Dolby Laboratories (DLB) 10-Q 6 May 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015	Apr. 24, 2015
Entity Registrant Name	Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1308547
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-16
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	27-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		51,647,278
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		51,068,661

Interim_Condensed_Consolidated

Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$513,994	$568,472
Restricted cash	2,156	2,142
Short-term investments	188,164	231,208
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,046 and $1,615	98,562	86,168
Inventories	23,761	8,536
Deferred taxes	80,858	86,445
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	34,523	22,880
Total current assets	942,018	1,005,851
Long-term investments	330,298	296,335
Property, plant and equipment, net	358,368	289,755
Intangible assets, net	106,369	63,700
Goodwill	312,869	277,574
Deferred taxes	55,340	41,746
Other non-current assets	9,342	9,051
Total assets	2,114,604	1,984,012
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	14,130	15,898
Accrued liabilities	189,507	158,376
Income taxes payable	1,144	2,600
Deferred revenue	16,371	12,496
Total current liabilities	221,152	189,370
Long-term deferred revenue	29,678	19,279
Other non-current liabilities	64,715	43,715
Total liabilities	315,545	252,364
Stockholders' equity:
Additional paid-in capital	50,662	46,415
Retained earnings	1,739,346	1,660,485
Accumulated other comprehensive income	-7,532	3,014
Total stockholders’ equity – Dolby Laboratories, Inc.	1,782,579	1,710,017
Controlling interest	16,480	21,631
Total stockholders’ equity	1,799,059	1,731,648
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	2,114,604	1,984,012
Class A, $0.001 par value, one vote per share, 500,000,000 shares authorized: 51,383,446 shares issued and outstanding at March 27, 2015 and 50,658,627 at September 26, 2014
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	52	51
Class B, $0.001 par value, ten votes per share, 500,000,000 shares authorized: 51,073,661 shares issued and outstanding at March 27, 2015 and 51,610,239 at September 26, 2014
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	$51	$52

Interim_Condensed_Consolidated1

Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for doubtful accounts	($1,046)	($1,615)
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock voting right per share (votes per share)	1	1
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	51,383,446	50,658,627
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	51,383,446	50,658,627
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock voting right per share (votes per share)	10	10
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	51,073,661	51,610,239
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	51,073,661	51,610,239

Interim_Condensed_Consolidated2

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Revenue:
Licensing	$243,333	$258,616	$459,931	$464,276
Products	22,985	14,563	36,248	32,667
Services	5,632	5,413	10,009	12,926
Total revenue	271,950	278,592	506,188	509,869
Cost of revenue:
Cost of licensing	3,787	3,742	7,268	7,743
Cost of products	18,237	10,293	30,821	24,081
Cost of services	3,125	3,470	6,470	7,063
Total cost of revenue	25,149	17,505	44,559	38,887
Gross margin	246,801	261,087	461,629	470,982
Operating expenses:
Research and development	56,601	44,798	105,195	89,261
Sales and marketing	65,940	64,828	133,958	125,207
General and administrative	45,653	46,457	90,369	88,365
Restructuring charges/(credits)	0	86	-39	3,301
Total operating expenses	168,194	156,169	329,483	306,134
Operating income	78,607	104,918	132,146	164,848
Other income/expense:
Interest income	1,091	920	1,991	1,574
Interest expense	-31	-93	-46	-205
Other income/(expense), net	218	-2,823	110	-2,594
Total other income/expense	1,278	-1,996	2,055	-1,225
Income before income taxes	79,885	102,922	134,201	163,623
Provision for income taxes	-21,353	-26,373	-33,732	-41,828
Net income including controlling interest	58,532	76,549	100,469	121,795
Less: net (income) attributable to controlling interest	-558	-681	-1,138	-1,412
Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.			99,331	120,383
Net Income Per Share:
Basic (in usd per share)			$0.97	$1.18
Diluted (in usd per share)			$0.95	$1.16
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic (in shares)			102,406	102,021
Diluted (in shares)	103,904	103,934	104,097	103,460
Related party rent expense:
Included in operating expenses	755	346	1,543	692
Included in net income attributable to controlling interest	$1,151	$1,250	$2,304	$2,505
Common stock, dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0	$0.20	$0

Interim_Condensed_Consolidated3

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Statement (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income including controlling interest	$58,532	$76,549	$100,469	$121,795
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-6,319	1,311	-11,872	921
Unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	842	72	665	177
Comprehensive income	53,055	77,932	89,262	122,893
Less: comprehensive (income) attributable to controlling interest	-425	-755	-477	-1,630
Comprehensive income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.	$52,630	$77,177	$88,785	$121,263

Interim_Condensed_Consolidated4

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Total Dolby Laboratories,Inc.[Member]	Controlling Interest [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning balance at Sep. 27, 2013	$1,500,026	$102	$18,812	$1,454,382	$7,814	$1,481,110	$18,916
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	121,795			120,383		120,383	1,412
Translation adjustments, net of tax of $829 and $(64), respectively	921				703	703	218
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $(327) and $(98), respectively	-177				-177	-177
Stock-based compensation expense	32,807		32,807			32,807
Repurchase of common stock	-11,660		-11,660			-11,660
Tax benefit/(deficiency) from the stock incentive plans	10		10			10
Common stock issued under employee stock plans	17,309	1	17,308			17,309
Tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock	-8,358		-8,358			-8,358
Exercise of class B stock options	155		155			155
Ending balance at Mar. 28, 2014	1,653,182	103	49,074	1,574,765	8,694	1,632,636	20,546
Beginning balance at Sep. 26, 2014	1,731,648	103	46,415	1,660,485	3,014	1,710,017	21,631
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	100,469			99,331		99,331	1,138
Translation adjustments, net of tax of $829 and $(64), respectively	-11,872				-11,211	-11,211	-661
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $(327) and $(98), respectively	-665				-665	-665
Distributions to controlling interest	-5,628			0		0	-5,628
Stock-based compensation expense	34,509		34,509			34,509
Repurchase of common stock	-32,364	-1	-32,363			-32,364
Cash dividends declared and paid on common stock	-20,470			-20,470		-20,470
Tax benefit/(deficiency) from the stock incentive plans	-1,273		-1,273			-1,273
Common stock issued under employee stock plans	12,631	1	12,630			12,631
Tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock	-11,809		-11,809			-11,809
Exercise of class B stock options	7		7			7
Ending balance at Mar. 27, 2015	$1,799,059	$103	$50,662	$1,739,346	($7,532)	$1,782,579	$16,480

Interim_Condensed_Consolidated5

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation tax	$829	($64)
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, tax	($327)	($98)

Interim_Condensed_Consolidated6

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Operating activities:
Net income including controlling interest	$100,469	$121,795
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	33,578	25,114
Stock-based compensation	34,509	32,807
Amortization of premium on investments	4,811	4,594
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	-2,095	-1,562
Provision for doubtful accounts	-487	507
Deferred income taxes	-7,681	-6,302
Other non-cash items affecting net income	1,252	2,943
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-3,457	-12,186
Inventories	1,397	1,640
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-6,045	-1,139
Accounts payable and other liabilities	3,223	5,337
Income taxes, net	12,064	13,386
Deferred revenue	5,486	-7,776
Other non-current liabilities	916	262
Net cash provided by operating activities	177,940	179,420
Investing activities:
Purchase of investments	-194,613	-178,830
Proceeds from sales of investment securities	120,074	63,424
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities	79,885	81,402
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-78,491	-17,872
Payments for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-93,516	0
Purchases of intangible assets	-6,416	-12,400
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and assets held for sale	3	42
Change in restricted cash	-14	-169
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities	-173,088	-64,403
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	12,638	17,464
Repurchase of common stock	-32,364	-11,660
Payment of cash dividend	-20,470	0
Distribution to controlling interest	-5,628	0
Excess tax benefit from the exercise of stock options	2,095	1,562
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock	-11,809	-8,358
Net cash used in financing activities	-55,538	-992
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-3,792	477
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-54,478	114,502
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	568,472	454,397
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	513,994	568,899
Supplemental disclosure:
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received	26,885	34,092
Capital expenditures incurred, not yet paid	27,824	2,662
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Consideration Payable	$740	$0

Basis_Of_Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
	We have prepared the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and with SEC rules and regulations, which allow for certain information and footnote disclosures that are normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP to be condensed or omitted. In our opinion, these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 26, 2014 and include all adjustments necessary for fair presentation. The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 26, 2014, which are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.
	The results for the fiscal quarter ended March 27, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any subsequent quarterly or annual financial period, including the fiscal year ending September 25, 2015.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Dolby Laboratories, Inc. and our wholly owned subsidiaries. In addition, we have consolidated the financial results of jointly owned affiliated companies in which our principal stockholder has a controlling interest. We report these controlling interests as a separate line in our consolidated statements of operations as net income attributable to controlling interest and in our consolidated balance sheets as a controlling interest. We eliminate all intercompany accounts and transactions upon consolidation.
	Operating Segments
	We operate as a single reporting segment, and thus all required financial segment information is included in our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements. This determination reflects the fact that our CODM, our Chief Executive Officer, evaluates our financial information and resources, and assesses the performance of these resources on a consolidated basis.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of our financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include estimated selling prices for elements sold in ME revenue arrangements; valuation allowances for accounts receivable; carrying values of inventories and certain property, plant, and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets; fair values of investments; accrued liabilities including liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, deferred income tax assets and stock-based compensation. Actual results could differ from our estimates.
	Fiscal Year
	Our fiscal year is a 52 or 53 week period ending on the last Friday in September. The fiscal periods presented herein include the 13 and 26 week periods ended March 27, 2015 and March 28, 2014. Our fiscal year ending September 25, 2015 (fiscal 2015) and our fiscal year ended September 26, 2014 (fiscal 2014) both consist of 52 weeks.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	We continually assess any ASUs or other new accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB to determine their applicability and impact on us. Where it is determined that a new accounting pronouncement will result in a change to our financial reporting, we take the appropriate steps to ensure that such changes are properly reflected in our consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	Adopted Standards
	All recently pronounced accounting standards applicable to, and adopted by Dolby have been previously disclosed as part of a quarterly or annual filing from prior periods. Accounting pronouncements that were adopted and disclosed in prior periods have not had a significant impact on our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements or notes thereto, and have not resulted in a change to our significant accounting policies. Furthermore, there have not been any changes to our significant accounting policies from those that were described in our Form 10-K for the prior fiscal year ended September 26, 2014.
	Standards Not Yet Effective
	Revenue Recognition.  On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. This new standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard, initially effective for us on October 1, 2017, has been tentatively deferred by one year, and early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are evaluating the effect that this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We have not yet selected a transition method or determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.
	Consolidation.  On February 18, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which amends the consolidation requirements in ASC 810 and significantly changes the consolidation analysis required under U.S. GAAP. Among others, the ASU significantly amends how variable interests held by a reporting entity’s related parties or de facto agents affect its consolidation conclusion. The amendments in this Update are effective for us on October 1, 2016. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. We have not yet selected the timing, the transition method or determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.

