National Instruments (NATI) 10-Q 31 Oct 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 26, 2018
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORP
Entity Central Index Key	935,494
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		132,432,594

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 311,381	$ 290,164
Short-term investments	171,028	121,888
Accounts receivable, net	239,468	248,825
Inventories, net	192,412	184,592
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	62,447	48,621
Total current assets	976,736	894,090
Property and equipment, net	245,898	249,715
Goodwill	263,119	266,783
Intangible assets, net	116,061	123,293
Other long-term assets	28,106	32,553
Total assets	1,629,920	1,566,434
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	51,321	49,733
Accrued compensation	52,182	43,309
Deferred revenue - current	120,398	120,638
Other current liabilities	17,508	23,782
Other taxes payable	34,654	31,793
Total current liabilities	276,063	269,255
Deferred income taxes	36,638	33,609
Liability for uncertain tax positions	9,045	10,158
Income tax payable - long-term	74,015	81,515
Deferred revenue - long-term	31,762	33,742
Other long-term liabilities	5,488	10,134
Total liabilities	433,011	438,413
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock: par value $0.01; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock: par value $0.01; 360,000,000 shares authorized; 132,432,594 shares and 130,978,947 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	1,324	1,310
Additional paid-in capital	881,417	829,979
Retained earnings	329,342	313,241
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(15,174)	(16,509)
Total stockholders’ equity	1,196,909	1,128,021
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 1,629,920	$ 1,566,434

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value per share (in usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value per share (in usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	360,000,000	360,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	132,432,594	130,978,947
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	132,432,594	130,978,947

Consolidated Statements Of Inco

Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Net sales:
Total net sales	$ 346,127	$ 320,921	$ 999,033	$ 939,635
Cost of sales:
Total cost of sales	89,015	83,751	245,698	242,733
Gross profit	257,112	237,170	753,335	696,902
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing	118,220	116,661	365,474	358,335
Research and development	66,170	56,526	194,921	171,701
General and administrative	26,712	26,468	81,882	78,400
Total operating expenses	211,102	199,655	642,277	608,436
Operating income	46,010	37,515	111,058	88,466
Other income:
Interest income	1,539	657	3,845	1,509
Net foreign exchange (loss) gain	(956)	1,096	(2,082)	1,624
Other gain (loss), net	1,782	(1,153)	169	(957)
Income before income taxes	48,375	38,115	112,990	90,642
Provision for income taxes	5,181	4,726	14,474	13,949
Net income	$ 43,194	$ 33,389	$ 98,516	$ 76,693
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.33	$ 0.26	$ 0.75	$ 0.59
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	132,357	130,660	131,792	130,103
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.32	$ 0.25	$ 0.74	$ 0.59
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	133,197	131,617	133,067	131,050
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.23	$ 0.21	$ 0.69	$ 0.63
Product
Net sales:
Total net sales	$ 310,216	$ 291,891	$ 897,355	$ 853,219
Cost of sales:
Total cost of sales	87,082	81,641	239,205	235,989
Software maintenance
Net sales:
Total net sales	35,911	29,030	101,678	86,416
Cost of sales:
Total cost of sales	$ 1,933	$ 2,110	$ 6,493	$ 6,744

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 43,194	$ 33,389	$ 98,516	$ 76,693
Other comprehensive income, before tax and net of reclassification adjustments:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1,359)	6,226	(7,360)	21,890
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale	154	162	(404)	187
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments	3,316	(3,136)	11,578	(9,470)
Other comprehensive income, before tax	2,111	3,252	3,814	12,607
Tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income	720	(1,186)	2,479	(3,333)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,391	4,438	1,335	15,940
Comprehensive income	$ 44,585	$ 37,827	$ 99,851	$ 92,633

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net income	$ 98,516	$ 76,693
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	53,735	54,794
Stock-based compensation	27,492	21,272
Deferred income taxes	732	(4,290)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	6,862	(1,013)
Net cash provided by operating activities	187,337	147,456
Cash flow from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(27,373)	(24,084)
Capitalization of internally developed software	(13,152)	(34,406)
Additions to other intangibles	(5,165)	(1,379)
Purchases of short-term investments	(172,462)	(62,845)
Sales and maturities of short-term investments	122,726	45,582
Net cash used in investing activities	(95,426)	(77,132)
Cash flow from financing activities:
Principal payments on revolving line of credit	0	10,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	24,424	22,870
Dividends paid	(91,034)	(82,051)
Net cash used in financing activities	(66,610)	(69,181)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(4,084)	7,768
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	21,217	8,911
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	290,164	285,283
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 311,381	$ 294,194

Basis of presentation

Basis of presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of presentation	Basis of presentation The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2017 , included in our annual report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring items) considered necessary to present fairly our financial position at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the results of our operations and comprehensive income for three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , and the cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 . Our operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2018 . These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Out of Period Adjustments During the three months ended September 30, 2018, we recorded a non-cash out of period adjustment of $2.3 million related to the deferral of gross profit associated with intercompany purchases from our equity-method investee that should have been recognized when realized, through transactions with third-parties, beginning in January 2011. This adjustment was recorded as an increase to "Other long-term assets" on our consolidated balance sheet and an increase to "Other gain (loss), net" on our consolidated statements of income. We evaluated the adjustment from a qualitative and quantitative perspective and concluded that the amount of income was not material to any individual prior quarter or year and that the cumulative out of period adjustment was not expected to be material to our full year 2018 results. Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding (if dilutive) during each period. The number of common share equivalents, which includes restricted stock units (“RSUs”), is computed using the treasury stock method. The reconciliation of the denominators used to calculate basic EPS and diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , are as follows:  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  (In thousands) (In thousands)  (Unaudited) (Unaudited)  2018 2017 2018 2017 Weighted average shares outstanding-basic 132,357 130,660 131,792 130,103 Plus: Common share equivalents RSUs 840 957 1,275 947 Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted 133,197 131,617 133,067 131,050 Stock awards to acquire 36,600 shares and 40,700 shares for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, and 537,000 shares and 22,300 shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, were excluded in the computations of diluted EPS because the effect of including the stock awards would have been anti-dilutive. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies We adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and all the related amendments ("new revenue standard") as of January 1, 2018. The impact of this new guidance on our accounting policies and operating results is described below. There were no other significant changes in our accounting policies during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the significant accounting policies described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 . Accounts Receivable, net Accounts receivable are recorded net of allowances for doubtful accounts. Our allowance for doubtful accounts is based on historical experience. We analyze historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer creditworthiness and current economic trends when evaluating the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts. Unbilled receivables represent amounts for which revenue has been recognized but which have not yet been invoiced to the customer. The current portion of unbilled receivables is included in "accounts receivable, net" on the consolidated balance sheet and is not material. Sales Tax Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction, that are collected from our customers, are excluded from revenue. Shipping and Handling Costs Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight after control over a product has transferred to a customer are accounted for as a fulfillment cost and are in included in cost of sales. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Revenue from Contracts with Customers On January 1, 2018, we adopted the new revenue standard using the modified retrospective transition method. Under this method, we evaluated all contracts that were in effect at the beginning of 2018 as if those contracts had been accounted for under the new revenue standard. We did not evaluate individual modifications for those periods prior to the adoption date, but the aggregate effect of all modifications as of the adoption date and such effects are provided below. Under the modified retrospective transition approach, periods prior to the adoption date were not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with historical GAAP. A cumulative catch-up adjustment was recorded to beginning retained earnings to reflect the impact of all existing arrangements under the new revenue standard. We do not expect the impact of the adoption of the new revenue standard to be material to our annual net income on an ongoing basis. A majority of our sales revenue continues to be recognized when products are shipped from our manufacturing facilities. Historically, we have had to defer revenue for certain types of licenses arrangements and recognize revenue for such licenses ratably over the license term. Under the new revenue standard, we are no longer required to establish vendor-specific objective evidence ("VSOE") to recognize software license revenue separately from the other elements, and we are able to recognize all software license revenue once the customer obtains control of the license, which will generally occur at the start of each license term. The cumulative effects of the changes made to our consolidated January 1, 2018 balance sheet for the adoption of ASU 2014-09, Revenue - Revenue from Contracts with Customers were as follows (in thousands): (in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2017 Adjustments Due to ASU 2014-09 Balance at January 1, 2018 Balance Sheet Assets Accounts receivable, net $ 248,825 2,399 $ 251,224 Other long-term assets 32,553 (106 ) 32,447 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Deferred revenue - current 120,638 (9,067 ) 111,571 Deferred revenue - long-term 33,742 (997 ) 32,745 Other current liabilities 23,782 2,100 25,882 Deferred income taxes 33,609 1,638 35,247 Retained earnings $ 313,241 8,619 $ 321,860 The following tables present the amounts by which financial statement line items were affected in the current period due to the adoption of ASU 2014-09. Our historical net cash flows are not impacted by this accounting change. (In thousands, except per share data) For the three month period ended September 30, 2018 For the nine month period ended September 30, 2018 Increase / (Decrease) Increase / (Decrease) Consolidated Statements of Income* Net Sales Products $ (626 ) $ 6,828 Software Maintenance — — Total net sales (626 ) 6,828 Operating Expenses 8 (198 ) Operating Income (634 ) 7,026 Provision for income taxes (109 ) 1,173 Net income $ (525 ) $ 5,853 Basic earnings per share — 0.04 Diluted earnings per share — 0.04 * Excludes line items that were not materially affected by our adoption of ASU 2014-09. (in thousands) September 30, 2018 Increase / (Decrease) Consolidated Balance Sheet* Assets Accounts receivable, net $ 2,093 Other long-term assets 92 Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity Deferred revenue - current (14,521 ) Deferred revenue - long-term (2,620 ) Other current liabilities 3,273 Deferred income taxes 1,638 Retained earnings $ 14,415 * Excludes line items that were not materially affected by our adoption of ASU 2014-09. Balance sheet line item amounts include the cumulative-effect adjustment recorded on January 1, 2018. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In August 2018, the SEC issued Release No. 33-10532 that amends and clarifies certain financial reporting requirements. The principal change to our financial reporting will be the inclusion of the annual disclosure requirement of changes in stockholders’ equity in Rule 3-04 of Regulation S-X to interim periods. We will adopt this new rule beginning with our financial reporting for the quarter ended March 31, 2019. Upon adoption, we will include our Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity with each quarterly filing on Form 10-Q. In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income , which gives entities the option to reclassify to retained earnings tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act") related to items that the FASB refers to as having been stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income ("OCI"). The new guidance may be applied retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the Act is recognized or in the period of adoption. We must adopt this guidance for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued or made available for issuance, including the period the Act was enacted. The guidance, when adopted, will require new disclosures regarding a company’s accounting policy for releasing the tax effects in accumulated OCI and permit the company the option to reclassify to retained earnings the tax effects resulting from the Act that are stranded in accumulated OCI. The adoption of ASU 2018-02 is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. We do not plan to adopt the new standard prior to the required effective date and we do not plan to elect the option to reclassify to retained earnings the tax effects resulting from the Act that are stranded in accumulated OCI. In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities . The ASU simplifies certain aspects of hedge accounting and improves disclosures of hedging arrangements through the elimination of the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness. The ASU generally requires the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item in order to align financial reporting of hedge relationships with the associated economic results. Entities must apply the amendments to cash flow and net investment hedge relationships that exist on the date of adoption using a modified retrospective approach. The presentation and disclosure requirements must be applied prospectively. Our effective date for adoption of this guidance is our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2019. We are currently evaluating the effect that this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 , Leases (Topic 842) , which supersedes ASC 840, Leases . The guidance requires lessees to recognize most lease liabilities on their balance sheets but recognize the expenses on their income statements in a manner similar to current practice. The update states that a lessee would recognize a lease liability for the obligation to make lease payments and a right-to-use asset for the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted.We do not expect to adopt the new standard prior to the required effective date. We are currently evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Based on our initial assessment, we expect that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our balance sheet but that it will not have a material impact on our consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, or cash flows. We have completed a qualitative and quantitative assessment of our lease portfolio and are in the process of testing our new real estate lease accounting system, collecting data for leases entered into during 2018 and implementing new processes and controls to account for our leases in accordance with the new standard. As permitted by ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, we do not expect to adjust comparative-period financial statements.

