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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of QIAGEN N.V. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries that are not considered variable interest entities. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in companies where we exercise significant influence over the operations but do not have control, and where we are not the primary beneficiary, are accounted for using the equity method. All other investments are accounted for under the cost method. When there is a portion of equity in an acquired subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the Company, we record the fair value of the noncontrolling interests at the acquisition date and classify the amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests separately in equity in the consolidated financial statements. Any subsequent changes in the Company's ownership interest while the Company retains its controlling financial interest in its subsidiary are accounted for as equity transactions.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and disclosure of contingencies at the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Concentrations of Risk

We buy materials for products from many suppliers, and are not dependent on any one supplier or group of suppliers for the business as a whole. However, key components of certain products, including certain instrumentation components and chemicals, are available only from a single source. If supplies from these vendors were delayed or interrupted for any reason, we may not be able to obtain these materials timely or in sufficient quantities in order to produce certain products and sales levels could be negatively affected. Additionally, our customers include researchers at pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions and government and private laboratories. Fluctuations in the research and development budgets of these researchers and their organizations for applications in which our products are used could have a significant effect on the demand for our products.

The financial instruments used in managing our foreign currency and interest rate exposures have an element of risk in that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreements. We attempt to minimize this risk by limiting the counterparties to a diverse group of highly-rated international financial institutions. The carrying values of our financial instruments incorporate the non-performance risk by using market pricing for credit risk. However, we have no reason to believe that any counterparties will default on their obligations and therefore do not expect to record any losses as a result of counterparty default. In order to minimize our exposure with any single counterparty, we have entered into master agreements which allow us to manage the exposure with the respective counterparty on a net basis. In connection with such agreements, we do not require and are not required to pledge collateral for derivative transactions.

Other financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk are cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and accounts receivable. We attempt to minimize the risks related to cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments by dealing with highly-rated financial institutions and investing in a broad and diverse range of financial instruments. We have established guidelines related to credit quality and maturities of investments intended to maintain safety and liquidity. Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited due to a large and diverse customer base, which is dispersed over different geographic areas. Allowances are maintained for potential credit losses and such losses have historically been within expected ranges.

Foreign Currency Translation

Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar and our subsidiaries’ functional currencies are generally the local currency of the respective countries in which they are headquartered. All amounts in the financial statements of entities whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollar equivalents at exchange rates as follows: (1) assets and liabilities at period-end rates, (2) income statement accounts at average exchange rates for the period, and (3) components of equity at historical rates. Translation gains or losses are recorded in equity, and transaction gains and losses are reflected in net income as a component of other income, net. Realized gains or losses on the value of derivative contracts entered into to hedge the exchange rate exposure of receivables and payables are also included in net income as a component of other income, net. The net gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions in 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $12.4 million, $2.6 million, and $5.6 million, respectively, and is included in other income, net.

Segment Information

We determined that we operate as one operating segment in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 280, Segment Reporting. Our chief operating decision maker (CODM) makes decisions based on the Company as a whole. In addition, we have a common basis of organization and types of products and services which derive revenues and consistent product margins. Accordingly, we operate and make decisions as one reporting unit. Certain reclassifications of prior year amounts have been made to conform to the current year presentation, including reclassifications related to reporting as a single segment under ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting.

Revenue Recognition

Our revenues are reported net of sales and value added taxes, discounts and sales allowances, and are derived primarily from the sale of consumable and instrumentation products, and to a much lesser extent, from the sale of services, intellectual property and technology. We recognize revenue when four basic criteria are met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; (3) the fee is fixed or determinable; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured.

Consumable and Related Products: Revenue from consumable product sales is generally recognized upon transfer of title consistent with the shipping terms. We maintain a small amount of consignment inventory at certain customer locations. Revenues for the consumable products which are consigned in this manner are recognized upon consumption. We generally allow returns of consumable products if the product is returned in a timely manner and in good condition. Allowances for returns are provided for based upon the historical pattern of returns and Management’s evaluation of specific factors that impact the risk of returns.

