. Accounting Standards Update: Collaborative Arrangements In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-18, " Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808): Clarifying the Interaction Between Topic 808 and Topic 606 ". The amendments in this ASU provide guidance on how to assess whether certain transactions between collaborative arrangement participants should be accounted for within the revenue recognition standard. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted for entities who have previously adopted the new revenue recognition guidance. We are in the process of determining the effect the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements. |
| Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND NEW ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include all of our accounts and all entities in which we have a controlling interest and/or are required to be consolidated in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (“GAAP”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity and therefore required to consolidate, we apply a qualitative approach that determines whether we have both the power to direct the economically significant activities of the entity and the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the entity that could potentially be significant to that entity. These considerations impact the way we account for our existing collaborative relationships and other arrangements. We continuously assess whether we are the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity as changes to existing relationships or future transactions may result in us consolidating or deconsolidating our partner(s) to collaborations and other arrangements. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. If different assumptions were made or different conditions had existed, our financial results could have been materially different. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation. Foreign Currency Translation The functional currency of substantially all of the Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. Certain subsidiaries have monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in a currency that is different than the functional currency. The gains and losses resulting from this remeasurement and translation of monetary assets denominated in a currency that is different than the functional currency are reflected in the determination of net income (loss). Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities We classify all highly liquid investment securities with original maturities of three months or less at date of purchase as cash equivalents. Cash that is held for a specific purpose and therefore not available to the Company for immediate or general business use is classified as restricted cash. Our investments are comprised of mutual and exchange traded funds, commercial paper, United States and municipal government obligations and corporate securities. Management determines the appropriate classification of our investments at the time of acquisition and re-evaluates such determination at each balance sheet date. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , the majority of our marketable securities have been classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported net-of-tax as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Substantially all of our investments are investment grade government and corporate debt securities that have maturities of less than 2 years, and we have both the ability and intent to hold the investments until maturity. Other-than-Temporary Impairments We review our investment portfolio during each reporting period to determine whether there are identified events or circumstances that would indicate there is a decline in the fair value that is considered to be other-than-temporary. For non-public investments, if there are no identified events or circumstances that would have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment, then the fair value is not estimated. If an investment is deemed to have experienced an other-than-temporary decline below its cost basis, we reduce the carrying amount of the investment to its quoted or estimated fair value, as applicable, and establish a new cost basis for the investment. We charge the impairment to the " Other Expense (Net)" line of our consolidated statements of income. Intangible Assets Patents We capitalize external costs, such as filing fees and associated attorney fees, incurred to obtain issued patents and patent license rights. We expense costs associated with maintaining and defending patents subsequent to their issuance in the period incurred. We amortize capitalized patent costs for internally generated patents on a straight-line basis over ten years, which represents the estimated useful lives of the patents. The ten-year estimated useful life for internally generated patents is based on our assessment of such factors as: the integrated nature of the portfolios being licensed, the overall makeup of the portfolio over time, and the length of license agreements for such patents. The estimated useful lives of acquired patents and patent rights, however, have been and will continue to be based on a separate analysis related to each acquisition and may differ from the estimated useful lives of internally generated patents. The average estimated useful life of acquired patents is 9.7 years. We assess the potential impairment to all capitalized net patent costs when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of our patent portfolio may not be recoverable. The Company acquired goodwill from our acquisition of the patent licensing business of Technicolor (the "Technicolor Acquisition") in 2018 and from our acquisition of Hillcrest Laboratories, Inc. ("Hillcrest Labs") in 2016. Refer to Note 5, " Business Combinations ," for more information regarding these transactions. The carrying value of goodwill as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $22.4 million and $16.0 million , respectively, which was included within " Other Non-Current Assets " in the consolidated balance sheets. No impairments were recorded during 2018, 2017 or 2016 as a result of our annual goodwill impairment assessment. Other