Revenue

Revenue	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue	Revenue Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of the promised products or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those products or services. We enter into contracts that can include various combinations of our products or services, which are generally capable of being distinct and accounted for as separate performance obligations. Revenue is recognized net of allowances for returns and any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities. Nature of Goods and Services We derive revenues from two primary sources: products and software maintenance. Product revenues are primarily generated from the sale of off-the-shelf modular test and measurement hardware components and related drivers, and application software licenses. Sales of most hardware components may also include optional extended hardware warranties, which typically provide additional service-type coverage for three years from the purchase date. Our software licenses typically provide for a perpetual right to use our software. We also offer some term-based software licenses that expire, which are referred to as subscription arrangements. We do not customize software for customers and installation services are not required. The software is delivered before related services are provided and is functional without professional services, updates and technical support. We sell our customer support contracts as a percentage of net software purchases the support is related. Revenues from offerings related to our hardware and software products such as extended hardware warranties, training, consulting and installation services are not significant and presented within product revenues, as further discussed below. Software maintenance revenues consists of post contract customer support that provides the customer with unspecified upgrades and technical support. For these contracts, we account for individual performance obligations separately if they are distinct. The transaction price is allocated to the separate performance obligations on a relative standalone selling price basis. Standalone selling prices of software licenses are estimated based on our established pricing practices and maximize the use of observable inputs. Standalone selling prices of hardware products are typically estimated based on observable transactions when these services are sold on a standalone basis. Our typical performance obligations include the following: Performance Obligation When performance obligation is typically satisfied When payment is typically due How standalone selling price is typically estimated Product revenue Modular hardware When customer obtains control of the product (point in time) Within 30-90 days of shipment Observable in transactions without multiple performance obligations Software licenses When software media is delivered to customer or made available for download electronically, and the applicable license period has begun (point-in-time) Within 30-90 days of the beginning of license period Established pricing practices for software licenses bundled with maintenance, which are separately observable in renewal transactions Extended hardware warranty Ratably over the course of the support contract (over time) At the beginning of the contract period Observable in renewal transactions Other related support offerings As work is performed (over time) or course is delivered (point in time) Within 30-90 days of delivery Observable in transactions without multiple performance obligations Software maintenance revenue Software maintenance Ratably over the course of the support contract (over time) At the beginning of the contract period Observable in renewal transactions Significant Judgments Judgment is required to determine the standalone selling price ("SSP") for each distinct performance obligation. We use a single amount to estimate SSP for items that are not sold separately, including perpetual and term licenses sold with software maintenance. We use a range of amounts to estimate SSP when we sell each of the products and services separately and need to determine whether there is a discount that needs to be allocated based on the relative SSP of the various products and services. Due to the various benefits from and the nature of our enterprise agreement program, judgment is required to assess the pattern of delivery, including the exercise pattern of certain benefits across our portfolio of customers. Additionally, whether a renewal option represents a distinct performance obligation could significantly impact the timing of revenue recognized. Our products are generally sold with a right of return which is accounted for as variable consideration when estimating the amount of revenue to recognize. Returns and credits are estimated at contract inception and updated at the end of each reporting period as additional information becomes available and only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of any incremental revenue will not occur. During the first quarter of 2018, we began to reclassify our allowance for sales returns to "other current liabilities" from "accounts receivable, net" due to the adoption of the new revenue standard. Disaggregation of Revenues We disaggregate revenue from contracts with customers based on the timing of transfer of goods or services to customers (point-in-time or over time) and geographic region based on the billing location of the customer. The geographic regions that are tracked are the Americas (United States, Canada and Latin America), EMEIA (Europe, Middle East, India and Africa) and APAC (Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and China). Total net sales based on the disaggregation criteria described above are as follows:  Three Months Ended September 30, (In thousands) (Unaudited)  2018 2017 (1) Net sales: Point-in-Time Over Time Total Point-in-Time Over Time Total Americas $ 115,214 27,702 $ 142,916 $ 108,988 24,203 $ 133,191 EMEIA 79,952 19,461 99,413 73,459 19,818 93,277 APAC 95,837 7,961 103,798 84,678 9,775 94,453 Total net sales (2) $ 291,003 55,124 $ 346,127 $ 267,125 53,796 $ 320,921 (1) As discussed in "Note 1 - Basis of presentation", prior periods have not been adjusted for adoption of ASU 2014-09 (2) Net sales contains hedging gains and losses, which do not represent revenues recognized from customers. See "Note 5 - Derivative instruments and hedging activities" for more information on the impact of our hedging activities on our results of operations  Nine Months Ended September 30, (In thousands) (Unaudited)  2018 2017 (1) Net sales: Point-in-Time Over Time Total Point-in-Time Over Time Total Americas $ 317,426 75,003 $ 392,429 $ 300,043 73,234 $ 373,277 EMEIA 257,346 57,520 314,866 232,270 56,295 288,565 APAC 267,773 23,965 291,738 251,626 26,167 277,793 Total net sales (2) $ 842,545 156,488 $ 999,033 $ 783,939 155,696 $ 939,635 (1) As discussed in "Note 1 - Basis of presentation", prior periods have not been adjusted for adoption of ASU 2014-09 (2) Net sales contains hedging gains and losses, which do not represent revenues recognized from customers. See "Note 5 - Derivative instruments and hedging activities" for more information on the impact of our hedging activities on our results of operations Information about Contract Balances Amounts collected in advance of services being provided are accounted for as deferred revenue. Nearly all of our deferred revenue balance is related to extended hardware and software maintenance contracts. Payment terms and conditions vary by contract type, although payment is typically due within 30 to 90 days of contract inception. In instances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, we have determined our contracts generally do not include a significant financing component. The primary purpose of our invoicing terms is to provide customers with simplified and predictable ways of purchasing our products and services, not to receive financing from our customers, such as invoicing at the beginning of a subscription term with a portion of the revenue recognized ratably over the contract period, or to provide customers with financing, such as multi-year on-premises licenses that are invoiced annually with revenue recognized upfront. Changes in deferred revenue, current and long-term, during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were as follows:  Amount  (In thousands) Deferred Revenue at December 31, 2017 $ 154,380 Impact of adopting new revenue standard (10,064 ) Deferred Revenue at January 1, 2018 $ 144,316 Deferral of revenue billed in current period, net of recognition 116,507 Recognition of revenue deferred in prior periods (105,291 ) Foreign currency translation impact (3,372 ) Balance as of September 30, 2018 (unaudited) $ 152,160 For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , revenue recognized from performance obligations related to prior periods (for example, due to changes in transaction price) was not material. Amounts recognized as revenue in excess of amounts billed are recorded as unbilled receivables. Unbilled receivables which are anticipated to be invoiced in the next twelve months are included in "accounts receivable, net" on the consolidated balance sheet. Based on the nature of our contracts with customers, we do not typically recognize unbilled receivables related to revenues recognized in excess of amounts billed. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , amounts recognized related to unbilled receivables were not material. Unsatisfied Performance Obligations Revenue expected to be recognized in any future period related to remaining performance obligations, excluding revenue pertaining to contracts that have an original expected duration of one year or less, and excluding contracts where revenue is recognized as invoiced, was approximately $54.9 million as of September 30, 2018 . Since we typically invoice customers at contract inception, this amount is included in our current and non-current deferred revenue balances. As of September 30, 2018 , we expect to recognize approximately 12% of the revenue related to these unsatisfied performance obligations during the remainder of 2018, 44% during 2019, and 44% thereafter. Assets Recognized from the Costs to Obtain a Contract with a Customer We recognize an asset for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if we expect the benefit of those costs to be longer than one year. We have determined that certain sales incentive programs meet the requirements to be capitalized. Capitalized incremental costs related to initial contracts and renewals are amortized over the same period because the commissions paid on both the initial contract and renewals are commensurate with one another. Total capitalized costs to obtain a contract were immaterial during the periods presented and are included in other long-term assets on our consolidated balance sheets. Practical Expedients As discussed in "Note 1 - Basis of presentation" and elsewhere in "Note 2 - Revenue," we have elected the following practical expedients in accordance with the new revenue standard: • We generally expense sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs are recorded within sales and marketing expenses. • We do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed. • We do not consider the time value of money for contracts with original durations of one year or less.

Short-term investments

Short-term investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments [Abstract]
Short-term investments	Short-term investments The following tables summarize unrealized gains and losses related to our short-term investments designated as available-for-sale:  As of September 30, 2018 (In thousands) (Unaudited)  Gross Gross  Adjusted Cost Unrealized Gain Unrealized Loss Fair Value Corporate bonds $ 147,158 $ 211 $ (823 ) $ 146,546 U.S. treasuries and agencies 24,468 — (5 ) 24,463 Time deposits 19 — — 19 Total Short-term investments $ 171,645 $ 211 $ (828 ) $ 171,028 (In thousands) As of December 31, 2017  Gross Gross  Adjusted Cost Unrealized Gain Unrealized Loss Fair Value Corporate bonds $ 120,341 $ 182 $ (395 ) $ 120,128 Time deposits 1,760 — — 1,760 Total Short-term investments $ 122,101 $ 182 $ (395 ) $ 121,888 The following tables summarize the contractual maturities of our short-term investments designated as available-for-sale:  As of September 30, 2018 (In thousands) (Unaudited)  Adjusted Cost Fair Value Due in less than 1 year $ 67,609 $ 67,511 Due in 1 to 5 years 104,036 103,517 Total available-for-sale debt securities $ 171,645 $ 171,028  Due in less than 1 year Adjusted Cost Fair Value Corporate bonds $ 43,122 $ 43,029 U.S. treasuries and agencies 24,468 24,463 Time deposits 19 19 Total available-for-sale debt securities $ 67,609 $ 67,511  Due in 1 to 5 years Adjusted Cost Fair Value Corporate bonds $ 104,036 $ 103,517 Total available-for-sale debt securities $ 104,036 $ 103,517

Fair value measurements

Fair value measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurements	Fair value measurements We define fair value to be the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, we consider the principal or most advantageous market that market participants may use when pricing the asset or liability. We follow a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. Fair value measurement is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three values of the fair value hierarchy are the following: Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly Level 3 – Inputs that are not based on observable market data Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using (In thousands) (Unaudited) Description September 30, 2018 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets Cash and cash equivalents available for sale: Money Market Funds $ 120,395 $ 120,395 $ — $ — Short-term investments available for sale: Corporate bonds 146,546 — 146,546 — U.S. treasuries and agencies 24,463 — 24,463 — Time deposits 19 19 — — Derivatives 9,296 — 9,296 — Total Assets $ 300,719 $ 120,414 $ 180,305 $ —  Liabilities Derivatives $ (1,724 ) $ — $ (1,724 ) $ — Total Liabilities $ (1,724 ) $ — $ (1,724 ) $ — (In thousands) Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Description December 31, 2017 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets Cash and cash equivalents available for sale: Money Market Funds $ 61,423 $ 61,423 $ — $ — U.S. treasuries and agencies 39,461 — 39,461 — Short-term investments available for sale: Corporate bonds 120,128 — 120,128 — Time deposits 1,760 1,760 — — Derivatives 7,232 — 7,232 — Total Assets $ 230,004 $ 63,183 $ 166,821 $ —  Liabilities Derivatives $ (12,743 ) $ — $ (12,743 ) $ — Total Liabilities $ (12,743 ) $ — $ (12,743 ) $ — We value our available-for-sale short-term investments based on pricing from third party pricing vendors, who may use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1 inputs) or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2 inputs) in determining fair value. We classify all of our fixed income available-for-sale securities as having Level 2 inputs. The valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of our financial instruments having Level 2 inputs were derived from non-binding market consensus prices that are corroborated by observable market data, quoted market prices for similar instruments, or pricing models, such as discounted cash flow techniques. We believe all of these sources reflect the credit risk associated with each of our available-for-sale short-term investments. Short-term investments available-for-sale consists of debt securities issued by states of the U.S. and political subdivisions of the U.S., corporate debt securities and debt securities issued by U.S. government organizations and agencies. All of our short-term investments available-for-sale have contractual maturities of less than 60 months . Derivatives include foreign currency forward contracts. Our foreign currency forward contracts are valued using an income approach (Level 2) based on the spot rate less the contract rate multiplied by the notional amount. We consider counterparty credit risk in the valuation of our derivatives. However, counterparty credit risk did not impact the valuation of our derivatives during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . There were no transfers in or out of Level 1 or Level 2 during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . As of September 30, 2018 , our short-term investments did not include sovereign debt from any country other than the United States. We did not have any items that were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . The carrying value of net accounts receivable, accounts payable, and long-term debt contained in the consolidated balance sheets approximates fair value.