Composition_Of_Certain_Financi

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions	Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions
	The following tables present detailed information from our consolidated balance sheets as of March 27, 2015 and September 26, 2014 (amounts displayed in thousands, except as otherwise noted).
	Accounts Receivable
	Accounts Receivable, Net	March 27,			September 26,
		2015			2014
	Trade accounts receivable	$	91,792		$	78,189
	Accounts receivable from patent administration program customers	7,816			9,594
	Accounts receivable, gross	99,608			87,783
	Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(1,046		)	(1,615		)
	Total	$	98,562		$	86,168
	Inventories
	Inventories	March 27,			September 26,
		2015			2014
	Raw materials	$	9,752		$	1,013
	Work in process	2,950			47
	Finished goods	11,059			7,476
	Total	$	23,761		$	8,536
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Inventory with a consumption period expected to exceed twelve months is recorded within other non-current assets in our consolidated balance sheets. We have included $1.8 million and $1.7 million of raw materials inventory within other non-current assets in our consolidated balance sheets as of March 27, 2015 and September 26, 2014, respectively. Based on anticipated inventory consumption rates, and aside from existing write-downs due to excess inventory, we do not believe that material risk of obsolescence exists prior to ultimate sale.
	Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets
	Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets	March 27,			September 26,
		2015			2014
	Prepaid expenses	$	16,371		$	11,665
	Other current assets	7,982			7,152
	Income tax receivable	10,170			4,063
	Total	$	34,523		$	22,880
	Accrued Liabilities
	Accrued Liabilities	March 27,			September 26,
		2015			2014
	Accrued royalties	$	3,040		$	2,526
	Amounts payable to patent administration program partners	60,427			43,438
	Accrued compensation and benefits	57,852			71,677
	Accrued professional fees	4,386			6,162
	Other accrued liabilities	63,802			34,573
	Total	$	189,507		$	158,376
	Other accrued liabilities include the accrual for unpaid property, plant and equipment additions of $27.8 million and $8.7 million as of March 27, 2015 and September 26, 2014, respectively.
	Other Non-Current Liabilities
	Other Non-Current Liabilities	March 27,			September 26,
		2015			2014
	Supplemental retirement plan obligations	$	2,400		$	2,409
	Non-current tax liabilities	49,180			30,715
	Other liabilities	13,135			10,591
	Total	$	64,715		$	43,715

Investments_Fair_Value_Measure

Investments & Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Investments & Fair Value Measurements	Investments & Fair Value Measurements
	Investment Strategy.    Under our investment management strategy, we use cash holdings to purchase investment grade securities that are diversified among security types, industries and issuers. Each of the investments within our investment portfolio is measured at fair value, and is recorded within cash equivalents, short-term investments, and long-term investments in our consolidated balance sheets.
	With the exception of our mutual fund investments held in our supplemental retirement plan which are classified as trading securities, all of our investments are classified as available-for-sale securities. Our investments primarily consist of municipal debt securities, corporate and government bonds (domestic and international), United States agency securities and commercial paper. In addition to the security types noted above, our cash and cash equivalents also consist of highly-liquid money market funds. Consistent with our investment policy, none of the municipal debt investments that we hold are supported by letters of credit or standby purchase agreements.
	The following table summarizes unrealized gains and losses on our cash and investment portfolio and our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
		March 27,
		2015
		Cost		Unrealized										Estimated Fair Value
				Gains			Losses			Total				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash	$	498,556							$	498,556
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds	15,438		—			—			15,438				15,438
	Cash and cash equivalents	513,994		—			—			513,994				15,438		—		—
	Short-term investments:
	Government bonds	1,999		7			—			2,006				2,006
	Commercial paper	3,999		—			—			3,999						3,999
	Corporate bonds	79,485		86			(15		)	79,556						79,556
	Municipal debt securities	102,480		129			(6		)	102,603						102,603
	Short-term investments	187,963		222			(21		)	188,164				2,006		186,158		—
	Long-term investments:
	U.S. agency securities	5,000		6			—			5,006				5,006
	Government bonds	20,290		4			(33		)	20,261				20,261
	Corporate bonds	144,666		376			(22		)	145,020						145,020
	Municipal debt securities	158,079		236			(54		)	158,261						158,261
	Other long-term investments (1)	1,750		—			—			1,750				1,050				700
	Long-term investments	329,785		622			(109		)	330,298				26,317		303,281		700
	Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments	$	1,031,742	$	844		$	(130	)	$	1,032,456			$	43,761	$	489,439	$	700
	Investments held in supplemental retirement plan:
	Assets	2,560		—			—			2,560				2,560
	Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets & other non-current assets
	Liabilities	2,560		—			—			2,560				2,560
	Included in accrued liabilities & other non-current liabilities
	Contingent consideration related to acquisition:
	Liabilities	740		—			—			740								740
	Included in accrued liabilities
	-1	Other long-term investments as of March 27, 2015 include a marketable equity security of $1.1 million and cost method investments of $0.7 million.
		September 26,
		2014
		Cost		Unrealized										Estimated Fair Value
				Gains			Losses			Total				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash	$	564,745							$	564,745
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds	1,727		—			—			1,727				1,727
	Commercial paper	2,000		—			—			2,000						2,000
	Cash and cash equivalents	568,472		—			—			568,472				1,727		2,000		—
	Short-term investments:
	U.S. agency securities	35,443		5			(3		)	35,445				35,445
	Commercial paper	21,788		—			—			21,788						21,788
	Corporate bonds	56,106		81			(10		)	56,177						56,177
	Municipal debt securities	117,606		197			(5		)	117,798						117,798
	Short-term investments	230,943		283			(18		)	231,208				35,445		195,763		—
	Long-term investments:
	U.S. agency securities	31,980		19			(6		)	31,993				31,993
	Corporate bonds	117,063		226			(80		)	117,209						117,209
	Municipal debt securities	146,337		326			(30		)	146,633						146,633
	Other long-term investments (1)	500		—			—			500
	Long-term investments	295,880		571			(116		)	296,335				31,993		263,842		—
	Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments	$	1,095,295	$	854		$	(134	)	$	1,096,015			$	69,165	$	461,605	$	—
	Investments held in supplemental retirement plan:
	Assets	2,507		—			—			2,507				2,507
	Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets & other non-current assets
	Liabilities	2,507		—			—			2,507				2,507
	Included in accrued liabilities & other non-current liabilities
-1	Other long-term investments as of September 26, 2014 include a cost method investment of $0.5 million.
Fair Value Hierarchy.    Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We minimize the use of unobservable inputs and use observable market data, if available, when determining fair value. We classify our inputs to measure fair value using the following three-level hierarchy:
Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets at the measurement date for identical assets and liabilities. We base the fair value of our Level 1 financial instruments, which are traded in active markets, using quoted market prices for identical instruments.
Level 2: Prices may be based upon quoted prices in active markets or inputs not quoted on active markets but are corroborated by market data. We obtain the fair value of our Level 2 financial instruments from a professional pricing service, which may use quoted market prices for identical or comparable instruments, or model driven valuations using observable market data or inputs corroborated by observable market data. To validate the fair value determination provided by our primary pricing service, we perform quality controls over values received which include comparing our pricing service provider’s assessment of the fair values of our investment securities against the fair values of our investment securities obtained from another independent source, reviewing the pricing movement in the context of overall market trends, and reviewing trading information from our investment managers. In addition, we assess the inputs and methods used in determining the fair value in order to determine the classification of securities in the fair value hierarchy.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available and reflect management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. We have not historically owned any Level 3 financial assets or liabilities, as was the case at September 26, 2014.
Securities In Gross Unrealized Loss Position.    We periodically evaluate our investments for other-than- temporary declines in fair value. The unrealized losses on our available-for-sale securities were primarily as a result of unfavorable changes in interest rates subsequent to the initial purchase of these securities. The following table presents the gross unrealized losses and fair value for those available-for-sale securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of March 27, 2015 and September 26, 2014 (in thousands):
	March 27, 2015						September 26, 2014
Investment Type	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses (1)				Fair Value			Gross Unrealized Losses (1)
U.S. agency securities	$	17,758	$	(33	)		$	31,930		$	(9	)
Corporate bonds	64,387		(37		)		78,166			(90		)
Municipal debt securities	47,479		(60		)		55,979			(35		)
Total	$	129,624	$	(130	)		$	166,075		$	(134	)
-1	Our available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position were in such position for less than twelve months as of both March 27, 2015 and September 26, 2014.
Although we had certain securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of March 27, 2015, we expect to recover the full carrying value of these securities as we do not intend to, nor do we currently anticipate a need to sell these securities prior to recovering the associated unrealized losses. As a result, we do not consider any portion of the unrealized losses at either March 27, 2015 or September 26, 2014 to represent an other-than-temporary impairment, nor do we consider any of the unrealized losses to be credit losses.
Investment Maturities.    The following table summarizes the amortized cost and estimated fair value of the available-for-sale securities within our investment portfolio based on stated maturities as of March 27, 2015 and September 26, 2014, which are recorded within cash equivalents and both short and long-term investments in our consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
	March 27, 2015						September 26, 2014
Range of maturity	Amortized Cost		Fair Value				Amortized Cost			Fair Value
Due within 1 year	$	187,963	$	188,164			$	232,944		$	233,208
Due in 1 to 2 years	207,097		207,445				179,177			179,536
Due in 2 to 3 years	120,938		121,103				116,204			116,299
Total	$	515,998	$	516,712			$	528,325		$	529,043

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	5. Property, Plant & Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost, with depreciation expense included in cost of products, cost of services, R&D, S&M, and G&A expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. Property, plant and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):
	Property, Plant And Equipment	March 27,			September 26,
		2015			2014
	Land	$	49,629		$	45,842
	Buildings and building improvements	176,877			61,712
	Leasehold improvements	55,574			56,665
	Machinery and equipment	53,108			47,639
	Computer systems and software	116,773			108,225
	Furniture and fixtures	14,530			13,540
	Construction-in-progress	82,656			127,569
	Property, plant and equipment, gross	549,147			461,192
	Less: accumulated depreciation	(190,779		)	(171,437		)
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	358,368		$	289,755
	Purchase Of Commercial Office Building In San Francisco, CA.    During fiscal 2012, we purchased an approximately 354,000 square foot commercial office property at 1275 Market Street in San Francisco, California for approximately $109.8 million. Based on a fair value analysis performed at the time of purchase, $35.5 million of the property's purchase price was allocated to the land and $74.3 million allocated to the building. Following our partial occupation of the building during the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we continue to make improvements to prepare it for its intended use as our new worldwide headquarters. As of September 26, 2014, construction-in-progress included both the book value of the building and costs for ongoing construction. As of March 27, 2015, construction-in-progress only included costs for ongoing construction.

Goodwill_and_intangible_Assets

Goodwill and intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill & Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	The following table outlines changes to the carrying amount of goodwill (in thousands):
		Goodwill
	Balance at September 26, 2014	$	277,574
	Acquired goodwill (1)	40,372
	Translation adjustments	(5,077		)
	Balance at March 27, 2015	$	312,869
	-1	Total acquired goodwill recorded during fiscal 2015 consists of $39.7 million from the acquisition of Doremi Labs and $0.7 million from an immaterial acquisition.
	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 27, 2015								September 26, 2014
	Intangible Assets, Net	Cost			Accumulated			Net		Cost		Accumulated			Net
					Amortization							Amortization
	Acquired patents and technology	$	142,215		$	(68,063	)	$	74,152	$	99,262	$	(61,678	)	$	37,584
	Customer relationships	56,912			(25,357		)	31,555		30,717		(22,739		)	7,978
	Other intangibles	21,917			(21,255		)	662		38,694		(20,556		)	18,138
	Total	$	221,044		$	(114,675	)	$	106,369	$	168,673	$	(104,973	)	$	63,700
	During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we purchased various patents and developed technology for total cash consideration of approximately $6.4 million. These intangible assets have a weighted-average useful life of 18 years. These acquisitions facilitate our R&D efforts, technologies and potential product offerings.
	Amortization expense for our intangible assets is included in cost of licensing, cost of products, R&D and S&M expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. As of March 27, 2015, expected amortization expense in future fiscal periods was as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year	Amortization Expense
	Remainder Of 2015	$	9,617
	2016	17,486
	2017	14,535
	2018	9,338
	2019	8,668
	Thereafter	46,725
	Total	$	106,369