Related revenue includes license fees, intellectual property and patent sales, royalties and milestone payments. License fees from research collaborations include payments for technology transfer and access rights. Non-refundable, up-front payments received in connection with collaborative research and development agreements are generally deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract period during which there is any continuing obligation. Revenue from intellectual property and patent sales is recognized when earned, either at the time of sale, or over the performance period. Payments for milestones, generally based on the achievement of substantive and at-risk performance criteria, are recognized in full at such time as the specified milestone has been achieved according to the terms of the agreement. Royalties from licensees are based on reported sales of licensed products and revenues are calculated based on contract terms when reported sales are reliably measurable, fees are fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.

Instrumentation: Revenue from instrumentation includes the instrumentation equipment, installation, training and other instrumentation services, such as extended warranty services or product maintenance contracts. Revenue from instrumentation equipment is generally recognized when title passes to the customer, upon either shipment or written customer acceptance after satisfying any installation and training requirements. For instrumentation equipment sales that contain other obligations, such as providing consumables, advanced training, separately-priced extended warranty services or separately-priced extended maintenance contracts, revenue is first allocated to separately-priced extended warranty or maintenance contracts based on the stated contract price, then the remaining contract value is allocated to the remaining elements based on objective, verifiable evidence of the fair value of the individual components. The price charged when the element is sold separately generally determines its fair value. Revenues for extended warranty services or extended product maintenance contracts are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract period.

We have contracts with multiple elements which are accounted for under ASC 605-25, Revenue Recognition—Multiple-Element Arrangements. Multiple-element arrangements are assessed to determine whether there is more than one unit of accounting. In order for a deliverable to qualify as a separate unit of accounting, all of the following criteria must be met:


•	The delivered items have value to the client on a stand-alone basis;


•	The arrangement includes a general right of return relative to the delivered items, and


•	Delivery or performance of the undelivered items is considered probable and substantially in the control of the Company.

Arrangement consideration is allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables on the basis of their relative selling price. Effective as of January 1, 2011, when applying the relative selling price method, the selling price for each deliverable is determined using (a) vendor-specific objective evidence of selling price, if it exists; or otherwise (b) third-party evidence of selling price. If neither vendor-specific objective evidence nor third-party evidence of selling price exists for a deliverable, then the best estimated selling price for the deliverable is used. Prior to January 1, 2011, only the vendor-specific objective evidence of selling price was used. The arrangement consideration is allocated to the separate units of accounting based on each unit’s relative fair value. Revenue is then recognized using a proportional-performance method, such as recognizing revenue based on relative fair value of products or services delivered, or on a straight-line basis as appropriate. If these criteria are not met, deliverables included in an arrangement are accounted for as a single unit of accounting and revenue and costs are deferred until the period in which the final deliverable is provided.

Warranty

We provide warranties on our products against defects in materials and workmanship generally for a period of one year. A provision for estimated future warranty costs is recorded in cost of sales at the time product revenue is recognized. Product warranty obligations are included in accrued and other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The changes in the carrying amount of warranty obligations are as follows:



(in thousands)	Total
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2009	$	3,468
Provision charged to cost of sales	3,678
Usage	(3,258		)
Adjustments to previously provided warranties, net	(477		)
Currency translation	29
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2010	$	3,440
Provision charged to cost of sales	4,376
Usage	(3,649		)
Adjustments to previously provided warranties, net	(198		)
Currency translation	(59		)
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2011	$	3,910

Research and Development

Research and product development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development expenses consist primarily of salaries and related expenses, facility costs and amounts paid to contract research organizations, and laboratories for the provision of services and materials as well as costs for internal use or clinical trials.

Government Grants

We recognize government grants when there is reasonable assurance that all conditions will be complied with and the grant will be received. Our government grants generally represent subsidies for specified activities and are therefore recognized when earned as a reduction of the expenses recorded for the activity that the grants are intended to compensate. Thus, when the grant relates to research and development expense, the grant is recognized over the same period that the related costs are incurred. Otherwise, amounts received under government grants are recorded as liabilities in the balance sheet. When the grant relates to an asset, the value of the grant is deducted from the carrying amount of the asset and recognized over the same period that the related asset is depreciated.

Shipping and Handling Income and Costs

Shipping and handling costs charged to customers are recorded as revenue in the period that the related product sale revenue is recorded. Associated costs of shipping and handling are included in sales and marketing expenses. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, shipping and handling costs totaled $24.0 million, $19.9 million and $17.5 million, respectively.

Advertising Costs

The costs of advertising are expensed as incurred and are included as a component of sales and marketing expense. Advertising costs for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $6.3 million, $7.6 million and $10.6 million, respectively.