Derivative instruments and hedg

Derivative instruments and hedging activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative instruments and hedging activities	Derivative instruments and hedging activities We recognize all of our derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in our statement of financial position at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and further, on the type of hedging relationship. For those derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, we designate the hedging instrument, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a fair value hedge, cash flow hedge, or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. We have operations in approximately 50 countries. Sales outside of the Americas accounted for approximately 59% and 58% of our net sales during the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , and approximately 61% and 60% of our net sales during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Our activities expose us to a variety of market risks, including the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These financial risks are monitored and managed by us as an integral part of our overall risk management program. We maintain a foreign currency risk management strategy that uses derivative instruments (foreign currency forward contracts) to help protect our earnings and cash flows from fluctuations caused by the volatility in currency exchange rates. Movements in foreign currency exchange rates pose a risk to our operations and competitive position, in that exchange rate changes may affect our profitability and cash flow, and the business or pricing strategies of our non-U.S. based competitors. The vast majority of our foreign sales are denominated in the customers’ local currency. We purchase foreign currency forward contracts as hedges of forecasted sales that are denominated in foreign currencies and as hedges of foreign currency denominated financial assets or liabilities. These contracts are entered into to help protect against the risk that the eventual dollar-net-cash inflows resulting from such sales or firm commitments will be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates. We also purchase foreign currency forward contracts as hedges of forecasted expenses that are denominated in foreign currencies. These contracts are entered into to help protect against the risk that the eventual dollar-net-cash outflows resulting from foreign currency operating and cost of sales expenses will be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates. We designate foreign currency forward contracts as cash flow hedges of forecasted net sales or forecasted expenses. In addition, we hedge our foreign currency denominated balance sheet exposures using foreign currency forward contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments. None of our derivative instruments contain a credit-risk-related contingent feature. Cash flow hedges To help protect against the reduction in value caused by a fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates of forecasted foreign currency cash flows resulting from international sales over the next one to three years, we have instituted a foreign currency cash flow hedging program. We hedge portions of our forecasted net sales and forecasted expenses denominated in foreign currencies with forward contracts. For forward contracts, when the dollar strengthens significantly against the foreign currencies, the change in the present value of future foreign currency cash flows may be offset by the change in the fair value of the forward contracts designated as hedges. We purchase foreign currency forward contracts for up to 100% of our forecasted exposures in selected currencies (primarily in Euro, Japanese yen, Hungarian forint, British pound, Malaysian ringgit, Korean won and Chinese yuan) and limit the duration of these contracts to 36 months or less. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and reclassified into earnings in the same line item (net sales, operating expenses, or cost of sales) associated with the forecasted transaction and in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings or expenses during the current period and are classified as a component of “net foreign exchange gain (loss).” Hedge effectiveness of foreign currency forwards designated as cash flow hedges are measured by comparing the hedging instrument’s cumulative change in fair value from inception to maturity to the forecasted transaction’s terminal value. We held forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges with the following notional amounts: (In thousands) US Dollar Equivalent  As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31,  (Unaudited) 2017 Chinese yuan $ 64,020 $ 39,197 Euro 164,488 177,406 Japanese yen 10,754 22,857 Hungarian forint 28,284 41,296 British pound 16,197 9,931 Malaysian ringgit 26,325 28,287 Korean won 10,984 — Total forward contracts notional amount $ 321,052 $ 318,974 The contracts in the foregoing table had contractual maturities of 27 months or less and 24 months or less at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. At September 30, 2018 , we expect to reclassify $5.1 million of gains on derivative instruments from accumulated OCI to net sales during the next twelve months when the hedged international sales occur, $0.2 million of gains on derivative instruments from accumulated OCI to cost of sales during the next twelve months when the cost of sales are incurred and $0.3 million of gains on derivative instruments from accumulated OCI to operating expenses during the next twelve months when the hedged operating expenses occur. Expected amounts are based on derivative valuations at September 30, 2018 . Actual results may vary materially as a result of changes in the corresponding exchange rates subsequent to this date. The gains and losses recognized in earnings due to hedge ineffectiveness were not material for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 and are included as a component of net income under the line item “net foreign exchange gain (loss).” Other Derivatives Other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments consist primarily of foreign currency forward contracts that we use to hedge our foreign denominated net receivable or net payable positions to help protect against the change in value caused by a fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates. We typically attempt to hedge up to 90% of our outstanding foreign denominated net receivables or net payables and typically limit the duration of these foreign currency forward contracts to approximately 90 days or less. The gain or loss on the derivatives as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedge item attributable to the hedged risk is recognized in current earnings under the line item “net foreign exchange gain (loss).” As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , we held foreign currency forward contracts that were not designated as hedging instruments with a notional amount of $52 million and $63 million , respectively. The following tables present the fair value of derivative instruments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively.  Asset Derivatives  September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) (Unaudited)   Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Foreign exchange contracts - ST forwards Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 6,717 Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 4,707 Foreign exchange contracts - LT forwards Other long-term assets 2,016 Other long-term assets 2,339 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $ 8,733 $ 7,046 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Foreign exchange contracts - ST forwards Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 563 Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 187 Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $ 563 $ 187 Total derivatives $ 9,296 $ 7,233  Liability Derivatives  September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) (Unaudited)  Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Foreign exchange contracts - ST forwards Other current liabilities $ (1,078 ) Other current liabilities $ (7,487 )  Foreign exchange contracts - LT forwards Other long-term liabilities (493 ) Other long-term liabilities (3,959 ) Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $ (1,571 ) $ (11,446 )  Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments  Foreign exchange contracts - ST forwards Other current liabilities $ (153 ) Other current liabilities $ (1,297 ) Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $ (153 ) $ (1,297 )  Total derivatives $ (1,724 ) $ (12,743 ) The following tables present the effect of derivative instruments on our Consolidated Statements of Income for three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively: September 30, 2018 (In thousands) (Unaudited) Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion) Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) Foreign exchange contracts - forwards $ 3,569 Net sales $ 1,424 Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) $ —  Foreign exchange contracts - forwards (96 ) Cost of sales 74 Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) —  Foreign exchange contracts - forwards (157 ) Operating expenses 111 Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) — Total $ 3,316 $ 1,609 $ — September 30, 2017 (In thousands) (Unaudited) Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion) Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) Foreign exchange contracts - forwards $ (5,804 ) Net sales $ (1,401 ) Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) $ —  Foreign exchange contracts - forwards 1,421 Cost of sales (105 ) Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) —  Foreign exchange contracts - forwards 1,247 Operating expenses (148 ) Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) — Total $ (3,136 ) $ (1,654 ) $ — (In thousands) Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income  September 30, 2018 September 30, 2017  (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Foreign exchange contracts - forwards Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) $ 865 (887 )  Total $ 865 $ (887 ) The following tables present the effect of derivative instruments on our Consolidated Statements of Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively: September 30, 2018 (In thousands) (Unaudited) Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion) Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) Foreign exchange contracts - forwards $ 16,128 Net sales $ (2,491 ) Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) $ —  Foreign exchange contracts - forwards (2,422 ) Cost of sales 717 Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) —  Foreign exchange contracts - forwards (2,128 ) Operating expenses 888 Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) — Total 11,578 $ (886 ) $ — September 30, 2017 (In thousands) (Unaudited) Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion) Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) Foreign exchange contracts - forwards $ (20,601 ) Net sales $ 1,348 Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) $ —  Foreign exchange contracts - forwards 5,901 Cost of sales (1,083 ) Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) —  Foreign exchange contracts - forwards 5,230 Operating expenses (1,127 ) Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) — Total $ (9,470 ) $ (862 ) $ — (In thousands) Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income  September 30, 2018 September 30, 2017  (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Foreign exchange contracts - forwards Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) $ 678 (4,065 ) Total $ 678 $ (4,065 ) ໿

Inventories, net

Inventories, net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories, net	Inventories, net Inventories, net consist of the following:  September 30, 2018 December 31, (In thousands) (Unaudited) 2017  Raw materials $ 100,603 $ 91,513 Work-in-process 10,291 8,938 Finished goods 81,518 84,141 Total $ 192,412 $ 184,592 ໿

Intangible assets, net

Intangible assets, net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Intangible assets, net	Intangible assets, net Intangible assets at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are as follows:  September 30, 2018 (In thousands) (Unaudited) December 31, 2017  Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Capitalized software development costs $ 118,424 $ (38,154 ) $ 80,270 $ 116,691 $ (30,345 ) $ 86,346 Acquired technology 95,691 (89,507 ) 6,184 96,198 (87,341 ) 8,857 Patents 34,248 (21,264 ) 12,984 33,163 (19,931 ) 13,232 Other 51,049 (34,426 ) 16,623 45,565 (30,707 ) 14,858 Total $ 299,412 $ (183,351 ) $ 116,061 $ 291,617 $ (168,324 ) $ 123,293 Software development costs capitalized for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were $1.9 million and $10.1 million , respectively, and related amortization expense was $6.9 million and $5.7 million , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , capitalized software development costs were $13.8 million and $35.8 million , respectively, and related amortization expense was $19.9 million and $16.5 million , respectively. Capitalized software development costs for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 included costs related to stock based compensation of $0.1 million and $0.5 million , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , capitalized software development costs included costs related to stock based compensation of $0.6 million and $1.4 million , respectively. The related amounts in the table above are net of fully amortized assets. Amortization of capitalized software development costs is computed on an individual product basis for those products available for market and is recognized based on the product’s estimated economic life, generally three to six years. Acquired technology and other intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives, which range from three to eight years. Patents are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated period of benefit, generally 10 to 17 years. Total intangible assets amortization expenses were $9.0 million and $8.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, and $26.4 million and $25.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Goodwill

Goodwill	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	Goodwill The carrying amount of goodwill as of September 30, 2018 , was as follows:  Amount  (In thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 266,783 Foreign currency translation impact (3,664 ) Balance as of September 30, 2018 (unaudited) $ 263,119 The excess purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. As we have one operating segment comprised of components with similar economic characteristics, we allocate goodwill to one reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis, and between annual tests if indicators of potential impairment exist, using a fair-value-based approach based on the market capitalization of the reporting unit. Effective for the annual goodwill impairment test for 2018 and for future testing, we will perform the required annual testing as of November 30 of each year rather than on February 28. In anticipation of this change, we reperformed our annual goodwill impairment test as of November 30, 2017 and determined that it was more likely than not that the estimated fair value for the reporting unit exceeded the carrying amount and that no impairment existed as of the assessment date. We do not believe that the change in the date of the annual goodwill impairment test is a material change in the method of applying an accounting principle nor do we expect that it will result in any delay, acceleration or impact to the results of the impairment testing. We believe this date is preferable because it aligns with the timing of our annual planning process which largely occurs during the fourth quarter. Retrospective application to prior periods is impracticable as we are unable to objectively determine, without the use of hindsight, the assumptions that would be used in those earlier periods. No impairment of goodwill was identified during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 or the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 .

