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Derivative Instruments
6 Months Ended
May 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Derivative Instruments
Derivative Instruments

We generally use foreign currency option contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments to hedge economically a portion of forecasted international cash flows for up to one year in the future. All foreign currency option contracts are recorded at fair value in other current assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets at the end of each reporting period and expire within one year. In the three and six months ended May 31, 2011, mark-to-market losses of $0.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively, on foreign currency option contracts were recorded in other income in the condensed consolidated statements of income. We did not hold any option contracts in the first or second quarters of fiscal 2012.

We also use forward contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments to hedge economically the impact of the variability in exchange rates on accounts receivable and collections denominated in certain foreign currencies. We generally do not hedge the net assets of our international subsidiaries. All forward contracts are recorded at fair value in other current assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets at the end of each reporting period and expire within 90 days. In the three and six months ended May 31, 2012 and 2011, realized and unrealized gains (losses) of $2.5 million, $0.3 million, $(1.4) million and $(2.0) million, respectively, from our forward contracts were recognized in other income in the condensed consolidated statements of income. These losses were substantially offset by realized and unrealized gains on the offsetting positions.

The table below details outstanding foreign currency forward contracts where the notional amount is determined using contract exchange rates (in thousands):
 
 
May 31, 2012
 
November 30, 2011
 
Notional Value
 
Fair Value
 
Notional Value
 
Fair Value
Forward contracts to sell U.S. dollars
$
4,717

 
$
20

 
$
2,180

 
$
(54
)
Forward contracts to purchase U.S. dollars
42,890

 
(192
)
 
36,275

 
106

Total
$
47,607

 
$
(172
)
 
$
38,455

 
$
52