Stockholders_Equity_And_StockB

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation	Stockholders' Equity & Stock-Based Compensation
	We provide stock-based awards as a form of compensation for employees, officers and directors. We have issued stock-based awards in the form of stock options and RSUs under our equity incentive plans, as well as shares under our ESPP.
	Common Stock - Class A and Class B
	Our Board of Directors has authorized two classes of common stock, Class A and Class B. At March 27, 2015, we had authorized 500,000,000 Class A shares and 500,000,000 Class B shares. At March 27, 2015, we had 51,383,446 shares of Class A common stock and 51,073,661 shares of Class B common stock issued and outstanding. Holders of our Class A and Class B common stock have identical rights, except that holders of our Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share and holders of our Class B common stock are entitled to ten votes per share. Shares of Class B common stock can be converted to shares of Class A common stock at any time at the option of the stockholder and automatically convert upon sale or transfer, except for certain transfers specified in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation.
	Stock Incentive Plans
	2000 Stock Incentive Plan.    Effective October 2000, we adopted the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan. The 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, provided for the issuance of incentive and non-qualified stock options to our employees, directors, and consultants to purchase up to 15.1 million shares of Class B common stock. Under the terms of this plan, options became exercisable as established by the Board of Directors (ratably over four years), and expire ten years after the date of the grant. Options issued under the plan were made at their grant-date fair market value. Subsequent to fiscal 2005, no further options were granted under this plan. The 2000 Stock Incentive Plan terminated on October 1, 2010 and no shares of our common stock remained available for future issuance under that plan other than pursuant to outstanding options. As of March 27, 2015, there were no outstanding options to purchase shares of Class B common stock.
	2005 Stock Plan.    In January 2005, our stockholders approved our 2005 Stock Plan, which our Board of Directors adopted in November 2004. The 2005 Stock Plan became effective on February 16, 2005, the day prior to the completion of our initial public offering. Our 2005 Stock Plan, as amended and restated, provides for the ability to grant incentive stock options ("ISOs"), nonstatutory stock options ("NQs"), restricted stock, RSUs, SARs, deferred stock units, performance units, performance bonus awards and performance shares. A total of 38.0 million shares of our Class A common stock is authorized for issuance under the 2005 Stock Plan. For awards granted prior to February 2011, any shares subject to an award with a per share price less than the fair market value of our Class A common stock on the date of grant and any shares subject to an outstanding RSU award will be counted against the authorized share reserve as two shares for every one share subject to the award, and if returned to the 2005 Stock Plan, such shares will be counted as two shares for every one share returned. For those awards granted from February 2011 onward, any shares subject to an award with a per share price less than the fair market value of our Class A common stock on the date of grant and any shares subject to an outstanding RSU award will be counted against the authorized share reserve as 1.6 shares for every one share subject to the award, and if returned to the 2005 Stock Plan, such shares will be counted as 1.6 shares for every one share returned.
	As of March 27, 2015, there were options outstanding to purchase 9.2 million shares of Class A common stock, of which 4.2 million were vested and exercisable. The options outstanding have a remaining weighted-average contractual life of 7.5 years.
	Stock Options.    Stock options are generally granted at fair market value on the date of grant. Options granted to employees and officers prior to June 2008 generally vest over four years, with equal annual cliff-vesting and expire on the earlier of 10 years after the date of grant or 3 months after termination of service. Options granted to employees and officers from June 2008 onward generally vest over four years, with 25% of the shares subject to the option becoming exercisable on the one-year anniversary of the date of grant and the balance of the shares vesting in equal monthly installments over the following 36 months. These options expire on the earlier of 10 years after the date of grant or 3 months after termination of service. All options granted vest over the requisite service period and upon the exercise of stock options, we issue new shares of Class A common stock under the 2005 Stock Plan and new shares of Class B common stock under the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan. Our 2005 Stock Plan also allows us to grant stock awards which vest based on the satisfaction of specific performance criteria.
	The following table summarizes information about stock options issued under our 2000 Stock Incentive Plan and 2005 Stock Plan:
		Shares		Weighted-Average			Weighted-Average	Aggregate
				Exercise Price			Remaining	Intrinsic
							Contractual Life	Value (1)
		(in thousands)					(in years)	(in thousands)
	Options outstanding at September 26, 2014	7,611		$	32.96
	Grants	2,418		42.8
	Exercises	(298	)	28.76
	Forfeitures and cancellations	(498	)	36.4
	Options outstanding at March 27, 2015	9,233		35.49			7.6	$	38,754
	Options vested and expected to vest at March 27, 2015	8,719		35.11			7.5	38,542
	Options exercisable at March 27, 2015	4,180		$	31.66		6.1	29,167
	-1	Aggregate intrinsic value is based on the closing price of our common stock on March 27, 2015 of $38.10 and excludes the impact of options that were not in-the-money.
	Restricted Stock Units.    Beginning in fiscal 2008, we began granting RSUs to certain directors, officers and employees under our 2005 Stock Plan. Awards granted to employees and officers generally vest over four years, with equal annual cliff-vesting. Awards granted to directors prior to November 2010 generally vest over three years, with equal annual cliff-vesting. Awards granted after November 2010 and prior to fiscal 2014 to new directors vest over approximately two years, with 50% vesting per year, while awards granted from November 2010 onward to ongoing directors generally vest over approximately one year. Awards granted to new directors from fiscal 2014 onward vest on the earlier of the first anniversary of the award’s date of grant, or the day immediately preceding the date of the next annual meeting of stockholders that occurs after the award’s date of grant. Our 2005 Stock Plan also allows us to grant RSUs which vest based on the satisfaction of specific performance criteria, although no such awards have been granted as of March 27, 2015. At each vesting date, the holder of the award is issued shares of our Class A common stock. Compensation expense from these awards is equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.
	The following table summarizes information about RSUs issued under our 2005 Stock Plan:
		Shares		Weighted-Average
				Grant Date
				Fair Value
		(in thousands)
	Non-vested at September 26, 2014	2,903		$	35.79
	Granted	1,180		42.49
	Vested	(815	)	36.41
	Forfeitures	(173	)	30.6
	Non-vested at March 27, 2015	3,095		$	38.47
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan.   Our plan allows eligible employees to have up to 10 percent of their eligible compensation withheld and used to purchase Class A common stock, subject to a maximum of $25,000 worth of stock purchased in a calendar year or no more than 1,000 shares in an offering period, whichever is less. An offering period consists of successive six-month purchase periods, with a look back feature to our stock price at the commencement of a one-year offering period. The plan provides for a discount equal to 15 percent of the closing price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the last day of the purchase period and for overlapping one-year offering periods. The plan also includes an automatic reset feature that provides for an offering period to be reset and recommenced to a new lower-priced offering if the offering price of a new offering period is less than that of the immediately preceding offering period.
	Stock Option Valuation Assumptions
	We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the estimated fair value of employee stock options at the date of the grant. The Black-Scholes model includes inputs that require us to make certain estimates and assumptions regarding the expected term of the award, as well as the future risk-free interest rate and volatility of our stock price over this expected term of the award.
	Expected Term.    The expected term of an award represents the estimated period of time that options granted will remain outstanding, and is measured from the grant date to the date at which the option is either exercised or canceled. Our determination of the expected term involves an evaluation of historical terms and other factors such as the exercise and termination patterns of our employees who hold options to acquire our common stock, and is based on certain assumptions made regarding the future exercise and termination behavior.
	Risk-Free Interest Rate.    The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield curve of United States Treasury instruments in effect on the date of grant. In determining an estimate for the risk-free interest rate, we use average interest rates based on these instruments’ constant maturities with a term that approximates and corresponds with the expected term of our awards.
	Expected Stock Price Volatility.    The expected volatility represents the estimated volatility in the price of our common stock over a time period that approximates the expected term of the awards, and is determined using a blended combination of historical and implied volatility. Historical volatility is representative of the historical trends in our stock price for periods preceding the measurement date since our initial public offering. Implied volatility is based upon externally traded option contracts of our common stock.
	Dividend Yield.    The dividend yield is based on our anticipated quarterly dividend payout over the expected term of our option awards.
	The weighted-average assumptions used in the determination of the fair value of our stock options were as follows:
		Fiscal Quarter Ended					Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended
		March 27,		March 28,			March 27,		March 28,
		2015		2014			2015		2014
	Expected term (in years)	5.21		4.58			4.6		4.58
	Risk-free interest rate	1.6	%	1.5	%		1.5	%	1.4	%
	Expected stock price volatility	29.5	%	32.4	%		29.7	%	32	%
	Dividend yield	1	%	—	%		0.9	%	—	%
	Stock-Based Compensation Expense
	Stock-based compensation expense for equity awards granted to employees is determined by estimating their fair value on the date of grant, and recognizing that value as an expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period in which our employees earn the awards. Compensation expense related to these equity awards is recognized net of estimated forfeitures, which reduce the expense recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. The selection of applicable estimated forfeiture rates is based on an evaluation of trends in our historical forfeiture data with consideration for other potential driving factors. If in subsequent periods actual forfeitures significantly differ from our initial estimates, we will revise such estimates accordingly.
	The following two tables separately present stock-based compensation expense both by award type and classification in our consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
	Expense - By Award Type
		Fiscal Quarter Ended							Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended
		March 27,			March 28,				March 27,			March 28,
		2015			2014				2015			2014
	Compensation Expense - By Type
	Stock options	$	5,729		$	5,387			$	12,012		$	9,257
	Restricted stock units	10,077			11,565				20,292			21,822
	Employee stock purchase plan	861			801				2,205			1,728
	Total stock-based compensation	16,667			17,753				34,509			32,807
	Benefit from income taxes	(4,890		)	(5,290		)		(10,041		)	(9,686		)
	Total stock-based compensation, net of tax	$	11,777		$	12,463			$	24,468		$	23,121
	Expense - By Income Statement Line Item Classification
		Fiscal Quarter Ended							Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended
	March 27,			March 28,				March 27,			March 28,
	2015			2014				2015			2014
Compensation Expense - By Classification
Cost of products	$	224		$	217			$	470		$	407
Cost of services	115			113				237			200
Research and development	4,938			4,889				10,212			9,196
Sales and marketing	5,576			6,332				11,485			11,357
General and administrative	5,814			6,202				12,105			11,647
Total stock-based compensation	16,667			17,753				34,509			32,807
Benefit from income taxes	(4,890		)	(5,290		)		(10,041		)	(9,686		)
Total stock-based compensation, net of tax	$	11,777		$	12,463			$	24,468		$	23,121
The tax benefit that we recognize from certain exercises of ISOs and shares issued under our ESPP are excluded from the tables above. This benefit was as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Quarter Ended							Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended
	March 27,			March 28,				March 27,			March 28,
	2015			2014				2015			2014
Tax benefit - stock option exercises & shares issued under ESPP	$	19		$	135			$	187		$	310
Unrecognized Compensation Expense.    At March 27, 2015, total unrecorded compensation expense associated with employee stock options expected to vest was approximately $34.0 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years. At March 27, 2015, total unrecorded compensation expense associated with RSUs expected to vest was approximately $89.6 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.9 years.
Common Stock Repurchase Program
In November 2009, we announced a stock repurchase program ("program"), providing for the repurchase of up to $250.0 million of our Class A common stock. The following table summarizes the initial amount of authorized repurchases as well as additional repurchases approved by our Board of Directors as of March 27, 2015 (in thousands):
Authorization Period	Authorization Amount
Fiscal 2010: November 2009	$	250,000
Fiscal 2010: July 2010	300,000
Fiscal 2011: July 2011	250,000
Fiscal 2012: February 2012	100,000
Fiscal 2015: October 2014	200,000
Total	$	1,100,000
Stock repurchases under the program may be made through open market transactions, negotiated purchases, or otherwise, at times and in amounts that we consider appropriate. The timing of repurchases and the number of shares repurchased depend upon a variety of factors, including price, regulatory requirements, the rate of dilution from our equity compensation plans and other market conditions. The program does not have a specified expiration date, and can be limited, suspended or terminated at our discretion at any time without prior notice. Shares repurchased under the program will be returned to the status of authorized but unissued shares of Class A common stock. As of March 27, 2015, the remaining authorization to purchase additional shares is approximately $227.7 million.
The following table provides information regarding share repurchase activity under the program during fiscal 2015:
Quarterly Repurchase Activity	Shares		Cost (1)			Average Price Paid Per Share (2)
	Repurchased
			(in thousands)
Q1 - Quarter ended December 26, 2014	389,500		$	16,953		$	43.51
Q2 - Quarter ended March 27, 2015	390,000		15,411			39.47
Total	779,500		$	32,364
-1	Cost of share repurchases includes the price paid per share and applicable commissions.
-2	Average price paid per share excludes commission costs.
Dividend
In October 2014, our Board of Directors initiated a recurring quarterly dividend program for our stockholders. The following table summarizes the dividend payments made under the program:
Fiscal Period	Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Cash Dividend Per Common Share			Dividend Payment
Fiscal 2014
Q4 - Quarter ended September 26, 2014	21-Oct-14	3-Nov-14	20-Nov-14	$	0.1		$	10.2	million
Fiscal 2015
Q1 - Quarter ended December 26, 2014	19-Jan-15	2-Feb-15	10-Feb-15	$	0.1		$	10.3	million
Q2 - Quarter ended March 27, 2015	20-Apr-15	4-May-15	12-May-15	$	0.1		$	10.3	million (1)
-1	The amount of the dividend payment is estimated based on the number of shares of our Class A and Class B common stock that we estimate will be outstanding as of the Record Date.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Other comprehensive income consists of two components: unrealized gains or losses on our available-for-sale marketable investment securities and the gain or loss from foreign currency translation adjustments. Until realized and reported as a component of net income, these comprehensive income items accumulate and are included within accumulated other comprehensive income, a subsection within stockholders’ equity in our consolidated balance sheet. Unrealized gains and losses on our investment securities are reclassified from AOCI into earnings when realized upon sale, and are determined based on specific identification of securities sold. Gains and losses from the translation of assets and liabilities denominated in non-U.S. dollar functional currencies are included in AOCI.
	The following table summarizes the changes in the accumulated balances during the period, and includes information regarding the manner in which the reclassifications out of AOCI into earnings affect our consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
		Fiscal Quarter Ended									Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended
		27-Mar-15									27-Mar-15
		Unrealized Gain/Loss - Investments			Currency Translation Adjustments			Total			Unrealized Gain/Loss - Investments			Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	Balance, beginning of period	$	328		$	(2,516	)	$	(2,188	)	$	505		$	2,509		$	3,014
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications:
	Unrealized gains - investment securities	1,554						1,554			1,169						1,169
	Foreign currency translation (losses) (1)				(6,487		)	(6,487		)				(12,040		)	(12,040		)
	Income tax effect - benefit/(expense) (2)	(507		)	301			(206		)	(327		)	829			502
	Net of tax	1,047			(6,186		)	(5,139		)	842			(11,211		)	(10,369		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI into earnings:
	Realized (gains) - investment securities (1)	(218		)				(218		)	(204		)				(204		)
	Income tax effect - expense (2)	13						13			27						27
	Net of tax	842			(6,186		)	(5,344		)	665			(11,211		)	(10,546		)
	Balance, end of period	$	1,170		$	(8,702	)	$	(7,532	)	$	1,170		$	(8,702	)	$	(7,532	)
		Fiscal Quarter Ended									Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended
		28-Mar-14									28-Mar-14
		Unrealized Gain/Loss - Investments			Currency Translation Adjustments			Total			Unrealized Gain/Loss - Investments			Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	Balance, beginning of period	$	308		$	7,077		$	7,385		$	203		$	7,611		$	7,814
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications:
	Unrealized gains - investment securities	336						336			571						571
	Foreign currency translation gains (1)				1,240			1,240						767			767
	Income tax effect - (expense) (2)	(120		)	(3		)	(123		)	(204		)	(64		)	(268		)
	Net of tax	216			1,237			1,453			367			703			1,070
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI into earnings:
	Realized (gains) - investment securities (1)	(224		)				(224		)	(296		)				(296		)
	Income tax effect - expense (2)	80						80			106						106
	Net of tax	72			1,237			1,309			177			703			880
	Balance, end of period	$	380		$	8,314		$	8,694		$	380		$	8,314		$	8,694
	-1	Realized gains or losses from the sale of our available-for-sale investment securities or from foreign currency translation adjustments are included within other income/expense, net in our consolidated statements of operations.
	-2	The income tax benefit or expense is included within provision for income taxes in our consolidated statements of operations.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share
	Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. by the number of weighted-average shares of Class A and Class B common stock outstanding during the period. Through application of the treasury stock method, diluted EPS is computed in the same manner, except that the number of weighted-average shares outstanding is increased by the number of potentially dilutive shares from employee incentive plans during the period. Potentially dilutive shares include the hypothetical number of shares issued under the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options, vesting of outstanding restricted stock units, and shares issued under our employee stock purchase plan.
	Basic and diluted EPS are computed independently for each fiscal quarter and year-to-date period presented, which involves the use of different weighted-average share count figures relating to quarterly and annual periods. As a result, and after factoring the effect of rounding to the nearest cent per share, the sum of all four quarter-to-date EPS figures may not equal year-to-date EPS.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Fiscal Quarter Ended				Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended
		March 27,		March 28,		March 27,		March 28,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.	$	57,974	$	75,868	$	99,331	$	120,383
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic	102,509		102,291		102,406		102,021
	Potential common shares from options to purchase common stock	889		637		941		445
	Potential common shares from restricted stock units	506		1,006		750		994
	Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted	103,904		103,934		104,097		103,460
	Net income per share attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.:
	Basic	$	0.57	$	0.74	$	0.97	$	1.18
	Diluted	$	0.56	$	0.73	$	0.95	$	1.16
	Antidilutive awards excluded from calculation:
	Stock options	4,604		3,597		3,684		4,075
	Restricted stock units	934		290		106		1,170