Income taxes

Income taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes	Income taxes We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts which are more likely than not to be realized. We had a valuation allowance of $ 78 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . A majority of the valuation allowance is related to the deferred tax assets of National Instruments Hungary Kft. (“NI Hungary”). We account for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in our financial statements using prescribed recognition thresholds and measurement attributes for financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken on our tax returns. We had $9.0 million and $10.2 million of unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively, all of which would affect our effective income tax rate if recognized. We recorded a gross increase in unrecognized tax benefits of $1 million and $1.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, as a result of the tax positions taken during these and prior periods. We recorded a gross decrease in unrecognized tax benefits of $3.1 million for each of the three-and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 as a result of closing open tax years and the enactment-date effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. As of September 30, 2018 , it is reasonably possible that we will recognize tax benefits in the amount of $3.4 million in the next twelve months due to the closing of open tax years. The nature of the uncertainty is related to deductions taken on returns that have not been examined by the applicable tax authority. Our continuing policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. As of September 30, 2018 , we had approximately $1.2 million accrued for interest related to uncertain tax positions. The tax years 2009 through 2018 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which we are subject. Our provision for income taxes reflected an effective tax rate of 11% and 12% for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, and 13% and 15% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , our effective tax rate was lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% as a result of an enhanced deduction for certain research and development expenses, profits in foreign jurisdictions with reduced income tax rates, the research and development tax credit, a tax benefit from disqualifying dispositions of equity awards that do not ordinarily result in a tax benefit, excess tax benefits from share-based compensation, and the deduction for foreign-derived deduction eligible income, offset by the U.S. tax on global intangible low-taxed income. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , our effective tax rate was lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% as a result of an enhanced deduction for certain research and development expenses, profits in foreign jurisdictions with reduced income tax rates, the research and development tax credit, a tax benefit from disqualifying dispositions of equity awards that do not ordinarily result in a tax benefit, and excess tax benefits from share-based compensation. Our earnings in Hungary are subject to a statutory tax rate of 9% . In addition, our research and development activities in Hungary benefit from a tax law in Hungary that provides for an enhanced deduction for qualified research and development expenses. The tax position of our Hungarian operations resulted in income tax benefits of $2.6 million and $4.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, and $7.1 million and $11.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Earnings from our operations in Malaysia are free of tax under a tax holiday effective January 1, 2013. This tax holiday expires in 2027. If we fail to satisfy the conditions of the tax holiday, this tax benefit may be terminated early. The income tax benefits of the tax holiday for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 were approximately $0.8 million and $1.9 million , respectively. The impact of the tax holiday on a per share basis for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was a benefit of $0.01 per share. The income tax benefits of the tax holiday for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 were approximately $0.8 million and $1.9 million , respectively. The impact of the tax holiday on a per share basis for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was a benefit of $0.01 per share. No other taxing jurisdictions had a significant impact on our effective tax rate. We have not entered into any advanced pricing or other agreements with the IRS with regard to any foreign jurisdictions. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Act reduced the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred, and creates new taxes on certain foreign earnings. We are applying the guidance in SAB 118 when accounting for the enactment-date effects of the Act. As of September 30, 2018 , we had not completed our accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Act. However, we have made a reasonable estimate of the effects on our existing deferred tax balances and the one-time transition tax. At December 31, 2017, we recognized a provisional amount of $69.9 million , which is included as a component of income tax expense from continuing operations. During the three month period ended September 30, 2018 , we recognized a $(1.8) million adjustment to the provisional amounts recorded at December 31, 2017, primarily related to foreign withholding and distribution taxes. We expect to finalize our calculation during the fourth quarter of 2018. The Act subjects a U.S. shareholder to tax on global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI") earned by certain foreign subsidiaries. The FASB staff Q&A, Topic 740, No. 5, Accounting for Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income, states that an entity can make an accounting policy election to either recognize deferred taxes for temporary basis differences expected to reverse as GILTI in future years or provide for the tax expense related to GILTI in the years the tax is incurred as a period expense only. Given the complexity of the GILTI provisions, we are still evaluating the effects of the GILTI provisions and have not yet determined our accounting policy. At September 30, 2018 , because we are still evaluating the GILTI provisions and our analysis of future taxable income that is subject to GILTI, we have included GILTI related to current-year operations only in our estimated annual effective tax rate and have not provided additional GILTI on deferred items.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Comprehensive income	Comprehensive income Our comprehensive income is comprised of net income, foreign currency translation, unrealized gains and losses on forward contracts and securities classified as available-for-sale. The accumulated OCI, net of tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , consisted of the following:  September 30, 2018  (Unaudited) (In thousands) Currency translation adjustment Investments Derivative instruments Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ (12,717 ) $ (782 ) (3,010 ) $ (16,509 ) Current-period other comprehensive (loss) income (7,360 ) (404 ) 10,692 2,928 Reclassified from accumulated OCI into income — — 886 886 Income tax expense — 30 2,449 2,479 Balance as of September 30, 2018 $ (20,077 ) $ (1,216 ) $ 6,119 $ (15,174 )  September 30, 2017  (Unaudited) (In thousands) Currency translation adjustment Investments Derivative instruments Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ (37,174 ) $ (669 ) 3,222 $ (34,621 ) Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 21,890 187 (10,332 ) 11,745 Reclassified from accumulated OCI into income — — 862 862 Income tax expense (benefit) 13 14 (3,360 ) (3,333 ) Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ (15,297 ) $ (496 ) $ (2,888 ) $ (18,681 ) ໿

Authorized shares of common and

Authorized shares of common and preferred stock and stock-based compensation plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Authorized shares of common and preferred stock and stock-based compensation plans	Authorized shares of common and preferred stock and stock-based compensation plans Authorized shares of common and preferred stock Following approval by the Company’s Board of Directors and stockholders, on May 14, 2013, the Company’s certificate of incorporation was amended to increase the authorized shares of common stock by 180,000,000 shares to a total of 360,000,000 shares. As a result of this amendment, the total number of shares which the Company is authorized to issue is 365,000,000 shares, consisting of (i) 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, and (ii) 360,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share. Restricted stock plan Our stockholders approved our 2005 Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”) in May 2005. At the time of approval, 4,050,000 shares of our common stock were reserved for issuance under this plan, as well as the number of shares which had been reserved but not issued under our 1994 Incentive Plan which terminated in May 2005 (the “1994 Plan”), and any shares that returned to the 1994 Plan as a result of termination of options or repurchase of shares issued under such plan. The 2005 Plan, administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, provided for granting of incentive awards in the form of restricted stock and RSUs to directors, executive officers and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. Awards vest over a three , five or ten -year period, beginning on the date of grant. Vesting of ten year awards may accelerate based on the Company’s previous year’s earnings and growth but ten year awards cannot accelerate to vest over a period of less than five years. The 2005 Plan terminated on May 11, 2010, except with respect to outstanding awards previously granted thereunder. There were 3,362,304 shares of common stock that were reserved but not issued under the 2005 Plan as of May 11, 2010. Our stockholders approved our 2010 Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”) on May 11, 2010. At the time of approval, 3,000,000 shares of our common stock were reserved for issuance under this plan, as well as the 3,362,304 shares of common stock that were reserved but not issued under the 1994 Plan and the 2005 Plan as of May 11, 2010, and any shares that are returned to the 1994 Plan and the 2005 Plan as a result of the forfeiture or termination of options or RSUs or repurchase of shares issued under these plans. The 2010 Plan, administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, provides for granting of incentive awards in the form of restricted stock and RSUs to employees, directors and consultants of the Company and employees and consultants of any parent or subsidiary of the Company. Awards vest over a three , five or ten -year period, beginning on the date of grant. Vesting of ten year awards may accelerate based on the Company’s previous year’s earnings and growth but ten year awards cannot accelerate to vest over a period of less than five years. The 2010 Plan terminated on May 12, 2015, except with respect to the outstanding awards previously granted thereunder. There were 2,518,416 shares of common stock that were reserved but not issued under the 2010 Plan as of May 12, 2015. Our stockholders approved our 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”) on May 12, 2015. At the time of approval, 3,000,000 shares of our common stock were reserved for issuance under this plan, as well as the 2,518,416 shares of common stock that were reserved but not issued under the 2010 Plan as of May 12, 2015, and any shares that were returned to the 1994, 2005, and the 2010 Plans as a result of the forfeiture or termination of options or RSUs or repurchase of shares issued under these plans. The 2015 Plan, administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, provides for the granting of incentive awards in the form of restricted stock and RSUs to employees, directors and consultants of the Company and employees and consultants of any parent or subsidiary of the Company. Awards vest over a three , four , five or ten -year period, beginning on the date of grant. Vesting of ten year awards may accelerate based on the Company’s previous year’s earnings and growth but ten year awards cannot accelerate to vest over a period of less than five years. There were 3,026,600 shares available for grant under the 2015 Plan at September 30, 2018 . During the three months ended September 30, 2018 , we did not make any changes in accounting principles or methods of estimates related to the 2005, 2010 and 2015 Plans. Employee stock purchase plan Our employee stock purchase plan permits substantially all domestic employees and employees of designated subsidiaries to acquire our common stock at a purchase price of 85% of the lower of the market price at the beginning or the end of the purchase period. The plan has quarterly purchase periods generally beginning on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 of each year. Employees may designate up to 15% of their compensation for the purchase of common stock under this plan. On May 9, 2017, our stockholders approved an additional 3,000,000 shares for issuance under our employee stock purchase plan. At September 30, 2018 , we had 2,187,766 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under this plan. We issued 680,131 shares under this plan in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and the weighted average purchase price of the employees’ purchase rights was $35.91 per share. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , we did not make any changes in accounting principles or methods of estimates with respect to such plan. Authorized Preferred Stock and Preferred Stock Purchase Rights Plan We have 5,000,000 authorized shares of preferred stock. On January 21, 2004, our Board of Directors designated 750,000 of these shares as Series A Participating Preferred Stock in conjunction with the adoption of a Preferred Stock Rights Agreement which expired on May 10, 2014. There were no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding at September 30, 2018 . Stock repurchases and retirements From time to time, our Board of Directors has authorized various programs for our repurchase of shares of our common stock depending on market conditions and other factors. Under the current program, we did not make any share repurchases during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 or the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . At September 30, 2018 , there were 1,134,247 shares remaining available for repurchase under this program. This repurchase program does not have an expiration date.

Segment and geographic informat

Segment and geographic information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment and geographic information	Segment and geographic information We operate as one operating segment. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, who is our chief executive officer, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Our chief operating decision maker evaluates our financial information and resources and assesses the performance of these resources on a consolidated basis. Since we operate in one operating segment, all required financial segment information can be found in the condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto. We sell our products in three geographic regions which consist of Americas; Europe, Middle East, India, and Africa (EMEIA); and Asia-Pacific (APAC). Our sales to these regions share similar economic characteristics, similar product mix, similar customers, and similar distribution methods. Revenue from the sale of our products, which are similar in nature, and software maintenance is reflected as total net sales in our Consolidated Statements of Income. (See "Note 2 -Revenue" of Notes to consolidated financial statements for total net sales by the major geographic areas in which we operate). Based on the billing location of the customer, total sales outside the U.S. for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were $213 million and $195 million , respectively, and $635 million and $588 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Total property and equipment, net, outside the U.S. was $132 million as of September 30, 2018 and $132 million at December 31, 2017 .

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt On May 9, 2013, we entered into a Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank (the “Lender”). The Loan Agreement provided for a $50 million unsecured revolving line of credit with a scheduled maturity date of May 9, 2018 (the “Maturity Date”). On October 29, 2015, we entered into a First Amendment to Loan Agreement (the “Amendment”) with the Lender, which amended our Loan Agreement to among other things, (i) increase the unsecured revolving line of credit from $50 million to $125 million , (ii) extend the Maturity Date of the line of credit from May 9, 2018 to October 29, 2020, and (iii) provide us with an option to request increases to the line of credit of up to an additional $25 million in the aggregate, subject to consent of the Lender and terms and conditions to be mutually agreed between us and the Lender. On April 27, 2018, we entered into a Second Amendment to Loan Agreement (the "Second Amendment") which amended the Loan Agreement, as amended by the Amendment to, among other things, (i) reduce the revolving line of credit from $125.0 million to $5.0 million , (ii) reduce the letter of credit sublimit under the line of credit from $10.0 million to $5.0 million and (iii) require us and our subsidiaries to comply with certain of the affirmative and negative covenants under the Loan Agreement only if loans are outstanding under the Loan Agreement or if we have not reimbursed any drawing under a letter of credit issued under the Loan Agreement within five business days following the request of the Lender. The loans bear interest, at our option, at a base rate determined in accordance with the Loan Agreement, plus a spread of 0.0% to 0.50% , or a LIBOR rate plus a spread of 1.13% to 2.00% , in each case with such spread determined based on a ratio of consolidated indebtedness to EBITDA, determined in accordance with the Loan Agreement. Principal, together with all accrued and unpaid interest, is due and payable on the Maturity Date. We are also obligated to pay a quarterly commitment fee, payable in arrears, based on the available commitments at a rate of 0.18% to 0.30% , with such rate determined based on the ratio described above. The Loan Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants. The affirmative covenants include, among other things, delivery of financial statements, compliance certificates and notices; payment of taxes and other obligations; maintenance of existence; maintenance of properties and insurance; and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The negative covenants include, among other things, limitations on indebtedness, liens, mergers, consolidations, acquisitions and sales of assets, investments, changes in the nature of the business, affiliate transactions and certain restricted payments. The Loan Agreement also requires us to maintain a ratio of consolidated indebtedness to EBITDA equal to or less than 3.25 to 1.00 , and a ratio of consolidated EBITDA to interest expense greater than or equal to 3.00 to 1.00 , in each case determined in accordance with the Loan Agreement. As of September 30, 2018 , we were in compliance with all applicable covenants in the Loan Agreement. The Loan Agreement contains customary events of default including, among other things, payment defaults, breaches of covenants or representations and warranties, cross-defaults with certain other indebtedness, bankruptcy and insolvency events, judgment defaults and change in control events, subject to grace periods in certain instances. Upon an event of default, the lender may declare all or a portion of the outstanding obligations payable by us to be immediately due and payable and exercise other rights and remedies provided for under the Loan Agreement. Under certain circumstances, a default interest rate will apply on all obligations during the existence of an event of default under the Loan Agreement at a per annum rate of interest equal to 2.00% above the otherwise applicable interest rate. Proceeds of loans made under the Loan Agreement may be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes. We may prepay the loans under the Loan Agreement in whole or in part at any time without premium or penalty. Certain of our existing and future material domestic subsidiaries are required to guaranty our obligations under the Loan Agreement. As of September 30, 2018 , we had no outstanding borrowings under this line of credit. During the three months ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 , we incurred interest expense related to our outstanding borrowings of $0 and $176,000 , respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 , we incurred interest expense related to our outstanding borrowings of $0 and $519,000 , respectively. As of September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 , the weighted-average interest rate on the revolving line of credit was 3.4% and 2.4% , respectively. These charges are included in “Other income (loss), net” in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Commitments and contingencies