General and Administrative, Integration and Other

General and administrative expenses primarily represent the costs required to support administrative infrastructure. In addition, we incur indirect acquisition and business integration costs in connection with business combinations. These costs represent incremental costs that we believe would not have been incurred absent the business combinations. Major components of these costs include payroll and related costs for employees remaining with the Company on a transitional basis; public relations, advertising and media costs for re-branding of the combined organization; and, consulting and related fees incurred to integrate or restructure the acquired operations. Other costs include relocation and restructuring costs. These costs are expensed as incurred.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the liability method. Under this method, total income tax expense is the amount of income taxes expected to be payable for the current year plus the change from the beginning of the year for deferred income tax assets and liabilities established for the expected further tax consequences resulting from differences in the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and/or liabilities are determined by multiplying the differences between the financial reporting and tax reporting bases for assets and liabilities by the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such differences are recovered or settled. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

Tax benefits are initially recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. Such tax positions are initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authority using the cumulative probability method, assuming the tax authority has full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. Our policy is to recognize interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties within the income tax provision.

Derivative Instruments

We enter into derivative financial instrument contracts to minimize the variability of cash flows or income statement impact associated with the anticipated transactions being hedged or to hedge fluctuating interest rates. As changes in foreign currency or interest rate impact the value of anticipated transactions, the fair value of the forward or swap contracts also changes, offsetting foreign currency or interest rate fluctuations. Derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in fair value of derivatives are recorded in current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether a derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction.

Share-Based Payments

Compensation cost for all share-based payments is recorded based on the grant date fair value.

Stock Options: We utilize the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model for estimating the fair value of our stock options granted. Option valuation models, including Black-Scholes-Merton, require the input of highly subjective assumptions, and changes in the assumptions used can materially affect the grant date fair value of an award. These assumptions include the risk-free rate of interest, expected dividend yield, expected volatility, expected life of the award and forfeiture rate.

Risk-Free Interest Rate—This is the average U.S. Treasury rate (having a term that most closely resembles the expected life of the option) at the date the option was granted.

Dividend Yield—We have never declared or paid dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate declaring or paying any dividends in the foreseeable future.

Expected Volatility—Volatility is a measure of the amount by which a financial variable such as a share price has fluctuated (historical volatility) or is expected to fluctuate (expected volatility) during a period. We use a combination of the historical volatility of our stock price and the implied volatility of market-traded options of our stock to estimate the expected volatility assumption input to the Black-Scholes-Merton model. Our decision to use a combination of historical and implied volatility is based upon the availability of actively traded options of our stock and our assessment that such a combination is more representative of future expected stock price trends.

Expected Life of the Option—This is the period of time that the options granted are expected to remain outstanding. We estimated the expected life by considering the historical exercise behavior. We use an even exercise methodology, which assumes that all vested, outstanding options are exercised uniformly over the balance of their contractual life.

Forfeiture Rate—This is the estimated percentage of options granted that are expected to be forfeited or cancelled on an annual basis before becoming fully vested. We estimated the forfeiture rate based on historical forfeiture experience.

Restricted Stock Units: Restricted stock units represent rights to receive Common Shares at a future date. The fair market value is determined based on the number of restricted stock units granted and the fair market value of our shares on the grant date. The fair market value at the time of the grant, less an estimate for pre-vesting forfeitures, is recognized in expense over the vesting period.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on deposit in banks and other cash invested temporarily in various instruments that are short-term and highly liquid, and having an original maturity of less than 90 days at the date of purchase.

Short Term Investments

Short-Term Investments

Short-term investments are classified as “available for sale” and stated at fair value in the accompanying balance sheet. Interest income is accrued when earned and changes in fair market values are reflected as unrealized gains and losses, calculated on the specific identification method, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. The amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity arising from acquisition is included in interest income. A decline in fair value that is judged to be other-than-temporary is accounted for as a realized loss and the write-down is included in the consolidated statements of income. Realized gains and losses, determined on a specific identification basis, on the sale of short-term investments are included in income.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, notes receivable, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values because of the short maturities of those instruments. The carrying value of our variable rate debt and capital leases approximates their fair values because of the short maturities and/or interest rates which are comparable to those available to us on similar terms. The fair values of the notes payable to QIAGEN Finance and Euro Finance, further discussed in Note 16, were estimated by using available over-the-counter market information on the convertible bonds which were issued by QIAGEN Finance and Euro Finance, the values of which correlate to the fair value of the loan arrangements we have with QIAGEN Finance and Euro Finance which include the notes payable, the guarantee and the warrant agreement (further discussed in Note 12).