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Our income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and reserves for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management's best assessment of estimated current and future taxes to be paid. We are subject to income taxes in both the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the consolidated income tax expense.
	Unrecognized Tax Benefit
	As of March 27, 2015, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was $49.8 million, of which $39.1 million, if recognized, would reduce our effective tax rate. Our net liability for unrecognized tax benefits is classified within other non-current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
	Withholding Taxes
	We recognize licensing revenue gross of withholding taxes, which our licensees remit directly to their local tax authorities, and for which we receive a partial foreign tax credit in our income tax provision. The foreign current tax includes this withholding tax expense while the appropriate foreign tax credit benefit is included in current federal and foreign taxes. Withholding taxes were as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Quarter Ended				Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended
		March 27,		March 28,		March 27,		March 28,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
	Withholding taxes	$	11,942	$	12,673	$	24,142	$	23,098
	Effective Tax Rate
	Each period, the combination of multiple different factors can impact our effective tax rate. These factors include both recurring items such as tax rates and the relative amount of income earned in foreign jurisdictions, as well as discrete items that may occur in, but are not necessarily consistent between periods.
	Our effective tax rate increased from 26% in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 to 27% in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, which reflects an increase in our estimated fiscal 2015 tax provision due to reduced benefits from U.S. manufacturing tax incentives.
	On a year-to-date basis, our effective tax rate decreased from 26% in the fiscal year-to-date period ended March 28, 2014 to 25% in the fiscal year-to-date period ended March 27, 2015, which reflects a discrete benefit from federal R&D tax credits that were retroactively reinstated for the 2014 calendar year only. The overall decrease in the rate was partially offset by the fact that our estimated fiscal 2015 tax provision included reduced benefits from U.S. manufacturing tax incentives.

Restructuring

Restructuring	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring	11. Restructuring
	Fiscal 2014 Restructuring Plan.    In October 2013, we implemented a plan to reorganize and consolidate certain activities and positions within our global business infrastructure. As a result, we recorded $3.3 million in restructuring costs during fiscal 2014, representing severance and other related benefits offered to approximately 50 employees that were affected as a result of this action. The first quarter of fiscal 2015 marked the completion of activity under the Fiscal 2014 Restructuring Plan and the table below summarizes the changes in our accrued liability during the fiscal year-to-date period ended March 27, 2015 (in thousands).
		Severance and associated costs
	Balance at September 26, 2014	$	146
	Restructuring (credits)	(39		)
	Cash payments	(10		)
	Non-cash and other adjustments	(97		)
	Balance at March 27, 2015	$	—
	Accruals for restructuring charges are included within accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets while restructuring charges/(credits) are included within restructuring charges/(credits) in our consolidated statements of operations.