Commitments and contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and contingencies	Commitments and contingencies We offer a one -year limited warranty on most hardware products which is included in the terms of sale of such products. We also offer optional extended warranties on our hardware products for which the related revenue is recognized ratably over the warranty period. Provision is made for estimated future warranty costs at the time of the sale for the estimated costs that may be incurred under the standard warranty. Our estimate is based on historical experience and product sales during the period. The warranty reserve for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was as follows:  Nine Months Ended September 30, (In thousands) (Unaudited)  2018 2017 Balance at the beginning of the period $ 2,846 $ 2,686 Accruals for warranties issued during the period 2,224 1,929 Accruals related to pre-existing warranties 335 193 Settlements made (in cash or in kind) during the period (2,235 ) (1,983 ) Balance at the end of the period $ 3,170 $ 2,825 As of September 30, 2018 , we had non-cancelable purchase commitments with various suppliers of customized inventory and inventory components totaling approximately $7.3 million over the next twelve months. As of September 30, 2018 , we had outstanding guarantees for payment of customs and foreign grants totaling less than $0.1 million , which are generally payable over the next twelve months.

Restructuring

Restructuring	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring	Restructuring Since the first quarter of 2017, we have been taking steps to optimize our processes, reduce job duplication, evaluate where we should shift and centralize activities, improve efficiencies, and rebalance our resources on higher return activities. This has led to headcount reductions. The timing and scope of our headcount reductions will vary. A summary of the charges in our consolidated statement of operations resulting from our restructuring activities is shown below:  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (In thousands) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)  2018 2017 2018 2017 Cost of sales $ (179 ) 79 $ (150 ) 986 Research and development 631 86 1,607 1,382 Sales and marketing 3,676 1,618 8,354 7,997 General and Administration 373 207 1,538 801 Total restructuring and other related costs $ 4,501 1,990 $ 11,349 11,166 A summary of balances and activity related to our restructuring activity is shown below:  Restructuring Liability  (in thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 5,408 Income statement expense 11,349 Cash payments (12,923 ) Balance as of September 30, 2018 $ 3,834 The restructuring liability of $3.8 million at September 30, 2018 relating to our restructuring activity is recorded in the “accrued compensation” line item of our consolidated balance sheet. ໿

Litigation

Litigation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Litigation	Litigation We are not currently a party to any material litigation. However, in the ordinary course of our business, we have in the past, are currently and will likely become involved in various legal proceedings, claims, and regulatory, tax or government inquiries and investigations, and could incur uninsured liability in any one or more of them. We also periodically receive notifications from various third parties related to alleged infringement of patents or intellectual property rights, commercial disputes or other matters. No assurances can be given with respect to the extent or outcome of any investigation, litigation or dispute.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent events On October 24, 2018 , our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.23 per common share, payable on December 3, 2018 , to stockholders of record on November 12, 2018 .

Basis of presentation (Policies

Basis of presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable, net	Accounts Receivable, net Accounts receivable are recorded net of allowances for doubtful accounts. Our allowance for doubtful accounts is based on historical experience. We analyze historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer creditworthiness and current economic trends when evaluating the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts. Unbilled receivables represent amounts for which revenue has been recognized but which have not yet been invoiced to the customer. The current portion of unbilled receivables is included in "accounts receivable, net" on the consolidated balance sheet and is not material.
Sales Tax	Sales Tax Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction, that are collected from our customers, are excluded from revenue.
Shipping and Handling Costs	Shipping and Handling Costs Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight after control over a product has transferred to a customer are accounted for as a fulfillment cost and are in included in cost of sales.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Revenue from Contracts with Customers On January 1, 2018, we adopted the new revenue standard using the modified retrospective transition method. Under this method, we evaluated all contracts that were in effect at the beginning of 2018 as if those contracts had been accounted for under the new revenue standard. We did not evaluate individual modifications for those periods prior to the adoption date, but the aggregate effect of all modifications as of the adoption date and such effects are provided below. Under the modified retrospective transition approach, periods prior to the adoption date were not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with historical GAAP. A cumulative catch-up adjustment was recorded to beginning retained earnings to reflect the impact of all existing arrangements under the new revenue standard. We do not expect the impact of the adoption of the new revenue standard to be material to our annual net income on an ongoing basis. A majority of our sales revenue continues to be recognized when products are shipped from our manufacturing facilities. Historically, we have had to defer revenue for certain types of licenses arrangements and recognize revenue for such licenses ratably over the license term. Under the new revenue standard, we are no longer required to establish vendor-specific objective evidence ("VSOE") to recognize software license revenue separately from the other elements, and we are able to recognize all software license revenue once the customer obtains control of the license, which will generally occur at the start of each license term. The cumulative effects of the changes made to our consolidated January 1, 2018 balance sheet for the adoption of ASU 2014-09, Revenue - Revenue from Contracts with Customers were as follows (in thousands): (in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2017 Adjustments Due to ASU 2014-09 Balance at January 1, 2018 Balance Sheet Assets Accounts receivable, net $ 248,825 2,399 $ 251,224 Other long-term assets 32,553 (106 ) 32,447 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Deferred revenue - current 120,638 (9,067 ) 111,571 Deferred revenue - long-term 33,742 (997 ) 32,745 Other current liabilities 23,782 2,100 25,882 Deferred income taxes 33,609 1,638 35,247 Retained earnings $ 313,241 8,619 $ 321,860 The following tables present the amounts by which financial statement line items were affected in the current period due to the adoption of ASU 2014-09. Our historical net cash flows are not impacted by this accounting change. (In thousands, except per share data) For the three month period ended September 30, 2018 For the nine month period ended September 30, 2018 Increase / (Decrease) Increase / (Decrease) Consolidated Statements of Income* Net Sales Products $ (626 ) $ 6,828 Software Maintenance — — Total net sales (626 ) 6,828 Operating Expenses 8 (198 ) Operating Income (634 ) 7,026 Provision for income taxes (109 ) 1,173 Net income $ (525 ) $ 5,853 Basic earnings per share — 0.04 Diluted earnings per share — 0.04 * Excludes line items that were not materially affected by our adoption of ASU 2014-09. (in thousands) September 30, 2018 Increase / (Decrease) Consolidated Balance Sheet* Assets Accounts receivable, net $ 2,093 Other long-term assets 92 Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity Deferred revenue - current (14,521 ) Deferred revenue - long-term (2,620 ) Other current liabilities 3,273 Deferred income taxes 1,638 Retained earnings $ 14,415 * Excludes line items that were not materially affected by our adoption of ASU 2014-09. Balance sheet line item amounts include the cumulative-effect adjustment recorded on January 1, 2018. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In August 2018, the SEC issued Release No. 33-10532 that amends and clarifies certain financial reporting requirements. The principal change to our financial reporting will be the inclusion of the annual disclosure requirement of changes in stockholders’ equity in Rule 3-04 of Regulation S-X to interim periods. We will adopt this new rule beginning with our financial reporting for the quarter ended March 31, 2019. Upon adoption, we will include our Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity with each quarterly filing on Form 10-Q. In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income , which gives entities the option to reclassify to retained earnings tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act") related to items that the FASB refers to as having been stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income ("OCI"). The new guidance may be applied retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the Act is recognized or in the period of adoption. We must adopt this guidance for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued or made available for issuance, including the period the Act was enacted. The guidance, when adopted, will require new disclosures regarding a company’s accounting policy for releasing the tax effects in accumulated OCI and permit the company the option to reclassify to retained earnings the tax effects resulting from the Act that are stranded in accumulated OCI. The adoption of ASU 2018-02 is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. We do not plan to adopt the new standard prior to the required effective date and we do not plan to elect the option to reclassify to retained earnings the tax effects resulting from the Act that are stranded in accumulated OCI. In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities . The ASU simplifies certain aspects of hedge accounting and improves disclosures of hedging arrangements through the elimination of the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness. The ASU generally requires the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item in order to align financial reporting of hedge relationships with the associated economic results. Entities must apply the amendments to cash flow and net investment hedge relationships that exist on the date of adoption using a modified retrospective approach. The presentation and disclosure requirements must be applied prospectively. Our effective date for adoption of this guidance is our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2019. We are currently evaluating the effect that this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 , Leases (Topic 842) , which supersedes ASC 840, Leases . The guidance requires lessees to recognize most lease liabilities on their balance sheets but recognize the expenses on their income statements in a manner similar to current practice. The update states that a lessee would recognize a lease liability for the obligation to make lease payments and a right-to-use asset for the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted.We do not expect to adopt the new standard prior to the required effective date. We are currently evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Based on our initial assessment, we expect that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our balance sheet but that it will not have a material impact on our consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, or cash flows. We have completed a qualitative and quantitative assessment of our lease portfolio and are in the process of testing our new real estate lease accounting system, collecting data for leases entered into during 2018 and implementing new processes and controls to account for our leases in accordance with the new standard. As permitted by ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, we do not expect to adjust comparative-period financial statements.

Basis of presentation (Tables)

Basis of presentation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Reconciliation Of The Denominators Used To Calculate Basic EPS And Diluted EPS	The reconciliation of the denominators used to calculate basic EPS and diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , are as follows:  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  (In thousands) (In thousands)  (Unaudited) (Unaudited)  2018 2017 2018 2017 Weighted average shares outstanding-basic 132,357 130,660 131,792 130,103 Plus: Common share equivalents RSUs 840 957 1,275 947 Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted 133,197 131,617 133,067 131,050
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles	The cumulative effects of the changes made to our consolidated January 1, 2018 balance sheet for the adoption of ASU 2014-09, Revenue - Revenue from Contracts with Customers were as follows (in thousands): (in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2017 Adjustments Due to ASU 2014-09 Balance at January 1, 2018 Balance Sheet Assets Accounts receivable, net $ 248,825 2,399 $ 251,224 Other long-term assets 32,553 (106 ) 32,447 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Deferred revenue - current 120,638 (9,067 ) 111,571 Deferred revenue - long-term 33,742 (997 ) 32,745 Other current liabilities 23,782 2,100 25,882 Deferred income taxes 33,609 1,638 35,247 Retained earnings $ 313,241 8,619 $ 321,860 The following tables present the amounts by which financial statement line items were affected in the current period due to the adoption of ASU 2014-09. Our historical net cash flows are not impacted by this accounting change. (In thousands, except per share data) For the three month period ended September 30, 2018 For the nine month period ended September 30, 2018 Increase / (Decrease) Increase / (Decrease) Consolidated Statements of Income* Net Sales Products $ (626 ) $ 6,828 Software Maintenance — — Total net sales (626 ) 6,828 Operating Expenses 8 (198 ) Operating Income (634 ) 7,026 Provision for income taxes (109 ) 1,173 Net income $ (525 ) $ 5,853 Basic earnings per share — 0.04 Diluted earnings per share — 0.04 * Excludes line items that were not materially affected by our adoption of ASU 2014-09. (in thousands) September 30, 2018 Increase / (Decrease) Consolidated Balance Sheet* Assets Accounts receivable, net $ 2,093 Other long-term assets 92 Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity Deferred revenue - current (14,521 ) Deferred revenue - long-term (2,620 ) Other current liabilities 3,273 Deferred income taxes 1,638 Retained earnings $ 14,415 * Excludes line items that were not materially affected by our adoption of ASU 2014-09. Balance sheet line item amounts include the cumulative-effect adjustment recorded on January 1, 2018.