Intangible Assets We capitalize the cost of technology solutions and platforms we acquire or license from third parties when they have a future benefit and the development of these solutions and platforms is substantially complete at the time they are acquired or licensed. Intangible assets consist of acquired patents, existing technology, and trade names. Refer to the above Patents section for more information on acquired patents and existing technology. Our intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 9 to 10 years. We make judgments about the recoverability of purchased finite-lived intangible assets whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the useful life is shorter than originally estimated or that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. If such facts and circumstances exist, we assess recoverability by comparing the projected undiscounted net cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their remaining lives against their respective carrying amounts. Impairments, if any, are based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets. If the useful life is shorter than originally estimated, we would accelerate the rate of amortization and amortize the remaining carrying value over the new shorter useful life. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment are provided using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives for computer equipment, computer software, engineering and test equipment and furniture and fixtures are generally three to five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of their estimated useful lives or their respective lease terms, which are generally five to ten years. Buildings are being depreciated over twenty-five years. Expenditures for major improvements and betterments are capitalized, while minor repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Leases meeting certain capital lease criteria are capitalized and the net present value of the related lease payments is recorded as a liability. Amortization of capital leased assets is recorded using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful lives or the lease terms. Upon the retirement or disposition of property, plant and equipment, the related cost and accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed, and a gain or loss is recorded. Internal-Use Software Costs We capitalize costs associated with software developed for internal use that are incurred during the software development stage. Such costs are limited to expenses incurred after management authorizes and commits to a computer software project, believes that it is more likely than not that the project will be completed, the software will be used to perform the intended function with an estimated service life of two years or more, and the completion of conceptual formulation, design and testing of possible software project alternatives (the preliminary design stage). Costs incurred after final acceptance testing has been successfully completed are expensed. Capitalized computer software costs are amortized over their estimated useful life of three years. All computer software costs capitalized to date relate to the purchase, development and implementation of engineering, accounting and other enterprise software. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets We evaluate long-lived assets for impairment when factors indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. When factors indicate that such assets should be evaluated for possible impairment, we review whether we will be able to realize our long-lived assets by analyzing the projected undiscounted cash flows in measuring whether the asset is recoverable. We did not have any long-lived asset impairments in 2018, 2017 or 2016. Investments in Other Entities We may make strategic investments in companies that have developed or are developing technologies that are complementary to our business. In conjunction with our adoption of ASU No. 2016-01 " Financial Instruments (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities " discussed further below, we made an accounting policy election for a measurement alternative for our equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values, specifically related to our strategic investments in other entities. Under the alternative, our strategic investments in other entities without readily determinable fair values are measured at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for an identical or similar investment of the same issuer, if any. On a quarterly basis, we monitor items such as our investment’s financial position and liquidity, performance targets, business plans, and cost trends to assess whether there are any triggering events or indicators present that would be indicative of an impairment, or any other observable price changes as indicated above. We do not adjust our investment balance when the investee reports profit or loss. Additionally, other investments may be accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Under this method, we initially record our investment in the stock of an investee at cost, and adjust the carrying amount of the investment to recognize our share of the earnings or losses of the investee after the date of acquisition. The amount of the adjustment is included in the determination of net income, and such amount reflects adjustments similar to those made in preparing consolidated statements including adjustments to eliminate intercompany gains and losses, and to amortize, if appropriate, any difference between our cost and underlying equity in net assets of the investee at the date of investment. The investment is also adjusted to reflect our share of changes in the investee’s capital. Dividends received from an investee reduce the carrying amount of the investment. When there are a series of operating losses by the investee or when other factors indicate that a decrease in value of the investment has occurred which is other than temporary, we recognize an impairment equal to the difference between the fair value and the carrying amount of our investment. The carrying value of our investments in other entities are included within " Other Non-Current Assets " on our consolidated balance