Accounts Receivable

Our accounts receivable are unsecured and we are at risk to the extent such amounts become uncollectible. We continually monitor accounts receivable balances, and provide for an allowance for doubtful accounts at the time collection becomes questionable based on payment history or age of the receivable. Amounts determined to be uncollectible are written off against the reserve. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, write-offs of accounts receivable totaled $0.6 million, $0.8 million and $0.6 million while provisions for doubtful accounts which were charged to expense totaled $2.1 million, $1.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively. For all years presented, no single customer represented more than ten percent of accounts receivable or consolidated net sales

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a first-in, first-out basis, or market and include material, capitalized labor and overhead costs. Inventories consisted of the following as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:



	As of December 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010
Raw materials	$	26,645	$	23,738
Work in process	33,757		33,043
Finished goods	71,834		69,852
Total inventories	$	132,236	$	126,633

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment, including equipment acquired under capital lease obligations, are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets (one to 40 years). Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the remaining life of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement asset. We have a policy of capitalizing expenditures that materially increase assets’ useful lives and charging ordinary maintenance and repairs to operations as incurred. When property or equipment is disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in earnings.

Acquired Intangibles and Goodwill

Acquired intangibles with alternative future uses are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and consist of licenses to technology held by third parties and other acquired intangible assets. Amortization is computed over the estimated useful life of the underlying patents, which has historically ranged from one to twenty years. Purchased intangible assets acquired in business combinations, other than goodwill, are amortized over their estimated useful lives unless these lives are determined to be indefinite. Intangibles are assessed for recoverability considering the contract life and the period of time over which the intangible will contribute to future cash flow. The unamortized cost of intangible assets, where cash flows are independent and identifiable from other assets, is evaluated periodically and adjusted, if necessary, if events and circumstances indicate that a decline in value below the carrying amount has occurred.

Amortization expense related to developed technology and patent and license rights which have been acquired in a business combination is included in cost of sales. Amortization of trademarks, customer base and non-compete agreements which have been acquired in a business combination is recorded in operating expense under the caption ‘acquisition-related intangible amortization.’ Amortization expenses of intangible assets not acquired in a business combination are recorded within either the cost of sales, research and development or sales and marketing line items based on the use of the asset.

Goodwill represents the difference between the purchase price and the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired arising from business combinations. Goodwill is subject to impairment tests annually or earlier if indicators of potential impairment exist, using a fair-value-based approach. We have elected to perform our annual test for indications of impairment as of October 1^st of each year. Following the annual impairment tests for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, goodwill has not been impaired.

Investments

We have investments in non-marketable securities issued by privately held companies. These investments are included in other long-term assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are accounted for using the equity or cost method of accounting.

Investments are evaluated at least quarterly, or sooner if impairment indicators are noted, to determine if declines in value are other-than-temporary. In making that determination, we consider all available evidence relating to the realizable value of a security. This evidence includes, but is not limited to, the following:


•	adverse financial conditions of a specific issuer, segment, industry, region or other variables;


•	the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost; and


•	the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer.

The fair values of any of our cost or equity method investments have declined below their carrying value whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances indicate that recorded values may not be recoverable. If any such decline is considered to be other than temporary (based on various factors, including historical financial results, product development activities and the overall health of the affiliate’s industry), then a write-down of the investment would be recorded in operating expense to its estimated fair value.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or a group of assets may not be recoverable. We consider, amongst other indicators, a history of operating losses or a change in expected sales levels to be indicators of potential impairment. Assets are grouped and evaluated for impairment at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets. If an asset is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds fair value which is determined by applicable market prices, when available. When market prices are not available, we generally measure fair value by discounting projected future cash flows of the asset. Considerable judgment is necessary to estimate discounted future cash flows. Accordingly, actual results could differ from such estimates. During 2011, in connection with our internal restructuring we recorded an asset impairment charge of $42.1 million related to the abandonment of certain projects. There were no material impairment losses recognized for long-lived assets during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.