Revenue (Tables)

Revenue (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Summary of Performance Obligations	Our typical performance obligations include the following: Performance Obligation When performance obligation is typically satisfied When payment is typically due How standalone selling price is typically estimated Product revenue Modular hardware When customer obtains control of the product (point in time) Within 30-90 days of shipment Observable in transactions without multiple performance obligations Software licenses When software media is delivered to customer or made available for download electronically, and the applicable license period has begun (point-in-time) Within 30-90 days of the beginning of license period Established pricing practices for software licenses bundled with maintenance, which are separately observable in renewal transactions Extended hardware warranty Ratably over the course of the support contract (over time) At the beginning of the contract period Observable in renewal transactions Other related support offerings As work is performed (over time) or course is delivered (point in time) Within 30-90 days of delivery Observable in transactions without multiple performance obligations Software maintenance revenue Software maintenance Ratably over the course of the support contract (over time) At the beginning of the contract period Observable in renewal transactions
Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue	Total net sales based on the disaggregation criteria described above are as follows:  Three Months Ended September 30, (In thousands) (Unaudited)  2018 2017 (1) Net sales: Point-in-Time Over Time Total Point-in-Time Over Time Total Americas $ 115,214 27,702 $ 142,916 $ 108,988 24,203 $ 133,191 EMEIA 79,952 19,461 99,413 73,459 19,818 93,277 APAC 95,837 7,961 103,798 84,678 9,775 94,453 Total net sales (2) $ 291,003 55,124 $ 346,127 $ 267,125 53,796 $ 320,921 (1) As discussed in "Note 1 - Basis of presentation", prior periods have not been adjusted for adoption of ASU 2014-09 (2) Net sales contains hedging gains and losses, which do not represent revenues recognized from customers. See "Note 5 - Derivative instruments and hedging activities" for more information on the impact of our hedging activities on our results of operations  Nine Months Ended September 30, (In thousands) (Unaudited)  2018 2017 (1) Net sales: Point-in-Time Over Time Total Point-in-Time Over Time Total Americas $ 317,426 75,003 $ 392,429 $ 300,043 73,234 $ 373,277 EMEIA 257,346 57,520 314,866 232,270 56,295 288,565 APAC 267,773 23,965 291,738 251,626 26,167 277,793 Total net sales (2) $ 842,545 156,488 $ 999,033 $ 783,939 155,696 $ 939,635 (1) As discussed in "Note 1 - Basis of presentation", prior periods have not been adjusted for adoption of ASU 2014-09 (2) Net sales contains hedging gains and losses, which do not represent revenues recognized from customers. See "Note 5 - Derivative instruments and hedging activities" for more information on the impact of our hedging activities on our results of operations
Schedule of Changes in Deferred Revenue, Current and Non-Current	Changes in deferred revenue, current and long-term, during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were as follows:  Amount  (In thousands) Deferred Revenue at December 31, 2017 $ 154,380 Impact of adopting new revenue standard (10,064 ) Deferred Revenue at January 1, 2018 $ 144,316 Deferral of revenue billed in current period, net of recognition 116,507 Recognition of revenue deferred in prior periods (105,291 ) Foreign currency translation impact (3,372 ) Balance as of September 30, 2018 (unaudited) $ 152,160

Short-term investments (Tables)

Short-term investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments [Abstract]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation	The following tables summarize unrealized gains and losses related to our short-term investments designated as available-for-sale:  As of September 30, 2018 (In thousands) (Unaudited)  Gross Gross  Adjusted Cost Unrealized Gain Unrealized Loss Fair Value Corporate bonds $ 147,158 $ 211 $ (823 ) $ 146,546 U.S. treasuries and agencies 24,468 — (5 ) 24,463 Time deposits 19 — — 19 Total Short-term investments $ 171,645 $ 211 $ (828 ) $ 171,028 (In thousands) As of December 31, 2017  Gross Gross  Adjusted Cost Unrealized Gain Unrealized Loss Fair Value Corporate bonds $ 120,341 $ 182 $ (395 ) $ 120,128 Time deposits 1,760 — — 1,760 Total Short-term investments $ 122,101 $ 182 $ (395 ) $ 121,888
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	The following tables summarize the contractual maturities of our short-term investments designated as available-for-sale:  As of September 30, 2018 (In thousands) (Unaudited)  Adjusted Cost Fair Value Due in less than 1 year $ 67,609 $ 67,511 Due in 1 to 5 years 104,036 103,517 Total available-for-sale debt securities $ 171,645 $ 171,028  Due in less than 1 year Adjusted Cost Fair Value Corporate bonds $ 43,122 $ 43,029 U.S. treasuries and agencies 24,468 24,463 Time deposits 19 19 Total available-for-sale debt securities $ 67,609 $ 67,511  Due in 1 to 5 years Adjusted Cost Fair Value Corporate bonds $ 104,036 $ 103,517 Total available-for-sale debt securities $ 104,036 $ 103,517

Fair value measurements (Tables

Fair value measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using (In thousands) (Unaudited) Description September 30, 2018 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets Cash and cash equivalents available for sale: Money Market Funds $ 120,395 $ 120,395 $ — $ — Short-term investments available for sale: Corporate bonds 146,546 — 146,546 — U.S. treasuries and agencies 24,463 — 24,463 — Time deposits 19 19 — — Derivatives 9,296 — 9,296 — Total Assets $ 300,719 $ 120,414 $ 180,305 $ —  Liabilities Derivatives $ (1,724 ) $ — $ (1,724 ) $ — Total Liabilities $ (1,724 ) $ — $ (1,724 ) $ — (In thousands) Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Description December 31, 2017 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets Cash and cash equivalents available for sale: Money Market Funds $ 61,423 $ 61,423 $ — $ — U.S. treasuries and agencies 39,461 — 39,461 — Short-term investments available for sale: Corporate bonds 120,128 — 120,128 — Time deposits 1,760 1,760 — — Derivatives 7,232 — 7,232 — Total Assets $ 230,004 $ 63,183 $ 166,821 $ —  Liabilities Derivatives $ (12,743 ) $ — $ (12,743 ) $ — Total Liabilities $ (12,743 ) $ — $ (12,743 ) $ —

Derivative instruments and he_2

Derivative instruments and hedging activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Notional Amounts of Derivative Instruments	We held forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges with the following notional amounts: (In thousands) US Dollar Equivalent  As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31,  (Unaudited) 2017 Chinese yuan $ 64,020 $ 39,197 Euro 164,488 177,406 Japanese yen 10,754 22,857 Hungarian forint 28,284 41,296 British pound 16,197 9,931 Malaysian ringgit 26,325 28,287 Korean won 10,984 — Total forward contracts notional amount $ 321,052 $ 318,974
Summary of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Balance Sheets	The following tables present the fair value of derivative instruments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively.  Asset Derivatives  September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) (Unaudited)   Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Foreign exchange contracts - ST forwards Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 6,717 Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 4,707 Foreign exchange contracts - LT forwards Other long-term assets 2,016 Other long-term assets 2,339 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $ 8,733 $ 7,046 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Foreign exchange contracts - ST forwards Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 563 Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 187 Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $ 563 $ 187 Total derivatives $ 9,296 $ 7,233  Liability Derivatives  September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) (Unaudited)  Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Foreign exchange contracts - ST forwards Other current liabilities $ (1,078 ) Other current liabilities $ (7,487 )  Foreign exchange contracts - LT forwards Other long-term liabilities (493 ) Other long-term liabilities (3,959 ) Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $ (1,571 ) $ (11,446 )  Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments  Foreign exchange contracts - ST forwards Other current liabilities $ (153 ) Other current liabilities $ (1,297 ) Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $ (153 ) $ (1,297 )  Total derivatives $ (1,724 ) $ (12,743 )
Summary of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	The following tables present the effect of derivative instruments on our Consolidated Statements of Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively: September 30, 2018 (In thousands) (Unaudited) Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion) Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) Foreign exchange contracts - forwards $ 16,128 Net sales $ (2,491 ) Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) $ —  Foreign exchange contracts - forwards (2,422 ) Cost of sales 717 Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) —  Foreign exchange contracts - forwards (2,128 ) Operating expenses 888 Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) — Total 11,578 $ (886 ) $ — September 30, 2017 (In thousands) (Unaudited) Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion) Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) Foreign exchange contracts - forwards $ (20,601 ) Net sales $ 1,348 Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) $ —  Foreign exchange contracts - forwards 5,901 Cost of sales (1,083 ) Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) —  Foreign exchange contracts - forwards 5,230 Operating expenses (1,127 ) Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) — Total $ (9,470 ) $ (862 ) $ — (In thousands) Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income  September 30, 2018 September 30, 2017  (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Foreign exchange contracts - forwards Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) $ 678 (4,065 ) Total $ 678 $ (4,065 ) The following tables present the effect of derivative instruments on our Consolidated Statements of Income for three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively: September 30, 2018 (In thousands) (Unaudited) Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion) Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) Foreign exchange contracts - forwards $ 3,569 Net sales $ 1,424 Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) $ —  Foreign exchange contracts - forwards (96 ) Cost of sales 74 Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) —  Foreign exchange contracts - forwards (157 ) Operating expenses 111 Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) — Total $ 3,316 $ 1,609 $ — September 30, 2017 (In thousands) (Unaudited) Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion) Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) Foreign exchange contracts - forwards $ (5,804 ) Net sales $ (1,401 ) Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) $ —  Foreign exchange contracts - forwards 1,421 Cost of sales (105 ) Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) —  Foreign exchange contracts - forwards 1,247 Operating expenses (148 ) Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) — Total $ (3,136 ) $ (1,654 ) $ — (In thousands) Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income  September 30, 2018 September 30, 2017  (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Foreign exchange contracts - forwards Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) $ 865 (887 )  Total $ 865 $ (887 )

Inventories, net (Tables)

Inventories, net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory	Inventories, net consist of the following:  September 30, 2018 December 31, (In thousands) (Unaudited) 2017  Raw materials $ 100,603 $ 91,513 Work-in-process 10,291 8,938 Finished goods 81,518 84,141 Total $ 192,412 $ 184,592

Intangible assets, net (Tables)

Intangible assets, net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	Intangible assets at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are as follows:  September 30, 2018 (In thousands) (Unaudited) December 31, 2017  Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Capitalized software development costs $ 118,424 $ (38,154 ) $ 80,270 $ 116,691 $ (30,345 ) $ 86,346 Acquired technology 95,691 (89,507 ) 6,184 96,198 (87,341 ) 8,857 Patents 34,248 (21,264 ) 12,984 33,163 (19,931 ) 13,232 Other 51,049 (34,426 ) 16,623 45,565 (30,707 ) 14,858 Total $ 299,412 $ (183,351 ) $ 116,061 $ 291,617 $ (168,324 ) $ 123,293

Goodwill (Tables)

Goodwill (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The carrying amount of goodwill as of September 30, 2018 , was as follows:  Amount  (In thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 266,783 Foreign currency translation impact (3,664 ) Balance as of September 30, 2018 (unaudited) $ 263,119

Comprehensive income (Tables)

Comprehensive income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Summary of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The accumulated OCI, net of tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , consisted of the following:  September 30, 2018  (Unaudited) (In thousands) Currency translation adjustment Investments Derivative instruments Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ (12,717 ) $ (782 ) (3,010 ) $ (16,509 ) Current-period other comprehensive (loss) income (7,360 ) (404 ) 10,692 2,928 Reclassified from accumulated OCI into income — — 886 886 Income tax expense — 30 2,449 2,479 Balance as of September 30, 2018 $ (20,077 ) $ (1,216 ) $ 6,119 $ (15,174 )  September 30, 2017  (Unaudited) (In thousands) Currency translation adjustment Investments Derivative instruments Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ (37,174 ) $ (669 ) 3,222 $ (34,621 ) Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 21,890 187 (10,332 ) 11,745 Reclassified from accumulated OCI into income — — 862 862 Income tax expense (benefit) 13 14 (3,360 ) (3,333 ) Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ (15,297 ) $ (496 ) $ (2,888 ) $ (18,681 )