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	Commitments & Contingencies
	In the ordinary course of business, we enter into contractual agreements with third parties that include non-cancelable payment obligations, for which we are liable in future periods. These arrangements can include terms binding us to minimum payments and/or penalties if we terminate the agreement for any reason other than an event of default as described by the agreement. The following table presents a summary of our contractual obligations and commitments as of March 27, 2015 (in thousands):
		Payments Due By Fiscal Period
		Remainder Of Fiscal 2015		Fiscal		Fiscal		Fiscal		Fiscal		Thereafter		Total
				2016		2017		2018		2019
	Naming rights	$	—	$	7,525	$	7,619	$	7,715	$	7,811	$	110,888	$	141,558
	Donation commitments	—		—		6,045		67		67		805		6,984
	Operating leases	6,911		11,281		9,996		8,498		7,368		36,116		80,170
	Purchase obligations	6,646		4,870		451		—		—		—		11,967
	Total	$	13,557	$	23,676	$	24,111	$	16,280	$	15,246	$	147,809	$	240,679
	Naming Rights.     We are party to an agreement for naming rights and related benefits with respect to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, the location of the Academy Awards®. The term of the agreement is 20 years, over which we will make payments on a semi-annual basis until fiscal 2032. Our payment obligations are conditioned in part on the Academy Awards® being held and broadcast from the Dolby Theatre.
	Donation Commitments.     During fiscal 2014, we entered into a non-cancelable obligation to donate and install imaging and audio products to the Museum of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles, California, and provide maintenance services for a fifteen-year period following the Academy's expected opening date in 2017.
	Operating Leases.     Operating lease payments represent our commitments for future minimum rent made under non-cancelable leases for office space, including those payable to our principal stockholder and portions attributable to the controlling interests in our wholly owned subsidiaries.
	Purchase Obligations.     Purchase obligations primarily consist of our commitments made under agreements to purchase goods and services for purposes that include IT and telecommunications, marketing and professional services, and manufacturing and other research and development activities.
	Indemnification Clauses.     On a limited basis, our contractual agreements will contain a clause under which we have agreed to provide indemnification to the counterparty, most commonly to licensees in connection with licensing arrangements that include our intellectual property. Additionally, and although not a contractual requirement, we have at times elected to defend our licensees from third party intellectual property infringement claims. Since the terms and conditions of our contractual indemnification clauses do not explicitly specify our obligations, we are unable to reasonably estimate the maximum potential exposure for which we could be liable. Furthermore, we have not historically made any payments in connection with any such obligation and believe there to be a remote likelihood that any potential exposure in future periods would be of a material amount. As a result, no amounts have been accrued in our consolidated financial statements with respect to the contingent aspect of these indemnities.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions
	Doremi Labs.
	On October 31, 2014 ("acquisition date"), we completed our acquisition of all outstanding interests of Doremi Labs ("Doremi"), a privately held company. Doremi is a leading developer and manufacturer of digital cinema servers and the acquisition is expected to accelerate the delivery and deployment of innovative solutions to exhibitors. Doremi's operating results from the acquisition date through March 27, 2015 are included in our consolidated financial statements for the second quarter of fiscal 2015, however these results did not have a material impact on our total consolidated revenues or net income for the period.
	We acquired Doremi for cash consideration of $98.4 million, and up to an additional $20.0 million in contingent consideration that may be earned over a four-year period following the closing of the acquisition. We estimated the fair value of contingent consideration by applying a discounted and probability-weighted approach to potential shipments of specified products during the four years following the acquisition date. As of March 27, 2015, we have recorded $0.7 million as a contingent consideration liability that, along with cash paid to the sellers of $98.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, comprise the purchase price of $99.1 million.
	We have accounted for the transaction under the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we estimated the fair values of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired, and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, and in connection with completing the purchase accounting, we recorded changes to the valuation of intangible assets of $4.6 million, reversed a receivable of $4.2 million related to the preliminary working capital adjustment to the purchase price, and recorded minor additional adjustments that collectively resulted in an increase to goodwill of $0.5 million. The measurement period associated with the acquisition is now closed.
	We have recorded any amounts paid in excess of the net assets recorded as goodwill. Goodwill is representative of our expectation of the benefits and synergies from the integration of Doremi technology with our existing technology and the assembled workforce of Doremi, which does not qualify for separate recognition as an intangible asset.
	The following table summarizes the acquisition date fair values allocated to the net assets acquired including cash of $8.4 million, and liabilities assumed.
	Purchase Price Allocation
	Current assets	$	17,231
	Inventories	16,372
	Intangible assets	45,600
	Goodwill	39,672
	Current liabilities	(11,653		)
	Non-current liabilities	(8,820		)
	Cash consideration paid to sellers	98,402
	Add: contingent consideration	740
	Total purchase consideration	$	99,142
	The following table summarizes the fair values allocated to the various intangible assets acquired (in thousands), the weighted-average useful lives over which they will be amortized using the straight-line method, and the classification of their amortized expense in our consolidated statements of operations:
	Intangible Assets Acquired	Purchase Price Allocation	Weighted-Average Useful Life (Years)	Income Statement Classification: Amortization Expense
	Customer relationships	$25,600	10	Sales & Marketing
	Developed technology	17,500	7.5	Cost of Sales
	Trade name	1,300	1	Sales & Marketing
	Backlog	1,200	1	Cost of Sales
	Total	$45,600
	The fair values of the intangible assets at the acquisition date were measured primarily based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represent a Level 3 measurement as defined in ASC 820. The value of acquired intangibles was determined based on the present value of estimated future cash flows using the following valuation techniques and inputs:
	•	Customer relationships and backlog - Primarily the excess earnings method using inputs such as probability-weighted revenue attributable to existing customer relationships, customer attrition, estimated expenses, effective income tax rate, and discount rate.
	•	Developed technology and Trade name - Primarily the relief-from-royalty method using inputs such as estimated revenues attributable to the digital cinema server technology, estimated net royalty rate, maintenance R&D expenses, effective income tax rate, and discount rate.
	We incurred acquisition-related costs of $0.4 million during the fiscal quarter ended December 26, 2014 and none thereafter, and $2.8 million and $3.5 million during the fiscal quarter and year-to-date period ended March 28, 2014, respectively. These costs were included in G&A expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. Total acquisition-related costs of $5.9 million were incurred during fiscal 2014. We have not provided pro forma information since these results following the acquisition are not deemed significant.

Legal_Proceedings

Legal Proceedings	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters [Abstract]
Legal Proceedings	Legal Matters
	In December 2013, the Korean Fair Trade Commission (“KFTC”) initiated a review of the Company under Korean competition law.  The KFTC has requested information relating to our business practices in Korea. We are cooperating with the KFTC as it conducts its review.
	In March 2014, the National Development and Reform Commission of China (“NDRC”) initiated a review under the Chinese competition laws. In early May 2015, the NDRC confirmed that matters under review have been resolved on mutually agreeable terms.
	We are involved in various legal proceedings that occasionally arise in the normal course of business. These can include claims of alleged infringement of intellectual property rights, commercial, employment and other matters. In our opinion, resolution of these proceedings is not expected to have a material adverse impact on our operating results or financial condition. Given the unpredictable nature of legal proceedings, it is possible that an unfavorable resolution of one or more such proceedings could materially affect our future operating results or financial condition in a particular period; however, based on the information known by us as of the date of this filing and the rules and regulations applicable to the preparation of our consolidated financial statements, any such amount is either immaterial, or it is not possible to provide an estimated amount of any such potential loss.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events

Summary_Of_Significant_Account1

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles Of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Dolby Laboratories, Inc. and our wholly owned subsidiaries. In addition, we have consolidated the financial results of jointly owned affiliated companies in which our principal stockholder has a controlling interest. We report these controlling interests as a separate line in our consolidated statements of operations as net income attributable to controlling interest and in our consolidated balance sheets as a controlling interest. We eliminate all intercompany accounts and transactions upon consolidation.
Operating Segments	Operating Segments
	We operate as a single reporting segment, and thus all required financial segment information is included in our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements. This determination reflects the fact that our CODM, our Chief Executive Officer, evaluates our financial information and resources, and assesses the performance of these resources on a consolidated basis.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of our financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include estimated selling prices for elements sold in ME revenue arrangements; valuation allowances for accounts receivable; carrying values of inventories and certain property, plant, and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets; fair values of investments; accrued liabilities including liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, deferred income tax assets and stock-based compensation. Actual results could differ from our estimates.
Fiscal Year	Fiscal Year
	Our fiscal year is a 52 or 53 week period ending on the last Friday in September. The fiscal periods presented herein include the 13 and 26 week periods ended March 27, 2015 and March 28, 2014. Our fiscal year ending September 25, 2015 (fiscal 2015) and our fiscal year ended September 26, 2014 (fiscal 2014) both consist of 52 weeks.
Reclassifications	ur fiscal year is a 52 or 53 week period ending on the last Friday in September. The fiscal periods presented herein include the 13 and 26 week periods ended March 27, 2015 and March 28, 2014. Our fiscal year ending September 25, 2015 (fiscal 2015) and our fiscal year ended September 26, 2014 (fiscal 2014) both consist of 52 weeks.

Composition_Of_Certain_Financi1

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Schedule Of Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable
	Accounts Receivable, Net	March 27,			September 26,
		2015			2014
	Trade accounts receivable	$	91,792		$	78,189
	Accounts receivable from patent administration program customers	7,816			9,594
	Accounts receivable, gross	99,608			87,783
	Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(1,046		)	(1,615		)
	Total	$	98,562		$	86,168
Schedule Of Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories	March 27,			September 26,
		2015			2014
	Raw materials	$	9,752		$	1,013
	Work in process	2,950			47
	Finished goods	11,059			7,476
	Total	$	23,761		$	8,536
Schedule Of Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets	Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets
	Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets	March 27,			September 26,
		2015			2014
	Prepaid expenses	$	16,371		$	11,665
	Other current assets	7,982			7,152
	Income tax receivable	10,170			4,063
	Total	$	34,523		$	22,880
Schedule Of Accrued Liabilities	Accrued Liabilities
	Accrued Liabilities	March 27,			September 26,
		2015			2014
	Accrued royalties	$	3,040		$	2,526
	Amounts payable to patent administration program partners	60,427			43,438
	Accrued compensation and benefits	57,852			71,677
	Accrued professional fees	4,386			6,162
	Other accrued liabilities	63,802			34,573
	Total	$	189,507		$	158,376
Schedule Of Other Non-Current Liabilities	Other Non-Current Liabilities
	Other Non-Current Liabilities	March 27,			September 26,
		2015			2014
	Supplemental retirement plan obligations	$	2,400		$	2,409
	Non-current tax liabilities	49,180			30,715
	Other liabilities	13,135			10,591
	Total	$	64,715		$	43,715

Investments_Fair_Value_Measure1

Investments & Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Schedule Of Financial Assets and Liabilities Carried At Fair Value	The following table summarizes unrealized gains and losses on our cash and investment portfolio and our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
		March 27,
		2015
		Cost		Unrealized										Estimated Fair Value
				Gains			Losses			Total				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash	$	498,556							$	498,556
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds	15,438		—			—			15,438				15,438
	Cash and cash equivalents	513,994		—			—			513,994				15,438		—		—
	Short-term investments:
	Government bonds	1,999		7			—			2,006				2,006
	Commercial paper	3,999		—			—			3,999						3,999
	Corporate bonds	79,485		86			(15		)	79,556						79,556
	Municipal debt securities	102,480		129			(6		)	102,603						102,603
	Short-term investments	187,963		222			(21		)	188,164				2,006		186,158		—
	Long-term investments:
	U.S. agency securities	5,000		6			—			5,006				5,006
	Government bonds	20,290		4			(33		)	20,261				20,261
	Corporate bonds	144,666		376			(22		)	145,020						145,020
	Municipal debt securities	158,079		236			(54		)	158,261						158,261
	Other long-term investments (1)	1,750		—			—			1,750				1,050				700
	Long-term investments	329,785		622			(109		)	330,298				26,317		303,281		700
	Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments	$	1,031,742	$	844		$	(130	)	$	1,032,456			$	43,761	$	489,439	$	700
	Investments held in supplemental retirement plan:
	Assets	2,560		—			—			2,560				2,560
	Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets & other non-current assets
	Liabilities	2,560		—			—			2,560				2,560
	Included in accrued liabilities & other non-current liabilities
	Contingent consideration related to acquisition:
	Liabilities	740		—			—			740								740
	Included in accrued liabilities
	-1	Other long-term investments as of March 27, 2015 include a marketable equity security of $1.1 million and cost method investments of $0.7 million.
		September 26,
		2014
		Cost		Unrealized										Estimated Fair Value
				Gains			Losses			Total				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash	$	564,745							$	564,745
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds	1,727		—			—			1,727				1,727
	Commercial paper	2,000		—			—			2,000						2,000
	Cash and cash equivalents	568,472		—			—			568,472				1,727		2,000		—
	Short-term investments:
	U.S. agency securities	35,443		5			(3		)	35,445				35,445
	Commercial paper	21,788		—			—			21,788						21,788
	Corporate bonds	56,106		81			(10		)	56,177						56,177
	Municipal debt securities	117,606		197			(5		)	117,798						117,798
	Short-term investments	230,943		283			(18		)	231,208				35,445		195,763		—
	Long-term investments:
	U.S. agency securities	31,980		19			(6		)	31,993				31,993
	Corporate bonds	117,063		226			(80		)	117,209						117,209
	Municipal debt securities	146,337		326			(30		)	146,633						146,633
	Other long-term investments (1)	500		—			—			500
	Long-term investments	295,880		571			(116		)	296,335				31,993		263,842		—
	Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments	$	1,095,295	$	854		$	(134	)	$	1,096,015			$	69,165	$	461,605	$	—
	Investments held in supplemental retirement plan:
	Assets	2,507		—			—			2,507				2,507
	Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets & other non-current assets
	Liabilities	2,507		—			—			2,507				2,507
	Included in accrued liabilities & other non-current liabilities
	-1	Other long-term investments as of September 26, 2014 include a cost method investment of $0.5 million.
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	The following table presents the gross unrealized losses and fair value for those available-for-sale securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of March 27, 2015 and September 26, 2014 (in thousands):
		March 27, 2015						September 26, 2014
	Investment Type	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses (1)				Fair Value			Gross Unrealized Losses (1)
	U.S. agency securities	$	17,758	$	(33	)		$	31,930		$	(9	)
	Corporate bonds	64,387		(37		)		78,166			(90		)
	Municipal debt securities	47,479		(60		)		55,979			(35		)
	Total	$	129,624	$	(130	)		$	166,075		$	(134	)
	-1	Our available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position were in such position for less than twelve months as of both March 27, 2015 and September 26, 2014.
Available-for-sale Securities	The following table summarizes the amortized cost and estimated fair value of the available-for-sale securities within our investment portfolio based on stated maturities as of March 27, 2015 and September 26, 2014, which are recorded within cash equivalents and both short and long-term investments in our consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
		March 27, 2015						September 26, 2014
	Range of maturity	Amortized Cost		Fair Value				Amortized Cost			Fair Value
	Due within 1 year	$	187,963	$	188,164			$	232,944		$	233,208
	Due in 1 to 2 years	207,097		207,445				179,177			179,536
	Due in 2 to 3 years	120,938		121,103				116,204			116,299
	Total	$	515,998	$	516,712			$	528,325		$	529,043

