Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Income	$ 770,711	$ 782,884	$ 251,062
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	31,927	27,535	29,022
Stock-based compensation	82,750	62,118	64,446
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	15,657	34,256	(5,890)
Tax effect of employee stock plans	16,162	27,444	(3,648)
Excess tax benefit from employee stock plans	(17,307)	(21,866)	(990)
Gain on substantive termination of retiree medical plan	0	0	(6,488)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of the effects of acquisition:
Accounts receivable, net	131,341	(145,330)	(136,115)
Inventories	24,245	(76,819)	14,931
Other assets	54,661	(52,805)	38,862
Accounts payable and other liabilities	(32,534)	59,200	7,918
Deferred income and allowances on sales to distributors	(148,836)	146,826	77,611
Income taxes payable	31,116	15,746	39,860
Deferred compensation plan obligations	(293)	(2,494)	2,125
Net cash provided by operating activities	959,600	856,695	372,706
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(31,812)	(12,442)	(11,060)
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	(164,408)	0	0
Proceeds from the maturities and sale of available-for-sale investments	25,003	0	0
Acquisition related payments, net of cash acquired	0	(8,004)	0
Sales (purchases) of deferred compensation plan securities, net	293	2,494	(2,125)
Purchases of intangible assets	0	(5,000)	(690)
Net cash used in investing activities	(170,924)	(22,952)	(13,875)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock through various stock plans	119,989	453,719	42,144
Shares withheld for employee taxes	(32,152)	(20,164)	(10,738)
Repurchases of common stock	(197,023)	0	0
Payment of dividends to stockholders	(90,060)	(67,774)	(58,925)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	17,307	21,866	990
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	0	(2,866)	(2,373)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(181,939)	384,781	(28,902)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	606,737	1,218,524	329,929
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	2,765,196	1,546,672	1,216,743
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	3,371,933	2,765,196	1,546,672
Supplemental cash flow information:
Income taxes paid, net	9,856	29,887	7,310
Interest paid	$ 3,704	$ 3,395	$ 4,503