Commitments and contingencies (

Commitments and contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability	The warranty reserve for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was as follows:  Nine Months Ended September 30, (In thousands) (Unaudited)  2018 2017 Balance at the beginning of the period $ 2,846 $ 2,686 Accruals for warranties issued during the period 2,224 1,929 Accruals related to pre-existing warranties 335 193 Settlements made (in cash or in kind) during the period (2,235 ) (1,983 ) Balance at the end of the period $ 3,170 $ 2,825

Restructuring (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Summary of Restructuring Related Costs	A summary of the charges in our consolidated statement of operations resulting from our restructuring activities is shown below:  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (In thousands) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)  2018 2017 2018 2017 Cost of sales $ (179 ) 79 $ (150 ) 986 Research and development 631 86 1,607 1,382 Sales and marketing 3,676 1,618 8,354 7,997 General and Administration 373 207 1,538 801 Total restructuring and other related costs $ 4,501 1,990 $ 11,349 11,166
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve	A summary of balances and activity related to our restructuring activity is shown below:  Restructuring Liability  (in thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 5,408 Income statement expense 11,349 Cash payments (12,923 ) Balance as of September 30, 2018 $ 3,834

Basis of presentation - Schedul

Basis of presentation - Schedule of Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Other income (expense)	$ 1,782	$ (1,153)	$ 169	$ (957)
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	132,357,000	130,660,000	131,792,000	130,103,000
RSUs (in shares)	840,000	957,000	1,275,000	947,000
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted	133,197,000	131,617,000	133,067,000	131,050,000
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the computation of diluted EPS (in shares)	36,600	40,700	537,000	22,300
Restatement Adjustment | Recognized Deferral of Gross Profit [Member]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Other current assets	$ 2,300		$ 2,300
Other income (expense)	$ 2,300

Basis of presentation - Cumulat

Basis of presentation - Cumulative Effect Adjustment From Adoption of Topic 606 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets
Accounts receivable, net	$ 239,468	$ 251,224	$ 248,825
Other long-term assets	28,106	32,447	32,553
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Deferred revenue - current	120,398	111,571	120,638
Deferred revenue - long-term	31,762	32,745	33,742
Other current liabilities	17,508	25,882	23,782
Deferred income taxes	36,638	35,247	33,609
Retained earnings	329,342	321,860	313,241
Before ASC 606
Assets
Accounts receivable, net			248,825
Other long-term assets			32,553
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Deferred revenue - current			120,638
Deferred revenue - long-term			33,742
Other current liabilities			23,782
Deferred income taxes			33,609
Retained earnings			$ 313,241
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | ASC 606 Adjustments
Assets
Accounts receivable, net	2,093	2,399
Other long-term assets		(106)
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Deferred revenue - current	(14,521)	(9,067)
Deferred revenue - long-term	(2,620)	(997)
Other current liabilities	3,273	2,100
Deferred income taxes	1,638	1,638
Retained earnings	$ 14,415	$ 8,619

Basis of presentation - Effect

Basis of presentation - Effect of Adoption on Income Statement and Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Consolidated Statements of Income
Total net sales	$ 346,127	$ 320,921	$ 999,033	$ 939,635
Operating Expenses	211,102	199,655	642,277	608,436
Operating Income	46,010	37,515	111,058	88,466
Provision for income taxes	5,181	4,726	14,474	13,949
Net income	$ 43,194	$ 33,389	$ 98,516	$ 76,693
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.33	$ 0.26	$ 0.75	$ 0.59
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.32	$ 0.25	$ 0.74	$ 0.59
Assets
Accounts receivable, net	$ 239,468		$ 239,468		$ 251,224	$ 248,825
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	62,447		62,447			48,621
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Deferred revenue - current	120,398		120,398		111,571	120,638
Deferred revenue - long-term	31,762		31,762		32,745	33,742
Other current liabilities	17,508		17,508		25,882	23,782
Deferred income taxes	36,638		36,638		35,247	33,609
Retained earnings	329,342		329,342		321,860	$ 313,241
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | ASC 606 Adjustments
Consolidated Statements of Income
Total net sales	(626)		6,828
Operating Expenses	8		(198)
Operating Income	(634)		7,026
Provision for income taxes	(109)		1,173
Net income	$ (525)		$ 5,853
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0		$ 0.04
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0		$ 0.04
Assets
Accounts receivable, net	$ 2,093		$ 2,093		2,399
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	92		92
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Deferred revenue - current	(14,521)		(14,521)		(9,067)
Deferred revenue - long-term	(2,620)		(2,620)		(997)
Other current liabilities	3,273		3,273		2,100
Deferred income taxes	1,638		1,638		1,638
Retained earnings	14,415		14,415		$ 8,619
Product
Consolidated Statements of Income
Total net sales	310,216	$ 291,891	897,355	$ 853,219
Product | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | ASC 606 Adjustments
Consolidated Statements of Income
Total net sales	(626)		6,828
Software maintenance
Consolidated Statements of Income
Total net sales	35,911	$ 29,030	101,678	$ 86,416
Software maintenance | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | ASC 606 Adjustments
Consolidated Statements of Income
Total net sales	$ 0		$ 0

Revenue - Narrative (Details)

Revenue - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)source
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Number of primary sources of revenue | source	2
Revenue, remaining performance obligation | $	$ 54.9
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2018-10-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, percentage	12.00%
Remaining performance obligation, period	3 months
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2019-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, percentage	44.00%
Remaining performance obligation, period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, percentage	44.00%
Remaining performance obligation, period

Revenue - Disaggregation of Rev

Revenue - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales	$ 346,127	$ 320,921	$ 999,033	$ 939,635
Point-in-Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales	291,003	267,125	842,545	783,939
Over Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales	55,124	53,796	156,488	155,696
Americas
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales	142,916	133,191	392,429	373,277
Americas | Point-in-Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales	115,214	108,988	317,426	300,043
Americas | Over Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales	27,702	24,203	75,003	73,234
EMEIA
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales	99,413	93,277	314,866	288,565
EMEIA | Point-in-Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales	79,952	73,459	257,346	232,270
EMEIA | Over Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales	19,461	19,818	57,520	56,295
APAC
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales	103,798	94,453	291,738	277,793
APAC | Point-in-Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales	95,837	84,678	267,773	251,626
APAC | Over Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales	$ 7,961	$ 9,775	$ 23,965	$ 26,167

Revenue - Change in Deferred Re

Revenue - Change in Deferred Revenue (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Movement in Deferred Revenue [Roll Forward]
Deferral of revenue billed in current period, net of recognition	$ 116,507
Recognition of revenue deferred in prior periods	(105,291)
Foreign currency translation impact	(3,372)
Deferred revenue	152,160
Before ASC 606
Movement in Deferred Revenue [Roll Forward]
Deferred revenue	$ 154,380

Short-term investments - Unreal

Short-term investments - Unrealized Gains And Losses Related To Cash, Cash Equivalents, And Short-Term Investments Designated As Available-For-Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Total adjusted cost of available-for-sale securities	$ 171,645	$ 122,101
Gross Unrealized Gain	211	182
Gross Unrealized Loss	(828)	(395)
Fair Value	171,028	121,888
Corporate bonds
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Total adjusted cost of available-for-sale securities	147,158	120,341
Gross Unrealized Gain	211	182
Gross Unrealized Loss	(823)	(395)
Fair Value	146,546	120,128
U.S. treasuries and agencies
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Total adjusted cost of available-for-sale securities	24,468
Gross Unrealized Gain	0
Gross Unrealized Loss	(5)
Fair Value	24,463
Time deposits
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Total adjusted cost of available-for-sale securities	19	1,760
Gross Unrealized Gain	0	0
Gross Unrealized Loss	0	0
Fair Value	$ 19	$ 1,760

Short-term investments - Contra

Short-term investments - Contractual Maturities Of Short-Term Investments Designated As Available-For-Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Total adjusted cost of available-for-sale securities due in less than 1 year	$ 67,609
Total adjusted cost of available-for-sale securities due in 1 to 5 years	104,036
Total adjusted cost of available-for-sale securities	171,645	$ 122,101
Total fair value of available-for-sale securities due in less than 1 year	67,511
Total fair value of available-for-sale securities due in 1 to 5 years	103,517
Total fair value of available-for-sale securities	171,028	121,888
Corporate bonds
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Total adjusted cost of available-for-sale securities due in less than 1 year	43,122
Total adjusted cost of available-for-sale securities due in 1 to 5 years	104,036
Total fair value of available-for-sale securities due in less than 1 year	43,029
Total fair value of available-for-sale securities due in 1 to 5 years	103,517
U.S. treasuries and agencies
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Total adjusted cost of available-for-sale securities due in less than 1 year	24,468
Total adjusted cost of available-for-sale securities	24,468
Total fair value of available-for-sale securities due in less than 1 year	24,463
Total fair value of available-for-sale securities	24,463
Time deposits
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Total adjusted cost of available-for-sale securities due in less than 1 year	19
Total adjusted cost of available-for-sale securities	19	1,760
Total fair value of available-for-sale securities due in less than 1 year	19
Total fair value of available-for-sale securities	$ 19	$ 1,760

Fair value measurements - Sche

Fair value measurements - Schedule of Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Short-term investments available for sale:
Derivatives	$ 9,296	$ 7,232
Total Assets	300,719	230,004
Derivatives	(1,724)	(12,743)
Total Liabilities	$ (1,724)	(12,743)
Available-for-sale contractual maturity (in months)	60 months
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Short-term investments available for sale:
Derivatives	$ 0	0
Total Assets	120,414	63,183
Derivatives	0	0
Total Liabilities	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Short-term investments available for sale:
Derivatives	9,296	7,232
Total Assets	180,305	166,821
Derivatives	(1,724)	(12,743)
Total Liabilities	(1,724)	(12,743)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Short-term investments available for sale:
Derivatives	0	0
Total Assets	0	0
Derivatives	0	0
Total Liabilities	0	0
Money Market Funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents available for sale	120,395	61,423
Money Market Funds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents available for sale	120,395	61,423
Money Market Funds | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents available for sale	0	0
Money Market Funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents available for sale	0	0
Corporate bonds
Short-term investments available for sale:
Short-term investments available for sale	146,546	120,128
Corporate bonds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Short-term investments available for sale:
Short-term investments available for sale	0	0
Corporate bonds | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Short-term investments available for sale:
Short-term investments available for sale	146,546	120,128
Corporate bonds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Short-term investments available for sale:
Short-term investments available for sale	0	0
U.S. treasuries and agencies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents available for sale		39,461
Short-term investments available for sale:
Short-term investments available for sale	24,463
U.S. treasuries and agencies | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents available for sale		0
Short-term investments available for sale:
Short-term investments available for sale	0
U.S. treasuries and agencies | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents available for sale		39,461
Short-term investments available for sale:
Short-term investments available for sale	24,463
U.S. treasuries and agencies | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents available for sale		0
Short-term investments available for sale:
Short-term investments available for sale	0
Time deposits
Short-term investments available for sale:
Short-term investments available for sale	19	1,760
Time deposits | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Short-term investments available for sale:
Short-term investments available for sale	19	1,760
Time deposits | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Short-term investments available for sale:
Short-term investments available for sale	0	0
Time deposits | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Short-term investments available for sale:
Short-term investments available for sale	$ 0	$ 0

Derivative instruments and he_3

Derivative instruments and hedging activities - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)country	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)country	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of countries for which entity has operations | country	50		50
Percentage of sales outside of the Americas during the period	59.00%	58.00%	61.00%	60.00%
Period of protection against the reduction in value caused by a fluctuation, minimum (in number of years)			1 year
Period of protection against the reduction in value caused by a fluctuation, maximum (in number of years)			3 years
Derivatives, contractual maturities (in months)			27 months		24 months
Foreign currency forward contracts notional amount	$ 321,052,000		$ 321,052,000		$ 318,974,000
Cost of Sales
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) expected to be reclassified from AOCI to earnings			300,000
Forward Contracts | Net Sales
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) expected to be reclassified from AOCI to earnings			5,100,000
Forward Contracts | Operating Expenses
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) expected to be reclassified from AOCI to earnings			200,000
Other Derivatives
Derivative [Line Items]
Foreign currency forward contracts notional amount	$ 52,000,000		$ 52,000,000		$ 63,000,000
Maximum | Forward Contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Percentage of derivative risk hedged	100.00%		100.00%
Duration of derivative contracts entered into by the entity to hedge risk of loss			36 months
Maximum | Other Derivatives
Derivative [Line Items]
Percentage of derivative risk hedged	90.00%		90.00%
Duration of derivative contracts entered into by the entity to hedge risk of loss			90 days