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	S&M, and G&A expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. Property, plant and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):
	Property, Plant And Equipment	March 27,			September 26,
		2015			2014
	Land	$	49,629		$	45,842
	Buildings and building improvements	176,877			61,712
	Leasehold improvements	55,574			56,665
	Machinery and equipment	53,108			47,639
	Computer systems and software	116,773			108,225
	Furniture and fixtures	14,530			13,540
	Construction-in-progress	82,656			127,569
	Property, plant and equipment, gross	549,147			461,192
	Less: accumulated depreciation	(190,779		)	(171,437		)
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	358,368		$	289,755
	Pu

Goodwill_and_intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The following table outlines changes to the carrying amount of goodwill (in thousands):
		Goodwill
	Balance at September 26, 2014	$	277,574
	Acquired goodwill (1)	40,372
	Translation adjustments	(5,077		)
	Balance at March 27, 2015	$	312,869
	-1	Total acquired goodwill recorded during fiscal 2015 consists of $39.7 million from the acquisition of Doremi Labs and $0.7 million from an immaterial acquisition.
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 27, 2015								September 26, 2014
	Intangible Assets, Net	Cost			Accumulated			Net		Cost		Accumulated			Net
					Amortization							Amortization
	Acquired patents and technology	$	142,215		$	(68,063	)	$	74,152	$	99,262	$	(61,678	)	$	37,584
	Customer relationships	56,912			(25,357		)	31,555		30,717		(22,739		)	7,978
	Other intangibles	21,917			(21,255		)	662		38,694		(20,556		)	18,138
	Total	$	221,044		$	(114,675	)	$	106,369	$	168,673	$	(104,973	)	$	63,700
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	As of March 27, 2015, expected amortization expense in future fiscal periods was as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year	Amortization Expense
	Remainder Of 2015	$	9,617
	2016	17,486
	2017	14,535
	2018	9,338
	2019	8,668
	Thereafter	46,725
	Total	$	106,369

Stockholders_Equity_And_StockB1

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Summary Of Stock Options Issued To Officers, Directors, And Employees Under 2000 Stock Incentive Plan And 2005 Stock Plan	The following table summarizes information about stock options issued under our 2000 Stock Incentive Plan and 2005 Stock Plan:
		Shares		Weighted-Average			Weighted-Average	Aggregate
				Exercise Price			Remaining	Intrinsic
							Contractual Life	Value (1)
		(in thousands)					(in years)	(in thousands)
	Options outstanding at September 26, 2014	7,611		$	32.96
	Grants	2,418		42.8
	Exercises	(298	)	28.76
	Forfeitures and cancellations	(498	)	36.4
	Options outstanding at March 27, 2015	9,233		35.49			7.6	$	38,754
	Options vested and expected to vest at March 27, 2015	8,719		35.11			7.5	38,542
	Options exercisable at March 27, 2015	4,180		$	31.66		6.1	29,167
	-1	Aggregate intrinsic value is based on the closing price of our common stock on March 27, 2015 of $38.10 and excludes the impact of options that were not in-the-money.
Summary Of Restricted Stock Units Issued To Officers, Directors And Employees Under 2005 Stock Incentive Plan	The following table summarizes information about RSUs issued under our 2005 Stock Plan:
		Shares		Weighted-Average
				Grant Date
				Fair Value
		(in thousands)
	Non-vested at September 26, 2014	2,903		$	35.79
	Granted	1,180		42.49
	Vested	(815	)	36.41
	Forfeitures	(173	)	30.6
	Non-vested at March 27, 2015	3,095		$	38.47
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Stock-Based Awards Estimated Using Weighted-Average Assumptions	The weighted-average assumptions used in the determination of the fair value of our stock options were as follows:
		Fiscal Quarter Ended					Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended
		March 27,		March 28,			March 27,		March 28,
		2015		2014			2015		2014
	Expected term (in years)	5.21		4.58			4.6		4.58
	Risk-free interest rate	1.6	%	1.5	%		1.5	%	1.4	%
	Expected stock price volatility	29.5	%	32.4	%		29.7	%	32	%
	Dividend yield	1	%	—	%		0.9	%	—	%
Schedule Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense By Plan
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs	Expense - By Award Type
		Fiscal Quarter Ended							Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended
		March 27,			March 28,				March 27,			March 28,
		2015			2014				2015			2014
	Compensation Expense - By Type
	Stock options	$	5,729		$	5,387			$	12,012		$	9,257
	Restricted stock units	10,077			11,565				20,292			21,822
	Employee stock purchase plan	861			801				2,205			1,728
	Total stock-based compensation	16,667			17,753				34,509			32,807
	Benefit from income taxes	(4,890		)	(5,290		)		(10,041		)	(9,686		)
	Total stock-based compensation, net of tax	$	11,777		$	12,463			$	24,468		$	23,121
	Expense - By Income Statement Line Item Classification
		Fiscal Quarter Ended							Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended
		March 27,			March 28,				March 27,			March 28,
		2015			2014				2015			2014
	Compensation Expense - By Classification
	Cost of products	$	224		$	217			$	470		$	407
	Cost of services	115			113				237			200
	Research and development	4,938			4,889				10,212			9,196
	Sales and marketing	5,576			6,332				11,485			11,357
	General and administrative	5,814			6,202				12,105			11,647
	Total stock-based compensation	16,667			17,753				34,509			32,807
	Benefit from income taxes	(4,890		)	(5,290		)		(10,041		)	(9,686		)
	Total stock-based compensation, net of tax	$	11,777		$	12,463			$	24,468		$	23,121
Schedule of Tax Benefit from Exercise of Options	This benefit was as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Quarter Ended							Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended
		March 27,			March 28,				March 27,			March 28,
		2015			2014				2015			2014
	Tax benefit - stock option exercises & shares issued under ESPP	$	19		$	135			$	187		$	310
Schedule of Stock Repurchase Authorizations	November 2009, we announced a stock repurchase program ("program"), providing for the repurchase of up to $250.0 million of our Class A common stock. The following table summarizes the initial amount of authorized repurchases as well as additional repurchases approved by our Board of Directors as of March 27, 2015 (in thousands):
	Authorization Period	Authorization Amount
	Fiscal 2010: November 2009	$	250,000
	Fiscal 2010: July 2010	300,000
	Fiscal 2011: July 2011	250,000
	Fiscal 2012: February 2012	100,000
	Fiscal 2015: October 2014	200,000
	Total	$	1,100,000
Schedule of Stock Repurchase Activity	The following table provides information regarding share repurchase activity under the program during fiscal 2015:
	Quarterly Repurchase Activity	Shares		Cost (1)			Average Price Paid Per Share (2)
		Repurchased
				(in thousands)
	Q1 - Quarter ended December 26, 2014	389,500		$	16,953		$	43.51
	Q2 - Quarter ended March 27, 2015	390,000		15,411			39.47
	Total	779,500		$	32,364
	-1	Cost of share repurchases includes the price paid per share and applicable commissions.
	-2	Average price paid per share excludes commission costs.
Dividends Declared	In October 2014, our Board of Directors initiated a recurring quarterly dividend program for our stockholders. The following table summarizes the dividend payments made under the program:
	Fiscal Period	Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Cash Dividend Per Common Share			Dividend Payment
	Fiscal 2014
	Q4 - Quarter ended September 26, 2014	21-Oct-14	3-Nov-14	20-Nov-14	$	0.1		$	10.2	million
	Fiscal 2015
	Q1 - Quarter ended December 26, 2014	19-Jan-15	2-Feb-15	10-Feb-15	$	0.1		$	10.3	million
	Q2 - Quarter ended March 27, 2015	20-Apr-15	4-May-15	12-May-15	$	0.1		$	10.3	million (1)
	-1	The amount of the dividend payment is estimated based on the number of shares of our Class A and Class B common stock that we estimate will be outstanding as of the Record Date.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table summarizes the changes in the accumulated balances during the period, and includes information regarding the manner in which the reclassifications out of AOCI into earnings affect our consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
		Fiscal Quarter Ended									Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended
		27-Mar-15									27-Mar-15
		Unrealized Gain/Loss - Investments			Currency Translation Adjustments			Total			Unrealized Gain/Loss - Investments			Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	Balance, beginning of period	$	328		$	(2,516	)	$	(2,188	)	$	505		$	2,509		$	3,014
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications:
	Unrealized gains - investment securities	1,554						1,554			1,169						1,169
	Foreign currency translation (losses) (1)				(6,487		)	(6,487		)				(12,040		)	(12,040		)
	Income tax effect - benefit/(expense) (2)	(507		)	301			(206		)	(327		)	829			502
	Net of tax	1,047			(6,186		)	(5,139		)	842			(11,211		)	(10,369		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI into earnings:
	Realized (gains) - investment securities (1)	(218		)				(218		)	(204		)				(204		)
	Income tax effect - expense (2)	13						13			27						27
	Net of tax	842			(6,186		)	(5,344		)	665			(11,211		)	(10,546		)
	Balance, end of period	$	1,170		$	(8,702	)	$	(7,532	)	$	1,170		$	(8,702	)	$	(7,532	)
		Fiscal Quarter Ended									Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended
		28-Mar-14									28-Mar-14
		Unrealized Gain/Loss - Investments			Currency Translation Adjustments			Total			Unrealized Gain/Loss - Investments			Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	Balance, beginning of period	$	308		$	7,077		$	7,385		$	203		$	7,611		$	7,814
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications:
	Unrealized gains - investment securities	336						336			571						571
	Foreign currency translation gains (1)				1,240			1,240						767			767
	Income tax effect - (expense) (2)	(120		)	(3		)	(123		)	(204		)	(64		)	(268		)
	Net of tax	216			1,237			1,453			367			703			1,070
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI into earnings:
	Realized (gains) - investment securities (1)	(224		)				(224		)	(296		)				(296		)
	Income tax effect - expense (2)	80						80			106						106
	Net of tax	72			1,237			1,309			177			703			880
	Balance, end of period	$	380		$	8,314		$	8,694		$	380		$	8,314		$	8,694
	-1	Realized gains or losses from the sale of our available-for-sale investment securities or from foreign currency translation adjustments are included within other income/expense, net in our consolidated statements of operations.
	-2	The income tax benefit or expense is included within provision for income taxes in our consolidated statements of operations.