sheets. During 2018, 2017 and 2016, we made investments in other entities of $6.7 million , $4.6 million and $2.0 million , respectively. The carrying value of our investments in other entities as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $17.4 million and $19.2 million , respectively Revenue Recognition Refer to Note 3, " Revenue Recognition ," for further information regarding our adoption of ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , which we refer to as ASC 606, effective January 1, 2018. The discussion that follows below is a description of our revenue recognition practices in effect beginning January 1, 2018 under ASC 606. We derive the vast majority of our revenue from patent licensing. The timing and amount of revenue recognized from each licensee depends upon a variety of factors, including the specific terms of each agreement and the nature of the deliverables and obligations. Such agreements are often complex and include multiple performance obligations. These agreements can include, without limitation, performance obligations related to the settlement of past patent infringement liabilities, patent and/or know-how licensing royalties on covered products sold by licensees, access to a portfolio of technology as it exists at a point in time, and access to a portfolio of technology at a point in time along with a promises to provide any technology updates to the portfolio during the term. All of our agreements have been accounted for under ASC 606. This guidance requires the use of a five-step model to achieve the core underlying principle that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. These steps include (1) identifying the contract with the customer, (2) identifying the performance obligations, (3) determining the transaction price, (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations, and (5) recognizing revenue as the entity satisfies the performance obligation(s). Additionally, we have elected to utilize certain practical expedients in the application of ASC 606. In evaluating the presence of a significant financing component in our agreements, we utilize the practical expedient to exclude any contracts wherein the gap between payment by our customers and the delivery of our performance obligation is less than one year. We have also elected to utilize the practical expedient related to costs of obtaining a contract where an entity may recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that the entity otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. Timing of revenue recognition may differ significantly from the timing of invoicing to customers. Contract assets are included in accounts receivable and represent unbilled amounts expected to be received from customers in future periods, where the revenue recognized to date (or cumulative adjustments to retained earnings in the initial period of adopting ASC 606) exceeds the amount billed, and right to payment is subject to the underlying contractual terms. Contract assets are classified as long-term assets if the payments are expected to be received more than one year from the reporting date. Contract assets due within less than twelve months of the balance sheet date are included within accounts receivable in our consolidated balance sheets. Contract assets due more than twelve months after the balance sheet date are included within other non-current assets. Patent License Agreements Upon signing a patent license agreement, we provide the licensee permission to use our patented inventions in specific applications. We account for patent license agreements in accordance with the guidance indicated above. Under our patent license agreements, we typically receive one or a combination of the following forms of payment as consideration for permitting our licensees to use our patented inventions in their applications and products: Consideration for Past Patent Royalties Consideration related to a licensee’s product sales from prior periods may result from a negotiated agreement with a licensee that utilized our patented inventions prior to signing a patent license agreement with us or from the resolution of a disagreement or arbitration with a licensee over the specific terms of an existing license agreement. We may also receive consideration for past patent royalties in connection with the settlement of patent litigation where there was no prior patent license agreement. In each of these cases, we record the consideration as revenue as prescribed by the five-step model. Fixed-Fee Agreements Fixed-fee agreements include fixed, non-refundable royalty payments that fulfill the licensee’s obligations to us under a patent license agreement for a specified time period or for the term of the agreement for specified products, under certain patents or patent claims, for sales in certain countries, or a combination thereof - in each case for a specified time period (including for the life of the patents licensed under the agreement). Dynamic fixed-fee license agreements contain a single performance obligation that represents ongoing access to a portfolio of technology over the license term, since our promise to transfer to the licensee access to the portfolio as it exists at inception of the license, along with promises to provide any technology updates to the portfolio during the term, are not separately identifiable. Upon entering a new agreement, we allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations delivered at signing (e.g. our existing patent portfolio) and future performance obligations (e.g. the technology updates). We use a time-based input method of progress to determine the timing of revenue recognition, and as such we recognize the future deliverables on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. We utilize the straight-line method as we believe that it best depicts efforts expended to develop and transfer updates to the customer evenly throughout the term of the agreement. Static fixed-fee license agreements are fixed-price contracts that generally do not include updates to technology we create after the inception of the license agreement or in which the customer does not stand to substantively benefit from those updates during the term. Generally, our