Derivative instruments and he_4

Derivative instruments and hedging activities - Summary Of Notional Amounts Of Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative [Line Items]
Total forward contracts notional amount	$ 321,052	$ 318,974
Chinese yuan
Derivative [Line Items]
Total forward contracts notional amount	64,020	39,197
Euro
Derivative [Line Items]
Total forward contracts notional amount	164,488	177,406
Japanese yen
Derivative [Line Items]
Total forward contracts notional amount	10,754	22,857
Hungarian forint
Derivative [Line Items]
Total forward contracts notional amount	28,284	41,296
British pound
Derivative [Line Items]
Total forward contracts notional amount	16,197	9,931
Malaysian ringgit
Derivative [Line Items]
Total forward contracts notional amount	26,325	28,287
Korean won
Derivative [Line Items]
Total forward contracts notional amount	$ 10,984	$ 0

Derivative instruments and he_5

Derivative instruments and hedging activities - Fair Value Of Derivative Instruments On Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	$ 9,296	$ 7,233
Derivative liability	(1,724)	(12,743)
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	8,733	7,046
Derivative liability	(1,571)	(11,446)
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contract - Short-Term | Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	6,717	4,707
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contract - Short-Term | Other current liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability	(1,078)	(7,487)
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contracts - Long-Term | Other long-term assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	2,016	2,339
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contracts - Long-Term | Other long-term liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability	(493)	(3,959)
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	563	187
Derivative liability	(153)	(1,297)
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contract - Short-Term | Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	563	187
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contract - Short-Term | Other current liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability	$ (153)	$ (1,297)

Derivative instruments and he_6

Derivative instruments and hedging activities - Effect Of Derivative Instruments On Consolidated Statements Of Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	$ 3,316	$ (3,136)	$ 11,578	$ (9,470)
Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	1,609	(1,654)	(886)	(862)
Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	0	0	0	0
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contracts - Forwards | Net Sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	3,569	(5,804)	16,128	(20,601)
Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	1,424	(1,401)	(2,491)	1,348
Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	0	0	0	0
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contracts - Forwards | Cost of Sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	(96)	1,421	(2,422)	5,901
Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	74	(105)	717	(1,083)
Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	0	0	0	0
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contracts - Forwards | Operating Expenses
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	(157)	1,247	(2,128)	5,230
Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	111	(148)	888	(1,127)
Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	0	0	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income	865	(887)	678	(4,065)
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contracts - Forwards
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income	$ 865	$ (887)	$ 678	$ (4,065)

Inventories, net (Details)

Inventories, net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 100,603	$ 91,513
Work-in-process	10,291	8,938
Finished goods	81,518	84,141
Total	$ 192,412	$ 184,592

Intangible assets, net - Schedu

Intangible assets, net - Schedule Of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 299,412	$ 291,617
Accumulated Amortization	(183,351)	(168,324)
Net Carrying Amount	116,061	123,293
Capitalized software development costs
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	118,424	116,691
Accumulated Amortization	(38,154)	(30,345)
Net Carrying Amount	80,270	86,346
Acquired technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	95,691	96,198
Accumulated Amortization	(89,507)	(87,341)
Net Carrying Amount	6,184	8,857
Patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	34,248	33,163
Accumulated Amortization	(21,264)	(19,931)
Net Carrying Amount	12,984	13,232
Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	51,049	45,565
Accumulated Amortization	(34,426)	(30,707)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 16,623	$ 14,858

Intangible assets, net - Narrat

Intangible assets, net - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 9	$ 8.7	$ 26.4	$ 25.7
Capitalized Software Development Costs
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Software development costs capitalized	1.9	10.1	13.8	35.8
Amortization expense of capitalized software development costs	6.9	5.7	19.9	16.5
Costs related to stock based compensation	$ 0.1	$ 0.5	$ 0.6	$ 1.4
Minimum | Capitalized Software Development Costs
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets amortization period (in years)			3 years
Minimum | Acquired Technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets amortization period (in years)			3 years
Minimum | Patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets amortization period (in years)			10 years
Maximum | Capitalized Software Development Costs
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets amortization period (in years)			6 years
Maximum | Acquired Technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets amortization period (in years)			8 years
Maximum | Patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets amortization period (in years)			17 years

Goodwill - Schedule Of Goodwill

Goodwill - Schedule Of Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 266,783
Foreign currency translation impact	(3,664)
Balance at end of period	$ 263,119

Goodwill - Narrative (Details)

Goodwill - Narrative (Details)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)segmentreporting_unit	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of operating segments | segment	1
Number of reporting units | reporting_unit	1
Goodwill impairment | $	$ 0	$ 0

Income taxes (Details)

Income taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	$ 78		$ 78		$ 78
Unrecognized tax benefits	9		9		10.2
Gross increase in unrecognized tax benefits, current period	1		1.6
Unrecognized tax benefits, decrease resulting from current period tax positions and change in tax code	3.1		3.1
Reasonable possibility of future tax benefits	3.4		3.4
Accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions	$ 1.2		$ 1.2
Effective income tax rate	11.00%	12.00%	13.00%	15.00%
U.S. federal statutory rate	21.00%	35.00%	21.00%	35.00%
Hungary statutory tax rate			9.00%
Tax Act, provisional income tax expense (benefit)					$ 69.9
Tax Act, decrease to provisional amounts recorded	$ (1.8)
Hungary
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Foreign income tax benefit	2.6	$ 4.3	$ 7.1	$ 11.6
Malaysia
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax benefit of tax holiday, amount	$ 0.8	$ 0.8	$ 1.9	$ 1.9
Income tax benefit of tax holiday (in usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01

Comprehensive income (Details)

Comprehensive income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 1,128,021
Current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	2,928	$ 11,745
Reclassified from accumulated OCI into income	886	862
Income tax expense (benefit)	2,479	(3,333)
Ending Balance	1,196,909
Currency translation adjustment
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(12,717)	(37,174)
Current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	(7,360)	21,890
Reclassified from accumulated OCI into income	0	0
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	13
Ending Balance	(20,077)	(15,297)
Investments
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(782)	(669)
Current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	(404)	187
Reclassified from accumulated OCI into income	0	0
Income tax expense (benefit)	30	14
Ending Balance	(1,216)	(496)
Derivative instruments
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(3,010)	3,222
Current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	10,692	(10,332)
Reclassified from accumulated OCI into income	886	862
Income tax expense (benefit)	2,449	(3,360)
Ending Balance	6,119	(2,888)
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(16,509)	(34,621)
Ending Balance	$ (15,174)	$ (18,681)

Authorized shares of common a_2

Authorized shares of common and preferred stock and stock-based compensation plans (Details) - $ / shares	May 14, 2013	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	May 09, 2017	May 12, 2015	May 11, 2010	May 31, 2005	Jan. 21, 2004
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Additional number of shares reserved for issuance	180,000,000
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	360,000,000	360,000,000		360,000,000	3,000,000
Common and preferred stock shares authorized		365,000,000
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares)		5,000,000		5,000,000
Preferred stock, par value per share (in usd per share)		$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Common stock, par value per share (in usd per share)		$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Number of shares reserved for issuance						2,518,416	3,362,304
Maximum employee subscription rate		15.00%
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)		0		0
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares)		0		0
Common stock repurchased (in shares)		0	0
Authorized common stock available for repurchase (in shares)		1,134,247
Incentive Plan (2005) | Restricted Stock Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares reserved for issuance								4,050,000
Incentive Plan (2005) | Restricted Stock Plan | Vesting Period, Three Years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period (in years)		3 years
Incentive Plan (2005) | Restricted Stock Plan | Vesting Period, Five Years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period (in years)		5 years
Incentive Plan (2005) | Restricted Stock Plan | Vesting Period, Ten Years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period (in years)		10 years
Incentive Plan (2005) | Restricted Stock Plan | Vesting Period, Four Years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period (in years)		4 years
Incentive Plan (2010)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares reserved for issuance						2,518,416
Incentive Plan (2010) | Restricted Stock Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock, authorized (in shares)							3,000,000
Incentive Plan (2015)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares reserved for issuance						3,000,000
Shares available for grant under 2015 restricted stock plan		3,026,600
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of the lower of the market related to purchase of common stock		85.00%
Common stock reserved for future issuance under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)		2,187,766
Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan		680,131
Weighted average purchase price of employees' purchase rights (in usd per share)		$ 35.91
Series A Preferred Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares)									750,000

Segment and geographic inform_2

Segment and geographic information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)segmentregion	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | segment			1
Number of geographic regions company operates in | region			3
Total revenue	$ 346,127	$ 320,921	$ 999,033	$ 939,635
Property and equipment, net	245,898		245,898		$ 249,715
Outside The United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenue	213,000	$ 195,000	635,000	$ 588,000
Property and equipment, net	$ 132,000		$ 132,000		$ 132,000

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Apr. 27, 2018	Apr. 26, 2018	Oct. 29, 2015	May 09, 2013
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unsecured revolving line of credit								$ 50,000,000
Ratio of consolidated indebtedness to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, maximum allowed			3.25
Ratio of consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization expense, minimum allowed			3
Interest rate in event of default			2.00%
Outstanding borrowing on line of credit	$ 0		$ 0
Interest expense	$ 0	$ 176,000	$ 0	$ 519,000
Weighted average interest rate	3.40%	2.40%	3.40%	2.40%
First Amendment
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unsecured revolving line of credit							$ 125,000,000
Optional credit line increase							$ 25,000,000
Second Amendment
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unsecured revolving line of credit					$ 5,000,000	$ 125,000,000
Letter of credit sublimit					$ 5,000,000	$ 10,000,000
Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Quarterly commitment fee			0.18%
Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Quarterly commitment fee			0.30%
Base Rate | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable interest rate spread			0.00%
Base Rate | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable interest rate spread			0.50%
London Interbank Offered Rate | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable interest rate spread			1.13%
London Interbank Offered Rate | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable interest rate spread			2.00%

Commitments and contingencies -

Commitments and contingencies - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Limited warranty on most hardware products (in number of years)	1 year
Non-cancelable purchase commitments	$ 7.3
Outstanding guarantees for payment of customs and foreign grants (less than)	$ 0.1

Commitments and contingencies_2

Commitments and contingencies - Schedule Of Warranty Reserve (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 2,846	$ 2,686
Accruals for warranties issued during the period	2,224	1,929
Accruals related to pre-existing warranties	335	193
Settlements made (in cash or in kind) during the period	(2,235)	(1,983)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 3,170	$ 2,825

Restructuring - Schedule of Res

Restructuring - Schedule of Restructuring Related Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total restructuring and other related costs	$ 4,501	$ 1,990	$ 11,349	$ 11,166
Cost of sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total restructuring and other related costs	(179)	79	(150)	986
Research and development
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total restructuring and other related costs	631	86	1,607	1,382
Sales and marketing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total restructuring and other related costs	3,676	1,618	8,354	7,997
General and Administration
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total restructuring and other related costs	$ 373	$ 207	$ 1,538	$ 801

Restructuring - Schedule of R_2

Restructuring - Schedule of Restructuring Reserve (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
December 31, 2017			$ 5,408
Income statement expense	$ 4,501	$ 1,990	11,349	$ 11,166
Cash payments			(12,923)
September 30, 2018	$ 3,834		$ 3,834

Restructuring - Narrative (Deta

Restructuring - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring accrual	$ 3,834	$ 5,408

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details)	Oct. 24, 2018$ / shares
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividend payable (in dollars per share)	$ 0.23

Uncategorized Items - nati-2018

Label	Element	Value
Contract with Customer, Liability	us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability	$ 144,316,000
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] | Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member]
Contract with Customer, Liability	us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability	$ (10,064,000)