Per_Share_Data_Tables

Per Share Data (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Fiscal Quarter Ended				Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended
		March 27,		March 28,		March 27,		March 28,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.	$	57,974	$	75,868	$	99,331	$	120,383
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic	102,509		102,291		102,406		102,021
	Potential common shares from options to purchase common stock	889		637		941		445
	Potential common shares from restricted stock units	506		1,006		750		994
	Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted	103,904		103,934		104,097		103,460
	Net income per share attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.:
	Basic	$	0.57	$	0.74	$	0.97	$	1.18
	Diluted	$	0.56	$	0.73	$	0.95	$	1.16
	Antidilutive awards excluded from calculation:
	Stock options	4,604		3,597		3,684		4,075
	Restricted stock units	934		290		106		1,170

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Withholding Taxes	Withholding taxes were as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Quarter Ended				Fiscal Year-To-Date Ended
		March 27,		March 28,		March 27,		March 28,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
	Withholding taxes	$	11,942	$	12,673	$	24,142	$	23,098

Restructuring_Tables

Restructuring (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Schedule Of Changes In Restructuring Accruals	(in thousands).
		Severance and associated costs
	Balance at September 26, 2014	$	146
	Restructuring (credits)	(39		)
	Cash payments	(10		)
	Non-cash and other adjustments	(97		)
	Balance at March 27, 2015	$	—

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Contractual Obligations And Commitments	The following table presents a summary of our contractual obligations and commitments as of March 27, 2015 (in thousands):
		Payments Due By Fiscal Period
		Remainder Of Fiscal 2015		Fiscal		Fiscal		Fiscal		Fiscal		Thereafter		Total
				2016		2017		2018		2019
	Naming rights	$	—	$	7,525	$	7,619	$	7,715	$	7,811	$	110,888	$	141,558
	Donation commitments	—		—		6,045		67		67		805		6,984
	Operating leases	6,911		11,281		9,996		8,498		7,368		36,116		80,170
	Purchase obligations	6,646		4,870		451		—		—		—		11,967
	Total	$	13,557	$	23,676	$	24,111	$	16,280	$	15,246	$	147,809	$	240,679

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	The following table summarizes the acquisition date fair values allocated to the net assets acquired including cash of $8.4 million, and liabilities assumed.
	Purchase Price Allocation
	Current assets	$	17,231
	Inventories	16,372
	Intangible assets	45,600
	Goodwill	39,672
	Current liabilities	(11,653		)
	Non-current liabilities	(8,820		)
	Cash consideration paid to sellers	98,402
	Add: contingent consideration	740
	Total purchase consideration	$	99,142
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination	The following table summarizes the fair values allocated to the various intangible assets acquired (in thousands), the weighted-average useful lives over which they will be amortized using the straight-line method, and the classification of their amortized expense in our consolidated statements of operations:
	Intangible Assets Acquired	Purchase Price Allocation	Weighted-Average Useful Life (Years)	Income Statement Classification: Amortization Expense
	Customer relationships	$25,600	10	Sales & Marketing
	Developed technology	17,500	7.5	Cost of Sales
	Trade name	1,300	1	Sales & Marketing
	Backlog	1,200	1	Cost of Sales
	Total	$45,600

Basis_Of_Presentation_Details

Basis Of Presentation (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
	segment
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of weeks in fiscal year	364 days	364 days
Number of Operating Segments	1
Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of weeks in fiscal year	364 days
Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of weeks in fiscal year	371 days

Composition_Of_Certain_Financi2

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Accounts Receivable) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable	$91,792	$78,189
Accounts receivable related to patent administration program	7,816	9,594
Accounts receivable, gross	99,608	87,783
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	-1,046	-1,615
Accounts receivable, net	$98,562	$86,168

Composition_Of_Certain_Financi3

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Inventories) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Raw materials	$9,752	$1,013
Work in process	2,950	47
Finished goods	11,059	7,476
Inventories	$23,761	$8,536

Composition_Of_Certain_Financi4

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Capital expenditures incurred, not yet paid	$27,824	$2,662
Raw materials	9,752		1,013
Capital expenditures incurred, but not yet paid			8,700
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Raw materials	$1,800		$1,700

Composition_Of_Certain_Financi5

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Prepaid assets	$16,371	$11,665
Other current assets	7,982	7,152
Income tax receivable	10,170	4,063
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$34,523	$22,880

Composition_Of_Certain_Financi6

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Accrued Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Accrued royalties	$3,040	$2,526
Amounts payable to patent administration program partners	60,427	43,438
Accrued compensation and benefits	57,852	71,677
Accrued professional fees	4,386	6,162
Other accrued liabilities	63,802	34,573
Total	189,507	158,376
Capital expenditures incurred, but not yet paid		$8,700

Composition_Of_Certain_Financi7

Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Schedule Of Other Non-Current Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Composition Of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]
Supplemental retirement plan obligations	$2,400	$2,409
Non-current tax liabilities	49,180	30,715
Other liabilities	13,135	10,591
Other non-current liabilities	$64,715	$43,715

Investments_Fair_Value_Measure2

Investments & Fair Value Measurements (Schedule Of Financial Assets and Liabilities Carried At Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	$513,994,000	$568,472,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	516,712,000	529,043,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		295,880,000
Investment Owned, at Cost	1,031,742,000	1,095,295,000
Investment Owned, Unrecognized Unrealized Appreciation	844,000	854,000
Investment Owned, Unrecognized Unrealized Depreciation	-130,000	-134,000
Cash Cash Equivalents And Investments Total	1,032,456,000	1,096,015,000
Financial assets carried at fair value		0
Contingent Consideration Classified as Equity, Fair Value Disclosure	740,000
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	2,156,000	2,142,000
Long-term investments	330,298,000	296,335,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	129,624,000	166,075,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	-130,000	-134,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Amortized Cost Basis	187,963,000	232,944,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value	188,164,000	233,208,000
Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After One Through Two Years Amortized Cost	207,097,000	179,177,000
Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After One Through Two Years Fair Value	207,445,000	179,536,000
Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Two Through Three Years Amortized Cost	120,938,000	116,204,000
Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Two Through Three Years Fair Value	121,103,000	116,299,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis	515,998,000	528,325,000
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	15,438,000	1,727,000
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	2,006,000	35,445,000
Investments, Noncurrent, Fair Value Disclosure	26,317,000	31,993,000
Financial assets carried at fair value	43,761,000	69,165,000
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure		2,000,000
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	186,158,000	195,763,000
Investments, Noncurrent, Fair Value Disclosure	303,281,000	263,842,000
Financial assets carried at fair value	489,439,000	461,605,000
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Investments, Noncurrent, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Financial assets carried at fair value		0
Contingent Consideration Classified as Equity, Fair Value Disclosure	740,000
Cash [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	498,556,000	564,745,000
Financial assets carried at fair value
Cash [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Financial assets carried at fair value
Cash [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Financial assets carried at fair value
Cash [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Financial assets carried at fair value
Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	15,438,000	1,727,000
Financial assets carried at fair value		0
Money Market Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	15,438,000	1,727,000
Money Market Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure
Money Market Funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure
Commercial Paper [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure		2,000,000
Financial assets carried at fair value		0
Commercial Paper [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure
Commercial Paper [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure
U.S. Agency Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,999,000	35,443,000
Available-for-sale Debt Securities Gross Unrealized Gain	7,000	5,000
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss		3,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	2,006,000	35,445,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	5,000,000	31,980,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	6,000	19,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	0	-6,000
Available-for-sale Securities	5,006,000	31,993,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	17,758,000	31,930,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	-33,000	-9,000
U.S. Agency Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	2,006,000	35,445,000
Investments, Noncurrent, Fair Value Disclosure	5,006,000	31,993,000
Government Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	20,290,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	4,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	-33,000
Available-for-sale Securities	20,261,000
Government Bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments, Noncurrent, Fair Value Disclosure	20,261,000
Commercial Paper [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	3,999,000	21,788,000
Available-for-sale Debt Securities Gross Unrealized Gain	0	0
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	3,999,000	21,788,000
Commercial Paper [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure		2,000,000
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	3,999,000	21,788,000
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	79,485,000	56,106,000
Available-for-sale Debt Securities Gross Unrealized Gain	86,000	81,000
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	15,000	10,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	79,556,000	56,177,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	144,666,000	117,063,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	376,000	226,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	-22,000	-80,000
Available-for-sale Securities	145,020,000	117,209,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	64,387,000	78,166,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	-37,000	-90,000
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	79,556,000	56,177,000
Investments, Noncurrent, Fair Value Disclosure	145,020,000	117,209,000
Municipal Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	102,480,000	117,606,000
Available-for-sale Debt Securities Gross Unrealized Gain	129,000	197,000
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss		5,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	102,603,000	117,798,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	158,079,000	146,337,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	236,000	326,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	-54,000	-30,000
Available-for-sale Securities	158,261,000	146,633,000
Investment Owned, at Cost	47,479,000	55,979,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	-60,000	-35,000
Municipal Bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	102,603,000	117,798,000
Investments, Noncurrent, Fair Value Disclosure	158,261,000	146,633,000
Short-term Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	187,963,000	230,943,000
Available-for-sale Debt Securities Gross Unrealized Gain	222,000	283,000
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	21,000	18,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	188,164,000	231,208,000
Other Long-term Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,750,000	500,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities	1,750,000	500,000
Investments, Noncurrent, Fair Value Disclosure	1,050,000
Long-term investments	700,000
Cost Method Investment, Fair Value Measurement Adjustment	1,100,000
Long-term Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	329,785,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	622,000	571,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	-109,000	-116,000
Available-for-sale Securities	330,298,000	296,335,000
Investments Held In Supplemental Retirement Plan [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Financial assets carried at fair value	2,560,000	2,507,000
Financial liabilities carried at fair value	$2,560,000	$2,507,000

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 28, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant And Equipment, Gross	$549,147,000	$461,192,000
Less: accumulated depreciation	-190,779,000	-171,437,000
Property, Plant And Equipment, Net	358,368,000	289,755,000
Purchase price of property			109,800,000
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant And Equipment, Gross	49,629,000	45,842,000
Purchase price of property			35,500,000
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant And Equipment, Gross	176,877,000	61,712,000
Purchase price of property			74,300,000
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant And Equipment, Gross	55,574,000	56,665,000
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant And Equipment, Gross	53,108,000	47,639,000
Computer Systems and Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant And Equipment, Gross	116,773,000	108,225,000
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant And Equipment, Gross	14,530,000	13,540,000
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant And Equipment, Gross	$82,656,000	$127,569,000

Goodwill_and_intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and intangible Assets Goodwill Rollforward (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at September 26, 2014	$277,574
Acquired goodwill (preliminary)	40,372
Translation adjustments	-5,077
Balance at March 27, 2015	312,869
Doremi Labs [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at September 26, 2014		39,672
Acquired goodwill (preliminary)	39,700
Balance at March 27, 2015		39,672
Other Acquisitions [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquired goodwill (preliminary)	$700

Goodwill_and_intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	$221,044		$168,673
Accumulated Amortization	-114,675		-104,973
Total	106,369		63,700
Purchases of intangible assets	-6,416	-12,400
Acquired Patents And Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	142,215		99,262
Accumulated Amortization	-68,063		-61,678
Total	74,152		37,584
Purchases of intangible assets	-6,400
Weighted average useful life	18 years
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	56,912		30,717
Accumulated Amortization	-25,357		-22,739
Total	31,555		7,978
Other Intangibles [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	21,917		38,694
Accumulated Amortization	-21,255		-20,556
Total	$662		$18,138

Goodwill_and_intangible_Assets4

Goodwill and intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Remainder of 2015	$9,617
2016	17,486
2017	14,535
2018	9,338
2019	8,668
Thereafter	46,725
Total	$106,369	$63,700