performance obligations are satisfied at contract signing, and as such revenue is recognized at that time. Variable Agreements Upon entering a new variable patent license agreement, the licensee typically agrees to pay royalties or license fees on licensed products sold during the term of the agreement. We utilize the sales- or usage- based royalty exception for these agreements and recognize revenues during the contract term when the underlying sale or usage occurs. Our licensees under variable agreements provide us with quarterly royalty reports that summarize their sales of covered products and their related royalty obligations to us. We typically receive these royalty reports subsequent to the period in which our licensees’ underlying sales occurred. As a result, we are required to estimate revenues, subject to the constraint on our ability to estimate such amounts. Technology Solutions Technology solutions revenue consists primarily of revenue from royalty payments. We recognize revenue from royalty payments using the same methods described above under our policy for recognizing revenue from patent license agreements. Technology solutions revenues also consist of revenues from software licenses, engineering services and product sales. The nature of these contracts and timing of payments vary. Patent Sales Our business strategy of monetizing our intellectual property includes the sale of select patent assets. As patent sales executed under this strategy represent a component of our ongoing major or central operations and activities, we will record the related proceeds as revenue. We will recognize the revenue in accordance with the five-step model, generally upon closing of the patent sale transaction. Collaborative Arrangements We record the elements of our collaboration agreements that represent joint operating activities in accordance with ASC 808, Collaborative Arrangements (“ASC 808”). Accordingly, the elements of our collaboration agreements that represent activities in which both parties are active participants, and to which both parties are exposed to the significant risks and rewards that are dependent on the commercial success of the activities, are recorded as collaborative arrangements. Generally, the classification of a transaction under a collaborative arrangement is determined based on the nature and contractual terms of the arrangement along with the nature of the operations of the participants. For transactions that are deemed to be a collaborative arrangement under ASC 808, costs incurred and revenues generated on sales to third parties will be reported in our consolidated statement of operations on a gross basis if the Company is deemed to be the principal in the transaction, or on a net basis if the Company is instead deemed to be the agent in the transaction, consistent with the guidance in ASC 606-10-55-36, Revenue From Contracts with Customers - Principal Agent Considerations . Deferred Charges Direct costs of obtaining a contract or fulfilling a contract in a transaction that results in the deferral of revenue may be either expensed as incurred or capitalized, depending on certain criteria. In conjunction with our adoption of ASC 606 effective January 1, 2018, we made a policy election to utilize the practical expedient related to costs of obtaining a contract where an entity may recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that the entity otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. If the amortization period is greater than one year, we capitalize direct costs incurred for the acquisition or fulfillment of a contract through the date of signing if they are directly related to a particular revenue arrangement and are expected to be recovered. The costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the patent license agreement. For example, from time to time, we use sales agents to assist us in our licensing and/or patent sale activities. In such cases, we may pay a commission. The commission rate varies from agreement to agreement. Commissions are normally paid shortly after our receipt of cash payments associated with the patent license or patent sale agreements. We defer recognition of commission expense and amortize these expenses in proportion to our recognition of the related revenue. Commission expense is included within the " Patent administration and licensing" line of our consolidated statements of income and was immaterial for the years presented. There were no new direct contract costs incurred during 2018, 2017 or 2016. Incremental direct costs incurred related to a debt financing transaction may be capitalized. In connection with our offering of the 2020 Notes, discussed in detail within Note 10, " Obligations" , we incurred directly related costs. The initial purchasers' transaction fees and related offering expenses were allocated to the liability and equity components of the debt in proportion to the allocation of proceeds and accounted for as debt issuance costs. The debt issuance costs allocated to the liability component of the debt were capitalized as deferred financing costs and recorded as a direct reduction of the debt. These costs are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the debt using the effective interest method and are included within the " Other Expense (Net)" line of our consolidated statements of income. The costs allocated to the equity component of the debt were recorded as a reduction of the equity component of the debt. The balance of unamortized deferred financing costs as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $1.6 million and $3.0 million , respectively. There were no new debt issuance costs incurred in 2018, 2017 or 2016. Deferred financing expense was $1.4 million , $1.4 million and $1.7 million in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Research and Development Research and development expenditures are expensed in the period incurred, except certain software development costs that are capitalized between the point in time that technological feasibility of the software is established and when the product is available for general release to customers. We did not have any capitalized software costs related to research and development in any period presented. Research, development