Revenue to Unaffiliated Customers by Geographic Area (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]

Total revenue

$ 70,702

$ 65,321

$ 67,584

$ 70,830

$ 82,996

^[1]

$ 70,621

$ 79,733

$ 73,967

$ 274,437

$ 307,317

$ 231,232

North America

Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]

Total revenue

153,607

177,586

142,921

International

Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]

Total revenue

$ 120,830

$ 129,731

$ 88,311

[1]

In the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company determined that a portion of a previously recognized deferred tax asset related to stock-based compensation in certain foreign jurisdictions was identified as non-deductible and should be written off. A portion of the write-off relates to prior quarters and prior year. In accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 99 and SAB No. 108, the Company assessed the materiality of this correction on its financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008 and each of the quarters within 2011, using both the roll-over method and iron-curtain method as defined in SAB No. 108. The Company concluded that the effect of this error was not material to its financial statements for any of the periods and, as such, these financial statements are not materially misstated.

ACME PACKET INC 10-K