Stockholders_Equity_And_StockB2

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		37 Months Ended	41 Months Ended
	Jan. 19, 2015	Oct. 21, 2014	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Oct. 31, 2010	Mar. 28, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Options outstanding to purchase			9,233,000		9,233,000				7,611,000
Weighted average remaining contractual life					7 years 7 months 6 days
Year end stock price					$38.10
Percentage of vesting per year							50.00%
Common stock, dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10	$0.10	$0	$0.20	$0
Remaining authorization to purchase additional shares					$227,700,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Stock options expected to vest			89,600,000		89,600,000
Employee stock options expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period					2 years 10 months 24 days
Employees and Officers [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Options vesting period					4 years
Awards Granted Prior to November 2010 [Member] | Directors [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Options vesting period							3 years	1 year
Awards Granted After November 2010 [Member] | Directors [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Options vesting period							2 years
Awards Granted Under 2005 Stock Plan Prior To February 2011 [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Terms for issuance of stock					2
Awards Granted Under 2005 Stock Plan From February 2011 [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Terms for issuance of stock					1.6
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Percentage of compensation withheld by employees to purchase common stock					10.00%
Common stock purchase price determined over percentage of closing price					15.00%
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Stock options expected to vest			34,000,000		34,000,000
Employee stock options expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period					2 years 2 months 12 days
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)			500,000,000		500,000,000				500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)			51,383,446		51,383,446				50,658,627
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)			51,383,446		51,383,446				50,658,627
Class A Common Stock [Member] | 2005 Stock Plan. [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Shares authorized under plan			38,000,000		38,000,000
Options outstanding to purchase			9,200,000		9,200,000
Weighted average remaining contractual life					7 years 6 months
Options vested and exercisable			4,200,000		4,200,000
Class A Common Stock [Member] | Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Maximum value of common stock available for eligible employees					$25,000
Purchase period					6 months
Look back commencement period					1 year
Overlapping offering period					1 year
Class A Common Stock [Member] | Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Maximum number of common stock available for eligible employees					1,000
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)			500,000,000		500,000,000				500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)			51,073,661		51,073,661				51,610,239
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)			51,073,661		51,073,661				51,610,239
Class B Common Stock [Member] | 2000 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Shares authorized under plan			15,100,000		15,100,000
Options vesting period					4 years
Options expiration period					10 years
Options Granted Prior To June 2008 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Options expiration period					10 years
Options Granted From June 2008 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Options vesting period					4 years
Percentage of stock option becoming exercisable subjected to date of grant					25.00%

Stockholders_Equity_And_StockB3

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Options Issued To Officers, Directors, And Employees Under 2000 Stock Incentive Plan And 2005 Stock Plan) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015
Shares
Shares, Options outstanding at beginning of period	7,611
Shares, Grants	2,418
Shares, Exercises	-298
Shares, Forfeitures and cancellations	-498
Shares, Options outstanding at end of period	9,233
Shares, Options vested and expected to vest	8,719
Shares, Options exercisable	4,180
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options outstanding at beginning of period	$32.96
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Grants (in usd per share)	$42.80
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercises (in usd per share)	$28.76
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeitures and cancellations (in usd per share)	$36.40
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options outstanding at end of period	$35.49
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options vested and expected to vest (in usd per share)	$35.11
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options exercisable (in usd per share)	$31.66
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Options outstanding	7 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Options vested and expected to vest at end of period	7 years 6 months
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Options exercisable	6 years 1 month 6 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options outstanding	$38,754
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options vested and expected to vest	38,542
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options exercisable	$29,167

Stockholders_Equity_And_StockB4

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Restricted Stock Units Issued To Officers, Directors, And Employees Under 2005 Stock Incentive Plan) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015
Shares
Shares, Non-vested at beginning of period	2,903
Shares, Granted	1,180
Shares, Vested	-815
Shares, Forfeitures	-173
Shares, Non-vested at end of period	3,095
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Weighted Average Fair Value, Non-vested at beginning of period	$35.79
Weighted Average Fair Value, Granted	$42.49
Weighted Average Fair Value, Vested	$36.41
Weighted Average Fair Value, Forfeitures	$30.60
Weighted Average Fair Value, Non-vested at end of period	$38.47

Stockholders_Equity_And_StockB5

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Fair Value Of Stock-Based Awards Estimated Using Weighted-Average Assumptions) (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Expected life (in years)	5 years 2 months 16 days	4 years 6 months 29 days	4 years 7 months 6 days	4 years 6 months 29 days
Risk-free interest rate	1.60%	1.50%	1.50%	1.40%
Expected stock price volatility	29.50%	32.40%	29.70%	32.00%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Stockholders_Equity_And_StockB6

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense By Plan) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$16,667	$17,753	$34,509	$32,807
Share-based Compensation			34,509	32,807
Benefit from income taxes	-4,890	-5,290	-10,041	-9,686
Total stock-based compensation, net of tax	11,777	12,463	24,468	23,121
Stock Option [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	5,729	5,387
Share-based Compensation			12,012	9,257
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	10,077	11,565
Share-based Compensation			20,292	21,822
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	861	801
Share-based Compensation			2,205	1,728
Cost of Sales [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	224	217	470	407
Cost Of Service [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	115	113	237	200
Research and Development Expense [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	4,938	4,889	10,212	9,196
Selling and Marketing Expense [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	5,576	6,332	11,485	11,357
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$5,814	$6,202	$12,105	$11,647

Stockholders_Equity_And_StockB7

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation By Classification) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$16,667	$17,753	$34,509	$32,807
Benefit from income taxes	-4,890	-5,290	-10,041	-9,686
Total stock-based compensation, net of tax	11,777	12,463	24,468	23,121
Cost of products [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	224	217	470	407
Cost of services [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	115	113	237	200
Research and development [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	4,938	4,889	10,212	9,196
Sales and marketing [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	5,576	6,332	11,485	11,357
General and administrative [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$5,814	$6,202	$12,105	$11,647

Stockholders_Equity_And_StockB8

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Tax Benefit from Exercise of Options) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Tax Benefit - stock option exercises & shares issued under ESPP	$19	$135	$187	$310

Stockholders_Equity_And_StockB9

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Repurchase Authorizations) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	60 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2009	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Feb. 29, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Authorization Amount	$250,000	$1,100,000
Additional Stock Approved [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Authorization Amount			$200,000	$100,000	$250,000	$300,000

Recovered_Sheet1

Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Repurchase) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 26, 2014	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Stockholders' Equity And Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Shares repurchased (in shares)	390,000	389,500	779,500
Cost	$15,411	$16,953	$32,364	$11,660
Average Price Paid per Share (in dollars per share)	$43.51		$43.51	$39.47

Recovered_Sheet2

Stockholders' Equity and Stock-Based Compensation - Dividends (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 19, 2015	Oct. 21, 2014	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Apr. 20, 2015
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Common stock, dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10	$0.10	$0	$0.20	$0
Dividend Payment	$10.30	$10.20
Subsequent Event
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Common stock, dividends declared (in dollars per share)							$0.10
Dividend Payment							$10.30

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning Of Period	($2,188)	$7,385	$3,014	$7,814
Income Tax Effect - Benefit/(Expense)	-206	-123	502	-268
Net Of Tax	-5,139	1,453	-10,369	1,070
Realized (Gains) - Investment Securities	-218	-224	-204	-296
Income Tax Effect - (Benefit)/Expense	13	80	27	106
Net Of Tax	-5,344	1,309	-10,546	880
Balance, End Of Period	-7,532	8,694	-7,532	8,694
Unrealized Gains/Losses On Available-For-Sale Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning Of Period	328	308	505	203
Unrealized Gains (Losses)	1,554	336	1,169	571
Income Tax Effect - Benefit/(Expense)	-507	-120	-327	-204
Net Of Tax	1,047	216	842	367
Realized (Gains) - Investment Securities	-218	-224	-204	-296
Income Tax Effect - (Benefit)/Expense	13	80	27	106
Net Of Tax	842	72	665	177
Balance, End Of Period	1,170	380	1,170	380
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning Of Period	-2,516	7,077	2,509	7,611
Unrealized Gains (Losses)	-6,487	1,240	-12,040	767
Income Tax Effect - Benefit/(Expense)	301	-3	829	-64
Net Of Tax	-6,186	1,237	-11,211	703
Net Of Tax	-6,186	1,237	-11,211	703
Balance, End Of Period	($8,702)	$8,314	($8,702)	$8,314

Per_Share_Data_Details

Per Share Data (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 26, 2014	Mar. 28, 2014	Dec. 27, 2013	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.		$57,974		$75,868	$99,331	$120,383
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic		102,509		102,291	102,406	102,021
Potential common shares from options to purchase common stock		889		637	941	445
Potential common shares from restricted stock units		506		1,006	750	994
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted	103,904	103,904	103,934	103,934	104,097	103,460
Net income per share attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. - Basic (in usd per share)		$0.57		$0.74	$0.97	$1.18
Net income per share attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. - Diluted (in usd per share)		$0.56		$0.73	$0.95	$1.16
Stock Options [Member]
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities, excluded from calculations (in shares)		4,604		3,597	3,684	4,075
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities, excluded from calculations (in shares)		934		290	106	1,170

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits, gross	$49,811,000		$49,811,000
Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate	$39,100,000		$39,100,000
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	27.00%	26.00%	25.10%	25.60%

Income_Taxes_Withholding_Taxes

Income Taxes (Withholding Taxes) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Withholding taxes	$11,942	$12,673	$24,142	$23,098

Restructuring_Details

Restructuring (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charges	$0	$86	($39)	$3,301
Restructuring Charges [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charges			3,300
2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of positions eliminated			50
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance			146
Restructuring charges			-39
Cash payments			-10
Non-cash charges and other adjustments			-97
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	$0		$0

Commitments_And_Contingencies_1

Commitments And Contingencies (Schedule Of Contractual Obligations And Commitments) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Naming rights, Remainder of Fiscal 2014	$0
Naming rights, Fiscal 2015	7,525
Naming rights, Fiscal 2016	7,619
Naming rights, Fiscal 2017	7,715
Naming rights, Fiscal 2018	7,811
Naming rights, Thereafter	110,888
Naming rights, Total	141,558
Donation commitments, Remainder of Fiscal 2015	0
Donation commitments, Fiscal 2016	0
Donation commitments, Fiscal 2017	6,045
Donation commitments, Fiscal 2018	67
Donation commitments, Fiscal 2019	67
Donation commitments, Thereafter	805
Donation commitments, Total	6,984
Operating leases, Remainder of Fiscal 2014	6,911
Operating leases, Fiscal 2015	11,281
Operating leases, Fiscal 2016	9,996
Operating leases, Fiscal 2017	8,498
Operating leases, Fiscal 2018	7,368
Operating leases, Thereafter	36,116
Operating leases, Total	80,170
Purchase obligation, Remainder of Fiscal 2014	6,646
Purchase obligation, Fiscal 2015	4,870
Purchase obligation, Fiscal 2016	451
Purchase Obligation, Fiscal 2017	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due after Five Years	0
Purchase obligation, Total	11,967
Total, due in Remainder of Fiscal 2014	13,557
Total, due in Fiscal 2015	23,676
Total, due in Fiscal 2016	24,111
Total, due in Fiscal 2017	16,280
Total, due in Fiscal 2018	15,246
Total, due Thereafter	147,809
Total due	$240,679

Commitments_And_Contingencies_2

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Term of agreement	20 years

Acquisitions_Narrative_Details

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 26, 2014	Mar. 28, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Acquisition related costs	$2,800,000	$400,000	$3,500,000	$5,900,000
Doremi Labs [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Payments to acquire business					98,402,000
Contingent consideration earnout period					4 years
Contingent consideration liability	740,000				20,000,000
Cash paid to sellers	98,402,000
Purchase consideration					99,142,000
Cash acquired					8,400,000
Change in valuation of intangible assets	4,600,000
Receivable reversed	4,200,000
Increase to goodwill	$500,000

Acquisitions_Recognized_Identi

Acquisitions (Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Mar. 27, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$312,869	$277,574
Doremi Labs [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets	17,231
Inventories	16,372
Intangible assets	45,600
Goodwill	39,672
Current liabilities	-11,653
Non-current liabilities	-8,820
Cash payment to sellers	98,402
Contingent consideration liability	20,000	740
Purchase consideration	$99,142

Acquisitions_Acquisitions_Inta

Acquisitions Acquisitions (Intangible Assets Acquired) (Details) (Doremi Labs [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Purchase Price Allocation	$45,600
Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Purchase Price Allocation	25,600
Weighted average useful life	10 years
Developed Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Purchase Price Allocation	17,500
Weighted average useful life	7 years 6 months
Trade Name [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Purchase Price Allocation	1,300
Weighted average useful life	1 year
Backlog [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Purchase Price Allocation	$1,200
Weighted average useful life	1 year