and other related costs were approximately $69.7 million , $75.7 million and $73.1 million in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Compensation Programs We use a variety of compensation programs to both attract and retain employees, and to more closely align employee compensation with company performance. These programs include, but are not limited to, short-term incentive awards tied to performance goals and cash awards to inventors for filed patent applications and patent issuances, as well as stock option awards, time-based restricted stock unit (“RSU”) awards, performance-based awards and cash awards under our long-term compensation program ("LTCP") and pursuant to the terms and conditions of our Equity Plans (as defined in Note 13, " Compensation Plans and Programs "). Our LTCP typically includes annual equity and cash award grants with three- to five-year vesting periods; as a result, in any one year, we are typically accounting for at least three active LTCP cycles. We account for compensation costs associated with share-based transactions based on the fair value of the instruments issued. The estimated value of stock options includes assumptions around expected life, stock volatility and dividends. The expected life of our stock option awards is based on the simplified method as prescribed by Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 14. In all periods, our policy has been to set the value of RSUs and restricted stock awards equal to the value of our underlying common stock on the date of measurement. For grants with graded vesting, we amortize the associated unrecognized compensation cost using an accelerated method. For grants that cliff vest, we amortize the associated unrecognized compensation cost on a straight-line basis over their vesting term. As a result of our adoption of ASU No. 2016-09, " Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting " in first quarter 2017, we now adjust compensation expense recognized to date in the event of canceled awards as they occur. Tax windfalls and shortfalls related to the tax effects of employee share-based compensation are included in our tax provision. On the consolidated statements of cash flows, tax windfalls and shortfalls related to employee share-based compensation awards are included within operating activities and cash paid to tax authorities for shares withheld are included within financing activities. The inclusion of windfalls and shortfalls in the tax provision could increase our earnings volatility between periods. Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year 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 the Consolidated Statement of Income in the period in which the change was enacted. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets if management has determined that it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. In addition, the calculation of tax liabilities involves significant judgment in estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. We are subject to examinations by the U.S. IRS and other taxing jurisdictions on various tax matters, including challenges to various positions we assert in our filings. In the event that the IRS or another taxing jurisdiction levies an assessment in the future, it is possible the assessment could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations. The financial statement recognition of the benefit for a tax position is dependent upon the benefit being more likely than not to be sustainable upon audit by the applicable tax authority. If this threshold is met, the tax benefit is then measured and recognized at the largest amount that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. In the event that the IRS or another taxing jurisdiction levies an assessment in the future, it is possible the assessment could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations. New Accounting Guidance Accounting Standards Update: Revenue In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2014-09, " Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ". Refer to Note 3, " Revenue Recognition ," for information regarding our adoption of this guidance effective January 1, 2018 and a discussion of the impact to revenue information presented herein, as well as additional required disclosures under the new guidance. Accounting Standards Update: Financial Instruments In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, " Financial Instruments (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities ," which amends certain measurement, presentation, and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. The new guidance must be adopted by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet in the year of adoption and became effective for the Company starting in first quarter 2018. We adopted this guidance in first quarter 2018, and it did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Accounting Standards Update: Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to leases that outlines a comprehensive lease accounting model and supersedes the current lease guidance. The new guidance requires lessees to recognize lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets for all leases with lease terms of greater than 12 months. It also changes the definition of a lease and expands the disclosure requirements of lease arrangements. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition effective date method. As part of that adoption, we have elected the package of three practical expedients, which includes the following: an entity may elect not to reassess whether expired or existing contracts contain a lease under the revised definition of a lease, an entity may elect not to reassess the lease classification for expired or existing leases, and an entity may elect not to reassess whether previously capitalized initial direct costs would qualify for capitalization. Additionally, the Company has elected not to utilize the hindsight expedient in determining the lease term. Based upon our preliminary review, we expect to record lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets between $11.0 million and $18.0 million |
| Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation. |
