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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Patents (Details) (USD $)
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12 Months Ended | ||
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Dec. 31, 2011
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Dec. 31, 2010
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Dec. 31, 2009
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| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | |||
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net | $ 137,963,000 | $ 130,305,000 | |
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Patents [Member]
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| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | |||
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted-Average Useful Life | 10.7 | 10.7 | |
| Finite-Lived Patents, Gross | 245,999,000 | 218,722,000 | |
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization | (108,036,000) | (88,417,000) | |
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net | 137,963,000 | 130,305,000 | |
| Current - Future Amortization Expense | 20,701,000 | ||
| 2013 - Future Amortization Expense | 20,086,000 | ||
| 2014 - Future Amortization Expense | 19,108,000 | ||
| 2015 - Future Amortization Expense | 17,756,000 | ||
| 2016 - Future Amortization Expense | 16,137,000 | ||
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Average Useful Life | 15.0 | ||
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense | $ 19,600,000 | $ 17,200,000 | $ 14,400,000 |
| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The accumulated amount of amortization of a major finite-lived intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Aggregate amount of intangible asset amortization recognized as expense during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The average useful life of a major finite-lived intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The aggregate estimated amortization expense for succeeding fiscal years for intangible assets subject to amortization. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The aggregate sum of gross carrying value of a major finite-lived intangible asset class, less accumulated amortization and any impairment charges. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The calculated weighted-average useful life of all finite-lived intangible assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Gross carrying amount before accumulated amortization as of the balance sheet date of the costs pertaining to the exclusive legal rights granted to the owner of the patent to exploit an invention or a process for a period of time specified by law. Such costs may have been expended to directly apply and receive patent rights, or to acquire such rights. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during year five of the five succeeding fiscal years. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during year four of the five succeeding fiscal years. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during year three of the five succeeding fiscal years. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during year two of the five succeeding fiscal years. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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